So long as teachers fail to distinguish between teaching and learning , they will continue to undertake to do for children that which only children can do for themselves. Teaching children to read is not passing reading on to them. It is certainly not endless hours spent in activities about reading. Douglas insists that“ reading cannot be taught directly and schools should stop trying to do the impossible”.
Teaching and learning are two entirely different processes. They differ in kind and function. The function of teaching is to create the conditions and the climate that will make it possible for children to devise the most efficient system for teaching themselves to read. Teaching is also public activity. It can be seen and observed.
Learning to read involves all that each individual does to make sense of the world of printed language. Almost all of it is private ,for learning is an occupation of the mind ,and that process is not open to public scrutiny.
If teacher and learner roles are not interchangeable ,what then can be done through teaching that will aid the child in the quest(探索)for knowledge? Smith has one principal rule for all teaching instructions. “Make learning to read easy, which means making reading a meaningful, enjoyable and frequent experience for children. ”
When the roles of teacher and learner are seen for what they are, and when both teachers fulfill them appropriately, then much of the pressure and feeling of failure for both is eliminated. Learning to read is made easier when teachers create an environment where children are given the opportunity to solve the problem of leaning to read by reading.
The problem with the reading course as mentioned in the first paragraph is that ________.
A.it is one of the most difficult school courses |
B.students spend endless hours in reading |
C.reading tasks are assigned with little guidance |
D.too much time is spent in teaching about reading |
The teaching of reading will be successful if ________.
A.teachers can improve conditions at school for the students |
B.teachers can enable students to develop their own way of reading |
C.teachers can devise the most efficient system for reading |
D.teachers can make their teaching activities observable |
The underlined word“ scrutiny” most probably means“________”.
A.inquiry | B.observation |
C.control | D.suspicion |
According to the passage, learning to read will no longer be a difficult task when ________.
A.children become highly motivated |
B.teacher and learner roles are interchangeable |
C.teaching helps children in the search for knowledge |
D.reading enriches children’s experience |
The main idea of the passage is that ________.
A.teachers should do as little as possible in helping students learn to read |
B.teachers should encourage students to read as widely as possible |
C.reading ability is something acquired rather than taught |
D.reading is more complicated that generally believed |
I found out one time that doing a favor for someone could get you into a lot of trouble. I was in the eighth grade at the time, and we were having a final test. During the test, the girl sitting next to me whispered something, but I didn’t understand. So I leaned over her way and found out that she was trying to ask me if I had an extra pen. She showed me that hers was out of ink and would not write. I happened to have an extra one, so I took it out of my pocket and put it on her desk.
Later, after the test papers had been turned in, the teacher asked me to stay in the room when all the other students were dismissed(解散). As soon as we were alone she began to talk to me about what it meant to grow up; she talked about how important it was to stand on your own two feet and be responsible (负责任) for your own acts. For a long time, she talked about honesty and emphasized(强调) the fact that when people do something dishonest, they are really cheating(欺骗) themselves. She made me promise that I would think seriously(认真地) about all the things she had said, and then she told me I could leave. I walked out of the room wondering why she had chosen to talk to me about all those things.
Later on, I found out that she thought I had cheated on the test. When she saw me lean over to talk to the girl next to me, it looked as if I was copying answers from the girl’s test paper. I tried to explain about the pen, but all she could say was it seemed very very strange to her that I hadn’t talked of anything about the pen the day she talked to me right after the test. Even if I tried to explain that I was just doing the girl a favor by letting her use my pen, I am sure she continued(继续) to believe that I had cheated on the test.
The story took place(发生) exactly ____ .
A.in the teacher’s office | B.in an exam room |
C.in the school | D.in the language lab |
The girl wanted to borrow a pen, because ____ .
A.she had not brought a pen with her | B.she had lost her own on her way to school |
C.there was something wrong with her own | D.her own had been taken away by someone |
The teacher saw all this, so she asked the boy ____ .
A.to go on writing his paper | B.to stop whispering |
C.to leave the room immediately | D.to stay behind after the exam |
The thing(s) emphasized in her talk was(were) ____ .
