Human remains of ancient settlements will be reburied and lost to science under a law that threatens research into the history of humans in Britain, a group of leading archeologists (考古学家) says. In a letter addressed to the justice secretary, Ken Clarke, 40 archaeologists write of their “deep and widespread concern” about the issue. It centers on the law introduced by the Ministry of Justice in 2008 which requires all human remains unearthed in England and Wales to be reburied within two years, regardless of their age. The decision means scientists have too little time to study bones and other human remains of national and cultural significance.
“Your current requirement that all archaeologically unearthed human remains should be reburied, whether after a standard period of two years or further special extension, is contrary to basic principles of archaeological and scientific research and of museum practice,” they write.
The law applies to any pieces of bone uncovered at around 400 dig including the remains of 60 or so bodies found at Stonehenge in 2008 that date back to 3,000 BC. Archaeologists have been granted a temporary extension to give them more time, but eventually the bones will have to he returned to the ground.
The arrangements may result in the waste of future discoveries at sites such as Happisburgh in Norfolk, where digging is continuing after the discovery of stone tools made by early humans 950,000 years ago. If human remains were found at Happisburgh, they would be the oldest in northern Europe and the first indication of what this species was. Under the current practice of the law those remains would have to be reburied and effectively destroyed.
Before 2008, guidelines allowed for the proper preservation and study of bones of sufficient age and historical interest, while the Burial Act 1857 applied to more recent remains. The Ministry of Justice assured archaeologists two years ago that the law was temporary, but has so far failed to revise it.
Mike Parker Pearson, an archaeologist at Sheffield University, said: “Archaeologists have been extremely patient because we were led to believe the ministry was sorting out this problem, but we feel that we cannot wait any longer.”
The ministry has no guidelines on where or how remains should be reburied, or on what records should be kept.
1.According to the passage, scientists are unhappy with the law mainly because .
A.it is only a temporary measure on the human remains
B.it was introduced by the government without their knowledge
C.it is unreasonable and thus destructive to scientific research
D.it is vague about where and how to rebury human remains
2.Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
A.Temporary extension of two years will guarantee scientists enough time.
B.Human remains of the oldest species were dug out at Happisburgh.
C.Scientists have been warned that the law can hardly be changed.
D.Human remains will have to be reburied despite the extension of time.
3.What can be inferred about the British law governing human remains?
A.The Ministry of Justice has not done enough about the law.
B.The Burial Act 1857 only applied to remains uncovered before 1857.
C.The law on human remains hasn’t changed in recent decades.
D.The Ministry of Justice did not intend it to protect human remains.
4.Which of the following might be the best title of the passage?
A.New discoveries should be reburied, the government demands.
B.Law could bury ancient secrets for ever, archeologists warn.
C.Law on human remains needs thorough discussion, authorities say.
D.Research time should be extended, scientists require.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
The art of public speaking began in ancient Greece over 2,000 years go. Now, twitter, instant messaging, e-mail, blogs and chat forums offer rival approaches to communication - but none can replace the role of a great speech.
The spoken word can handle various vital functions: persuading or inspiring, informing, paying tribute, entertaining, or simply introducing someone or something or accepting something. Over the past year, the human voice has helped guide us over the ups and downs of what was certainly a stormy time.
Persuasion is used in dealing with or reconciling different points of view. When the leaders met in Copenhagen in December 2009, persuasive words from activists encouraged them to commit themselves to firmer action. Inspirational speeches confront the emotions. They focus on topics and matters that are close to people's hearts. During wars, generals used inspiring speeches to prepare the troops for battle.
A speech that conveys knowledge and enhances understanding can inform us. The information must be clear, accurate, and expressed in meaningful and interesting way. When the H1N1 pandemic（流行病）was announced, the idea of "swine flu" scared many people. Informative speeches from World Health Organization officials helped people to keep their panic under control so they could take sensible precautions.
Sad events are never easy to deal with, but a speech that pays tribute to the loss of a loved one and gives praise for their contribution can be comforting. Madonna's speech about Michael Jackson, after his death, highlighted the fact that he will continue to live on through his music.
It's not only in world forums where public speaking plays an important role. It can also be surprisingly helpful in the course of our own lives.
