—I’m afraid you missed a fantastic lecture yesterday. How come you were absent from it?

—If you _______ know, I asked for a day off and visited a relative of mine in hospital.

A. might B. may C. shall D. must

—Don’t be a slave to work, Ralph! You must take it easy sometimes.

—I can’t help it._________.

A. Easier said than done B. Nothing is easier than fault-finding

C. Easy come, easy go D. Easy does it

My brother and I were in Orlando Florida to witness our first Space Shuttle Launch. The Discovery was to soar at 10:14 AM on a blue sky September day. I’d seen it so many times on television, now I was only minutes away from seeing it launch. And it’s the final demonstration of the of success: Success Takes Off Like a Rocket.

Witnessing the Take Off:

Standing close to the Space Shuttle home one unforgettable point—the Shuttle is the height of a 15-story building—it 4.5 million pounds—and NASA is trying to lift it 200 miles off the ground. On TV the accomplishments look so much , so much easier.

Crowds of people are standing around with you to watch the Shuttle go. The countdown begins through the small of hundreds of portable radios all tuned to the NASA station. It’s enough to get your heart beating .

When time is up, the side booster rockets are lit up and the eight explosive bolts . The first things you see are large white clouds exploding away. Through the steam, you see the fire power. Then the Space Shuttle begins to inch off the pad and climb its way . Thousands upon millions of pounds of can hardly lift the shuttle at all. But with ever increasing ease, the shuttle picks up and roars into the sky, headed into space attaining a of over 17,000 mph.

It is within the first two minutes to launch the Space Shuttle that the great success lesson is . Fact: 85% of the shuttle’s fuel is consumed within the first 2 minutes just to get the 15-story super structure to its orbital .

And that’s exactly how success : The first steps you take towards launching a successful career are the and will require an enormous consumption of energy—a great big push. However, you persist through the launch period, which can seem almost for quite some time, everything gets easier and easier and your results get bigger and bigger.

1.A. advisedB. hopedC. scheduledD. reminded

2.A. rise upB. come upC. step upD. go up

3.A. butB. andC. asD. therefore

4.A. universeB. worldC. natureD. air

5.A. getsB. drivesC. runsD. jumps

6.A. costsB. weighsC. measuresD. sells

7.A. smallerB. greaterC. biggerD. smoother

8.A. rocketsB. workersC. speakersD. actors

9.A. off your mouthB. out of your stomachC. off your mindD. out of your chest

10.A. blowB. followC. glowD. flow

11.A. gasB. smokeC. mistD. steam

12.A. downwardB. upwardC. forwardD. outward

13.A. pullB. liftC. pushD. pressure

14.A. distanceB. degreeC. heightD. speed

15.A. ordinaryB. absoluteC. apparentD. present

16.A. attitudeB. altitudeC. routeD. rail

17.A. puts offB. pays offC. takes offD. drops off

18.A. hardestB. easiestC. simplestD. biggest

19.A. whileB. ifC. unlessD. until

20.A. uselessB. carelessC. wirelessD. priceless

The slavery drama “12 Years a Slave” won the Academy Award for best picture on Sunday, making history as the first movie from a black director to win the film industry’s highest honor in 86 years of the Oscars. British director Steve McQueen’s brave portrayal of pre-Civil War American slavery won two other Oscars, including best supporting actress for newcomer Lupita Nyong’o and best adapted screenplay based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, a free man tricked and sold into slavery in Louisiana. “Everyone deserves not just to survive but to live. This is the most important legacy of Solomon Northup,” said McQueen in his acceptance speech.

“12 Years a Slave” was better over space thriller “Gravity” from Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron, which nevertheless got the most Oscars of the night with seven, including the best director honor for Cuaron, a first for a Latin American director.The film starring Sandra Bullock as an astronaut lost in space swept the technical awards like visual effects and cinematography, a reward for its groundbreaking work on conveying space and weightlessness. Referring to the “transformative” experience he and others undertook in the four-plus years spent making “Gravity”, Cuaron, whose hair is graying, said, “For a lot of these people, that transformation was wisdom. For me, it was just the color of my hair.”
In one of the strongest years for film in recent memory, the 6,000-plus voters of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences scattered golden Oscar statuettes among the many acclaimed movies in contention.

