The Iceberg Was Only Part ofIt
What doomed the Titanic is well known, at least in outline. On a moonless night of April 15, 1912, the ship hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic ,with 1,500 lives lost.
A century later many people presented new theories to explain the real reason for the disaster. Now two new studies argue that rare states of nature played major roles in the disaster.
The first says Earth’s nearness to the Moon and the Sun — a proximity not matched in more than 1,000 years — resulted in record tides that help explain why the Titanic met with so much ice, including the fatal iceberg.
Recently, a team of researchers found an apparent explanation in the heavens. They discovered that Earth had come unusually close to the Sun and Moon that winter, enhancing their gravitational pulls on the ocean and producing record tides. The rare orbits took place between December 1911 and February 1912 — about two months before the disaster came about. The researchers suggest that the high tides refloated masses of icebergs traditionally stuck along the coastlines of Labrador and Newfoundland and sent them adrift into the North Atlantic shipping lanes.
And a second, put forward by a Titanic historian from Britain, contends that the icy waters created ideal conditions for an unusual type of mirage(海市蜃楼) that hid icebergs from lookouts whose duty was to watch carefully for danger ahead and confused a nearby ship as to the liner’s identity, delaying rescue efforts for hours.
Most people know mirages as natural phenomena caused when hot air near the Earth’s surface bends light rays upward. In a desert, the effect prompts lost travelers to mistake patches of blue sky for pools of water. But another kind of mirage occurs when cold air bends light rays downward. In that case, observers can see objects and settings far over the horizon. The images often undergo quick distortions — not unlike the wavy reflections in a funhouse mirror.
Now, scholars of the Titanic are debating these new theories. Some have different opinions on it. Over all, though, many experts are applauding the fresh perspectives. 
【小题1】The underlined word "It" in the title probably refers to _______.

A.the TitanicB.the cause of the disaster
C.the record tideD.an unusual mirage
【小题2】According to Theory First, what was the right chain of causes leading to the Titanic’s disaster?
① record tides’ forming and icebergs’ being refloated
② icebergs’ being drifted into the North Atlantic shipping lanes
③ the Earth’s strange closing to the Sun and the Moon
④ increasing of the gravitational force on the ocean
A.①→②→③→④B.②→③→④→①C.④→③→②→①D.③→④→①→②
【小题3】According to Theory Second, the disaster happened to the Titanic mainly because______.
A.the freezing weather made the watcher not be able to watch clear
B.the mirage made the watcher not find icebergs and a nearby ship delay rescuing
C.the mirage on the sea attracted the watcher and made him forget his work
D.the high tides drove the icebergs float so fast that the watcher didn’t respond to them
【小题4】What is the chief function of the sixth paragraph?
A.to explain to the readers the ways of the mirage forming
B.to infer the possibility of the mirage appearing
C.to summarize the various kinds of the mirage
D.to analyze the conditions of the mirage arising
【小题5】This passage is organized generally in the pattern of________.
A.comparison and contrastB.conclusion and proof
C.time and eventsD.definition and classification(分类)


