1. White students in Georgia in the 1950's could ________ .     

A. attend school of a single sex
B. attend school of mixed sexes
C. attend school with students of other skin colors
D. attend any school they like

2. When the classmates received the message from Tom, they ________.

A. were all eager for the reunion
B. were doubtful about his real purpose
C. refused to listen to him
D. all began to miss him

3. We can learn from the passage that Tom Johnson ________.

A. began to miss his old school friends after he retired
B. wanted to reconnect with his roots after the dramatic changes in his life
C. wanted to reconnect with his roots in spite of his successful career
D. began to miss his old school friends after hearing his son's words

4. The passage mainly tells us ________.

A. the success story of Tom Johnson
B. the segregation in Georgia in the 1950's
C. an unusual reunion of old graduates
D. the old school system in Georgia

     Is early childhood education really necessary? Early childhood education primarily focuses on learning
through playing to develop the child's physical, sensory (感觉的), communicational and social development.
Early childhood education has become a concern of the government, who pushes poor children to be formally
trained before they are old enough for the kindergarten.
     There are good reasons for the government to push early childhood education. Studies have shown that
orphan children who did not receive good care and education become developmentally delayed causing failure
in school, and even in life. Further studies show that poor children who take part in Head Start programs are
more prepared for school, less likely to end up in Special Education classes, and are less likely to receive public
help or go to jail.
     There are also negative parts of putting a child in formal education programs too early. Time Magazine online
explains that the younger the child, the less his chances of catching up with first-grade work. I have personally
witnessed many children of my generation who went to Head Start programs became frustrated and bored with
school before they finished high school. Yet parents have been sure that the earlier the child starts school, the
better off he or she is, so they push to start childhood education earlier.
     Actually while early formal education of poor children does show great gains in the early elementary years,
studies also show that this head start is really a"false start", as the gains are lost in middle and high school years.
It seems that environment is a bigger factor on life's success than early education. Head Start programs have
not achieved its original goal in closing the achievement gap in poor and middle school children. Perhaps it is
time to find other ways to close that gap.

1. The purpose of the government valuing early childhood education is _____.

A. to develop the children's communication
B. to give orphaned children good care and education
C. to get the children prepared for the kindergarten
D. to train the children formally and regularly

2. According to the studies which of the following is True?

A. Children with good early education may have a rich life.
B. The orphaned children are usually unhappy in their life.
C. Children without early education can do well at school.
D. Head Start programs are helpful to the poor children.

3. The author's attitude toward early childhood education is _____.

A. puzzling
B. objective
C. indifferent
D. approving

4. The main idea of the last passage is that _____.

A. early childhood education is very necessary
B. Head Start programs have helped the children a lot
C. environment is the most important to life's success
D. better ways should be found to help the poor children

     It's known to us that when we taste delicious food, some people are in hunger. They live a hard life. They are poor and always don't have enough food to eat.
     Food banks are the organizations to help these poor people. Food banks receive the food from companies or supermarkets, and also from donations from the public. In this way, they collect extra food and give out the food to people who are hungry.
     The first food bank was St. Mary's Food Bank. It started in 1967 in Arizona. In 1979, it became a larger organization named America's Second Harvest Network-made up of over 200 food banks across the USA. Each year, the Network provides food for more than 25 million hungry people in the United States, including more than 9 million children and nearly 3 million old people.
      Volunteers are important to food banks. There are many different ways for you to volunteer. You can help out through activities such as:
     *Sorting, boxing and packaging donated food.
     *Tutoring poor kids at your local Kids Café.
     *Transporting or delivering food.
      It's simple. Take part in it today, and let's try to make our world without hunger!

1. We can learn from the passage that food banks are _____.

A. some special banks
B. some organizations
C. the banks for poor people
D. the banks to receive food

2. What is the meaning of the underlined word"donations"?

A. something given
B. extra food
C. the Network
D. volunteers

3. It can be inferred from the last paragraph that _____.

A. the author wants to set up another food bank
B. many young people want to become volunteers
C. few people want to become volunteers
D. the author hopes to see more people become volunteers

