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 youll 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 exhibit’s. 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 33th 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.

One of the traditions which is now a necessary part of Christmas is that of Father Christmas, or Santa Claus. According to the modern legend, he is a magical figure who visits all the children of the world during the night before Christmas Day, leaving presents which they find the next morning. He flies through the night sky in a sledge pulled by reindeer, and enters houses by climbing down chimneys. This strange legend is based on the life of a man called Nicholas, but in fact we know very little about him. Historians think he was a Christian bishop(主教) in Turkey in about 285－350 A. D. One of the stories about him is that he helped three poor girls. No one would marry them because they were so poor. To provide them with money for their weddings, Nicholas secretly dropped some gold coins down the chimney of their house. After Nicholas died, he was made a saint(圣人) by the church. (The name Santa Claus thus comes from St Nicholas.) His feast day was celebrated in December, and parents started giving their children secret presents from St Nicholas. Over the years, this custom became part of our Christmas traditions.
Recently, a psychologist has claimed that Father Christmas is “the perfect fantasy” for children. According to Professor Anthony Clare, children love the character of Father Christmas because he is like an ideal father: he loves children and gives them presents, but he never criticizes them, is never angry, and children do not even need to thank him for the presents. Other writers, however, point out that Father Christmas can be a frightening character to some children. Jane Bidder says that some children are terrified of this fat, bearded old man. It can certainly confuse many children. As parents, we warn our children to be careful of strangers and never to let them into the house, and yet we tell children that a strange man will come into their bedroom at night! Some children can become very worried about this idea and fear that he is a kind of burglar.
Most children, however, understand from their parents and from the media that Father Christmas is basically a benign character, and look forward to his annual visit with joy and excitement.
46. The main point of the first paragraph is that ________.
A. Father Christmas is an important part of Christmas 
B. the tradition of Father Christmas is a modern idea
C. Father Christmas is a magical figure who can fly   
D. the legends about Father Christmas are not true
47. The writer mentions details such as Father Christmas’s sledge, the reindeer and the way he climbs down chimneys because he/she ____________.
A. wants to make it clear that these things are impossible   
B. is describing the history of St Nicholas   
C. wants everyone to believe that Father Christmas is real
D. is explaining the modern legend of Father Christmas
48. Why does the writer mention the story about St Nicholas helping three poor girls?
A. It shows us that historians know very little about him.
B. This story explains why parents give secret presents to children.
C. It supports the writer’s main point that Father Christmas is based on an untrue story.
D. This story explains why we celebrate Christmas in December.
49. In the last paragraph, the word “benign”means _________.
A. religious           B. friendly
C. frightening        D. unreal
50. The best title for this passage would be __________.
A. Is Father Christmas Dangerous?       B. The True History of St Nicholas
C. The Legend of Santa Claus       D. The Traditions of Christmas  

Dear Parents,

As we start the second half of the spring term, I thought it important to update you on some key developments.

Post-16 Collaboration(合作)

We have entered into an exciting new collaboration with Bassaleg Comprehension School, Duffryn High School, St Joseph’s High School, and Coleg Gwent—The Newport West Post-16 partnership. We will be working together to deliver nearly 40 different courses at other schools and likewise, students from other schools will study some subjects here. Information about the courses available to students can be found on the partnership website www. Newftartwest. corn. uk.

Uniform

I would take this opportunity to remind all parents that students are not permitted to wear non-school uniform cardigans (开襟羊毛衫) in Newport High School. It is the responsibility of parents to make sure your son or daughter wears the correct uniform to school. This includes completely black shoes. Over the next half term we will be working with students to develop a cardigan with the school logo which will provide an alternative to the current school jacket.

School Catering.

We are currently seeking a new company to provide school meals. Our new catering provider will be in place at the start of the summer term and will be working with students, parents and staff to provide improvements to our current provision. I look forward to keeping you updated on this development.

Some key dates for you to be aware of over the next half term are:

Thank you for your continued support.

Your faithfully,

Karyn Keane

1.Karyn Keane wrote the letter on behalf of ______.

A．Bassaleg Comprehensive School            B．Newport High School

C．St Joesph’s High School                  D．Duffryn High School

2.What can be learned about the new collaboration?

A．It involves four schools altogether.

B．Course information will be mailed to every student.

C．Students can choose as many courses as they want.

D．It allows students to learn at other schools.

3.When will the new catering company start working?

A．In May            B．In April            C．in March          D．In June

4.What do we know from the passage?

A．Students will develop a logo for the school.

B．All parents will be invited to school on 23rd March

C．Students won’t go to school on 1st April.

D．The letter was written at the start of the spring term.

