Although cats may be one of the most popular pets today, little is known about how and when humans and cats set up their close relationship.
The earliest evidence for human–cat interaction dates back to prehistoric Cyprus（史前塞浦路斯）, where the remains of a wild cat and a human — dated 9,500 years old — were found buried together.
A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has confirmed the first direct evidence of a human–domestic cat relationship among Chinese farmers 5,300 years ago. Researchers studied the bones of cats, dogs, deer and other animals unearthed in an excavation (挖掘) near a village in Central China. By using some ways, scientists showed that the cats were living on a mostly millet(黍)–based diet, just like the domesticated dogs and pigs from the site.
"The most reasonable explanation for a high consumption of millet–based food is that the cats had formed a stable and mutual relationship with humans and could easily feed on rodents (啮齿动物) around human villages, find leftover food or even have been fed by people intentionally," said Hu Yaowu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, whose research focuses on the relationship between humans and domesticated animals.
"It is very interesting for us to find the consumption of millet-based foods by the cats, since this kind of evidence had long been missing.” Hu explains. Since cats usually eat meat, such a diet would be unexpected, unless the cats were being fed by people, the study argues. The researchers also found that one of the cats survived to reach old age, implying that it had a safe place to live and enough to eat.
Why the farmers wanted to keep cats nearby or make them "pets" could be answered by other evidence. Chinese archaeologists found some storage containers were specifically designed to keep out rodents — a vermin (害兽) that cats could certainly have helped with.
The simplified theory is that rats were attracted to the food of farmers, and so were harmful to farmers. Cats were attracted to the rats, and so farmers formed a mutually beneficial relationship with cats, taking care of them in return for pest control.
1.The evidence found in the remains dating back to prehistoric Cyprus means .
A. human made cats pets as early as 9,500 years ago
B. human interacted with cats very early
C. cats didn’t appear until prehistoric Cyprus
D. when cats became domesticated
2.Apart from cats, Hu Yaowu and his teams may also study .
A. the preventions of pests from grains
B. the history of Chinese farming
C. the dogs and pigs
D. the ways to keep pets
3.Which of the following is NOT the evidence of Chinese farms’ keeping cats?
A. Cats didn’t feed on meat.
B. The cats consumed large amounts of millet–based foods.
C. One of the cats survived to reach old age.
D. Some storage containers were specifically designed to keep out rodents.
4.What are the reasons for farmers to keep cats?
A. Helping keep other domesticated animals.
B. Not letting cats eat food.
C. Supplying meat for human.
D. Helping reduce the amount of pests.
5.In which part of a newspaper would be the passage most probably appear .
A. Entertainment B. Environment
C. Human and Science D. Life and fashion
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题
Although cats may be one of the most popular pets today, little is known about how and when humans and cats set up their close relationship.
The earliest evidence for human–cat interaction dates back to prehistoric Cyprus（史前塞浦路斯）, where the remains of a wild cat and a human — dated 9,500 years old — were found buried together.
A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has confirmed the first direct evidence of a human–domestic cat relationship among Chinese farmers 5,300 years ago. Researchers studied the bones of cats, dogs, deer and other animals unearthed in an excavation (挖掘) near a village in Central China. By using some ways, scientists showed that the cats were living on a mostly millet(黍)–based diet, just like the domesticated dogs and pigs from the site.
"The most reasonable explanation for a high consumption of millet–based food is that the cats had formed a stable and mutual relationship with humans and could easily feed on rodents (啮齿动物) around human villages, find leftover food or even have been fed by people intentionally," said Hu Yaowu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, whose research focuses on the relationship between humans and domesticated animals.
"It is very interesting for us to find the consumption of millet-based foods by the cats, since this kind of evidence had long been missing.” Hu explains. Since cats usually eat meat, such a diet would be unexpected, unless the cats were being fed by people, the study argues. The researchers also found that one of the cats survived to reach old age, implying that it had a safe place to live and enough to eat.
Why the farmers wanted to keep cats nearby or make them "pets" could be answered by other evidence. Chinese archaeologists found some storage containers were specifically designed to keep out rodents — a vermin (害兽) that cats could certainly have helped with.
The simplified theory is that rats were attracted to the food of farmers, and so were harmful to farmers. Cats were attracted to the rats, and so farmers formed a mutually beneficial relationship with cats, taking care of them in return for pest control.
1.The evidence found in the remains dating back to prehistoric Cyprus means .
