分专题练习

记叙/事件类

Passage 1

This weekend, a pair of American astronauts brought NASA one step 　1　 to faster space travel.The spacewalk was the third in just eight days.After it was complete, Mission Control called the astronauts to congratulate them on their 　2　.NASA considers this the most complicated cable job in the 16 years the ISS has been in operation.

Unexpected Issues

Wilmore and Virts unreeled （解开）364 feet of cable during their previous two spacewalks, on February 21 and 25.Like the previous 　3　, Sunday’s job was complicated work, requiring the astronauts to use their hands for small and delicate tasks.Despite the tricky nature of the mission, the pair wrapped up their work in just five and a half hours.Their three outings spanned 19 hours 　4　 all.

On both last Wednesday and Sunday’s missions, Virts reported having water in his helmet once he was back 　5　 the ISS.“I couldn’t feel it on my skin,” he reported to Mission Control, “I could just see a thin film on the screen.”

Engineers concluded that the water leak was the result of water droplets condensing （凝结）during the repressurization （复压）of the airlock.They reported that the situation was no cause for concern, and had happened several times before with the same spacesuit.Still, Mission Control instructed Virts to pay extra attention to his suit during 　6　 spacewalks.

（　）1.A.farther　B.closer　C.further　D.slower

（　）2.A.accomplishment　B.winning　C.job　D.task

（　）3.A.one　B.two　C.three　D.four

（　）4.A.at　B.after　C.in　D.with

（　）5.A.outside　B.beside　C.away　D.inside

（　）6.A.past　B.future　C.last　D.next

Passage 2

The 57th annual Grammy Awards ceremony was 　1　 on Sunday night in Los Angeles, California.It brought together musicians of different generations in 　2 collaborations （合作）, and included some surprise wins.

Newcomer Sam Smith was the evening’s biggest winner, taking home four Grammys.Smith’s album In the Lonely Hour won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album.While accepting the award, he credited his success to staying true to his own 　3　 of creativity.

Smith’s four wins represented only some of the surprises at the event.Veteran musician Beck beat out Smith, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Pharrell Williams in the Album of the Year category with his twelfth studio album Morning Phase.The 　4　 marked Beck’s fifth Grammy award.

Although the Grammys are an awards ceremony, the performances took center stage—all 23 of them.The show featured some unexpected collaborations, pairing younger artists with legendary performers.Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney came 　5　 to perform their new single “Four Five Seconds” .

Newcomer Ed Sheeran joined Jeff Lynne and Electric Light Orchestra （ELO）to perform “Mr.Blue Sky” and “Evil Woman”, two of ELO’s hit songs from the 1970s.Other duet performances included Usher with Stevie Wonder, Hozier with Annie Lennox, Lady Gaga with Tony Bennett, and Beck with Chris Martin of Coldplay.To top off a winning evening, Smith sang his hit “Stay With Me” with R＆B star Mary J.Blige.Carrying four awards 　6　 his arms, Smith reflected on his success.“I’m having a really, really good night,” he said.

（　）1.A.had　B.held　C.host　D.happened

（　）2.A.unlikely　B.common　C.strange　D.interesting

（　）3.A.love　B.hope　C.sense　D.ability

（　）4.A.win　B.lost　C.album　D.song

（　）5.A.together　B.alone　C.separately　D.lonely

（　）6.A.with　B.under　C.on　D.in

Passage 3

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? You probably know the answer to that question: SpongeBob SquarePants! So what would happen if SpongeBob came 　1　 for air? Could the sponge survive out of water? Find out on February 6, 　2　 SpongeBob and his crew will leave the sea and the animated world to appear in a 3D liveaction film called The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water.

Along 　3　 his pals Patrick, Mr.Krabs, Squidward, and Sandy, SpongeBob has gotten into all sorts of trouble and adventures in his hometown, Bikini Bottom.This time, an evil pirate known as Burger-Beard has gotten his hands on the topsecret Krabby Patty recipe.The robbery sends Bikini Bottom into total chaos.To defend their home from 　4　, SpongeBob and his friends must go above the surface of the sea to get the formula back.In order to combat Burger-Beard and his wicked pirate crew, SpongeBob and his friends transform themselves into superheroes.

Though the gang may 　5　 different from live-action figures in the human world, they are the same characters SpongeBob fans know and love.“It’s a different way of presenting the story, but everyone is exactly 　6　,” says the director.“That’s why I love SpongeBob.The humor comes not from what the characters do but who they are.”

（　）1.A.down　B.up　C.near　D.on

（　）2.A.when　B.while　C.after　D.before

（　）3.A.from　B.to　C.with　D.and

（　）4.A.attack　B.lost　C.damages　D.danger

（　）5.A.look　B.feel　C.sound　D.taste

（　）6.A.similar　B.different　C.the same　D.familiar

Passage 4

The first Puppy Bowl aired on February 6, 2005.It was 　1　 created as a fun show after the Super Bowl, but the program has grown to become an annual charity event.Each year, Puppy Bowl promotes animal adoption from local shelters.“In years past, all of the puppies and kittens that participated in Puppy Bowl have been adopted to 　2　 families,” says Toporoff, the organiser of the Bowl.“We hope to continue that tradition this year with a new set of adorable animals that are ready to tumble and fumble in homes 　3　 the nation.”

This year, there will be 55 shelter puppies at play for Team Ruff and Team Fluff.The dogs will all be competing for the title of MVP (Most Valuable 　4　), a high honor given last year to Ginger, a 12-week-old English Sheepdog mix.

The rules of the game are simple.The puppies must grab a toy and run it to the end zone to make a touchdown.Puppy penalties are part of the play, however.Four-time Puppy Bowl “rufferee” Dan Schachner will be on the sidelines to make sure both Team Ruff and Team Fluff are keeping it cute.

　5　, Puppy Bowl isn’t just for people and puppies.Goat cheerleaders will be in attendance to root for the pooches.Sideline reporter “Meep the Bird” will be perched in the arena to tweet live updates and provide commentary throughout the big game.And the annual Kitty Halftime Show will feature new feline （猫科的）phenomenon Katty Furry.It’s going to be a 　6　!

（　）1.A.originally　B.first　C.usually　D.then

（　）2.A.rich　B.healthy　C.loving　D.all

（　）3.A.in　B.across　C.round　D.through

（　）4.A.Player　B.Pet　C.Puppy　D.Person

（　）5.A.Moreover　B.However　C.Also　D.Although

（　）6.A.park　B.house　C.garden　D.zoo

Passage 5

Better late than 　1　! On Monday, the International Space Station received a shipment of late Christmas gifts and groceries.A company called SpaceX sent the supply ship, called Dragon.

Station commander Butch Wilmore used a robot arm to grab the capsule, which contained 5,000 pounds of important shipment.The space station’s six astronauts were getting a little 　2　 on supplies.That’s because the previous supply ship, owned by another company, was destroyed in a launch explosion in October.

NASA struggled to get replacements aboard Dragon, which was delayed a month by rocket problems.It should have been at the space station well before Christmas.　3　 all’s well that ends well.“We’re excited to have it on board,” Wilmore said.“We’ll be digging in soon.” He’s especially eager to get more mustard （芥末）.The station’s condiment（调味品）cabinet　is empty.

Although the cargo shipment was a success, the second goal of the flight was not.SpaceX has been working to develop a rocket that can be easily restored and flown again, which would reduce launch costs.But the booster 　4　 too hard on the trial run and broke apart in the ocean.“Close, but no cigar this time,” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced.

Despite the flop in the dark ocean, Musk said he was 　5　.The 14-story booster managed, at least, to fly back to the floating platform from an altitude dozens of miles high.Until Saturday, no one had ever tried anything like this before.Musk said the trial run looks good for the future.The company is planning 　6　 rocket-landing test next month.

（　）1.A.ever　B.never　C.early　D.slowly

（　）2.A.high　B.low　C.short　D.few

（　）3.A.And　B.However　C.But　D.So

（　）4.A.came down　B.came up　C.came out　D.came off

（　）5.A.pleased　B.praised　C.encouraged　D.discouraged

（　）6.A.other　B.another　C.others　D.the other

Passage 6

Dozens of school districts in Chicago and the Midwest cancelled school on Wednesday 　1　 cold and dangerous wind chills.Communities around the state have opened warming shelters to 　2　 people in the subzero temperatures.

Temperatures in northern Illinois will fall to about -7° overnight, with wind chills of -25° or colder.Wind chills are expected to be around -25°.Central Illinois will get gradually colder during the day.Springfield’s temperature will fall 　3　 about 3° in the morning to about -7° in the afternoon, with wind chills of -22°to -32°.

The government says people should 　4　, if possible, and cover all exposed skin if they must go out.Frostbite （冻伤）can occur within minutes in the extreme cold.Experts are asking people to check on neighbors, 　5　 the sick or elderly.

The Illinois State Police cautioned drivers to stock their vehicles with extra water, food, and warm clothing in case they get stranded.

Chicago Public School says it will 　6　 to watch the weather forecast for the rest of the week.It will decide Wednesday on whether classes should be held on Thursday.

（　）1.A.besides　B.because of　C.as well as　D.instead of

（　）2.A.help　B.hold　C.watch　D.host

（　）3.A.with　B.from　C.to　D.into

（　）4.A.go to work　B.stay home　C.go out　D.stay indoors

（　）5.A.also　B.even　C.especially　D.specially

（　）6.A.continue　B.stop　C.remember　D.try

Passage 7

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in New York City on Sunday.It is the royal couple’s first official 　1　 to the United States since 2011.But it is the first time either Prince William or Kate, both 32, will have been to New York or Washington.

In April of 2011, Prince William, who is second in line to the British throne, married Kate Middleton in a fairy-tale wedding ceremony in London, England.The royal couple has one son — Prince George of Cambridge — born on July 22, 2013.The couple is 　2　 their second child this April.

　3　 their three-day trip, William and Kate will be staying at the Carlyle Hotel on the upper east side of New York City.The hotel was a favorite of William’s mother, the late Princess Diana.

On Monday, William will meet U.S.President Barack Obama in the White House to 　4　 illegal wildlife trading, an issue close to the prince’s heart.Kate will spend Monday in New York.She will visit a child development center in Harlem with the city’s first lady Chirlane McCray.

The Duke and Duchess are scheduled to 　5　 a black-tie fundraiser for the University of St.Andrews.The Scottish school is where the royal couple met and earned degrees.Tickets for the event are said to cost up to $10,000 per seat.

During their visit, the royal couple will also visit the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and a basketball game 　6　 the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

（　）1.A.trip　B.visit　C.tour　D.journey

（　）2.A.waiting　B.expecting　C.looking for　D.having

（　）3.A.During　B.After　C.Before　D.On

（　）4.A.think of　B.do　C.discuss　D.open up

（　）5.A.join　B.enter　C.visit　D.attend

（　）6.A.between　B.with　C.among　D.over

Passage 8

Harry Potter has done a lot of growing up in the 　1　 seven years since we last saw him in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows.Author J.K.Rowling has 　2　 a new short story on her website that brings us back into the life of Harry Potter, who is now 33 years old, and married, but still battling dark magic.

In Rowling’s online story, Dumbledore’s Army reunites at Quidditch （魁地奇球）World Cup Final.Harry attends the final game of the Quidditch World Cup with his family and friends.He has three children with wife Ginny Weasley, and has 　3　 his long-time friendships with Ron and Hermione.

The new story updates readers about Ron and Hermione’s careers 　4　.Ron is running the family joke shop, and Hermione is the Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

Throughout the new story, readers find that Harry and his friends no longer have their youthful appearances.The older Harry now has “threads of silver” in his 　5　.Harry’s friends have aged too.Ron Weasley’s “famous ginger hair appears to be thinning slightly”.

There have been seven books published in the wildly popular Harry Potter series.Rowling spokesman Mark Hutchinson said there are “no plans” for a new Potter novel.However, at the end of the article-style story the writer suggests that there may be more information to 　6　.

（　）1.A.past　B.near　C.next　D.recent

（　）2.A.published　B.written　C.put　D.placed

（　）3.A.stopped　B.kept　C.forgotten　D.lost

（　）4.A.in all　B.by the way　C.as planned　D.as well

（　）5.A.face　B.eyes　C.hair　D.hands

（　）6.A.make　B.do　C.come　D.go

Passage 9

A Super Birthday

He’s 　1　 enough to be your grandfather, but at 75 years old, Superman looks as young as he did when he first appeared way back in 1938.He’s still 　2　 than a speeding bullet, still more powerful than a machine, and he can still leap onto the big screen in a single bound.His latest film, Man of Steel, opens today.

