阅读理解

Central Park

Outside among the trees, watch the wildlife—both the human and animal varieties. Call (212)360—3465 or (212)360—2726 for events and tours. Central Park stretches from 59th to 110th Sts., and from 5th Ave. to Central Park. West.

Empire State Building

This is among the most striking building in the city, the nation, even the world. The observation dock(瞭望台) on the 86th floor is open to general public, offering a wonderful view of the second floor you’ll find the New York Skyride, a simulated (模拟的) helicopter ride. Over Manhattan.5th Ave. at 34th St., Midtown/(212)736—3100.

Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum

Five blocks west of Time Square, this museum has hundreds of air, deep-sea and space exhibits. Walk the fight deck of the 900-foot-long aircraft carrier Intrepid, see dozens of old and modern aircraft and ride the Intrepid Navy Flight Simulator. Pier 86,W.46th St. and 12th Ave./(212)245-0072.

Madison Square Garden.

If it’s big, it probably happens at the Garden. Check out sporting events, concerts and much more. Tours are available.7th Ave,btwn.31th and 33rd Sts., Midtown/(212)4656-741.

1.The New York Skyride is for ______.

A.sightseeing

B.fight training

C.model plane-sports

D.city transportation

2.If a visitor is interested in music, he will probably go to______.

A. Central Park

B.Empire State Building

C.Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum

D.Madison Square Garden

3.What is the purpose of these texts?

A. To provide information of living in New York.

B.To provide directions of city traffic in New York.

C.To give visitors a guide to New York.

D.To give a brief introduction to the history of New York.

阅读理解

It is natural for young people to blame their parents for most of the misunderstandings between them. They have always complained(抱怨),more or less justly, that their parents are out of touch with modern ways; that they always want to control them; that they do not trust them to deal with problems; and that they have no sense of humor, at least in parent-child relationships.

Young people often irritate their parents with their choices in clothes, hairstyles, and music. Actually this is not what they really intend to do. They feel cut off from the adult world into which they have not yet been accepted. So they create a culture and society of their own. Then, if it turns out that their music or clothes or hairstyles make their parent angry, this gives them additional enjoyment. They feel they are better, at least in a small way, and that they are leaders in style and taste.

Sometimes you do not obey orders, and are proud because you do not want your parents to say yes to what you do. If they do, it looks as if you are unfaithful to your own age group. But in that case, you will probably think that you are the underdog: you can’t win but at least you can keep your honor. This is a passive way of looking at things. It is natural enough after long years of childhood, when you were completely under your parent’s control. If you plan to control your life, co-operation can be part of that plan. You can persuade others, especially your parents, into doing things the way you want. Get them to feel your sense of responsibility(责任) and initiative(进取心) so that they will allow you to do what you want to do.

1.The first paragraph is mainly about ______.

A. children’s complaints about their parents

B.misunderstandings between children and their parents

C.the control of the parents over their children

D.children’s ability to deal with problems

2.The underlined word “irritate” in this passage is closest in meaning to “______”.

A.to make someone excited

B.to make someone angry

C.to please someone

D.to comfort someone

3.Children choose to have certain strange clothes and hairstyles because they ______.

A. want to show their existence by creating a culture of their own

B.have a strong desire to be leaders in style and taste

C.have no other way to enjoy themselves better

D.want to make their parents angry

4.Children do not want their parents to say yes to whatever they do because they ______.

A.have already been accepted into the adult world

B.feel that they are better in a small way than the adults

C.are not likely to win over the adults

D.have a desire to be independent

阅读理解

A world of opportunity

The New York Times is now better than ever.

All the more reasons to order home delivery now.

NEW—Separate sections for The Arts, Monday through Thursday, and Sports 7 days a week that you can pull out, take with you or pass along.

NEW—The House & Home section. Thursday, filled with useful, interesting features and articles about making the most of all sorts of living spaces.

