Jan. 7, 2008 — French President Nicolas Sarkozy would marry his girl friend, former supermodel Carla Bruni on Feb. 8 or 9, media reported Monday.

The report said that in December — less than a month after Sarkozy met Bruni — he gave her a heart-shaped diamond engagement ring.

Carla Bruni, Italian singer, former model and girlfriend of France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy, holds the hand of her son Aurelien while wearing a pink heart-shaped ring during a visit to the ancient Jordanian ruins of Petra Jan. 5, 2008．French newspapers reported that Sarkozy would marry her early in February.

Sarkozy and his wife of 11 years, Cecilia, divorced(离婚) in October. Their marital(婚姻) problems became well known in May 2005 when she appeared in public at the side of event organizer Richard Attias.

A marriage to Bruni, a one-time star of the catwalks who is now a singer, would be Sarkozy’s third: He divorced his first wife, Marie, in the late 80s — after he had met and befriended Cecilia.

Political analyst Dominique Moisi said that a Sarkozy proposal to Bruni could be part of his desire to head off any future arguments, and the speed of their visit to the ancient Jordanian ruins of Petra Jan. 5, 2008 would fit with his personality as a busy man in a hurry.

“Apparently, he’s going to marry her, so the problem will be behind him,” Moisi said. “He will increase the opportunities to travel with her, and to say to the French, ‘You see, I must remarry ... You need a first lady.’ ”

Bruni, an Italian-born French citizen, has dated famous men including Mick Jagger and Donald Trump. She has also reportedly been linked to singer Eric Clapton and actor Vincent Perez.

1．Sarkozy’s second marriage was held _____.

  A．in 1996                                              B．in May 2005

  C．once he divorced Marie                       D．11 years later than the first

2．What is the correct order of Sarkozy’s marital history?

       a．Long marriage to Cecilia.

       b．Visiting ruins with Bruni

       c．Getting divorced from Marie

       d．Giving Bruni a diamond ring

       e．To marry the former supermodel

     A．c-a-b-d-e             B．e-d-c-a-b             C．c-a-d-b-e             D．a-c-d-b-e

3．What did Moisi really intend to inform the readers? 

     A．The president will spend more time staying with Bruni.

     B．Sarkozy is good at balancing state and personal affairs.

     C．It is not easy for President Sarkozy to seek a new love.

     D．It is a doubt whether the marriage would have a bright future.

4．The possible purpose of the last paragraph is _____.

  A．to provide some unknown stories about Bruni’s love affairs

     B．to show uncertainty about the former supermodel’s loyalty

     C．to imply that past experiences have little effect on a person

     D．to prove Bruni one of the most popular and attractive females

5．Which would be the best title for the news?

  A．Bruni, France’s first lady                     B．A third marriage to fail

       C．France to have first lady                             D．President’s new girl friend

“Can I see my baby?” asked the happy new mother. The bundle (婴儿包) was placed in her arms and when she moved the fold of cloth to look upon his tiny face, she gasped—the baby had been born without ears. Time, however, proved that the baby’s hearing was perfect except his appearance.

  One day when he rushed home from school and threw himself into his mother’s arms, he cried out bitterly, “A boy, a big boy … called me—a f-…freak.” She sighed, knowing that his life was to be endless of heartbreaks.

  He grew up, handsome for his misfortune. A favorite with his fellow students, he might have been class president, but for that. He developed a gift for literature and music.

  The boy’s father had a talk with the family doctor. Could nothing be done? “I believe we could graft(移植) on a pair of outer ears, if they could be donated (捐献),” the doctor decided. So the search began for a person who would make such a sacrifice for a young man. Two years went by. Then, “You’re going to the hospital, son. Mother and I have someone who will donate the ears you need. But it’s a secret.” said the father.

  The operation was a brilliant success. His talents blossomed into genius. School and college became a series of successes. Later he married and entered the diplomatic(外交) service. “But I must know!” he urged his father. “Who gave so much for me? I could never do enough for him.”

