When Medicine Hat, a city in southern Alberta...

When Medicine Hat, a city in southern Alberta, Canada, promised to put an end to homelessness in 2009, there were many people doubtful about it. A good six years later, the city says it has fulfilled its promise with the help of a surprisingly simple idea: giving every homeless person a home with no strings attached.

While traditional housing programs ask that potential participants shouldn’t have crime record and seek psychological treatment before they are admitted into the system, the Housing First approach makes the homeless free from such things. Whoever is in need of a permanent place to stay will get help, no matter what their circumstances are. “We thought that people are worthy of a home and it is a fundamental human right to have a shelter and a roof over their heads, ” Jamie Rogers, who ran the Housing First program in Medicine Hat told the BBC. “Of course it is recovery-oriented and we help and support people in making different choices in their life, but we don’t withhold (抑制) housing because of who they choose to be.”

Since April 2009, the community of about 64,000 collectively housed 1,013 homeless individuals; 705 adults and 308 children. Apart from the obvious success of getting people out of the street, Housing First also brought with it a number of unexpected positive effects. In Medicine Hat, emergency room visits and run-ins with police have dropped while at the same time court appearances went up. Once people felt that somebody cared about them, they gathered the necessary motivation to begin dealing with their past in a positive way.

Medicine Hat didn’t just carry out Housing First (which is also being used in other cities with varying levels of success) but rather changed its whole approach to homelessness. Rather than building, or relying only on subsidized (补贴的) housing, the city built a relationship of trust with landlords, property management companies, and local communities as a whole. Fear and prejudice towards the homeless have been replaced by the realization that they are simply people down on their luck and nowadays landlords call up city hall to offer their apartments to the program.

Medicine Hat’s inspiring success proves to us all that if we put aside our fears and differences and instead come together as a community, nothing is impossible.

1.What can we know about the homeless in Medicine Hat?

A. Most of them have been offered shelters.

B. They needn’t sleep in the street any longer.

C. They only need to pay a little for the shelters.

D. They have gained great help from local charity.

2.Compared with the traditional one, the Housing First approach, 　　　　 .

A. houses the homeless with fewer requirements

B. cares less about the homeless people’s crime record

C. cares more about the homeless people’s psychological health

D. gives the homeless shelters regardless of their backgrounds

3.Carrying out the Housing First approach, Medicine Hat didn’t expect 　　　　 .

A. the task would take so much time

B. the work would cost so much money

C. public security would improve

D. conflicts among people were nearly removed

4.What does Paragraph 3 mainly tell about?

A. Medicine Hat’s achievements.

B. Medicine Hat’s work summary.

C. Medicine Hat’s plan for the future.

D. Medicine Hat’s working with police.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Over the years, the small Vermilion Heritage Museum in Alberta, Canada, tried everything in its power to unlock an old safe (保险箱) in its basement: The museum hired blacksmiths, called the manufacturer, contacted former employees and challenged visitors to play around with the safe but nobody had any success.

Until last month, when a visitor to Vermilion cracked the code (密码) on his first try, much to the astonishment of everyone present.

Stephen Mills, from Fort McMurray, Alberta, was on a family camping trip with his wife and his two children. After giving the Mills' family a tour of the whole building, the museum volunteer showed them the objects in the basement, including the mysterious safe.

It originally had belonged to the town's Brunswick Hotel which opened in the early 1900s. When the hotel shut down in the late 1970s, the safe was locked: —and so it had remained.

“It was like a time capsule, nobody had any idea of what was in there,” said Mills.

Like other visitors, Mills was offered the chance to take a crack at opening it.

“Just like you see in the movies,” he said, “I looked at the dial and I saw the numbers were running from 0 to 60. So I thought in my head 20-40-60. I did a particular combination which is three on the right, two on the left, and one on the right, tried the handle … and it opened!””

“It was a 100% guess.” he said. “I was fully amazed. I stepped back a lttle bit and thought,

“I'm buying a lottery ticket tonight!””

The contents of the safe proved a little disappointing.

“Unfortunately, there wasn't what we thought was there,” Mills said. “Some papers, old checks, a waitress' notebook, and a receipt from the hotel. That's it.”