A. human made cats pets as early as 9,500 years ago
B. human interacted with cats very early
C. cats didn’t appear until prehistoric Cyprus
D. when cats became domesticated
2.Apart from cats, Hu Yaowu and his teams may also study .
A. the preventions of pests from grains
B. the history of Chinese farming
C. the dogs and pigs
D. the ways to keep pets
3.Which of the following is NOT the evidence of Chinese farms’ keeping cats?
A. Cats didn’t feed on meat.
B. The cats consumed large amounts of millet–based foods.
C. One of the cats survived to reach old age.
D. Some storage containers were specifically designed to keep out rodents.
4.What are the reasons for farmers to keep cats?
A. Helping keep other domesticated animals.
B. Not letting cats eat food.
C. Supplying meat for human.
D. Helping reduce the amount of pests.
5.In which part of a newspaper would be the passage most probably appear .
A. Entertainment B. Environment
C. Human and Science D. Life and fashion
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Watching wooden dolls come to life may not be one of the most popular forms of entertainment today, but with over twenty years’ experience, talented puppeteer (木偶表演者) Peter Roberts has earned himself the title “master puppeteer” because of his great ability to turn puppets into believable, almost living characters. “People are quite often surprised to hear what I do for living and have little appreciation of puppy as a form of entertainment. But while the exact origins of puppet theatre are unknown, it has been popular in many cultures and may have been the very first kind of theatre,” he explains.
Roberts’ shows are highly original. “A puppet show can involve anything from clowning(傻逗) to storytelling,” he says, Equally diverse are the audiences he performs for. “Some are attracted by the puppets themselves, while others enjoy the dialogue.” Roberts believes that this form of entertainment can be appreciated by people of all ages and cultures.
Roberts’ interest in puppets started when he received some beautiful glove puppets one Christmas. He started putting on shows with these for family and friends and then moved on to handmade Chinese string puppets. Learning mostly from books and personal experience, he explains, “I was already spending most of my free time carving puppets and putting on shows, so I hardly noticed the change from students to full-time professional puppeteer.”
The puppets are designed specifically for each show, which is extremely time consuming. According to Roberts, “Sometimes what you expect and what you actually create in the end are two very different things. I’ve made some of my best puppets ‘accidentally’.”
When most people hear the word “puppetry”, they more than likely think of a way of keeping children entertained at birthday parties. Certainly the subject matter will be expected to be light-hearted rather than serious. However, Roberts wants to point out that puppets come serious messages sometimes.” he says.
1.What do we know about puppetry in the first paragraph?
A. It is a most popular form of entertainment.
B. It cannot give people pleasure any more.
C. It was first brought to life by Peter Roberts.
D. Its value as an art form is not fully recognized.
2.In Roberts’ eyes, his puppet shows .
A. usually attract people full of humor
B. are most something for old aged audience
C. display something meaningful for different people
D. involve hard work and great intelligence
3.Roberts developed an interest in puppets because of .
A. the puppet show books
B. his university major
C. a Christmas gift
D. some Chinese string puppets
4.What does Roberts want people to think of puppet theatre?
A. It is just a kind of entertainment for kids.
B. It can be educational as well as entertaining.
C. It is only a kind of serious art form.
D. It should be kept light-hearted.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Watching wooden dolls come to life may not be one of the most popular forms of entertainment today, but with over twenty years’ experience, talented puppeteer (木偶表演者) Peter Roberts has earned himself the title “master puppeteer” because of his great ability to turn puppets into believable, almost living characters. “People are quite often surprised to hear what I do for a living and have little appreciation of puppy as a form of entertainment. But while the exact origins of puppet theatre are unknown, it has been popular in many cultures and may have been the very first kind of theatre,” he explains.
Roberts’ shows are highly original. “A puppet show can involve anything from clowning(傻逗) to storytelling,” he says. Equally diverse are the audiences he performs for. “Some are attracted by the puppets themselves, while others enjoy the dialogue.” Roberts believes that this form of entertainment can be appreciated by people of all ages and cultures.
Roberts’ interest in puppets started when he received some beautiful glove puppets one Christmas. He started putting on shows with these for family and friends and then moved on to handmade Chinese string puppets. Learning mostly from books and personal experience, he explains, “I was already spending most of my free time carving puppets and putting on shows, so I hardly noticed the change from students to full-time professional puppeteer.”
The puppets are designed specifically for each show, which is extremely time consuming. According to Roberts, “Sometimes what you expect and what you actually create in the end are two very different things. I’ve made some of my best puppets ‘accidentally’.”
