Valentine’s Day, for many couples, means cards, flowers, and candlelight dinners. For most couples it also means withdrawing money at the ATM to express their love. Fortunately, there are ways to save money by saving energy — even during the date — so you can spend the money you save on the things that really matter to your sweetheart. Here are five easy tips for those couples out there who want to save energy and save money:
A fireplace is always a perfect background to set up holiday decorations because of the space it provides, in addition to the grand role it plays in the house as being an important part of each room. If you plan on spending your Valentine’s Day near the fireplace, be sure to prevent the heat loss and make sure of the chimney efficiency. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.
If you plan on having a nice, romantic dinner at home and want to set the mood with proper lighting, use energy efficient light bulbs that save you money, and look for bulbs that are lower in lumens. Lumens tell you the brightness of the bulb. The lower the lumens, the weaker the light.
For those who plan to cook that romantic dinner, there are some simple energy efficient ways you can prepare that meal. For example, did you know that if you’re baking in a china or glass dish, you can typically set your oven for 25 degrees less than the recipe calls for? Learn more about saving energy while cooking.
For those couples who would like to have a movie night, plug your TV and DVD into an electronic power strip to save money on your gas of the car. By plugging in electronic devices into a power strip and turning it off when not in use, you can save up to $100 per year.
If you plan on going on a romantic “escape” from your house by car, be sure to check out these tips to reduce fuel consumption and costs.
1.How do most people spend their Valentine’s Day according to the passage?
A. They make green trips by riding bikes or walking dogs.
B. They go to visit their parents or grandparents together.
C. They stay at home making delicious food for lovers.
D. They spend money creating romantic environment.
2.What does the author advise you to do when you use a fireplace that night?
A. Try to burn less wood by covering the chimney.
B. Try to use more wood to produce more heat.
C. Try to hold more heat by using it effectively.
D. Try to make the room wetter than usual.
3.What does the author advise you to do if you choose to have dinner at home?
A. Choose the bulbs without lumens.
B. Choose the bulbs with lower lumens.
C. Choose the small bulbs with higher lumens.
D. Choose the colorful bulbs as many as possible.
4.How should you cook meals according to the author?
A. Adjust electricity amount according to different dishes.
B. Set the oven for 25 degrees higher than required.
C. Try to cook all kinds of food with a china dish.
D. Try to bake some cakes in a glass dish.
5.What is the greenest way for you to see a film on Valentine’s Day?
A. Just watch a DVD at home. B. Just see the film in the running car.
C. Go to the nearest theatre by bike. D. “Escape” from your house by car.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题
Valentine’s Day, for many couples, means cards, flowers, and candlelight dinners. For most couples it also means withdrawing money at the ATM to express their love. Fortunately, there are ways to save money by saving energy — even during the date — so you can spend the money you save on the things that really matter to your sweetheart. Here are five easy tips for those couples out there who want to save energy and save money:
A fireplace is always a perfect background to set up holiday decorations because of the space it provides, in addition to the grand role it plays in the house as being an important part of each room. If you plan on spending your Valentine’s Day near the fireplace, be sure to prevent the heat loss and make sure of the chimney efficiency. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.
If you plan on having a nice, romantic dinner at home and want to set the mood with proper lighting, use energy efficient light bulbs that save you money, and look for bulbs that are lower in lumens. Lumens tell you the brightness of the bulb. The lower the lumens, the weaker the light.
For those who plan to cook that romantic dinner, there are some simple energy efficient ways you can prepare that meal. For example, did you know that if you’re baking in a china or glass dish, you can typically set your oven for 25 degrees less than the recipe calls for? Learn more about saving energy while cooking.
For those couples who would like to have a movie night, plug your TV and DVD into an electronic power strip to save money on your gas of the car. By plugging in electronic devices into a power strip and turning it off when not in use, you can save up to $100 per year.
If you plan on going on a romantic “escape” from your house by car, be sure to check out these tips to reduce fuel consumption and costs.
1.How do most people spend their Valentine’s Day according to the passage?
A. They make green trips by riding bikes or walking dogs.
B. They go to visit their parents or grandparents together.
C. They stay at home making delicious food for lovers.
D. They spend money creating romantic environment.
2.What does the author advise you to do when you use a fireplace that night?
A. Try to burn less wood by covering the chimney.
B. Try to use more wood to produce more heat.
C. Try to hold more heat by using it effectively.
D. Try to make the room wetter than usual.
3.What does the author advise you to do if you choose to have dinner at home?
A. Choose the bulbs without lumens.
B. Choose the bulbs with lower lumens.
C. Choose the small bulbs with higher lumens.
D. Choose the colorful bulbs as many as possible.
4.How should you cook meals according to the author?