Man of Steel 　3　 Superman’s first big-screen adventure in seven years.But there’s been no break in his comic-book exploits since that first story in Action Comics.What’s kept him going so strong for so 　4　?

Writer Roger Stern, who worked alongside Jurgens on Superman for several years, says the character is a modern-day legend.“He’s 　5　 the great heroes of history, mythology （神话）, and fiction, rolled into one.Like butterflies, he was sent off by his parents to live in a new world.Like Hercules, his heritage makes him the strongest among mortal men.He leads a double life and keeps his true nature a secret.” Jurgens and Stern think Superman has what it takes to keep thrilling audiences for the next 75 years.Jurgens said, “Superman 　6　 for that which is best in all of us.That should never fall out of style.”

（　）1.A.old　B.young　C.big　D.little

（　）2.A.faster　B.slower　C.heavier　D.lighter

（　）3.A.thanks　B.marks　C.creates　D.tells

（　）4.A.short　B.long　C.great　D.good

（　）5.A.all　B.none　C.both　D.neither

（　）6.A.sits　B.speaks　C.stands　D.knows

Passage 10

Vending machines （自动售货机）serving up raw meat, crabs and other produce items went into 　1　 in downtown Shanghai a few days ago, with around 200 expected to be placed around the city over the next year.

The first machine was placed near Nanjing Road, where a community of elderly people and office workers live.Others will be installed in places that are 　2　 to reach by public transportation and areas lacking wet markets.

The Jinshan Qiangfeng Co.“doorstep fridges” will sell packaged meat, fish, crabs, eggs, fruit and veggies, Shanghai Daily reports.They will operate 24 hours a day and 　3　 cash and bank cards for items priced as much as 20 percent 　4　 than wet markets, as the company is directly supplied by Jinshan district farmers.They can also be used for paying phone, credit card and utility bills.

Now we expect to 　5　 more of these babies pop up around communities on Julu Road, Yan’an Middle Road, Xinzha Road, Wanhangdu Road, Jiangning Road, Wuding Road and Shimen No.2 Road in Jing’an.

Hopefully these ones take off better than Shanghai’s doomed flower vending machines.

Would you purchase chicken 　6　 a dispensing machine?

（　）1.A.operation　B.job　C.effect　D.run

（　）2.A.simple　B.difficult　C.convenient　D.different

（　）3.A.lend　B.give　C.send　D.accept

（　）4.A.higher　B.lower　C.dearer　D.cheaper

（　）5.A.watch　B.hear　C.see　D.look

（　）6.A.in　B.with　C.from　D.by

人 物 类

Passage 1

Shakira is a famous singer, songwriter, musician, record producer and dancer.She is one of Latin America’s top stars and is very 　1　 internationally.She is the highest-selling Colombian artist of 　2　.She has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, and has won numerous awards.She is also the only South American singer to have a number one 3　 in the USA.

Shakira was born in 1977 in Colombia.Her mother is Spanish and Italian, and her father is of Lebanese descent.She speaks fluent Spanish, English, Portuguese and Italian, and 　4　 Arabic.Shakira was an outstanding student at school.It was once reported that she has an IQ of 140.She grew up writing poems on a typewriter she got as a Christmas gift.

Shakira wanted to perform from the 　5　 of four.She danced at school every Friday and her classmates nicknamed her “belly dancer girl”.She said: “That’s how I discovered my passion for live performance.” Aged 13, she signed a three-album contract with Sony Music.The first two flopped, but the third, “Pies Descalzos” sold over five million copies and made her a star.

Shakira crossed over into singing in English.Her 2001 album “Laundry Service”sold 13 million copies and established her as an international phenomenon.Gabriel García Marquez asked her to write the songs for the movie “Love in the Time of Cholera”.Shakira has written the lyrics to every song she has recorded.She describes herself 　6　 a perfectionist.

（　）1.A.popular　B.common　C.wonderful　D.caring

（　）2.A.some time　B.no time　C.every time　D.all time

（　）3.A.title　B.record　C.award　D.reward

（　）4.A.a little　B.a few　C.a lot　D.no

（　）5.A.stage　B.age　C.month　D.period

（　）6.A.like　B.into　C.as　D.alike

Passage 2

Steven Spielberg is a productive and super-successful American film director and producer.He has 　1　 three Best Movie Oscars, among hundreds of other awards.His movies have made nearly $8 billion, the highest for any filmmaker in history.Time magazine listed him as one of the 100 　2　 people of the 20th Century.Life named him the most influential person of his generation.

Spielberg was born in Ohio in 1946.He was interested in movies when he was very 　3　.At 12, he made a 9-minute film to earn his Boy Scout photography badge.Aged 13, he won a prize for a 40-minute war movie.When he was 16, Spielberg filmed a 2-hour science fiction epic.He set his sights on Hollywood.

Spielberg 　4　 get into film school because of his low school grades.He was brave and went directly to Universal Studios, where he got a position as an intern（实习生）.In 1968, he made a short film that caught the attention of Universal’s vice president.Spielberg became Hollywood’s youngest ever director.He 　5　 seven years making TV movies.

Spielberg’s first major movie was the shark horror film Jaws.It was a sensational hit and made Spielberg a household name.He has since made many blockbusters that have become a part of world culture, including Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and E.T.Spielberg has also 　6　 serious issues such as slavery, the Holocaust （大屠杀）and terrorism.He has also ventured into video game production.

（　）1.A.lost　B.won　C.borrowed　D.made

（　）2.A.best　B.prettiest　C.greatest　D.nicest

（　）3.A.old　B.young　C.small　D.short

（　）4.A.managed to　B.tried to　C.planned to　D.failed to

（　）5.A.spent　B.paid　C.cost　D.used

（　）6.A.taken care of　B.talked about　C.dealt with　D.thought about

Passage 3

Tiger Woods is one of the most successful golfers 　1　.He has the potential to be the greatest of all time.He has been number one in the world for most of the past decade and looks like hanging on to that position for a while to 　2　.His real name is Eldrick; Tiger is a nickname his father gave him.

Tiger shot to fame as a two-year-old.He showed off his skills on 　3　 in 1978 with comedian （喜剧演员）Bob Hope.In 1990, aged 15, he became the youngest ever U.S.Junior Amateur Champion.There were dozens of records and victories in between.In 1994, Woods became the youngest ever winner of the U.S.Amateur Championship.He turned professional two years 　4　.

Sports experts predict he will become sports first billionaire.He cannot stop 　5　.He has the second highest number of major golf championships of any male player, and he’s still young.His career is full of impressive records.He’s the youngest player to win the US Open and the youngest and fastest to win 50 tournaments （锦标赛）.It seems likely he’ll break more records.

Woods is a Buddhist.He got his faith from his Thai mother.He said it helps control his stubbornness （固执）and 　6　.It perhaps also explains his charity work.He has set up many projects to help disadvantaged youngsters.He believes being a good role model is much more important than golf and has helped thousands of teenagers around the world.

（　）1.A.ever　B.never　C.once 　D.always

（　）2.A.go　B.come　C.leave　D.hold

（　）3.A.television　B.radio　C.telephone　D.poster

（　）4.A.after　B.before　C.later　D.ago

（　）5.A.losing　B.winning　C.defeating　D.trying

（　）6.A.happiness　B.ambition　C.patience　D.impatience

Passage 4

Wayne Rooney was born on the 24th of October, 1985.He is known all over the world by people who 　1　 football.He is, of course, the striker （前锋）for Manchester United and England.Many people say he’s the best centre forward in the world.English people are hoping he can use his amazing talent to 　2　 them the World Cup trophy（奖杯）in South Africa.He will be a player to watch.

Rooney was born in Liverpool.He grew up supporting his local club Everton.He signed for Everton schoolboys when he was ten.He stayed with the club and made his Premier League debut （初次登场）in 2002.His first goal for Everton meant he was the youngest player ever to score a Premier League goal.It came five days before his 17th birthday.He made a big impact at Everton and 　3　 Manchester United, who signed him in 2004.

Rooney has established himself as a world class player.He has broken many records 　4　 his time there and played with many top players.His signing fee of £25.6 million is still a world record for a teenager.He helped United win three league titles, two League Cups, and the Champions League title in 2007-08.He also won England’s Footballer of the Year award in 2010.

Rooney made his England debut in 2003.He shot to world fame at the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament （联赛）　5　 he scored two outstanding goals.He has established himself as England’s first choice striker and is 　6　 to pose a threat to all defences （防守）in South Africa.However, he had a very different World Cup experience to Germany 2006, when he was sent off for a foul （犯规）on a Portuguese defender.

（　）1.A.love　B.hate　C.play　D.watch

（　）2.A.bring　B.take　C.buy　D.win

（　）3.A.liked　B.moved　C.interested　D.attacked

（　）4.A.at　B.in　C.on　D.before

（　）5.A.when　B.so that　C.although　D.whether

（　）6.A.possibly　B.also　C.sure　D.probably

Passage 5

It was the fairy-tale wedding of the century.Kings, queens, royalty and VIPs from around the world were at London’s Westminster Abbey to 　1　 the wedding of Britain’s Prince William of Wales and Catherine “Kate” Middleton.

Kate was born on the 9th of January 1982 in a small English countryside town.Her parents worked 　2　 British Airways.She studied the history of art at the University of St.Andrews in Scotland.She has become a style icon and is frequently on the “best-dressed women” lists of some 　3 magazines.

Prince William of Wales was born in 1982.He is the 　4　 son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales.From his birth, it was expected he would one day become king of England.His early years were spent out of the public spotlight, following the tragic death of his mother. He graduated from Scotland’s St.Andrews University and went on to 　5　 the army.

William and Kate met at university.Reports are William became interested in Kate after seeing her on a catwalk at a college fashion show.The world’s media soon followed them everywhere and newspapers were full of news about their on-off relationship.Kate frequently appeared with William at royal events.William proposed to Kate in Kenya in October 2010.The world will now watch every step of their 　6　 life together.

（　）1.A.celebrate　B.look　C.visit　D.go to

（　）2.A.in　B.for　C.as　D.to

（　）3.A.science　B.car　C.fashion　D.technology

（　）4.A.just　B.biggest　C.only　D.eldest

（　）5.A.enter　B.take part in　C.join　D.attend

（　）6.A.single　B.married　C.social　D.working

Passage 6

Venus Ebony Starr Williams is one of the most successful women ever to play tennis.She is a former World No.1, and always a serious 　1　 on court （球场）.She is likely to win a tournament even if her ranking is low.She has also met with success 　2　 the court as the CEO of two companies she started.

Williams was born in Los Angeles in 1980.She started playing tennis from a very young 　3　 with her four sisters.Her father recognized that both Venus and little sister Serena were outstanding players.She built up an amazing record of being unbeaten in 63 matches in girls’ tournaments, and aged ten, won the Southern California girls’ under-12 title.

Venus moved with her family to Florida to train at a tennis academy.　4　 the time she was thirteen, major sports companies were offering her sponsorship deals.She turned professional at 14 and nearly 　5　 the world number 2 in her debut tournament.Venus made it to the final at her debut US Open in 1997 but lost in straight sets.

Venus won her first Grand Slam tournament at Wimbledon in 2000 and her 16th in 2008.This outstanding achievement makes her one of the all-time greats.In 2006, Williams led and won a campaign for women to receive the same prize money as men at Wimbledon and was backed by the British government.Her successful interior design company and fashion lines also show she is a(n) 　6　.

（　）1.A.danger　B.joy　C.threat　D.person

（　）2.A.at　B.in　C.off　D.on

（　）3.A.life　B.age　C.time　D.period

（　）4.A.At　B.By　C.To　D.After

（　）5.A.beat　B.won　C.failed　D.lost

（　）6.A.businesswoman　B.expert　C.loser　D.winner

Passage 7

Amy Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter.She was 　1　 her marvelous voice and controversial （有争议的）private life.She debuted （首秀）in 2003 at the age of 20 with the album Frank.It set her on the road to fame.Music lovers everywhere were excited about her talents and how her career would progress.She was one of music’s hottest stars but constantly fought 　2　 drugs and alcohol.

She grew up in a family that loved jazz.Her musical talents were clear to 　3　 from a very young age.Aged ten, she formed a rap group called Sweet “n” Sour with a childhood friend.She got her first guitar when she was 13 and she began writing music.She signed to a major record label 　4　 they heard her distinctive voice.

Winehouse’s second album Back to Black made her an international star.She won dozens of awards, including five at the 2008 Grammy’s.Some of the biggest names in rock were waiting to collaborate with her.George Michael said: “Amy is the best female vocalist I have ever heard in my entire career, 　5　 one of the best writers.”