If you're taking part in a debate you need to persuade the listeners of the soundness of your argument. In sports, athletes know the importance of a pep talk（鼓舞士气的讲话）before a match to inspire teammates. You yourself may be asked to do a presentation at college or work to inform the others about an area of vital importance.
On a more personal level, a friend may be upset and need comforting. Or you might be asked to introduce a speaker at a family event or to speak at a wedding, where your language will be needed to move people or make them laugh.
Great speaking ability is not something we're born with. Even Barack Obama works hard to perfect every speech. For a brilliant speech, there are rules that you can put to good use. To learn those rules, you have to practice and learn from some outstanding speeches in the past.
1.The author thinks the spoken word is still irreplaceable because _______.
A.it has always been used to inspire or persuade people.
B.it has a big role to play in the entertainment business.
C.it plays important roles in human communication.
D.it is of great use in everyday-life context.
2.Which of the following statements is INCORRECT about the role of public speaking?
A.Speeches at world forums can lead to effective solutions to world problems.
B.Speeches from medical authorities can calm people down in times of pandemics.
C.The morale of soldiers before a battle can be boosted by senior officers' speeches.
D.Speeches paying tribute to the dead can comfort the mourners.
3.According to the passage, which of the following best explains the author's view on "great speaking ability"?
A.It comes from observing rules.
B.It can be perfected with easy effort.
C.It can be acquired from birth.
D.It comes from learning and practice.
4.What is the main idea of the passage?
A.Public speaking in international forums.
B.The many uses of public speaking.
C.Public speaking in daily life context.
D.The rules of public speaking.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
| Railair Link |
| Healthrow Airport (All terminals) → Reading Dec 1st, 2014 to Jan. 31st, 2015 |
| Mondays to Fridays |
| Terminal 4 depart Terminal 2 depart Terminal 3 depart Terminal 1 depart Reading arrive |
| 0635 0645 0652 0700 0750 0730 0720 0727 0735 0835 0750 0800 0807 0815 0905 0820 0830 0837 0845 0935 then at the same minutes past each hour until 2150 2200 2207 2215 2305 2250 2300 2307 2315 0005 |
| Saturdays and Sundays (Also Bank Holidays) |
| Terminal 4 depart Terminal 2 depart Terminal 3 depart Terminal 1 depart Reading arrive |
| 0650 0700 0707 0715 0805 0720 0730 0737 0745 0835 0750 0800 0807 0815 0905 then at the same minutes past each hour until |
| 2150 2200 2207 2215 2305 2250 2300 2307 2315 0005 |
| For more information please telephone Reading 0734 6756778 The British Railway Board accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracy in the information contained in this guide, which may be altered at any time without notice. Published by InterCity, a business section of the British Railway Board. |
| Railair Link |
| Reading → Heathrow Airport (All terminals) Dec 1st, 2014 to Jan. 31st, 2015 |
| Mondays to Fridays |
| Reading arrive Terminal 4 depart Terminal 2 depart Terminal 3 depart Terminal 1 depart |
| 0530 0615 0617 0620 0630 0600 0645 0647 0650 0700 0630 0730 0732 0735 0745 0700 0800 0802 0805 0815 0730 0830 0832 0835 0845 0800 0900 0902 0905 0915 0845 0930 0932 0935 0945 0915 1000 1002 1005 1015 then at the same minutes past each hour until 2045 2130 2132 2135 2145 2145 2230 2232 2235 2245 |
| Saturdays and Sundays (Also Bank Holidays) |
| Reading arrive Terminal 4 depart Terminal 2 depart Terminal 3 depart Terminal 1 depart |
| 0545 0630 0632 0635 0645 0615 0700 0702 0705 0715 0645 0730 0732 0735 0745 then at the same minutes past each hour until |
| 2045 2130 2132 2135 2145 2145 2230 2232 2235 2245 |
| Customers should check in at the Railair waiting-room at Reading Station at least 15 minutes before departure of the coach. Please purchase a ticket before boarding the coach. |
1.On December 25th, 2014, the first coach from Heathrow Terminal 1 to Reading departs at ______.
A.7:15 B.7:00
C.6:50 D.6:35
2.If you are to reach Terminal 2 of the Heathrow Airport before 10:00 a.m., you need to get to Reading Station not later than _________.
A.8:20 a.m. B.8:45 a.m.
C.9:00 a.m. D.9:15 a.m.