A. Adjust electricity amount according to different dishes.
B. Set the oven for 25 degrees higher than required.
C. Try to cook all kinds of food with a china dish.
D. Try to bake some cakes in a glass dish.
5.What is the greenest way for you to see a film on Valentine’s Day?
A. Just watch a DVD at home. B. Just see the film in the running car.
C. Go to the nearest theatre by bike. D. “Escape” from your house by car.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Christmas is long gone. and Valentine’s Day is a distant memory. That means it's a slow time for jewelers, and a good time for you to make a purchase. Whether you’re out shopping for gold, or silver, here fife a few things you need to know:
What determines price?
The purity of the metal is one of the elements that determines the price. Gold purity is indicated with a stamp of 10K, 14K, 18K, or 24K. And different countries have their own standards. For example, for a piece to be considered gold in the US, it must be at least 10K. In Britain and Canada: 9K. In Italy and France: l 8K. Anything over l 8K is really too soft for everyday wear. That’s why jewelry stores in the US sell mostly 14K.
How much can you expect to pay?
That depends on the weight of the metal and the gemstone(宝石). So keep that in mind, especially when buying online. To keep yourself from getting ripped off, ask yourself the following:
●How long has the company been around?
●What is its return policy?
● Is the jewelry featured on the website visible from all directions?
● Is the company transparent with the gram weights and the size of the gemstones?
Yellow gold? White? Rose?
Yes, it's confusing, and while this is largely a personal decision, there fife a few things to keep in mind. For starters. white or rose gold costs about l 0% more than yellow gold. If you want the “look for less”, consider gold. plated jewelry. “Gold plated” and “gold overlay” mean the same thing and guarantee a thicker layer of finish than “vermeil” which is a flash finish that is thinner and less consistent, but more affordable. Buy vermeil finished pieces you want for a season or two just to follow the fashion. For pieces you want to wear for a lifetime, solid gold is best.
What about sterling silver(标准纯银)?
Sterling silver has been。an alternative for white gold during the difficult economy, and while it used to be more popular with just the younger these days it has much more mass appeal. So much so that retailers are now offering fine gemstones with silver--something you used to see only with gold.
Keep in mind that in the US. the sterling silver standard is 92.5% real silver. Don’t buy it if there isn’t a “925” stamp on it. And keep in mind that the lower price you’re paying for silver means more maintenance. To keep silver jewelry from becoming less shiny, consider keeping a piece of chalk in your jewelry box.
1.According to the passage, the underlined phrase “getting ripped off” in Paragraph 3 probably means “_______”.
A.being charged B.being cheated C.being affected D.being attracted
2.Which of the following is relatively good for only wearing a short time?
A.A 14K necklace. B.A gold-plated ring.
C.A vermeil ear ring. D.A gemstone necklace.
3.We call infer from the last paragraph that silver jewelry should be kept ________
A.in a dry place B.in a cold place C.in a wet place D.in a hot place
4.The author writes the passage mainly to ________.
A.encourage young people to buy fashionable jewelry
B.tell people the best time to purchase gold and silver
C.introduce the real value and popularity of gold and silver
D.inform people of the factors to consider in buying jewelry
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
______ “ Double 11” somewhat overlaps with Valentine’ s Day and provides another occasion for lovers to buy each other gifts, most spending on that day doesn’t involve a change of single status.
A. Ever since B. In case
C. Even though D. As though
高三英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析
A primary school in UK has banned Valentine’s Day cards because of concerns that young pupils spend too much time talking about boyfriends and girlfriends.
Ashcombe Primary School in WestonSuperMare,Somerset,has told parents that cards declaring love can be“confusing” for children under the age of 11,who are still emotionally and socially developing. In this month’s newsletter(通讯),Peter Turner,the head teacher,warned that any cards found in school would be confiscated(没收).He wrote:“We do not wish to see any Valentine’s Day cards in school this year. Some children and parents encourage a lot of talk about boyfriends and girlfriends. We believe that such ideas should wait until children are mature enough emotionally and socially to understand the commitment involved in having or being a boyfriend or girlfriend.”Mr.Turner said any families wanting to support the Valentine’s Day idea should send cards in the post or deliver them to home addresses by hand.
His views were endorsed by Ruth Rice,46,who has twins Harriet and Olivia at the school. She said,“Children at that age shouldn’t really be thinking about Valentine’s Day,they should be concentrating on their schoolwork.”They are at an age when they are impressionable(易受影响的)and most parents including myself are with Mr.Turner. “She added that the cards cause” too much competition. If someone gets a card and another doesn’t,then someone will be disappointed.