A.honesty | B.sense of duty | C.seriousness | D.all of the above |
The boy knew everything ____ .
A.the moment he was asked to stay behind | B.when the teacher started talking about honesty |
C.only some time later | D.when he was walking out of the room |
Everyday we go to school and listen to the teacher, and the teacher will ask us some questions. Sometimes, the classmates will ask your opinions of the work of the class. When you are telling others in the class what you have found out about these topics, remember that they must be able to hear what you are saying. You are not taking part in a family conversation or having a chat(闲谈)with friends—you are in a slightly unnatural situation where a large group of people will remain silent, waiting to hear what you have to say. You must speak so that they can hear you—loudly enough and clearly enough but without trying to shout of appearing to force yourself.
Remember, too, that it is the same if you are called to an interview whether it is with a professor of your school or a government official who might meet you. The person you are seeing will try to put you at your ease(轻松)but the situation is somewhat(一点儿)different from that of an ordinary conversation. You must take special care that you can be heard.
When you speak to the class, you should speak ________.
A.as loudly as possible | B.in a low voice |
C.loudly | D.forcefully |
Usually, when you speak to the class, the class is __________.
A.noisy | B.quiet | C.having a rest | D.serious |
The situation in the class is ________ that in your house.
A.not very different from | B.sometimes the same as |
C.sometimes not the same as | D.not the same as |
If you are having a conversation with an official, the most important thing for you is _______.
A.to show your ability | B.to be very gentle |
C.to make sure that you can be heard | D.to put the official at ease |
The main idea of this passage is ________.
A.that we must use different ways at different situations |
B.that we must speak loudly |
C.that we must keep silent at any time |
D.that we must talk with the class |
Computers are very important to modern life.Many people think that in the future computers will be used in lots of everyday life.It is thought that we won’t have to go shopping because we will be able to get most things which are sold in shops on the Internet.There will be no more books because we will be able to get all texts from computers.The Internet will be used to play games, see films and buy food.Most telephone calls will be made by computers, too.
Some people are glad about those new ways of shopping and communicating(交流).Others do not think that computers will replace(代替)our old ways.
Some people think that one day we will not read books made of paper. Instead, we will buy and read books using computers, which will keep many different books in them at the same time.We won’t need to turn lots of pages and paper will be saved.Computerized (计算机化的) books will be used more and more.
While many people say it is a pleasure to go into shops and look at things you want to buy.It is also unlikely that many people will want to read large texts on our computers. Because paper books will perhaps be more friendly.Maybe computers won’t change these two habits.
Which is the main idea of this passage?
A.People like going shopping | B.Reading books is important |
C.Computers are important | D.Computer can be used to play games |
.There will be no more books because________.
A.There is no paper in the future. | B.People don’t like reading books. |
C.They are very expensive. | D.We can read passages from computers. |
Which of the following is TRUE?
A.We can see films by computers. | B.People all like to go shopping by computers. |
C.We can’t buy anything using computers. | D.All the people like reading books from computers. |
Which of the following is mentioned (提到) in the passage?
A.Computers can help us e-mail our friends. | B.We can chat by using computers. |
C.Computers can help us make telephone calls. | D.We can listen to the music by computers. |
The only way to travel is on foot
The past ages of man have all been carefully labeled by anthropologists.
escriptions like 'Paleolithic Man', 'Neolithic Man', etc., neatly sum up whole periods. When the time comes for anthropologists to turn their attention to the twentieth century, they will surely choose the label 'Legless Man'. Histories of the time will go something like this: 'in the twentieth century, people forgot how to use their legs.
Men and women moved about in cars, buses and trains from a very early age. There were lifts and escalators in all large buildings to prevent people from walking. This situation was forced upon earth dwellers of that time because of miles each day.
But the surprising thing is that they didn't use their legs even when they went on holiday. They built cable railways, ski-lifts and roads to the top of every huge mountain. All the beauty spots on earth were mangled by the presence of large car parks. '
The future history books might also record that we were deprived of the use of our eyes. In our hurry to get from one place to another, we failed to see anything on the way. Air travel gives you a bird's-eye view of the world - or even less if the wing of the aircraft happens to get in your way.