4. What would be the best title for this passage?

A. Help the people in hunger
B. Go to become volunteers
C. Food banks
D. Make our world without hunger

     It is really possible to be bored to death,scientists have found.Researchers say that
people who live a boring life are more likely to die young,and that those who experienced
"high levels" of boredom are at double risk (危险) of dying from heart disease or a stroke
than those who are satisfied with their life.
     Researchers studied the results of 7,524 people aged between 35 and 55 who were
interviewed between 1985 and 1988 about their levels of boredom.Of those 7,524 people
who were monitored (跟踪调查) over 25 years,those who said____________were nearly
40 percent more likely to have died by the end of the study than those who did not.
     The original survey found one in ten people had been bored within the past month,with
women more than twice as likely as men to suffer from boredom.Younger employees and
those with more boring jobs were also found to be more likely to suffer from boredom.
     Martin Shipley,who wrote the report,said,"People who are bored are more likely to turn to
unhealthy habits like drinking,smoking,taking drugs,and getting addicted to the Internet,which
can cut people's lifeexpectancy (寿命)．It_is_important_that_people_who_have_dull_jobs
_find_outside_interests_to_keep_off_boredom,rather_than_turn_to_drinking_or_smoking."
     A scientist said those who are bored should try to be happier by thinking more about the
needs of others."From being all me,me,me,they should be thinking-what can I do for my
family,my friends,my colleagues,even my boss?" he said.

1．What's the main idea of the passage?(Please answer within 8 words.)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2．Fill in the blank in Paragraph 2 with proper words.(Please answer within 5 words.)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3．What does the original survey show about people?(Please answer within 15 words.)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4．Which sentence in the passage is the closest in meaning to the following one?
According to a scientist,people who feel bored should focus more on the needs of others in
order to be happier.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5．Translate the underlined sentence in Paragraph 4 into Chinese.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

     The year is 2094. It has been announced that a comet(彗星) is heading towards the
earth. Most of it will miss our planet, but two pieces will probably hit the southern half
of the earth.
     On 17 July, a piece four kilometers wide enters the earth's atmosphere(大气层) with a
massive explosion. About half of the piece is destroyed, but the remaining part hits the
South Atlantic at 200 times the speed of sound. The sea boils and a huge hole is made in
the sea bed. Huge waves are created and spread outwards from the hole. The wall of water,
a kilometer high, rushes towards southern Africa at 800 kilometers an hour. Cities on the
African coast are totally destroyed and millions of people are drowned.
     Before the waves reach South America, the second piece of the comet lands in
Argentina. Earthquakes and volcanoes are set off in the Andes Mountains. The shock
waves move north into Califomia and all around the Pacific Ocean. The cities of Los
Angeles, San Francisco and Tokyo are completely destroyed by earthquakes. Millions
of people in the southern half of the earth are already dead, but the north won't escape
for long. Because of the explosions, the sun is hidden by clouds of dust, temperatures
around the world fall to almost zero.Crops are ruined. The sun won't be seen again for
many years. Wars break out as countries fight for food. A year later, no more than 10
million people remain alive.
     Could it really happen? In fact, it has already happened more than once in the history
of the Earth. The dinosaurs were on the Earth for over 160 million years. Then 65 million
years ago they suddenly disappeared. Many scientists believe that the Earth was hit by
a piece of object in space. The dinosaurs couldn't live through the cold climate that
followed and died out. Will we meet the same end?

1. What is mainly described in the passage?______

A. A historic discovery.
B. An event of imagination.
C. A research on space.
D. A scientific adventure.

2. When the first piece hits the South Atlantic, it causes.______

A. an earthquake
B. damages to cities
C. an Earth explosion
D. huge waves

3. Why can't the northern half of the Earth escape for long?______

A. Because the land is covered with water.
B. Because the light and heat from the sun can not reach the earth.
C. Because people there can not live at the temperature of zero.
D. Because wars break out among countries.

4. By giving the example of dinosaurs, the author tries to prove .______

A. animals could not live in the cold climate
B.what happened 65 million years ago was an invented story
C. the human beings will die out in 2094
D. the Earth could be hit by other objects in space