NEW—An expanded, two-part Weekend section. Fridays, with more ideas about movies, shows, art exhibitions, outdoor and indoor recreation.

Latest news and sports results daily. And of course, daily world and national news, Sunday’s special sections and all the other great features you’ll continue to find in The Times.

Find out just how much YOU can benefit from The Times everyday.

Call I-800-331-1969 or use the postage-paid order card convenient home delivery at 50% off our regular price.

1.This is one of the advertisements put for a______.

A.book store

B.newspaper

C.magazine

D.restaurant

2.Detailed information about films can be found in ______ section.

A.The Arts

B.The Dining In, Dining Out

C.The House & Home

D.Weekend

3.The advertisement tells us The Times is______.

A.of great benefit

B.of little use

C.paid

D.priceless

4.The main idea of this advertisement is______.

A. many opportunities will be provided just to those who order home delivery

B.several new sections have been printed separately from now on

C.readers can be well informed of the latest news and sports results

D.people can pick up all the information they are interested in

Ancient people made clay pottery because they needed it for their survival. They used the pots they made for cooking, storing food, and carrying things from place to place. Pottery was so important to early cultures that scientists now study it to learn more about ancient civilizations. The more advanced the pottery in terms of decoration, materials, glazes, and manufacture, the more advanced the culture itself.

The artisan who makes pottery in North America today utilizes his or her skill and imagination to create items that are beautiful as well as functional, transforming something ordinary into something special and unique.

The potter uses one of the Earth’s most basic materials, clay. Clay can be found almost anywhere. Good pottery clay must be free from all small stones and other hard materials that would make the potting process difficult. Most North American artisan potters now purchase commercially processed clay, but some find the clay they need right in the earth, close to where they work.

The most important tools potters use are their own hands; however, they also use wire loop tools, wooden modeling tools, plain wire, and sponges. Plain wire is used to cut away the finished pot from its vase on the potter’s wheel.

After a finished pot is dried of all its moisture in the open air, it placed in a kiln and fired. The first firing hardens the pottery, and it is then ready to be glazed and fired again.

For areas where they do not want any glaze, such as the bottom of the pot, artisans paint on melted wax that will later burn off in the kiln. They then pour on the liquid glaze and let it run over the clay surface, making any kind of decorative pattern that they want.

1. What does the passage mainly discuss?

A. Different kinds of clay.

B. The training of an artisan.

C. The making of pottery.

D. Crafts of ancient civilizations.

2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as a way that ancient people used pottery?

A. To hold food.　　　　   B. To wash clothes.

C. To cook.　　　　　　   D. To transport objects.

3. According to the passage, how do most North American potters today get the clay they need?

A. They buy it.

B. They make it.

C. They dig it from the earth.

D. They barter for it.

4. According to the author, what do potters use to remove the pot from the wheel?

A. Melted wax.　　　　 B. A wire loop.

C. A sponge.　　　　   D. Plain wire.

5. The word“pattern”in the last sentence is closest in meaning to which of the following?

A. Model.　　　　   B. Color.

C. Puzzle.　　　　   D. Design.

Every human being, no matter what he is doing, gives off body heat. The usual problem is how to get rid of it. But the designers of the Johnstown campus of the University of Pittsburgh set themselves the opposite problem­—how to collect body heat. They have designed a collection system which uses not only body heat, but the heat given off by such objects as light bulbs（灯泡）and refrigerators as well. The system works so well that no fuel is needed to make the campus’ six buildings comfortable.

Some parts of most modern buildings—theaters and offices as well as classrooms—are more than sufficiently（足够）heated by people and lights and sometimes must be air-conditioned even in winter. The technique of saving heat and redistributing it is called “heat recovery”. A few modern buildings recover heat, but the University’s system is the first to recover heat from buildings and reuse it in others.

Along the way, Pitt has learned a great deal about some of its producers. The harder a student studies the more heat his body gives off. Male students send out more heat than female students and the larger a student, the more heat he produces. It is tempting to conclude that the hottest prospect for the Johnstown campus would be a hard-working overweight male genius（天才）.