3.The information leaflet is produced by _________.
A.Reading B.InterCity
C.Railair Link D.Heathrow Airport
4.According to the timetable, all passengers should _________.
A.buy return tickets B.buy their tickets on the bus
C.buy the tickets online D.buy their tickets in advance
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
The Daffodil Lesson
It was a bleak rainy day, and I had no desire to drive up the winding mountain road to my daughter Caronlyn’s house. But she had insisted that I come see something at the top of the mountain.
So here I was, reluctantly making the two-hour journey through fog that hung like veils. By the time I was how thick it was near the summit. I’d gone too far to turn back. Nothing could be worth this, I thought as I inched along the dangerous highway.
“I’ll stay for lunch, but I’m heading back down as soon as the fog lifts,” I announced when I arrived.
“But I need you to drive me to the garage to pick up my car” Caronlyn said. “Could we at least do that?”
“How far is it I asked.
“About three minutes”, she said I’ll drive--I’m used to it
After ten minutes on the mountain road, I looked at her anxiously. "I thought you said three minutes."
She grinned. “This is a detour（绕道）”
Turning down a narrow track, we parked the car and got out. We walked along a path that was thick with old pine needles. Huge black-green evergreens towards over us. Gradually the peace and silence of the place began to fill my mind.
Then we turned a corner and stooped-and I gasped in amazement.
From the top of the mountain, sloping for several acres across folds and valleys, were rivers of daffodils in radiant bloom. A profusion(大量) of color-from the palest ivory to the deepest lemon to the most vivid salmon-blazed like a carpet before us. It looked as though the sun had tipped over and spilled gold down the mountainside. At the center there was a waterfall of purple flowers. Here and there were coral-colored tulips. Western bluebirds frolicked（嬉戏）over the heads of the daffodils, their tawny breasts and sapphire wings like a flutter of jewels.
A riot of question filled my mind. Who created such beauty?Why?How?
As we approached the home that stood in the center of the property, we saw a sign that read: “Answers to the Question I Know You Are Asking.”
The first answer was “One Woman-Two Hands, Two Feet, and Very Little Brain.: The second was:” One at a Time,” The third:” Started in 1958.”
As we drove home, I was so moved by what we had been, I could scarcely speak. “She changed the world,” I finally said, “one bulb at a time. She started almost 40 years ago, probably just the beginning of an idea, but she kept at it.”
The wonder of it would not let me go. “Imagine,” I said, “if I’d had a vision and worked at it, just a little bit every day, what might I have accomplished?”
Carolyn looked at me sideways, smiling. “Start tomorrow,” she said.
“Better yet, start today.”
1.The passage is mainly about .
A.a successful gardener B.an inspiring gardening lesson
C.a worthwhile travelling experience D.an unexpected countryside scenery
2.The author gasped in amazement because .
A.the road twisted and turned along the mountain
B.the fog crowning the mountain lifted eventually
C.the owner of the filed came to answer her questions
D.the vast stretch of daffodil field took her breath away
3.What can be inferred from the story?
A.The beautiful daffodil field was all along the road.
B.The author and her daughter planned the journey well.
C.The owner of the field spent a lot of time working in the field.
D.The author planned to work in the daffodil field the next day.
4.What lesson did the author learn from this trip?
A.East or west, home is best. B.It is never too old to learn.
C.Birds of a feather flock together. D.Rome is not built in a day.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Although there is more female participation in IT workforce,______ a significant imbalance of male and female senior positions.
A.it remains B.there remains
C.there remaining D.that remains
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
______, his ideas was accepted by all the people at the meeting.
A.Strange as might it sound B.As it might sound strange
C.As strange it might sound D.Strange as it might sound
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
— David has made great progress recently.
— _________, and _________.
A.So he has ... so you have B.So he has ... so have you
C.So has he ... so do you D.So has he ... so you have
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
You should take control of your life _________ it is planning coursework or picking a major.
A.whenever B.whether C.whatever D.no matter
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Out of suffering _________.
A.have emerged the strongest souls B.emerged the strongest souls have
C.have the strongest souls emerged D.the strongest souls have emerged
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
They didn't discover until they happened to enter the back room _________ someone had stolen the priceless painting.
A.that B.what C.which D.when
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
The purpose of the research project has a more different meaning for them than _________.
