It may surprise bookworms, but apparently masterpieces such as Jane Eyre are lacking in something — sound effects. An electronic-book firm is adding background noises and music to the works of Charlotte Bronte, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and William Shakespeare in the hope of attracting younger readers. In one example, a description of rain lashing against a window in a Sherlock Holmes story will be “enhanced” with matching noises.
The first multimedia e-books — with sounds to accompany novels — will be available this Friday in the UK. The Booktrack releases are available to iPad users, with other tablet computer versions to follow. The concept is already in use in the U.S., where the classics come with added sound effects. Readers for example can hear the china cups chinking in Mr. Darcy’s garden as they read Pride And Prejudice.
A story by Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie will be released later in the year with a specially crafted orchestral score. Rushdie’s story In The South will be released with a soundtrack provided by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
The Power Of Six by Pittacus Lore, a novel for young adults, is one of the first to be tested with a soundtrack which builds in suspense in keeping with the plot. It works by timing the speed of each reader and the software measures the “turning” of a page and moves the music or sounds along accordingly. It has been created by Booktrack which synchronizes (使同步) music to each novel. It is funded by Peter Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal.
Mr. Thiel said, “It’s always exciting to witness the creation of a new form of media. The technology promises to captivate readers in a different way.”
However, they have been greeted with horror by traditionalists, who say the technology takes away the pleasure of having one’s imagination stimulated by a story. They also raise the prospect (预期) of having to ask an overly eager reader to turn their book down. David Nicholls, whose bestseller One Day was recently turned into a film starring Anne Hathaway, said, “This sounds like the opposite of reading. It would be a distraction.”
1.What’s the purpose of the electronic-book firm adding sound effects to masterpieces?
A. To add some creative factors to the e-books.
B. To arouse interest of the readers.
C. To satisfy the readers’ great need.
D. To promote the technology progress.
2.Where was the idea that sounds are added to accompany novels first put forward?
A. Britain. B. Australia.
C. New Zealand. D. America.
3. The following should be done to make a soundtrack work, EXCEPT _________.
A. measuring how long each reader spends in reading
B. increasing the volume of the music or sounds
C. making out the reading speed
D. changing the music or sounds with pages turned
4. What’s Mr. Thiel’ attitude to the future of the new form of media?
A. Doubtful. B. Indifferent.
C. Hopeful. D. Pessimistic.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题
It may surprise bookworms, but apparently masterpieces such as Jane Eyre are lacking in something — sound effects. An electronic-book firm is adding background noises and music to the works of Charlotte Bronte, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and William Shakespeare in the hope of attracting younger readers. In one example, a description of rain lashing against a window in a Sherlock Holmes story will be “enhanced” with matching noises.
The first multimedia e-books — with sounds to accompany novels — will be available this Friday in the UK. The Booktrack releases are available to iPad users, with other tablet computer versions to follow. The concept is already in use in the U.S., where the classics come with added sound effects. Readers for example can hear the china cups chinking in Mr. Darcy’s garden as they read Pride And Prejudice.
A story by Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie will be released later in the year with a specially crafted orchestral score. Rushdie’s story In The South will be released with a soundtrack provided by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
The Power Of Six by Pittacus Lore, a novel for young adults, is one of the first to be tested with a soundtrack which builds in suspense in keeping with the plot. It works by timing the speed of each reader and the software measures the “turning” of a page and moves the music or sounds along accordingly. It has been created by Booktrack which synchronizes (使同步) music to each novel. It is funded by Peter Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal.
Mr. Thiel said, “It’s always exciting to witness the creation of a new form of media. The technology promises to captivate readers in a different way.”
However, they have been greeted with horror by traditionalists, who say the technology takes away the pleasure of having one’s imagination stimulated by a story. They also raise the prospect (预期) of having to ask an overly eager reader to turn their book down. David Nicholls, whose bestseller One Day was recently turned into a film starring Anne Hathaway, said, “This sounds like the opposite of reading. It would be a distraction.”