1. Which of the following is true of the heating system of the Johnstown campus? The heat is supplied by________.

A. human bodies, other heat sending objects, and fuel

B. both human bodies and other heat sending objects

C. both human bodies and fuel

D. human bodies

2. The technique of heat recovery is used________.

A. to produce a special form of air-conditioning

B. to provide heat for the hot water system

C. to find out the source of heat

D. to collect and reuse heat

3. Which of the following persons would produce the least amount of heat?

A. A thin male who studies hard.

B. A fat female who studies hard.

C. A fat male who does not study hard.

D. A thin female who does not study hard.

4. The words“the hottest prospect”refer to_______.

A. the person who suffers most from heat

B. the person who produces most heat

C. the person who uses most heat

D. the person who takes in heat

5. A good title for the passage would be_______.

A. MODERN BUILDING’S HEAT SYSTEM

B. A NEW HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM IN PITTSBURGH

C. A STRANGE OBJECT IN HEATING SYSTEM

D. RECOVERY OF BODY’S HEAT

Some scientists say that animals in the ocean are increasingly threatened by noise pollution caused by human beings. The noise that affects sea creatures comes from a number of human activities. It is caused mainly by industrial underwater explosions, ocean drilling, and ship engines. Such noises are added to natural sounds. These sounds include the breaking of ice fields, underwater earthquakes, and sounds made by animals themselves.

Decibels（分贝）measured in water are different from those measured on land. A noise of one hundred and twenty decibels on land causes pain to human ears. In water, a decibel level of one hundred and ninety-five would have the same effect.

Some scientists have proposed setting a noise limit of one hundred and twenty decibels in oceans. They have observed that noises at that level can frightenand confuse whales.

A team of American and Canadian scientists discovered that loud noises can seriously injure some animals. The research team found that powerful underwater explosions were causing whales in the area to lose their hearing. This seriously affected the whales’ ability to exchange information and find their way. Some of the whales even died. The explosions had caused their ears to bleed and become infected.

Many researchers whose work depend  on ocean sounds object to a limit of one hundred and twenty decibels. They say such a limit would mean an end to important industrial and scientific research.

Scientists do not know how much and what kinds of noises are harmful to ocean animals. However, many scientists suspect that noise is a greater danger than they believed. They want to prevent noises from harming creatures in the ocean.

1. According to the passage, which of the following is increasingly dangerous to sea creatures?

A. The man-made noises.

B. The noises made by themselves.

C. The sound of earthquakes.

D. The sound of the ice-breaking.

2. Which of the following is discussed in the second paragraph?

A. Different places with different types of noises.

B. The very human ears sensitive to all types of noises.

C. The same noise measured differently on land and in the ocean.

D. The ocean animal’s reaction to noises.

3. As to the influence of noises on whales, which of the following statements is true?

A. They are deaf to noises.

B. Noises at a certain level may hurt them.

C. They are easily confused by noises.

D. Noises will limit their ability to reproduce.

4. We can know from the passage that many scientists think that the noise limit of one hundred twenty decibels would______.

A. prevent them from doing their research work

B. benefit them a lot in their research work

C. do good to their health

D. increase the industrial output

5. According to the passage, what will scientists most probably do in the future?

A. They will try their best to decrease noise.

B. They will work hard to cut down noise pollution.

C. They will study the effect of different noises.

D. They will protect animals from harmful noises.

A few years ago, a pilot had to have perfect eyesight and a college degree if he or she wanted to land a job with an American airline. But today, airlines do not stick to those requirements because they can’t find enough qualified pilots.

Airlines must hire up to 62 000 new pilots in the next decade. But qualified pilots are few and far between in the United States. Every year there are more planes being flown. At the same time, 12 to 15 foreign countries are recruiting American pilots.

