Twenty years ago, I drove a taxi for a living. One night I went to pick up a passenger at 2:30 AM. When I arrived to collect, I found the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.
I walked to the door and knocked, “Just a minute,” answered a weak, elderly voice.
After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her eighties stood before me. By her side was a small suitcase.
I took the suitcase to the car, and then returned to help the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the car.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. “It’s nothing,” I told her. “I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated.”
“Oh, you’re such a good man.” she said. When we got into the taxi, she gave me an address, and then asked, “Could you drive through downtown?”
“It’s not the shortest way,” I answered quickly.
“Oh, I’m in no hurry,” she said. “I’m on my way to a hospice (临终医院). I don’t have any family left. The doctor says I don’t have very long.”
I quietly reached over and shut off the meter (计价器).
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked, the neighborhood where she had lived, and the furniture shop that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she’d ask me to slow down in front of a particular building and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
At dawn, she suddenly said,” I’m tired. Let’s go now.”
We drove in silence to the address she had given me.
“How much do I owe you?” she asked.
“Nothing.” I said.
“You have to make a living,” she answered. “Oh, there are other passengers,” I answered.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. Our hug ended with her remark, “You gave an old woman a little moment of joy.”
1.The old woman chose to ride through the city in order to ______.
A. show she was familiar with the city
B. reach the destination on time
C. let the driver earn more money
D. see some places for the last time
2.The taxi driver did not charge the old woman because he ______.
A. was in a hurry to take other passengers
B. shut off the meter by mistake
C. had received her payment in advance
D. wanted to do her a favor
3.What can we learn from the story?
A. An act of kindness can bring people great joy.
B. People should respect each other.
C. Giving is always a pleasure.
D. People should learn to appreciate others’ concern.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
What do you want to be when you grow up? A teacher? A doctor? How about an ice-cream taster?
Yes, there really is a job where you can get paid to taste ice cream. Just ask John Harrison, an “Official Taste Tester” for the past 21 years. Testing helps manufacturers to be sure of a product’s quality. During his career Harrison has been responsible for approving large quantities of the sweet ice cream—as well as for developing over 75 flavors（味道）.
Some people think that it would be easy to do this job; after all, you just have to like ice cream, right? No—there’s more to the job than that, says Harrison, who has a degree in chemistry. He points out that a dairy or food-science degree would be very useful to someone wanting a career in this “cool” field.
In a typical morning on the job, Harrison tastes and assesses 60 ice-cream samples. He lets the ice cream warm up to about 12°F. Harrison explains, “You get more flavor from warmer ice cream, which is why some kids like to stir（搅拌）it, creating ice-cream soup.”
While the ice cream warms up, Harrison looks over the samples and grades each one on its appearance. “Tasting begins with the eyes,” he explains. He checks to see if the ice cream is attractive and asks himself，“Does the product have the color expected from that flavor?” Next it’s time to taste!
Continuing to think up new ideas, try out new flavors, and test samples from so many kinds of ice cream each day keeps Harrison busy but happy – working at one cool job.
1.What is John Harrison’s job?
A. An official. B. An ice-cream manufacturer.
C. A chemist. D. An ice-cream taster.
2.According to John Harrison, to be qualified in the “cool field”, it is helpful to .
A. think up new ideas every day
B. keep a diary of daily work
C. have a degree in related subjects
D. find out new flavors each day
3.What does Harrison do first when testing ice cream?
A. He stirs the ice cream.
B. He lets the ice cream warm up.
C. He tastes the flavor of the ice cream.
D. He examines the color of the ice cream.
4.Which of the following is probably the best title for the passage?
A. One Cool Job B. Flavors of Ice Cream
C. Tasting with Eyes D. John Harrison’s Life
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Last night’s meteor (流星) shower left many people in the community dissatisfied and demanding answers. According to Gabe Rothschild, Emerald Valley’s mayor, people gathered in the suburbs of the city, carrying heavy telescopes, expecting to watch the brightly burning meteors passing through the sky. What they found instead was a sky so brightened by the city’s lights that it darkened the light of the meteors passing overhead.