Nonetheless, Mills said everyone was excited about the lucky guess. “My children kept screaming “We beat the code! We beat the code!” he said.

1.Who unlocked the mysterious safe?

A.A visitor. B.A volunteer.

C.A blacksmith. D.An employee.

2.How did Mills unlock the old safe?

A.After several attempts. B.Through accurate calculations.

C.By a random guess. D.With professional guidance.

3.What did Mills think of the contents of the safe?

A.Exciting. B.Unexpected.

C.Impressive. D.Valuable.

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

The ancient city of Chichen Itza in southern Mexico was one of the most powerful cities and one of the most powerful ancient cultures — the Maya. But today, no one lives there. It is only a group of old buildings. However, people from around the world still come to see it. People come to learn about its ancient culture, the culture of the Mayan people.

The Mayan culture began almost 3,000 years ago and grew in parts of Central America. But about 1,000 years ago a group called the Itza invaded the city and built new parts of the city based on natural wells. They named the city Chichen Itza, which means “mouth of the well of the Itza”.

The most interesting structure in Chichen Itza is the Pyramid of Kukulcan (库库尔坎金字塔), whose four sides all come together at one point at the top. Each side on the Pyramid of Kukulcan has 91 steps. And there is one more step at the top of the pyramid. The steps are as many as the days of a year. Some experts believe the Maya could have used this building to help them know when to plant crops. Each day the sun falls on a different step of the pyramid, which could be a way to follow the year.

The people of Chichen Itza especially designed one building to observe and study the movement of the stars and planets. Experts say that the observatory (天文台) is one of the most complex structures the Maya built. A set of steps went up and around the observatory tower. And there were windows in the tower. Each window had a purpose. Experts believe that a person looking through one of these windows could see particular stars on particular dates. The Maya might have believed that studying the stars could tell them the future.

Chichen Itza is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important part of the world’s history.

1.Visitors came to the city of Chichen Itza to 　　　　 .

A. view its beautiful scenery

B. experience and explore the Mayan culture

C. study and observe other stars on the observatory

D. learn something about when to plant crops

2.Why did the invaders name the city “mouth of the well of the Itza”？

A. Because wells can be seen in or around the city.

B. Because it is large in size.

C. Because the city is newly-built.

D. Because its location is vital.

3.Which of the following is true?

A. Chichen Itza is one of the World Heritages.

B. The Pyramid of Kukulcan has 364 steps.

C. Windows in the tower predict the weather in the future.

D. The city of Chichen Itza has a long history of 3,000 years.

4.What’s the author’s purpose in writing this passage?

A. To evaluate the Mayan culture.

B. To persuade readers to pay a visit.

C. To introduce the ancient city of Chichen Itza.

D. To present the development of the Mayan construction.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

OTTAWA -- Canada’s western city of Calgary is the world’s best city when it comes to healthy living, local press reported Monday.

According to an international survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting, a London-based consulting firm, Calgary was put at the top of a list of 144 cities. It scored 121 points, just above Honolulu’s score of 120. Helsinki（赫尔辛基，芬兰首都） and Ottawa followed at 119.5 and 118.5 respectively.

Three other Canadian cities came in the top 20. Montreal and Vancouver tied for ninth and Toronto came in at 18th.

The scores are based on air pollution levels, availability and quality of hospitals and medical supplies, as well as the efficiency of waste removal and sewage systems.

In America, the lowest scoring city was Atlanta, which was ranked 76th. Athens was the lowest scoring city in Western Europe, ranking 120th because of its air pollution. London was ranked 59th.

1.How many Canadian cities are in the top 20?

2.Which of the following is NOT taken into account when the cities were scored?

3.Among the following cities, which is the lowest scoring one?

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Located in Los Angeles, University of Southern California is in the heart of a leading city. Although LA ranks highly in The Economist’s Safe Cities Index, navigating and city calls for certain safety precautions (预防措施) along with practicing common sense.

♦ Mobile Safety App Powered by LiveSafe

The Mobile Safety App powered by LiveSafe, manage by the USC Department of Public Safety and the USC Department of Emergency Planning, is a free downloadable app that mobile users can use to initiate contact with emergency responders around the campus. Features include: immediate “push button” calls to DPS, easy reporting for suspicious activity or crimes in progress, and location services to notify friends of your route through campus.