D
In many societies, there is often greater acceptance of light skin than dark skin. Light skin may be seen as a mark of beauty, intelligence and success. These beliefs can lead to social pressure even within the same racial group. As a result, more and more people with dark skin are using skin-lightening products, even if they may face health risks.
Many people believe that having whiter skin will improve their lives. They think they will have a better chance of getting a job or marrying into a better family. Or they want to look like what their society generally considers beautiful.
Some beauty care products contain chemicals that make skin lighter. This process is also called bleaching (漂白). But some of the chemicals are extremely dangerous. One chemical has been linked to kidney (肾) damage and some kinds of cancer. It also causes low birth weight in babies when used by mothers-to-be.
At first, bleaching products make the skin color lighter. But after long-term use they can cause problems. The chemicals in the products block and break down the natural process that gives color to skin. The skin loses its natural barrier to protect against sunlight. Then the skin can become thick and discolored. Usually the person will use more of the product in an effort to correct the problem, but this only makes it worse.
Fatimata Ly treats skin problems in the Senegalese capital, Dakar. Doctor Ly says skin bleaching has become a problem throughout Senegal. She says the chemicals are now more dangerous because they are stronger. Some cases have resulted in blackened fingernails, infections and permanent skin damage.
And these are not the only risks. Experts say some people who change their skin color suffer emotional damage. They feel regret and sadness. They feel that instead of risking their health, they should have learned to love and accept their skin color as it was.
63. Why has skin lightening become popular all over the world?
A. There are many ways to help change skin color.
B. Many people with dark skin have no confidence.      
C. Light skin seems to bring more advantages than dark skin. 
D. People with dark skin are facing the pressure from their family.
64. According to the passage, people using bleaching products would risk         .
A. thinner skin      B. low weight          C. lung cancer       D. emotional damage
65. Which of the following is NOT true about bleaching products?
A. Some of them contain dangerous chemicals.
B. They will not make the skin color lighter. 
C. They may cause skin damage.          
D. They are likely to bring health risks.
66. The writer's attitude toward using bleaching products is ________.
A. supportive  B. positive      C. uncertain    D. negative


四.阅读理解(30分)
A
United Nations Climate Change Conference
The U.N. Climate Change conference opened in Copenhagen, Denmark on Dec.7th with some 15,000 delegates and observers from nearly 200 countries attending what is called the last best chance for an agreement to combat(与……战斗) global warming.
Their aim is to find common ground, including on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, promotion and transfer of new more eco-friendly technology and the necessary funding to make this possible, especially for the less developed and poorer nations.  It also means coming up with long term vision and cooperation for the future.
Most scientists believe the warming trend is mainly caused by human activity, especially the use of fossil fuels(矿物燃料) and the cutting down of forests. Skeptics(怀疑论者) say global warming is part of a natural cycle of climate change.
In Copenhagen, experts and officials alike are putting the emphasis on what people and governments can do to cut the emission of greenhouse gases.
Scientists say a 25 to 40 percent cut in carbon-dioxide emissions is needed to control global warming. The European Union, China, and India have already pledged(保证) reductions. The United States is waiting for Congressional(国会的) approval for a proposal put forward by the Obama administration.
Barack Obama, President of the United States said, “Each of us must do what we can when we can to grow our economies without endangering our planet -- and we must all do it together. We must seize the opportunity to make Copenhagen a significant step forward in the global fight against climate change..”
Desmond Tutu, Archbishop of South Africa said, “Worldwide, we have the chance to start turning the tide of climate change, but only if all governments commit themselves to a fair, binding(有约束力的) and sustainable climate agreement in Copenhagen.”
56. From the first paragraph we can infer that___________.
people think that this conference is of no use
this conference is the last one to be held about the climate change
before this conference some countries fight against each other.
people expect a final agreement will be achieved
57. Which is NOT included in the aim of this conference?
A. To reduce the emission of the greenhouse gases.
B. To develop the agriculture and industry of the developed countries.
C. To cooperate with each other for the future.
D. To transfer new more eco-friendly technology.
58. Which statement is TRUE according to the passage?
A. The United States refuses to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
B. The European Union is waiting for a proposal put forward by Obama.
C. China and India have already agreed to cut carbon-dioxide emissions.
D. South Africa doesn’t think much of this conference.
59. What is Obama’s attitude according to his words?
A. Doubtful.                          B. Positive.     C. Negative.                    D. Regretful.
60. _________is the reason of global warming according to the skeptics.
A. Human activity                  B. Fossil fuels  
C. The cutting down of trees           D. Natural climate change

