From a major Windows upgrade to more powerful Web services and high-definition (高清晰)DVD, there's a lot to look forward to in the coming year.New monitors, DVD players, computers and game systems, will blur(模糊)the border between computers and home appliances to finally create a digital centre in each modern house.

  Vista View

  Microsoft's next major operating system, Windows Vista, looks different from today's Windows.But the parts you can't see might be even more important.Microsoft is focusing on securing users from the viruses, worms, and other attacks that have become a serious problem in the last decade.But security isn't the only point of Windows Vista.It includes additional gaming features, a new desktop search function, a new user interface, compatibility(兼容)with high-definition TV and multimedia equipment.

  New DVD on the road

  The next DVD generation has two layers.First, high-definition recording will mean more vivid sound and pictures.It also means you might have to put aside your present DVD collection, as people did with tape cassettes in the 1980's when CD was introduced.The new technology will record high-definition TV programs on a small disk without quality loss.And up to 50 gigabytes of storage can put 13 hours of programs or eight movies on a disc.

  Wireless Connectivity Everywhere.

  Wi-Fi is coming.Despite the over publicity surrounding wireless networking, the fact remains that finding a public connection still takes work.Next year, connectivity should get easier, thanks to long-range broadband wireless technology from Intel called WiMax.According to an Intel spokesperson a WiMax signal“can carry 50 miles in tests, but in reality about half that.”It means you can get online almost anywhere at any time.

  Next-Generation Game Consoles(控制台)

  Gamers, fasten your seat belts.2006 will be a great year for consoles.Next year will be one of the most exciting with major releases from Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft.It's like an election:Every four years or so, gamers get to choose which platform they'll support for the next cycle.As you'd expect, the processing and graphics hardware powering the consoles is impressive.They'll include HDTV and high-speed Internet connectivity.

(1)

Which is NOT included in Windows Vista?

[  ]

A.

Gaming features.

B.

A new monitor.

C.

High-definition TV.

D.

A new desktop search function.

(2)

With the new DVDs, you can ________.

[  ]

A.

record TV programs or movies.

B.

play tapes

C.

use smaller disks

D.

enjoy a bigger collection of DVDs

(3)

From the passage, we can conclude ________.

[  ]

A.

the competition between console makers is fierce

B.

Wi-Fi will take the place of Internet next year

C.

new viruses will be developed for Windows Vista

D.

new products make many of your old possessions rubbish

(4)

What do all the items listed above have in common?

[  ]

A.

They are convenient for gamers.

B.

High speed Internet connectivity.

C.

All involve a great leap in technology.

D.

High definition.

(5)

What's the purpose of writing this passage?

[  ]

A.

To inform you of ways to upgrade your house.

B.

To introduce the new technology.

C.

To inform you how to build up a digital centre.

D.

To introduce the new designs.

阅读理解

  You are not alone in feeling shy?although it may fee!that way sometimes.Shyness is difficult to define(定义), but certainly millions of people experience it ail around the world.Shyness seems to be a form of social anxiety, where a person may experience a range of feelings from mild anxiety in the presence of others to a severe anxiety disorder.

  The word "shy" can be used loosely in everyday conversation, and it's important to remember that people who may seem shy don't always have social problems.Everyone can be shy in certain situations they find uncomfortable.Also, some people are naturally quieter than others and prefer to Interact with small groups of people.Shyness isn't necessarily a problem, but it sounds as though it's become a problem for you.Regardless of whether you're loud or quiet, outgoing or reserved, you deserve to feel good about yourself.

  Since shyness is now being recognized as a real social problem, there is considerable research being conducted toward identifying ways to help shy people.Shyness clinics offer methods of treatment ranging from building social and cognitive(认知)skills, to techniques to reduce anxiety.You may always be a little shy, but with professional help, you can learn behavior that wi!l benefit your professional and personal life.

  Plenty of resources are available to help you get there.You might first try your school or neighborhood's Counseling(心理辅导)service.If you are at Columbia, you can call Counseling and Psychological Services(CPS)at 804-2878 for an appointment to begin short-term counseling.If you and your counselor feel that you need more time than what is offered by the university, he or she will refer you to a few doctors who are familiar with your type of problem.The Health Service Fee includes coverage for a part of the cost of off-campus treatment.In addition, the Comprehensive level of Columbia's Student Medical Insurance Plan offers additional coverage.You've taken a big step by asking this question.Keep in mind that counseling could be a helpful choice; and that if you're not sure how to start the conversation, your counselor will be able to begin the process.Lots of luck!