When most people hear the word “puppetry”, they more than likely think of a way of keeping children entertained at birthday parties. Certainly the subject matter will be expected to be light-hearted rather than serious. However, Roberts wants to point out that puppets convey serious messages sometimes.” he says.
1.What do we know about puppetry in the first paragraph?
A. It is a most popular form of entertainment.
B. It cannot give people pleasure any more.
C. It was first brought to life by Peter Roberts.
D. Its value as an art form is not fully recognized.
2.In Roberts’ eyes, his puppet shows .
A. usually attract people full of humor
B. are most something for old aged audience
C. display something meaningful for different people
D. involve hard work and great intelligence
3.Roberts developed an interest in puppets because of .
A. the puppet show books B. his university major
C. a Christmas gift D. some Chinese string puppets
4.What does Roberts want people to think of puppet theatre?
A. It is just a kind of entertainment for kids.
B. It can be educational as well as entertaining.
C. It is only a kind of serious art form.
D. It should be kept light-hearted.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The Peanuts Movie, which hits theaters today, brings to life one of the most popular comic strips(连环漫画) ever to appear in print. For decades, kids have found humor and comfort in Charlie Brown and his pet dog, Snoopy. The characters came from the pen of Charles M. Schulz, whose comic strip, Peanuts, first appeared in newspapers in 1950.
Schulz, who died in 2000, was one of the most influential cartoonists in history. His son, Craig Schulz, has reinvented the Peanuts characters for a new generation of kids who may only be familiar with the holiday specials on TV. Craig co-wrote the screenplay for The peanuts Movie with his own son, Bryan.
Director Steve Martino created the computer-animated 3D characters for the movie. Even though he used new technology, he wanted to stay true to Charles Schulz’s original drawings. “I love to draw, I love to tell stories, and I got to do it in a big movie like this,” Martino said. “My hope was to bring these characters to life in a bigger way than we’ve ever seen, but be truthful to who they’ve always been.”
11-year-old Noah Schnapp voices the character of Charlie Brown. “It was a bit difficult at the beginning,” Noah said. “But once I got into it, I had so much fun.” Alex Garfin, 12, is the voice of Linus, Charlie’s friend. Alex has words of wisdom not just for Charlie, but also for kids who want to work on the entertainment industry. “If you don’t succeed, try again,” he said. “You may not succeed 99 percent of the time, but that 1 percent probability will bring you something.” Francesca Capaldi, 11, who voices the Little Red-Haired Girl, agrees.
“Dream big,” she said. “If you really want something, just go for it.”
1.What can we know about The Peanuts Movie?
A. It is more popular than the comic strip Peanuts
B. it was changed into TV specials by Craig Schulzz.
C. It has more characters than the comic strip Peanuts
D. Charles Schulz’s son and grandson wrote the screenplay.
2.Steve Martino thinks it is important to _________.
A. bring the main characters to life.
B. make the movie fit for today’s kids.
C. develop the movie using new technology.
D. keep the characters what they’ve been like
3.How many characters of the movie are mentioned in the text?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
4.What can be the best title for the text?
A. A computer-animated movie brings Peanuts to life
B. The Peanuts Movie helps you realize your dream.
C. Charles Schulz and his comic strip Peanuts.
D. The Schulzs give you humor and comfort.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The Peanuts Movie, which hits theaters today, brings to life one of the most popular comic strips(连环漫画) ever to appear in print. For decades, kids have found humor and comfort in Charlie Brown and his pet dog, Snoopy. The characters came from the pen of Charles M. Schulz, whose comic strip, Peanuts, first appeared in newspapers in 1950.
Schulz, who died in 2000, was one of the most influential cartoonists in history. His son, Craig Schulz, has reinvented the Peanuts characters for a new generation of kids who may only be familiar with the holiday specials on TV. Craig co-wrote the screenplay for The peanuts Movie with his own son, Bryan.
Director Steve Martino created the computer-animated 3D characters for the movie. Even though he used new technology, he wanted to stay true to Charles Schulz’s original drawings. “I love to draw, I love to tell stories, and I got to do it in a big movie like this,” Martino said. “My hope was to bring these characters to life in a bigger way than we’ve ever seen, but be truthful to who they’ve always been.”
11-year-old Noah Schnapp voices the character of Charlie Brown. “It was a bit difficult at the beginning,” Noah said. “But once I got into it, I had so much fun.” Alex Garfin, 12, is the voice of Linus, Charlie’s friend. Alex has words of wisdom not just for Charlie, but also for kids who want to work on the entertainment industry. “If you don’t succeed, try again,” he said. “You may not succeed 99 percent of the time, but that 1 percent probability will bring you something.” Francesca Capaldi, 11, who voices the Little Red-Haired Girl, agrees.
