My fifteen-year-old son has just returned from abroad with rolls of exposed film and a hundred dollars in uncashed traveler’s checks, and is asleep at the moment. His blue duffel(粗呢) bag lies on the floor where he dropped it. Obviously, he postponed as much sleep as he could: when he walked in and we hugged, his electrical system suddenly switched off, and he headed directly for the bed, where I imagine he beat his old record of sixteen hours.

It was his first trip overseas, so weeks before it, I pressed travel books on him, and a tape cassette of useful French phrases; drew up a list of people to visit; advised him on clothing and other things. At the luggage store where we went to buy him a suitcase, he headed for the duffels, saying that suitcases were more for old people.

During the trip, he called home three times: from London, Paris, and a village named Ullapool. Near Ullapool, he climbed a mountain in a rainstorm that almost blew him off. In the village, a man spoke to him in Gaelic, and, too polite to interrupt, my son listened to him for ten or fifteen minutes, trying to nod in the right places. The French he learned from the cassette didn’t hold water in Paris. The French he talked to shrugged and walked on.

When my son called, I sat down at the kitchen table and leaned forward and hung on every word. His voice came through clearly, though two of the calls were like ship-to-shore communication. When I interrupted him with a “Great!” or a “Really?”, I knocked a little hole in his communication. So I just sat and listened. I have never listened to a telephone so attentively and with so much pleasure. It was wonderful to hear news from him that was so new to me. In my book, he was the first man to land on the moon, and I knew that I had no advice to give him and that what I had already given was probably not much help.

The unused checks are certainly evidence of that. Youth travels light. No suitcase, not much luggage and a slim expense account, and yet he went to the scene, and came back safely. I sit here amazed. The night when your child returns with dust on his shoes from a country you’ve never seen is a night you would gladly turn into a week.

1.During the trip, the author’s son ______.

A. didn’t have enough sleep

B. ran out of money

C. forgot to call his mother

D. failed to take good pictures

2.According to the passage, which of the following could best describe the author’s son?

A. Polite and careless.

B. Considerate and independent.

C. Creative and stubborn.

D. Self-centered and adventurous.

3.What does the underlined word “that” in the last paragraph refer to?

A. It is important to listen to your child’s story.

B. It’s easy to interrupt the chat with your child.

C. The author is proud of her son landing on the moon.

D. The son no longer needs much help from his mother.

4. What can we infer from the passage?

A. Good parents should protect their children from potential dangers.

B. The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.

C. Communication between parents and children is extremely important.

D. It’s a win-win choice to give a child space to experience and explore.

Can you believe your eyes? A recent experiment suggests that the answer to that question may depend on your age.

Martin Doherty, a psychologist at the University of Stirling in Scotland, led the team of scientists. In this experiment, Doherty and his team tested the perception(观察力) of some people, using pictures of some orange circles. The researchers showed the same pictures to two groups of people. The first group included 151 children aged 4 to 10, and the second group included 24 adults aged 18 to 25.

The first group of pictures showed two circles alone on a white background. One of the circles was larger than the other, and these people were asked to identify the larger one. Four-year-olds identified the correct circle 79 percent of the time. Adults identified the correct circle 95 percent of the time.

Next, both groups were shown a picture where the orange circles, again of different sizes, were surrounded by gray circles. Here's where the trick lies in. In some of the pictures, the smaller orange circle was surrounded by even smaller gray circles —making the orange circle appear larger than the other orange circle, which was the real larger one. And the larger orange circle was surrounded by even bigger gray circles—so it appeared to be smaller than the real smaller orange circle.

When young children aged 4 to 6 looked at these tricky pictures, they weren't fooled—they were still able to find the bigger circle with roughly the same accuracy(准确性) as before. Older children and adults, on the other hand, did not do as well. Older children often identified the smaller circle as the larger one, and adults got it wrong most of the time.

As children get older, Doherty said, their brains may develop the ability to identify visual（视觉的） context. In other words, they will begin to process the whole picture at once: the tricky gray circles, as well as the orange circle in the middle. As a result, they're more likely to fall for this kind of visual trick.

1.Doherty and his team of scientists did an experiment to evaluate_____________.

