We can achieve knowledge either actively or passively(被动地). We achieve it actively by direct experience, by testing and proving an idea, or by reasoning.

We achieve knowledge passively by being told by someone else. Most of the learning that takes place in the classroom and the kind that happens when we watch TV or read newspapers or magazines is passive. Conditioned as we are to passive learning, it’s not surprising that we depend on it in our everyday communication with friends and co-workers.

Unfortunately, passive learning has a serious problem. It makes us tend to accept what we are told even when it is little more than hearsay and rumor(谣言).

Did you ever play the game Rumor? It begins when one person writes down a message but doesn’t show it to anyone. Then the person whispers it, word for word, to another person. That person, in turn, whispers it to still another, and so on, through all the people playing the game. The last person writes down the message word for word as he or she hears it. Then the two written statements are compared. Typically, the original message has changed.

That’s what happens in daily life. The simple fact that people repeat a story in their own words changes the story. Then, too, most people listen imperfectly. And many enjoy adding their own creative touch to a story, trying to improve on it, stamping(打上标记)it with their own personal style. Yet those who hear it think they know.

This process is also found among scholars and authors: A statement of opinion by one writer may be re-stated as fact by another, who may in turn be quoted by yet another; and this process may continue, unless it occurs to someone to question the facts on which the original writer based his opinion or to challenge the interpretation he placed upon those facts.

48. According to the passage, passive learning may occur in _______.

   A. doing a medical experiment

   B. solving a math problem

   C. visiting an exhibition

   D. doing scientific reasoning

49. The underlined word “it” in Paragraph 2 refers to _____.

   A. active learning

   B. knowledge

   C. communication

   D. passive learning

50. The author mentions the game Rumor to show that _____.

   A. a message may be changed when being passed on

   B. a message should be delivered in different ways

   C. people may have problems with their sense of hearing

   D. people tend not to believe in what they know as rumor

51. What can we infer from the passage?

   A. Active learning is less important.

   B. Passive learning may not be reliable.

   C. Active learning occurs more frequently.

   D. Passive learning is not found among scholars.

 You’ve bought what you need. The grocery cashier asks, “Will that be paper or plastic? You reply “Plastic, please.”

This seems like a simple question and there are plenty of reasons we choose plastic: easier to carry, lighter than paper bags, possibly less damaging to the environment, less expensive to the shop owners, able to be used as trash bag, and so on. There are different opinions on plastic and paper. Now let’s follow the travels of 3 plastic bags. It begins at the grocery store with the customer’s choice.

Plastic Bag 1: As the waste engineer come by and pick up the trash, the first plastic bag falls out. It sits on a small street for a couple of hours until a car comes along and takes it down to the road. Then a gust of wind blows it across the road, then another car, then another gust of wind finally makes its way to the beach. Water fills the plastic bag and makes it look like a jellyfish. A seal(海豹) swims by, thinking it looks very interesting, and swallowed it. The plastic bag may stay in the seal’s stomach for months, maybe years. You see, our lovely animals have been living thousands of years in a world where everything can be eaten.

Plastic Bag 2: This bag does make its way to landfill(垃圾场). Before they have a chance to cover up the thousands of pounds of daily waste, a strong wind comes up and blows these plastic bags out of the landfill. Once the wind stops, workers will be sent to collect thousands of bags around. But they can’t possibly get them all. So our little bag continues his adventure getting caught in trees, eaten by birds or making its way to our lakes or rivers.

Plastic Bag 3: The last bag also blows away but is caught in a landfill where it sits for many years, as all the trash is wrapped in a big plastic bag, making natural degradation(降解) impossible. Although workers do much work to make sure water and air system won’t be polluted, some do. Guess what, plastic bags are made from petrol, a harmful waste material, which in one way or another makes its way to the environment.

Another problem with putting plastic bags in out trash is that our landfills for most cities may be filled in about 20 years. More importantly, since we are running out of land to build homes, you might have the pleasure of one day living on top of your plastic bags!

