A tourist comes out of the airport. There are a lot of taxis, but the tourist asks every taximan his name. He takes the third taxi. It costs ＄ 5 from the airport to the hotel.“How much does it cost for the whole day?”the tourist asks.“＄ 100,”says the taximan. This is very expensive. But the tourist accepts the price.

　　The taximan takes the tourist everywhere. He shows him all monuments and all the museums. In the evening they go back to the hotel. The tourist gives the taximan ＄ 100 and says,“What about tomorrow?”The taximan looks at the tourist.“Tomorrow? It's another ＄ 100 tomorrow.”But the tourist says,“That's OK. If that's the price, that is the price. See you tomorrow.”The taximan is very pleased.

　　The next day the taximan takes the tourist everywhere again. They visit all the museums and all the monuments again. And in the second evening they go back to the hotel. The tourist gives the taximan another ＄ 100 and says,“I'm going home tomorrow.”The taximan is sorry. He likes the tourist and, above all, ＄ 100 a day is good money.“So you are going home. Where do you come from?”he adds.

　　“I come from New York.”

　　“New York!”says the taximan,“I have a sister in New York. Her name is Susannah. Do you know her?”

　　“Of course I know her. She gave me ＄ 200 for you.”

(1)The tourist is probably ___________.

[　　]

(2)The tourist asks every taximan his name be cause _________.

[　　]

A．he is afraid of being cheated

B．he knows one of the taximen offers cheaper service

C．he knows of one of the taximen

D．there is a friend of his among the taximen

(3)Why is the taximan very pleased with the tourist?

[　　]

A．None but the tourist agrees to the price given without arguing with him.

B．His sister knows the tourist.

C．His sister has brought so much money to him.

D．He wants to be the guide of the tourist.

(4)We can conclude that _________.

[　　]

A．the tourist will give the taximan another ＄ 200

B．the tourist makes fun of the taximan

C．the tourist will give the taximan half of the sum

D．the taximan insists that the tourist should pay him another ＄ 200

　　In ancient times, the most important examinations were spoken, not written. In the schools of ancient Greece and Rome, testing usually consisted of saying poetry aloud or giving speeches.

　　In the European universities of the Middle Ages, students who were working for advanced degrees had to discuss questions in their field of study with people who had made a special study of the subject. This custom exists today as part of the process of testing candidates for the doctor's degree.

　　Generally, however, modern examinations are written. The written examination, where all students are tested on the same questions, was probably not known until the nineteenth century. Perhaps it came into existence with the great increase in population and the development of modern industry. A room full of candidates for a state examination, timed exactly by electric clocks and carefully watched over by managers, resembles a group of workers at an automobile factory. Certainly, during examinations teachers and students are expected to act like machines.

　　One type of test is sometimes called as“objective”test. It is intended to deal with facts, not personal opinions. To make up an objective test the teacher writes a series of questions, each of which has only one correct answer. Along with each question the teacher writes the correct answer and also three statements that look like answers to students who have not learned the material properly.

(1)Which of the following statements is true about the students in the Middle Ages?

[　　]

A．They took objective tests.

B．They specialized in one subject.

C．They were timed by electrical clocks.

D．They usually took spoken tests.

(2)The main idea of Paragraph 3 is that _________.

[　　]

A．workers now take examinations

B．the population had grown rapidly

C．there are only written exams today

D．examinations are now written and timed

(3)Modern industry must have developed __________.

[　　]

A．before the Middle Ages

B．around the 19th century

C．in Greece or Rome

D．machines to take tests

(4)It may be concluded from the passage that testing ___________.

[　　]

A．should test only opinions

B．should always be written

C．has changed since the Middle Ages

D．is given only in factories

　　Since my retirement（退休）from teaching music in 2001, I have spent a good deal of time painting as an artist, I actually began drawing again in the summer of 1995 when my father died, so perhaps I was trying to recover from the loss of my father, or maybe it was just that it brought back memories of him. In any case, I drew pen and ink animals and landscapes（风景画） much influenced（影响）by Krenkel and St. John for five years.