When you travel by car or train a blurred image of the countryside constantly smears the windows. Car drivers, in particular, are forever obsessed with the urge to go on and on: they never want to stop. Is it the lure of the great motorways, or what? And as for sea travel, it hardly deserves mention.
It is perfectly summed up in the words of the old song: 'I joined the navy to see the world, and what did I see? I saw the sea.' The typical twentieth-century traveler is the man who always says 'I've been there. ' You mention the remotest, most evocative place-names in the world like El Dorado, Kabul, Irkutsk and someone is bound to say 'I've been there' - meaning, 'I drove through it at 100 miles an hour on the way to somewhere else. '
When you travel at high speeds, the present means nothing: you live mainly in the future because you spend most of your time looking forward to arriving at some other place. But actual arrival, when it is achieved, is meaningless. You want to move on again.
By traveling like this, you suspend all experience; the present ceases to be a reality: you might just as well be dead. The traveler on foot, on the other hand, lives constantly in the present.
For him traveling and arriving is one and the same thing: he arrives somewhere with every step he makes. He experiences the present moment with his eyes, his ears and the whole of his body. At the end of his journey he feels a delicious physical weariness. He knows that sound. Satisfying sleep will be his: the just reward of all true travelers.
Anthropologists label nowadays men 'Legless' because .
A people forget how to use his legs.
B people prefer cars, buses and trains.
C lifts and escalators prevent people from walking.
D there are a lot of transportation devices.
Traveling at high speed means .
A people's focus on the future.
B a pleasure.
C satisfying drivers' great thrill.
D a necessity of life.
Why does the author say 'we are deprived of the use of our eyes' ?
A People won't use their eyes.
B In traveling at high speed, eyes become useless.
C People can't see anything on his way of travel.
D People want to sleep during traveling.
What is the purpose of the author in writing this passage?
A Legs become weaker.
B Modern means of transportation make the world a small place.
C There is no need to use eyes.
D The best way to travel is on foot.
What does 'a bird's-eye view' mean?
A See view with bird's eyes.
B A bird looks at a beautiful view.
C It is a general view from a high position looking down.
D A scenic place.
Dropouts for Ph. D. s
Educators are seriously concerned about the high rate of dropouts among the doctor of philosophy candidates and the consequent loss of talent to a nation in need of Ph. D. s. Some have placed the dropouts loss as high as 50 percent. The extent of the loss was, however, largely a matter of expert guessing. Last week a well-rounded study was published. It was published. It was based on 22,000 questionnaires sent to former graduate students who were enrolled in 24 universities and it seemed to show many past fears to be groundless.
The dropouts rate was found to be 31 per cent, and in most cases the dropouts, while not completing the Ph. D. requirement, went on to productive work. They are not only doing well financially, but, according to the report, are not far below the income levels of those who went on to complete their doctorates.
Discussing the study last week, Dr. Tucker said the project was initiated 'because of the concern frequently expressed by graduate faculties and administrators that some of the individuals who dropped out of Ph. D. programs were capable of competing the requirement for the degree. Attrition at the Ph. D. level is also thought to be a waste of precious faculty time and a drain on university resources already being used to capacity. Some people expressed the opinion that the shortage of highly trained specialists and college teachers could be reduced by persuading the dropouts to return to graduate schools to complete the Ph. D.’
"The results of our research" Dr. Tucker concluded, "did not support these opinions."
1. Lack of motivation was the principal reason for dropping out.
2. Most dropouts went as far in their doctoral program as was consistent with their levels of ability or their specialties.
3. Most dropouts are now engaged in work consistent with their education and motivation.
Nearly 75 per cent of the dropouts said there was no academic reason for their decision, but those who mentioned academic reason cited failure to pass the qualifying examination, uncompleted research and failure to pass language exams. Among the single most important personal reasons identified by dropouts for non-completion of their Ph. D. program, lack of finances was marked by 19 per cent.