AMERICANA HOTEL CRYSTAL CITY
Convenient location 5 minutes from Washington ,D.C. and one block to Crystal City Subway, Crystal City Underground. Alexandria. Free Parking, free Deluxe Continental breakfast and complimentary（收费的）Hotel Shuttle Service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
14000 Jefferson Davis Hwy(endurance on S. Eads St.)
Phone (703) 979-3722
DAYS INN ARLINGTON
Days Inn Arlington is located two miles from the Pentagon ,Lincoln Memorial .There is a restaurant which serves American style food ,plus two meeting rooms and an outdoor pool. Complimentary shuttle service runs to the Rosslyn Metro Station. Complimentary parking is available on the property .An experienced staff welcomes our guests.
Phone（703）525-0300
THE HIGHLANDER MOTORINN
Comfortable rooms at moderate(中等的) rates .Convenient location only minutes away from Washington area attraction. Near VA Square METRO Station and Ballston Commons Shopping Mall .Free continental breakfast ,free parking.
Phone(703)524-4300
HYATT REGENCY CRYSTAL CITY
Conveniently located next to Washington National Airport and two miles from Washington D.C. Complimentary Shuttle to and from National Airport ,metro ,local restaurants and shopping .Experience a view to remember at our rooftop restaurants “Chesapeake Grill.” Call for Reservations.
Phone(073)418-12341(800)233-1234
60．Which hotel does not provide service to drive its guests to the airport or metro stations?
A．Americana Hotel Crystal City B．Days Inn Arlington
C．The Highlander Motor Inn      D．Hyatt Regency Crystal City
61．If you want to stay in a hotel which provides free parking and free breakfast ,which telephone numbers will you ring to ask for further information?
A．(703)979-3722 or (703)524-4300   B．(703)524-4300 or (073) 418-12341
C．(073)418-12341 or (703) 525-0300       D．(703)525-0300 or (703)979-3722
62．Which hotel is close to airports?
A．Americana Hotel Crystal City B．Days Inn Arlington
C．Hyatt Regency Crystal City     D．The Highlander Motor Inn
63．Steven loves the idea of having delicious meal while enjoying the night view of Washington D. C. He will probably reserve a room by calling        .
A．(703)524-4300 B．(073)418-12341      C .(703)525-0300   D．(703)979-3722

One of the traditions which is now a necessary part of Christmas is that of Father Christmas, or Santa Claus. According to the modern legend, he is a magical figure who visits all the children of the world during the night before Christmas Day, leaving presents which they find the next morning. He flies through the night sky in a sledge pulled by reindeer, and enters houses by climbing down chimneys. This strange legend is based on the life of a man called Nicholas, but in fact we know very little about him. Historians think he was a Christian bishop(主教) in Turkey in about 285－350 A. D. One of the stories about him is that he helped three poor girls. No one would marry them because they were so poor. To provide them with money for their weddings, Nicholas secretly dropped some gold coins down the chimney of their house. After Nicholas died, he was made a saint(圣人) by the church. (The name Santa Claus thus comes from St Nicholas.) His feast day was celebrated in December, and parents started giving their children secret presents from St Nicholas. Over the years, this custom became part of our Christmas traditions.

Recently, a psychologist has claimed that Father Christmas is “the perfect fantasy” for children. According to Professor Anthony Clare, children love the character of Father Christmas because he is like an ideal father: he loves children and gives them presents, but he never criticizes them, is never angry, and children do not even need to thank him for the presents. Other writers, however, point out that Father Christmas can be a frightening character to some children. Jane Bidder says that some children are terrified of this fat, bearded old man. It can certainly confuse many children. As parents, we warn our children to be careful of strangers and never to let them into the house, and yet we tell children that a strange man will come into their bedroom at night! Some children can become very worried about this idea and fear that he is a kind of burglar.

Most children, however, understand from their parents and from the media that Father Christmas is basically a benign character, and look forward to his annual visit with joy and excitement.

46. The main point of the first paragraph is that ________.

A. Father Christmas is an important part of Christmas 

B. the tradition of Father Christmas is a modern idea

C. Father Christmas is a magical figure who can fly   

D. the legends about Father Christmas are not true

47. The writer mentions details such as Father Christmas’s sledge, the reindeer and the way he climbs down chimneys because he/she ____________.

A. wants to make it clear that these things are impossible   

B. is describing the history of St Nicholas   

C. wants everyone to believe that Father Christmas is real

D. is explaining the modern legend of Father Christmas

48. Why does the writer mention the story about St Nicholas helping three poor girls?

A. It shows us that historians know very little about him.

B. This story explains why parents give secret presents to children.

C. It supports the writer’s main point that Father Christmas is based on an untrue story.

D. This story explains why we celebrate Christmas in December.

49. In the last paragraph, the word “benign”means _________.

A. religious           B. friendly

C. frightening        D. unreal

50. The best title for this passage would be __________.

A. Is Father Christmas Dangerous?       B. The True History of St Nicholas

C. The Legend of Santa Claus       D. The Traditions of Christmas