However,Rajeev Takyar,40,who has two children Jai,11,and Aryan,five,at the school,said he was “outraged”.He said,“There are schools that have banned conkers(栗子游戏)and snowballs,and now Valentine’s Cards.”I think banning the cards stops children from having social skills. How are they going to learn about relationships otherwise?It’s ridiculous. Alec Suttenwood,father of three children,said of the ban:“It’s totally ridiculous. Young children just send the cards to each other as friends and to their parents. It’s just a bit of harmless fun. There is no difference between this and Mother’s or Father’s Day.”
1.Which of the following is the best title?
A.Ban on Valentine’s Day cards at school is well received.
B.Ban on Valentine’s Day cards at school causes argument.
C.British children spend too much time talking about love.
D.A British high school bans Valentine’s Day cards.
2.The underlined word “endorsed” means________.
A.criticized B.quoted
C.disapproved D.approved
3.What do you know about Harriet and Olivia?
A.They will send Valentine’s Day cards this year.
B.They are strongly against the school’s decision.
C.They are of the same age.
D.They are the children of Rajeev Takyar.
4.According to Rajeev Takyar,________.
A.sending Valentine’s Day cards helps develop children’s social skills
B.banning Valentine’s Day cards will benefit children
C.the cards cause too much competition among children
D.children are too young to talk about love
5.The newsletter by Peter Turner probably appeared on________.
A.February 22 B.February 6
C.March 18 D.August 1
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
A primary school in UK has banned Valentine’s Day cards because of concerns that young pupils spend too much time talking about boyfriends and girlfriends.
Ashcombe Primary School in WestonSuperMare,Somerset,has told parents that cards declaring love can be“confusing” for children under the age of 11,who are still emotionally and socially developing. In this month’s newsletter(通讯),Peter Turner,the head teacher,warned that any cards found in school would be confiscated(没收).He wrote:“We do not wish to see any Valentine’s Day cards in school this year. Some children and parents encourage a lot of talk about boyfriends and girlfriends. We believe that such ideas should wait until children are mature enough emotionally and socially to understand the commitment involved in having or being a boyfriend or girlfriend.”Mr.Turner said any families wanting to support the Valentine’s Day idea should send cards in the post or deliver them to home addresses by hand.
His views were endorsed by Ruth Rice,46,who has twins Harriet and Olivia at the school. She said,“Children at that age shouldn’t really be thinking about Valentine’s Day,they should be concentrating on their schoolwork.”They are at an age when they are impressionable(易受影响的)and most parents including myself are with Mr.Turner. “She added that the cards cause” too much competition. If someone gets a card and another doesn’t,then someone will be disappointed.
However,Rajeev Takyar,40,who has two children Jai,11,and Aryan,five,at the school,said he was “outraged”.He said,“There are schools that have banned conkers(栗子游戏)and snowballs,and now Valentine’s Cards.”I think banning the cards stops children from having social skills. How are they going to learn about relationships otherwise?It’s ridiculous. Alec Suttenwood,father of three children,said of the ban:“It’s totally ridiculous. Young children just send the cards to each other as friends and to their parents. It’s just a bit of harmless fun. There is no difference between this and Mother’s or Father’s Day.”
1.Which of the following is the best title?
A.Ban on Valentine’s Day cards at school is well received.
B.Ban on Valentine’s Day cards at school causes argument.
C.British children spend too much time talking about love.
D.A British high school bans Valentine’s Day cards.
2.The underlined word “endorsed” means________.
A.criticized B.quoted
C.disapproved D.approved
3.What do you know about Harriet and Olivia?
A.They will send Valentine’s Day cards this year.
B.They are strongly against the school’s decision.
C.They are of the same age.
D.They are the children of Rajeev Takyar.
4.According to Rajeev Takyar,________.
A.sending Valentine’s Day cards helps develop children’s social skills
B.banning Valentine’s Day cards will benefit children
C.the cards cause too much competition among children
D.children are too young to talk about love
5.The newsletter by Peter Turner probably appeared on________.
A.February 22 B.February 6
C.March 18 D.August 1
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
A primary school has banned Valentine’s Day cards because of concerns that young pupils spend too much time talking about boyfriends and girlfriends.
Ashcombe Primary School in WestonsuperMare,Somerset,has told parents that cards declaring love can be “confusing” for children under the age of 11,who are still emotionally and socially developing.
In his February newsletter(简讯),Peter Turner,head teacher,warned that any cards found in school would be confiscated.