　　For some strange reason, I had been waiting until my retirement to start doing watercolors again, but as soon as I walked out of the school door for the last time I picked up my brushes and rediscovered Andrew Wyeth, who quickly became my favorite artist. I had looked through all the art books I had on my shelves and found his watercolors to be the closest to how I thought good watercolors should look. So I painted landscapes around Minnesota for three years and tried out many other types of painting. However, watercolors remained my first choice, and I think I did my best work there, showing my paintings at a number of art exhibitions.

　　Art is now together with my piano playing and reading. There is a time for everything in my world, and it is wonderful to have some time doing what I want to do. As Confucius once said,“At seventy I can follow my heart's desire.”

(1)What is the text mainly about?

[　　]

A．Learning to paint in later life.

B．How to paint watercolors.

C．An artist-turned teacher.

D．Life after retirement.

(2)The author started drawing again in 1995 because ______.

[　　]

A．he hoped to draw a picture of his father

B．he couldn't stop missing his father

C．he had more time after retirement

D．he liked animals and landscapes

(3)We can infer from the text that the author ______.

[　　]

A．had been taught by Krenkel and St. John

B．painted landscapes in Minnesota for 5 years

C．believed Wyeth to be the best in watercolors

D．started his retirement life at the age of seventy

(4)How does the author probably feel about his life as an artist?

[　　]

　　Sorry to say, our brains naturally start slowing down at the Cruelty young age of 30. It used to be thought that this couldn't be helped, but new studies show that people of any age can train their brains to work faster. “Your brain is a learning machine,”says University of California scientist Dr. Michael Merzenich. Given the right tools, we can train our brains to act like they did when we were younger. All that's required is the practice designed just for the purpose: a few exercises for the mind.

　　Merzenich has developed a computer-based training method to speed up the process（过程）in which the brain deals with information (positscience. com). Since much of the data we receive comes through speech, the Brain Fitness Program works with language and hearing to better speed and accuracy（准确性）.

　　Over the course of training, the program starts asking you to distinguish（辨别）sounds (between“dog”and“bog”, for example) at an increasingly faster speed. It's a bit like tennis instructor, says Merzenich, hitting balls at you--faster and faster to keep you challenged（受到挑战）. You may start out slow, but before long you're pretty quick.

　　The biggest finding in brain research in the last ten years is that the brain at any age is highly plastic. If you ask your brain to learn, it will learn. And it may even speed up while in the process.

　　To keep your brain young and plastic you can do one of a million new activities that challenge and excite you: playing table tennis or bridge, doing crossword puzzles, learning a language...“When it comes to preventing ageing, you really do 'use it or lose it' ,”says Barbara Sahakian, professor at Cambridge University.

(1)Dr. Merzenich's training method mainly depends on ______.

[　　]

A．speech training

B．computer languages

C．the activities one joins in

D．the information being dealt with

(2)By saying“the brain at any age is highly plastic”, the writer probably means the brain can be ______.

[　　]

(3)What can we learn from the text?

[　　]

A．Practice makes a quick mind.

B．Brain research started ten yeas ago.

C．Dr. Merzenich is a scientist in computer.

D．People believed nothing could stop the brain slowing down.

(4)Which of the following agrees with the writer's idea?

[　　]

A．The training methods work better for the old.

B．People should use the brain to stop it from ageing.

C．The training of the brain should start at an early age.

D．It's necessary to take part in as many activities as possible.

　　Among rich countries, people in the United States work the longest hours. They work much longer than in Europe. This difference is quite surprising because productivity per hour worked is the same in the United States as it is in France, Spain and Germany, and it is growing at a similar speed.

　　In most countries and at most times in history, as people have become richer they have chosen to work less. In other words they have decided to “spend”a part of their extra in come on a fuller personal life. Over the last fifty years Europeans have continued this pattern, and hours of work have fallen sharply. But not in the United States. We do not fully know why this is. One reason may be greatly lower taxes in America, which increase the rewards（回报）to work. Another may be more satisfying work, or less satisfying personal lives.

