“Free Solo” is a documentary beautifully calc...

“Free Solo” is a documentary beautifully calculated to literally take your breath away. And it does. The film’s subject, Alex Honnold, is the top-ranking climber of free soloing, the art of climbing dizzyingly steep rock faces with no ropes, no harnesses (安全带), just bare hands and dazzling determination and skill. “There’s no margin for error; you have to do it perfectly,” one climber explains, comparing the endeavor to an Olympic sport where “if you don’t get the gold medal you are going to die.”

“Free Solo” opens with a striking overhead shot, almost too exciting to watch, of Honnold at work, his hands finding narrow gaps that don’t seem to exist, pulling off seeing — is — not — believing moves that are more astonishing than the most ambitious special effect.

Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, “Free Solo” lets us in on how much went into the climb on a physical, psychological and emotional level, showing us how meticulously (细致地) even the tiniest move is planned. Vasarhelyi and Chin are the ideal people to tell this story, and not only because they’ve already done another superb mountaineering film, 2015’s “Meru”, which was short-listed for the best documentary Oscar. Chin has been an accomplished climber as well as a photographer and filmmaker, so he’s known Honnold for years and has the kind of friendship with the climber that makes the film possible.

Chin insisted his entire crew, including fellow cinematographers Clair Popkin and Mikey Schaefer, be experienced climbers, and one of the film’s most dramatic aspects is how nervous these extremely knowledgeable folks were about Honnold’s safety. The directors and crew worried that their presence might put too much pressure on Honnold or might lead to acts of what Chin characterizes as “Kodak courage”. More than that, no one wanted to be there shooting film if he made a mistake and died.

A perfectionist since Honnold was a boy, he found his gift for free solo early. One possible reason why Honnold is so good at it, which doctors hypothesized after giving him an MRI, is that his amygdala, the part of the brain that regulates fear, doesn’t react the way it does in most people. Though we inevitably worry about Honnold’ future safety, we’ve come to understand why his mother, Dierdre Wolownick, says that “climbing is when he feels the most alive. How can you take that away from somebody?” Seeing him at the peak of his skill on the biggest screen possible is an experience for everybody to savor (尽情享受).

1.What does it take to free solo?

A.Gift and good fortune.

B.Knowledge and experience.

C.Strength, determination and skill.

D.Ropes, harnesses, a photographer and a filmmaker.

2.Why are Vasarhelyi and Chin the ideal people to tell this story?

A.They’ve ever shot a superb mountaineering documentary.

B.They have rich experience and companionship with Honnold.

C.They were accomplished climbers, photographers and filmmakers.

D.They are physically, psychologically and emotionally well prepared.

3.Which of the following best describes Honnold as a climber?

A.Wild and daring.

B.Gifted and vain.

C.Demanding and particular.

D.Talented and perfectionistic.

4.What is the fourth paragraph mainly about?

A.“Kodak courage” is highly expected.

B.Too much pressure was put on Honnold.

C.Chin and his crew cared much about Honnold’s safety.

D.Chin took on knowledgeable folks to shoot the documentary.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

I watch documentaries, not movies．I read history books, not fiction．I use every free moment to accomplish one of the tasks on my never-ending checklist, and I am completely filled with thoughts of productivity．An hour sleeping is an hour wasted．And like the rest of 21st century America, I like it．But this fixation on productivity is increasingly destroying character and transforming men into robots.

New York Times columnist David Brooks warned American University students of this cultural decline in a speech．“We cut off all things spiritual and emotional in a competitive urge to stand out”, he said, “The pressure to succeed professionally, to acquire skills, to do the things you need to do to succeed in an information age economy really became the overwhelming（难以应付的） pressures, and it sort of eclipses the thinking about character and morality.”

Many students happily go to college, viewing it as a next step on their rise to professional achievement．Forcing as many success-building activities into their schedules as they can, they enjoy keeping busy with little sleep．“Today’s outstanding kids are likely to spend their afternoons and weekends shuttling from one skill-improving activity to the next,” Brooks wrote in an article, “We fear failure more than we desire success.”