A.that for us B.it has for us C.it did for us D.it did for ours
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
— Did Bob take the job in the supermarket? — No, but I think he _________.
A.will have B.may have C.should have D.must have
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
The Qingming Festival, now a national holiday, allows more people to pay their respects to dead relatives on would otherwise be a workday like Friday.
A.where B.that
C.when D.what
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
_________ in the northwest of China, Xi'an is seen as the birthplace of the country's civilization.
A.Locating B.Being located C.To locate D.Located
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
_________ has recently been done to provide more buses, a shortage of public vehicles remains a serious problem.
A.That B.What C.In spite of what D.Though what
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Anyone who wants to can call any timepiece a clock, but technically speaking, only _________ ones ring out the time actually deserve the name.
A.whatever B.whenever C.whichever D.wherever
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Along with enthusiasm for composing music _________ his devotion to cultivating young people's passion for music.
A.come B.comes C.coming D.to come
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
The literature masterpiece Macbeth by Shakespeare will be better understood if readers look at the tragedy in the historical _________ of the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, an era of relative stability.
A.content B.contest C.context D.contact
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Letting virtual assistants, such as Amazon's Alexa, take care of your home is a(n) _________ for disaster to some, because AI-infused systems may demonstrate unpredictable behaviors that can be disruptive, confusing, offensive, and even dangerous.
A.topic B.shortcut C.cure D.recipe
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
President Donald Trump's first state dinner excluded Democratic members of Congress and the media, which was criticized by many as a(n) _________ from tradition.
A.departure B.benefit C.escape D.lesson
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Green Collar Section
What is ecotourism? According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism can be defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and _______ the well-being of local people. That is to say, most ecotourism experiences are _______ at helping people to foster an appreciation of the environment, the conservation of wildlife, plants and resources, and respect and understanding of native _______.
Ecotourism is socially important because it provides a way for people to travel responsibly, and to learn about and respect the environment of these natural places. Ideally, ecotourism professionals organize and _______ an experience that demonstrates local environmental sustainability and cultural sensitivity for travelers.
At the university level, ecotourism programs are usually found in environmental science and recreation management departments. Students learn basic knowledge about different _______ of tourism (such as accommodation, transportation, business, organization, and hospitality) as well as conservational issues (such as _______ protection for wildlife and rational _______ of resources). And in more advanced programs, students will focus on nature-based education, such as and ecological issues. _______, it is also helpful, and sometimes _______, to be fluent in a foreign language, or students will not be able to hold a global insight. After graduation, it is also ________ for students to receive further career training programs, such as Group Dynamics for Ecotourism, Green Event Planning, Natural Resource Assessment and Planning, Intercultural Communications, Wilderness & Remote First Aid, etc, in order to become better adaptable to the updating job requirement.
As the threat to our planet ________ in many communities, their inhabitants are becoming more interested in the natural world around them and in ways to conserve the environment. Ecotourism is growing at three times the ________ of the tourism sector itself, and demanding more knowledgeable workers ________ to sustainability.
Jobs in ecotourism can be highly risky and adventurous, but also limited by season. Green travel employes generally work for private companies, government and pubic institutions, and nonprofits. Salaries in ecotourism ________ from field to field, but it helps to have a degree and some experience. Group leaders and travel guides are responsible for guiding tours through the ecosystems of various destinations ________ pointing out the benefits of green travel and a green lifestyle. Leaders and guides come from a wide range of backgrounds. Many will have experience in the tourism industry, while some will be scientists looking for positions in education.
1.A.dominates B.cultivates C.ruins D.sustains
2.A.bound B.aimed C.intended D.destined
3.A.peoples B.languages C.bonds D.habitats
4.A.alter B.taste C.execute D.undergo
5.A.properties B.advantages C.opinions D.respects
6.A.deserve B.reserve C.preserve D.conserve
7.A.exhaustion B.fulfillment C.advantage D.exploitation
8.A.Moreover B.Therefore C.Likewise D.After all
9.A.controlled B.requested C.selective D.compulsory
10.A.applicable B.obliged C.critical D.subtle
11.A.turns down B.turns up C.turns off D.turns on
12.A.rate B.width C.scale D.extension
13.A.devoting B.contributed C.adapting D.committed
14.A.count B.different C.range D.vary
15.A.while B.because C.even if D.if
难度: 困难查看答案及解析
Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.