　　Longer hours do of course increase the GDP（国内生产总值）. So the United States had produced more per worker than, say, France. The United States also has more of its people at work, while in France many more mothers and older workers have decided to stay at home. The overall result is that American GDP per head is 40% higher than in France, even though productivity per hour worked is the same.

　　it is not clear which of the two situations is better. As we have seen, work has to be compared with other values like family life, which often get lost in its interest. It is too early to explain the different trends（趋势）in happiness over time in different countries. But it is a disappointing idea that in the United States happiness had made no progress since 1975, while it has risen in Europe. Could this have anything to do with trends in the work-life balance（平衡）?

(1)From the text we know that the author ___________.

[　　]

A．believes that longer working hours is better

B．prefers shorter working hours to longer ones

C．says nothing certain about which pattern is better

D．thinks neither of the patterns is good

(2)Which of the following countries had more of its people at work?

[　　]

(3)In the last paragraph, the underlined word“which”refers to _________.

[　　]

(4)What message can we get from the text?

[　　]

A．The GDP of Europe is higher than that of America.

B．Two possible reasons are given for working longer hours in the US.

C．People all over the world choose to work less when they are richer.

D．Americans are happier than Europeans.

(5)Which of the following would be the best title for the text?

[　　]

A．Americans and Europeans

B．Staying at Home

C．Work and Productivity

D．Work and Happiness

　　Attitude is an internal（内在的）state that influences the choices of personal action made by the individual（个人）. Some researchers consider that attitudes come from differences between beliefs and ideas; others believe that attitudes come from emotional states. Here, we focus on the effects of attitudes upon behavior, that is, upon tide choices of action made by the individual.

　　The kinds of actions taken by human beings are obviously influenced greatly by attitudes. Whether one listens to classical music or rock, whether one obeys the speed limit while driving, whether one encourages one's husband or wife to express his or her own ideas--all are influenced by attitudes. These internal states are acquired（获得）throughout life from situations one is faced with in the home, in the streets, and in the school.

　　Of course, the course of action chosen by an individual in any situation will be largely determined by the particulars of that situation. An individual who has a strong attitude of obeying laws may drive too fast when he is in a hurry and no police cars in sight. A child who has a strong attitude of honesty may steal a penny when she thinks no one will notice. But the internal state which remains unchanged over a period of time, and which makes the individual behave regularly in a variety of situations, is what is meant by an attitude.

　　Attitudes are learned in a variety of ways. They can result from single incidents, as when an attitude toward snakes is acquired by an experience in childhood at the sudden movement of a snake. They can result from the individual's experiences of success and pleasure, as when someone acquires a positive attitude toward doing crossword puzzles by being able to complete some of them. And frequently, they are learned by copying other people's behavior, as when a child learns how to behave toward foreigners by observing the actions of his parents. Regardless of these differences, there is something in common in the learning and modification（修正）of attitudes.

(1)According to the passage, attitudes ______.

[　　]

A．come from different situations in one's life

B．are largely affected by one's behavior

C．remain unchanged in one's daily life

D．could be chosen according to one's will

(2)The author uses the examples in Paragraph 3 to show ______.

[　　]

A．people often make mistakes when they are not noticed

B．people with good attitudes may sometimes do bad deeds

C．particulars of a situation may influence an individual's action

D．an individual may change his or her attitude fairly easily

(3)Which of the following is TRUE about the learning of attitudes?

[　　]

A．Attitudes are only learned through one's success.

B．Attitudes learned in danger will last longer.

C．Copying others' behavior is not a good idea.

D．Attitudes can be learned from one's parents.

(4)What would be the best title for the passage?

[　　]

A．Differences of Attitudes.

B．Nature of Attitude.

C．Choices of Attitudes.

D．Modification of Attitude.

