In the past, American families tended to be quite large. Parents raising five or more children were common. Over the years, the size of the family has decreased.

One reason for this is an increase in the cost of living. On the average, children attend schools for more years than they used to, making them financially dependent on their families longer. Moreover, children nowadays are better dressed and have more money to spend on entertainment. The parents usually take the responsibility for all the expenses. Meanwhile, families are less close than they used to

be. More and more American mothers work away from home.

The break up of the family occurs when the parents divorce. A lot of children in the U. S. live part of their young lives with only one parent. Broken families usually result in problems for children and parents alike. Children blame themselves when their parents separate. They grow up feeling

unsettled as they are moved back and forth between parents. Usually one parent is responsible for raising the children. These single parents must care for the children’s emotional and psychological needs while also supporting them financially. This is very demanding and leaves very little time for the parent’s own personal interests. Single parents often marry other single parents. In this type of family, unrelated children are forced to develop brother or sister relationship.

The situations of many American families today are not good. However, recent signs indicate that things are getting better. The divorce rate is declining. The rate of childbirth is rising. Perhaps Americans have learned how important families are.

Title

The  _76_  of the structure of American families.

Introduction

Nowadays the size of the family has become   77  than in the past.

78  for     the situation

◆The cost of living increases because

☆The staying of the children at school is  79  .

☆children like to wear better clothes

☆children pay more money for  80  _.

◆More mothers go out for a job because they are also 81   for all the

family’s expenses.

◆The single-parent family increases because of parents’  82  , which

leads to many problems.

☆Children don’t feel   83  when they are brought up in broken

families

☆The parents have little time for his/her own interests because one

parent is too  84  taking care of children.

Conclusion

The situations of American families in the future may get better because

Americans have learned the   85  of families.

In one of the strongest indications of the power of the mind to influence the body a growing collection of evidence finds that people who are depressed (抑郁的) have a greatly higher risk of developing heart disease.

In a study of almost 3,000 men and 5,000 women, depressed men were 70 per cent more likely to develop heart disease than those who weren't depressed. While depressed women were just 12 per cent more likely to develop heart disease, those who were severely depressed were 78 per cent more likely.

In fact, a 1998 study found that women who are depressed have a risk of dying from heart disease equal to that of women who smoke or who have high blood pressure.

The link works the other way around, too: While about 1 in 20 American adults experience major depression in a given year, that number jumps to about one in three among those who have survived a heart attack.

The more severe the depression, the more dangerous it is to your health. But some studies suggest that even mild depression, including feelings of hopelessness experienced over many years, may damage the heart. Other studies suggest depression may affect how well heart disease medications work.

Researchers aren't sure what the connection between depression and heart disease is, but theories exist. One is that people who are depressed tend not to take very good care of themselves. They're more likely to eat high-fat, high-calorie "comfort" foods, less likely to exercise, and more likely to smoke. But beyond lifestyle, there is probably also a physiological link between depression and heart disease. Recent studies found that people with severe, depression tended to have a lack of heart-healthy 0-3

fatty acids. People who are depressed also often have high levels of stress hormones (荷尔蒙). These keep the body primed for fight or flight, raising blood pressure and causing the heart to beat faster, all of which put additional stress on coronary arteries (动脉) and prevent the body's natural healing

mechanisms from working properly.

A whole branch of medicine is devoted to the complex links between mental health, the nervous system, the hormone system and so on. This science is gradually sorting out how the mind-body connection affects us, or defenses against heart disease.

Generally, an estimated 10 per cent of American adults experience some form of depression every year. Although available treatments can ease symptoms(症状)in more than 80 per cent of people treated, less than half of those with depression get the help they need.