  “I do not believe you could,” said the father, “but the agreement was that you are not to know … not yet.” The years kept the secret, but the day did come … one of the darkest days that ever pass through a son. He stood with his father over his mother’s casket(棺材). Slowly and tenderly, the father stretched forth a hand and raised the thick, reddish-brown hair to let out the secret.

1．The story is mainly about _______.

  A．how a boy had new ears through an operation

  B．what a devoted parent privately did for the child

  C．how a disabled boy turned into a useful person

  D．why a donator made a sacrifice to a bright boy

2．From the first paragraph we know that the mother _______.

  A．was determined to donate her ears to perfect her son

  B．kept her husband unknown about the baby’s situation

  C．felt shocked and disappointed to see her new baby

  D．complained of her bad luck to have a disabled child

3．The underlined word “freak” in Paragraph 3 is the closest in meaning to “_______”.

     A．slow-acting person

     B．ugly-looking child

     C．badly-behaved student

  D．strangely-shaped creature

4．What can be inferred from the passage?

  A．The agreement was between the donator and the family.

  B．The boy was so popular that he was made class president.

  C．Finally the boy came to know who the donator was.

  D．The mother donated her ears to her son after she died.

5．What moral lesson can we draw from this reading?

  A．Real love lies in what is done unknown rather than what is done known.

  B．It is up to parents to help their children heart and soul.

  C．True beauty lies only in the heart not in appearance.    

       D．It is a virtue for young generations to learn to be grateful.

Bedazzling (眼花缭乱) with their bright colors and eye-catching displays, fireworks light up our night skies during the holidays. However, these crowd-pleasers can have some damaging side effects.

Once a firework is set off, it only takes a couple of seconds before smoke, dust and harmful chemicals are let out into the atmosphere. The loud booming noises are caused by gunpowder. While the sounds may excite some people, they can be frightening to domestic and wild animals—as well as some humans.

The pretty colors you see are a result of more chemicals. Barium, added to make green, is known for its poisonous and radioactive qualities. Blue comes from copper compounds. Cadmium, lithium and lead—all found in fireworks—have been linked to diseases, such as allergies and skin rashes in both humans and animals. Acid rain has been linked to gases given off by fireworks, which sometimes go beyond the toxin(毒素) limits of the United States Clean Air Act.

Once all those chemicals come back down to the ground, they can cause problems too. Debris (碎片) from the fireworks falls to the ground, where animals can burn their paws or noses on piping hot pieces. Humans also are at risk of stepping on or picking up something sharp or hot. Meanwhile, debris that finds its way into waterways can damage animal habitats and water supply sources.                              

Instead of setting off fireworks, try to come up with some new ways for fun. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sky lanterns—a tradition that originated long ago in the most-populated Asian country.

•Party crackers—a favorite in the United Kingdom—give you noise and surprises without the mess of fireworks. You can make your own or buy eco-friendly crackers.

•Want noise excitement with less volume? Consider a fireworks sound recording beforehand or break out the party horns (号角) and blow up a storm! 

1．The advantages of fireworks can be seen below EXCEPT that _____.

     A．the special sounds of fireworks excite people

     B．debris from fireworks can even find its way into water

     C．the pretty and bright colors add to the beauty of night skies

     D．fireworks are enjoyed as one of the crowd-pleasers

2．Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

  A．Copper compounds are needed to make green in fireworks.

     B．Chemicals in fireworks are both poisonous and dangerous.

     C．Too much gas from fireworks can result in acid rain.

     D．Chemicals in fireworks are harmful in the air and on the ground.

3．All the italicized (斜体的) words are probably ____.

     A．mineral materials                                  B．tiny solids

     C．chemical elements                                D．broken pieces

4．What is implied from the passage?

     A．Gunpowder in fireworks makes loud booming noises.

     B．It must be Indians who first started to hang sky lanterns.

     C．Fireworks do less harm in the air than on the ground.

     D．Fireworks can even break the balance of nature.