1.What’s the purpose of the electronic-book firm adding sound effects to masterpieces?
A. To add some creative factors to the e-books.
B. To arouse interest of the readers.
C. To satisfy the readers’ great need.
D. To promote the technology progress.
2.Where was the idea that sounds are added to accompany novels first put forward?
A. Britain. B. Australia.
C. New Zealand. D. America.
3. The following should be done to make a soundtrack work, EXCEPT _________.
A. measuring how long each reader spends in reading
B. increasing the volume of the music or sounds
C. making out the reading speed
D. changing the music or sounds with pages turned
4. What’s Mr. Thiel’ attitude to the future of the new form of media?
A. Doubtful. B. Indifferent.
C. Hopeful. D. Pessimistic.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
It may not come as a surprise but the world as a whole is getting richer. Some people have more disposable(可支配的) income to spend on luxuries such as holidays, cars, TVs and smartphones. Recent data has shown that the number of people living in extreme poverty(贫穷) has halved in recent decades. So should we celebrate the fact that more of us now have a better standard of living?
Maybe not. Whilst the gap between rich and poor in some countries is narrowing, there is still a lot of inequality in other places-some people have a lot of money and opportunities and others don't. A recent report by Oxfam and Credit Suisse revealed how divided many of us are when it comes to wealth. A lot of the money in the world is in the hands of very few people. In fact, 48% of global wealth is owned by the richest 1% of the population.
But some countries are attempting to reduce this inequality and make the poor, less poor. According to David Bryer from Oxfam, Brazil has been taking "some really sensible measures-measures around having more progressive(逐步发展的) tax, around investing in a higher minimum wage and investing in central public services." Having a higher minimum wage, can help people eat better and seek a better education. And more people with more money buy more things-and factories can produce more. In turn, a factory which produces more will need more workers. So, more jobs are created.
Other wealthy individuals are doing their bit to help reduce inequality. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, earned a lot of money from his company but when he retired, he and his wife Melinda, created a foundation to help the poor. He thinks that rich people should, of course, pay their taxes but he also advises that they should all "look at taking their wealth and being philanthropic, both in their own country and to help the global poorest."
Bill Gates feels that giving money to help poor people is "fulfilling". But if other super-rich people don't want to experience this fulfilment then, according to Oxfam, very soon the wealthiest 1% will soon own more money than the rest of the world's population.
1.According to a recent report by Oxfam and Credit Suisse, .
A. the gap between the rich and the poor is widening gradually
B. increased wealth helps people to reduce the inequality
C. people should be happy about the world’s getting richer
D. a small number of people possesses the major wealth
2.What the author’s attitude towards Brazil’s measures?
A. Cautious B. Approving
C. Doubtful D. Critical
3.What is the meaning of the underlines word “philanthropic”?
A. Merciful B. Responsible
C. Realistic D. Broadminded
4.The author develops the article mainly by .
A. comparing opinions from different fields
B. listing detailed numbers and analyzing them
C. presenting a trend and analyzing its cause and effect
D. presenting research findings and giving some examples
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
It may not come as a surprise but the world as a whole is getting richer. Some people have more disposable income to spend on luxuries such as holidays, cars, TVs and smartphones. Recent data has shown that the number of people living in extreme poverty has halved in recent decades. So should we celebrate the fact that more of us now have a better standard of living?
Maybe not. While the gap between rich and poor in some countries is narrowing, there is still a lot of inequality in other places-some people have a lot of money and opportunities and others don’t. A recent report by Oxfam and Credit Suisse revealed how divided many of us are when it comes to wealth. A lot of the money in the world is in the hands of very few people. In fact, 48% of global wealth is owned by the richest 1% of the population.
But some countries are attempting to reduce this inequality and make the poor less poor. According to David Bryer from Oxfam, Brazil has been taking “some really sensible measures-measures around having more progressive tax, around investing in a higher minimum wage and investing in central public services.” Having a higher minimum wage(提高最低工资标准), can help people eat better and seek a better education. And more people with more money buy more things-and factories can produce more. In turn, a factory which produces more will need more workers. So, more jobs are created.