“My family was so frustrated,” admitted town resident Duane Cosby, “We wanted to make this an unforgettable family outing, but it turned out to be a huge disappointment.”
Astronomers---scientists who study stars and planets----have been complaining about this problem for decades. They say that light pollution prevents them from seeing objects in the sky that they could see quite easily in the past. They call on people and the government to take measures to fight against it.
There is yet a population besides professional and amateur star observers that suffers even more from light pollution. This population consists of birds, bats frogs, snakes, etc. For example, outdoor lighting severely affects migrating (迁徙的) birds. According to the International Dark-Sky Association, “100 million birds a year throughout North America die in crashes with lighted buildings and towers.”
Countless more animals casualties（伤亡）result from the use of artificial lighting. Clearly, people enjoy the benefits of lighting their evenings, but some scientists think it can be harmful for humans, too. They worry that exposure to light while sleeping can increase person’s chances of getting cancer.
Emerald Valley is only one community that is becoming aware of the negative effects of light pollution. For years, Flagstaff, Arizona, has enforced lighting regulations in its city in order to assist astronomers at the Lowell Observatory. Similar efforts have been made worldwide, and a movement is underway to remind us to turn off lights when we are not using them, so that other creatures can share the night.
1.It happened last night that________.
A. the city light show attracted many people
B. the meteors flew past before being noticed
C. the city’s lights affected the meteor watching
D. the meteor watching ended up a social outing
2.What is the author concerned about according to Paragraph 4?
A. Birds may take other migration paths.
B. Animals’ survival is threatened by outdoor lighting.
C. Varieties of animals will become sharply reduced.
D. Animals’ living habits may change suddenly.
3.Lighting regulations in Flagstaff, Arizona are put into effect to________.
A. lessen the chance of getting cancer
B. enable all creatures to live in harmony
C. ensure citizens a good sleep at night
D. create an ideal observation condition
4.What message does the author most want to give us?
A. Human activities should be environmentally friendly.
B. Great efforts should be made to save energy.
C. Saving wildlife is saving ourselves.
D. New equipment should be introduced for space study.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
A terrible competition is going on in England, with billions of dollars and hundreds of lives at risk. OK, that’s not true. But competitors from around the world gathered on Thursday for the annual competition to compete for the world’s biggest person who tells lies.
Each participant is given up to five minutes to make up the best fib in the contest, which was founded in honor of 19th-century Bridge Inn landlord Will Ritson, who was reportedly famous for his lies. Competitors gather at the Bridge Inn every year for the competition, a small pub in northwestern England. Anyone but lawyers and politicians can take part in the competition.
A study found that nearly all lies are detectable (可检测的) through visible facial muscle reactions in the person telling a lie. “Thus, while interpersonal cheat often is highly successful, signs of hidden emotional states are communicated clearly to the informed observer,” the study concluded.
A churchman of Carlisle reportedly holds what may be the greatest lie of all time in the competition, simply stating, “I have never told a lie in my life.”
In 2003, Abrie Krueger from South Africa became the first one to win the competition. In 2006, comedian Sue Perkins became the first female to win the competition, telling a tale about people riding camels to work as a result of climate change.
1.Why does the author tell a lie at the beginning of the passage?
A. He likes telling lies.
B. He intends to talk about a contest.
C. Lies can be detected by someone.
D. Nearly everyone has told lies.
2.What does the underlined word “fib” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?
A. Experience. B. Story. C. Lie. D. Plot.
3.Who can’t take part in the competition?
A. Lawyers & politicians. B. Reporters & editors.
C. Doctors & teachers. D. Students & managers.
4.What’s the author’s main purpose of this passage?
A. To explain how to deal with lies.
B. To invite people to take part in the competition.
C. To discuss how to avoid telling lies.
D. To introduce a strange competition.
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。
Snow falls in the Earth’s extreme North and South throughout the year. However, the heaviest snowfalls have been reported in the mountains of other areas during winter. Snow is even known to fall near the Equator (赤道), but only on the highest mountains.