A. children's and adults' eye-sight

B. children's and adults' brains

C. people's ability to see accurately

D. the influence of people's age

2.When asked to find the larger circle,_____________.

A. children at 4 got it right about 79 % of the time with gray ones around

B. only adults over 18 got it right 95% of the time with gray ones around

C. children at 6 got it wrong 79 % of the time with no gray ones around

D. adults got it right most of the time with gray ones around

3.According to the passage, we can know that_____________.

A. a smaller orange circle appears bigger on a white background

B. an orange circle appears bigger than a gray one of the same size

C. a circle surrounded by bigger ones looks smaller than its real size

D. a circle surrounded by other circles looks bigger than its real size

4.Why are younger children not fooled? _____________.

A. Because they are smarter than older children and adults.

B. Because older people are influenced by their experience.

C. Because people's eyes become weaker as they grow older.

D. Because their brain can hardly notice related things together.

The United States estimates that about one out of every 10 people on the planet today is at least 60 years old. By 2050, it’s projected to be one out of 5. This means that not only will there be more old people, but there will be relatively fewer young people to support them.

Professor Richard Lee of the University of California at Berkeley says this aging of the world has a great effect on economics. “Population aging increases the concentration of population in the older ages and therefore it is costly,” he said.

Aging populations consume (消耗) more and produce less. With more people living longer, it could get expensive. But Mr. Lee says with continuing increases in worker productivity and smart planning, it can be manageable.

Societies have different methods for caring for the elderly, but each carries a cost. Generally, there are three types of support. Seniors can live off the wealth they gained when they were younger. They can rely on their family to take care of them, or they can rely on the government.

In industrialized nations, governments created publicly-funded (公共资助的) support systems. These worked relatively well until recent years, when aging population growth in places like the United States and Western Europe began to gradually weaken the systems’ finances. These nations now face some tough choices. Mr. Lee says the elderly in some of these countries must either receive less money, retire later or increase taxes to make the system continuable.

Most developing nations haven’t built this type of government-funded support, but have instead relied on families to care for their elderly. These nations also generally have a much younger population, which means their situation is not as urgent as more developed nations. But Mr. Lee says that doesn’t mean they can ignore the issue. “Third World countries should give very careful thought to this process, to population aging and how it may affect their economies — now, before population aging even becomes an issue,” he explained.

1.“Aging” in this text means ___________________ .

A. there are more young people than old people

B. an increasing number of old people are dying

C. more and more young people are growing old

D. the percentage of old people in the world is increasing

2. What is Professor Richard Lee’s attitude towards population aging?

A. Indifferent. B. Negative.

C. Optimistic. D. Worried.

3.The publicly-funded support systems in industrialized nations___________________.

A. are facing the risk of failing

B. have failed to provide support for the old

C. will be replaced by other support systems

D. have greatly affected the nations’ economies

4. We can infer from the text that developing nations___________________.

A. don’t see population aging as an issue

B. should prepare for population aging.

C. are facing urgent situations of population aging

D. have better ways to deal with population aging.

根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项，选项中有两项为多余选项。

Self-confidence, motivation (动机), support and knowledge are the main factors determining if one succeeds or fails. Each of these factors influences our chances of success in a different way. 1. .

Lack of self-confidence is probably the most dreadful enemy of success. 2. Even the most capable person is sure to fail with such an attitude. If it is your case too, improving your self-confidence is a must.

Motivation is equally as important as self-confidence. 3. You may even not try to achieve the goal that lies before you. It is important to find out what is the best motivation for you. If you have to do something that does not motivate you, just treat yourself with a reward after you succeed. Of course, this reward should consist of something that will motivate you to pursue(追求) a success.

4. While it is not a must for succeeding in your goals, a lack of support can often lead to failure. It is also true that some people cannot succeed without a proper support from their surroundings. These people often lose their motivation or worse, their self-confidence. If you know such a person, supporting him or her is a right thing to do. Also surround yourself with the right people. You will see the results soon.

Pursuing realistic goals is also important for a success. You should always make sure that your goals are achievable. 5. Unrealistic goals usually lead to a fast failure and also make many people embarrassed.