As an indication of how well the dropouts were doing, a chart showed 2% in humanities were receiving $ 20,000 and more annually while none of the Ph. D. 's with that background reached this figure. The Ph. D. 's shone in the $ 7,500 to $ 15,000 bracket with 78% at that level against 50% for the dropouts. This may also be an indication of the fact that top salaries in the academic fields, where Ph. D. 's tend to rise to the highest salaries, are still lagging behind other fields.
As to the possibility of getting dropouts back on campus, the outlook was glum. The main condition which would have to prevail for at least 25 % of the dropouts who might consider returning to graduate school would be to guarantee that they would retain their present level of income and in some cases their present job.
The author states that many educators feel that
[A] steps should be taken to get the dropouts back to campus.
[B] the dropouts should return to a lower quality school to continue their study.
[C] the Ph. D. holder is generally a better adjusted person than the dropout.
[D] The high dropouts rate is largely attributable to the lack of stimulation on the part of faculty members.
Research has shown that
[A] Dropouts are substantially below Ph. D. 's in financial attainment.
[B] the incentive factor is a minor one in regard to pursuing Ph. D. studies.
[C] The Ph. D. candidate is likely to change his field of specialization if he drops out.
[D] about one-third of those who start Ph. D. work do not complete the work to earn the degree.
Meeting foreign language requirements for the Ph. D.
[A] is the most frequent reason for dropping out.
[B] is more difficult for the science candidate than for the humanities candidate.
[C] is an essential part of many Ph. D. programs.
[D] does not vary in difficulty among universities.
After reading the article, one would refrain from concluding that
[A] optimism reigns in regard to getting Ph. D. dropouts to return to their pursuit of the degree.
[B] a Ph. D. dropout, by and large, does not have what it takes to learn the degree.
[C] colleges and universities employ a substantial number of Ph. D. dropouts.
[D] Ph. D. 's are not earning what they deserve in nonacademic positions.
It can be inferred that the high rate of dropouts lies in
[A] salary for Ph. D. too low.
[B] academic requirement too high.
[C] salary for dropouts too high.
[D] 1000 positions.
下面是几篇有关户外运动的信息, 请阅读下列资料和相关信息, 并按照要求匹配信息。首先, 请阅读下列有关户外活动的资料介绍:
a. Baja offers you exceptional scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and sportfishing. While it the most water- based trip by far, it still offers you some amazing biking and hiking amongst the surrounding hills, not to mention delicious Mexican cuisine
b. Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural abundance of Cape Cod by alternating days of biking the scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail with leisurely days spent on the water kayaking, whale watching, and cruising to Nantucket Island. You’ll also get to enjoy the region’s finest fare.
c. Explore one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States! Our Death Valley adventure offers you an array of spectacular vantage points for the park’s more than 3.3 million acres of dramatic desert scenery, rare desert wildlife, and unique historical and cultural sites. You can spend your days hiking and stunning desert canyons.
d. We also host social events and participate in community activities and charitable events. Club activities are mostly in the Redding, Mt. Lassen, and Mt. Shasta areas? But, we also put on out- of - town, multi - day events that involve travel to the Coast, Oregon, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and Utah.
e. Join thousands of runners on November 5th for the 5th Anniversary of the Original US Half Marathon, San Francisco. Meet us on Historic Muni Pier for this flagship event across the Golden Gate Bridge!
f. On October 21, 1,700 of the world’s best athletes will race on the lava fields of Kona, Hawaii at the Ford Ironman World Championship. Ten of these athletes will be CEOs that qualified at various Ironman races around the world for the right to compete for the title of Fittest CEO’.
请阅读以下运动爱好者的信息, 然后匹配参与者和他/ 她拟要参与的项目:
1. Beckham, a gentleman with wide interests, has been to a number of places of interest but never has he been to a real desert.
2. Rodecia, also a sports lover, is a disabled young man. But he spends his time watching, reading or talking about events of close competitions.
3. Bobage, who often goes in for world traveling and mountain climbing, is now planning to start out again.
4. Webster, a strongly- built young man, is interested in all kinds of sports. He is especially crazy about outdoor adventure and water sports.
