In 1851, Auguste Comte, the French philosopher and father of sociology, coined the new word altruism as part of a drive to create a non-religious religion based on scientific principles. He defined it as “intentional action for the welfare of others that involves at least the possibility of either no benefit or a loss to the actor”. At that time, studies of animal behavior and phrenology(颅相学) led him to locate egotistical(自我本位的) instincts at the back of the brain, altruistic ones at the front.
Today, we have a far more sophisticated knowledge of the neurological(神经学的) and biochemical factors that underpin kind behavior. And this science forms the bases of two books aimed at general readers—but also at those who, despite the research, still doubt the existence of altruism.
However, the books may end up providing more information for those who are doubtful. Take The Altruistic Brain by neuroscientist Donald Pfaff. On solid scientific ground, he builds a five-step theory of how altruism occurs, which depends on an idea that is unconvincing and may achieve the opposite result. Pfaff argues that to act altruistically you should first visualize the receiver of your good will, then mentally transform their image into your own, “from angle to angle and curve to curve”. Does it really work?
At the core of evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson’s Does Altruism Exist? is another contentious(有争议的) idea: altruism has evolved as the result of group selection. But Wilson argues his corner masterfully, providing a clever reply to the belief that natural selection occurs only at the level of the selfish gene: “Selfishness beats altruism within groups. Altruistic groups beat selfish groups,” he says.
In other words, we cooperate when doing so gives our team the advantage. That doesn’t sound very selfless either.
Wilson acknowledges this, but argues that thoughts and feelings are less important than actions. According to evolutionary theory, pure altruists do exist, but it doesn’t matter why people choose to help others—their reasons may be difficult even for themselves to understand. What matters is that humans can coordinate their activities in just the right way to achieve common goals. Other animals do this too, but we are masters. “Teamwork is the signature adaptation of our species,” he says.
Pfaff goes further, insisting that our brain biology “urges us to be kind”. He believes this knowledge alone will inspire individuals to be more altruistic. His desire to create a better world is admirable and some of his ideas are interesting, but Wilson’s analysis is clearer.
While it is in our nature to be altruistic, Wilson says, we also have a healthy regard for self-interest and a resistance to being pushed around. Which one comes to the fore depends on the environment in which we find ourselves. Ethics, he says, cannot be taught at individual level, but are “a property of the whole system”.
1.Which of the following can be considered an altruistic behaviour according to Comte’s definition?
A.A person offers to donate his liver to another who needs one.
B.A clerk returns the umbrella to his colleague which he has kept for a long time.
C.A student volunteers to wok in the orphanage to collect data for his research.
D.A police officer spots a car parking in the no-parking area, finding a child in the trunk.
2.What does Donald Pfaff think people should do in order to behave altruistically?
A.Draw a picture of the person they are going to help.
B.Transform the receiver into a kind person.
C.Visualize what they are going to do in mind first.
D.Imagine they themselves are to be helped.
3.Which of the following statements is David Sloan most likely to agree with in his book?
A.Being kind is not something people are born with.
B.People in groups are less likely to be selfish.
C.People may well act selflessly because of where they are.
D.Most people know clearly why they are ready to help others.
4.What can be concluded from the passage?
A.Figuring out what makes us behave selflessly is a tricky business.
B.Unlike Donald Pfaff’s book, David Sloan’s book aims at professional readers.
C.Comte’s definition of altruism proves to be impractical in modern times.
D.Both Donald Pfaff and David Sloan lay emphasis on team work.
高一英语阅读理解困难题
In 1851, Auguste Comte, the French philosopher and father of sociology, coined the new word altruism as part of a drive to create a non-religious religion based on scientific principles. He defined it as “intentional action for the welfare of others that involves at least the possibility of either no benefit or a loss to the actor”. At that time, studies of animal behavior and phrenology(颅相学) led him to locate egotistical(自我本位的) instincts at the back of the brain, altruistic ones at the front.