As a result, pilots are earning spectacular salaries. The going rate for skilled pilots is well over $90 000 a year. Some pilots can earn about $160 000 plus free housing working for foreign airlines.

Because of the shortage, some people say unqualified pilots are being allowed to fly planes. They fear the number of crashes will skyrocket. Each year, more and more pilots with less than 2 000 hours of experience are being hired. Airlines are also bringing on board many more pilots who are older than 50, although law requires pilots to retired at age 50.

Being an airline pilot is a difficult job that requires people to make life and death decision under pressure. Some pilots crack under the pressure.

The military is also having a hard time keeping pilots. Air Force pilots must commit to spending at least six years in the Air Force. The Air Force invests millions of dollars to train each pilot, so it doesn’t want to lose them.

Experts say this problem is going to get a lot worse. Congress may establish a commission to study the country’s pilot needs. In the meantime, salaries of pilots will continue to rise and the number of crashes may keep pace.

1. The main idea of the article is_______.

A. a shortage of pilots is caused by airlines and military

B. there have been more crashes because pilots have worse eyesight and higher salaries

C. a shortage of pilots may lead to more crashes

D. airlines should hire more pilots even if they’re unqualified

2. Today a pilot no longer needs_______.

A. perfect eyesight

B. military training

C. two college degrees

D. to be recruited

3. Air Force pilots should stay in the Air Force because________.

A. the Air Force is a good place to work

B. the Air Force pays more than airlines

C. the military should have hard time keeping pilots

D. the Air Force spends a lot of money training them

4. Some people wouldn’t be good pilots because__________.

A. they can’t make decisions quickly

B. they don’t earn spectacular salaries

C. they weren’t recruited by foreign countries

D. the number of crashes keeps pace with them

CELEBRATIONS spread across China when Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl, was given the right to host the 2010 World Expo on December 3^rd .

Shanghai won the honor after beating rivals from Russia, Mexico, Poland and South Korea.

“I’m very proud of being Chinese,” said Wang Kaibo, a Senior 2 student of the Middle School Affiliated to Beijing Medical University. “The winning of the expo is a victory, not only for Shanghai residents, but for the people of the whole Chinese nation.”

Bidding for the expo shows that China is more confident of playing a more important role on the international stage. It’s competing for large events and the next one could be the World Cup, Wang said.

The World Expo 2010 and the 2008 Beijing Olympics will become the twin shining stars of China’s development over the next 10 years, said experts.

The World Expo is known as “Olympics of the economic, cultural, scientific and technological fields.” It is usually held every five years and lasts  six months.

The Olympics, World Cup and World Expo are considered three top international events in the world.

China is the first developing country to win the expo bid in the event’s 151-year history.

Not only will it attract more foreign investment to China, but also experts say that the half-year-long exhibition will bring at least 70 million visitors to Shanghai.

The World Expo is a great event for different countries to exchange social, economic, cultural and scientific achievements, and also help to encourage new technology and ideas.

The expo was first held in London in 1851. It has a history of global influence.

The Eiffel Tower, built during the Paris World Expo in 1889, became the symbol of the French capital.

Many historic inventions, such as the telephone and airplane, all made their first appearance at a World Expo.

1. What does the underlined word “rivals” probably mean in the second paragraph?

A. competitors.　　    B. enemies.

C. players.　　　　    D. supporters.

2. The winning of bidding for the World Expo 2010 and the 2008 Olympic Games implies_______.

A. China is beginning to play a more important part on the international stage

B. China has played the most important role in the international affairs

C. China has become a developed country ever since 53

D. China is the first Asian country to win the expo bid in history

3. As we know, in general, the Word Expo is usually held every______ years, while the Olympics is usually held every______ years.

A.4；5　　　　  B.5；4

C.4；4　　　　  D.5；5

4. By bidding for the expo and the Olympics, we are sure that_______.

A. China will beat rivals from Russia, Mexico, Poland and South Korea

B. China will become a super country in the United Nations

C. China will build a famous tower like Eiffel Tower as the symbol of the capital

D. China will develop more quickly than before and will benefit a lot from them

Cows are sometimes ready for milking at night. If they are forced to wait until morning, they feel uncomfortable and may stop producing milk. So, milking workers often have to wake from their sleep.

