“A good book might clarify something you knew little about, transform your world view, or move you in ways you didn’t think possible. The Soul of an Octopus(章鱼)delivers on all three, ”the magazine New Scientist commented.
After writing about birds, pigs and tigers, US naturalist Sy Montgomery decided to choose these many-footed animals as the subject of her latest book, The Soul of an Octopus: a surprising exploration into the wonder of consciousness.
“Here is animal with poisonous liquid like a snake,a beak(喙)like a parrot,and ink like an old-fashioned pen. It can weigh as much as a man and extend as long as a car, yet it can pour its baggy; boneless body through an opening the size of all orange. It can change color and shape. It has a tongue covered with teeth. It can taste with its skin.” Montgomery explained to the National Geographic on why octopuses inspired her.
What Montgomery is able to show in The Soul of an Octopus is that octopuses are creatures who exhibit personality, intelligence and emotion, despite having nervous systems completely different from our own. She uses different experiments to show that they possess consciousness as well as individual personalities. For example, based on her research, she finds out that Octavia, an octopus caught in the wild, is friendly and good at multi-tasking. And Kali, another octopus,who has been living at the New England Aquarium, is playful and loves exploring.
Montgomery is a good storyteller. Through her study of, and communication with, these extraordinary creatures she shares what she learns from both science and her experiences. Her skillful writing presents facts together with personal description, which makes the book very informative but easy to read.
1.Why is The Soul of an Octopus thought highly of ?
A. It is themed with a many-footed animal.
B. It mainly explores consciousness and wonders.
C. It compares octopuses with birds, pigs and tigers.
D. It offers new knowledge and changes your viewpoints.
2.Octopuses impress Montgomery greatly because.
A. they have unique physical functioning
B. their liquid can be used as good ink
C. they behave more like snakes and parrots
D. their body can be shrunk to the size of an orange
3.What does Montgomery think of octopuses according to Paragraph 4?
A. They are friendly with each other.
B. They are similar to humans in a way.
C. They communicate with humans well.
D. They have different nature from humans.
4.Which of the following best describes the book?
A. Vivid but unreal. B. Scientific and readable.
C. Boring and ridiculous. D. Interesting but fictional
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题
“A good book might clarify something you knew little about, transform your world view, or move you in ways you didn’t think possible. The Soul of an Octopus(章鱼)delivers on all three, ”the magazine New Scientist commented.
After writing about birds, pigs and tigers, US naturalist Sy Montgomery decided to choose these many-footed animals as the subject of her latest book, The Soul of an Octopus: a surprising exploration into the wonder of consciousness.
“Here is animal with poisonous liquid like a snake,a beak(喙)like a parrot,and ink like an old-fashioned pen. It can weigh as much as a man and extend as long as a car, yet it can pour its baggy; boneless body through an opening the size of all orange. It can change color and shape. It has a tongue covered with teeth. It can taste with its skin.” Montgomery explained to the National Geographic on why octopuses inspired her.
What Montgomery is able to show in The Soul of an Octopus is that octopuses are creatures who exhibit personality, intelligence and emotion, despite having nervous systems completely different from our own. She uses different experiments to show that they possess consciousness as well as individual personalities. For example, based on her research, she finds out that Octavia, an octopus caught in the wild, is friendly and good at multi-tasking. And Kali, another octopus,who has been living at the New England Aquarium, is playful and loves exploring.
Montgomery is a good storyteller. Through her study of, and communication with, these extraordinary creatures she shares what she learns from both science and her experiences. Her skillful writing presents facts together with personal description, which makes the book very informative but easy to read.
1.Why is The Soul of an Octopus thought highly of ?
A. It is themed with a many-footed animal.
B. It mainly explores consciousness and wonders.
C. It compares octopuses with birds, pigs and tigers.
D. It offers new knowledge and changes your viewpoints.
2.Octopuses impress Montgomery greatly because.
A. they have unique physical functioning
B. their liquid can be used as good ink
C. they behave more like snakes and parrots
D. their body can be shrunk to the size of an orange
3.What does Montgomery think of octopuses according to Paragraph 4?
A. They are friendly with each other.
B. They are similar to humans in a way.
C. They communicate with humans well.
D. They have different nature from humans.
4.Which of the following best describes the book?
