As one of the world’s oldest holidays, Hallow...

As one of the world’s oldest holidays, Halloween is still celebrated today in several countries around the globe, but it is in North America and Canada that it maintains its highest level of popularity. Every year, 65% of Americans decorate their homes and offices for Halloween. Halloween is the holiday when the most candy is sold and is second only to Christians in terms of total sales.

Austria

In Austria, some people will leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table before retiring on Halloween night. The reason for this is that it was once believed such items would welcome the dead souls back to earth on a night which for the Austrians was considered to be brimming(溢)with strong cosmic energies.

Belgium

The Belgians believe that it is unlucky for a black cat to cross one’s path and also unlucky if it should enter a home or travel on a ship. The custom in Belgium on Halloween night is to light candles in memory of dead relatives.

Canada

Modern Halloween celebrations in Canada began with the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Jack- O- Lantern is carved and the festivities include parties, trick-or-treating and the decorating of homes with pumpkins and corn stalks.

France

Unlike most nation of the world, Halloween is not celebrated by the French in order to honor the dead and departed ancestors. It is regarded as an “American” holiday in France and was unknown in the country until around 1996.

1.In which countries does Halloween have its highest level of popularity?

A. France and North America.

B. Canada and North America.

C. Austria and Canada.

D. Belgium and Canada.

2.Why will people leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table in Austria?

A. These items would welcome the dead souls back to earth

B. These items are used to respect ancestors

C. These items are just for fun

D. The other items can replace them

3.In which country does Halloween is not celebrated as the others?

A. Canada.　　　　　 B. Belgium.　　　　 C. Austria.　　　　 D. France.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Should schools allow Halloween celebrations?

Halloween is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. 1. Many schools also celebrate the holiday by having kids dress up in costumes, take part in costume shows, and join in a variety of activities relating to Halloween. On October 31, the halls of schools across the country will be filled with princes, princesses, and superheroes. In addition to costumes, school Halloween celebrations often include classroom parties and trick-or-treating.

2. They also say that dressing up in costumes allows kids to express themselves and show off their creativity.

3. Officials at many of those schools say the celebrations are too time-consuming (费时的) and take away class time. They also point out that kids who can't afford costumes or who don't celebrate Halloween for cultural reasons feel left out. For example, Seth Boyden Elementary School in Maplewood, New Jersey, canceled（取消）its Halloween celebration last year. Officials at the school said that in the past, many students stayed home on that day.

4. Bree Picower, a Professor of Early and Elementary Education at Montclair State, said, “Maplewood is a wonderful example of a school being responsive to society. Many schools plan to learn from it. Schools are places where students should feel included.”

Parents in Maplewood had different opinions of this policy. Some said that the new no-Halloween policy was a welcome change. 5.

A. It brings a lot of safety problems.

B. Experts say Maplewood is not alone.

C. Many people dislike these costumes.

D. Each year there're millions of Americans celebrations the holiday.

E. But more and more schools have canceled（取消）Halloween celebrations in recent years.

F. Many teachers, parents, and students see these celebrations as a fun break from the school day.

G. And others said that it was unfair that their children are now not allowed to celebrate Halloween in school.

高二英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析

Should schools allow Halloween celebrations?

Halloween is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. 1. Many schools also celebrate the holiday by having kids dress up in costumes, take part in costume shows, and join in a variety of activities relating to Halloween. On October 31, the halls of schools across the country will be filled with princes, princesses, and superheroes. In addition to costumes, school Halloween celebrations often include classroom parties and trick-or-treating.

2. They also say that dressing up in costumes allows kids to express themselves and show off their creativity.

3. Officials at many of those schools say the celebrations are too time-consuming (费时的) and take away class time. They also point out that kids who can't afford costumes or who don't celebrate Halloween for cultural reasons feel left out. For example, Seth Boyden Elementary School in Maplewood, New Jersey, canceled（取消）its Halloween celebration last year. Officials at the school said that in the past, many students stayed home on that day.

4. Bree Picower, a Professor of Early and Elementary Education at Montclair State, said, “Maplewood is a wonderful example of a school being responsive to society. Many schools plan to learn from it. Schools are places where students should feel included.”

Parents in Maplewood had different opinions of this policy. Some said that the new no-Halloween policy was a welcome change. 5.