　　Researchers are placing robotic dogs（机器狗）in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. Alan Beck, an expert in human-animal relationship, and Nancy Edwards, a professor of nursing, are leading the animal-assisted study concerning the influence of robotic dogs on old people's depression, physical activity, and life satisfaction.“No one will argue that an older person is better off being more active, challenged, or stimulated（刺激）,”dwards points out.“The problem is how we promote（使……成为现实）that, especially for those without friends or help. A robotic dog could be a solution.”

　　In the study, the robot, called AIBO, is placed for six weeks in the houses of some old people who live alone. Before placing AIBO in the home, researchers will collect baseline data for six weeks. These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activity before and after AIBO. Then, the researchers will review the data to determine if it has inspired any changes in the life of its owner.

　　“I talk to him all the time, and he responds to my voice,”says a seventy-year-old lady.“When I'm watching TV, he'll stay in my arms until he wants down. He has a mind of his own.”

　　The AIBOs respond to certain orders. The researchers say they have some advantages over live dogs, especially for old people. Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding concerns.

　　“At the beginning, it was believed that no one would relate to the robotic dog, because it was metal and not furry,”Beck says.“But it's amazing how quickly we have given up that belief.”

　　“Hopefully, down the road, these robotic pets could become a more-valuable health helper. They will record their masters' blood pressure, oxygen levels, or heart rhythms. AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people's minds.”

(1)The purpose of Beck and Edwards' study is to ______.

[　　]

A．understand human-animal relationship

B．make lonely old people's life better

C．find the causes of old people's loneliness

D．promote the animal-assisted research

(2)In the research, the old people are asked to _______.

[　　]

A．note the activities of AIBOs

B．keep AIBOs at home for 12 weeks

C．record their feelings and activity

D．analyze the collected information

(3)What is the advantage of AIBO over live dogs?

[　　]

A．It is easier to keep at home.

B．It can help the disabled people.

C．It responds to all the human orders.

D．It can watch TV with its owner.

(4)The author seems to suggest that the future robotic dogs may ______.

[　　]

A．cure certain diseases

B．keep old people active

C．change people's beliefs

D．look more like real dogs

　　Beverage Service We serve a variety of soft drinks, coffee, tea and free of charge. However, as flying has a dehydrating effect, water and nonalcoholic beverages are recommended.

　　Electronic Equipment Cellular phones, FM/AM radios, portable television sets and electronic toys with remote controls must not be used in the cabin, as their signals may interfere with the aircrafts navigational instruments. Laptop computers and CD (MD, MP3) players may be used during cruising portions of the flight but not during the takeoff and landing.

　　Inflight Entertainment A wide selection of international publications are available for your reading pleasure. You may keep this free copy of Morning Calm magazine, but kindly return all other reading materials after you have finished with them for the benefit of fellow passengers. A selection of music is available on eight channels, from channel 3 to 10. The channel changer is on your armrest. We also offer a selection of popular films; you may listen in English on channel 2. Chess is available on request, and we have free postcards and stationery.

　　Medical Needs We keep a selection of nonprescription medicine for any passenger suffering from mild sicknesses. An emergency medical kit is also available for more serious illnesses.

　　Travelling with infants and Children

Baby bassinets are provided on a first come first serve basis and should be requested at the time of booking. Special meals for children and infants can be served if the request is made 24 hours before departure. Selected giveaways for children aged 2 to 12 are available on all international flights.

(1)The services above are probably offered by __________.

[　　]

(2)Which of the following is forbidden according to the passage?

[　　]

A．Using mobile phones.

B．Listening to MP3.

C．Having nonprescription medicine.

D．Watching popular films.

(3)If you turn on channel 5 on your armrest, what will you enjoy?

[　　]

A．International news.

B．Free-of-charge drinks.

C．Fashion magazines.

D．Popular music.

(4)When should a passenger request special meals for children and babies?

[　　]

A．24 hours before departure.

B．At the time of booking.

C．Soon after the takeoff.

D．At the time of landing.