5．What can be concluded as the writer’s attitude towards fireworks?

   A．It is not allowed to set off fireworks except during the holidays.

   B．Fireworks should be banned and replaced by some other means.

   C．Night is the best time to set off fireworks and see the pretty colors.

   D．You cannot set off fireworks unless you come up with new ways.

A．OPPORTUNITIES

More than 20,000 volunteers of all ages to support the 8,400 athletes that are participating in our year-round sports training and competition programs. To keep their dream alive, your help is needed. Here are some of the tips which you and/or your group need, just read the application guides or call at Beijing Olympics Volunteer hotline +86-10-12308  Olympic Jobs - Beijing 2008.

B．SPORTS

Become a Special Olympics Coach in your favorite sport. Help get quality athletic uniforms and equipment for athletes. Set up Training Schools for volunteers in China. Duties include timers, scorekeepers, officials, announcers, award presenters.

C．SCHOOLS

Athletes form teams that compete in a variety of sports. Adopt the Olympics Sports Skill Programs as part of your adaptive physical education and after school program.Organize a student fund-raiser to collect money for 2008 Beijing Olympics teams.

D．FUNDRAISING

Encourage your business or place of work to make money or in-kind contribution to the Olympics. Organize a special event to raise money for the Olympics programs. Remember Olympics in your mind, or as a long-range planned gift.

E. ADMINISTRATIVE

Put your typing, filing, telephone, and computer skills to work as a volunteer in an Olympics office. Assist with large mailings, distribute fliers, and posters for our events.

F. PUBLIC RELATIONS

Work in a Media Center for state competitions and special events. Volunteer your time to help out in the state’s public relations department. Collecting photographs and press clippings, preparing press kits, etc. (no previous experience required). Write athlete feature articles on athletes, families, coaches and the Olympics.

现在，请阅读下面志愿者网上发来的个人信息，了解他们的意愿及特长，然后进行信息匹配。请在答题卡上将对应题号的相应选项字母涂黑。

1．                                             Ave 6 1002  Perth, Australia January 1, 2007

Hi, sir,

I was born in Beijing, currently living in Perth, Australia and I’d like to sign up as a volunteer for Beijing Olympics. I’m willing to set up schools to train volunteers in China mainly to learn some English and skills to be timers, award presenters, so please consider me as one of your needed volunteers! Many thanks!

Harry

2．                                           6 Villa Maurice, 9320 Antony, France

May 2, 2007

Dear sir or madam,

I would like to take part in the volunteer program for the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing, because it’s my dream to become a part of this great world event—Olympic Games, and I am very good at sports, but I’m old, can I still apply and how can I apply for it?

Sincerely,

Jesse                                              

3．                                                    Marlborough 27, MA, USA

April 20, 2007

Hello sir or madam,

I will be a Johnson & Wales Graduate. Though I am not very experienced, yet I would be very interested in volunteering myself for the summer Olympics. I would like a job as a news reporter, and if you would get back to me, I would gratefully thank you.

Collins

4.                                      Postbox 296  Oxford University, England

August 8, 2007

Hello, gentlemen,

I am interested in a volunteer at Beijing Olympics. I was a basketball coach, working at Oxford University. I am eager to take on challenge to help athletes know how to form teams to compete. Also I will set up an organization to raise money for the Games. Please consider me.
    Jack

5．                                             1889 Baxter Road , Loveland Ohio

March 4, 2008

Dear Sir or Madam,

So excited about the Beijing Olympics, and it’s great to see so many people interested in volunteering. I would also like to be a part of this event! I am a secretary in a sports center in USA．I am good at computers and I can help with mails, posters and so on.

Thanks and good luck to all of you!

         Tony

阅读下面的短文，然后按照要求写一篇150词左右的英语短文。

China bans free plastic bags

CHINA began a crackdown on plastic bags, banning production of thin bags and forbidding supermarkets and shops from handing them out free, Tuesday, June 1, 2008.