A. It brings a lot of safety problems.

B. Experts say Maplewood is not alone.

C. Many people dislike these costumes.

D. Each year there're millions of Americans celebrations the holiday.

E. But more and more schools have canceled（取消）Halloween celebrations in recent years.

F. Many teachers, parents, and students see these celebrations as a fun break from the school day.

G. And others said that it was unfair that their children are now not allowed to celebrate Halloween in school.

高二英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析

Theater is one of the oldest and most important art forms in world culture, it is also one of the richest art forms. Many people work together to bring a play to life. There are playwrights, directors, set designers, costumers, lighting technicians, and, of course, actors. If the performance is a musical, the skills of a songwriter, a choreographer, and musicians are also required. The excitement of opening night can be felt by the people waiting to watch a performance and by the performers and workers backstage waiting for the curtain to go up. Live theater is thrilling because no one really knows how well the play will go until it is performed.

The word theater comes from the Greek theatron, which means “a place for seeing.” One concept from Greek theater that is still seen in some plays today is the “Greek Chorus”. This consists of several actors or characters watching the action of the play(almost like the audience) and then commenting on what whey just saw with either reactions or dialogue.

Although most people think of the theater in terms of a play performed on the stage, theater has taken on a much broader meaning in the modern world. You may find yourself walking into a theater with no seats in the rows. Instead, you are seated among the set pieces, which makes you part of the setting. Sometimes theater may come to life on a street corner, or in a classroom. The excitement of theater is in its very nature----it is an art form that changes as it is interpreted(诠释) in different ways by different people. That is probably why the works of the greatest playwright of all time, William Shakespeare, are still performed and enjoyed today, both in classic and new interpretations.

1.What does the word “richest” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?

A. diverse.　　 B. wealthy.　　 C. terrifying.　　 D. entertaining.

2.Why is live theater so exciting according to the text?

A. Plays are usually well written.　　 B. It is often interpreted by skilled actors.

C. No one can predict its success or failure.　　 D. There are so many people working on it.

3.What is suggested about the plays of Shakespeare in the text?

A. They are more often given new interpretations today than in the past.

B. They are more popular today than during Shakespeare’ s time.

C. They will always be considered the world’s greatest.

D. They have been performed in a variety of ways.

4.What is the best title for the text?

A. A vital part of theater: Greek Chorus　　 B. Modern theater: adventures in acting

C. Shakespeare: our greatest playwright　　 D. Theater: an exciting art form

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Architect Daniel Libeskind is the designer of such global landmarks as New York's One World Trade Center and Berlin's Jewish Museum. In his new book, he reviews his life's work and its inspirations — including these books.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll. I love Lewis Carroll; he's a total genius (天才). His two classic works are children's books for grown-ups because they show aspects of the creative mind that we all have but seldom use in adulthood. Inspired by Carroll, I make a habit of trying to learn seven amazing things before breakfast.

Ulysses by James Joyce. Joyce once said that if Dublin were destroyed, you could recreate the entire city from this novel. You can't do urban planning without Ulysses because it is a labyrinth (迷宫) you can never leave.

In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust. Proust's great novel is really a book of reflections about how architecture — our living spaces — creates a blueprint (蓝图) for our dreams, our desires, our emotions, and our memories. Where we have lived, what we have eaten, and what kind of cups we use — all of those aspects are examined here in minute detail.

Emily Dickinson's Herbarium by Emily Dickinson. From childhood onward, Dickinson collected, pressed, and classified the plants she grew in her garden in Amherst. Through the pictures in this book, you can see how her poetry — all her symbols, all her metaphors (隐喻), the colors she mentions — mirrors nature. You don't even have to read her poetry to see what a great artist she was.

1.Which of the following books is set in Dublin?

A.Ulysses. B.In Search of Lost Time.

C.Through the Looking-Glass. D.Emily Dickinson's Herbarium.

2.Whose book has pictures of various plants?

A.James Joyce's. B.Emily Dickinson's.

C.Marcel Proust's. D.Lewis Carroll's.

3.What can be learned about the books mentioned in the text?

A.They are all novels. B.They are written for children.

C.They offer inspirations for Daniel Libeskind. D.They focus on the power of nature.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and it’s one of the top university in the world. There is no clear date when the university started, but teaching began at Oxford in some forms in 1096 and developed quickly from 1167.

There are 39 independent(独立的) colleges at Oxford, attracting students and learned men from across the world. There are over 100 libraries for the students and learned men to use. At University of Oxford, they also provide a number of money for the best students. Of course, if you want to study here, first you have to reach a certain level of English language.

College life at Oxford is very exciting but busy. The groups of college provide a friendly and welcoming home for students while the college are strict with students about their studies. Many Chinese students are studying here. The number of Chinese students at the university has grown quickly over the past 10 years.