72. Which of the following can be the best title of the passage?

A. Depression -- Heart Disease Risk Factor

B. Heart Disease -- Health Killer

C. Depression -- Mental Health Enemy

D. Heart Disease – Depression Factor

73. Which statement is NOT true according to the passage?

A. With high blood pressure, depression is another potential risk to women's health.

B. Depression, which is mild, can possibly cause damage to your health.

C. Most people who experience depression get treated as they should be.

D. Depression may have some influence on the function of heart disease medication.

74. According to the passage, the possible connections between heart disease and depression are the following EXCEPT   

A. depressed ones tend to eat high-fat and high-calories foods, which leads to physical damage to heart

B. severe heart disease may cause people to feel hopeless and depressed

C. depression may result in the lack of some kind of acids, which probably affects the working of people's heart

D. people with depression often have a high level of stress hormones, maybe, which will put extra pressure on one s heart

75. We can infer from the passage that           .

A. more researches will be done to find the certain links between heart disease and depression

B. the percentage of adults with depression is higher than that of depressed adults with heart disease

C. one's lifestyle has relatively little relationship with one's mental health

D. those with depression have a higher risk of developing heart disease

The United States has around 475,000 school buses. Each day they carry more than 25 million children, half of all the schoolchildren in the country.

These buses, on average, use 4 liters of diesel (柴油) fuel to travel less than 16 kilometers. When the school year began last fall, diesel averaged 55 cents a liter nationally. The price nearly doubled by the end of school in June.

Bob Riley is the spokesman for the American School Bus Council. He says fuel prices negotiated (商议) for schools are not lower than others have to pay.

As a result, schools are looking for ways to reduce transportation costs. Bus routes are being redrawn or, in some cases, canceled. Some areas are buying buses that use natural gas or other alternative fuels.

Other steps include fewer field trips and less travel by sports teams. Some school districts may end any bus service not required by law.

Studies show that school buses are the safest form of transportation to and from school. The American School Bus Council says cuts in bus service are bad for children and possibly the environment. It says removing buses from the road will mean an increase in other vehicles transporting students. Spokesman Bob Riley says another concern is that reducing bus service might reduce attendance.

It could also get more children to walk or bicycle to school. That would surely make people happy at the National Center for Safe Routes to School. More kids walking or biking safely to school is the aim of a 3-year-old federal program, part of an international movement. The goal is to increase physical activity and reduce air pollution.

68. In the second paragraph, the author wants to prove that      .

A. too many schoolchildren take buses every day

B. the cost of fuel has increased

C. the school buses consume more fuel than average

D. the school buses usually go on long routes

69. In the third paragraph, what does Bob Riley mean'?

A. The fuel prices for school buses need to be negotiated again.

B. High fuel prices are also affecting the efficiency of their services. C. The fuel prices for school are much higher than others pay.

D. The American School Bus Council should work for students’ benefit.

70. What is the advantage of reducing school bus service according to the passage?

A. More fuel will be saved.

B. Students can go to school in a safer way.

C. Students can exercise by walking or riding to school. D. Traffic jams will be reduced during rush hour.

71. What is the sixth paragraph mainly about?

A. Bob Riley's concern about the results of reducing school buses. B. The convenience brought by school buses.

C. The bad effects of reducing school buses.

D. The studies about students' choices carried out by the American School Bus Council.

In modern society there is a great deal of argument about competition. Some value it highly, believing that it is responsible for social progress and prosperity. Others say that competition is bad; that it sets one person against another; that it leads to unfriendly relationship between people.

I have taught many children who held the belief that their self-worth relied on how well they performed at tennis and other skills. For them, playing well and winning are often life-and-death affairs. In their single-minded pursuit (追求) of success, the development of many other human qualities is sadly forgotten.

However, while some seem to be lost in the desire to succeed, others take an opposite attitude. In a culture which values only the winner and pays no attention to the ordinary players, they strongly blame competition. Among the most vocal are youngsters who have suffered under competitive pressures from their parents or society. Teaching these young people, I often observe in them a desire to fail. They seem to seek failure by not trying to win or achieve success. By not trying, they always have an excuse: “I may have lost, but it doesn’t matter because I really didn't try. ” What is not usually admitted by themselves is the belief that if they had really tried and lost, that would mean a lot. Such a loss would be a measure of their worth. Clearly, this belief is the same as that of the true competitors who try to prove themselves. Both are based on the mistaken belief that one's self-respect relies on how well one performs in comparison with others. Both are afraid of not being valued. Only as this basic and often troublesome fear begins to relieve, can we discover a new meaning in competition.