It was a good night for the scrappy, low-budget film “Dallas Buyers Club”, directed by Jean-Marc Vallee, a biopic of an early AIDS activist two decades in the making that won three Oscars, including the two male acting awards.

Matthew McConaughey, in a validation of a remarkable career turnaround, won best actor for his portrayal of the homophobe who turned AIDS victim and then turned treatment crusader Ron Woodroof, a role for which he lost 50 pounds (23 kg). His co-star, Jared Leto, won best supporting actor for his role as Woodroof’s unlikely business partner, the transgender woman Rayon, for which he also slimmed down drastically.

Australia’s Cate Blanchett won the best actress Oscar for her acclaimed role as the socialite unhinged by her husband’s financial crimes in Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine.” “As random and subjective as this award is, it means a great deal in a year of, yet again, extraordinary performances by women,” said Blanchett, who beat out previous Oscar winners Bullock, Amy Adams, Judi Dench and Meryl Streep.

1.The film which won the largest number of Oscar awards this year is ______.

A. 12 Years a SlaveB. Gravity

C. Dallas Buyers ClubD. Blue Jasmine

2.Which director spent the least money in making the film?

A. Steve McQueen.B. Alfonso Cuaron.

C. Jean-Marc Vallee.D. Woody Allen.

3.How many Oscar best actresses are mentioned in this passage?

A. One.B. Three.C. Five.D. Six.

4.Which of the following statements is WRONG?

A. “12 Years a Slave” won two Oscar awards altogether.

B. The director of “Gravity” is from Latin America.

C. The character Rayon is played by Jared Leto.

D. The woman film star Cate Blanchett comes from Oceania.

1.Which of the following is true according to the passage?

A. You can tour individually without a tourist guide by glass boat.

B. The Gardener of Hope will remind us of the relationship with nature.

C. Bottled messages are filled with live coral cuttings for future generations.

D. Man on Fire can educate us to protect the limited natural resources.

2.Which sculptures are installed in the same area?

A. Man on Fire & The Silent Evolution

B. The Archive of Lost Dreams & Man on Fire

C. The Gardener of Hope & The Silent Evolution

D. The Archive of Lost Dreams & The Gardener of Hope

3.The writer introduces the sculptures to _______.

A. defend Mexican Tourism Industry

B. call on us to go on a tour to Aquaworld

C. appeal to readers to protect Marine Life

D. attract tourists to the Underwater Museum

DNA left at a crime scene could be used in the future to build up a picture of an offender’s face, it was revealed tonight.

A first step towards genetic mugshots has been taken by researchers in the US who link specific DNA markers with face shape. To identify the genes, they focused on known mutations(突变) that cause changes of the face and head. Normal versions of these genes were found to influence individual features. For instance, one gene affected the lips, another the shape and configuration of bones around the eyes, and a third the appearance of the mid-face and skull. In total, 20 genes had “significant effects” on facial appearance.

Lead scientist Professor Mark Shriver, from Pennsylvania State University, said: “We use DNA to match to an individual or identify an individual, but you can get so much more from DNA. Currently we can’t go from DNA to a face, or from a face to DNA, but it should be possible.” The implications are far reaching, raising the possibility of creating a data bank of facial types based on genetic markers. DNA from a crime scene could then be used to produce a rough image of the face of an offender or victim. Such genetic mugshots may be more reliable than computer-generated “e-fits” based on witnesses’ recollections. Other uses of the technique might include proving the identity of fathers in paternity cases, or visualising our remote ancestors from fossil DNA.

The scientists wrote in the online journal Public Library of Science Genetics: “Such predictive modelling could be forensically useful; for example, DNA left at crime scenes could be tested and faces predicted in order to help to narrow the pool of potential suspects. Further, our methods could be used to predict the facial features of descendants, deceased ancestors, and even extinct human species. In addition, these methods could prove to be useful diagnostic tools.” The team developed a model which first established a range of physical face shapes from people of mixed West African and European ancestry from the US, Brazil and Cape Verde. Measurements were taken of thousands of point co-ordinates on grids placed over 3D images of the faces.

Statistical methods were then used to determine the relationship between facial differences and the effects of gender, ethnic ancestry and individual gene variants.

1.The underlined word “mugshots” in the second paragraph most probably means _________.

A. different facesB. characteristicsC. pictures of faces D. genders

2.What can be inferred from the passage?