Living a Life Full of Wild Adventures
Helen Skelton was brought up on a remote farm, and her family wasn't full of "runners and rock climbers". However, she has since travelled the world on 1. series of record breaking adventures. The former Blue Peter presenter has kayaked（划皮划艇）down the Amazon River, cycled to the South Pole and done a tightrope walk between the chimneys of Batter-sea Power Station in London. Now, Skelton 2. (share) the secrets of her success in a new book called Wild Girl: How to Have Incredible Outdoor Adventures.
3. she's got plenty of stamps in her passport, Skelton says you don't need to go to the Amazon or Antarctica in order to have an adventure - there's plenty to do here in the UK. She grew up in Cumbria, and would go bike-riding and skateboarding with her mum, as well as building rafts. She hopes to pass on these adventures to her own children.
Despite the title, Skelton says that the book isn't just for girls. She believes adventure is a leveller - an activity 4. men and women are equal. Adventures 5. also be educational. Skelton says when you're at the mercy of the elements you have to adapt and be flexible, which is a great lesson for life.
Of all the places she 6. (be) to, Skelton says the South Pole was particularly hard. "It's like living in a freezer. It's the windiest, driest, coldest place on Earth." Skelton explains, "You can't even put up your tent, which is your only shelter, 7. putting on huge gloves, otherwise you'll get a frostbite. 8. (put) up a tent in oven gloves isn't easy."
Her advice to any aspiring adventurers would be to "not worry about 9. comments other people might make. When I said I'm going to kayak the Amazon, people told me that's madness. And, if I had listened to them, I never would have done 10. of it. So just try."
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.
Monocle reaches Sconser, on Scotland's remote northern Isle of Skye, late on a dreary Thursday afternoon. A van decorated with the image of a scallop（扇贝）1. (park) outside a white-washed house on a slope overlooking Loch Sligachan - it's a sign that we've reached the right place.
David made the permanent move to Skye in 2. early twenties and soon hit upon the idea of farming scallops. "It took years of trials: different methods searching for different spots." But from failure 3. (come) understanding and in 1988 requested a Crown Estate lease from the local government office. After a lengthy process he was given a patch of water close to his home. "We had to prove our intervention was going to benefit the natural habitat of the bay, and 4. we were going to be caretakers of the ecosystem," says David. The area remains open5. anybody for passage and fishing, but his prized scallops must not be disturbed.
The next morning we head to the shore to meet David's son Ben, who is busy unloading bags of fresh shells - 350 at Ben's best guess. He's just helped his father to unzip his heavy wetsuit. Ben's first shop is Portree (the island's biggest town) and a restaurant called Dulse & Brose. "Everything is locally sourced; it is our responsibility 6. (help) sustain these businesses," says head chef Peter Cullen, as he cracks open one of the scallops in his kitchen. The rest of the orders will reach restaurants all over Skye, 7. (range) from smaller venues to Michelin-starred Lochbay in the nearby settlement of Stein.
What sets Sconser seallops apart is the manner in which they are cultivated. Firstly, David dives in to shift young scallops from the deeper water off the coast into the shallows; left in their natural habitat they are subject to predators and unpredictable conditions. The change in setting also provides access to more light and nutrients. 8. they're large enough they are dived and moved again - hence the "twice - dived" term seen on menus.
David's isn't the only food-focused firm 9. has thrived in his Scottish outpost. From the Isle of Skye Distillers' gin to the Isle of Skye Sea Salt Company. Sconser Scallops is one of a growing number of start - ups using environmentally friendly methods with success. Ben's own effort is next : a line of skincare products made of locally 10. (harvest) seaweed. "There is so much potential on Skye," he says, "I wouldn't live anywhere else."
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Directions: Translate the following sentences into English, using the words given in the brackets.
1.处理顾客对于产品的投诉时，越礼貌越好。(can)
2.与那些固执己见的人就这个问题争论下去没有意义。(point n.)
3.对于春节期间买不到机票的旅客而言，高铁卧铺车票是首选。(available)
4.渔民们在湖底刚发现了一个古城遗址，就有一些科学家和建筑家赶往现场进行实地研究。(Hardly)
难度: 困难查看答案及解析