Winehouse was constantly the focus of media attention.She couldn’t escape the reporters who followed her every move.She has given them good reason to write about her.Her battles with drug and alcohol abuse and her self-destructive behaviour was often shocking news.The world has 　6　 an amazing talent who had so much more incredible music to offer.She died in July, 2011, aged 27.

（　）1.A.known for　B.familiar with　C.popular among　D.satisfied with

（　）2.A.for　B.with　C.on　D.against

（　）3.A.listen　B.see　C.hear　D.listen

（　）4.A.before　B.with　C.after　D.on

（　）5.A.as well as　B.as far as　C.as long as　D.as good as

（　）6.A.sent　B.lost　C.left　D.beaten

Passage 8

Audrey Hepburn was an award-winning actress.The American Film Institute considered her to be the third greatest actress of 　1　 time.She also became a fashion and cultural icon, and continues to be so today.She was also a great humanitarian （人道主义者）.The memories of World War II horrors shaped her desire to 　2　 children and so she served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador （大使）.

Hepburn was born in 1929 as Audrey Ruston in Brussels, Belgium.She was the only child of an Englishman and a Dutch aristocrat（贵族）.She was educated at a private school in England.Her parents divorced in 1935 and her father left.His leaving was the 　3　 moment of her life.After World War II, Hepburn studied ballet in London.

Audrey was too tall to be a ballerina （芭蕾舞演员）and went into acting.In 1951, her first big break came 　4　 she starred as Gigi in a London theatre.She won an award and lots of publicity.Her second break came two years later in the movie classic Roman Holiday, for which she won an Oscar for best actress.

Hepburn became one of Hollywood’s most successful stars and starred in many 　5　 movies.She used her fame to work with UNICEF for several decades.She said, “I have a broken heart,” after seeing Ethiopia’s （埃塞俄比亚）famine（饥荒）in 1988.She also famously said: “‘Third World’ is a term I don’t like very much, because we’re all one 　6　.”Hepburn died in 1993 but remains a much-loved legend.

（　）1.A.no　B.all　C.each　D.every

（　）2.A.help　B.raise　C.have　D.cure

（　）3.A.deepest　B.saddest　C.busiest　D.easiest

（　）4.A.while　B.when　C.before　D.after

（　）5.A.untrue　B.unrealistic　C.forgetful　D.unforgettable

（　）6.A.country　B.family　C.world　D.planet

Passage 9

Ayumi Hamasaki, 　1　 known as “Ayu”, is called “the Queen of Japanese Pop”.She is hugely popular in Japan and is one of the country’s few singers ever to become known overseas.She was born in 1978 on Japan’s southern island Kyushu.She moved to Tokyo 　2　 she was 14 because she wanted to become a superstar.After a brief spell as a model, she got into singing.

In 1998, she released several singles （单曲）that did OK in the Japanese charts, 　3　 did not give her the fame she wanted.Her 1999 debut album A Song for XX debuted at number one in the music charts and stayed there for four weeks in a row.Her adoring fans loved her.She quickly became an icon and a style sensation.

She has sold over 50 million records, 　4　 her one of Japan’s best-selling singers ever.She holds the record for a Japanese female having the most number-one singles and for having a number-one single every year for ten consecutive （连续的）years.Her music videos are the most extravagant and expensive ever made 　5　 a non-American.

In 2008, Hamasaki revealed that she had become totally deaf in one ear, and that her condition was permanent.Despite this setback, she stated that she would continue singing.She told her fans that she would “not 　6　” on them, and that “as a professional”, she would like to “deliver the best performance for everyone”.

（　）1.A.both　B.also　C.always　D.then

（　）2.A.when　B.while　C.where　D.which

（　）3.A.for　B.so　C.and　D.but

（　）4.A.putting　B.making　C.naming　D.calling

（　）5.A.as　B.with　C.by　D.for

（　）6.A.give in　B.give away　C.give up　D.give out

Passage 10

Eva Peron was born in 1919 and died in 1952.She served as Argentina’s First Lady 　1　 1946 and 1952 and was the Spiritual Leader of the Nation.She is one of the lasting cultural icons of the 20th century.

Peron 　2　 her childhood in a province of Buenos Aires.Her father walked out on the family when she was one, leaving her mother to cope alone.Eva worked 　3　 a maid to help pay the bills.She loved drama and acting at school.The cinema fascinated her and she decided to become a famous actress.

Eva left her small village 　4　 she was 15, in search of the bright lights in the big city.She made her acting debut in 1935 and joined a touring theatre company.In 1942 she had a breakthrough when she signed a five-year contract with Radio Belgrano.Within a year she was one of the highest paid radio actresses in Argentina.

In 1944, Eva met Juan Peron and they were married a year later.In 1946, Eva became Argentina’s First Lady.She used her radio 　5　 to make powerful speeches to get Juan elected as president.She became immensely popular with the poor, who nicknamed her Evita.She died at the age of 33.Her legendary life was turned into musicals and movies, which made her 　6　 worldwide.

（　）1.A.from　B.within　C.between　D.among

（　）2.A.took　B.paid　C.cost　D.spent

（　）3.A.with　B.for　C.as　D.like

（　）4.A.when　B.while　C.after　D.before

（　）5.A.station　B.show　C.name　D.fame

（　）6.A.famous　B.international　C.welcome　D.fantastic

科普/社科类

Passage 1

Scientists have 　1　 answers to the age-old question of why eyelashes are the length they are.Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology did a variety of tests on the lashes of 22 different mammals.One was to create a special wind tunnel and an artificial eye to provide mathematical models of how the wind blew over lashes.The conclusion of head researcher David Hu is that the function of eyelashes is to help 　2　 the eyes from drying out and that the optimal eyelash length for this to happen is one-third as long as the eye is wide.Professor Hu found that across a wide variety of mammals, the ratio of eyelash length and eye width was consistently one-third.

Dr.Hu started his investigation after the birth of his newborn daughter.He wondered 　3　 his baby kept on batting her eyelids.He told the International Business Times that:“Eyelashes that rim the eyes in mammals have been a mystery for a long time as to what their function was.There were a lot of hypotheses （假设）, from dust catchers to triggering the blink reflex ...What we did was the first 　4　 of eyelashes.We showed using three independent means that eyelashes reduce evaporation （蒸发）of the eye 　5　 70 per cent, and they reduce the deposits of small airborne particles.” A colleague said Hu had a talent for “looking at what everybody has looked at, and seeing what nobody has 　6　.”

（　）1.A.ended up with　B.started with　C.gone with　D.come up with

（　）2.A.protect　B.relieve　C.make　D.put

（　）3.A.how　B.whether　C.why　D.when

（　）4.A.test　B.exam　C.quiz　D.study

（　）5.A.by　B.at　C.to　D.with

（　）6.A.watched　B.seen　C.felt　D.heard

Passage 2

There’s good news for people hoping that Earth is not the 　1　 world with life in the universe.A team announced on January 6 that they have identified eight planets 　2　 our solar system where temperatures are not too hot and not too cold for water to exist in liquid form.Water is a necessary ingredient for life as we know it.

Among the new discoveries, the scientists say the planets called Kepler 438b and 442b are the closest to Earth.Kepler 438b is just about 10% larger than our planet, and gets 40% more of its energy from its star than Earth 　3　 from the Sun.Temperatures there would be about 140 degrees.Kepler 442b is about 33% larger than Earth, but receives 30% less energy from its star.That would make it a colder world than our own.Scientist says it is possible for life to exist and survive in either of those temperatures.　4　 for that to happen, these planets would need to have another key ingredient for life: a heat-trapping atmosphere like Earth’s.

While these findings 　5　 the possibility that life exists beyond Earth, scientist cautions against fast conclusions.In fact, these planets are so far away that scientists cannot observe them directly.　6　, it remains unknown whether these planets contain life.But the discovery of planets in their stars’ habitable zones suggests that somewhere out there, some form of alien life may have taken hold.

（　）1.A.one　B.only　C.last　D.first

（　）2.A.beyond　B.over　C.above　D.around

（　）3.A.releases　B.returns　C.sends　D.receives

（　）4.A.And　B.But　C.Though　D.If

（　）5.A.make　B.support　C.add to　D.decrease

（　）6.A.After now　B.Till now　C.For now　D.Before now

Passage 3

Saturn’s （土星） Baby Moon

NASA put the first human on the moon in 1969.Should America’s space agency ever set its sights on landing a(n) 　1　 on a moon of Saturn, there are plenty to choose from.The ringed planet has 53 known moons.And another one may be on the way.NASA’s space probe （探测器）has spotted a small shape in Saturn’s outermost ring.It 　2　 the existence of a new moon.The moon has not been directly spotted yet, but scientists have already given it a nickname: Peggy.

Peggy will be joining a 　3　 community.Saturn has thousands of rings.The outermost ring, called the A Ring, is the largest and brightest.It measures 750 miles long and 6 miles wide.Saturn’s rings are made up of rock, dust and ice, and are constantly gathering space matter.As this material gathers together, moons are 　4　.

If Peggy is a new moon, it is also a tiny one, measuring only 0.5 miles in diameter（直径）.But there is no telling how big this baby will grow over time.“We’ve never seen anything like this before,” said astronomer Carl Murray in a statement.“We may be looking at the act of birth, where this object is leaving the rings and heading off to be a moon in its own right.” Once that happens, it will be given a formal name.

However, this mini moon may be one of Saturn’s last.The formation of all its moons, new and old, big and small, has used up much of the rings’ raw material.After 4.5 billion years, Saturn may have finally revealed（显示）all its 　6　.

（　）1.A.spaceship　B.human　C.animal　D.astronaut

（　）2.A.tells　B.suggests　C.proves　D.makes

（　）3.A.small　B.tiny　C.many　D.large

（　）4.A.created　B.made　C.born　D.gathered

（　）5.A.over　B.in　C.on　D.by

（　）6.A.parents　B.babies　C.families　D.child

Passage 4

Testing the Five-Second Rule

You may have seen a friend 　1　 food the on the floor, pick it up, and eat it, while declaring, “Five-second rule!” The old adage （俗语）says that food dropped on the floor for five seconds or less is still likely to be clean.But is that 　2　?

Students at Britain’s Ashton University, led by microbiology professor Anthony Hilton, tested the rule and 　3　 it to have some scientific basis.The study’s results show that food dropped for five seconds is less likely to contain bacteria than if it sits there, according to Hilton.Some of the results were published in a news release on Ashton University’s website.

Will You Eat That?

To test out the rule, the Ashton University students dropped toast, pasta, biscuits, and candy onto a variety of indoor floor types that had been exposed to two common bacteria, Escherichia coli （E.coli）and Staphylococcus aureus.They measured how much of the bacteria transferred to the 　4　 when it was left on the floor for durations that ranged from three to 30 seconds.The university has not yet released the complete study.

Still, scientists say you should be 　5　 about eating food dropped on the floor, especially if you don’t know the cleanliness of the surface.A video about the five-second rule embedded on the Smithsonian’s website features molecular （分子的）biologist Eric Schulze, who points out that one in six Americans get sick from food poisoning every year.“Eating food off the floor is a bit like playing Russian roulette （轮盘赌）with your 　6　,”Schulze says in the video.

（　）1.A.throw　B.eat　C.pick　D.drop

（　）2.A.true　B.real　C.right　D.good

（　）3.A.saw　B.noticed　C.said　D.found

（　）4.A.floor　B.food　C.hand　D.ground

（　）5.A.careful　B.confident　C.clear　D.confirmed

（　）6.A.body　B.hands　C.mind　D.mouth

Passage 5

Danger in Dessert?

We live in a 　1　 world.The average American kid consumes more than 20 teaspoons of sugar per day, and adults eat 50% more sugar today than they did in the 1970s.We all know that too much sugar isn’t good for you.But did we know it could be toxic （有毒的）? A team of researchers used mice to conduct a study on the negative 　2　 of sugar.They found it could cause danger to people’s health.

During the 58-week-long study, mice were 　3　 a diet containing 25% more sugar.This percentage is equivalent to a healthy human diet along with three cans of soda daily.The team found that these mice were twice as likely to die as mice fed a similar diet 　4　 the sugar.Though the mice did not show signs of obesity or high blood pressure, male mice were 26% less territorial （地盘性的）and produced 25% fewer offspring （后代）than the other mice.

Scientists often use mice for research because they have a similar genetic structure to humans.“Since most substances that are toxic in mice are 　5　 toxic in people, it’s likely that those underlying physical problems that cause those mice to have increased mortality are at play in people,” says study author James Ruff of the University of Utah.Findings from this study reveal negative effects that are not as detectable as weight gain or heart problems.Sugar can contribute to long-term changes in the body that can alter development and even 　6　 lives.