64. What does this passage mainly talk about?

A. Competition helps to set up self-respect.

B. Opinions about competition are different among people.

C. Competition is harmful to personal quality development.

D. Failures are necessary experiences in competition.

65. The underlined phrase "the most vocal" in Paragraph 3 means        _.

A. those who try their best to win

B. those who value competition most highly

C. those who are against competition most strongly

D. those who rely on others most for success

66. What is the similar belief of the true competitors and those with a "desire to fail" ?

A. One's worth lies in his performance compared with others.

B. One's success in competition needs great efforts.

C. One's achievement is determined by his particular skills.

D. One's success is based on how hard he has tried.

67. Which point of view may the author agree to?

A. Every effort should be paid back.

B. Competition should be encouraged.

C. Winning should be a life-and-death matter.

D. Fear of failure should be removed in competition.

Eight Days from just ?299

Departs May—October 2005

Includes:

?   Return flights from 8 UK airports to Naples

?   Return airport to hotel transport

?   Seven nights' accommodation 3* Hotel Nice

?   The services of guides

?   Government taxes

Join us for a wonderful holiday in one of Europe's most wonderful comers. Long a favourite with holiday-makers--indeed the ancient Romans called the area "happy land" — this simply attractive coastline of colorful towns, splendid views and the warm    Mediterranean Sea is a perfect choice for a truly memorable holiday!

Choose between the peaceful traditional village of Sant' Agata, set on a hillside six miles fromSorrento, or the more lively and well-known international resort(旅游胜地) town of Sorrento, with wonderful views over the Bay of Naples.

Breathtaking scenery and famous sights everywhere. From the legendary Isle of Capri to the haunting ruins of Pompeii, and from the unforgettable "Amalfi Drive" to the delightful resorts of Positsno, Sorrento and Ravello, the area is a feast for the eyes! Should you choose to join us, we know that you will not be disappointed!

With a choice of hotels, and optional excursions(可选择的旅游线路) including Capri, Pompeii and the "Amalfi Drive", this is a truly unmissable holiday.

* Price based on two tourists sharing a twin/double room at the Hotel Nice.

Like to know more? Then telephone Newmarket Air Holidays Ltd on: 0845-226-7766 (All calls charged at local rates).

60. All the following are included in the price of ?299 EXCEPT       _.

A. transport between the airport and the hotel

B. telephone calls made by tourists

C. the services of guides to tourists

D. double rooms for every two tourists

61. What is the purpose of the passage?

A. To invite people to take a breath in the Bay of Naples.

B. To advise people to telephone Newmarket Air holidays Ltd.

C. To persuade people to tour in the area of the Mediterranean Sea.

D. To attract people to go to Sant’ Agata or Sorrento for sightseeing.

62. The underlined part "the area is a feast for the eyes" in the passage means        _.

A. the area is pleasing to the eye

B. the area is really unforgettable

C. the area catches the tourists' eye

D. the area is crowded with tourists

63. After reading the ad, one will probably join in the tour because       .

A. the sights are attractive and the tour starts in May or October

B. the price is low for those intending to stay at the 3* Hotel Nice

C. the price offered is reasonable and the sights are beautiful

D. good services are offered to those intending to stay in double rooms

The Vienna-based researchers showed that dogs doing a simple task when not rewarded if another dog, which continues to be rewarded, is present.

The experiment consisted of taking pairs of dogs ting(发叮当声) them to present a paw for areward. On giving the “handshake" the dogs received a piece of food. One of the dogs was then asked to shake hands, but received no food. The other dog continued to get the food when it was asked to perform.

The dog without the reward quickly stopped doing the task, and showed signs of anger or stresswhen its partner was rewarded.

To make sure that the experiment was really showing the interaction between the dogs rather than just the annoyance of not being rewarded, a similar experiment was conducted where the dogs performed the task without the partner. Here continued to present the paw for much longer.