Today, we have a far more sophisticated knowledge of the neurological(神经学的) and biochemical factors that underpin kind behavior. And this science forms the bases of two books aimed at general readers—but also at those who, despite the research, still doubt the existence of altruism.
However, the books may end up providing more information for those who are doubtful. Take The Altruistic Brain by neuroscientist Donald Pfaff. On solid scientific ground, he builds a five-step theory of how altruism occurs, which depends on an idea that is unconvincing and may achieve the opposite result. Pfaff argues that to act altruistically you should first visualize the receiver of your good will, then mentally transform their image into your own, “from angle to angle and curve to curve”. Does it really work?
At the core of evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson’s Does Altruism Exist? is another contentious(有争议的) idea: altruism has evolved as the result of group selection. But Wilson argues his corner masterfully, providing a clever reply to the belief that natural selection occurs only at the level of the selfish gene: “Selfishness beats altruism within groups. Altruistic groups beat selfish groups,” he says.
In other words, we cooperate when doing so gives our team the advantage. That doesn’t sound very selfless either.
Wilson acknowledges this, but argues that thoughts and feelings are less important than actions. According to evolutionary theory, pure altruists do exist, but it doesn’t matter why people choose to help others—their reasons may be difficult even for themselves to understand. What matters is that humans can coordinate their activities in just the right way to achieve common goals. Other animals do this too, but we are masters. “Teamwork is the signature adaptation of our species,” he says.
Pfaff goes further, insisting that our brain biology “urges us to be kind”. He believes this knowledge alone will inspire individuals to be more altruistic. His desire to create a better world is admirable and some of his ideas are interesting, but Wilson’s analysis is clearer.
While it is in our nature to be altruistic, Wilson says, we also have a healthy regard for self-interest and a resistance to being pushed around. Which one comes to the fore depends on the environment in which we find ourselves. Ethics, he says, cannot be taught at individual level, but are “a property of the whole system”.
1.Which of the following can be considered an altruistic behaviour according to Comte’s definition?
A.A person offers to donate his liver to another who needs one.
B.A clerk returns the umbrella to his colleague which he has kept for a long time.
C.A student volunteers to wok in the orphanage to collect data for his research.
D.A police officer spots a car parking in the no-parking area, finding a child in the trunk.
2.What does Donald Pfaff think people should do in order to behave altruistically?
A.Draw a picture of the person they are going to help.
B.Transform the receiver into a kind person.
C.Visualize what they are going to do in mind first.
D.Imagine they themselves are to be helped.
3.Which of the following statements is David Sloan most likely to agree with in his book?
A.Being kind is not something people are born with.
B.People in groups are less likely to be selfish.
C.People may well act selflessly because of where they are.
D.Most people know clearly why they are ready to help others.
4.What can be concluded from the passage?
A.Figuring out what makes us behave selflessly is a tricky business.
B.Unlike Donald Pfaff’s book, David Sloan’s book aims at professional readers.
C.Comte’s definition of altruism proves to be impractical in modern times.
D.Both Donald Pfaff and David Sloan lay emphasis on team work.
高一英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析
The Celerifere, an early version of the bicycle, was built around 1791 by a French man, Comte Mede de Sivrac. It was basically a scooter with a high seat. There were no pedals---you had to push with your feet like you do with a skateboard or a scooter.
Around 1816 Baron Karl Drais de Sauerbrun in Germany added a moveable steering（操纵）handle. These early machines were often known as dandy horses or hobby horses, but weren’t very popular.
The improvement that made them popular was added by a Scottish blacksmith around 1839. Kirkpatrick Macmillan added pedals to enable it to get up hills. It was this improvement that made the bicycle a serious form of transportation.