     In a society such as the United States or Canada, which has many national, religious, and cultural differences,
people highly value individualism (个人主义)-the differences among people. Teachers place a lot of importance
on the qualities that make each student special. The educational systems in these countries show these values.
Students do not memorize information. Instead, they work individually and find answers themselves. There is
often discussion in the classroom. At an early age, students learn to form their own ideas and opinions.
     In most Asian societies, on the contrary, people have the same language, history, and culture. Perhaps for
this reason, the educational system in much of the Orient (东方的) reflects society' s belief in group goals and
purposes rather than individualism. Children in China, Japan, and Korea often work together and help one
another on assignments. In the classroom, the teaching methods are often very formal. The teacher lectures,
and the students listen. There is not much discussion. Instead, the students repeat rules or information that they
have memorized.
     There are advantages and disadvantages to both of these systems of education. For example, one advantage
to the system in Japan is that students there learn much more math and science than American students learn
by the end of high school. They also study more hours each day and more days each year than North
Americans do. The system is difficult, but it prepares students for a society that values discipline and self-
control. There is, however, a disadvantage. Memorization is an important learning method in Japanese schools,
yet many students say that after an exam, they forget much of the information they have memorized.
     The advantage of the educational system in North America, on the other hand, is that students learn to think
for themselves. The system prepares them for a society that values creative ideas. There is, however, a
disadvantage. When students graduate from high school, they haven't memorized as many basic rules and facts
as students in other countries have.

1. The reason why American teachers attach much importance to individualism is that _____.

A. they are required to do so
B. their students do not memorize information
C. the United States is a country of many cultures
D. their students work individually

2. Which of the following statements applies to Asian methods of education?

A. Each child in a classroom draws a different picture.
B. students have to find information themselves.
C. Students are prepared for a society that values discipline.
D. Teachers serve as a guide in discussion.

3. A good educational system would be the one that _____.

A. has more advantages
B. is the combination of Western and Oriental methods
C. is based on the Western system
D. rests on the Asian system

4. The author believes that _____.

A. different educational systems reflect different culture of the societies
B. students from Western countries are creative but selfish
C. Asian students are merely interested in math and science
D. there are more advantages to Western system of education than to Oriental one

5. The author focuses on _____.

A. the differences in methods of education orient and west
B. the advantages and disadvantages to both of the Western and Asian educational system
C. how Asian school systems reflect group goals
D. how Western school systems reflect the value of individualism

     For better eyesight, doctors advise limiting the hours of screen time and encourage having enough eye
resting time.
     However, another study shows that sitting in front of computer or TV screens for long hours is not the
only reason for myopia (近视). An Australian research team studied young children in Sydney and
Singapore to find the reasons for myopia.
     The research team found that the prevalence (流行) of myopia among children in Sydney was lower
than children in Singapore, even though they spent more time in front of computer and TV screens. The
major finding is that children in Sydney spend longer hours on outdoor activities than those in Singapore.
Indoor and outdoor sports activities both make the eyes focus on more distant objects, which prevents
the eyes from changing shape. But outdoor activities may better help avoid myopia than indoor sports
activities.
     Jane Gwiazda, who does research in sight problems, says: "Natural light is good for eye growth. And
extra vitamin D from the sun might contribute to eye growth."
     Many doctors suggest that every child get its first eye test done when he/she is about two and half
years old, and even if his/her sight seems perfect.
     It is necessary for myopic children to wear glasses to prevent headaches, trouble reading or injuries. It
is also important that schools invite doctors to test their students' eyes.
     If that is not possible, school teachers should at least encourage parents and children to have regular
eye examinations and wear glasses. And parents should remember not only to limit the total screen time
for their children, but also to encourage them to spend time outdoors.

1. What's the aim of the study by the Australian research team ?

A. To find the reasons for myopia.
B. To find the ways to treat myopia.
C. To prove the bad effects of myopia.
D. To prove the prevalence of myopia.

2. Why are there fewer children with myopia in Sydney than in Singapore ?

A. Because Sydney children watch less TV.
B. Because Sydney children have more eye resting time.
C. Because Sydney children use computers less.
D. Because Sydney children do more outdoor sports.

3. What conclusion can we draw from the passage ?

A. Sydney children don't study hard.
B. Singapore children do few exercises.
C. Outdoor activities do more good to eyes.
D. Room light does harm to children's eyes.

4. Which of the following statements is TRUE ?

A. Children should have eye tests as soon as they reach school age.
B. Doing outdoor activities with no glasses is good for myopia children.
C. Focusing on distant objects can help the eyes keep their original shape.
D. Children should limit their time in the sun in order to protect their eyes.