Other wealthy individuals are doing their bit to help reduce inequality. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, earned a lot of money from his company but when he retired, he and his wife Melinda, created a foundation to help the poor. He thinks that rich people should, of course, pay their taxes but he also advises that they should all “look at taking their wealth and being philanthropic, both in their own country and to help the global poorest.”
Bill Gates feels that giving money to help poor people is “fulfilling”. But if other super-rich people don’t want to experience this fulfilment then, according to Oxfam, very soon the wealthiest 1% will soon own more money than the rest of the world’s population. Do you think that is fair?
1.According to a recent report by Oxfam and Credit Suisse, .
A. the gap between the rich and poor is widening gradually
B. increased wealth helps people to reduce the inequality
C. people should be happy about the world’s getting richer
D. a small number of people possess the major world wealth
2.What’s the author’s attitude towards Brazil’s measures?
A. Cautious B. Approving
C. Doubtful D. Critical
3.What is the meaning of the underlined word “philanthropic” in Paragraph 4?
A. Broadminded B. Responsible
C. Realistic D. Merciful
4.The author develops the article mainly by .
A. comparing opinions from different fields
B. listing detailed numbers and analyzing them
C. presenting research findings and giving some examples
D. presenting a trend and analyzing its cause and effect
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
It's surprising that this innocent-looking person should have _____ such a crime.
A.committed B.acted C.made D.performed
高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
_______ is surprising is that there are so many Chinese restaurants in Toronto.
A．It B．That C．Such D．What
高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
It surprised us all ______ Kate made such big progress in this final exam.
A. when B. that C. how D. whether
高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
It is no surprise that more and more people like bicycling, because it is fun, healthy and good. Maybe that's why there are 1.4 billion bicycles and only 400 million cars on roads worldwide today, Bikes can take you almost anywhere, and there is no oil cost.
Get on a bicycle and ride around your neighborhood. You may discover something new all around you. Stopping and getting off a bike is easier than stopping and getting out of your car. You can bike to work and benefit from the enjoyable exercise without polluting the environment. You don't even have to ride all the way.
Folding bikes work well for people who ride the train. Just fold the bike and take it with you. You can do the same on an airplane. A folding bike can be packed in a suitcase. You can also take a common bike with you when you fly. But be sure to look for information by getting on airline websites. Not all airlines are bicycle-friendly to travelers.
Health Benefits of Bicycling:
It helps to prevent heart diseases and control your weight.
A 15-minute bike ride three times a week burns off five kilos of fat a year.
Bicycling can improve your mood.
Exercise like bicycling has been shown to make people feel better, more relaxed and self-confident.
Bicycling is healthier than driving.
1.From the passage, we know that bicycling is becoming very _______.
A. surprising B. exciting C. expensive D. popular
2.When you are riding your bicycle around your neighborhood, you may ______.
A. pollute the environment around B. find something you didn't notice
C. go everywhere and use a little oil D. get off your bike and begin to work
3.If you travel with a folding bike, you can fold it and _______.
A. get out of the car B. take it onto a train
C. put it in your purse D. go on airline websites
4.One of the benefits of bicycling is that ______.
A. you can fold the bicycle B. you will be friendly to others
C. you will be more relaxed D. you may get fatter and fatter
5.Which of the following is True according to the passage?
A. Bicycling is an enjoyable exercise for people.
B. Driving cars is healthier than riding bikes.
C. Riding a bike pollutes your neighborhood.
D. Common bikes are welcomed by all airlines.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Do you have such kind of experience?In a bus you may look at a stranger,but not too long.And if he senses that he1.(stare) at,he may feel uncomfortable.
The same happens in daily life.If you are looked at for more than necessary,you will look at yourself up and down,to see2.anything is wrong with you.If nothing goes wrong,you will feel uncomfortable.Eyes do speak,right?