A. Vivid but unreal. B. Scientific and readable.
C. Boring and ridiculous. D. Interesting but fictional
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
I'd like to share a little story with you about something that happened when I was four, remember it clearly. Our loving family dog was nearing the end of his life. My father picked him up and put him in a little bed we had made for him. Our dog, my companion. whom we had cared for, bit my father when he attempted to help him. How could he? Why? I couldn't understand it. I didn't like him anymore.
I hadn't thought about that story for a long time but something that happened last week brought it back to me. I went to speak with a friend. When I knocked on the door, I met in an instant an angry look and a few harsh(尖刻的) words. When the door was skimmed(砰地关上) in my face, I stood there shocked, and in a rush, I was reminded of my dog which bit my father 20 years ago or so.
What brought that story back was that same feeling of betrayal.
Both stories taught me something the next day. You see, when I got up in the morning and was told my dog had died, it became clear to me that he must have been in great pain. For him to have bitten a family member, he could not have been himself. Much the same for the other story when I learned that my friend's wife had just left him.
We are all beings of our environments, our opinions and feelings. And all of those things can cause you to say and do things that can't be understood by those who are not in the same situation with you.
If you meet someone either behaving out of character or acting in a way that doesn't seem to fit the situation, be patient when you think it is least possible for him to do so and try to get to know why he had such behaviour.
1.What's the influence of the incident that happened when he was four?
A.It hurt his father's feeling deeply. B.It has puzzled the author ever since.
C.It left a deep impression on the author. D.It made the author dislike dogs.
2.What made the author think about the story of about 20 years ago?
A.The photo of the dog, B.His friend's attitude.
C.His father's wound. D.His friend’s suffering.
3.Why did the authors friend say harsh words to the author?
A.Because he was bad-tempered.
B.Because they once quarreled and lie couldn't forgive the author.
C.Because he was bothered by an unexpected visit.
D.Because he was suffering the pain of losing his wife.
4.What conclusion did the author get from the two stories?
A.Misunderstanding should be removed in time.
B.Sometimes one will be hurt without any reason.
C.Many people think more of themselves and less of others.
D.Many factors will affect one's behavior.
5.What's the author's advice to us?
A.Learn to understand others. B.Look before you leap.
C.Help those in need. D.Tolerance is a kind of virtue.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Although he knew little about the work done in the field, he succeeded ____other more experienced experimenters failed.
A. which B. that C. what D. where
高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
The novelist knew little about the precious document(文件). _____, he had hardly heard of it before.
A. Instead B. Therefore
C. Actually D. However
高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
An eight-year-old child heard her parents talking about her little brother. All she knew was that he was very sick and they had no money. Only a very expensive operation could save him now and there was no one to lend them the money.
When she heard her daddy say to her tearful mother, “Only a miracle can save him now,” the little girl went to her bedroom and pulled her money from its hiding place and counted it carefully.
She hurried to a drugstore with the money in her hand.
“And what do you want?” asked the salesman. “It’s for my little brother,” the girl answered. “He’s really, really sick and I want to buy a miracle.” “Pardon?” said the salesman.
“My brother Andrew has something bad growing inside his head and my daddy says only a miracle can save him. So how much does a miracle cost?” “We don’t sell a miracle here, child. I’m sorry,” the salesman said with a smile.
“Listen, if it isn’t enough, I can try and get some more. Just tell me how much it costs.”
A well-dressed man heard it and asked, “What kind of a miracle does your brother need?”
“I don’t know,” she answered with her eyes full of tears. “He’s really sick and mum says he needs an operation. But my daddy can’t pay for it, so I have brought all my money.”
“How much do you have?” asked the man. “$ 1.11, but I can try and get some more,” she answered.
“Well, what luck,” smiled the man. “$ 1.11, the price of a miracle for little brothers.”
He took up the girl’s hand and said, “Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let’s see if I have the kind of miracle you need.”
That well-dressed man was Dr Carlton Armstrong, a famous doctor. The operation was successful and it wasn’t long before Andrew was home again.
How much did the miracle cost?
1.What was the trouble in the little girl’s family?
A.Her brother was seriously ill. B.They had no money.
C.Nothing could save her brother. D.Both A and B.
2.In the eye of the little girl, a miracle might be .