“Dream big,” she said. “If you really want something, just go for it.”
1.What can we know about The Peanuts Movie?
A. It is more popular than the comic strip Peanuts
B. it was changed into TV specials by Craig Schulzz.
C. It has more characters than the comic strip Peanuts
D. Charles Schulz’s son and grandson wrote the screenplay.
2.Steve Martino thinks it is important to _________.
A. bring the main characters to life.
B. make the movie fit for today’s kids.
C. develop the movie using new technology.
D. keep the characters what they’ve been like
3.How many characters of the movie are mentioned in the text?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
4.What can be the best title for the text?
A. A computer-animated movie brings Peanuts to life
B. The Peanuts Movie helps you realize your dream.
C. Charles Schulz and his comic strip Peanuts.
D. The Schulzs give you humor and comfort.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks throughout the world today. In fact, according to some estimates, over 30% of all adults in the world drink coffee at least once a day on the average. Coffee contains a kind of drug called caffeine. Caffeine is a chemical that stimulates (刺激) the nerves of the body. Drinking coffee tends to make people a little bit more awake―at least for a short time―because of this stimulating effect on the nervous system. A cup of coffee has, on the average, about 3% caffeine in it.
One story of the discovery of the coffee plant relates to this effect of caffeine. According to the story, coffee was discovered in East Africa. The story says that coffee was first found by a goat farmer named Kaldi. This was about the year 850. Kaldi was leading his animals through the mountains and the goats were stopping repeatedly to eat the plants near the path. Suddenly, some of the goats started jumping up and down in a very strange way. Kaldi figured out that the goats were acting this way because of the plants they were eating. Kaldi himself tried eating some of the green beans (豆荚) that the goats had been eating. He, too, felt the stimulating effect of the beans. Kaldi wanted to prove what had happened, so he picked some of the beans and took them back to the village, where he told his story.
The green bean got the name "Kaffa" and later "coffee" because the beans were discovered in a place called Kaffa in Africa. Then for years, people used to eat a few of the green Kaffa beans when they were in the mountains and needed extra energy to do their work. It was later found that the coffee beans could be picked and then dried until they turned brown, and then they could be stored. If the beans were dried and stored, they could be used at any time.
1.What is the purpose of drinking coffee?
A. To become more awake. B. To become more healthy.
C. To become more happy. D. To become more clever.
2.How did the goats react after eating the plants?
A. They fell asleep.
B. They could not find their way home.
C. They started jumping up and down.
D. They wanted to eat more.
3.Why did the green bean get the name "Kaffa"?
A. Because Kaldi loved his home village very much.
B. Because Kaldi's goats loved the green bean very much.
C. Because the beans were discovered in a place by this name.
D. Because the beans could be picked and dried.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Facebook is one of the most popular websites that offer social networking today with more than l billion users around the world. Online social networking is just like-minded people coming together for some activities, forming groups, having discussions, sharing photographs, etc. Similarly, Facebook enables all these activities by various applications(运用程序) , for example, providing forums, photo sharing options. video updating, keeping a track on all the happenings in their formed communities, people they have approved to be linked to, etc. Online gaming is one of the biggest USPs(独特的卖点) of Facebook, and indeed, games like Farmville and Mafia Wars have attracted many users to the site. Facebook also offered a brilliant platform for business to reach out to their customers.
In the beginning, Facebook was just meant for Harvard University students to find and contact fellow students. It was meant to serve the purpose of keeping track of who was new to college to get in touch with each other for project purposes. It was an online directory(目录) , and was founded in 2004 0n the Harvard University campus. However, as soon as it was launched, almost two thirds of the total number of students registered themselves on Facebook. Mark Elliot Zuckerberg, along with Chris Hughes, Dustin Moskovitz. and Eduardo Saverin. helped in the launch of the site. To pursue this, Mark dropped out of Harvard and got into making Facebook a worldwide accessible site, and then to its current stand of being the top social networking site in the world.
Today, Facebook rules the social networking world, with one person in fourteen using it. It is also the second most popular site in the US, and is worth billions of dollars. And it has been a success story for the four co-founders, making them all accidental billionaires.
Title : Facebook-the most popular social networking site in the world
I . Definition :
*One popular website 1.
Ⅱ. 2. :
* Enabling people to gather for 3. 0n it
* 4.