Bike were called velocipedes（脚踏两轮车）or bone-shakers, because of the lack of the proper tires made for a rough ride! It wasn’t until around 1869 that they began to be called bicycles (“two-wheels”). Carriage makers in Paris (either Pierre and Ernest Michaux, or their employee Pierre Lallement) switched the pedal to the front wheel. That’s why it is usually either Lallement or the Michauxs, not Macmillan, who are considered as the inventor of the bicycle.
In 1869 the penny-farthing or high-wheeler was invented. With the large wheel the rider could go much farther with each push of the pedal, but caused many accidents because the seat was so far off the ground.
In the mid-1880s Englishman James Starley manufactured what he called the “safety bicycle” , which had two similarly-sized wheels and a major improvement--- a chain（链条）and sprocket（链轮齿） driven rear wheel, with the pedals between the two wheels like modern bicycles.
One more historical note---it’s possible that the idea of the bicycle was thought of almost 400 years before it was actually invented. There is a drawing of a bicycle-like machine in one of Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks, which dates back to about 1493.
1.Who is recognized as the inventor of the bicycle?
A. The Michauxs.
B. Macmillan.
C. Comte Mede de Sivac.
D. Baron Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun.
2. Why was the bicycle not popular in the early 1800’s?
A. It was too expensive.
B. The seat was too high.
C. There were no pedals.
D. It had no tires.
3.Which of the following statements can NOT be inferred from the passage?
A. The “safety bicycle” was much like the modern bicycle.
B. Leonardo da Vinci once drew a machine similar to the bicycle.
C. The penny-farthing did not last long because it was a bit too dangerous.
D. Comte Mede De Sivrac’s invention had both a steering handle and pedals.
4. What’s the best title of the passage?
A. The Inventor of the Bicycle
B. Modern Bicycles
C. The History of the Bicycle
D. Leonardo da Vinci and the Bicycle
高一英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Canada is one of the few nations in the world to have two official languages：English and French. There are 10 provinces in the country but only one of these—Quebec is known as "French Canada". This is because it was founded by French explorers while British adventurers discovered the rest.
Canada left the Britain in 1867 to become an independent country, and English and French have been recognized as the official languages ever since.
Most people speak English as their first language and the two national television networks broadcast in English throughout the country. Apart from in Quebec and a few places on the east coast, French television is very rare.
The same goes for traffic signs and menus, for example. Outside of Quebec, there are only a few places where you'll see traffic signs in French. In restaurants, it's almost impossible to find French on the menu unless you are in the heartland of French Canada. However, all products sold in Canada must, by law, have labels（标签）and instructions in both languages.
In Canada's English speaking provinces, official bilingualism（双语）means that students can choose to complete a special French language course. Under this programme, they are taught most of their subjects in French. If a student begins the course in kindergarten（幼儿园）or Grade One, it is likely that all their lessons will be in French. However, if they start at junior high school, 25 per cent of the teaching will continue to be in English.
1. How many provinces are there in Canada?
A. Ten B.Nine C.Eleven D.Two
2.Which country controlled Canada before its independence?
A. France. B. Britain. C. America. D. Germany.
3.Which of the following sentences is Right?
A. English is the only official language, though French is also spoken there.
B. The two national television networks broadcast both in English and French.
C. All products sold in Canada must be explained in both English and French.
D. In any restaurant in Canada, you can find French on the menu.
4.In Canada’s English speaking provinces, what does official bilingualism means?
A. Students have to complete a special French language course.
B. Under the programme, the students are mainly taught in English.
C. If a student begins a special French language course, in kindergarten or Grade one all his lessons may be in French.
D. When the students are at junior high school, they will only be taught in English.
高一英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
With a good _____ of French and English, Maggie got the job in the international company.
A. request B. usage C. command D. quality
高一英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Grandpa Hodge was the wisest man in the village. He was so philosophic (贤明的) in speaking and doing things that everyone ____him as "Grandpa Wisdom".