根据短文内容，从A、B、C、D四个选项中选出能回答所提问题或完成所给句子的最佳答案。（共3小题，每小题1.5分，满分4.5分）

1.What do you have to do first if you want to ask fir studying at Oxford? You have to________.

A．be independent

B．pass a certain level test of English language

C．study English hard

D．be the best students

2.How’s the college life at Oxford? It’s full of ________ and has __________.

A．excitement; much school work to do

B．excitement; no school work to do

C．attraction; no school work to do

D．attraction; a little school work to do

3.What’s the best title for the passage?.

A．The College Life

B．The Famous Learners at Oxford

C．The Chinese Students at Oxford

D．The University of Oxford

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Welcome to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Windsor is one of the official residences (住所) of the Queen, who sometimes stays here.

Audio tours

Free audio tours are available on leaving the Admission Centre at the start of your visit. There is a descriptive audio tour for blind and poor-sighted visitors.

Guided tours

Visitors can explore the history of the Castle through a tour of the Precincts with an expert guide. Tours depart at regular intervals throughout the day from the Courtyard and finish at the entrance to the State Apartments.

Visitors with children

For those visiting with children, a special family tour and various activities are offered during school holidays and at weekends. Please note that, for safety reasons, pushchairs are not permitted in the State Apartments. However, baby carriers are available to borrow.

St George’s Chapel

Visitors arriving at the Castle after 15:00 from march to October are advised to visit St George’s Chapel first before it closes.

Shopping

Shops offer a wide range of souvenirs designed for the Royal Collection, including books, postcards, china, jewellery, and children’s toys. Please ask at the Middle Ward shop about our home delivery service.

Refreshments

Bottled water can be purchased from the Courtyard and Middle Ward shops. From April to September ice cream is also available. Visitors wishing to leave the Castle for refreshments in the town may obtain re-entry permits from the castle shops. Eating and drinking are not permits in the State Apartments or St George’s Chapel.

Photography and mobile phones

Non-commercial photography and filming are welcomed in the Castle. Photography, video recording and filming are not permitted inside the State Apartments or St George’s Chapel. Mobile phone must be switched off inside the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel in consideration of other visitors.

Security

As Winter Castle is a working royal palace, visitors and their belongings should get through airport-style security checks. For safety and security reasons a one-way system operates along the visitor route.

1.Who can get re-entry permits?

A. Visitors buying gifts in the castle shops.

B. Visitors buying water from the Courtyard.

C. Visitors wishing to eat outside the Castle.

D. Visitors eating outside St George’s Chapel.

2.Why are visitors required to turn off their mobile phone?

A. To prevent them from disturbing others.

B. To ensure the safety of others.

C. To ensure the security of the Castle.

D. To prevent the use of the built-in cameras.

3.In the last part, a "working royal palace" refers to one ________.

A. where the Queen usually works

B. where works of art are on show

C. still being constructed

D. still used by the royal family

高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

Canada is undoubtedly one of the world’s top ski holiday destinations. The excellent snow conditions, spacious track, perfectly groomed runs and superb powder are just a few of the many attractions that can be found in Canada. And to this unbeatable hospitality and service and you have the recipe for an outstanding, unforgettable ski holiday.

Canadian Ski Resorts

Skiing in Whistler

Regularly voted the No.1 ski resort in North America, Whistler offers everything that you could possibly want: fantastic scenery, an attractive village, efficient lift system, wonderful skiing for all standards, good accommodation to suit all pockets and entertaining after ski.

Skiing in Lake Louise

Located in the heart of Canadian Rockies and yet only 90 highway minutes away for Calgary International Airport, the charming village of Lake Louise offers breathtaking views, 5-star accommodation, dining, shipping and nightlife.

Skiing in Banff

Lying in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff promises memorable skiing and snowboarding across 3 very different ski areas: Banff, Mount Norquay and sunshine. Each of these resorts is efficiently linked by an excellent ski bus service. Non skiers are also just as welcome here with a huge array of non-ski activities including snowmobiling（摩托雪橇）, dog sledding（狗拉雪橇）and ice skating.

1.This passage is written mainly for ________.

A. sportsmen　　 B. trainers for skiing

C. gymnasts　　 D. holiday makers

2.Mary and her ten-year-old boy choose to go Banff for skiing probably because ________.

A. Banff offers very good hotels and dining halls

B. Banff is not far away from the International Airport

C. they are not very good at skiing but love to play with snow

D. they can enjoy a wonderful meal and nightlife

3.________ is suitable for those who enjoy skiing and append less money on hotels.