5. Maria, a girl full of energy, is both a sports lover and a wildlife lover who has a special interest in the sea.
参与者项目
1. Beckham
A.water lover paradise 2. Rodecia |
B.Cape Cod 3. Bobage |
C.Death Valley 4. Webster |
D.Club activities |
5. Maria E. US Half Marathon
F. Ironman World Championship
下面是几篇有关英国博物馆的信息, 请阅读下列资料和相关信息, 并按照要求匹配信息。
首先, 请阅读下列资料介绍:
a. Explore the natural history of the planet Earth from the prehistoric era to the present day at one of London’s most visited museums. In 1881, the Natural History Museum moved to its present venue. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, this building is now one of London’s most beautiful and most recognised. These hallowed halls now house more than 300 years’ worth of collections, with over 68 million specimens. Broadly divided into Life and Earth galleries.
b. The British Museum is one of London’s top tourist attraction as well as being a major scholarly resource and Royal history. Its collection was bequeathed to the nation in 1753 and the Museum’s distinctive Greek revivalist structure was built during the 19th Century. The collection expanded massively during the hey-day of the British Empire. And if you haven’t got time for a proper visit, drop in for a coffee at the lovely Court Restaurant. Admission: free.
c. This magnificent Georgian edifice, found on the northern side of Trafalgar Square, houses a massive collection of Western European art. Designer Marc Newson presents two new blockbuster exhibitions to his gallery. The National Gallery, which showcased recent retrospectives. This exhibition traces the rise of the Italian Renaissance artist, and gather more than 100 pieces of his collection.
d. There are mausoleums, catacombs and ornate crumbling tombs of eminent writers, politicians and artists in the rambling, overgrown west section of this woodland graveyard. Celebrity corpses include Karl Marx, Michael Faraday and Christina Rossetti. Be aware that you must purchase a photography license in order to take photographs within the cemetery. Take advantage of the special guided tours.
e. The Science Museum’s seven floors offer opportunities to explore the history of technology as well as to glimpse the future. Setting off from Launchpad, where you can get to grips with the laws of science, you can move on to a vast array of interactive galleries which demand audience participation—whether it be of the hands- on or brain—stimulating kind. From medical history to nuclear physics, it’s all covered. Challenging the perception amongst many children that science is boring, the multitude of things to press, touch, watch and think about make this museum a firm favourite with the kids.
f. Predominantly a decorative arts museum, the V&A is a comprehensive collection of everything from sculpture to photographs, from Chinese art to art deco. Among others, the V&A houses the recently refurbished Raphael Gallery, home to seven tapestry cartoons by Raphael that are among Britain’s greatest art treasures and part of the Royal Collection. There is a lot to see from the Becket Casket to the Canon photography.
请阅读以下参观者的信息, 然后匹配参观者和他/ 她拟要参观的博物馆:
1. Tedy, a young official who is quite interested in photo- taking and sculpture. He spends all his spare time doing his favorite things.
2. Rusial, a beautiful lady with a fair hair, who gives painting lectures to the students in a college. She herself is a super fan of such artists as Da Vinci, Micheangelo, Raphael.
3. Mr. Green, a free careerist, makes a living by writing short plays which mostly tell the history of Great Britain. Besides, he is also a heavy coffee drinker.
4. Tim, 18 years old, a pre- engineering boy student, full of energy and rich in imagination.
5. Ms Denis, a widelife lover. She takes an active part in protecting the earth and enjoy herself by doing sports.
参观者博物馆
1. Tedy
A.the Natural History Museum 2. Rusial |
B.The British Museum 3. Mr. Green |
C.The National Gallery 4. Tim |
D.Highgate cemetery |
5. Ms Denis E. The Science Museum
F. Victoria and Albert Museum
There are little cars that may some day take the place of today’s automobiles(汽车). If everyone drives such a little car in the future, there will be less pollution in the air, there will be more parking space in cities, and the streets will be less crowded. The space now for one car of the usual size can hold at least three such little cars.
The little cars will cost much less to own and to drive. Driving will be safer, too, as these little cars can go only 65 kilometers an hour.
The cars of the future will be fine for going around the city, but they will not be useful for going far away. If the car is powered by electricity, it will have two batteries—one battery for the motor and the other for the horn (喇叭), signals (信号灯), etc. Little cars which are powered by gas will go 45 kilometers before needing to stop for more gas.