One day, a man _____ to Grandpa Wisdom, out of breath, saying with excitement, "Grandpa, I have a piece of ____ to tell you…"
"Wait a moment," Grandpa Hodge ____ his beard(胡须) gently and cut the man ____, "Have you carefully ___ the news you will tell me with three sieves(筛子)?"
"Three sieves? Which three sieves?" the man asked with ____.
"The first sieve is the truth. Is the news you will tell me ___ ?" Grandpa Hodge asked, narrowing his ____.
"I don’t know because I ____ it from the street."
"Now let's check it with the second sieve," Grandpa Hodge ____, "If the news you will tell me is not true, it should be friendly."
The man ___answered, "No…just the other way round…"
Grandpa Hodge once again____ him, "So let's ____ the third sieve. Can you tell me if the news that is ___ you is very important?"
"It is not so important," the man answered with ____.
Grandpa Hodge patted the ____ of the man and said significantly(意味深长地), "Now that the news you will tell me is not true, friendly or important, please don't tell me. Then it won’t ___ you and me either."
The man realized his ___and never ____ the overheard news ever since.
1.A.respected B.assumed C.considered D.counted
2.A.flew B.skipped C.walked D.hurried
3.A.paper B.information C.news D.message
4.A.defended B.touched C.handed D.mixed
5.A.short B.proper C.hard D.distant
6.A.read B.explained C.selected D.examined
7.A.sadness B.puzzlement C.anger D.worry
8.A.splendid B.frightening C.true D.extraordinary
9.A.mouth B.eyes C.ears D.nose
10.A.witnessed B.exchanged C.overheard D.explored
11.A.went on B.insisted on C.stepped up D.showed up
12.A.peacefully B.rudely C.hesitantly D.painfully
13.A.limited B.tolerated C.disturbed D.interrupted
14.A.use B.arrange C.announce D.reflect
15.A.amazing B.tiring C.confusing D.exciting
16.A.kindness B.satisfaction C.patience D.embarrassment
17.A.head B.shoulder C.hand D.back
18.A.challenge B.inspire C.trouble D.harm
19.A.question B.fault C.effect D.failure
20.A.spread B.organize C.supply D.publish
高一英语完形填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Grandpa Hodge was the wisest man in the village. He was so philosophic (贤明的) in speaking and doing things that everyone _______ him as “Grandpa Wisdom”.
One day, a man _______ to Grandpa Wisdom, out of breath, saying with excitement, “Grandpa, I have a piece of _______ to tell you…”
“Wait a moment,” Grandpa Hodge _______ his beard gently and cut the man _______, “Have you carefully _______ the news you will tell me with three sieves (筛子)?”
“Three sieves? Which three sieves?” the man asked with _______.
“The first sieve is the truth. Is the news you will tell me _______?” Grandpa Hodge asked, narrowing his _______.
“I don’t know because I ________ it from the street.”
“Now let’s check it with the second sieve,” Grandpa Hodge ________ , “If the news you will tell me is not true, it should be friendly.”
The man ________ answered, “No…just the other way round…”
Grandpa Hodge once again ________ him, “So let’s ________ the third sieve. Can you tell me if the news that is ________ you is very important?”
“It is not so important,” the man answered with ________.
Grandpa Hodge patted (轻拍) the ________ of the man and said significantly (意味深长地), “Now that the news you will tell me is not true, friendly or important, please don’t tell me. Then it won’t ________ you and me either.”
The man realized his ________ and never ________ the overheard news from then on.