（　）1.A.bitter　B.salty　C.plain　D.sweet

（　）2.A.problems　B.effects　C.points　D.stories

（　）3.A.eaten　B.had　C.made　D.fed

（　）4.A.with　B.without　C.on　D.in

（　）5.A.always　B.quite　C.more　D.also

（　）6.A.lengthen　B.strengthen　C.widen　D.shorten

Passage 6

Solar-Powered Plane

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s the Solar Impulse! On May 3, 2013, plane history was made 　1　 a solar-powered airplane, named Solar Impulse, began a journey across the United States.

The solar-powered plane is a single-seat aircraft.“Our plane is not designed to carry a passenger, but to carry a 　2　,” The designer has said numerous times.That message is to use innovative, clean technologies for energy efficiency.Solar Impulse is intended to make its cross-country journey 　3　 using a single drop of fuel.By day, 12,000 solar cells are charged by the sun to power lithium batteries （锂电池）.That 　4　 the plane to fly at night — but it cannot travel through clouds.

Solar Impulse weighs just 3,500 lbs, about as 　5　 as a car.Most of the weight is from the solar panels that cover its wings, which stretch 208 feet.The aircraft has reached an absolute altitude of 30,300 feet and has completed a trip that lasted more than 26 hours.This adventure is Solar Impulse’s final trip before its creators attempt an around-the-world flight in 2015.“We want to show that with clean technologies, a passionate team, and a farreaching pioneering vision, one can achieve the 　6　,” Piccard said in a statement.

（　）1.A.when　B.while　C.where　D.which

（　）2.A.pilot　B.message　C.astronaut　D.human

（　）3.A.in　B.from　C.with　D.without

（　）4.A.enables　B.makes　C.asks　D.promises

（　）5.A.much　B.many　C.little　D.few

（　）6.A.difficult　B.possible　C.impossible　D.important

Passage 7

The “Greatest Show on Earth” will soon be entertaining audiences around the country 1　 the help of one of its star performers.The Ringling Bros.and Barnum ＆ Bailey Circus said that it would remove elephants from all its shows.

The elephant has been a 　2　 of the Ringling Bros.circus act since it began 145 years ago.However, with many people concerned about the negative effect captivity has on these highly intelligent animals, public opinion on using elephants in the circus has changed.

The Elephant Conservation Center （大象保护中心）provides a new 　3　 for circus elephants.

Established in 1995, the Center for Elephant Conservation 　4　 safely raising and housing the elephants.Home to the largest herd of Asian Elephants in North America, the 200-acre facility provides constant care and around 2.5 tons of hay for the elephants to eat every day.

The center also gives scientists a better opportunity to study the mammals, since they can get a lot closer to the highly trained circus elephants than elephants in the 　5　 that aren’t used to human contact.

　6　 Kenneth Feld, owner of Feld Enterprises Inc., protecting the future of these animals is a high priority.“We’re creating the greatest resource for the preservation of the Asian elephant,” he said.

（　）1.A.with　B.without　C.by　D.under

（　）2.A.signal　B.sign　C.symbol　D.start

（　）3.A.home　B.house　C.room　D.flat

（　）4.A.tries to 　B.focuses on　C.succeeds in　D.cares for

（　）5.A.country　B.world　C.wild　D.city

（　）6.A.For　B.With　C.As　D.To

Passage 8

Are you fed up with 　1　 a lot of money for ink cartridges （墨盒）that run out soon after you buy them? Help may be at hand.The Japanese printer company Epson has just released a new line of printers that have 　2　 ink to last the average person two years.Its new EcoTank printers will be able to print up to 6,500 pages in colour and 4,000 pages in black before the ink needs filling up.Epson said the typical family prints 200 pages a month.The company says the days of using small cartridges with a(n) 　3　 life are over.With the new printer, users simply pour new ink into the tank.A spokesman said consumers would save around 65 per cent on printing costs with its new printers.

Profits from ink cartridges are 　4　 as more people are choosing to print less and share more on social media.There has also long been discontent with printer makers over their marketing of ink cartridges.Companies intentionally put as 　5　 ink as possible into the cartridge so it runs out quickly, making consumers buy more.Some manufacturers use smart chips in cartridges to prevent the user from printing out more than a set number of pages, even though the cartridge may still be half 　6　 of ink.Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper said companies sell cartridge ink for the equivalent of over $4,700 a litre.

（　）1.A.buying　B.paying　C.spending　D.costing

（　）2.A.no　B.less　C.enough　D.more

（　）3.A.unlimited　B.limited　C.long　D.short

（　）4.A.stopping　B.rising　C.expanding　D.falling

（　）5.A.much　B.few　C.little　D.small

（　）6.A.full　B.empty　C.short　D.filled

Passage 9

Many people already feel too connected to their cell phones, but starting in 2015, they actually will be.Apple’s CEO Tim Cook announced the Apple Watch.The new smart device is 　1　 on the wrist, just like a normal watch, but it can do all the things a cell phone does —and more.

At $349, the Apple Watch is pricey.Some experts doubt that they will become as 　2　 as smartphones.It does seem likely, though, that the watch will open yet another door in personal computing.The watch is the smartest computer yet.

When it went 　3　 early in 2015, it became Apple’s first item in a new, popular category of technology — wearable computers.If the Apple Watch becomes popular, it will change the way the world interacts with computers.People may 　4　 the smart jewelry even more than they already rely on their cell phones.

The Apple Watch is specially designed for a smaller device.An entire computer fits onto a single chip.Users will be able to scroll （滑动）and zoom （放大）just like they would on an iPhone.It will have a built-in speaker for alerts that users can 　5　 hear and feel.Pressing the side button brings up contacts so you can communicate with people quickly and easily.

Apple Watch also introduces health and fitness apps that can help people lead healthier lives.The built-in heart rate sensor and GPS will track calories burned and workouts.The watch allows you to zoom in and out and scroll, just 　6　 an iPhone.It will be available in different sizes, styles, and colors.

（　）1.A.worn　B.placed　C.put　D.carried

（　）2.A.successful　B.expensive　C.cheap　D.powerful

（　）3.A.on display　B.on tour　C.on sale　D.on business

（　）4.A.focus on　B.look on　C.spend on　D.depend on

（　）5.A.all　B.both　C.either　D.neither

（　）6.A.alike　B.with　C.like　D.as

Passage 10

The world’s most iconic （标志性的）cat is 　1　.On Monday, the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service （USFWS）asked for African lions to be listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.This move would help 　2　 them from extinction.

The African lion population, in 1980, was predicted to be 75,800, 　3　 the International Union for Conservation of Nature （IUCN）.That number has dropped by 30%.The Fish and Wildlife Service adds that about 70% of all lion populations inhabit just 10 areas in eastern and southern Africa.

A statement from the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service listed the main threats to the big cats as loss of habitat （栖息地）, lack of food, and more conflicts with humans.　4　, more humans have moved into areas inhabited by lions.Experts believe human population in sub-Saharan Africa will double by 2050, making the problem worse.

By listing the species as 　5　, the USFWS said it could help lions.The service could make some activities illegal, including the buying and selling of hunted lions as trophies.This, it said, would ensure “that people in the United States do not contribute to the 　6　 decline of listed species”.

（　）1.A.in danger　B.in trouble　C.in all　D.in pain

（　）2.A.protect　B.move　C.prevent　D.relieve

（　）3.A.due to　B.thanks to　C.owing to　D.according to

（　）4.A.On time　B.Over time　C.All the time　D.In time

（　）5.A.died　B.endangered　C.protected　D.listed

（　）6.A.future　B.faster　C.farther　D.further

Passage 11

You may think kids are getting 　1　 homework than ever before.If so, think again.A new study shows that today’s students have no more homework than their parents did 　2　 they were in school.

Homework is an important part of a student’s education.Some teachers argue that homework 　3　 kids for state tests and for college.They worry that a lighter homework load will put kids at a disadvantage.“Homework has benefits that go well beyond what’s going on in school,” says Harris Cooper, a University of Missouri psychology professor who has studied homework’s effect on test scores.Kids learn to be organized, manage their time and master new skills without a teacher’s 　4　.

Teachers give two reasons for assigning a lot of homework.First, they say, the government now requires schools to 　5　 higher-than-ever achievement goals for students.Second, they know many parents want their children to be able to get into the nation’s best colleges and universities.These parents believe homework is a way to ensure students are learning at their full capacity.

People who favor homework argue that it can have many other beneficial effects.They claim it can help students develop good study habits, and recognize that learning can occur at home as 　6　 as at school.

（　）1.A.more　B.fewer　C.less　D.harder

（　）2.A.until　B.after　C.when　D.before

（　）3.A.looks　B.prepares　C.makes　D.secures

（　）4.A.assignment　B.help　C.work　D.job

（　）5.A.make　B.create　C.accept　D.meet

（　）6.A.well　B.far　C.soon　D.nice

Passage 12

A Winning App

A team of middle schoolers from North Dakota has 　1　 an award-winning idea into reality with the recent debut of their Recycling Bin app.The app encourages recycling by providing users 　2　 a searchable map of local recycling centers and allows them to save locations as favorites.It also allows users to set a reminder to recycle on their device.

From Idea to App Store

For making the idea come 　3　, the students received training from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Media Lab.Together, they turned their idea for Recycling Bin into an app 　4　 for download.

A New Chance

Do you want to create a winning app? You’ll 　5　 a group of fellow students and the support of a teacher to join in a new program to make your idea come true.

The Recycling Bin team offered their 　6　 advice for students taking part in the program.“Have fun, because even if you can’t code the app, it’s still really fun to come up with ideas,” a team member said.“You work better and the work seems easier if you are having fun.”

（　）1.A.turned　B.changed　C.made　D.created

（　）2.A.by　B.with　C.in　D.on

（　）3.A.real　B.right　C.up　D.true

（　）4.A.good　B.suitable　C.ready　D.perfect

（　）5.A.have　B.need　C.hire　D.make

（　）6.A.self　B.own　C.correct　D.only

Passage 13

The average American child spends more than 20 hours a 　1　 in school.That means kids are doing a good part of their daily eating there as well.Here’s an update on changes that state and federal health officials are making to ensure that kids are feeding their bodies as 　2　 as their brains.

Better Breakfast

The first part of the updated School Breakfast Program will start this year.The program will allow students to get low-fat milk and 　3　 portions［（食物的）份］ for their age.50% of the breakfast grains served are required to be whole grains.By the next school year, 100% of them should be whole grains.

Healthier School Lunch

During the last school year, new school lunch standards limited the calories（卡路里）at lunch.Lunch calories had to be between 550 and 650 for elementary schools, 600 and 700 for middle schools, and 750 to 850 for high schools.Full-fat milk was 　4　 from the menu and more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables were added.

These changes aren’t expected to be in place until next year but many schools will start to follow the requirements this fall.“　5　 the food changes are not required this year, we are encouraging schools to start towards them so by next year it’s easy,” says Black.“It is great for everyone to know the standards are 　6　 there, and better prepare for them.”

（　）1.A.week　B.day　C.month　D.year

（　）2.A.well　B.long　C.far　D.soon

（　）3.A.few　B.more　C.big　D.proper

（　）4.A.lost　B.removed　C.chosen　D.picked

（　）5.A.But　B.Although　C.When　D.If

（　）6.A.to　B.from　C.out　D.in

Passage 14

Do you have a 　1　 tooth? According to a recent report, Americans are cutting back on sugary foods and drinks.Today, 　2　 average, kids are eating and drinking sugary sweets 126 times less than they did in 1998.

Since March 1, 1980, scientists have been surveying families across the United States about 　3　 they eat.The study includes 5,000 people in 2,000 families.Families taking part in the survey keep a journal of their daily diets for two weeks.During that time, each individual keeps a 　4　 on how many sweets and sugary treats he or she has.

The study shows that a large percentage of Americans still satisfy their sweet tooth, but in 　5　 amounts.Nearly 98% of the adults and children surveyed still have at least one sweet, but only every two weeks.“It’s not a question of whether or not you’re going to have a sweet,” said an expert.“It’s a matter of how 　6　 you’re going to have a sweet.”While there is no formal definition for what classifies a “sweet”, NPD selected 20 products to conduct the study.The list is expansive, ranging from cookies and brownies to fruit juice and yogurt.Kids today are eating cookies 8 times less than they did in 1998, and drinking fruit juice 16 times less.

（　）1.A.salt　B.white　C.nice　D.sweet

（　）2.A.in　B.for　C.at　D.on

（　）3.A.what　B.how　C.when　D.where

（　）4.A.memory　B.mind　C.record　D.time

（　）5.A.bigger　B.smaller　C.faster　D.slower

（　）6.A.frequently　B.fast　C.quietly　D.slowly

Passage 15

Tech Trash （垃圾）

Picture a wasteland of old computer monitors and TVs, stretching as 　1　 as the eye can see.Imagine towers of boxes, all of them filled with broken glass and 　2　 electronic devices.