A.something interesting B.something beautiful
C.some wonderful medicine D.some good food
3.The little girl said again and again “...I can try and get some more.” That shows .
A.she had still kept some money
B.she hoped not to be refused
C.There was no need to worry about money
D.she thought money was easy to get
4.What made the miracle happen?
A.The girl’s love for her brother. B.The girl’s money.
C.The medicine from the drugstore. D.Nobody can tell.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
An eight-year-old child heard her parents talking about her little brother.All she knew was that he was very sick and they had no money left.When she heard her daddy say to her mother with whispered desperation(绝望), “ a miracle(奇迹) can save him now”, the little girl went to her bedroom and took out her piggy bank.She all the change out on the floor and counted carefully.Then she her way six blocks to the local drugstore(药店).
“And what do you want?” asked the chemist.
“It’s my little brother,” the girl answered back.“He’s really, really sick and I want to buy a .His name is Andrew and he has something growing inside his head and my daddy says only a miracle can save him.”
“We don’t miracles here, child.I’ m sorry,” the chemist said, smiling at the little girl.
In the shop was a customer.He stooped (弯腰) down and asked the little girl, “What kind of miracle does your brother ?”
“I don’t know,” she replied.“He’s really sick and mommy says he needs .But my daddy can’t pay for it, so I have brought my .”
“How much do you have?” asked the man.
“One dollar and eleven cents, I can try and get some more,” she answered quietly.
“Well, what a coincidence(巧合),” smiled the man. “A dollar and eleven cents — the price of a miracle for little brothers. me to where you live.I want to see your brother and your parents.”
That well dressed man was Dr Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon(外科医生).The operation was completed without charge and it wasn’t long Andrew was home again and doing well.
The little girl was .She knew exactly how much the miracle .one dollar and eleven cents ...plus the faith of a little child.
1.A.tearful B.hopeful C.hopeless D.kind
2.A.Simply B.Just C.Only D.More than
3.A.drew B.pulled C.took D.poured
4.A.walked B.made C.brought D.felt
5.A.to B.as C.for D.on
6.A.hope B.doctor C.favor D.miracle
7.A.bad B.small C.extra D.impossible
8.A.give B.offer C.sell D.store
9.A.seriously B.sadly C.strangely D.coldly
10.A.well dressed B.kind hearted C.well behaved D.good looking
11.A.have B.need C.care D.like
12.A.a doctor B.a medicine C.an operation D.a kindness
13.A.savings B.wishes C.ideas D.suggestions
14.A.since B.as C.after D.but
15.A.same B.exact C.wrong D.necessary
16.A.tell B.Help C.Take D.Follow
17.A.save B.encourage C.persuade D.meet
18.A.that B.until C.before D.after
19.A.sad B.angry C.well D.happy
20.A.worth B.cost C.paid D.spend
高二英语完形填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Having your nose in a book might seem a little anti-social at times—but reading could actually make you a kinder, more considerate person, a study has found. Readers were more likely to act in a socially acceptable manner, while those who preferred watching television came across as less friendly and less understanding of others’ views, researchers said.
123 participants in the study were quizzed on their preferences for books, TV and plays at Kingston University, London. They were then tested on how much they considered people’s feelings and whether they acted to help others. Researchers told the British Psychological Society conference in Brighton yesterday that fiction fans showed more positive social behavior.
Readers of drama and romance novels were also empathetic, while lovers of experimental books showed the ability to see things from different directions. Comedy fans scored the highest for relating to others. The study suggested reading allows people to see different points of view enabling them to understand others better.
The researchers added, “Exposure to fiction relates to a range of empathetic abilities. Engaging with fictional prose and comedy in particular could be key to improving people’s empathetic abilities.”
However, the authors warned the study did not prove cause-and-effect. So it could be that reading causes positive behavior, or it could be that thoughtful, well-mannered people are more likely to prefer reading. So it is a good idea to pick up a book to begin your travel with the author. Each author will show how they would react to certain situations through their characters. Everyone can view the same situation differently, and from 1,001 different angles. The more you read, the much better you can understand other peoples’ opinions.
1.Why did the writer mention the result of watching television?
A.The writer is a anti-social reporter. B.The writer shows benefits of reading.
C.The writer is a considerate person. D.The writer becomes socially acceptable.
2.What were the participants tested on?