Chinese people use up to 3 billion plastic bags a day and the country has to refine 5 million tons of oil every year to make plastics used for packaging, according to a report on the Website of China Trade News, and fails to get rid of them properly, wasting valuable oil and littering the country, the State Council said in a notice posted on the Central Government’s Website.

“Our country consumes huge amounts of plastic bags every year. While providing convenience to consumers, they have also caused serious pollution, waste of energy and resources, because of too much use and inadequate recycling,” it said.

Worries about pollution are growing among ordinary citizens, as years of breakneck growth has a very bad effect on the country’s air and water, but the new ban may not be universally welcomed.

[写作内容]

1．请用30个词概括短文的要点；

2．然后用约120个词就“‘为了环保和节能，禁止商场免费提供塑料袋’的禁令与方便老百姓日常生活的矛盾”这一中心发表看法，并包括如下要点：

a) 你对国家这一禁令的看法，并说明你的理由；

b) 禁令实施后，消费者该怎么办?

［写作要求］

1．可以使用实例或分项论述的方法支持你的论点，也可以参照阅读材料的内容，但不得直接引用原文中的句子；

2．标题自定。

       On 27 February 2008, something unusual happened in Britain; there was a rather large earthquake.

       It was the __1__ UK earthquake in 25 years. There have been very minor ones in the past but they were not __2__ compared to this one. It was felt across the country, from Edinburgh, Scotland in the north down to the far south coast of England. The centre of the earthquake was　in a small town about 150 kilometres north of London.

       There were many news reports from people who __3__ the earth move but no one was seriously hurt and there was little damage. A collapsed chimney was the __4__ of what was the worst injury from the earthquake; a man broke his hip when he __5__ tripped on the chimney's scattered bricks and fell to the ground.

       One man who was walking to work at the time __6__ the moment the earthquake occurred, "Everything was shaking. As soon as it happened I saw many people __7__ outside and I realized it was an earthquake."

       You may be surprised to learn that there are two to three hundred earthquakes in Britain every year -- but are so small that they go __8__. The impact of this earthquake was not severe in comparison to some other natural __9__ that have made international news, but for the people __10__, it certainly came as quite a surprise.

1．A．biggest                 B．loudest              C．deadliest               D．scariest

2．A．dangerous            B．interesting         C．significant            D．famous

3．A．saw                     B．discovered        C．thought                D．felt

4．A．result                   B．reason              C．making                 D．cause

5．A．eagerly                 B．intentionally       C．accidentally          D．desperately

6．A．feared                  B．explained           C．described             D．caught

7．A．rushing                B．shaking             C．talking                  D．working

8．A．unwanted             B．unnoticed          C．unchanged            D．undisturbed

10．A．watching             B．affected            C．infected               D．lost

阅读下面短文，按照句子结构的语法性和上下文连贯的要求，在空格处填入一个适当的词或使用括号中词语的正确形式填空，并将答案填写在答题卡标号为1—10的相应位置上。

       Lake Titicaca, a famous lake in South America, is located on the border between Bolivia and Peru. But the lives of the ancient people who once lived around the lake and __1__ culture was thought to be highly advanced, have long remained a secret. Recently __2__, scientists taking part in an exploration project at the lake have found __3__ they believe to be a 1000-year-old temple __4__ the water.

       Divers from the study group have discovered __5__ building scientists think is the remains of a temple built by the people who once lived beside the lake. The project leaders hope to begin raising important materials from the site later this week _6__ bad weather forces a change in their plans.

       "The scientists have not yet had the opportunity to study the materials carefully," said project director, John Aubi. "But some __7__ (put) forward the idea that the remains date from this period because of their __8__ (similar) to those found elsewhere."

       The research team has so far this year made more than 200 dives into water 30 meters deep. During these dives, __9__ have been recording the ancient remains on film. There will be a meeting, __10__ (start) later this year to review the film.