If big cars are still used along with the small ones, two sets of roads will be needed to set up in the future. Some roads will be used for the big, fast cars, and other roads will be needed for the small, slower ones.
1. What’s the advantage (优势) of the small cars?
A. There won’t be so much pollution and the small cars won’t be so expensive as the big ones.
B. It will be safer to drive these small cars.
C. There will be more space for cars to park.
D. All of the above.
2. Two sets of roads are necessary in the future in order to .
A. prevent car accidents
B. make the city more beautiful
C. let small cars run fast
D. limit the speed of the cars
3. Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A. A car of the usual size now is three times as big as the small car.
B. The small car with a speed of 65 kilometers an hour is much more useless than a car of the usual size.
C. the little car will be safer but cost more.
D. The little car will need more gas.
4. The best title for this passage should be .
A. Big Cars and Small Cars
B. How to Drive Small Cars
C. Cars for Tomorrow
D. Cars for Everyone
In 1901, H. G. Wells, an English writer, wrote a book describing a trip to the moon. When the explorers (探险者) landed on the moon, they discovered that the moon was full of underground cities. They expressed their surprise to the “moon people” they met. In turn, the “moon people” expressed their surprise. “Why?” they asked, “are you traveling to outer space when you don’t even use your inner space?”
H. G. Wells could only imagine travel to the moon. In 1969, human beings really did land on the moon. People today know that there are no underground cities on the moon. However, the question that the “moon people” asked is still an interesting one. A growing number of scientists are seriously thinking about it.
Underground systems are already in place. Many cities have underground car parks. In some cities, such as Tokyo, Seoul and Montreal, there are large underground shopping areas. The “Chunnel”, a tunnel (隧道) connecting England and France, is now complete.
But what about underground cities? Japan’s Taisei Corporation is designing a network of underground systems, called “Alice Cities.” The designers imagine using surface space for public parks and using underground space for flats, offices, shopping, and so on. A solar dome (太阳能穹顶) would cover the whole city.
Supporters of underground development say that building down rather than building up is a good way to use the earth’s space. The surface, they say, can be used for farms, parks, gardens, and wilderness. H. G. Wells “moon people” would agree. Would you?
5. The explorers in H. G. Wells’ story were surprised to find that the “moon people” .
A. knew so much about the earth
B. understood their language
C. lived in so many underground cities
D. were ahead of them in space technology
6. What does the underlined word “it” (paragraph 2) refer to?
A. Discovering the moon’s inner space.
B. Using the earth’s inner space.
C. Meeting the “moon people” again.
D. Traveling to outer space.
7. What sort of underground systems are already here with us?
A. Offices, shopping areas, power stations.
B. Tunnels, car parks, shopping areas.
C. Gardens, car parks, power stations.
D. Tunnels, gardens, offices.
8. What would be the best title for the text?
A. Alice Cities—cities of the future
B. Space travel with H. G. Wells
C. Enjoy living underground
D. Building down, not up
One day when the famous American scientist Edison was on his way home, a young man stopped him and required to have a word with him. Edison accepted his request.
The young man asked, “How, Mr. Edison, can you invent so many things and get your fame (名声)?”
The scientist said, “It seems that you have been thinking of becoming famous every day, “
The young man nodded, “Yes. I have been dreaming of being a person as famed as you. Every minute I am thinking of how to become reputable(有声望的). I don’t know when I can achieve my fame. “
Edison told him, “Don’t worry, young man. If you want to be a famous man this way, you will have to wait until you die!”
“Why should I?” the young man was puzzled.
Edison said, “What you dream is actually a high building. You never think of how to build it with bricks. Thus the building will never come into reality. However, your story can serve as a mirror. People will remember you because of your illness and laziness. They will often speak of your name while they give warnings to their children. Aren’t you a notorious person by then?”
