My father was always a good gardener. One of my earliest memories is standing without shoes in the freshly tilled（翻耕的）soil, my hands blackened from digging in the ground.
As a child, I loved following Dad around in the garden, I remember Dad pushing the tiller（耕作机）ahead in perfectly straight lines. Dad loved growing all sorts of things: yellow and green onions, watermelons almost as big as me, rows of yellow com, and our favorite --- red tomatoes.
As I grew into a teenager, I didn't get so excited about gardening with Dad. Instead of magical land of possibility, it had turned into some kind of prison. As Dad grew older, his love for gardening never disappeared. After all the kids were grown and had started families of their own, Dad turned to gardening like never before. Even when he was diagnosed with cancer, he still took care of his garden.But then, the cancer, bit by bit, invaded his body. I had to do the things he used to do. What really convinced me that Dad was dying was the state of his garden that year. The rows and rows of multicolored vegetables were gone. Too tired to weed them, he simply let them be. He only planted tomatoes.
For the first few years after he died, I couldn't even bear to look at anyone's garden without having strong memories pour over me like cold water from a bucket. Three years ago, I decided to plant my own garden and started out with just a few tomatoes. That morning, after breaking up a fair amount of soil, something caught the comer of my eye and I had to smile, It was my eight-year-old son Nathan, happily playing in the freshly tilled soil.
1.Why did the author like the garden when he was a child?
A. The garden was planted with colorful flowers.
B. The garden was just freshly tilled by his father.
C. He loved what his father grew in the garden.
D. He enjoyed being in the garden with his father.
2.When all the kids started their own families, the author's father .
A. stopped his gardening
B. turned to other hobbies
C. devoted more to gardening
D. focused on planting tomatoes
3.What happened to the garden when the author's father was seriously ill?
A. The author's son took charge of it.
B. No plant grew in the garden at all.
C. The garden was almost deserted.
D. It brought the author a great harvest.
4.We can infer from the last paragraph that .
A. the author's son played happily in the garden
B. the author's son reminded him of his own father
C. the author's son was very glad to help the author
D. the author's son will continue gardening as well
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Walk through the Amazon rainforest today and you will find it steamy, warm, damp and thick. But if you had been there around 15,000 years ago, during the last ice age, would it have been the same? For more than 30 years, scientists have been arguing about how rainforests might have reacted to the cold, dry climate of the ice ages, but till now, no one has reached a satisfying answer.
Rainforests like the Amazon are important for mopping up CO2 from the atmosphere and helping to solve global warming. Currently the trees in the Amazon take in around 500 million tons of CO2 each year: equal to the total amount of CO2 given off in the UK each year. But how will the Amazon react to the future climate change? If it gets drier, will it survive and continue to draw down CO2? Scientists hope that they will be able to learn in advance how the rainforest will manage in the future by understanding how rainforests reacted to climate change in the past.
Unfortunately, collecting information is incredibly difficult. To study the past climate, scientists need to look at fossilized pollen（花粉）kept in lake mud, Going back to the last ice age means drilling down into lake sediments（沉淀物）, which requires specialized equipment and heavy machinery. There are very few roads and paths, or places to land helicopters and aeroplanes. Rivers tend to be the easiest way to enter the forest, but this still leaves vast areas between the rivers completely unsampled（未取样）. So far, only a handful of cores have been drilled that go back to the last ice age and none of them provide enough information to prove how the Amazon forest reacts to climate change.
1.How do scientists study the past climate change?
A. By predicting the climate change in the future.
B. By drilling down deep into land sediments.
C. By analyzing fossilized pollen in lake mud.
D. By taking samples from rivers in the Amazon.
2.Why is it difficult to collect information about the past climate change?
A. Because scientists can't find proper equipment and machinery.
B. Because it is very difficult to obtain complete samples.
C. Because helicopters and aeroplanes have no place to land.
D. Because none of the cores provide any information.
3.Where is the passage most probably taken from?
A. A medical journal. B. A news report
C. A travel brochure. D. A science magazine.
4.The best title for the text may be .
A. Secrets of the Rainforest
B. Climates of the Amazon
C. The History of the Rainforest
D. Changes of the Rainforest
难度: 困难查看答案及解析
While most of us are happy to take the credit when things go well, few of us are willing to take the blame when things go wrong. Rather than trying to hide our shame or embarrassment, experts found that we are simply less aware when our actions result in a negative outcome.
The research may explain why we often feel it hard to take the blame for our actions.“Our result suggests that people may really experience less responsibility for negative than for positive outcomes,” said Patrick Haggard, leading researcher and professor of the institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London.
In a series of tests, participants were asked to press a key. A sound then followed, either disapproving, neutral or approving, and they were then asked to estimate the time between the action and when they had heard the sound.