A. DNA has been used to build up a picture of an offender’s face.

B. It may be much easier to catch criminals with the help of DNA.

C. In all, 20 genes had “significant effects” on facial appearance.

D. One gene can affect more than one part of your face.

3.According to Professor Mark Shriver, we know_________.

A. they can merely match to an individual or identify an individual

B. there is a possibility of going from DNA to a face

C. DNA could be used to produce a rough image of an offender’s face

D. this technology is more reliable than computer-generated “e-fits”

4.What is the most possible title of the passage?

A. Creating a data bank of DNA

B. Recognizing the DNA of criminals

C. Predicting the location of offence using DNA

D. Building image of offender’s face from DNA

British writer John Bunyan was born at Elstow, Bedfordshire, England, in November, 1628. His father was a maker and mender of pots and kettles, and the son followed the same trade. Though he is usually called a tinker, Bunyan had a settled home and place of business. He had little schooling, and he describes his early surroundings as poor and mean. He became much interested in religions, but it was only after a tremendous spiritual conflict, lasting three or four years, that he found peace. His struggles are related with extraordinary vividness and intensity in his “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners.” His writing began with a controversy against the Quakers (教友派), and shows from the first the command of a homely but vigorous style.

Like most working men at the time, Bunyan had a deep hatred for the corrupted, hypocritical rich who accumulated their wealth “by hook and by crook.” As a stout Puritan(清教徒), he had made a conscientious study of the Bible and firmly believed in salvation (拯救) through spiritual struggle.

Bunyan’s style was modeled after that of the English Bible. With his concrete and living language and carefully observed and vividly presented details, he made it possible for the reader of the least education to share the pleasure of reading his novel and to relive the experience of his characters.

Bunyan’s works include Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (1666), The Life and Death of Mr. Badman (1680), The Holy War (1682) and The Pilgrim’s Progress (1684).

The Pilgrim’s Progress is the most successful religious allegory (寓言) in the English language. Its purpose is to urge people to observe Christian doctrines and seek salvation through constant struggle with their own weaknesses and all kinds of social evils. It is not only about something spiritual but also bears much relevance to the time. Its predominant metaphor — life as a journey — is simple and familiar. The objects that Christian meets are homely and commonplace, and the scenes presented are typical English ones, but throughout the allegory a spiritual significance is added to the commonplace details. Here the strange is combined with the familiar and the trivial joined to the divine, and, a rich imagination and a natural talent for storytelling also contribute to the success of the work which is at once entertaining and morally instructive.

“The Vanity Fair,” is an excerpt from The Pilgrim’s Progress. The story starts with a dream in which the author sees Christian the Pilgrim, with a heavy burden on his back, reading the Bible. When he learns from the book that the city in which he and his family live shall be burnt down in a fire, Christian tries to convince his family and his neighbors of the oncoming disaster and asks them to go with him in search of salvation, but most of them simply ignore him. So he starts off with a friend, Pliable. Pliable turns back after they stumble into a pit, the Slough of Despond. Christian struggles on by himself. Then he is misled by Mr. Wordly Wiseman and is brought back onto the right road by Mr. Evangelist. There he joins Faithful, a neighbor who has set out later but has made better progress. The two go on together through many adventures, including the great struggle with Apollyon, who claims them to be his subjects and refuse to accept their allegiance to God. After many other adventures they come to the Vanity Fair where both are arrested as alien agitators. They are tried and Faithful is condemned to death. Christian, however manages to escape and goes on his way, assisted by a new friend, Hopeful. Tired of the hard journey, they are tempted to take pleasant path and are then captured by Giant Despair. Finally they got away and reach the Celestial City, where they enjoy eternal life in the fellowship of the blessed.

1.According to the passage, Bunyan hated the rich people mainly because ______.

A. his father was making and mending pots and kettles

B. Bunyan had poor and mean early surroundings

C. the rich usually got their wealth in dishonest ways

D. Bunyan studied the Bible to save the human souls

2.What are the main characteristics of Bunyan’s works?

① The languages are concrete and living.

② The stories are carefully and vividly described.

③ The plots are romantic and twisting.

④ The works are easy to understand.

A. ①②③ B. ②③④ C. ①③④ D.①②④

3.John Bunyan wrote the book The Pilgrim’s Progress in order to ______.