       They once seemed more at home on the bustling streets of Asia like Delhi, Calcutta and Bangkok but cycle powered rickshaws (人力车) can now be seen taking people across town in many European cities. Many people believe that rickshaws are a good way of experiencing a city, close-up, while also cutting down on traffic jams and pollution.

       In Berlin, one of the first cities to introduce this new mode of transport, more than 200 bike-taxis go along at 15km per hour, past many tourist attractions and city parks.

       "It is completely environmentally friendly; we have new models with an engine to help the driver up the hills but they use renewable energy," said a spokesman for VELOTAXI, the leading rickshaw company which has carried a quarter of a million people this year.

       While the city still has 7,000 motor-taxis, rickshaw company officials say their taxis' green ethics, speed and safety make them more than just a tourist attraction. While now increasingly out of fashion in Delhi, Berlin people have eagerly accepted the new fleet since their launch in 1997.

       "It's better than a taxi, better than a bus, better than the train," said Ulf Lehman, 36, as he leapt out of a rickshaw near the world famous Brandenburg gate. "It feels so free."

       "This is something out of the ordinary you feel you are on holiday in Bangkok instead of Berlin," said another traveller.

       In Amsterdam, driver Peter Jancso said people like to be driven around in his bright yellow rickshaw and pretend to be a queen in a golden carriage. "I like my passengers to feel important," he said as he dropped off another passenger. Another visitor noted how cheap it was compared with a normal taxi.

       Although increasingly popular in Europe, it is the opposite in India, where hand-pulled rickshaws are considered inhuman and a symbol of India's backward past.

       Nearly 500 bike-rickshaws are running in London and are not required to pay the city's road tax but things may change as other taxi drivers complain of unfair treatment.

1．Where are rickshaws becoming more popular?

   A．Delhi, Berlin, Paris.                             B．Amsterdam, Bangkok, Delhi.

   C．Athens, London, Berlin.                       D．Berlin, Amsterdam, London.

2．Why are rickshaws no longer as widely used in India as in the past?

   A．They are a reminder of a bad period in India's history.

   B．They have been banned because they are too cruel.

   C．The streets of India are too crowded for them to move through easily.

   D．Indians now prefer to travel by car because they are richer.

3．What does the underlined sentence "This is something out of the ordinary ... you feel you are on holiday in Bangkok instead of Berlin" (Para. 7) suggest?

   A．The passenger didn't like taking a rickshaw as it reminded him of Bangkok.

   B．The passenger enjoyed being on holiday in Berlin more than in Bangkok.

   C．The passenger was impressed when taking a rickshaw and considered it unusual.

   D．The passenger disapproved of rickshaws because they were not original to Berlin.

4．Which of the following is mentioned in the text?

   A．Rickshaws may need to pay tax for causing traffic jams.

   B．Rickshaws and taxis are treated differently in London.

   C．Rickshaws will eventually take the place of taxis.

   D．Rickshaws will always be a cheap means of transport.

5．What is the author's attitude towards rickshaws?

   A．He gives no personal opinion.

   B．He believes they will be of no use.

   C．He thinks they will reduce pollution.

   D．He thinks they are old-fashioned.

       Some of Man's closest relatives in the animal kingdom are under serious threat because of human activity, according to a recently published report.

       According to the document, almost one in three of all apes and monkeys - that is non-human primate species (灵长类动物) are now considered to be in danger of dying out and disappearing from our planet, if action is not taken soon.

       The report, which was produced for the World Conservation Union (WCU), states that 114 of the world's 394 primate species could be lost forever, and the main reason they are threatened is the continuing destruction of forests where most of these animals live. In addition, illegal wildlife trade, climate change and commercial hunting for meat are also pressuring existing primate populations.

       What's more, the problem is getting more serious. The number of species on the organization’s Red List - listing those primate species most threatened and in very serious danger of dying out - has increased by 3 to 25 since 2005.

       Russell Mittermeier, the chief researcher of the WCU report, said, "You could fit all the surviving members of these 25 species in a single football stadium. So the problem is obviously urgent."

