Question

   You either have it,or you don't — a sense of direction. But why is it that some people can find their way across the Sahara without a map while others can lose themselves in the next street?

   Scientists say we’re all bom with a sense of direction,bu彳 it is not properly understood how it works. One theory is tha people with a good sense of direction have simply workec harder at developing it. Research being carried out at Liverpoo University supports this idea and suggests that if we don't use it,we lose it.

   "Children as young as seven have the ability to find theii way around," says Jim Maryland,research director of the project. " However,if they are not allowed to go out alone or are taken everywhere by car,they never develop the skills. "

    Jim Maryland also emphasizes that young people should b"( taught certain skills to improve their sense of direction. He makes the following suggestions：

   If you are using a map,turn it so that it relates to the wa] you are facing.

    If you leave your bike in a strange place,put it nea: something like a big stone or a tree — something easy t ( recognize. Note landmarks on the route as you go away fron your bike. When you return,go back along the same route.

   Simplify (简化) the way of finding your direction by usir^ lines such as streets in a town,streams,or wells in th ( countryside to guide you. Count your steps so that you knov how far you have gone and note any landmarks such as towe: blocks or hills which can help to find out where you are.

   Now you will never get lost again!

52. Children have the ability to find the way around when the are years old.

   A. 5   B. 6   C. 7   D. 8

53. What does the underlined word " emphasizes" mean in the passage?

   A. To give special importance to something.

   B. To express thanks for somebody.

   C. To understand or become aware of a fact.

   D. To admire somebody.

54. Scientists believe that .

   A. some babies are bom with a sense of direction

   B. people learn a sense of direction as they grow older

   C. people never lose their sense of direction

   D. everybody has a sense of direction from birth

55. What may be the best title of the passage?

   A. A research on direction

   B. A sense of direction

   C. People's ability of finding the way

   D. Scientists’ research on skills

Answer 1

52. C 53. A 54. D 55. B

[阅读D篇短文大意]文章讲述了人的方向感问题，对如何提高方向感提出了三点建议。

52. C 由第三段中的"Children as young as seven have the ability to find their way around"町知，当孩子们在七岁时，他们有能力找到周围的路。

53. A结合上下文可知emphasizes意为”强调"，相当于” To give special importance to something"。

54. D 由第二段的第一句"Scientists say we’re all bom with a sense of direction,but it is not properly understood how it works" 知，科学家们认为每个人天生具有方向感。

55. B通读全文可知，文章主要是关于人的方向感的介绍。最佳标题为” A sense of direction"。