1.A.respected B.believed C.supposed D.assumed
2.A.flew B.skipped C.walked D.hurried
3.A.paper B.information C.news D.message
4.A.observed B.touched C.handed D.mixed
5.A.short B.proper C.hard D.distant
6.A.read B.explained C.selected D.examined
7.A.sadness B.puzzlement C.anger D.worry
8.A.splendid B.frightening C.true D.extraordinary
9.A.mouth B.eyes C.ears D.nose
10.A.witnessed B.exchanged C.overheard D.explored
11.A.went on B.insisted on C.stepped up D.showed up
12.A.peacefully B.rudely C.hesitantly D.painfully
13.A.limited B.tolerated C.disturbed D.interrupted
14.A.use B.arrange C.announce D.reflect
15.A.amazing B.tiring C.confusing D.exciting
16.A.kindness B.satisfaction C.patience D.embarrassment
17.A.leg B.shoulder C.hand D.neck
18.A.challenge B.inspire C.trouble D.harm
19.A.question B.fault C.effect D.failure
20.A.spread B.organize C.supply D.publish
高一英语完形填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Confucius (551BC～479BC), a Chinese philosopher，one of the most influential men in the history of China. Confucius was born in a noble family in the state of Lu. However，his parents were poor. His father died when Confucius was only three years old. In 527 BC he began his life as a teacher，usually traveling about and teaching the followers that were around him. Confucius worked as an official of the state of Lu. However，he soon left office to travel and teach. In 484 BC he returned to Lu，where he lived until his death.
Living in the turbulent(动荡的)period，Confucius believed that people must go back to the principles of the ancient wise men. He therefore lectured to his pupils on the classics and taught them how to behave properly in society. Confucius did not write down the principles of his philosophy. The Analects (《论语》)，a work written by some of his followers，is considered the most faithful source of information about his life and teachings.
The teachings of Confucius were practical and moral，rather than religious. He said that man's behavior should be based on five virtues：kindness, uprightness(义)，decorum(礼)，wisdom and faithfulness(信)．He asked everyone to fulfill their duties carefully toward the state. In the centuries after his death，his teachings，known as Confucianism，had a more powerful influence on the Chinese nation.
1.At about what age did Confucius begin his teaching？______
A．51. B．27. C．48. D．24.
2.The Analects is________.
A．considered to have been written by Confucius
B．about the principles of the ancient wise men
C．about Confucius' life and his teachings
D．considered to be practical in tricks and evils
3.It can be inferred that________.
A．Confucius was born in a very rich family
B．Confucius served as an official in his lifetime
C．the teachings of Confucius are religious
D．Confucianism was more popular after Confucius died
高一英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
I was born at Blunderstone, in Suffolk, in the east of England, and was given my poor father’s name, David Copperfield. Sadly, he never saw me and died six months before I was born. My early childhood was extremely happy, as my beautiful mother and kind Peggotty took care of me. But when I was about eight, a shadow passed over my happiness. My mother often went out walking, in her best clothes, with a gentleman called Mr Murdstone. He seemed to be very fond of my mother. But I knew that Peggotty did not like him.
A few months later Peggotty told me that my mother was going to have a short holiday with some friends. Meanwhile Peggotty and I would go to stay with her brother Daniel in Yarmouth，on the east coast, for two weeks. I spent a wonderfully happy two weeks there, playing all day on the beach with Emily, and sleeping in my own little bed on the ship. I am sure I was in love with little Emily in my childish way, and I cried bitterly when we had to say goodbye at the end of the holiday.
But on the way home to Blunderstone, Peggotty looked at me very worriedly. ‘she said suddenly in a trembling voice.‘I must tell you—While we’ve been away, your dear mother—has married Mr Murdstone！He’s your stepfather now!’
I was deeply shocked. I could not understand how my mother could have married that man. And when we arrived home, I went straight to my room and lay sobbing on my bed, which made my poor mother very unhappy too. As she sat beside me, holding my hand, Mr Murdstone suddenly came in.
What’s this, Chara, my love?’ he asked sternly. ‘Remember, you must be firm with the boy！I’ve told you before, you’re too weak with him!’ And when mother left the room, Mr Murdstone whispered angrily to me, ‘David, do you know what I’ll do if you don’t obey me？I’ll beat you like a dog!’ I was still very young, and I was very frightened of him. If he had said one kind word to me, perhaps I would have liked and trusted him, and my life would have been different. Instead, I hated him for the influence he had over my dear mother, who wanted to be kind to me, but also wanted to please her new husband．
1.According to the passage, what ended David’s happy childhood?