       The scientists, who drew up the Red List, believe that the situation is now so bad that if action is not taken immediately, it will result in primate species becoming extinct - something which has not happened in over a century.

       The loss of habitat caused by the clearing of forests for wood, farmland and fuel continues to be the main reason for the declining number of primates, according to the report, and the problem was most severe in Asia.

       The loss of forest trees is also responsible for approximately 20 percent of all greenhouse gases - more than all the cars, trucks, trains and aeroplanes in the world combined.

       Mr Mittermeier added, "By preserving the world's remaining forests, we save primates and protect other animals while preventing more pollution from entering the atmosphere to warm the climate."

1．What is the main subject of the report discussed in the text?

   A．Climate change.                                   B．Loss of animal habitat.

   C．Endangered animals.                            D．Animal protection.

2．According to the text, when did an ape or monkey species last die out?

     A．In 1908．                                    B．In 2005.

     C．Over a hundred years ago.                 D．Almost a hundred years ago.

3．How many animals were on the Red List in 2005?

     A．19．                   B．22．                 C．25．                     D．28.

4．The spokesman refers to 'a football stadium' in paragraph 5 to stress that ______.

     A．the animals enjoy playing sports

     B．there are not many of these animals left

     C．these animals should be placed there for protection

     D．the report was announced there

5．What is the main cause of the greenhouse gas problem according to the text?

   A．Aeroplanes.                                      B．Road vehicles.   

   C．Factory pollution.                               D．Loss of trees.

阅读下列应用文及相关信息，并按照要求匹配信息。请阅读下列某书店各书架的相关信息：

Section A：Do-It-Yourself Section -- On these shelves customers can find the latest manuals on how to do everything from building a computer to constructing your own home.

Section B：Sports & Leisure Section -- Stocks a large range of the latest books on your favorite sporting teams and events. Pick up the perfect Father's Day present here.

Section C：Humour Section -- A great selection of joke books, funny stories and wonderful real life adventures that are sure to keep the reader laughing for days.

Section D：Business & Finance - Students, business people or anyone interested in the world of commerce are certain to find the book they are after here. We have special subsection for international trade and e-commerce.

Section E：Biography - Find out about the lives of your favorite sports stars, singers, actors and other famous people from today and the past. Learn what they had to go through to become successful and the effect it had on their lives.

Section F：Education - Has a huge range of textbooks and supplementary material covering all the major high school and university subjects. Buyers showing their student cards receive a 15% discount on all purchases from this section.

阅读下列关于各书籍的信息，匹配书籍与其所应放置的书架：

1．The Delighted Eye - by Prof. John Nash - The 1994 Nobel Prize Winner for Economics, whose ideas have influenced a generation of the world's greatest economic minds, tells his life story: growing up in a small town in America, becoming one of America's most influential mathematicians and his battles with mental illness.

2．Mother Tongue: The English Language - by Bill Bryson - Bryson's book is a journey through the history and different aspects of the English language , one that is both informative and hugely entertaining. As with most of Bryson's books, fun comes before facts and readers will be left with a smile on their faces.

3．Into Thin Air - by John Krakauer - is a riveting first-hand account of a disastrous race to the top of Mount Everest. In March 1996, `Outside' magazine sent veteran journalist and experienced climber John Krakauer to join the team led by the famous Everest guide Rob Hall. Despite the expertise of Hall and the other leaders, by the end of the race eight people were dead.

4．ReadyMade: How to Make (Almost) Everything - by Shoshana Berger and Grace Hawthorne - beautifully written with great factual information. The theme behind this book is re-use, re-claim, re-cycle and there are many detailed easy-to-do projects for the reader to try such as making a photo frame from a book cover or a pot for your plants from plastic shopping bags.

5．The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron - by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind - As the title suggests the authors cover the rise of the American electricity company to become one of the 10 richest companies in the world and its spectacular fall into dishonour and bankruptcy. A perfect guide on what not to do in business.