A. As we know, many people try but do not succeed.

B. Consider all your knowledge and skills when setting up a goal.

C. Motivation is something in yourself that can push you forwards.

D. There are several main reasons why some people cannot succeed.

E. Supportive family and collective workplace are also very important.

F. Without it, you will not push yourself towards a better performance.

G. Thinking you are not good enough to achieve your goals is the same as deciding that you will not succeed.

完形填空

阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的四个选项（A、B、C 和 D）中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

One morning I wasted nearly an hour watching a tiny ant carry a huge feather. Several times, it _________ several obstacles(障碍) in its path. And after a momentary pause it would make the necessary detour (绕道). _________ one point, the ant had to cross a crack(裂缝) about 10mm wide. After some _________ thoughts, the ant laid the feather over the crack, walked _________ it and picked the feather up on the other side, then continued on its way. I was _________by the cleverness of this ant. It was only a small insect, lacking in _________ yet equipped with a brain to reason, explore, discover and overcome. _________ this ant, like the other two-legged creatures _________ on the earth, also shares human feelings.

After some time the ant _________ reached its destination--- a flower bed and a small hole that was the entrance to its _________ home. It was there that the ant met its _________ . How could that large feather possibly _________ such a small hole? Of course, it couldn’t. So the ant, after all this _________ and using great brightness, overcoming problems all along the way, just gave up the _________ and went home. The ant had not thought the problem through_________ it began its journey and in the end the feather was_________ more than a burden. Isn’t our _________ like that?

We worry about our families; we worry about the_________ of money; and we worry about all kinds of things. These are all burdens --- the things we pick up along life’s path, and drag them around the obstacles and over the cracks that life will bring, only to _________ that at the destination they are _________ and we can’t take them with us.

1.A. came across B. came about C. got over D. dealt with

2.A. For B. At C. To D. With

3.A. brave B. tiring C. short D. magic

4.A. through B. across C. beside D. behind

5.A. satisfied B. frightened C. annoyed D. attracted

6.A. height B. size C. depth D. length

7.A. Therefore B. Otherwise C. But D. Besides

8.A. living B. working C. sleeping D. walking

9.A. finally B. probably C. suddenly D. easily

10.A. lonely B. comfortable C. underground D. big

11.A. partner B. parent C. match D. friend

12.A. fix B. fit C. fill D. suit

13.A. trouble B. pleasure C. decision D. matter

14.A. insect B. problem C. feather D. hole

15.A. before B. after C. until D. once

16.A. everything B. anything C. something D. nothing

17.A. study B. aim C. dream D. 1ife

18.A. waste B. lack C. worth D. danger

19.A. think B. wonder C. warn D. find

20.A. bad B. useless C. meaningful D. practical

单句改错

每句一处错误，错误涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改，每处错误及其修改均仅限一词。

1. The bed was measured 1.8 meters long and it was too short for the young man.

2. Liu Qian finished writing the composition in such a short time surprised us all.

3. Facing up to your problems rather than run away from them is the best approach to working things out.

4. According to the newly-made traffic regulation, who drives through red light shall be fined at least 200 dollars.

5. When he returned, he agreed to the publisher’s request that he wrote a book for boys based on the life he had experienced.

6. One Friday, we were packing to leave for a weekend away as my daughter heard cries for help.

7. My son must have passed the examination, but he wasn't careful enough in the math exam.

8. After several hours of struggling in the snow, they finally arrived what they had thought they should be picked up.

9. I got up early, but I shouldn’t have done so, because I had no work to do that morning.

10. His puzzling expression suggested that he didn't understand what they said at the meeting. .

语法填空

阅读下列材料，在空白出填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的适当形式。

Have you ever wondered whether there is life on Mars? The big Red Planet is a mystery to us but ____1.___ (hope) not for much longer.

On November 11, the Mars rover(漫游者) ___2.____(name) Curiosity started its journey into space. After eight months flying in a rocket, Curiosity covered more than 566 million kilometers and finally landed on Mars—according to BBC reports. The rover is there to find out ___3.____there is, or ever was, life on the cold, desert-like planet.