C
We all love festivals. But since culture develops differently in many places, some festivals are, to us, very strange. Let’s take a look at some unique(独特的)festivals around the world.
Cheese Rolling Festival (England)
The festival started in the 15th century in May. When a round cheese is rolled, competitors run down the hill and try to catch it before it reaches the bottom. As the cheese can reach speeds of up to 112 km/h, it’s rare that someone catches the cheese. First to the bottom wins the cheese. But running down a very steep(陡峭的) hill behind a cheese can be dangerous. Eight people were injured in 1992.
Roswell UFO festival (New Mexico, US)
The Roswell UFO festival celebrates the anniversary(纪念日) of the “Roswell Incident”, when a UFO was said to have crashed(坠毁) nearby. Every year in July, experts, authors, researches and lecturers come to discuss the incident. The celebration also includes an alien parade, an alien costume contest, and an alien hot air balloon ride.
Hemingway Days (Florida, US)
This festival has normal stuff (材料,东西) like short-story readings and exhibits about the author. But the highlight (亮点) of the festival is definitely (一定地) the Hemingway look alike contest.
Imagine walking into a bar and being greeted by 20 middle-aged men who all look alike: stocky with thick white beards. The festival takes place in mid-July every year.
【小题1】Which festival takes place in mid-July every year?

A.Cheese Rolling Festival. B.Roswell UFO festival.
C.Hemingway Days. D.All of the above.
【小题2】Which festival may cause injuries according to the passage?
A.Cheese Rolling Festival. B.Roswell UFO festival.
C.Hemingway Days. D.None of the above.
【小题3】Which of the following is right according to the passage?
A.All the three festivals are celebrated in America.
B.It’s common that someone catches the cheese in Cheese Rolling Festival.
C.It’s said that a UFO once crashed in New Mexico, US.
D.In Hemingway Days, you’ll see 20 old or young Hemingways

To learn an instrument(乐器) such as the violin or accordion(手风琴)takes years. The job opportunities for musicians are scarce and competition is fierce. Then why are more people than ever before paying a lot of good cash to get their children the best music teaching they can afford?
The secret lies in the influence of music on the whole person. It has been found that learning a musical instrument actually increases a person’s IQ over time. Different instruments and different trypes of music have varying effect, with classical music and the string(弦乐) family coming out on top, potentially increasing you IQ by up to 12 points!
When is a good time to start learning music? Experts have found that even the fetus(胎儿)can benefit from listening to classical music. Surround yourself and your family with good music from the first. The Suzuki Piano Method teaches children from the age of 3 years piano, with two lessons per week. From preschool, children can learn to read music and play from sheet music. Progress in learning your instrument is directly proportional(成比例的)to the amount of practicing.
Is there such a thing as an unmusical child? Shinichi Suzuki proposes that music is the native home language of all human beings and therefore nobody can be “unmusical”. Of course there are exceptional talents, compared to which others may seem to be slower learners.
Is there any benefit for adults in starting an instrument? Apart from the purely relaxing aspect, yes. Learning an instrument can earn even adults additional IQ points, and as an added benefit in improves your health by reducing your stress levels. Your social life may benefit too, if you are prepared to come out of your box and join occasions such as Ceilidhs (musical get-togethers) or arrange house concerts. It has been established that people who play instruments tend to be more emotionally balanced and more patient with themselves, others and life in general.
So go ahead, sign up for that amateur orchestra, dust off your old trombone(长号)or take your first real six-string down from the attic(阁楼); get out there and play!
【小题1】Playing which of the following musical instruments can help increase a person’s IQ most?

A.The pianoB.The violinC.The tromboneD.The accordion
【小题2】According to Shinichi Suzuki,             .
A.The progress in learning an instrument depends on natural gifts
B.It is too late for an adult to start an instrument
C.Every child has a natural talent for music.
D.All people can understand and read music.
【小题3】What can be inferred from the text?
A.Music can balance our life.
B.Music can improve our living conditions.
C.Playing instruments can make adults keep their IQ points.
D.Playing instruments can help us get along well with others.
【小题4】By writing the text, the author mainly wants to        .
A.persuade us to send our children to music schools
B.express his great interest in musical instruments
C.tell us the importance of Music in Development
D.invite us to attend Ceilidhs
【小题5】There are many benefits for the adult to learn instruments, which of the following is NOT RIGHT?
A.Feeling relaxed.B.Earn additional IQ points.
C.Improve your health.D.Show your talents

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