A.The skills of communicating. B.The time of reading books.
C.The places of getting new books. D.The ways of expressing feelings.
3.Who can observe differently?
A.Readers of drama. B.Writers of romance novels.
C.Readers of comedy. D.Readers of experiments.
高二英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析
Adam and Max hardly knew what to talk about: they had so little ________.
A. in public B. in return C. in common D. in reality
高二英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析
When was the last time someone unexpectedly did something nice for you? Not someone you knew, but a total stranger? It's happened to me a few times, but two instances really stand out.
A few years ago, I was dining in a restaurant with a friend who kept talking about himself, completely not aware of the fact that I was sitting there in misery. It wasn't my friend's talks that made me suffer. I was recovering from a broken heart, and just sitting down to dinner reminded me of my last relationship. I could have burst into tears right there at the table.
When we picked up the check, the waitress said, “Your meal was already paid for.” My friend and I didn't have a clue how it happened. Then I remembered a man I saw out of the corner of my eye. He was dressed in mostly white, sat down at the bar, had a beer, and stayed for maybe ten minutes. The waitress said, “Yes, the gentleman in white paid for you.” It felt like an angel was saying, “I see you, honey. It's going to be okay.”
Just last year, I was running a halfmarathon. With just 1 mile to go, I was out of gas. Runners call it “hitting_the_wall”. I thought I couldn't move another inch. Out of nowhere, a stranger came up to me and said, “What's your name, sweetie? Jennifer? Okay, Jennifer, let's go! Come on! It's just around the corner! You can do it!” And he ran with me until I picked up my pace. I found him at the finish line to thank him for the encouragement only to learn he wasn't even supposed to be in the race that day.
I still shake my head when I think of these momentary angels that came to me at my point of need. Do you have any experiences like these?
1.Which of the following is the best title for the passage?
A.The kindness of strangers
B.Valuable friendship
C.Two special experiences
D.Helping others is worthwhile
2.According to the passage, the man in white ____.
A.was the author's friend
B.had a big meal in the restaurant
C.was generous and kindhearted
D.enjoyed making fun of others
3.The underlined expression in the passage means “____”.
A.being hurt by the wall
B.winning the game
C.taking a deep breath
D.running out of energy
4.A stranger helped the author during a halfmarathon by ____.
A.giving her a bottle of water
B.accompanying and encouraging her
C.showing her the right way
D.keeping her cool and awake
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
When was the last time someone unexpectedly did something nice for you ? Not someone you knew, but a total stranger? It’s happened to me a few times, but two instances really stand out.
A few years ago, I was dining in a restaurant with a friend who kept talking about himself, completely not aware of the fact that I was sitting there in misery. It wasn’t my friend’s talks that made me suffer. I was recovering from a broken heart, and just sitting down to dinner reminded me of my last relationship. I could have burst into tears right there at the table.
When we picked up the check, the waitress said, “ Your meal was already paid for .” My friend and I didn’t have a clue how it happened. Then I remembered a man I saw out of the corner of my eye. He was dressed in mostly white, sat down at the bar, had a beer, and stayed for maybe ten minutes. The waitress said, “Yes, the gentleman in white paid for you .” It felt like an angel was saying “I see you, honey. It’s going to be okay.”
Just last year, I was running a half-marathon. With just 1 mile to go, I was out of gas. Runners call it “hitting the wall”. I thought I couldn’t move another inch. Out of nowhere, a stranger came up to me and said, “What’s your name, sweetie? Jennifer? Okay, Jennifer, let’s go! Come on! It’s just around the corner! You can do it!” And he ran with me until I picked up my pace. I found him at the finish line to thank him for the encouragement only to learn he wasn’t even supposed to be in the race that day.
I still shake my head when I think of these momentary angels that came to me at my point of need. Do you have any experiences like these?
1.Which of the following is the best title for the passage?
A. The kindness of strangers. B. Valuable friendship .
C. Two special experiences . D. Helping others is worthwhile
2.Why did the author suffer when dining out with a friend?
A. Because she didn’t like the dishes.
B. Because she quarreled with her friend
C. Because her friend only talked about himself.
D. Because she was sad for her last relationship.
3.The underlined expression in the passage means “______”.
A. being hurt by the wall B. winning the game
C. taking a deep breath D. running out of energy
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析