He wrote,“We do not wish to see any Valentine’s Day cards in school this year.Some children and parents encourage a lot of talks about boyfriends and girlfriends.”
“We believe that such ideas should wait until children are mature enough emotionally and socially to understand the commitment involved in having or being a boyfriend or girlfriend.”
Mr.Turner said any families wanting to support the Valentine’s Day concept should send cards in the post or deliver them to home addresses by hand.
His views were supported by Ruth Rice,46,who has twins Harriet and Olivia,9,at the school.
She said,“Children at that age shouldn’t really be thinking about Valentine’s Day,and they should be concentrating on their schoolwork.”
“They are at an age when they are easily influenced and most parents including myself are with Mr.Turner.”
She added,“The cards caused too much competition.If someone gets a card and another doesn’t then he or she will be disappointed.”
However,Rajeev Takyar,40,who sells newspapers and has two children Jai,11,and Aryan,5,at the school,said he was “genuinely outraged”.
He said,“There are schools that have banned conkers(康克戏) and snowballs,and now Valentine’s Day cards.”
“I think banning the cards stops children from having social skills.How are they going to learn about relationships otherwise?It’s ridiculous.”
Alec Suttenwood,founder of the AntiPolitical Correctness Group,said of the ban,“It’s totally ridiculous.Young children just send the cards to each other as friends and to their parents.It’s just a bit of harmless fun.There is no difference between this and Mother’s or Father’s Day.”
1.Valentine’s Day cards may cause confusion among young children because ________.
A.they are too young to understand what love is
B.teachers haven’t taught them how to make friends
C.children shouldn’t learn about social relationships
D.students talk too much about boyfriends and girlfriends
2.The underlined word “confiscated” in Paragraph 3 can probably be replaced by “________”.
A.collected B.destroyed C.taken away D.burnt away
3.Ruth Rice was in favor of Mr.Turner’s view in that ________.
A.children like to compare Valentine’s Day cards
B.children should focus their mind on their lessons
C.sending holiday cards wastes both time and money
D.making friends has a negative influence on children
4.Which statement is TRUE according to the text?
A.Most of English parents want children to have fun.
B.Children should learn how to develop social skills.
C.English schools don’t allow students to play games.
D.Some parents think it unreasonable to ban the cards.
5.What is the best title of the text?
A.School Bans Valentine’s Day Cards
B.Shall We Send Valentine’s Day Cards?
C.Different Opinions on Valentine’s Day Cards
D.Parents’ Concern About Valentine’s Day Cards
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Each year her husband sent her valentine roses, tied with pretty bows, and a card. The card would ________say,“I love you even more than last year on this day.”
The year he________, the roses were delivered to her door as usual. The card said,“Be my valentine. My love for you will always________with every passing year.” She thought this was the________ time that the roses would appear. She________he ordered roses________without knowing that he would________.He always liked to do things ahead. Then, if he got busy, everything would work out ________.She put ________ in a very special vase, and then placed the vase beside the portrait of his smiling face. She would sit for hours, staring at his picture and the roses.
A year went by,________it was tough to live without him. Then, on Valentine’s Day, the doorbell rang, and she saw roses sitting _______ her door. She brought the roses in, and then looked at them in surprise. Later she ________ the flower shop and asked them to explain ________valentine roses were sent to her.
The owner replied,“I know your husband passed away a year ago. The flowers you________today were paid for two years ago. Your husband always planned ahead. Here is ________ of many years. You’ll get them every year till... and he also wrote a special little________for you...he did this years ago. He said, ‘If you find out that I’m no longer here, the card should be sent to my wife the following year.’”
She thanked him and hung up the phone, her tears ________ her face. She found a card among the roses and read it slowly,“Hello,my love. I know it’s been a year since I was gone. I hope it’s not too hard for you to overcome. I know you must be ________ and the pain is real. The _______ we shared made everything so beautiful in life. I loved you more than________can say. Please try not to be too sad. That is why the roses will be sent to you for years.”
1.A. sometimes B. always C. occasionally D. rarely
2.A. died B. returned C. disappeared D. retired
3.A. come B. plant C. grow D. leave
4.A. first B. second C. last D. every
5.A. guessed B. remembered C. decided D. informed
6.A. in return B. in addition to C. in reality D. in advance
7.A. live through B. pass away C. break down D. leave behind
8.A. free B. early C. quiet D. fine
9.A. one B. some C. them D. it
10.A. but B. and C. then D. therefore
11.A. by B. out C. inside D. upon
12.A. visited B. went C. came D. called
13.A. when B. whether C. why D. how
14.A. sent B. received C. possessed D. accepted
15.A. an order B. an excuse C. a proposal D. a program
16.A. letter B. article C. note D. card
17.A. coming into B. running down C. going out D. getting away
18.A. crazy B. cautious C. lonely D. embarrassed
19.A. marriage B. life C. love D. family
20.A. flowers B. roses C. cards D. words
高三英语完形填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Autumn blues? Let the sunshine in falling leaves, flowers, and cold winds. For many people late autumn can be a season of depression.