Snow contains much less water than rain, but much of the water the world uses comes from snow. 1. In the western United States, mountain snow provides up to seventy-five percent of all surface water supplies.
Snowfall helps to protect plants and some wild animals from winter weather. Fresh snow is made largely of air trapped among the snow crystals (晶体). Because the air has trouble moving, the movement of heat is limited. 2. The surface of the snow takes in, or absorbs, sound waves. As snow grows older or if there have been strong winds, it can become hard and flat. Then, the snow’s surface will help to send back sound waves.
3. It is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people. Many people die in traffic accidents on roads covered with snow and ice or from being seriously stuck in the winter storm. 4. .
People may not be able to avoid living in areas where it snows often. However, they can avoid becoming victims of snowstorms. People should stop driving and stay at home until the storm has passed. People living in these areas should carry emergency supplies in their vehicle. 5. .
A. These include food, emergency medical supplies, and extra clothing to stay warm and dry.
B. Snow also influences the movement of sound waves.
C. Melting snow provides water for rivers, electric power stations and agricultural crops.
D. Mountain snowfall is heavier than that in the South and the North Poles.
E. In many places, streets were blocked; houses fell down and supplies were short.
F. Others die from heart attacks caused by too much physical activity out in the cold.
G. Snow may be beautiful, but it can be deadly.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
完形填空
阅读下面两篇短文，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，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
This morning, as I was getting close to the supermarket, I saw a small ______ gathering around an elderly woman with blood under her face. I stopped and asked if I could______. I told her I was certified（授予证书的）in first aid. Then I ______ someone for a first aid kit（工具箱）. But she didn’t want help, saying she was fine. But she wasn’t fine. I asked her to ______ with me and we ______ about her routine of getting groceries. People brought out ice packs, water and paper towels from the ______ nearby. I put on the gloves from the first aid kit, and cleaned her up a bit, but ______ I just talked to her and held her hand.
Two ______ happened to be passing by and ______ to help check her out a bit. Finally, after ten minutes the ______ arrived and I talked to the emergency medical team and they _______ .
I was certified in first aid years back, and I got re-certified a month ago, but I never ______ it once. However, I realized being certified isn’t ______ about providing the aid. I didn’t stop the bleeding. I didn’t______ to examine her. Mostly it was about providing comfort for people in a difficult ______ . The certification gave me the ______ to do that: to kneel on the sidewalk, holding an old woman’s hand, and to help make those ______ few minutes just a little bit better.
If you’re not certified in first aid, I can’t ______ it strongly enough. It takes four hours of your time at your ______ Red Cross. With what you’ll ______ , maybe you’ll be able to help someone like the old lady one day.
1.A. people B. crowd C. traffic D. public
2.A. help out B. look out C. watch out D. make out
3.A. paid B. scolded C. applied D. sent
4.A. accompany B. walk C. stay D. shop
5.A. talked B. cared C. looked D. quarreled
6.A. hotel B. office C. station D. supermarket
7.A. simply B. maybe C. mostly D. extremely
8.A. policemen B. doctors C. clerks D. volunteers
9.A. refused B. woke C. lay D. stopped
10.A. driver B. family C. ambulance D. officer
11.A. operated on B. took over C. ran away D. turned up
12.A. used B. noticed C. liked D. met
13.A. hopefully B. possibly C. necessarily D. commonly
14.A. want B. try C. permit D. teach
15.A. place B. position C. life D. situation
16.A. harm B. wish C. lesson D. confidence
17.A. scary B. moving C. confusing D. friendly
18.A. support B. demand C. recommend D. explain
19.A. local B. national C. formal D. private
20.A. recognize B. learn C. allow D. offer
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
完形填空
On a farm in the southeast of England lived a farmer. Gradually, the farmer became fed up with this farm; and no wonder, you’ll say, for he was born on the place, he had all his days on it.