♦ Blue Light Phone Locations

The University Park has multiple blue light phones that are strategically placed throughout campus. Take note of where the closest ones are on your route. They come in handy in case you lose your phone or in an emergency. These phones are directly connected to USC’s Department of Public Safety’s 24-hour communications center. Besides emergency needs, it can also be used to report suspicious activity, request for an escort (护送) if you feel unsafe and to report a crime.

♦ Trojans Alert

Trojans Alert is an emergency notification system that allows university officials to contact you during an emergency by sending messages via text message or email. When an emergency occurs, authorized USC senders will instantly notify you with real-time updates, instructions on where to go, what to do (or what not to do), whom to contact and other important information. All members of the USC community, as well as parents and regular visitors to campus, are strongly encouraged to sign up for Trojans Alert.

1.What do blue light phones do for students?

A.Guide students through campus.

B.Alert students to crime activities.

C.Light up the way if students feel unsafe.

D.Connect them with the safety department.

2.How does USC send out instructions during an emergency?

A.With blue light phones.

B.Via text message or email.

C.Through mobile safe app.

D.By calling all USC members.

3.What is the purpose of the text?

A.To encourage students to fight crime.

B.To introduce USC’s safety department.

C.To provide safety services for USC students.

D.To inform parents of safety risks on campus.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Located in Los Angeles, University of Southern California is in the heart of a leading city. Although LA ranks highly in The Economist’s Safe Cities Index, navigating and city calls for certain safety precautions (预防措施) along with practicing common sense.

♦ Mobile Safety App Powered by LiveSafe

The Mobile Safety App powered by LiveSafe, manage by the USC Department of Public Safety and the USC Department of Emergency Planning, is a free downloadable app that mobile users can use to initiate contact with emergency responders around the campus. Features include: immediate “push button” calls to DPS, easy reporting for suspicious activity or crimes in progress, and location services to notify friends of your route through campus.

♦ Blue Light Phone Locations

The University Park has multiple blue light phones that are strategically placed throughout campus. Take note of where the closest ones are on your route. They come in handy in case you lose your phone or in an emergency. These phones are directly connected to USC’s Department of Public Safety’s 24-hour communications center. Besides emergency needs, it can also be used to report suspicious activity, request for an escort (护送) if you feel unsafe and to report a crime.

♦ Trojans Alert

Trojans Alert is an emergency notification system that allows university officials to contact you during an emergency by sending messages via text message or email. When an emergency occurs, authorized USC senders will instantly notify you with real-time updates, instructions on where to go, what to do (or what not to do), whom to contact and other important information. All members of the USC community, as well as parents and regular visitors to campus, are strongly encouraged to sign up for Trojans Alert.

1.What do blue light phones do for students?

A. Guide students through campus.

B. Alert students to crime activities.

C. Light up the way if students feel unsafe.

D. Connect them with the safety department.

2.How does USC send out instructions during an emergency?

A. With blue light phones.

B. Via text message or email.

C. Through mobile safe app.

D. By calling all USC members.

3.What is the purpose of the text?

A. To encourage students to fight crime.

B. To introduce USC’s safety department.

C. To provide safety services for USC students.

D. To inform parents of safety risks on campus.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Canada’s western city of Calgary is the world’s best city when it comes to healthy living, local press reported Monday.

According to an international survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting, a London-based consulting firm, Calgary was put at the top of a list of 144 cities. It scored 121 points, just above Honolulu’s score of 120. Helsinki（赫尔辛基，芬兰首都） and Ottawa followed at 119.5 and 118.5 respectively.

Three other Canadian cities came in the top 20. Montreal and Vancouver tied for ninth and Toronto came in at 18th.

The scores are based on air pollution levels, availability and quality of hospitals and medical supplies, as well as the efficiency of waste removal and sewage systems.

In America, the lowest scoring city was Atlanta, which was ranked 76th. Athens was the lowest scoring city in Western Europe, ranking 120th because of its air pollution. London was ranked 59th.

1.How many Canadian cities are in the top 20?

2.Which of the following is NOT taken into account when the cities were scored?

3.Among the following cities, which is the lowest scoring one?