A. Whistler　　 B. Lake Louise

C. Banff　　 D. Sunshine

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

CALCUTTA, India Mar 24, 2006 (AP) — One of the world’s oldest creatures, a giant tortoise believed to have been about 250 years old, has died in the Calcutta zoo where it spent more than half its long life.

Addwaita, which means “the one and only” in the local Bengali language, was one of four Aldabra tortoises brought to India by British sailors in the 18th century. Zoo officials say he was a gift for Lord Robert Clive of the East India Company, who was instrumental in establishing British colonial rule in India, before he returned to England in 1767. Long after the other three tortoises died, Addwaita continued to thrive, living in Clive’s garden before being moved to the zoo in 1875.

“According to records in the zoo, the age of the giant tortoise, Addwaita, who died on Wednesday, would be about 250 years,” said zoo director Subir Chowdhury. That would have made him much older than the world’s oldest documented living animal: Harriet, a 176-year-old Galapagos tortoise who lives at the Australia Zoo north of Brisbane, according to the zoo’s Web site. She was taken from the island of Isla Santa Cruz by Charles Darwin in the 19th century.

Aldabra tortoises come from the Aldabra atoll in the Seychelle islands in the Indian Ocean, and often live to more than 100 years of age. Males can weigh up to 550 pounds. Addwaita, the zoo’s biggest attraction, had been unwell for the last few days, said local Forest Minister Jogesh Burman.

“We were keeping a watch on him. When the zoo keepers went to his enclosure on Wednesday they found him dead,” Burman said.

1. According to the passage, Addwaita ________.

A. was sent to India as a gift by British government

B. was sent to India by British sailors in 1767

C. lived together with three other Aldabra tortoises in India

D. belonged to Lord Robert Clive for some time

2. By now, the oldest animal in the world is about at ________.

A. 176 years old      B. 100 years old       C. 250 years old      D. 200 years old

3. In the last few days before Addwaita died, he ________.

A. had been sent to hospital for treatment

B. had been playing with travelers

C. had been found not better than before

D. had stayed in his enclosure for days

4. What would be the best title for the passage?

A. An Old Aldabra Tortoise Died in India

B. A Remarkable Life: Tortoise Dies at 250

C. A Special Kind of Tortoise — Addwaita

D. The Oldest Animal Aldabra Tortoise Died

高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

CALCUTTA, India Mar 24, 2006 (AP) — One of the world’s oldest creatures, a giant tortoise believed to have been about 250 years old, has died in the Calcutta zoo where it spent more than half its long life.

Addwaita, which means “the one and only” in the local Bengali language, was one of four Aldabra tortoises brought to India by British sailors in the 18th century. Zoo officials say he was a gift for Lord Robert Clive of the East India Company, who was instrumental in establishing British colonial rule in India, before he returned to England in 1767. Long after the other three tortoises died, Addwaita continued to thrive, living in Clive’s garden before being moved to the zoo in 1875.

“According to records in the zoo, the age of the giant tortoise, Addwaita, who died on Wednesday, would be about 250 years,” said zoo director Subir Chowdhury. That would have made him much older than the world’s oldest documented living animal: Harriet, a 176-year-old Galapagos tortoise who lives at the Australia Zoo north of Brisbane, according to the zoo’s Web site. She was taken from the island of Isla Santa Cruz by Charles Darwin in the 19th century.

Aldabra tortoises come from the Aldabra atoll in the Seychelle islands in the Indian Ocean, and often live to more than 100 years of age. Males can weigh up to 550 pounds. Addwaita, the zoo’s biggest attraction, had been unwell for the last few days, said local Forest Minister Jogesh Burman.

“We were keeping a watch on him. When the zoo keepers went to his enclosure on Wednesday they found him dead,” Burman said.

1.According to the passage, Addwaita ________.

A. was sent to India as a gift by British government

B. was sent to India by British sailors in 1767

C. lived together with three other Aldabra tortoises in India

D. belonged to Lord Robert Clive for some time

2.By now, the oldest animal in the world is about at ________.

A. 176 years old      B. 100 years old       C. 250 years old      D. 200 years old

3.In the last few days before Addwaita died, he ________.

A. had been sent to hospital for treatment

B. had been playing with travelers

C. had been found not better than before

D. had stayed in his enclosure for days

4.What would be the best title for the passage?

A. An Old Aldabra Tortoise Died in India

B. A Remarkable Life: Tortoise Dies at 250

C. A Special Kind of Tortoise — Addwaita

D. The Oldest Animal Aldabra Tortoise Died

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析