But a Swedish company has developed a milking system, based on computer-controlled robotic arms, to solve these problems.

This new system allows the cows to be milked any time they are ready. And farmers can sleep without worrying about them.

When they are hungry, the cows enter the new milking station for food. They have to wear tags（标签）—their ID cards-which are automatically scanned（自动扫描）. The computer records each cow’s visit and checks if it is actually ready to be milked. Data on each cow allow the robotic arms to fit the milking machine properly to make sure the cow is comfortable.

As the milk begins flowing, the computer start to test the milk-checking for bacteria and other contaminants（污染物）. If there is any problem, the flow of milk will go to special tanks that don’t reach the main supply.

Once the milking ends, the system carefully cleans the cow, as well as itself and prepares for the next anxious beast.

The system is still being improved. But it is already widely used in Japan and across Europe, such as in Sweden, Denmark, Poland and Germany.

1. With the help of robotic arms, _______.

A. the hungry cows can enter the new milking station for food

B. cows can produce more milk during the night

C. cows feel more comfortable than being milked by man

D. cows can be milked any time they are ready

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

A. The new milking system was developed by a Swedish company.

B. The new milking system can clean both the cow and itself once the milking ends.

C. The new milking system is perfect and it is widely used in Japan and across Europe.

D. The new milking system allows the cows to be milked any time they are ready.

3. The best title of the passage is ______.

A. Uncomfortable Cows

B. Robots Milk Cows

C. Flowing Milk

D. Improving New System

Some people are lucky enough to be born with a good sense of direction and even if they have only visited a place once, they will be able to find it again years later.

I am one of those unfortunate people who have poor sense of direction and I may have visited a place time after time but I still get lost on my way there. When I was young I was so shy that I never dared ask complete strangers the way and so I used to wander round in circles and hope that by some chance I would get to the spot I was heading for.

I am no longer too shy to ask people for direction, but I often receive replies that puzzle me. Often people do not like to admit that they didn’t know their hometown and will insist on telling you the way, even if they do not know it; others, who are anxious to prove that they know their hometown very well, will give you a long list of directions which you can not possibly hope to remember, and still others do not seem to be able to tell between their left and their right and you find in the end that you are going in the opposite direction to that in which you should be going.

If anyone ever asks me the way to somewhere, I always tell him or her I am a stranger to the town in order to avoid giving them wrong direction but even this can have embarrassing results.

Once I was on my way to work when I was stopped by a man who asked me if I would direct him the way to the Sunlight Building. I gave my usual reply, but I had not walked on a few steps when I realized that he had asked for directions to my office building. However, at this point, I decided it was too late to turn back and search for him out of the crowd behind me as I was going to meet with someone at the office and I did not want to keep him waiting.

Imagine my embarrassment when my secretary showed in the very man who had asked for directions to my office and his astonishment when he recognized me as the person he had asked.

1. What is the writer going to do when someone asks him for direction?

A. He will direct the right way to the person willingly.

B. He will reply to it by the means of being a stranger to the town.

C. He will give the very person long list of direction.

D. He is going to show the man an opposite direction.

2. Why did the writer consider himself to be an unlucky dog?

A. Because of his poor sense of direction.

B. Because he always forget the way to home.

C. Because he did not have any friend.

D. Because he used to be shy and dared not ask others the way.

3. How did the visitor feel when he was showed into the very room?

A. He felt strange.　　　　 B. He felt embarrassed.

C. He felt very sad.　　    D. He felt astonished.

4. Who showed the right way to the interviewee according to the passage?

A. Someone we don’t know.

B. The writer did it for himself.

C. The secretary did so.

D. A warm-hearted old lady did such a thing.