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Millions of people die of hunger in southern Africa every year, but when Zambia was offered thousands of tons of free maize by the US, the government politely said no.

“We don’t know whether the food is safe,” said Zambia’s commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Dipak Patel.

His worries are shared by countries around the world that are in two minds about America’s genetically modified（GM,转基因的）crops．Just last week, EU（欧盟）member nations were discussing whether or not to import GM sweet corn from the US．

Ever since people started farming, they have tried to crossbreed（杂交）plants to make them stronger or better tasting. At one time, only related plants could be crossed with each other．

But when GM techniques were developed in the 1970s, scientists were able to put a single gene from a living creature into an unrelated creature.

This means they can make crops more productive and resistant to disease by adding genes from other species．They can also create food with special characteristics, such as “golden rice”, which is enriched with vitamin A. But many people believe GM foods are a health risk.

At the moment, the official argument is that GM foods “are not likely to present risks for human health”. But there are still many questions to be answered as the foods are produced in different ways.

Some experts believe the genetic material added to plants can transfer to humans and give damage to our bodies. Further harm could be caused by the genes from GM plants crossbreeding with naturally produced crops．

People in China are also getting worried about GM foods. More than 70 percent of the

country’s soybean oil is produced from imported GM soybeans. Meanwhile, an investigation last November found that 12 of 60 famous foods sold across the country were GM products. The government has begun to introduce a marking system for GM goods so that people can choose whether or not to eat them.

1.Which is the best title for the passage?

A. Harmful GM foods                                 B. Advantages of GM foods

C. GM foods, a health risk?                            D. the Techniques of GM foods

2.Why has Zambia refused the American free maize?

A. they decide to follow EU member’s advice

B. they are concerned about the safety of GM foods

C. they care little about the problem of starvation

D. they are too proud to accept free offer

3.It has been proved that _________.

A. GM foods are harmful to people’s health

B. GM food is no better than naturally produced foods

C. only related plans could be crossed with each other

D. GM techniques can increase the production of crops

4.Which of the following statement is TRUE?

A. GM foods are a health risk.

B. Only Zambia worries about the safety of GM foods .

C. China’s government hasn’t taken any action about GM foods.

D. Some experts believe human bodies can absorb genetic material from GM foods.

5.What’s the author’s attitude towards GM foods?

A. Supportive.        B. Neutral.         C. Doubtful.        D. Critical.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Ottawa is the capital of Canada. It is the second largest city in Ontario and the fourth largest city in the country.

The Centre Block is the main building on Parliament Hill (国会山). It is also the location of several ceremonial spaces, such as the Hall of Honor and the Memorial Chamber. The present Centre Block is the second iteration of the building，after the first was destroyed by fire in 1916，and it is one of the most recognizable buildings in Canada.

Downtown Ottawa is the commercial and economic centre of the city. Most of the buildings are office towers. While most of Ottawa’s high tech industry is based elsewhere, it has a significant presence in the downtown core. The downtown also contains a number of apartments, hotels, and the older single family homes and townhouses along its edges.

The National Gallery of Canada is one of Canada，s premier art galleries. The Gallery has a large and varied collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture and photographs. Although its focus is on Canadian art, it also holds works by some noted American and European artists.

The Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. At the very beginning，the purpose of the Rideau Canal was military, as it was intended to provide a secure supply and communication route between Montreal and the British naval base in Kingston. It remains in use today primarily for pleasure boating, with most of its original structures remained. The locks on the system open for navigation in mid-May and close in mid-October.

1.What does "iteration" probably mean in the 2nd paragraph? _____.

A．Repair            B．Design            C．Copy             D．Landmark

2.In the core of Downtown Ottawa, we could see _____.

A．a large number of tall towers

B．head offices of Ottawa’ s high tech industry

C．a number of apartments and hotels

D．the older single family homes and townhouses

3.Collections in the National Gallery of Canada are mainly _____.

A．paintings and drawings                   B．sculpture and photographs

C．works by Canadian artists                  D．artwork by Americans and European

4.Which of the following is true about the Rideau Canal? _____.

A．It is the oldest canal system in North America

B．It was originally for the military purpose

C．The original structures remain never changed

D．People can only go boating from May to October

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Take a hat with you in case the sun is very hot.

高三英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析