     Language learning begins with listening. Children are greatly different in the amount of listening
they do before they start speaking, and later starters are often long listeners. Most children will
"obey" spoken instructions some time before they can speak , though the word " obey" is hardly
accurate as a description of the eager and delighted cooperation usually shown by the children.
Before they can speak, many children will also ask questions by gesture and by making questioning
noises.
     Any attempt to study the development from the noises babies make to their first spoken words
leads to considerable difficulties. It is agreed that they enjoy making noises, and that during the first
few months one or two noises sort themselves as particularly expressive as delight, pain, friendliness,
and so on. But since these can't be said to show the baby's intention to communicate, they can hardly
be regarded as early forms of language. It is agreed, too, that from about three months they play with
sounds for enjoyment, and that by six months they are able to add new words to their store. This
self-imitation(模仿) leads on to deliberate(有意的) imitation of sounds made or words spoken to
them by other people. The problem then arises as to the point at which one can say that these imitations
can be considered as speech.
     It is a problem we need to get out teeth into. The meaning of a word depends on what a particular
person means by it a particular situation; and it is clear that what a child means by a word will change
as he gains more experience of the world. Thus the use, at seven months, of "mama" as a greeting for
his mother cannot be dismissed as a meaningless imitation of what other people say continues after the
child has begun to speak for himself. I doubt, however, whether anything is gained when parents take
advantage of this ability in an attempt to teach new sounds.

1. Before children start speaking______.

A. they need equal amount of listening
B. they need different amounts of listening
C. they are all eager to cooperate with the adults by obeying spoken instructions.
D. they can't understand and obey the adult's oral instructions.

2. Children who start speaking late___________.

A. may have problems with their listening
B. probably do not hear enough language spoken around them
C. usually pay close attention to what they hear
D. often take a long time in learning to listen properly

3. A baby's first noises are ________.

A. an expression of his moods and feelings   B. an early form language
C. a sign that he means to tell you something   D. an imitation of the speech of adults

4. The problem of deciding at what point a baby's imitations can be considered as speech_______.

A. is important because words have different meanings for different people
B. is not especially important because the changeover takes place gradually
C. is one that should be properly understood because the meaning of words changes with age
D. is one that should be completely ignored because children's use of words is often meaningless

5. The speaker implies__________.

A. parents can never hope to teach their children new sounds
B. children no longer imitate people after they begin to speak
C. children who are good at imitating learn new words more quickly
D. even after they have learnt to speak, children still enjoy imitating

     Most people feel lonely sometimes, but it usually only lasts between a few minutes and a few hours. This
kind of loneliness is not serious. In fact, it is quite normal. For some people, though, loneliness can last for
years. Now researchers say there are three different types of loneliness.
     The first kind of loneliness is temporary (暂时的). This is the most common type. It usually disappears
quickly and does not require any special attention. The second kind, situational loneliness, is a natural result
or a particular situation-for example, a family problem, the death of a loved one, or moving to a new place.
Although this kind of loneliness can cause physical problems, such as headaches and sleeplessness, it usually
does not last for more than a year.
     The third kind of loneliness is the most severe. Unlike the second type, chronic (长期的) loneliness usually
last more than two yeas and has no specific cause. People who experience habitual loneliness have problems
socializing and becoming close to others. Unfortunately, many chronically lone people think there is little or
nothing they can do to improve their condition.
     Psychologists (心理学家) agree that one important fact in loneliness is a person's social contacts, e.g,
friends, family members, co-workers, etc. We depend on various people for different reasons. For instance,
our families give us emotional support, our parents and teachers give us guidance, and our friends share similar
interests and activities. However, psychologists have found that, though lone people may have many social
contacts, they sometimes feel they should have more. They question their own popularity.
     Psychologists are trying to find ways to help habitually lonely people for two reasons: they are unhappy
and unable to socialize and there is a connection between chronic loneliness and serious illness such as heart
disease. While temporary and situational loneliness can be a normal, healthy part of life, chronic loneliness
can be a very sad, and sometimes dangerous condition.

1. How would you treat temporary loneliness according to the passage?

A. Talk to friends
B. Just ignore it
C. Go to see a doctor
D. Ask your teachers for guidance

2. The topic of the 4th paragraph is that _____.

A. lonely people don't have many friends
B. lonely people don't have many social problems
C. one problem of loneliness is a person's social contacts
D. we depend on various people for different reasons

3. Why do psychologists want to help chronically lonely people?

A. Chronic loneliness can cause family problems
B. Chronic loneliness can cause serious illness
C. Chronic loneliness cannot be overcome
D. A, B, and C are all correct

4. What is the best title of the passage?

A. Three kinds of Loneliness
B. Loneliness and Diseases
C. Loneliness and Social Contacts
D. Chronic Loneliness