A. His father’s death.
B. Peggotty’s ignorance of him.
C. His mother’s acquaintance with Mr.Murdstone.
D. Mr.Murdstone’s love to his mother.
2.What’s the author’s tone in writing the underlined sentences in P2?
A. Serious. B. Humorous.
C. Sad. D. Regretful.
3.How did David think about Mr.Murdstone?
A. Strict and firm. B. Sensible and caring.
C. Gentle and helpful. D. Mean and unkind.
4.According to the passage, what’s most likely to be mentioned in the follwing part?
A. Peggotty’s help to David. B. Mr.Murdstone’s cruelty to David.
C. David’s fights against Mr.Murdstone. D. David’s love to mother.
高一英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Laozi was a Chinese philosopher who came from a village in the southern state of Chu. He is considered 1. (be)the father the philosophy called Taoism.
Laozi2.(serve)in the Zhou capital for a long time before he became unhappy with the dishonest political situation and decided to resign. As he was passing through3.Hangu Pass, the gate-keeper stopped him and asked him to write down a book of his4.(teach). Laozi then composed a book of five thousand saying, 5.(describe)the idea of the Tao and Te. This book was later known6.the Tao Te Ching.
The Tao Te Ching stresses non-action (wu wei), which means the absence of aggressive action. In other words, man should not strive(奋斗)for wealth or fame, and violence is to7.(avoid). This peaceful way of life was extremely8.(influence)in later periods and led to the development of a particular Taoist way of living. 9.included special breathing exercises and special eating habits10.were designed to keep calm.
高一英语短文填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Lilly was a French Canadian girl who grew up in the farming community. When she was 16, her father her to drop out of school to contribute to the family income. With English as her second language and education, the future didn't look bright for Lilly.
Lilly's father was a stubborn man who took “no” for an answer. He told Lilly to find a job. With small hope of gaining , each day, she would just ride to the city, walk around and at dusk return home.
On one of her trips, Lilly saw a sign at a big company. she knocked on her very first door. In her English, Lilly told the office manager she was interested in the position of being a secretary. The manager to give the girl a chance. He directed her to type a single letter, and then . Lilly looked at the clock and saw it was 11：40 a．m. She thought everyone would be leaving for lunch at noon, when she could away in the crowd. But she knew she should the letter.
On her first try, Lilly got through one line of five words and made four mistakes. On her second attempt, she completed a full paragraph, but still made many mistakes. She looked at the clock: 11：55—five minutes to . Just then, the manager walked in. He came directly over to Lilly, read the letter and said, “Lilly, you're doing work !”
With those simple words of encouragement, her desire to escape disappeared and her began to grow. Lilly thought，“Well, if he thinks it's good, then it must be good. I think I'll stay！” Lilly did stay—all because someone gave a and uncertain girl the gift of self---confidence when she knocked on the door.
1.A. reminded B. forced C. encouraged D. helped
2.A. poor B. formal C. good D. modern
3.A. often B. usually C. sometimes D. hardly
4.A. employment B. improvement C. judgment D. development
5.A. carefully B. happily C. aimlessly D. rapidly
6.A. Confidently B. Proudly C. Calmly D. Nervously
7.A. broken B. perfect C. written D. fluent
8.A. refused B. decided C. pretended D. failed
9.A. stopped B. continued C. left D. sighed
10.A. break B. slip C. pass D. drive
11.A. read B. write C. attempt D. deliver
12.A. freedom B. success C. discussion D. reward
13.A. terrible B. excellent C. honest D. easy
14.A. belief B. patience C. confidence D. strength
15.A. shy B. lonely C. selfless D. modest
高一英语完型填空中等难度题查看答案及解析