What’s behind the tech trash pile-up? About ten years ago, major advances were made in computer and television technology.Manufacturers began producing devices like flatpaneled LCDs and plasma （等离子）screen monitors.These new products provide a 　3　 image and take up less space than older models.“Flat-paneled plasmas and LEDs are putting bulky, glass-based technologies 　4　 the market,”says Jason Linnell of the Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse.

Experts say there are ways to safely and responsibly 　5　 the tech-trash problem.Barbara Kyle is the national coordinator of the Electronics Take Back Coalition （联盟）.The organization encourages people to donate their old, but functioning, electronics to charities or neighbors who will use them.“It’s better for the planet 　6　 we keep using an electronic for as long as it keeps working,” Kyle told TFK in an e-mail.“But many times, we stop using it even though it stills works, because we got a newer product.”

（　）1.A.far　B.long　C.big　D.many

（　）2.A.new　B.old　C.nice　D.bad

（　）3.A.smarter　B.clearer　C.bigger　D.cleaner

（　）4.A.onto　B.back to　C.in　D.out of

（　）5.A.make into　B.deal with　C.look for　D.help out

（　）6.A.if　B.unless　C.when　D.once

Passage 16

Do you know where the food in your cafeteria comes from? The students at Sopris Elementary School do.They 　1　 it themselves!

A story two years ago about fresh food in schools planted the idea for the school garden.The article suggested that readers invite a local lawmaker to lunch.Fifth graders Niamone Myer and Meghan Cobb invited Bruce Christensen, who was the mayor.“We wanted to see 　2　 we could make school lunches a little healthier,” Niamone told a reporter.

Fifth-grade teacher Mark Browning helped students create a 　3　 for the use of the greenhouse and for how to pay for the project.“I saw all the possibilities for teaching science and growing vegetables,” he says.

Today, the project is blooming.The school added a solar-heating system to the greenhouse to 　4　 plant beds warm in the winter.Every class in grades K through 5 works in the greenhouse two or three times a week.More than 400 students take care of the plants.

Students in a science class are using worms to compost the soil.First, vegetable scraps（残余物）from the cafeteria are separated from other waste and 　5　 to the greenhouse.Then the worms break down the food scraps to create fresh soil.

Last month, students began to harvest their first crop of vegetables, including carrots, radishes and spinach.Hannah Jull, 11, says the crops are doing well.“We have so much fun,” she says.“Everyone is going to 　6　 the food we’re growing.”

Niamone believes the school garden has inspired kids to plant gardens at home.“The project taught us that with a little hard work, you can make a healthier choice,” she says.“You just have to take that one first step.”

（　）1.A.buy　B.cook　C.harvest　D.grow

（　）2.A.why　B.if　C.when　D.unless

（　）3.A.group　B.plan　C.project　D.experiment

（　）4.A.keep　B.help　C.let　D.set

（　）5.A.moved　B.taken　C.carried　D.brought

（　）6.A.like　B.eat　C.buy　D.grow

Passage 17

An Expensive Nickel

Normally, a nickel is worth five cents.But in 　1　 extremely rare case, a nickel could earn millions of dollars for its 　2　.The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is only one of five known of its kind.Scholars believe that it was created 　3　 a U.S.mint worker illegally cast the coin in 1912.

The coin will be sold on April 25 at an auction at Heritage Auction House in Chicago.It is expected to 　4　 for several million dollars.“Basically a coin with a story and a rarity will trump everything else,” Douglas Mudd, curator （馆长）of the American Numismatic Association Money Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado, told the Associated Press.

Very few coins reportedly fetch this kind of bid.A $20 gold coin, the 1933 double eagle, currently holds the 　5　 for $8 million.

“This is a trophy item that sort of transcends （超越）the hobby,” said Todd Imhof, the director of the auction house.“It’s an interesting part of American history and there are collectors who look 　6　 something like this.”

（　）1.A.one　B.other　C.the other　D.another

（　）2.A.makers　B.designers　C.users　D.owners

（　）3.A.after　B.when　C.while　D.before

（　）4.A.buy　B.sell　C.pay　D.cost

（　）5.A.record　B.title　C.money　D.price

（　）6.A.up　B.to　C.after　D.for

Passage 18

Red-tailed hawks （鹰）are powerful birds.But the hawk that lay on an examination table in New York City was 　1　 and helpless.The hawk had probably been hit by a car while flying to grab prey （猎物）.

“The bird was pretty out of it,” says Rita McMahon, cofounder of the Wild 　2　 Fund（WBF）.She helped treat the hawk.Each year, the WBF provides emergency care to about 1,500 sick and injured birds in New York City.Often, migrating （迁徙）birds get hurt when they fly into tall buildings.The animals get a full exam, X-rays, blood tests and medicine, if 　3　.Extra help is provided by two nearby veterinary hospitals （兽医院）.

　4　 a recent visit to the WBF, we saw about 50 pigeons lined up in cages against a wall.At the sink, a volunteer soaped and scrubbed a pigeon whose feathers were coated with cooking oil.The oil had made it 　5　 for the bird to fly.That’s a common problem, McMahon explained, caused by pigeons’ fondness for food scraps （厨余垃圾）.“A lot of birds like to live under hot-dog carts,” she said.“They come in very 　6　 — and very greasy.”

And what about that red-tailed hawk? McMahon says it is expected to make a full recovery and will soon be flying free.

（　）1.A.strong　B.weak　C.big　D.hungry

（　）2.A.Baby　B.Bear　C.Bird　D.Butterfly

（　）3.A.possible　B.free　C.available　D.needed

（　）4.A.Before　B.At　C.In　D.On

（　）5.A.smooth　B.heavy　C.hard　D.easy

（　）6.A.slim　B.fat　C.oily　D.happy

Passage 19

As fast as a cheetah （猎豹）.　1　 it’s describing a car, a computer or the best runner in the race, the comparison is made all the time.It’s for good reason, too.The cheetah is the

　2　 runner on Earth.

Quick as the cheetah may be, though, it is 　3　unbeatable.The pale-yellow cat with black spots was once a common sight throughout Africa and much of Asia.Just over 100 years ago, there were about 100,000 cheetahs in the world.

But in the 20th century, that number 　4　.Poachers （偷猎者）captured cheetahs to sell as pets.Hunters shot them for sport.And people built cities and towns where the cats’ habitat used to be.Today, there are only about 10,000 cheetahs left.

Cheetah Conservation Fund （CCF）, has spent nearly 40 years studying the wild cat and coming 　5　 with ways to help it.The fund says it is still possible to save the cheetah.

Another major challenge facing cheetahs is habitat destruction.When farmers keep too much livestock in the same place for too long, overgrazing occurs.　6　 grass to eat, many wild animals — including those that the cheetah preys on — cannot survive.And the cheetah too is left without a meal.

（　）1.A.If　B.Whether　C.While　D.Before

（　）2.A.greatest　B.biggest　C.speediest　D.slowest

（　）3.A.close to　B.different from　C.the same as　D.far from

（　）4.A.increased　B.rose　C.grew　D.dropped

（　）5.A.up　B.down　C.in　D.out

（　）6.A.Without　B.With　C.By　D.In

Passage 20

In China’s Qinling Mountains, giant pandas spend most of their day 　1　 bamboo.The plant 　2　 99% of the bears’ diet, with some pandas eating about 40 pounds of it a day.But Qinling’s pandas may soon have to find another food source.A new study published in the science journal Nature Climate Change reports that warming 　3　 may cause the loss of most of the region’s bamboo by the end of the century.

A team of researchers from Michigan State University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences used climate models to project the effects of climate change on the region’s three main bamboo species.They studied the impact of 　4　 temperatures on the spread and growth of bamboo.Bamboo is sensitive to temperature changes.“Even with a 3.6° Fahrenheit （华氏度）increase in temperature, we found that 80% to 100% of bamboo would be 　5　 by the end of the century,” Jianguo Liu, one of the study’s authors, told our reporter.

The Qinling Mountains, located in eastern China, are home to about 270 pandas.That is about 17% of the world’s wild panda population.The bear is one of the world’s most 　6　 species.

（　）1.A.cutting　B.growing　C.looking at　D.eating

（　）2.A.makes from　B.makes up　C.makes of　D.makes by

（　）3.A.water　B.temperatures　C.winds　D.grounds

（　）4.A.rising　B.raising　C.falling　D.decreasing

（　）5.A.grown　B.cut　C.found　D.gone

（　）6.A.endangered　B.dangerous　C.smallest　D.weakest

Passage 21

It’s fun to receive presents.It also feels good to 　1　 to others.So what’s the best way to budget your money, shop wisely and spend smart this holiday season? We asked for 　2　 from Susan Beacham of Money Savvy Generation, a company that teaches moneymanagement skills to kids.

“My first tip is to make a list and check it 　3　,” says Beacham.She suggests that kids talk with their families about whom to include in their gift giving and how much to spend.“Start by writing down names,” Beacham says.“Then put a dollar amount next to each name and add it up.Do you have enough money? If not, make changes.And don’t forget — not everyone needs a store-bought gift.” Beacham points 　4　 that some of the best presents are free.Add to your list the names of people you want to give gifts of “time and talent” .

“The best gifts don’t cost a thing.Kids can give ‘time or talent’,” says Susan Beacham.Here are some of her top gift ideas.

—For mom and dad, make coupons that can be traded in for your services, such as 　5　 dishes.

—For grandma, write a note telling her how special she is to you.

—For a friend, create a work of art, like a poem, a drawing or a necklace.

—For teachers, bake a yummy treat.

—For people in your community, show that you 　6　 by volunteering.Find out who needs your help and what you can do.Giving your time to help others may end up being the best gift of all!

（　）1.A.send　B.give　C.take　D.buy

（　）2.A.money　B.advice　C.presents　D.ideas

（　）3.A.once　B.twice　C.three times　D.four times

（　）4.A.at　B.to　C.out　D.onto

（　）5.A.buying　B.making　C.fixing　D.doing

（　）6.A.know　B.like　C.fear　D.care

Passage 22

Do you 　1　 well with your neighbours, or are the people living next door stressful? A new report says that a quarter of people in Britain have had 　2　 with their neighbours in the past year.The survey was carried out by an organization called “Which?”.It tries to help and protect consumers.The researchers asked 2,062 adults about their relations with neighbours.They found that 27 per cent had experienced problems.“Which?” said on its website that: “Half of the people were left feeling angry and half felt irritable, with 42 per cent saying they felt stressed, and one in ten admitted to feeling afraid.” It added: “The survey also found that 64 per cent didn’t know 　3　 to go to seek help and advice.”

The biggest complaints about neighbours were loud voices and the 　4　 of arguing.Loud music and televisions, and doors slamming were also a problem.People also described drug use and police arriving at their neighbour’s house.Only one-third of people spoke to the noisy neighbour about the problem.　5　, people said the problem became worse if the neighbour did not apologise or continued with their annoying behaviour.“Which?” said 86 per cent of young people （those aged 18-24）did not know where to go to get advice.A “Which?” spokesperson said:“Our research has found that young people especially are suffering in 　6　.” “Which?” said people needed to keep a diary of unneighbourly behaviour.

（　）1.A.get up　B.get up　C.get away　D.get on

（　）2.A.problems　B.fights　C.quarrels　D.arguments

（　）3.A.when　B.where　C.why　D.what

（　）4.A.voice　B.hearing　C.sound　D.feeling

（　）5.A.Then　B.Moreover　C.However　D.Besides

（　）6.A.jail　B.prison　C.pain　D.silence

Passage 23

Scientists have discovered that staying in the cold could help us lose 　1　.Researchers at the University of California found that exposure（暴露）to the cold increases levels of a protein that helps form brown fat — the type of fat that generates heat and keeps us 　2　.Brown fat burns energy, which helps us lose weight.White fat stores excess energy, which 　3　 weight gain.The researchers said that because air conditioning and heating give us constant, comfortable temperatures, our body’s need for brown fat has decreased.They found that: “Outdoor workers in northern Finland who are exposed to cold temperature have a significant amount of brown fat when compared to same-aged indoor workers.”

The research was conducted on two 　4　 control groups of mice.One group was injected with the protein that helps create brown fat.This group subsequently gained 30 per cent less weight after both groups were fed high-fat diets.The researchers say this could be good news in the fight 　5　 obesity（肥胖）.People who are obese have lower levels of brown fat than thinner people.Head researcher Hei Sook Sul said: “This protein could become an important target for research into the treatment and prevention of obesity and obesity-related diseases.” She added: “　6　 you can somehow increase levels of this protein ...you could possibly lose more weight even if eating the same amount of food.”