A century ago, college was about character building．Today, our characters are in decline．We are experts on economics, material things and professional skills．We fail to discuss and understand relationships, emotions and all things spiritual．

Philosopher Karl Popper divided the world into two categories: Clocks and Clouds．Clock problems are those that can be taken apart, examined and solved through deductive reasoning（演绎推理）．Clouds cannot be taken apart．Cloud problems represent whole systems that need to be understood in a different way.

“When we have a Cloud problem, we try to turn it into a Clock problem,” Brooks said．And in a reason-centered culture, adding titles to one’s resume becomes a trend．At American University, 85 percent of seniors (and 89 percent of business majors) graduate with at least one practical experience which is often helpful to a student’s future career, but can sometimes draw focus away from academics.

To prevent the death of man’s character, Brooks urges rediscovering our human natures through falling in love．And by love he means love for a task, job, or another person．“Synchronicity is key to happiness,” he said．Rather than crazily increasing our long lists of accomplishments, we need to lose ourselves in what we do, and success will come on its own.

1.From Paragraph 1, we can learn that people __________.

A．are controlled by time

B．are keen on reading books

C．are changing their characters

D．are eager to achieve more

2.In Paragraph 2, the underlined word “eclipses” means _________.

A．deletes　　　　 B．weakens

C．worsens　　 　 　 D．emphasizes

3.The last paragraph mainly tells us that __________．

A．love is more important than focus

B．the focus on human natures counts

C．more work contributes to happiness

D．success comes from devotion to work

4.The purpose of this passage is to __________.

A．bring awareness to character building

B．stress the importance of productivity

C．warn about the pressure to seek success

D．criticize students’ desire for achievements

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

What is home­stay? Literally it is a home for you to stay when you are not home. To be specific, home­stay provides foreign language students with the opportunity to speak native language outside the classroom and the experience of being part of a local home. Here is what you will experience in our British Home­stay Program.

What to Expect

The host will provide accommodation and meals. Rooms will be cleaned and bedcovers changed at least once a week. You will be given the house key and the host is there to offer help and advice as well as to take an interest in your physical and mental health.

Accommodation Zones

Homestays are located in London mainly in Zones 2, 3 and of the transport system. Most hosts do not live in the town centre (Zone 1) as much of central London is commercial and not residential(居住的). Zones 3 and 4 often offer smaller accommodation in a more crowded area. It is very convenient to travel in London by underground.

Meal Plans Available

◆Continental Breakfast

◆Breakfast and Dinner

◆Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner

It's important to note that few English families still provide a traditional cooked breakfast. Your accommodation includes Continental Breakfast which normally consists of fruit juice, cereal(谷物类食品), bread and tea or coffee. Cheese, fruit and cold meat are not normally part of a Continental Breakfast in England. Dinners usually consist of meat or fish with vegetables followed by desert, fruit and coffee.

Friends

If you wish to invite a friend over to visit, you must first ask your host's permission. You have no right to entertain friends in a family home as some families feel it is an invasion of their privacy.

Self­Catering Accommodation in Private Homes

Accommodation on a room­only basis includes shared kitchen and bathroom facilities and often a main living room. This kind of accommodation offers an independent lifestyle and is more suitable for the long­stay student. However, it does not provide the same family atmosphere as an ordinary home­stay and may not benefit those who need to practice English at home quite as much.

1.The passage is probably written for_________.

A. hosts willing to receive foreign students

B. English learners applying to live in English homes

C. travelers planning to visit families in London

D. foreigners hoping to build British culture

2.Which of the following will the host provide?

A. Medical care.　　 B. Free transport.

C. Room cleaning.　 D. Physical training.

3.According to the passage, what does continental Breakfast include?

A. Dessert and coffee.　　 B. Fruit and vegetables.

C. Fruit and cold meat.　　 D. Bread and fruit juice.

4.Why do some people choose self­catering accommodation?

A. To enjoy much more freedom.

B. To enrich their knowledge of English.

C. To entertain friends as they like.

D. To experience a warmer family atmosphere.

高三英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析

What is Home stay? Literally it is a home for you to stay at when you are not at home. To be specific, home stay provides foreign language students with the opportunity to speak native language outside the classroom and the experience of being part of a British home. Here is what you will experience in our British Home-stay Program.