The place ____4.____Curiosity landed is called Gale Crater, a huge hole on Mars. Scientists believe that there was once water and even life there. In order to do its job, Curiosity is filled with many useful tools, ____5.___it is only three meters long, about the size of a small car.

It has a robot arm that can collect soil and drill into rock. It also carries ____6._____ own laser gun. The gun can turn ____7.___small amount of rock into gas, so that Curiosity can study what the rock ____8.____(make) up of. ___9.____the help of these tools, Curiosity will act as a robot geologist. For the next two years, it will stay and travel inside Gale Crater, ____10.____ (collect) and studying rock and soil.

短文改错

假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。

增加：在缺词处加一个漏词符号（∧），并在此符号下面写出该加的词。

删除：把多余的词用斜线（\）划掉。

修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。

注意：1.每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；

2.只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。

In recent years, the volunteering spirit has spread between the Chinese people, especially youngsters. Actually, an increased number of people become volunteers every year in China.

Volunteering actions are of great beneficial to both those in need and the society. What is known to all, volunteers played an active role in National Youth Games in Fujian. Without them, it will be a tough task to hold this grand National Youth Games. Therefore, we can say that it was those volunteers who ensure the success of these games.

As high school student, we should get active involved in volunteering activities. Only by participating we learn how to work well in a team, how to improve our social skills. Undoubtedly, all of these are important for our growth. So, we should take an action to learn and to grow.

书面表达

假如你们班将要对“良好的饮食习惯”这一话题进行讨论。请根据下列提示，用英语写一篇发言稿。内容要点应包括：

1．同学中存在的一些不良的饮食习惯。

2．如何建立良好的饮食习惯。

3．个人看法。

注意：

1. 发言稿必须包括所有内容要点，可适当发挥。

2. 发言稿开头与结尾已为你写好，不计入总词数。

词数：120左右

参考词汇：偏食：be particular about 零食：snack

Dear classmates,

As we all know, it is very important for us to form healthy eating habits._________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

That’s all. Thank you！

Learn like a spy! Pass for a native.

Pimsleur courses help people who need to speak another language quickly. Our courses took 40 years to develop and are now used by the FBI, CIA, and business professionals everywhere. They are so effective that you have nothing to lose!

You will get everything in 10 days：

• Language instruction that is proven effective

• No boring charts or meaningless rules

•8 fluency-oriented lessons on 4 audio CDs (or cassettes)

• Audio teaching with a 25-year history of success.

•Full 30-day money-back guarantee

•Special offers on our more advanced courses

There are so many reasons to learn a new language with the Pimsleur approach ：

• Speak without an accent so you sound like a native.

•Form new sentences that sound right and make sense. Practice what is natural to you in English.

•Feel safe and confident. You will know how to deal with any situation.

•Protect your busy life. 30-minute lessons are perfect for your lunch break or workout.

•Remember without trying. Material is scientifically arranged so you remember without pain.

•Join 25 million people who have graduated with success since 1980.

The purpose of the course ；

The entire Pimsleur approach is what language learning should be ： quick, fun and easy J Many foreign language students have difficulty in learning. Their textbooks teach boring drills， grammar rules and lists of words. But textbooks alone can never bring it all together.

Your only real goal in taking any language course is to speak naturally with others.

You will keep building on what you have learned. Best of all，Pimsleur courses do not waste your time by cramming grammar down your throat. You learn to recognize what sounds right through practice.

1.What does the slogan(标语）“Learn like a Spy” mean according to the ad?

A. Leam in a spy-like state.

B.Leam together with trained spies.

C. Leam within a minimum of time.

D.Leam to be admitted to FBI or CIA.

2.What does the ad promise?

A.No boring CDs. B.No meaningless rules.

C.25-hours of teaching. D.Free lessons for 30 days.

3.Why can you as a clerk be attracted to leam a new language with the Pimsleur approach even on weekdays?

A.You can remember without gain.

B.You can speak without an accent.

C.You can leam while exercising.

D.You can feel safe and confident

4.Which of the following do Pimsleur courses primarily focus on?

A.Writing naturally.

B.Speaking like a native.

C.listening scientifically.

D.Interpreting practically.