Dr. Frederike Range from the University of Vienna says this shows that it was the presence of the rewarded partner that was the greater influence on their behavior.

“The only difference is that one gets food and the other doesn't. They are responding to being unequally rewarded. ” she says.

The researchers say this kind of behavior, where one animal gets annoyed with what is happening with another, has only been observed in primates (灵长类) before.

Studies with various types of monkeys and chimpanzees show they react not only to seeing their partners receiving; rewards when they are not, but also to the type of reward.

The dog study also looked at whether the type of reward made a difference. Dogs were given either bread or sausage, but seemed to react equally to either. Dr. Range says this may be because they have been trained.

56. The dogs refused to give the paw when they _     .

A. found another dog was given nothing        B. felt they were not treated equally

C. were aware they received less food          D. were given too much reward

57. What would a dog do if it presented its paw alone?

A. It would go on with the performance much longer.

B. It would be too shy to present its paw.

C. It would miss its partner.

D. It would compare what it got with that of another.

58. According to the passage, compared with dogs, monkeys and chimpanzees _     .

A. pay no attention to the type of reward        

B. only like to play interesting games

C. pay attention to the type of reward as well as whether they are rewarded

D. care more about how they are rewarded

59. Which of the following can best summarize the passage?

A. Animals' various ways to show anger         

B. Dogs are more envious than man

C. Most animals want to be rewarded for their work

D. Animals also have a sense of fairness

When high school started, Becky and I became best friends. We      36     many interests and quickly became inseparable. When high school ended, we  both cried    37 colleges in the fall.we would attend different

Our first term of university life was      38     . We had a huge telephone bill and our e-mails were incredibly long. In the second term I found some new friends with whom I felt very      39     . These were friends with whom I could be myself and      40     out my feelings. I was eager to share my new friends with Becky.

When Becky finally visited me at my school, we were excited. She      41     a toy bear to me as a present and told me about her college life. However, something unexpected happened when I      42     her to my new friends. Her eyes grew dark and I could see the      43     within them. My new friends tried to share their friendship, but Becky seemed      44     to accept it. I didn’t understand      45     the people I loved most couldn’t love each other.

Becky left. I knew she was not happy. I thought long about what had happened. After many unanswered questions, I understood that she was a little      46     . She saw me with my new friends and    47     that we no longer shared the same experiences. She saw all the fun I was having __48     her and wished she could be a part of it. She wished she could be in their      49     .

I wrote a letter to Becky      50__ she’s always my best friend. I told her everyone had friends from home and friends from school, and all the friends were indeed life’s greatest      51    . Becky wrote me back soon. She was in     52     and felt sorry about what she had done.

I think Becky and I both learn an important lesson from it.      53     can influence our friendship and change the experiences we’ve shared. We are now walking on two different paths of      54     . While new friends are special and exciting, old friends are always there,      55     to share their heart and soul, no matter how far apart.

36. A. showed             B. shared                  C. protected              D. developed

37. A. although            B. unless                  C. because                D. while

38. A. hard                  B. peaceful               C. modern                 D. normal

39. A. anxious             B. strange                 C. familiar                 D. comfortable

40. A. pour                  B. make                    C. figure                   D. hold

41. A. donated             B. returned               C. brought                D. recommended

42. A. admitted            B. referred                C. mentioned             D. introduced

43. A. concern             B. hurt                     C. curiosity               D. doubt

44. A. unwilling           B. cautious               C. ashamed               D. calm

45. A. how                  B. whether                C. that                      D. why

46. A. stubborn            B. annoyed               C. proud                   D. discouraged

47. A. promised           B. argued                  C. regretted               D. proved

48. A. without             B. from                    C. for                       D. across

49. A. expectation        B. relation                 C. reception              D. position

50. A. recognizing        B. explaining             C. assuming              D. predicting

51. A. achievement       B. spirit                    C. gift                       D. sign

52. A. sympathy          B. confusion             C. surprise                D. agreement

53. A. Something         B. Anything               C. Nothing                D. Everything

54. A. success             B. life                       C. research               D. happiness

55. A. waiting              B. planning               C. choosing               D. demanding

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