He was sick and of the surroundings. He wanted a ; and often in his dreams, he a quiet spot where conditions were ideal, and where he could spend his old age in comfort and be . He told the real estate agent in town how he felt, so the drove out and looked the over carefully. He felt sure he would have no difficulty in a buyer.
When the weekly paper came out, the old farmer the advertisements, and found his farm . It stated that the Hammond place of 160 acres was . The land was fertile and productive — a crop failure had been known. 40 acres were with a lot of trees and the farm had a good supply of water all the year round. There was rich agricultural land, through which flowed a small stream and there was a and modern house of eight rooms.
The farm had a great many horses, cows, sheep, and chickens. It was close to the — only a half hour’s drive, and had a telephone. There were all kinds of fruit trees, both large and small, with an abundance of around the house.
The old man read the a second time, and then drove to town to the real estate agent. “I have read that advertisement,” he said, “ as nearly as I can figure out, that’s exactly the kind of place I have been . I think I will keep it myself.”
1.A. missed B. forgotten C. described D. spent
2.A. fond B. tired C. proud D. afraid
3.A. method B. challenge C. dream D. change
4.A. pictured B. remembered C. knew D. noticed
5.A. popular B. rich C. happy D. healthy
6.A. agent B. farmer C. buyer D. driver
7.A. house B. horses C. trees D. farm
8.A. finding B. introducing C. recognizing D. persuading
9.A. got through B. put up C. looked over D. made up
10.A. destroyed B. listed C. lost D. photographed
11.A. in danger B. on display C. in demand D. for sale
12.A. never B. ever C. always D. still
13.A. crowded B. faced C. armed D. covered
14.A. quiet B. large C. warm D. simple
15.A. town B. school C. mall D. hospital
16.A. colors B. shelter C. clouds D. shade
17.A. advertisement B. note C. book D. letter
18.A. thank B. choose C. see D. welcome
19.A. if B. and C. or D. for
20.A. visiting B. showing C. wanting D. Researching
难度: 简单查看答案及解析
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。
On International Children's Day, some orphans (孤儿) from the Wuhan Welfare Institute for Children 1. (take) to the park. An elderly westerner was with them. The children were eager to tell him everything that was going on. They held him by the hand and never hesitated to call 2. Grandpa. This man was Professor William Dorrity, from Florida，USA. In 2003, 3. Professor Dorrity and his wife retired, they came to Wuhan and started to work as volunteers at the Welfare Institute.
The Dorritys have been working hard 4. (improve) the conditions at the Welfare Institute since they came. They often take children on day trips, 5. (bring) along with them all kinds of food for the kids to enjoy. They recently bought audiphones for four orphans 6. hearing problems and small tape recorders for three blind children. They also bought a wheelchair for tenyearold Tan Jun, 7. suffers from a brain problem. With the 8. (arrive) of spring, the Dorritys took the children for 9. outing. “We love China and we love children,” Dorrity said, “ 10. we are happy to do this.”
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
短文改错
假如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一篇作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。错误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：把多余的词用斜线（＼）划掉。
修改：在错的词下划一横线，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）不记分。
Travelled abroad, you should follow the customs of the country where you are visiting. When you invited, it is good manners to refuse or accept an invitation, either by writing or by telephoning. If you go to the party, it is polite to reach on time. It is good manners to shake hand with your host. You can take a present if you like, possibly a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates and some flowers. However, it was not bad manners to take nothing. It is not polite to stay too late before the other guests have gone. Also, it is suggested to write or telephone a day or two late to thank your host.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
书面表达
假设你是李华，刚被Harvard University录取，你的笔友John给你写信表示祝贺，请你回信，告诉他你将于2016年3月19日到达美国，希望他能接机并帮你找一住所。
住所需包含以下信息：
※骑车大约15分钟可到达学校；
※房间宽敞，明亮，设施齐全；
※允许自己做饭；
※房东 (host) 能讲地道的英语，健谈，好客。
注意：1、词数100左右；
2、可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Dear John,
Thank you for your congratulations on my admission to Harvard University!
.
.
.
Yours,
Li Hua
难度: 中等查看答案及解析