What to Expect

The host will provide accommodation and meals. Rooms will be cleaned and bedcovers changed at least once a week. You will be given the house key and the host is there to offer help and advice as well as to take an interest in your physical and mental health.

Accommodation Zones

Homestays are located in London mainly in Zones 2, 3 and of the transport system. Most hosts do not live in the town centre (Zone 1) as much of central London is commercial and not residential(居住的). Zones 3 and 4 often offer smaller accommodation in a more crowded area. It is very convenient to travel in London by underground.

Meal Plans Available

• Continental Breakfast

• Breakfast and Dinner

• Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner

It’s important to note that few English families still provide a traditional cooked breakfast. Your accommodation includes Continental Breakfast which normally consists of fruit juice, cereal(谷物类食品), bread and tea or coffee. Cheese, fruit and cold meat are not normally part of a Continental Breakfast in England. Dinners usually consist of meat or fish with vegetables followed by desert, fruit and coffee.

Friends

If you wish to invite a friend over to visit, you must first ask your host’s permission. You have no right to entertain friends in a family home as some families feel it is an invasion of their privacy.

Self-Catering Accommodation in Private Homes

Accommodation on a room-only basis includes shared kitchen and bathroom facilities and often a main living room. This kind of accommodation offers an independent lifestyle and is more suitable for the long-stay student. However, it does not provide the same family atmosphere as an ordinary homestay and may not benefit those who need to practise English at home quite as much.

1. The passage is probably written for _____.

A. host willing to receive foreign students

B. foreigners hoping to build British culture

C. travellers planning to visit families in London

D. English learners applying to like in English homes

2. Which of the following will the host provide?

A. Medical care.            B. Room cleaning.

C. Free transport.        D. Physical training.

3. What can be inferred from Paragraph 3?

A. Zone 3 is more crowded than Zone 2.

B. The business centre of London is in Zone 2.

C. Hosts dislike travelling to the city centre.

D. Zone 1 offers bigger accommodation.

4. According to the passage, what does Continental Breakfast include?

A. Dessert and coffee.    B. Fruit and vegetables.

C. Bread and fruit juice.    D. Centre and cold meat.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

C

　A scientist who developed a way to calculate(计算) how much water is used in the produciton of anything form a cup of coffee to a hamburger was awarded the 2008 Stockholm Water Prize.

　Professor John Anthony Allan of the University of London in Britain won the award for introducing the idea of "virtual water(虚拟水)",a calculation method that has changed the nature of trade policy and research.

　Allan has written seven books and published more than 100 papers.

　The Stockholm International Water Institute said this idea is now embedded(埋藏) in the production of foods and industrial products.The institute said Allan's work had made a big effect on global trade policy and research,especially in water - scarce(缺水) regions.

　"The improved understanding of trade and water management issues on local,regional and global scales are of the highest value for the successsful and sustainable(可持续的) use of water resources,"it said.

　"People do not only use water when they drink it or take a shower,"the institute said. "Behind the morning cup of coffee,there are 140 liters of water that was used to grow,produce,package and ship the beans."That is about as much water as a person in England uses on average for all daily drinking and household needs.

　"For a single hamburger,about 2,400 liters of water are needed.In te USA ,the average person uses nearly 7,000 liters of virtual water every day" It said that was more than three times the average use of a Chinese person.

　64.Allan was awarded the prize because ______.

　A.he wrote seven books on trade policy

　B.he published more than 100 papers on water management

　C.he found a new kind of water in water - scarce areas

　D.he came up with the idea of virtual water

　65.Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

　A.The average American uses about 7,000 liters of water a day.

　B.The average Chinese uses nearly 2,300 liters of virtual water a day.

　C.An Englishman usually drinks about 140 liters of coffee a day.

　D.A hamburger usually contains about 2,400 liters of water.

　66.What effect does the idea of virtual water have?

　A.It helps us realize the importance of trade.

　B.It helps people do successful business.

　C.It helps us make use of water scientifically.

　D.It tells us how much water we use a day.

　67.What does the underlined word "it" in the last paragraph refer to?

　A.The University of London.

　B.The calculation method.

　C.The Stockholm International Water Institute.

　D.The trade policy and research.

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

We live in this society now 　 literally someone is always helping.