（　）1.A.weight　B.faith　C.interest　D.hair

（　）2.A.warm　B.hot　C.cool　D.cold

（　）3.A.deals with　B.makes up　C.cuts down　D.leads to

（　）4.A.similar　B.same　C.familiar　D.different

（　）5.A.for　B.with　C.against　D.to

（　）6.A.Unless　B.If　C.When　D.Before

Passage 24

For many years, the nutrition message has been “five a day” — the commendation（推荐）that 　1　 portions of fruit and vegetables are enough to keep disease at bay and help us to live longer.That advice has been revised upwards.A new study suggests that people who get seven or 　2　 portions a day are healthier.Researchers from University College London studied the dietary habits of 65,000 adults over a seven-year period.They concluded that if you eat more fruit and vegetables, chances are you live 　3　.

The researchers put people into five different groups, depending on how much fruit and vegetables they ate.They found that those 　4　 ate seven or more portions a day had a 42 per cent lower risk of death than those who ate just one portion.They recommended that schools serve healthier meals and that supermarkets put more 　5　 on displaying cheaper products.They warned that frozen and canned fruit was linked to higher mortality rates（死亡率）.Some experts say the findings of the study should be taken with a pinch of salt.One dietician said the findings ignored（忽略）the fact that people who eat more fruit and vegetables are generally wealthier and thus 　6　 lifestyles that will help them live longer anyway.

（　）1.A.four　B.five　C.six　D.eight

（　）2.A.less　B.more　C.fewer　D.much

（　）3.A.shorter　B.healthier　C.longer　D.happier

（　）4.A.man　B.who　C.what　D.whom

（　）5.A.attention　B.money　C.time　D.room

（　）6.A.use　B.live　C.lead　D.understands

Passage 25

A kind of new and alternative form of 　1　 and showing respect has been found to be more hygienic（卫生的）than shaking hands.We have all seen it on TV.Basketball and baseball players do it after a teammate scores.Rock stars and actors do it on stage at awards ceremonies.　2　 U.S.President Barack Obama does it.Researchers at the University of Aberystwyth in Wales have discovered that this twenty-first-century greeting 　3　 one-twentieth of the germs （细菌）than a traditional handshake does and around one-tenth of the germs in a high five.

An article on Wikipedia explains that the fist bump originated with American motorcycle gangs in the 1940s.It was easier and 　4　 to fist bump another rider than to shake hands when two bikes were side by side at traffic lights.It achieved global exposure 70 years later when in 2008, President Obama and his wife Michelle fist bumped during a televised presidential campaign speech.There is less skin-to-skin contact during a fist bump so the chance of spreading germs is 　5　.A researcher said: “People rarely think about the health implications of shaking hands, 　6　 if the general public could be encouraged to fist bump, there is a genuine potential to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.”

（　）1.A.greeting　B.meeting　C.seeing　D.saying

（　）2.A.But　B.Also　C.Even　D.If

（　）3.A.spreads　B.gets　C.makes　D.gives

（　）4.A.simpler　B.faster　C.cooler　D.safer

（　）5.A.higher　B.lower　C.the same　D.different

（　）6.A.but　B.and　C.then　D.although

Passage 26

Wind is simply air on the move.We can’t see it, but we can 　1　 it.And we can see its effects on plants, flags, wind chimes （风铃）, and other things.

As air near Earth’s surface gets 　2　 by its heat, the air gets lighter.The colder air, which is heavier, pushes down on it, squeezing it upward.

As the warm air rises, it cools.As the cold air gets 　3　 to the ground, it warms.Air is always moving, warming, and cooling, which makes wind.

Think about the city of Chicago, which is on Lake Michigan.When the Sun is shining, the air over land heats up more than the air over water.As warm air over the city rises, cooler air over the lake moves 　4　 the land to replace the rising warm air.The movement of air creates a breeze from the lake to the land.This is called a sea breeze.

Why is wind strong sometimes and just a light breeze at 　5　 times? Wind is stronger when the difference in temperature between the warm air mass and the cool air mass is great. When this happens, the cold air “chases” the warm air faster.

Changes in 　6　 are created when air masses of different temperatures meet each other.The line where a warm air mass and a cold air mass meet is called a front （锋）.Changes in weather tend to happen along a front.Have you ever noticed the lines on a weather map? Those lines show the location of fronts.

（　）1.A.feel　B.touch　C.hear　D.taste

（　）2.A.burnt　B.warmed　C.heated　D.cooled

（　）3.A.farther　B.closer　C.lower　D.further

（　）4.A.around　B.over　C.above　D.toward

（　）5.A.another　B.other　C.the other　D.others

（　）6.A.climate　B.temperature　C.weather　D.wind

Passage 27

Scientists have found a way to change solar energy from the Sun directly into electricity.That’s right — electricity can be made 　1　 sunlight.This electricity can then be used to light cities and power cars.All of this is possible because of solar cells.

So why aren’t we powering all of our cars with solar cells, you may ask? The first 　2　 is the cost of manufacturing solar cells.Scientists have not found a way to inexpensively manufacture solar cells that can produce adequate amounts of electricity.So while sunlight as a fuel is 　3　, the cost of manufacturing the solar cells to convert this energy to electricity offsets（抵消）the savings.

Energy output is 　4　 issue.While newer solar cells produce far more energy than the first models did, they still cannot equal the energy produced by burning gasoline in an engine.The top speed of a typical solar-powered car is about 60 mph.Even then, it takes hundreds of solar cells to generate enough electrical power to reach this 　5　.

In time, all these problems may be solved, and with oil supplies diminishing, you can safely bet that an army of scientists is working on solving these problems.In fact, every year, teams of students from colleges in the United States and Canada 　6　 a North American race of solar-powered cars.It is events like these that continue to push advances in solar-cell technology.

（　）1.A.from　B.of　C.with　D.in

（　）2.A.cause　B.problem　C.result　D.reason

（　）3.A.cheap　B.free　C.expensive　D.available

（　）4.A.the other　B.other　C.another　D.one

（　）5.A.distance　B.speed　C.length　D.width

（　）6.A.join in　B.compete in　C.take part in　D.participate in

Passage 28

Ask anyone to draw a Sun and they will immediately reach for the yellow color.It seems 　1　.We’ve been using that yellow color for the Sun ever 　2　 we were little and all we could draw was the crappy front of a house and the Sun smiling in the corner （come on, that definitely wasn’t just me, right?）.If we ever needed more evidence, we could just go outside and look at the sun and it definitely appears to be yellow.

Thing is, though, that we see it yellow thanks to our atmosphere.If you’re sure that you’ve seen NASA photographs or similar images and the Sun was yellow there, too, you might actually be 　3　.This image we have of a yellow Sun is so prevalent that sometimes astronomers will actually modify the color of their pictures in order to make them more recognizable.However, the real color of the Sun is white.If you ever meet an astronaut or someone 　4　 has been to space, feel free to ask them.

Regardless, we don’t need to see the Sun to know what color it is because we can tell from the temperature.Cool stars start off with a brown/dark red color and increase in intensity as they get 　5　.Something with only a few thousand degrees Kelvin （开尔文，热力学温度单位）surface temperature will be red.At the opposite end of the spectrum, the hottest stars with a surface temperature above 10000 Kelvin are blue.With a surface temperature of almost 6000 Kelvin, the Sun is 　6　 in the middle, giving it a distinct white color.

（　）1.A.normal　B.abnormal　C.easy　D.different

（　）2.A.after　B.since　C.before　D.until

（　）3.A.wrong　B.right　C.true　D.real

（　）4.A.where　B.that　C.who　D.whom

（　）5.A.hotter　B.cooler　C.colder　D.warmer

（　）6.A.somewhere　B.somewhat　C.sometime　D.somehow

Passage 29

IBM plans to invest $1.2 billion to expand its cloud services.The computing and technology giant wants to strengthen its presence in the 　1　 generation of cloud storage and other services.The project includes building 15 data centres across the world.IBM has to 　2　 quickly to move from a hardware-based company into one providing online services.It has experienced declining revenues for the past six quarters and urgently needs to reverse 　3　 trend.An IBM spokesman told reporters: “This is fundamental because this allows us global coverage.” He added: “We are continuing to invest in where we think the growth areas are going to be.”

Wikipedia says: “Cloud computing is a phrase used to describe a variety of computing concepts that involves a large number of computers connected through a real-time communication network such as the Internet.” In 　4　, “the cloud” is a metaphor （比喻）for the Internet.Clever marketing has created the concept of the cloud to create more sellable services.Users of cloud services keep their data and software 　5　 a server （a huge computer）of the company offering the cloud service.There is no need to download 　6　 or store information on a home or work computer.Wikipedia introduces several examples to the widespread adoption of cloud computing, including security, reliability and issues surrounding privacy.

（　）1.A.next　B.past　C.last　D.current

（　）2.A.exchange　B.adapt　C.change　D.adopt

（　）3.A.those　B.that　C.this　D.these

（　）4.A.fact　B.reality　C.theory　D.general

（　）5.A.over　B.from　C.in　D.on

（　）6.A.anything　B.everything　C.something　D.nothing

Passage 30

New York V.S.London: the Dos and Don’ts of Dining Etiquette（礼节）

Arriving

Upon arrival, you will be ignored for anywhere between ten and 90 seconds.　1　 you’ve attracted the attention of an inattentive member of staff, they will probably shrug（耸肩）and point at some tables.You are 　2　 to be offered water or bread; but if you are, there’s a good chance it’ll be added to the bill, so you won’t consume any, no matter how hungry you are.

Ordering and Complaining

America operates according to the “customer is always right” handbook.Customer wants a dish not 　3　 the menu? Fine.Customer wants to send back their steak because it’s cooked outside and raw inside? No problem.They will give you another steak just like this one.

One does not send dishes 　4　 in London, nor does one make special requests.The only time you can customise （为顾客定制）a dish in this city is when you’re asked: “Chilli sauce?” The answer is always “yes”.And don’t even dare to dream of complaining.

Paying

The “check” will be brought to you before you finish chewing that last mouthful.And when it comes to dividing up the bill between friends, don’t be the cheap one who wants“paying for 　5　 they ate”.Americans are all about equality, so split it evenly!

The bill will be brought after you’ve made your third request at a passing waiter.If you have to split the bill, everyone will get out the 　6　 on their phones, but somehow you will still end up paying more than everyone else despite having only had a salad.

（　）1.A.Once　B.Only　C.Before　D.When

（　）2.A.likely　B.unlikely　C.probably　D.possibly

（　）3.A.in　B.on　C.from　D.of

（　）4.A.away　B.back　C.off　D./

（　）5.A.which　B.where　C.when　D.what

（　）6.A.cameras　B.applications　C.calculators　D.recorders

Passage 31

J.Kenji López-Alt, a restaurant-trained chef and managing director of the blog Serious Eats, performed a(n) 　1　 that explored why fast food burgers always seem fresh.

He put the burgers 　2　 the same circumstance.More than three weeks later, the McDonald’s food hadn’t rotted, but neither had the homemade burger.The homemade burger with no added salt looked no different than those with 　3　 salt, indicating salt wasn’t the causal factor.

The key appeared to be moisture （水汽）levels.The burgers had each lost a quarter of their weight within the first week.Without moisture, the mold （霉菌）can’t grow.Since McDonald’s uses thin bread with a lot of surface area, they quickly dry out before they can 　4　 to rot.This is the entire principle behind beef jerky （肉干）.A McDonald’s burger sealed in a plastic bag will be completely consumed with mold within a week.

As 　5　 as the experiment goes, it’s possible that different burger makers use different bread thicknesses, or contain varied ingredients that add moisture, such as different types of cheese.Also, there’s no way to know if the burgers were sealed within the jars at the same time after purchase, or if some had been given more time to dry out than others.

This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s appropriate to eat fast food several times a week, either.If you want to hate fast food because you find the nutritional content unpleasant, go right ahead.But criticize what it is, don’t speculate （推断）and fear the food about 　6　 it is not.

（　）1.A.experiment　B.test　C.examination　D.survey

（　）2.A.on　B.with　C.under　D.over

（　）3.A.no　B.extra　C.few　D.little

（　）4.A.start　B.try　C.manage　D.stop

（　）5.A.far　B.much　C.fast　D.long

（　）6.A.that　B.which　C.where　D.what

Passage 32

Some Ways Your Phone Is Spying on You

Smartphone location services

　1　 you have an iPhone, try this: click on settings, then privacy, then location services, system services and frequent locations.You’ll notice a list of all the cities you’re in regularly.Click on any specific city, and you’ll find that your phone knows all the locations you frequently 　2　.For me, that includes my home, local tube station and office, but also the pub I play games in, the house of one of my best friends and the comics shop I frequently go to.