A. advise people to obey religious principles for salvation

B. tell people that life is a simple and familiar journey

C. add spiritual significance to the commonplace details

D. to combine the strange things with the familiar things

4.What moral does the story of the last paragraph convey to us?

A. Any imaginable things might happen in a pilgrim’s dream.

B. Christian the Pilgrim likes reading the Bible with a burden.

C. People can struggle against weaknesses and evils for salvation

D. People can enjoy eternal life in the fellowship of the blessed.

注意：每个空格只填一个单词。请将答案写在答题纸上相应题号的横线上。

Do you know your uneasy adolescent might be experiencing teen depression? Of course. Teen depression isn’t just bad moods and occasional sadness—it’s a serious problem that affects every aspect of a teenager’s normal life. The negative effects can lead to problems, such as smoking, violence and even suicide. But depression can be treated. So if your teen’s unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks and he or she displays other symptoms of depression, it may be time to seek help from a health doctor.

There are multiple reasons why a teenager might become unhappy. For example, teens can develop feelings of worthlessness over their school performance. And unsatisfied family life can have a major effect on how a teen feels. Sometimes, teen depression may result from environmental stress. But whatever the cause, when friends or family—or things that the teen usually enjoy—don’t help to improve his or her sadness or sense of isolation, there’s a good chance that he or she has teen depression.

There are certain signs when teenagers are suffering from teen depression. Often, kids with teen depression will have a noticeable change in their thinking and behavior. Kids with teen depression may have a change in eating habits. Teenagers are likely to eat too much or not to eat enough for long periods of time, which should not be mistaken for an eating disorder. Parents should distinguish this change from eating disorders.

Changing in sleeping habits is another indication of adolescent depression. All teenagers love to sleep. However, a sudden change in sleep behavior for no good reason is what parents should be paying attention to.

A reduction of favorite activities, such as sports or chatting with friends, is another sign that cannot be neglected. If a teenager loves a sport and during the middle of the season suddenly decides to stop, there is a reason to be concerned about this change.

When teenagers suffer from depression, they easily get annoyed or react badly to negative things. They may become defiant as there is potential depression. The depressed teenagers may get into rude or offensive remarks as well as fighting.

Making statements of despair is another sign. They have no hope for their studies, their life and their future. This is very serious since it is estimated that every year approximately 10 teenagers from every 100,000 commit suicide.

How is it treated? Here are methods, including medications and psychotherapy. Family therapy may be helpful if family conflict is contributing to the depression. The depressed teens will also need support from teachers. Occasionally, hospitalization may be required for teenagers with severe depression.

阅读下面短文，按要求用英语写一篇150词左右的短文，向《21世纪报》中学生版投稿。

Florence Chadwick was born in California in 1918. She grew up on the beach and began competing as a swimmer at the age of six, when her uncle entered her in a race. For the next 19 years, she continued as a competitive swimmer.

On July 4, 1952, at the age of 34, Chadwick attempted to become the first woman to swim 21 miles across the Catalina Channel, from a port on the California coast. That day the ocean was ice cold, the fog was so thick that she could hardly see the support boats that followed her, and sharks swam around her. Several times, her support crew used guns to drive away the sharks. While Americans watched on televisions, her mother and her trainer, who were in one of the support boats, encouraged her to keep going. However, after 15 hours and 55 minutes, with only a half mile to go, she felt that she couldn’t go on, and begged to be taken out of the water.

Later, Chadwick told a reporter, “Look, I’m not excusing myself, but if I had seen land I know, I could have made it.” The fog had made her unable to see her swimming goal, and it made her feel she was getting nowhere. Two months later, she tried again. Although the fog was still heavy, yet this time she made it with the goal rooted in her mind. She knew behind the fog was the land she pursued.

【写作内容】

1．以约30个词概括短文大意；

2．以约120个词就“Goal and Success”的主题谈谈你的看法，内容包括：

1）分析Chadwick第一次失败和第二次成功的原因；

2）Chadwick的故事对你有什么启发；

3）结合实际谈谈如何实现自己的目标。

【写作要求】

1．可以参照阅读材料的内容，但不得直接引用原文中的句子；

2．作文中不能出现真实姓名和学校名称。

Don't expect too much of him ; he is _______ a child.

A. at allB. at will

C. at first D. at best