Researchers found that individuals experienced different levels of responsibility depending on the outcomes. They also discovered they were significantly slower to recognize if their actions had resulted in a bad consequence, compared to when they had done well.
“Effectively, we have found that we experience a negative outcome differently, not just retell it differently. We make a weaker connection when there is a bad result. And respond much more strongly when something good happens,”said Professor Haggard. When something goes right, everyone wants to take the credit, and when things go wrong, nobody is interested in putting their hands up.
The researchers said our brain is“very much concerned”with reward, as good results are key to survival. Although our own perception(认知) of whether we are guilty of something or not is changed by the outcomes, this does not provide a defense if we have done something wrong.“Our experience of our own responsibilities can be misleading and can be strongly colored by the outcomes of our actions.”said Professor Haggard.“We have to take responsibility for what actually do, not just for how we experience things.”
1.People who don’t take the blame for their actions .
A.always try to hide their shame or embarrassment.
B.are only willing to take the credit when things go well
C.feel less responsible for negative than for positive outcomes
D.are less aware of what to do when a negative outcome happens
2.Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A.Our level of responsibility can be strongly affected by the outcomes of our actions.
B.When something bad happens, nobody is interested in dealing with the problem.
C.People were quicker to recognize if their actions had resulted in a bad consequence.
D.Participants were asked to count the time between pressing a key and hearing the sound.
3.How is the passage developed?
A.By giving examples.
B.By quoting research findings.
C.By analyzing cause and effect.
D.By providing data.
4.According to the passage, a person who is concerned with reward is .
A.awkward B.natural C.absurd D.stubborn
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
The Best of Alaska
Nothing evokes（唤起） Alaska like a whale exploding out of the water or an eagle pulling a silver fish from the river. Combine these images with high mountains, brilliant icebergs and wonderful meal8 and you really do have the Best of Alaska!
Highlights:
JUNEAU: Juneau, the state capital, is rich in culture and scenic beauty. It is here that we start and end our trip.
HAINES: Haines is a small community located along the fords（海湾）. The natural beauty and expansive wilderness found here have made Haines a premier center for adventure in Alaska.
ALASKA INDIAN ARTS: Alaska Indian Arts is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the preservation and continuation of traditional native craft and culture of the Northwest Native Tribes.
SKAGWAY: Skagway is famous for its role in the Klondike Gold Stampede over 100 years ago. Today, it is a historic yet lively town, which still reflects its gold rush roots and contains colorful shops. In Skagway, we stop by the Klondike Gold Rush National Park Visitor's Center and ride the White Pass Yukon Route Railway.
GUSTAVUS: Gustavus is the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. We'll stay at a comfortable lodge here for two nights. This will be the base for both the whale-watching excursion and a full day cruise in Glacier Bay.
DATES/PRICES:
May 15, June 17, July 16, August 14.
7 days-$3500, including lodging, all meals, excursions, guides, park fees, sales taxes, and transportation between Juneau, Skagway, Haines, and Gustavus. Not included: Alcohol, personal items, airfare to and from Juneau.
Contact:
E-mail: info@alaskamountainguides.com
Call: 800一766一3396
Write: Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing School
P. O. Box 1081, Haines AK 99827
1.You can feel the history of the local place at .
A. Juneau B. Skagway
C. Haines D. Gustavus
2.You can watch a whale exploding out of the water at .
A. the Northwest Native Tribes
B. the Klondike Gold Rush National Park
C. Glacier Bay National Park
D. the White Pass Yukon
3.Which of the following is a participant required to pay additional fees for?
A. Going from Gustavus to Juneau by train.
B. A full day cruise in Glacier Bay.
C. Having the last supper at Juneau.
D. Flying from Juneau to his hometown.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
While many of us go through life with the pursuit of money on our mind, we're often told that money can't buy happiness. But what truth is there in the saying? Is there a relation between money and happiness? 1.
Humans are very sensitive to change. When we get a rise, we really enjoy it. But some studies have shown that in North America, additional income beyond 75,000 dollars a year stops impacting day-to-day happiness. 2. They often end up spending all the money, going into debt, and experience ruined social relationships.
So surely money can't really buy happiness. Well, recent studies suggest that the problem may actually be in the way that we spend money. 3. Studies show that people who spend their money on others feel happier. As for the people who spend money on themselves, their happiness is unchanged.
4. 0ne experiment showed that instead of an organization writing a large check to a charity, dividing the amount up among employees, allowing them to contribute to a charity of their choice, increased their job satisfaction. Similarly, individuals that spend money on each other, as opposed to themselves, not only increase job satisfaction, but improve the team performance.
5. Interestingly, the specific way money is spent on others isn't important. Spending something on others is the important aspect of increasing your happiness.