　　A blood transfusion is a way of giving one person's blood to another person who needs it. When you need blood, you have a big problem because your body won't work right without enough healthy blood. Your heart pumps blood through blood vessels that reach very organ and tissue（组织）in the body. One of the blood's most important jobs is to deliver oxygen to each cell in the body. Without oxygen, the body can't live.

　　Blood transfusions are possible because volunteers donate their blood. That is why hospitals have blood to give to others. It may sound creepy to donate blood, but it's safe and it's no big deal for a healthy person to donate a small amount--usually 473 milliliters. Your mom or dad might have done this. Kids don's usually donate blood, but it's a good thing to do for older teens. A person usually must be 17 to donate blood.

　　Healthy donated blood is very valuable. They even call the place that collects it the blood bank. Do you understand why? A bank is a safe place for money and other valuables.

　　People who have certain illnesses such as hepatitis（肝炎）or HIV aren't allowed to donate blood, because they could pass their sickness on to another person through a blood transfusion. After the blood is collected, blood banks test it very carefully to make sure that the blood is free of diseases and germs. The blood bank won't use any blood that could make someone sick.

　　Blood banks are also very careful not to get things like dirty. People who collect the blood are sure to use a new needle and fresh collection equipment for every donor. That way, even if someone's blood was infected, it can't be spread to other people or contaminate Other healthy blood at the blood bank. Blood is used just once. If there is any leftover it is thrown away.

(1)Which of the statements is NOT true according to the passage?

[　　]

A．Delivering oxygen to the body's cells is one of the blood's most important jobs.

B．Donated blood is probably the most important source of blood for transfusions.

C．Donating blood is not harmful to a healthy person.

D．It's not good for a person under 17 to donate blood.

(2)People call the place that collects blood a blood bank to show that ______.

[　　]

A．a bank is a safe place

B．donated blood is as important as a bank

C．donated blood is very valuable

D．a bank is the safest place to keep blood

(3)Which of the following is the best title?

[　　]

A．Blood Transfusions Are Important

B．What Is a Blood Transfusion?

C．What Is a Blood Bank?

D．Donated Blood Is Valuable

　　Compassion is a desire within us to help others. With effort, we can translate compassion into actions. An experience last weekend showed me this is true. I work part-time in a supermarket across from a building for the elderly. These old people are our main customers, and it's not hard to lose patience over their slowness. But last Sunday, one aged gentleman appeared to teach me a valuable lesson. This untidy man walked up to my register（收款机）with a box of biscuits. He said he was out of cash（现金）, had just moved into his room, and had nothing in his cupboards. He asked if we could let him have the food on trust. He promised to repay me the next day.

　　I couldn't help staring at him. I wondered what kind of person he had been ten or twenty years before, and what he would be like if luck had gone his way. I had a hurt in my heart for this kind of human soul, all alone in the world. I told him that I was sorry, but store rules didn't allow me to do so. I felt stupid and unkind saying this, but I valued my job.

　　Just then, another man, standing behind the first, spoke up. If anything, he looked more pitiable.“Charge it to me,”as all he said.

　　What I had been feeling was pity. Pity is soft and safe and easy. Compassion, on the other hand, is caring in action. I thanked the second man but told him that was not allowed either. Then I reached into my pocket and paid for the biscuits myself. I reached into my pocket because these two men had reached into my heart and taught me compassion.

(1)The aged gentleman who wanted to buy the biscuits ______.

[　　]

A．promised to obey the store rules

B．forgot to take any money with him

C．hoped to have the food first and pay later

D．could not afford anything more expensive

(2)Which of the following best describes the old gentleman?

[　　]

A．kind and lucky.

B．poor and lonely.

C．friendly and helpful.

D．hurt and disappointed.

(3)The writer acted upon the store rules because ______.

[　　]

A．he wanted to keep his present job

B．he felt no pity for the old gentleman

C．he considered the old man dishonest

D．he expected someone else to pay for the old man

(4)What does the writer learn from his experience?

[　　]

A．Wealth is more important than anything else.

B．Helping others is easier said than done.

C．Experience is better gained through practice.

D．Obeying the rules means more than compassion.