9. What happened to Edison when he was on his way home?
A. a beggar stopped him
B. a robber stopped him.
C. A man wanted to speak to him.
D. A man wanted to have words with him.
10. The man asked Edison to tell him______.
A. how to invent new things. B. how to become famous
C. how he became a nobleman D. how to become a scientist
11. After hearing his talk, the young man was puzzled because Edison told him ______.
A. he would die after he was famous B. he would be famous before he died
C. he would die before he was famous D. he would never be famous
12. The story mainly tells us ________.
A. a person needs high spirit
B. one shouldn’t dream of becoming famous
C. only by hard work can one’s wish come into reality
D. one person should be idle and lazy.
Michael, a typical (典型的) American, stays home on workdays. He plugs into his personal computer terminal (接线端) in order to connect with the office. After work, he puts on his headphones, watches a movie on his home video recorder, or plays baseball on the computer. On many days, Michael doesn’t talk to any other human beings, and he doesn’t see any people except the ones on television. Michael is imaginary, but his lifestyle is very possible. The inventions of modern technology seem to be cutting us off from contact with our fellow human beings.
The world of business is one area in which technology is isolating (使隔离) us. Experts say, for example, that many people will soon be able to work at home. With access to a large central computer, employees such as office clerks, insurance agents, and accountants could do their jobs at display terminals in their own homes. They would never have to actually see the people they’re dealing with. In addition, the way employees are paid will change. Workers’ salaries will be automatically paid into their bank accounts(账户), making paper checks(支票)unnecessary. No workers will stand in line to receive their pay or cash their checks. Personal banking will change, too. Customers will deal with machines to put in or take out money from their accounts.
Another area that technology is changing is entertainment. Music, for instance, was once a group experience. People listened to music at concert halls or in small social gatherings. For many people now, however, music is an individual experience. Walking along the street or sitting in their living rooms, they wear headphones to build a wall of music around them. Movie entertainment is changing, too. Movies used to be social events. Now, fewer people are going out to see a movie. Many more are choosing to wait for a film to appear on television or are borrowing videotapes to watch at home. Instead of laughing with others, viewers watch movies in their own living rooms.
13. The sentence “Michael is imaginary, but his lifestyle is very possible” means ____ .
A .Michael is a person full of imagination and he can make his dreams come true
B. Michael is not a real person but probably the lifestyle does exist
C. Michael has ambitions but he cant make his dreams come true
D. Michael is a person full of imagination and his lifestyle is common nowadays
14. What will the author most probably discuss after the last paragraph?
A. Games and sports.
B. Personal banking.
C. Music and films.
D. International business.
15. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. We may no longer need to communicate with other human beings.
B. Modern technology seems to be separating human beings.
C. We may no longer need to work in the office.
D. Modern technology makes it possible for us to work and entertain ourselves at home.
Life in 2060
Let us suppose it is now about A.D. 2060. Let’s make believe (假装;虚构) it is about sixty years from now. Of course, things have changed and life is very different.
Voyages to the moon are being made every day. It is as easy to take a holiday on the moon today as it was for the people in 1960 to take a holiday in Europe. At a number of scenic spots on the moon, many hotels have been built. The hotels are air-conditioned, naturally. In order that everyone can enjoy the beautiful scenery on the moon, every room has at least one picture window. Everything imaginable is provided for entertainment (娱乐) of young and old.
What are people eating now? People are still eating food. They haven’t yet started to take on heir (继承) supply of energy directly as electrical current or as nuclear power. They may some day. But many foods now come in pill form, and the food that goes into the pill continues to come mainly from green plants.
Since there are several times as many people in the world today as there were a hundred years ago, most of our planet’s surface has to be filled. The deserts are irrigated with water and crops are no longer destroyed by pests. The harvest is always good.
Farming, of course, is very highly developed. Very few people have to work on the farm. It is possible to run the farm by just pushing a few buttons now and then.
People are now largely vegetarians (素食者). You see, as the number of people increases, the number of animal decreases. Therefore, the people have to be vegetarians and we are healthier both in our bodies and in our minds, and we know the causes and cure of disease and pain, and it is possible to get rid of diseases. No one has to be ill any more.
Such would be our life in 2060.