3.(look) too long at someone may seem to be rude.But things are different when4.comes to a stare at the opposite sex.If a man5.(glance) at a woman for more than 10 seconds,that means he wishes to make her know he is admiring her.Normally,the speaker in conversation will look at the listener at times to make sure that the listener does pay attention to6.the former is saying.A poor liar usually makes himself7.(expose) by looking too long at the victim,since he believes in the false idea that to look straight in the eye is a sign of honest8.(communicate). Actually,continuous eye contact exists in lovers only,who will enjoy looking at each other gently for a long time to show love that words cannot convey.
9.(evident),eye contact should be done according to the specific situation and the relationship10.the two people.
高二英语短文填空困难题查看答案及解析
Ways to be safe in school
School safety issues involve more than violence. It may also address such concern as natural disasters, illness, fire and local emergencies. 1.
Have a plan
Teachers and students should know where to go and what to do in case of a school security situation. 2. Schools can also post guidelines in each classroom with simple pictures pointing out emergency exits, fire extinguishers(灭火器), and other emergency equipment.
Screen visitors
3. Give school visitors temporary badges(证章) to identify them. Install cameras at all entrances and restrict access as much as possible. Ask teachers and hall monitors to stop anyone in the halls without appropriate identification.
Panic buttons
Provide teachers with panic button in classroom so they can ask for help immediately. Provide clear and brief instructions about use and immediate response when started. 4.
Establish a hotline
Establish a hotline so students can report crimes and threats anonymously(匿名地). Post the number in obvious locations so students can see it on a regular basis. 5. Establish a student disciplinary committee, and develop peer counseling programs for newcomers and victims of bullying(欺负).
A. Teachers and students should be certain that immediate help will arrive.
B. Visitors are not allowed to enter schools.
C. Students may report crimes and threats more quickly without being identified.
D. Require that all visitors enter the security office and explain why they are there.
E. It is said that about 16,000 students die in school accidents every year in China.
F. So what can we do to make the school a safer place?
G. Just as schools practice fire drills, they can conduct safety drills.
高二英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析
It may help you to know that there is no such thing as a perfect speech．At some point in every speech, every speaker says something that is not understood exactly as he has planned．Fortunately, the moments are usually not obvious to the listeners. Why? Because the listeners do not know what the speaker plans to say. They hear only what the speaker does say. If you lose your place for a moment, wrongly change the order of a couple of sentences, or forget to pause at a certain point, no one will be any the wiser．When such moments occur, don’t worry about them, Just continue as if nothing happened．
Even if you do make an obvious mistake during a speech, that don’t really matter. If you have ever listened to Martin Luther King’s famous speech – “ I have a dream”, you may notice that he stumble（结巴）his words twice during the speech．Most likely, however, you don’t remember．Why? Because you were fixing your attention on is message rather than on his way of speech-making. People care a lot about making mistakes in a speech because they regard speech-making as a kind of performance rather than as an act of communication. They feel the listeners are like judges in an ice-skating competition．But, in fact, the listeners are not looking for a perfect performer. They are looking for a well-thought-out speech that express the speaker’s ideas clearly and directly．Sometimes a mistake or two can actually increase a speakers’ attractiveness by making him more human．
As you work on your speech, don’t worry about being imperfect．Once you free your mind of this, you will find it much easier to give your speech freely．
1.
The underlined part in the first paragraph means that no one will ___________．
A．be smarter than you B．notice your mistakes
C．do better than you D．know what you are talking about
2.
You don’t remember obvious mistakes in a speech because ___________．
A．your attention is on the content
B．you don’t fully understand the speech
C．you don’t know what the speaker plans to say
D．you find the way of speech-making more important
3.
It can be inferred from the passage that ___________．
A．giving a speech is like giving a performance
B．one to two mistakes in a speech may not be bad
C．the listeners should pay more attention to how a speech is made
D．the more mistakes a speaker makes, the more attractive he will be
4.
What would be the best title of the passage?
A．How to Be a Perfect Speaker
B．How to Make a Perfect Speech
C．Don’t Expect a Perfect Speech
D．Don’t Expect Mistakes in a Speech
高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析