* Offering a brilliant platform for businesses to reach out to their customers
Ⅲ Birth :
* Time: in 2004
* Place: 5.
lV. 6. :
* To help students contact each other
V. 7. :
* Mark Elliot Zuckerberg, along with Chris Hughes, Dustin Moskovitz, and Eduardo Saverin
VI. Popularity:
* As an 8. : having almost two thirds of the students on it
* As the top social networking site :
ruling the social networking ;
having over 9. in the world;
being 10. billions of dollars
高三英语其他题中等难度题查看答案及解析
If Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) is today one of the best-known and most popular figures of 20th-century Mexican art, it is undoubtedly because of her personality and the originality of a body of works. Her work is, above all, the expression of a life — a tragic and stormy life, one that challenged all traditions.
The mere mention of her name excites enthusiasm and admiration, but her work is rarely exhibited, and has not been shown in France for fifteen years. The selection to go on show at the Musée de l’Orangerie includes major works by the artist, with masterpieces from the Museo Dolores Olmedo.
The life and work of Frida Kahlo cannot be separated from those of her companion Diego Rivera (1886-1957). Together they became figures of legend(传奇), and both have a place in the pantheon of 20th-century Mexican artists. Famous for his large wall paintings, Rivera’s easel paintings, drawings and prints, which form a large part of his artistic production, are less well-known to the public in Europe. The exhibition aims to trace his artistic career from the early Cubist images, revealing his links with the Paris artists whose works are a key element in the Orangerie collections, to the paintings that established him as the founder of the 20th-century school of Mexican art. His travels throughout Europe influenced his vision and his skills without ever distancing him from his roots, thus confirming his place in history as the founder of the nationalist school.
The exhibition devoted to the legendary couple Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo presents their works together, as if to confirm the impossibility of their divorce that was in fact finalised but reconsidered after just one year apart. It also gives us a better view of their respective artistic worlds, so different and yet so complementary(互补的), through the deep-rooted attachment they shared to their country.
1.Which of the following best describes Frida Kahlo’s work?
A. World-famous but unusual. B. Practical and popular.
C. Creative and realistic. D. Authentic but ordinary.
2.What does the underlined word "pantheon" in the third paragraph refer to?
A. Character. B. Community. C. School. D. Society.
3.What can we infer about Rivera from the passage?
A. Rivera broke up with Kahlo finally. B. Rivera’s works are popular in Europe.
C. Rivera’s works are the focus of the exhibition. D. Rivera had his works rooted in his motherland.
4.Why does the author write the passage?
A. To praise the celebrities. B. To introduce two famous artists.
C. To make an announcement. D. To encourage people to learn art.
高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析
Although he is considered to be one of the most outstanding scientists in his field, Professor White cannot seem to get his ideas ___________ in class.
| A．down | B．on | C．up | D．across |
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
England continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. London in particular is one of the most visited cities and draws people in with its appeal, history, and pubs. England’s smaller cities, like Bath and Oxford, are equally as attractive with a lot of culture and fewer crowds. Liverpool, birthplace of The Beatles, has a rich musical history. The countryside has wonderful natural beauty. Here are some tips on traveling in England.
Free museums—Public museums offer free admission in every city throughout England and the UK. It’s a great way to learn about the country’s most influential artists and history, and spend a rainy day without paying a cent.
Book early—Book all transportation well in advance, even if you don’t plan to use it. Fares can be around ￡2 with a little planning. The Megabus not only runs buses but also provides trains throughout England and is the best choice for cheap travel throughout the country.
Pub food—Eating in England can be quite expensive, but for good cheap and filling meals, visit the local pubs, where you can get a good meal for less than ￡10. Besides, the pubs are a great way to meet people!
Get a Taste of UK card—The Taste of the UK card offers up to 50% off at selected restaurants. You don’t need to be an English to get the card, and you needn’t pay the first month’s membership fee, which is perfect for most travelers.
Take a free walking tour—Many major cities in England offer free walking tours. They usually last a few hours and are a great way to see the city.
1.Compared with London, Oxford is .
A. more appealing B. less crowded
C. larger in size D. richer in history
2.Why is eating in local pubs suggested?
A. The price of food is low there.
B. The chance of meeting stars is high there.
C. The service is excellent there.
D. The dining atmosphere is perfect there.
3.What can be known from the text?
A. All museums in the UK are free of charge.
B. The best way to travel around England is by bus.
C. Free walking tours are available in only some cities in England.
D. Holders of the Taste of UK card can enjoy discounts at all restaurants.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析