A. The same principle has been tested on teams and organizations as well.
B. Money has more effect on the vast majority of people in the long run.
C. Instead of buying things for yourself, try giving some of it to other people and see how you feel.
D. And if so, how can we use it to our advantage?
E. Almost everywhere we look in the world, we see that giving money to others is positively related to happiness,
F. And while you're saving up for these greatest experiences, don't forget the daily joys in life.
G. In fact, people who win a lottery often report becoming extremely unhappy.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
完形填空
阅读下面短文，掌握其大意，然后从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该选项的标号涂黑。
Many people argue that working can be a valuable experience for the young. However, working more than about fifteen hours a week is ________ to adolescents because it reduces their involvement with school and ________ a materialistic lifestyle.
Schoolwork and the ________ of extracurricular activities tend to go by the wayside when adolescents work long hours. As more and more teens have ________ the numerous part-time jobs, teachers have faced increasing ________ . They must both keep the________ of tired students and give homework to those who simply do not have time to do it. ________ , educators have noticed less involvement ________ the extracurricular activities that many consider a healthy influence on young people. School bands and athletic teams are ________ players to work and sports events are ________ attended by working students, Those teens who try to do it all may find themselves exhausted.
Another ________ of too much work is that it may promote materialism and a(n) ________ lifestyle. Some parents claim that working helps teach adolescents the ________ of dollar. Undoubtedly, that can be true. It is also true that some teens work to ________ with the family budget or to save for college. However, surveys have shown that the majority of working teens use their ________ to buy luxuries. These young people do not worry about spending ________ as they can just about have it all. In many cases, they are becoming ________ to a lifestyle they would not be able to afford several years down the road, when they no longer have parents ________ car insurance, food and so on. At that point they can rarely afford necessities as well as luxuries.
Teenagers can enjoy the advantages of work while ________ its disadvantages, simply by limiting their work hours during the school year. As is often the case, a moderate approach will be the most healthy and ________ .
1.A. practical B. harmful C. useful D. handy
2.A. encourages B. represents C. instructs D. changes
3.A. burdens B. benefits C. honors D. categories
4.A. hired B. shared C. lost D. filled
5.A. divisions B. difficultiesC. sorrows D. questions
6.A. demand B. examination C. attention D. character
7.A. Above all B. In addition C. On the contrary D. For instance
8.A. in B. for C. over D. about
9.A. wanting B. welcoming C. training D. losing
10.A. poorly B. actively C. regularly D. confidently
11.A. type B. level C. drawback D. element
12.A. creative B. efficient C. unrealistic D. productive
13.A. value B. purpose C. desire D. goal
14.A. turn out B. come out C. give out D. help out
15.A. efforts B. allowances C. goods D. earnings
16.A. freely B. wisely C. cheerfully D. healthily
17.A. concerned B. delighted C. accustomed D. surprised
18.A. looking for B. caring for C. working for D. paying for
19.A. avoiding B. judging C. attempting D. considering
20.A. evident B. flexible C. sharp D. rewarding
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（不多于3个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。
An old proverb says, “Friends are like wine; the older, the better.” So, nowadays many people consider old friends to be 1. (important) than new friends. For example, if two pieces of advice 2. (give) to solve a problem, one from a new friend and the other from 3. old friend, people always tend to 4. (adoption) the latter one, although the new friend's advice may be better.
5. (disagree) with the old proverb, I believe that new friends are not 6. (necessary) worse than old friends. Why? Because the length of time cannot determine whether your friendship is better or not.
Once you call someone friend, he must be a person who is 7. (rely) and whose interests are in common with 8. (you). As time goes by, a friend's outside look may change, but the inside characters of him and his interests 9. (change).It is just these unchangeable characters and interests 10. make him a friend to you. Therefore, on this point, there is no difference between old friends and new friends.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
短文改错
假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号（^），并在其下面写出该加的词。
删除：把多余的词用（\）划掉。
修改：在错的词下画一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意：1、每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；
2、只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。
Dear Jerry,
I'm sorry for having no time to pay visit to Hangzhou with you next week. The reason why I can't spare time is because there are many friend of mine who are facing a coming English exam. There has no doubt that it is important for them. They are looking forward on to my giving a hand to them and they hope to get through the exam successful. As a result, I will spend time help them at that time. In addition, I will attend a party which aim to raise money for the people in the earthquake-hit area. But l want to put off their time of the visit to the first weekend of next month. Is it OK？
Best wishes!
Yours
Li Hua
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
书面表达
假如你是李华，你在3月5号到8号期间入住了一家酒店。现对在此期间所遇到的问题向该酒店有关人员进行投诉，其中主要包括房间照明，食物以及员工的服务态度等方面。
注意：1、词数100字左右
2、信的开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数
3、可适当增加情节，使文章流畅
Dear Sir or Madam，
Faithfully yours,
Li Hua
难度: 中等查看答案及解析