Mobile phone networks

Your mobile phone works by sending secret information to and 　3　 the network, known as “cells”.Of course, especially in a built-up area, there’s likely to be more than one cell in range of your phone at any given time, and things would get confusing if they were all trying to run the call at 　4　 time.So your phone pairs with one particular cell, and “hands off” to a new one when you move around （the annoying clicks you get if you leave a phone next to an unshielded （无屏蔽的）speaker is your phone checking in with a cell, to confirm it’s still alive）.

If you’ve been paying 　5　, you’ll realise what this means: your mobile phone network has a record of where you’ve been, accurate to at least the range of the closest phone tower.In practice, it’s probably quite a bit more accurate than t　6　, as they can triangulate （三角测量）in using information from other towers in your area.

（　）1.A.If　B.When　C.After　D.Before

（　）2.A.see　B.notice　C.find　D.visit

（　）3.A.out　B.in　C.away　D.from

（　）4.A.different　B.the same　C.similar　D.every

（　）5.A.bills　B.money　C.attention　D.phones

（　）6.A.that　B.this　C.these　D.those

Passage 33

A report has found that more than half of high school boys and two-thirds of girls never shower 　1　 a P.E.class.Researchers suggest that students don’t want to sweat and take a shower, so they are less active in sports classes.The researchers questioned almost 4,000 children in schools in Essex, England.Lead researcher Dr.Gavin Sandercock said he was surprised at how 　2　 students showered.He said: “We know that children aren’t getting enough physical activity because we have seen their fitness declining; if the unwillingness to shower is a barrier to working up a sweat or playing sport it’s 　3　 we need to tackle to promote activity at schools.”

The BBC says the study did not look at the exact reasons 　4　 the students did not shower after PE.There are other studies that point out the fear of bullying and humiliation（羞辱）may be behind the reluctance of some students to shower.Undressing in front of peers may be too 　5　 for some children.Pamela Naylor, spokeswoman for a health organisation in England, said many children had concerns about their body image and that schools needed to address this.She said: “Schools, workplaces and local authorities all have a role to play in shifting attitudes so that physical activity, and what comes 　6　 it, like sweating and the need for showering, is encouraged and accommodated.”

（　）1.A.before　B.after　C.when　D.while

（　）2.A.fast　B.frequently　C.slowly　D.rarely

（　）3.A.everything　B.anything　C.something　D.nothing

（　）4.A.why　B.how　C.when　D.what

（　）5.A.many　B.more　C.over　D.much

（　）6.A.from　B.with　C.without　D.for

Passage 34

The start of every New Year is 　1　 we all make plans to change our life for the better over the forthcoming twelve months.Psychiatry （精神医学）professor Jayashri Kulkarni says:“January 1 is a ‘magical’ date and a vow （誓言）made on this day is much more 　2　 than one made on August 26, for example.” So, we all make a list of things to quit, start or change.Unfortunately, most of these promises are, more often than not, broken by January 31st.They are usually the identical resolutions that were not fulfilled from the 　3　 year, and the years prior to that.An American website says people “tend to make the same resolutions year after year, even though they have a hard time sticking to them”.

Research shows 45 per cent of us 　4　 a New Year’s resolution.The most common vows include losing weight, volunteering to help others, quitting smoking, saving money, and getting fit.Others include eating healthier food, drinking less alcohol, and going on a trip.　5　, research also shows that most of us are not so good at sticking to these.A study from the University of Scranton reveals that 71 per cent of us stick to our annual promises for the first two weeks; six months later, less than 50 percent are still on track to keep their resolutions.Most people who 　6　 on their resolutions do so because of a lack of willpower and the use of the “escape clause” that they will “try again next year”.

（　）1.A.where　B.when　C.how　D.why

（　）2.A.powerful　B.strong　C.magical　D.fantastic

（　）3.A.past　B.last　C.next　D.previous

（　）4.A.write　B.make　C.take　D.hold

（　）5.A.However　B.Then　C.Moreover　D.Instead

（　）6.A.hold　B.keep　C.focus　D.give up

Passage 35

Chinese Inventions

Playing Cards

The earliest playing cards were invented in Imperial China, during the Tang Dynasty.One of the 　1　 games, called the “leaf game” was played by the royals.In the Ming Dynasty, characters from novels were often printed on the cards.Some scholars believed that Chinese playing cards eventually became the first paper currency （货币）, as cards and money were 　2　 during bets.

Toilet Paper

Paper was invented in China as early as 200 BC, however the first documented use of toilet paper was not 　3　 some 700 years later, where its use was reserved for the Emperor and imperial court.In 851 AD, an Arab traveller wrote: “[the Chinese] do not wash themselves with water when they have done their necessities; but they only wipe （擦拭）themselves with paper.”

Soccer

The Chinese were the first to start playing a competitive ball sport using only the feet called “cuju” during the Han Dynasty.This game involved 　4　 a ball stuffed with feathers through narrow goal posts （球门柱）.It was often played in the backyards of large mansions （宅邸）and palaces.Professional cuju players would train so they could perform for the royal court.With this sort of rich history, it is a pity that the Chinese National Football Team has a poor 　5　.

Interestingly enough, ping pong is not a Chinese invention.It was invented in England and brought to China in the early 1900s.The Chinese have dominated the sport ever 　6　.

（　）1.A.earliest　B.latest　C.biggest　D.greatest

（　）2.A.printed　B.traded　C.made　D.given

（　）3.A.before　B.until　C.after　D.when

（　）4.A.throwing　B.catching　C.collecting　D.kicking

（　）5.A.record　B.team　C.coach　D.game

（　）6.A.then　B.since　C.after　D.now

心灵鸡汤类

Passage 1

Most of what I really 　1　 to know about how to live and what to do and how to be, I learned in kindergarten.Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school.These are the things I learned: Share everything.Play fair.Don’t hit people.Put things 　2　 where you found them.Clean up your own mess.Don’t take things that aren’t yours.Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.Wash your hands before you eat.Flush.Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.Live a balanced life.Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.

Take a nap every afternoon.When you go out into the world, 　3　 for traffic, hold hands and stick together.Be aware of wonder.Remember the little seed in the plastic cup.The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.Goldfish and hamsters （仓鼠）and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup—they all die.　4　 do we.

And then remember the book about Dick and Jane and the first word you learned, the biggest word of all: LOOK.Everything you need to know is in there somewhere.The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation （卫生）.Ecology and politics and sane （神志健全的）living.

Think of 　5　 a better world it would be if we all — the whole world — had cookies and milk about 3 o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap.Or if we had a basic policy in our nations to always put things back where we found them and clean up our own messes.And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is better to hold hands and 　6　 together.

（　）1.A.need　B.want　C.like　D.try

（　）2.A.away　B.back　C.out　D.to

（　）3.A.look　B.watch　C.see　D.notice

（　）4.A.Neither　B.All　C.None　D.So

（　）5.A.what　B.where　C.how　D.that

（　）6.A.watch 　B.fight 　C.live　D.stick

Passage 2

Love: The One Creative Force

Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house.Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door 　1　 ...Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.

A college professor had his sociology class go into the Baltimore slums （贫民窟）to get case histories of 200 young boys.They were asked to write an evaluation of each boy’s 　2　.In every case the students wrote, “He hasn’t got a chance.” Twenty-five years later another sociology professor came across the earlier study.He had his students follow up on the project to see what had happened to these boys.With the exception of 20 boys who had moved away or died, the students learned that 176 of the remaining 180 had achieved 　3　 than ordinary success as lawyers, doctors and businessmen.

The professor was surprised and decided to pursue the matter 　4　.Fortunately, all the men were in the area and he was able to ask each one, “How do you account for your success?” In each case the reply came with feeling, “There was a 　5　.”

The teacher was still alive, so he sought her out and asked the old but still alert lady what magic formula she had used to pull these boys out of the slums into successful achievement.

The teacher’s eyes sparkled and her lips broke into a gentle 　6　.“It’s really very simple,” she said.“I loved those boys.”

（　）1.A.friend　B.neighbour　C.parents　D.coworker

（　）2.A.education　B.family　C.past　D.future

（　）3.A.more　B.less　C.fewer　D.much

（　）4.A.farther　B.further　C.faster　D.fuller

（　）5.A.mother　B.father　C.teacher　D.friend

（　）6.A.smile　B.laughter　C.cry　D.shout

Passage 3

True Love

Moses Mendelssohn, the grandfather of the well-known German composer, was 　1　 being handsome.Along with a rather short stature, he had a ridiculous hunchback （驼背）.

One day he visited a businessman in Hamburg who had a lovely daughter named Frumtje.Moses fell hopelessly in love 　2　 her.But Frumtje was repulsed （厌恶）by his misshapen （丑怪的）appearance.

When it came time for him to leave, Moses gathered his courage and climbed the stairs to her room to take one 　3　 opportunity to speak with her.She was a vision of heavenly beauty, but caused him deep sadness by her refusal to look at him.After several attempts at conversation, Moses shyly asked, “Do you believe marriages are made in heaven?” “Yes,”she answered, still looking at the floor.“And do you?”

“Yes, I do,” he replied.“You see, in heaven at the 　4　 of each boy, the Lord announces which girl he will marry.When I was born, my future bride was pointed out to me.Then the Lord added, ‘But your wife will be humpbacked.’”

“Right then and there I called out, ‘Oh Lord, a humpbacked woman would be a tragedy.Please, Lord, give me the hump 　5　 let her be beautiful.’”

Then Frumtje looked up into his eyes and was moved by some deep memory.She reached out and gave Mendelssohn her hand and later became his devoted 　6　.

（　）1.A.close to　B.away from　C.kind of　D.far from

（　）2.A.without　B.with　C.to　D.and

（　）3.A.last　B.first　C.only　D.early

（　）4.A.birth　B.death　C.age　D.stage

（　）5.A.then　B.but　C.or　D.and

（　）6.A.friend　B.family　C.wife　D.sister

Passage 4

The Best Time of My Life

It was June 15, and in two days I would be turning thirty.I was insecure about entering a new decade of my life and feared that my best years were now 　1　 me.

Every morning I would see my friend Nicholas at the gym.He was seventy-nine years old and in terrific shape.As I greeted Nicholas on this particular day, he noticed I wasn’t full of my usual vitality and asked if there was anything wrong.I told him I was feeling 　2 about turning thirty.And I asked him, “What was the best time of your life?”

Without hesitation, Nicholas replied, “Well, Joe, this is my answer to your question.When I was a child in Austria and 　3　 was taken care of for me and I was nurtured by my parents, that was the best time of my life.When I was going to school and learning the things I know today, that was the best time of my life.When I got my first job and had responsibilities and got paid for my 　4　, that was the best time of my life.When I met my wife and fell in love, that was the best time of my life.The Second World War came, and my wife and I had to flee Austria to save our lives.When we were together and safe on a ship bound for North America, that was the best time of my life.When we came to Canada and started a 　5　, that was the best time of my life.When I was a young father, watching my children grow up, that was the best time of my life.And now, Joe, I am seventy-nine years old.I have my health, I feel good and I am in love with my wife 　6　 as I was when we first met.This is the best time of my life.”

（　）1.A.behind　B.before　C.after　D.in front of

（　）2.A.angry　B.anxious　C.happy　D.annoyed

（　）3.A.everything　B.anything　C.something　D.nothing

（　）4.A.strength　B.time　C.efforts　D.study

（　）5.A.business　B.job　C.life　D.family

（　）6.A.ever　B.just　C.only　D.never

信 件 类

Letter 1

Hey Josh,

I wanted to talk to you about the group project in Sociology.You did really well on the fi rst part with the interview.You asked the kids a lot of great 　1　, and the video was clear and stable.However, I wanted to talk to you about the data section.

As 　2　 as the interview was, we’re going to lose a pretty decent amount of points because of the incomplete data chart you submitted.Your summary of the kids we studied made some really good points, 　3　 there was no evidence to back up your ideas.We need more than just general observations; we need concrete statistics （统计）, numbers, and facts that back up every hypothesis （假设）.Otherwise, we’re just sharing our opinions, and that’s not going to fl y with Professor Liu.

I’m not sure what your schedule is like outside of Sociology, but if you need help 　4　 the data analysis, let me know.If you have a packed week, I’m sure the group can work something out so we can get all the pieces of the project completed and turned in 　5　 time.This project is half the grade, so it’s really important to all of us that we do as well as possible.

From what I saw in your fi rst submission, you’re really talented, so I’m not trying to criticise you or anything.I just wanted to bring up a 　6　.See you Wednesday.