(1)

The underlined word ''severe" probably means ________.

[  ]

A.

sudden

B.

serious

C.

social

D.

lasting

(2)

The second paragraph suggests that ________.

[  ]

A.

Shy people have more social problems than others

B.

Shy people always feel uncomfortable

C.

Shy people need to interact with more people

D.

You don't have to look on shyness as a problem

(3)

The purpose of the passage is to ________.

[  ]

A.

analyze the real meaning of shyness

B.

encourage people to become more out-going

C.

give reply to a certain question

D.

explain the treatment of shyness

(4)

The text above is probably taken from ________.

[  ]

A.

a collection of letters

B.

a newspaper of interviews

C.

a book of diaries

D.

a magazine of reviews

阅读理解

  For those who are tired doing the laundry, Samsung has found an answer:a washing machine that can tell you when your laundry is done via a smartphone app(application).

  Strange though it may seem-“my wife already does that” was a common response among attendees viewing the device when it was introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show(CES)this week-Samsung is just one of many appliance makers racing to install(安装)a large number of internet-connected features in machines in an effort to make them “smart”.

  Last year, it was a refrigerator that tweeted.This year, it's Wi-Fi-enabled laundry machines and fridges that can tell you when your groceries are going bad.

  The washers and dryers, available starting in the spring, connect to any smartphone through a downloadable application.The phone can then be used as a remote control, so the machines can be turned on and off while their owners is at work or on the bus.

  Samsung says it's not just something new-the app connection actually has some practical uses.

  “If you started to dry clothes in the morning and forgot to take them out, you can go to your phone and restart your dryer for the time when come home, so your clothes are refreshed and ready to go,” said spokesperson Amy Schmidt.

  The company also says that with electricity rate(电价)varying depending on the time of day, more control over when the machines are used can help save money.

  Perhaps, but what they will probably really accomplish is what all good technologies do-enable laziness.Rather than getting up to check on whether the laundry is done, users will instead monitor it on their phones while watching TV.

(1)

What can be inferred from the common response of the attendees at the CES?

[  ]

A.

The machine will be a big success.

B.

their wives like doing the laundry.

C.

The machine is unrelated to their life.

D.

This kind of technology is familiar to them.

(2)

What can we learn about the new laundry machines?

[  ]

A.

They can tell you when your clothes need washing

B.

They can be controlled with a smartphone

C.

They are difficult to operate

D.

They are sold at a low price

(3)

We can conclude form Samsung's statements that ________.

[  ]

A.

the app connection makes life easier

B.

it is better to dry clothes in the morning

C.

smartphone can shorten the drying time

D.

we should refresh clothes back at home

(4)

What is the main idea of the last paragraph?

[  ]

A.

The laundry should be frequently checked

B.

Lazy people like using such machines

C.

Good technologies also cause problems

D.

Television may help do the laundry.

Directions:Read the passage carefully and answer the questions or complete the statements in no more than 12 words.

  The iPad is a tablet computer designed and developed by Apple.It is particularly marketed as a platform for audio and visual media such as books, periodicals, movies, music, and games, as well as web content.At about 700 grams(25 ounces), its size and weight are between those of most contemporary smart phones and laptop computers.Apple released the iPad in April 2010, and sold 3 million of the devices in 80 days.

  The iPad runs the same operating system as the earlier iPod Touch and iPhone.It can run its own applications as well as ones developed for the iPhone.Without modification, it will only run programs approved by Apple and distributed via its online store.

  Like iPhone and iPod Touch, the iPad is controlled by a multi-touch display ?a break from most previous tablet computers, which used a pressure-triggered stylus(尖笔).The iPad uses a Wi-Fi data connection to browse the Internet, load and stream media, and install software.Some models also have a 3G wireless data connection, The device is managed and synced(同步) by iTunes on a personal computer via USB cable.

  Media reaction to the device has generally been neutral or positive, with more positive reaction after the device was launched.

(Note:Answer the questions or complete the statements in NO MORE THAN 12 WORDS.)

1.The Marketing Strategy of iPad is to make it ________ for audio and visual media.

2.The programs approved by Apple can only be bought from ________.

3.How do people control some previous tablet computers?

4.What's the media reaction to the device prior to its launch?

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