A. when B. where

C. that D. what

高三英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析

While it is impossible to live completely free of stress, it is possible to prevent stress as well as reduce its effect when it can't be avoided. The US Department of Health and Human Services offers the following suggestions for ways to deal with stress.

Try physical activity

When you are nervous, angry or upset, try releasing the pressure through exercise or physical activity. Running, walking, playing tennis, or working in your garden are just some of the activities you might try. Physical exercise will relieve your anxiety and worry and help you to relax. Your body and your mind will work together to ease the stress in your life.

Share your stress

It helps to talk to someone about your anxieties and worries. Perhaps a friend, family member, teacher or even your leader can help you a better view of what's troubling you. If you feel your problem is serious, you might seek professional help from a psychologist or a doctor. Knowing when to ask for help is an important step in avoiding serious problems later.

Take care of yourself

You should make every effort to eat well and get enough rest. If you easily get angry and cannot sleep well enough, or if you're not eating properly, it will be more likely that you will fall into stressful situations. If stress repeatedly keeps you from sleeping, you should consult a doctor. Make time for yourself.

Make a list of the things you need to do

Stress can result from disorganization and a feeling that "there's so much to do, and not enough time". Trying to take care of everything at once can be too much for you and as a result, you may not achieve anything. Instead, make a list of everything you have to do, then do one thing at a time, checking off each task as it is completed. Set out to do the most important tasks first.

Go ahead and cry

A good cry can be a healthy way to bring relief to your anxiety. It might even help you avoid a headache or other physical effect of anxiety and stress.

1. What is most probably the writer's purpose in writing the article?

A. To release his or her working tiredness.

B. To help solve the universal problem of stress.

C. To strengthen his or her anxiety.

D. To have more people cry out.

2. Physical activity can help people release stress because________.

A. only your body movement can help you relax

B. your mind can work better to free you of anxiety

C. your body and mind can cooperate in releasing stress

D. physical activity doesn't play an important part in reducing nervousness

3. What is similarity between "Share your stress" and "Go ahead and cry"?

A. They both help you let out your feelings.

B. They both need physical movement.

C. They both require mental relaxation.

D. They can cause a headache.

4. The underlined sentence is close to the meaning of "________".

A. Strike while the iron is hot

B. More haste, less speed

C. Practice makes perfect

D. Quietness wins time

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

While it is impossible to live completely free of stress, it is possible to prevent stress as well as reduce its effect when it can't be avoided. The US Department of Health and Human Services offers the following suggestions for ways to deal with stress.

Try physical activity

When you are nervous, angry or upset, try releasing the pressure through exercise or physical activity. Running, walking, playing tennis, or working in your garden are just some of the activities you might try. Physical exercise will relieve your anxiety and worry and help you to relax. Your body and your mind will work together to ease the stress in your life.

Share your stress

It helps to talk to someone about your anxieties and worries. Perhaps a friend, family member, teacher or even your leader can help you a better view of what's troubling you. If you feel your problem is serious, you might seek professional help from a psychologist or a doctor. Knowing when to ask for help is an important step in avoiding serious problems later.

Take care of yourself

You should make every effort to eat well and get enough rest. If you easily get angry and cannot sleep well enough, or if you're not eating properly, it will be more likely that you will fall into stressful situations. If stress repeatedly keeps you from sleeping, you should consult a doctor. Make time for yourself.

Make a list of the things you need to do

Stress can result from disorganization and a feeling that "there's so much to do, and not enough time". Trying to take care of everything at once can be too much for you and as a result, you may not achieve anything. Instead, make a list of everything you have to do, then do one thing at a time, checking off each task as it is completed. Set out to do the most important tasks first.

Go ahead and cry

A good cry can be a healthy way to bring relief to your anxiety. It might even help you avoid a headache or other physical effect of anxiety and stress.

1.What is most probably the writer's purpose in writing the article?

A. To release his or her working tiredness.

B. To help solve the universal problem of stress.

C. To strengthen his or her anxiety.

D. To have more people cry out.

2.Physical activity can help people release stress because________.