One of the best suggestions is not to use a bag at all or bring your own cloth bags. If you must, please choose paper bags, which, though not suggested, can be eaten by animals. And there are more opportunities recycle paper bags. It does take a little extra effort. But please have a thought about the little seal next time you say, “Plastic please.”   

1.According to the passage, what is NOT the reason for a customer to choose plastic bags?

A. He can use plastic bags to carry trash later.

B. He finds paper bags heavier than plastic bags.

C. He finds plastic bags more convenient to carry.

D. He can save money for plastic bags are cheaper.

2.The author describes the travel of Plastic Bag 1 to show ______.

A. seals like eating plastic bags around them.

B. seals really have a good stomach.

C. seals are potential victims of plastic bags.

D. seals are not able to differ plastic from food.

3.Wrapped in a big plastic bag, Plastic Bag3_____.

A. still does harm to the environment

B. can hardly be harmful to the environment

C. is much safer than Plastic Bag2

D. will end up being eaten by seals or some fish

4.What will the following part of this passage talk about?

A. Suggestions on reducing harm of plastic bags.

B. Disadvantages of using too many plastic bags.

C. Persuading people into using paper bags.

D. Other potential victims of plastic bags.

5.What is the overall tone of this passage?

A. Excited    B. Serious    C. Ironical   D. Casual

 

2011 TEEN TRIP TO THE LELAND HIGH SNOW PLAY

For Teens Currently in 6th to 12th Grades

LELAND HIGH SNOW PLAY -- Class # 8389

Saturday, February 12, 2011

8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Meet at THE UNDERGROUND (Veteran's Building -- 2203 Central Avenue)

Cost per person: $50 ($60 after January 22, 2011) Includes Lunch, Admission and Transportation

With a 4,000 sq. Ft. day-use lodge, the Leland High Snow Play has a huge supply of tubes to choose from, along with awesome tows (拖车) that will tow you up to the top of the hill! Our varied terrains (地形) have something for everyone, while the lodge provides a snack bar, video games, pool tables, five indoor rest rooms, a warm fire, and a sun deck with plenty of tables and chairs overlooking the play area outside. ADDITIONAL LIABILITY FORM REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP.

Be sure to bring warm clothing and prepare for the cold, but dress in layers in case it warms up. Wear dry boots, socks, and sunscreen. If possible, bring a mobile phone in case of emergency, as well as money for snacks and a light dinner: or bring your own food and drinks.

Meet at The Underground (Veteran's Building -- 2203 Central Avenue) -- don't be late!

Do not bring electronic or fragile items during the trip. The ARPD is not responsible for your personal belongings or money. REFUNDS ARE ISSUED ONLY IF THE ARPD CANCELS THIS TRIP DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Click here to download "2011 Leland High Snow Play" flyers and the registration form (PDF, 261KB)

Click here to download "Leland High Snow Play Liability Form" (PDF, 14KB)

1. You may register in person, or mail the completed form to Leland High Snow Play, Inc.

Send the liability form and payment to the ARPD Office, 2226 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, 94501.

2. Faxed registration and liability forms accepted with MasterCard/VISA, (510) 747--7566.

3. Online registrations available at www.arpdeplay.com. Make sure you bring your completed liability form on the trip.

1.The purpose of the text is to ________.

A.explain the details of a school activity

B.introduce a famous tour agency

C.urge teenagers to climb a snowy mountain

D.advertise a trip to the Leland High Snow Play

2.People who want to take part in the activity need to ________.

A.pay for dinner themselves                B.climb the hill themselves

C.wear hats to protect themselves from the sun  D.pay for tows individually

3.From the text we can infer that ________.

A.the weather at the hill is changeable

B.the activity is very dangerous

C.12-year-old children are not allowed on the trip

D.the trip will involve outdoor activities only.

4.To save money people should ________.

A.climb the hills instead of taking tows

B.bring extra clothing

C.register for the activity before January 22

D.register on the Internet after January 22

 

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