It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month. The crops were dying. Cows had stopped giving milk. The streams were long gone back into the earth. If we didn't see some rain soon we would lose everything.
I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my six-year-old son, Billy, walking toward the woods. He was obviously walking with a great effort... trying to be as still as possible. Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house.
Moments later, however, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful long step toward the woods. This activity went on for over an hour: walking cautiously to the woods, then running back to the house. Finally, my curiosity got the best of me. I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey.
He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked; being very careful not to spill the water he held in them. Branches and thorns slapped his little face but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much greater purpose. As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing sight.
Several large deer appeared threatening in front of him. But Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. And I saw a baby deer lying on the ground, obviously suffering from heavy loss of water and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap up the water cupped in my beautiful boy's hand.
I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save a life. As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, they were suddenly joined by other drops... and more drops... and more. I looked up at the sky. It was as if God, Himself, was weeping with pride.
1.Why did the author follow her son?
A. Because there might be danger.
B. Because her son was doing a good deed.
C. Because she intended to help.
D. Because she was curious.
2.Which of the following statements is Not True according to the passage?
A. Rain was in great need.
B. Billy carried water with his small hands.
C. There were few trees in the woods.
D. Billy walked into the woods and then returned over and over again.
3.Which is the correct order of the development of the story?
① The author was moved to tears.
② Billy fed the water to the baby deer.
③ Billy walked towards the large deer.
④ It began to rain.
⑤ The author followed Billy into the woods.
A. ③②⑤①④ B. ⑤③②①④
C. ④①③②⑤ D. ⑤②①③④
4.At the end of the story, the author might experience different feelings Except that ________.
A. Billy was a pride
B. God was touched by Billy's activity
C. the rain should have dropped earlier
D. it was worthwhile to have given birth to Billy
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Music for Humans and Humpback Whales
As researchers conclude in Science, the love of music is not only a universal feature of the human species, but is also deeply fixed in complex structures of the human brain, and is far more ancient than previously suspected.
In the articles that discuss the field of bio-musicology, the study of the biological basis for the creation and appreciation of music, researchers present various evidence to, show that music-making is at once an original human "business", and an art form with skillful performers throughout the animal kingdom.
The new reports stress that humans hold no copyright on sound wisdom, and that a number of nonhuman animals produce what can rightly be called music, rather than random sound. Recent in-depth analyses of the songs sung by humpback whales show that, even when their organ would allow them to do otherwise, the animals converge on the same choices relating to sounds and beauty, and accept the same laws of song composition as those preferred by human musicians, and human ears, everywhere.
For example, male humpback whales, who spend six months of each year doing little else but singing, use rhythms (节奏) similar to those found in human music and musical phrases of similar length—a few seconds. Whales are able to make sounds over a range of at least seven octaves (八度音阶), yet they tend to move on through a song in beautiful musical intervals, rather than moving forwards madly. They mix the sounds like drums and pure tones in a ratio (比例) which agrees with that heard in much western music. They also use a favorite technique of human singers, the so-called A-B-A form, in which a theme is stated, then developed, and then returned to in slightly revised form.
Perhaps most impressive, humpback songs contain tunes that rhyme. "This suggests that whales use rhyme in the same way we do: as a technique in poem to help them remember complex material," the researchers write.
1.The underlined words "converge on" in Paragraph 3 probably means ________.
A. tend towards B. refer to
C. turn into D. put forward
2.Which of the following shows the advanced musical ability in humpback whales?
A. They can remember complex material.
B. They can create pleasing patterns of music.
C. They can make sounds like drums continuously.
D. They can sing along with rhythms of western music.
3.What is the main idea of the article?
A. Animals are able to compose and enjoy music like humans.
B. Human beings borrow ideas in music from humpback whales.
C. Humpback whales are skillful performers in the animal kingdom.
D. Music-making, an ancient activity of both humans and animals.
4.The main purpose of the passage is to ________.
A. argue and discuss B. inform and explain
C. compare and advertise D. examine and assess
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
One of the newest taboos (禁忌) in American society is the topic of fat. Unlike many other taboos, fat is a topic that America talk about often. It is not taboo to talk about fat; it’s taboo to be fat.
The “in” look is thin. In the work world, most companies prefer youthful-looking, slim executives to sell their image and their products to the public. The thin look is associated with youth, vigor and success. The fat person, on the other hand, is thought of as lazy and lacking in energy, self-discipline and self-respect. After all, people think, how can people who care about themselves, and therefore the way they look, allow themselves to become fat? In an image conscious society like the U.S. , fat is “out”.
It is not surprising, then, that millions of Americans have become obsessed (着迷) with staying slim and “in shape”. The pursuit of youthful physical appearance is not, however, the only reason for America’s obsession with diet and exercise.