A. only your body movement can help you relax

B. your mind can work better to free you of anxiety

C. your body and mind can cooperate in releasing stress

D. physical activity doesn't play an important part in reducing nervousness

3.What is similarity between "Share your stress" and "Go ahead and cry"?

A. They both help you let out your feelings.

B. They both need physical movement.

C. They both require mental relaxation.

D. They can cause a headache.

4.The underlined sentence is close to the meaning of "________".

A. Strike while the iron is hot　　

B. More haste, less speed

C. Practice makes perfect　　　

D. Quietness wins time

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

While it is impossible to live completely free of stress，it is possible to prevent stress as well as

reduce its effect when it can’t be avoided．The US Department of Health and Human Services offers the following suggestions for ways to deal with stress．

◆Try physical activity

When you are nervous，angry or upset，try releasing the pressure through exercise or physical

activity．Running，walking，playing tennis，and working in your garden are just some of the activities you might try．

◆Take care of yourself

You should make every effort to eat well and get enough rest．If you easily get angry and can’t sleep well enough，or if you’re not eating properly，it will be more likely that you will fall into stressful situations．If stress repeatedly keeps you from sleeping，you should consult a doctor．

◆Make time for yourself

Schedule time for both work and entertainment．Don't forget，play can be just as important to your overall well-being as work．You need a break from your daily routine to just relax and have fun．Go window-shopping or work on a hobby．Allow yourself at least a half hour each day to do something you enjoy．

◆Make a list of things to do

Stress can result from disorganization and a feeling that “there’s so much to do，and not enough time”．Trying to take care of everything at once can be too much for you and as a result，you may not achieve anything．Instead，make a list of everything you have to do，then do one thing at a time，checking off each task as it is completed．Set out to do the most important task first．

1.Which of the following statements shows that you have fallen into stressful situations?

A．You can't sleep well all the time．

B．You have a break after work．

C．You always feel happy and relaxed．

D．You only do one thing at a time．

2.According to the passage，how do you make a list of things to do?

A．Try to take care of everything at once．

B．Do one thing at a time．

C．Only do the most important thing．

D．Have a break from your work．

3.Why does the writer write this passage?

A．To give opinion．

B．To give suggestions．

C．To make a request．

D．To ask for advice．

4.What is the best title for the passage?

A．How to Deal with Stress?

B．How to Make Time for Yourself?

C．How to Take Care of Yourself?

D．How to Make a List of Things to Do?

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

While it is impossible to live completely free of stress，it is possible to prevent stress as well as reduce its effect when it can’t be avoided．The US Department of Health and Human Services offers the following suggestions for ways to deal with stress．

◆Try physical activity

When you are nervous，angry or upset，try releasing the pressure through exercise or physical activity．Running，walking，playing tennis，and working in your garden are just some of the activities you might try．

◆Take care of yourself

You should make every effort to eat well and get enough rest．If you easily get angry and can’t sleep well enough，or if you’re not eating properly，it will be more likely that you will fall into stressful situations．If stress repeatedly keeps you from sleeping，you should consult a doctor．

◆Make time for yourself

Schedule time for both work and entertainment．Don't forget，play can be just as important to your overall well-being as work．You need a break from your daily routine to just relax and have fun．Go window-shopping or work on a hobby．Allow yourself at least a half hour each day to do something you enjoy．

◆Make a list of things to do

Stress can result from disorganization and a feeling that “there’s so much to do，and not enough time”．Trying to take care of everything at once can be too much for you and as a result，you may not achieve anything．Instead，make a list of everything you have to do，then do one thing at a time，checking off each task as it is completed．Set out to do the most important task first．

1.Which of the following statements shows that you have fallen into stressful situations?

A．You can't sleep well all the time．

B．You have a break after work．

C．You always feel happy and relaxed．

D．You only do one thing at a time．

2.According to the passage，how do you make a list of things to do?

A．Try to take care of everything at once．

B．Do one thing at a time．

C．Only do the most important thing．

D．Have a break from your work．

3.Why does the writer write this passage?

A．To give opinion．

B．To give suggestions．

C．To make a request．

D．To ask for advice．

4.What is the best title for the passage?

A．How to Deal with Stress?

B．How to Make Time for Yourself?

C．How to Take Care of Yourself?

D．How to Make a List of Things to Do?

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析