Rivers are one of our most important natural resources. Many of the world’s great cities are located on rivers, and almost __1_______ country has at least one river __2_______(flow) through it that plays __3________ important part in the lives of its people.

Since the beginning of history, people _4______________ (use) rivers for transportation. The longest one in the United States is the Mississippi, and the lifeline of Egypt is the Nile. __5_____________ transportation, rivers give water to drink, water for crops, and chances for fun and recreation （消遣，娱乐活动）for the people __6________________ live along their banks.

However, large cities and industries that are located on rivers often make problems. As the cities grow __7____________ size and industries increase in number, the water in the rivers becomes __8_____________ (pollute) with chemicals and other materials. People come to kwon the __9_____________ (important) of doing more to keep their rivers clean __10_____________ they want to enjoy the benefits of this natural resource.    

No one was sure exactly__________ he wanted

When a friend is sad about a tragedy(悲剧)，it’s hard to know how to comfort(安慰) him/ her. But the worst thing you can do is say nothing. It could mean that you don’t care. You don’t have to say much.. A single supportive phrase doesn’t require absolutely perfect words to break the ice. Here are some conversation starters when life difficult situations have your tongue tied.

1. A friend loses his baby.

Don’t say: “Don’t worry. You’re so young. You’ll have another baby.” Do say: “ I’m so sorry. I can’t begin to imagine what you are going through, but if you want to talk about it, call me anytime.”

2. A guy deserts（抛弃）your friend.

Don’t say: “I never liked that rat bastard (坏蛋) anyway!” ( If the couple winds up reconciling (和解)， you could end up losing your friend.) Do say: “Breaking up is always hard to deal with, but I’m here for you, whatever you need.”

3. A friend has a death in the family.

Don’t say: “It’s God’s will.” or “I know exactly how you feel.” Do say: “I’m sorry about your loss. What can I do to help?”

4. A friend loses a job suddenly.

Don’t say: “Work is always boring. Those bosses didn’t suit you!” Do say: “I’m sorry for that, but I know there’s an even better job waiting for you there. Let’s think about possibilities.”

5. Someone’s pet dies.

Don’t say: “Gee! It was only a cat!” or “My roommate doesn’t like her dog and she is getting rid of her dog. Do you want it?” Do say: “I’m sorry, she was such a great cat. How long did you have it?”

1.Which of the following has the same meaning as the underlined part “have your tongue tied”?

2.As a whole, what’s the suitable way to comfort your friend troubled with a tragedy?

3.Though your friend is deserted, you’d better not say dirty words about her/ his friend because _______________________ .

4.Which of the following might be suitable words when your friend’s dog dies?

C

Conjoined twins lead separate but active lives.

Lori and Reba have never been alone and they want to keep it that way.

The 40-year-old conjoined twins in Pennsylvania,US,have read about others locked together by an accident of birth who have been medically separated.But they insist only death can part them.

“We’ve never imagined a life divided,”Lori said.

Lori and Reba are joined together at the side of their heads,facing in opposite directions.Their blood supply is partly linked,but each has a separate brain.

Reba suffers from a disease which has left her completely dependent on her sister.

Lori wheels her everywhere they go in different professional directions.Lori worked in a laundry room at a hospital for six years before giving that up to allow Reba to try to become a country singer.

Her first song is called “The Fear of Being Alone”,which was inspired by Reba and Lori’s desire for togetherness.

Reba’s career has taken her across the United States,Europe and parts of Asia.

While the twins receive some money from the government,the earning from Reba’s concerts go to AIDS and cancer charities(慈善机构).

The sisters have set goals for themselves.Reba looks forward to a successful career as a country singer,while Lori says she hopes to get married and have children.Lori said,”So when it comes,it comes.Meanwhile,I live wonderfully from day to day.”

46.When Lori said “We’ve never imagined a life divided”,she meant that      .

A.they don’t wish to be made separate        

B.they think their case is beyond medical help

C.independent life would be too good to think of 

D.they would die once separated

47.By leading separate lives,the topic means that       .

A.either of the two can look after herself   B.the twins do different things

C.they face in opposite directions         D.they are no longer conjoined now

48.When Reba gives performances as a country singer,Lori       .

A.works in a hospital                   B.continues her college education

C.brings up her children      D.looks after her sister

49.The twins lead active lives because they       .

A.are tired of staying at home doing nothing 

B.need more money  

C.want to prove themselves as useful citizens

D.have to earn their own bread

50.From the last paragraph we can understand that Lori       .

A.thinks it’s too late for her to have children 

B.is sure she’ll get married and have children

C.prefers to have things go naturally     

D.would rather not change her way of life

_______ makes a scientific achievement important?