Recent research has shown the great importance of diet and exercise for personal health. As in most technologically developed nations, the life-style of North Americans has changed very quickly during the course of last century. Modern machines do all the physical labor that people were once forced to do by hand. Cars and buses transport us quickly from point to point. As the result of inactivity and disuse, people’s bodies can easily become weak and vulnerable to disease. In an effort to avoid such a fate, millions of Americans are spending more of their time exercising.
The effects of this new appreciation of the importance of exercise is clear: parks are filled with joggers and bicyclists, physical education programs are enjoying a newly-founded fame and many companies are providing exercise equipment for their employees to use during the work day.
1.In the United States, fat is something ________.
A. people always talk about
B. not regarded as a taboo topic
C. people usually pay no attention to
D. belonging to the same treatment as other taboos
2.What do Americans think of thin people?
A. Their work helps them to look youthful
B. They are energetic and successful.
C. Their appearances affects their behavior
D. They are lacking in self-discipline.
3.According to Paragraph 4, which of the following is an example of “inactivity?
A. Mary does her housework by hand.
B. Celia takes part in a marathon
C. Cecilia goes to her office by car.
D. Margaret plays badminton every Saturday.
4.Why are parks filled with joggers and bicyclists?
A. Because these parks are fit for sports.
B. Because people are enjoying prestigious status in parks.
C. Because people are taking part in physical education programs.
D. Because people now recognize they should do more exercise.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
You know how wonderful you are, and you know that others know how wonderful you are, but what do you do when admiration crosses over the line into jealousy (嫉妒)? For most teens there will come a day when you realize that one of your friends is jealous and that this jealousy is hurting your friendship. When this happens it can seem like there is nothing that you can do, but the good news is that there is. Don’t let jealousy spoil your relationships. Deal with it confidently and you might be back to normal much sooner than you think.
It can be hard to walk up to a friend and ask them what the problem is, but if you want to save your friendship you’ll have to do just that. Don’t approach them and ask why they are jealous of you unless of course you want to appear totally conceited (逞能), just take some time alone with them and let them know that you’ve been feeling like there’s been something coming between you. If they refuse to respond, then use the opportunity to explain how you have been feeling. Chances are that something you say will strike a nerve and your friend will open up as well.
When you figure out what is annoying your friend, ask him or her what (s)he thinks would make the situation better. If, for example, (s)he says that (s)he feels like (s)he doesn’t get to spend any time with you because of your being off with your new friends from the swim team then maybe you could invite her along the next time or block off one day a week for just the two of you. Remember, though, that whatever solution you decide on should be a compromise (妥协). Don’t limit your own talents or opportunities simply because your friend is unhappy. Try instead to include him or her in your new life and see how that works out.
Even the best of friendships can be ruined by jealousy. This destructive emotion is rarely productive and can turn best friends into worst enemies. Before taking extreme action, chat with your jealous friend to see if the two of you can work out a compromise. If you can’t, be prepared to know exactly how far you will go to keep your friend and how far you won’t.
1.What does the author intend to tell us in paragraph 2?
A. How to solve the problem of jealousy.
B. Why we need to solve the problem of jealousy.
C. How to explain your jealousy to your friends.
D. Why it is hard to deal with the problem of jealousy.
2.What can be inferred from the last paragraph?
A. There’s always a solution to solve the problem of jealousy.
B. Jealousy can turn best friends into worst enemies.
C. You should go a long way with your friend to work out a solution
D. You may lose a friend to keep your own gifts, chances or self-development.
3.This passage is mainly intended for________.
A. female readers B. students C. teenagers D. best friends
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
根据短文内容，从短文后的A—G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。
What Teenagers Can Do To Earn More Respect
As teenagers continue to grow and develop into young adults, the transition(过渡) into adulthood has begun. With so many physical and emotional changes going on, certain manners are often forgotten and other adult traits (特征) are not yet accepted as a way of life. 1. By doing the following things, you will earn more respect.
Contribute to the household
At the very least, clean up after yourself. As a teenager, you are old enough to clean up after yourself. When you make a mess, clean it up. 2. All chores (零星工作) that you do help to reduce the load of the person who did them before. Now that you’re old enough and capable, why shouldn’t you contribute to the household? 3.
Be responsible
4. Whether they are basic things, like brushing your teeth or doing your homework , or more involved chores that contribute to the household, simply fulfill your responsibilities on time. When adults know that they can rely on you, their trust and respect for you will increase.
Solve more of your own problem without asking for help
Instead of taking the easy approach and asking for help, make an effort to solve your problems on your own first. The “easy way” is only easy for you, but it is an extra task for the person from whom you are seeking help. 5. Depending on the problem, 15 minutes of effort is usually a good guideline. When you become a good problem solver, you increase your value to the community.