1. When was the passage written?
A. In about A.D. 2060.
B. In about 1960.
C. In about 2000.
D. In about 2004.
2. According to the passage, what will be on the moon in about A.D. 2060?
A. Many tourists.
B. Many other animals.
C. Many plants.
D. A sea.
3. What will people eat then according to the passage?
A. Biscuits in pill form.
B. Foods in pill form.
C. Foods in water form.
D. Foods in gas form.
4. The passage tells us that in 2060, ____ on the earth than now.
A. there are fewer population
B. there are more pests
C. there is less water
D. the crops are getting better
5. Why are people largely vegetarians in 2060?
A. Because they don’t eat meat.
B. Because doctors advise them not to eat meat.
C. Because the number of animals decreases.
D. Because all the animals have died of diseases.
The famous American gorilla(大猩猩) expert Diane Fossey had a completely new way to study gorillas — she pretended to be one of them. She copied their actions and way of life — eating plants and getting down on her hands and knees to walk the way a gorilla does. It was a new relationship.
Diane Fossey was murdered in Rwanda in 1985 and her story was made into the popular film Gorillas in the Mist. It was a long way from King Kong, which is about a gorilla as a monster (a frightening animal), and helped to show a new idea: the real monster is man, while the gorilla is to be admired.
Today there are thought to be around 48,000 lowland gorillas and maybe 400—450 mountain gorillas in the wild. From the Congo in West Africa, to Rwanda and Uganda further east, they are endangered by hunting and by the cutting down of their forest homes.
Some time ago, I found in my letterbox a little magazine from the World Wide Fund for Nature. It had two photos side by side. One was of a young gorilla. “This is a species of mammal(哺乳类动物),” said the words below it. “It is being destroyed by man. We must save it for our own good.” The other photo showed a human baby. The words also read, “This is a species of mammal,” but then went on: “It is the most destructive(破坏性的) on earth. We must retrain it for its own good.”
The text mainly talks about _____.
A.Diane Fossey |
B.the gorillas in Rwanda |
C.the protection of the gorillas |
D.the film Gorillas in the Mist |
We can learn from the text that _____.
A.Gorillas in the mist was based Fossey’s experiences |
B.Lowland gorillas live longer than mountain gorillas |
C.King Kong showed us that a gorilla is admirable |
D.Diane Fossey was murdered by a gorilla |
What message can we get from the two photos in the magazine?
A.Gorillas are man’s close friends. |
B.Both man and the gorilla need to be saved. |
C.Young gorillas are as lovely as human babies. |
D.Man should live peacefully with the gorilla. |
To Whom It May Concern:
My husband and I got married in 1965 and for the first ten years of our marriage I was very happy to stay home and raise our three children. Then four years ago, our youngest child went to school and I thought I might go back to work.
My husband was very supportive and helped me to make my decision. He emphasized all of the things I can do around the house, and said he thought I could be a great success in business.
After several weeks of job-hunting I found my present job, which is working for a small public relations firm. At first, my husband was very proud of me and would tell his friends , "My clever little wife can run that company she's working for."
But as his joking remark approached reality, my husband stopped talking to me about my job.I have received several promotions and pay increases , and I am now making more money than he is. I can buy my own clothes and a new car. Because of our combined incomes, my husband and I can do many things that we had always dreamed of doing , but we don't do these things because he is very unhappy.
We fight about little things and my husband is very critical of me in front of our friends. For the first time in our marriage, I think there is a possibility that our marriage may come to an end.
I love my husband very much, and I don't want him to feel inferior, but I also love my job.I think I can be a good wife and a working woman, but I don't know how .Can you give me some advice? Will I have to choose one or the other or can I keep both my husband and my new career?
Please help."Distressed"
The letter was most probable written ________.
A.in 1975 | B.around 1980 | C.four years ago | D.in 1965 |
Her husband ________ when she first found her present job.
A.was very critical of her | B.felt disappointed |
C.was proud of her | D.was happy but critical |
What does the underlined word "promotion" mean?
A.scolding | B.criticism | C.prize | D.advancement |
As her income increased, ________.
A.she found a gap emerged between her and her husband |
B.she bought more clothes and a house |
C.she did the many things she and her husband dreamed of |
D.she felt very proud of herself |