Thanks,

Dara

（　）1.A.questions　B.problems　C.quizzes　D.matters

（　）2.A.bad　B.great　C.long　D.far

（　）3.A.and　B.then　C.though　D.but

（　）4.A.of　B.with　C.for　D.to

（　）5.A.in　B.back　C.on　D.before

（　）6.A.concern　B.warning　C.explanation　D.complaint

Letter 2

Dear Olga,

I want to write you about my future 　1　.

I am a school-leaver and this year I am 　2　 school.When you leave school, you understand that the time to choose your future profession has come.It is not an easy task to choose the right job for you.

There are a lot of different professions and it is really hard to choose the one, which would be interesting for you and will help you earn your living.Generally, I think that choosing the right job is the main question not 　3　 for a school-leaver, but also for all the family.

I would like to become a teacher.In my opinion, to be a teacher is not an easy task because you need not only to love children, but you also should have an ability to 　4　 things clearly, know your subject profoundly and be an all around person.Though this is not the easiest task, I am sure that I have got almost all necessary qualities to become a really good teacher.

Nowadays it is very important to know a 　5　 language, especially English.More and more people need qualifi ed teachers to teach them today.I understand that this profession is greatly demanded and that is why I would like to become an English teacher.This year I am going to enter the Department of Foreign Languages at the local University.

I wait for your letter with 　6　.

Best wishes,

Yana

（　）1.A.life　B.education　C.study　D.career

（　）2.A.starting　B.beginning　C.fi nishing　D.opening

（　）3.A.only　B.just　C.also　D.rather

（　）4.A.say　B.talk　C.think　D.explain

（　）5.A.foreign　B.native　C.local　D.oral

（　）6.A.patience　B.time　C.impatience　D.love

Letter 3

Dear Sir/Madam，

I am writing in connection with my recent stay at the Four Seasons in London, England. Unfortunately, due to a malfunctioning （故障的）heater in my room, I spent three 　1　 nights at your hotel from April 26-29.

When I arrived in London, there was an unexpected snowstorm.I understand it does not usually snow in April; 　2　, when I got to my room, there was no heat.After complaining, a technician was sent up, who informed me they had to install a new heating unit.When I asked to be moved to another room, I was told the hotel was completely booked.Unfortunately, each night after work I returned to discover the problem had not been fi xed.Eventually, I spent three horribly uncomfortable nights, wearing my coat to bed, wearing socks around the room and ending up with a bad cold from the unheated room.I had no time to 　3　 as I had to catch a fl ight home right after my conference.

I am shocked 　4　 this terrible service.This is not what anyone expects for $400 a night! To compensate me for this tremendous inconvenience, I ask that you refund my money 　5　 and offer me a free, more comfortable stay in one of your fi ner suites in the future.If not, I am prepared to take my complaint to a higher authority.

I look forward to 　6　 from you at the earliest.

Yours faithfully, Mr.John McFee

（　）1.A.comfortable　B.terrible　C.happy　D.unforgettable

（　）2.A.instead　B.then　C.besides　D.however

（　）3.A.complain　B.argue　C.say　D.cry

（　）4.A.with　B.for　C.by　D.at

（　）5.A.right back　B.right soon　C.right time　D.right away

（　）6.A.hearing　B.looking　C.receiving　D.sending

Letter 4

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing concerning our college cafeteria.Since almost every student 　1　 some time here every day, I believe it is in everyone’s best interest to fi nd ways to improve the 　2　 of the place.

The cafeteria itself is modern, spacious and attractive.The newly painted murals （壁画）of the seaside give the seating area an open, airy, outdoor feeling 　3　 makes it very pleasant to eat meals there.This is further enhanced by the large green plants and fl owing water fountains.

The main problem with the cafeteria is in the food served! First of all, there is a very limited selection 　4　.Each day offers up only standard North American fare of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets （炸鸡块）and French fries.Not only is this selection unhealthy, but also uninteresting day in and day out.We have so many international students on campus, so it would be wonderful to have some curries, burritos and falafel added to the 　5　.Secondly, since this is a student cafeteria, prices need to stay low.We have unfortunately seen two price hikes in the last two years.

I am sure 　6　 we offer a wider range of foods, at better prices, the cafeteria will continue to run profi tably as more students choose to eat there.

Yours faithfully,

Daniel Bernard

（　）1.A.spends　B.takes　C.costs　D.pays

（　）2.A.price　B.quantity　C.service　D.quality

（　）3.A.where　B.when　C.who　D.which

（　）4.A.free　B.available　C.able　D.chosen

（　）5.A.food　B.drink　C.menu　D.kitchen

（　）6.A.when　B.if　C.unless　D.after

Letter 5

Dear Mrs.Sweeney,

How are you? I hope everything is fi ne at the school and that you have been well.I still remember the dynamic（有活力的）way 　1　 which you taught grammar to me and all of the teacher trainees in your English class.Thanks again for 　2　 important lessons.

I am writing in connection with a letter of reference that I need for a job that I have 　3　 for recently.As I am due to graduate next month, I have sent the application for a position as an ESL teacher at a private language school in Tokyo, Japan.You might remember 　4　 telling you how very much I looked forward to teaching and traveling around the world.Now I have the chance.I am confi dent that I can make a 　5　 in the lives of students who need to learn English.

In the letter of reference, I would appreciate it if you could include information related to my trustworthiness, my enthusiasm and my cross-cultural awareness while in teacher training college.As the job is in Japan, they do not have the chance to interview me and will base their decision largely on my letters of reference.I would need to have the letter in two weeks, by July 1st.

Thank you kindly 　6　.

Yours sincerely,

Grace Smith

（　）1.A.in　B.on　C.by　D.of

（　）2.A.this　B.that　C.these　D.those

（　）3.A.worked　B.trained　C.cared　D.applied

（　）4.A.I　B.myself　C.my　D.mine

（　）5.A.truth　B.difference　C.competence　D.confi dence

（　）6.A.in advance　B.of course　C.any way　D.all the same

Letter 6

Dear Mrs.Walker,

I am writing in connection with my upcoming training course at your college in Sydney, Australia.I will be there to 　1　 the Brain-Based Learning program at Victoria College for a period of three weeks from July 2 to July 22.I am hoping that you will be 　2　 to assist me with my accommodation arrangements.

As I am slightly older than most of 　3　 participants, I would appreciate it if you could find a private studio apartment for me, close to the college.It would be ideal if I could walk to school each day, but if 　4　, I would need access to public transportation.I understand some of the events on campus fi nish quite late so I would prefer not to walk in an unfamiliar neighbourhood after dark.In terms of the apartment, all I require is a bed, a desk, a TV, an Internet connection, a kitchen and a bathroom.My 　5　 is around US $1000 for 3 weeks.

As I will be arriving on July 1, I would need the apartment to be available from that night until the day of my departure, which is July 23.My last night in the apartment would be July 22.

Please let me know if you are able to fi nd such an apartment and if not, please suggest other 　6　 arrangements.I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Jane Goodwin

（　）1.A.see　B.make　C.test　D.attend

（　）2.A.able　B.glad　C.willing　D.pleased

（　）3.A.the other　B.the others　C.other　D.another

（　）4.A.OK　B.possible　C.not　D.no

（　）5.A.price　B.budget　C.money　D.expense

（　）6.A.suitable　B.available　C.considerable　D.comfortable

Letter 7

Dear Mr.Shah,

I hope you and your family are all well.I am writing in connection with a(n) 　1　 I have with the new neighbour, Jack, who has moved in downstairs.Unfortunately, his habits and needs appear to be quite 　2　 my own.

The issue is that Jack is a professional musician who 　3　 his electric guitar late into the night.I understand he is in a band and needs to practice; however, I think he cannot do so in a residential building such as ours.As I mentioned to you when I signed the lease （租约）to the apartment, I am a full-time writer who works from home.For me, it is essential to have 　4　 so I can concentrate on my work.With Jack playing at all hours, I have been unable to get any of my writing done, except when he is out.　5　 some cases, I have even been forced to leave the apartment and work at a nearby coffee shop or library as the guitar playing was causing such a disturbance.

I would appreciate it if you could speak to Jack and ask him to turn down the volume on his guitar or else to use headphones.I have spoken to him about it, but to no use.I will let you know as 　6　 as the situation improves.

Thank you kindly in advance and please give my best regards to your family.

Yours sincerely,

Meg Snyder

（　）1.A.task　B.question　C.problem　D.event

（　）2.A.different from　B.similar to　C.the same as　D.familiar with

（　）3.A.buys　B.fi xes　C.cleans　D.plays

（　）4.A.silence　B.noise　C.voice　D.sound

（　）5.A.In　B.On　C.From　D.During

（　）6.A.long　B.soon　C.far　D.quickly

Letter 8

Dear Ajay and Sunita,

Thanks so much for your kind letter and the lovely photos of my holiday in Mumbai.Sorry for the delay in acknowledging your mail, but your package arrived just as I was about to leave town 　1　 a business trip.I’ve just returned to Toronto today.

Looking at the photos 　2　 back so many happy memories of the times we spent together and the wonderful hospitality you extended to me.I felt completely spoiled by

　3　 of you! You surrounded me with warm friends, good food, amazing sights, great shopping, unforgettable cultural events and laughter-fi lled evenings.I would have been lost without you.I can’t thank you 　4　.

These good memories gave me an idea.I know you’ve always wanted to 　5　 Canada.Why don’t you plan a holiday and stay with me this summer? The weather is great at that time of year, all tourist sites are open and I could take two weeks off from work.Aside from seeing Toronto, we could drive to Niagara Falls, Thousand Islands, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City.I would be thrilled if you could make it.

Thank you both again for the beautiful holiday and the photos which are already 　6　 on my wall.Now, I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Warm wishes,

Carol

（　）1.A.for　B.on　C.with　D.to

（　）2.A.takes　B.carries　C.fetches　D.brings

（　）3.A.all　B.neither　C.both　D.either

（　）4.A.much　B.longer　C.less　D.enough

（　）5.A.go　B.visit　C.move　D.arrive

（　）6.A.down　B.up　C.in　D.to

Letter 9

Dear Eva,

How are you? I hope you’ve been well.Sorry for having been 　1　 touch for a short while.There have been some changes in my life and I wanted to let you know the 　2　 from my side.

The big news is that I have fi nally changed my job! Do you remember when you were here on holiday, I always talked about 　3　 I hated my boring bank job? Well, it was clear I needed a change.So, finally, I took a part-time TESL course and trained to be an ESL teacher.Now I’m working full-time in a private language school.I teach General English, Business English and IELTS.Each day, I look forward to going to work.My students come from all over the world and I love teaching them as well as 　4　 from them.

Aside from that, I also moved to a new apartment near the school where I work.It’s small, but downtown, so I am right in the heart of the city, instead of way out in the suburbs.Suddenly, there’s so many fun things to do, in the evenings too.I am a much happier person today because of these recent 　5　.

So, how about you? I hope you’ll have a chance to visit Canada again soon.In the meantime, please write and let me know what’s new with you.

Warm wishes,

Kim

（　）1.A.in　B.with　C.without　D.out of

（　）2.A.earliest　B.latest　C.newest　D.freshest

（　）3.A.how　B.why　C.what　D.when

（　）4.A.hearing　B.buying　C.respecting　D.learning

（　）5.A.changes　B.events　C.jobs　D.dreams

（　）6.A.sentence　B.letter　C.meantime　D.end

Letter 10

Dear Julie,

Thanks so much for your latest letter.I’m really excited to 　1　 that you’re planning to visit Toronto.It will give me a chance to take you around, as you did so kindly for me 　2　 I was in Amsterdam last year.

Regarding your visit, I would be happy to help in any way possible.First, 　3　 you really like freezing weather, I suggest you come in the summer months of July or August.Though most hotels are expensive at that time, we have some wonderful guest suites available in our high-rise building, for only about $50 per night.They are fully furnished studio apartments, with a kitchen, so you can have the option of eating 　4　.Just let me know your dates and I can make a reservation for you.

Summer is also the time when all the tourist sites are open.We can visit Centre Island, Canada’s Wonderland, Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Science Centre and Thousand Islands.The 　5　 should be warm and comfortable, around 25-30 degrees Celsius, so bring your informal summer clothes, a swimsuit and a(n) 　6　 too.We do get summer showers quite often.

I can’t wait for you to come! Write soon with more details.

Warm wishes,

Irene

（　）1.A.see　B.hear　C.think　D.believe

（　）2.A.when　B.before　C.after　D.since

（　）3.A.if　B.although　C.unless　D.once

（　）4.A.from　B.to　C.out　D.in

（　）5.A.air　B.climate　C.weather　D.sun

（　）6.A.overcoat　B.umbrella　C.bag 　D.suitcase