Those who suffer from “ the autumn blue” are often extremely tired, lack energy, need more sleep, feel increased appetite and gain weight. "The exact cause of this condition, often called seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is not known yet," says Chen Jue, associate professor at Shanghai Mental Health Center. "But recent studies indicate that weather change is influential and strongly suggest that this condition is caused by changes in the availability(得到) of sunlight."
One theory is that with decreased exposure to sunlight, the biological clock that regulates mood, sleep, and hormones is delayed, running more slowly in winter. Exposure to light may reset the biological clock. Another theory is that brain chemicals that transmit information between nerves, called neurotransmitters (for example, serotonin), may be altered in individuals with SAD. It is believed that exposure to light can correct these imbalances. "It is a sad season, but you can try to make it happy. Remember, spring always lives in your heart," Chen says. “Going outdoors to get some sunlight may reduce the tension that brings you the low spirits. Relax at work. Stretch, breathe deeply. Take a tea break. Think of your next vacation. Color treatment also works in handling low mood. Music also plays a role in treating autumn blues.”
1.Autumn blues is also called autumn________.
A. depression B. sunshine C. blue music D. cold winds
2.From the 3rd paragraph we know that there _______ that can help to deal with autumn blues.
A. is no biological clock B. is a real example
C. is no possibility D. are some ways
3.Which of the following is true according to the text?
A. The real cause for autumn blues is still unknown.
B. Autumn blues can be feelings of happiness.
C. People feel tired in autumn.
D. Weather doesn’t change people.
4.Which of the following CAN’T you do in order to deal with autumn blues?
A. Reset the biological clock regulating mood, sleep and hormones.
B. Eat more food very low in calories and sugar.
C. Keep the balance of nerves that transmit information.
D. Take outdoor activities or sports.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Today is September 10th. It's __________ Day. Let's go and buy some flowers for our teachers.
A.Teachers | B.Teachers' | C.the Teachers' | D.Teacher's |
高三英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析
For many in the UK, if the New Year means anything, it means starting with a clean beginning and turning over a new leaf. And to do this, many of us make New Year's resolutions—a list of ways that we intend to improve ourselves in the year ahead. We reflect on our past transgressions and decide not to do them again. Stopping smoking is ever popular, as is a vow to take up more exercise or spend more time with family. But where does the idea of a New Year's resolution come from?
The answer might lie 4,000 years ago in ancient Babylonia (巴比伦王国), according to History.com. The Babylonians are believed to be the first to hold recorded celebrations for the New Year. The 12-day-long celebration, allowed them not only to reaffirm (重申) their loyalty to the king, but also to promise to the gods to pay their debts and return borrowed objects. For their good behavior, they believed the gods would cast favor upon them for the year to come.
The Romans too had similar traditions. New Year's Day was a time when senators would swear they had maintained the laws and city leaders and soldiers would take an oath (宣誓) of loyalty to the emperor. Incidentally, the month of January, is named after the Roman god Janus. He is the god of beginnings, transitions and time, among other things and is described as having two faces—one looking to the past and the other facing forward to the future.
The Romans may be long gone, but their legacy lives on. Come the turn of the year and we look at self-improvement, review our past mistakes, confess our wrongdoings and try to sharpen up in general. Ultimately, much like the Babylonians and Romans, we seek to reaffirm the best parts of ourselves, while leaving the worthless behind.
Whether you're looking at a quick behavioral change, or huge personality improving, you're taking part in an old tradition. I wish you all the best sticking to your resolutions. Happy New Year!
1.The underlined word ''transgressions'' in the first paragraph means '' ''.
A.childhood B.wrongdoings
C.careers D.achievements
2.What did the Babylonians do during the 12-day-long celebration?
A.They strengthened their loyalty to the king again.
B.They borrowed objects from gods.
C.They took up more exercise.
D.They kept the laws and stayed with families.
3.What physical feature does the Roman god Janus have?
A.Janus is the god of beginnings. B.Janus is the god of transitions and time.
C.Janus has two faces. D.Janus looks to the past.
4.The main idea of the passage is .
A.the way to celebrate New Year B.the origin of the New Year's resolution
C.the old story of Romans D.the approach to changing people's behavior
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析