52. In the second paragraph, the writer mentions “exercise” in order to_____________.

A. say language is also a kind of physical labor　

B. prove that one needs more practice when he (she) is learning a language　

C. to show the importance of using the language when you learn the language　

D. make people believe language learning helps grey matter work well　

51. The main subject talked about in this passage is_____________.　

A. science on learning a second language　　　

B. man's ability of learning a second language　

C. language can help brain power　　　　　　

D. language learning and maths study　

50.B。推理判断题。根据第一自然段中的…that it will bring us some way nearer to “equality of 　 opportunity”.这一分句时态用的是将来时可推知。

C(words:325&269)

If English means endless new words, difficult grammar and sometimes strange pronunciation, you are wrong. Haven’t you noticed that you have become smarter since you started to learn a language?

According to a new study by a British university, learning a second language can lead to an increase in your brain power. Researchers found that learning other languages changes grey matter. This is the area of the brain which processes information. It is similar to the way that exercise builds muscles.

The study also found the effect is greater, the younger people learn a second language.

A team led by Dr Andrea Mechelli, from University College London, took a group of Britons who only spoke English. They were compared with a group of “early bilinguals” who had learnt a second language before the age of five, as well as a number of later learners.

Scans showed that grey matter density(密度)in the brain was greater in bilinguals than in people without a second language. But the longer a person waited before mastering a new language, the smaller the difference.______

“Our findings suggest that the structure of the brain is changed by the experience of learning a second language,” said the scientists.

It means that the change itself increases the ability to learn.

Professor Dylan Vaughan Jones of the University of Wales, has researched the link between bilingualism and maths skills. “Having two languages gives you two windows on the world and makes the brain more flexible(灵活的),”he said. “You are actually going beyond language and have a better understanding of different ideas.”

The findings were matched in a study of native Italian speakers who had learned English as a second language between the ages of two and 34.Reading, writing, and comprehension were all tested. The results showed that the younger they started to learn, the better. “Studying a language means you get an entrance to another world,” explained the scientists.　

49.B。推理判断题。　　 根据最后一自然段“Their parents often need the extra money another

　　 money-earner would bring in”可推知。

48.A。细节理解题。根据自然第四自然段的“One study of 5000 children from birth to 21 years

　　 old shows that up to half the bright pupils from working class homes left school when they

　　 reached 16 years old.”可知。

47.C。细节理解题。根据第二自然段“It would be good to think that no one who is really bright

　　 can be missed out when the state system is obviously so complete.” 可知。

46.B。细节理解题。根据第一自然段可知ROSLA将给我们平等机会的可能。

50. This article shows that equal opportunity in education _____________.　

A. is a thing of the past　　　　　　　　

B. has not yet been achieved　

C. is there for those who deserve it　　　

D. has greatly improved our society

[答案与解析]　 46-50 BCABB

本文提及到我们还没有获得平等的教育机会，但ROSLA将给我们平等机会的可能。

49. Many children leave school early because _____________.　

A. their social background makes them unhappy　

B. they have to give something to their family’s income　

C. their school is a dull and unhappy place　

D. their parents don’t allow them to make their own decisions　

48. Working class children are thought to be at a disadvantage because _____________.

A. many of the clever ones leave school early　

B. fewer go to university than ever before　

C. more than half leave school when they are 16　

D. fewer boys than girls stay at school after 16