A. Everyone has certain responsibilities.
B. It will make your life more pleasant.
C. The people doing the chores before will greatly appreciate the help.
D. This includes, but is not limited to, your dishes and your room.
E. By being aware of these manners and traits, you can manage them sooner.
F. Seek help only after you have made an honest effort to solve your own problems.
G. When speaking to a group, speak loud enough.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
A lady wanted a birthday gift from her husband. For many months she had liked a beautiful ____, and knowing her husband could ______it, she told him that was all she wanted. On the morning of the ______, her husband told her how_____he was to have such a good wife, and how much he loved her. He ______her a beautiful gift package (纸盒). She opened it and ____ a Bible. _____, she raised her voice and said to her husband, “With all your money, you give me a Bible?” She was so ______that she left him.
Many years passed and the lady was very ____ in business. She owned two large companies. She ______ her husband was very old, and thought perhaps she should go to ______ him. But before she could, she______a letter telling her that he had died, and gave all of his possessions (财产) to her. She needed to come back and ______ things.
When she arrived at his house, sadness ______ her heart. She saw the still new _____, just as she had left it years before. With ______, she opened it and began to turn the pages. A ring ____ from the Bible to the floor and a ____ could be seen. She picked it up and found it was the ring she wanted in those days. And on the card was the date of her birth, and the words “LOVE YOU ALWAYS”.
_____ your gift is not packaged the way you want it, it’s because it is better packaged the way it is! Always appreciate little things; they usually lead you to bigger things! The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched for they must be felt with the ______.
1.A. watch B. ring C. coat D. box
2.A. afford B. like C. design D. guess
3.A. holiday B. performance C. birthday D. meeting
4.A. proud B. kind C. sorry D. brave
5.A. lent B. asked C. gave D. moved
6.A. carried B. found C. missed D. held
7.A. Politely B. Lightly C. Patiently D. Angrily
8.A. calm B. upset C. grateful D. careless
9.A. failing B. lonely C. successful D. poor
10.A. wondered B. hoped C. realized D. explained
11.A. visit B. understand C. catch D. help
12.A. passed B. wrote C. sent D. received
13.A. take care of B. pay for C. look for D. give away
14.A. covered B. broke C. left D. filled
15.A. car B. Bible C. letter D. table
16.A. smiles B. laughter C. tears D. interests
17.A. hid B. dropped C. disappeared D. made
18.A. book B. pen C. flower D. card
19.A. If B. But C. Although D. So
20.A. hand B. eye C. face D. heart
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（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。
Everyone needs to know how to prevent a fire. It is also important to know what to do when it 1. (break) out.
Every year，over 11,000 people 2. (kill) or injured in house fires. These fires could have been avoided. Smokers who are 3. (care) cause about 200 deaths and over 6,000 fires. More than of those 4. die in fires are poisoned or harmed by smoke．
If fire happens, do not attempt to fight the fire unless it is small. Try putting out a small fire with water. If 5. fire has spread or if the flames are more than 20 inches high, shut the door on it, warn everyone else in the building and tell them to get out. You should leave and dial 911 for the fire department.
Before 6. (go) into a room, check the door. If the handle or the door is hot, do not open it! Instead, put clothing or a wet towel at the bottom of it to keep smoke out. If the door is not hot, open it 7. (slow). If there is a rush of smoke heat, close it again and shout to warn 8. (other) inside.
Now open the window and shout “Fire!”. See whether you can drop safely to the ground. Use this 9. your escape course if you can. If you are not on ground level, break your fall by pushing a mat out first. Lower yourself at arm’s 10.(long) before dropping. Once outside，stay out outside and make sure the fire department is called．
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
短文改错
短文中共有10处语言错误，每句话最多两处错误。错误涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加：在此处加一个漏字符号(∧)，并在其下面写出增加的词;
删除：把多余的词用斜线(＼)划掉;
修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在其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（从十一处起）不计分。
With the development of people’s living condition, more and more people possess their own cars. Some think it is good to own a car. For instance, it’s convenient, fast and comfortable means of transportation. Moreover, it shows that people were becoming richer and the country is much more stronger, which also makes relative businesses and industries develop faster. However, others have different opinions, think that cars give up waste gases and pollute the environment around. Too much cars will have some bad effects, such as more accidents and crowded. Besides, lacking parking lots is another big problem. As far as I’m concerned, we ought to think careful before buying cars. As if we have cars, we may use them less.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
书面表达
你的美国笔友Lucy来信告知她寒假期间将来京旅游，打算买几个风筝作为纪念品(souvenir)带回美国。请你根据以下提示给Lucy写回信。
1. 表示欢迎；
2. 就她购买纪念品的计划说说你的看法；
3. 推荐一个你认为最值得参观的古迹，并说明原因。
注意：1. 词数100左右；
2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
3. 开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。
Dear Lucy，
I learned about your plan from your mail. ______________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Best wishes!
Sincerely Yours，
Li Hua
难度: 中等查看答案及解析