The view over a valley of a tiny village with thatched (草盖的) roof cottages around a church;  a
drive through a narrow village street lined with thatched cottages painted pink or white; the sight over
the rolling hills of a pretty collection of thatched farm buildings-these are still common sights in parts of
England. Most people will agree that the thatched roof is an essential part of the attraction of the English
countryside.
     Thatching is in fact the oldest of all the building crafts practiced in the British Isles(英伦诸岛).
Although thatch has always been used for cottage and farm buildings, it was once used for castles and
churches too.
     Thatching is a solitary (独立的) craft, which often runs in families. The craft of thatching as it is
practiced today has changed very little since the Middle Ages. Over 800 full-time thatchers are employed
in England and Wales today, maintaining and renewing the old roofs as well as thatching newer houses.
Many property owners choose thatch not only for its beauty but because they know it will keep them
cool in summer and warm in winter.
     In fact, if we look at developing countries, over half the world lives under thatch, but they all do it in
different ways. People in developing countries are often reluctant to go back to traditional materials and
would prefer modern buildings. However, they may lack the money to allow them to import the necessary materials. Their temporary mud huts with thatched roofs of wild grasses often only last six months.
Thatch which has been done the British way lasts from twenty to sixty years, and is an effective defiance
against the heat.

1. Which of the following remains a unique feature against the heat_______.

A.  Narrow streets lined with pink or white houses.  
B.  Rolling hills with pretty farm buildings.
C.  Cottages with thatched roofs.                
D.  Churches with cottages around them.

2. What do we know about thatching as a craft?

A. It is a collective activity.                  
B. It is practised on farms all over England.
C. It is quite different from what it used to be.    
D. It is in most cases handed down among family members.

3. Thatched houses are still preferred became of         .

A.  their style and comfort      
B.  their durability
C.  their easy maintenance      
D.  their cheap and ready-made materials

4. People in developing countries also live under thatch because         .

A.  thatched cottages are a big tourist attraction
B.  thatched roof houses are the cheapest
C.  thatch is an effective defense against the heat
D.  they like thatched houses better than other buildings

5. We can learn from the passage that        .

A.  thatched cottages in England have been passed down from ancient times.
B.  thatching is a building craft first created by the English people.
C.  the English people have a special liking for thatched houses.
D.  most thatched cottage in England are located on hillsides.

     You may know your mother, but how well do you really know Mother's Day? Cards, flowers, sales,
TV specials, and a day off for someone who really deserves it ---- those are what probably come to
mind for many people when they think of Mother's Day. But there's more to the story.
     The earliest Mother's Day celebrations were held during spring in ancient Greece. The celebrations
honored Rhea, the Mother of the gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called Mothering
Sunday. On this day even servants were given the day off to spend with their families. A mothering cake
was even served with the family meal.
      In the US, Mother's Day began in 1872 when Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the words to the famous
song The Battle Hymn of the Republic, suggested it as a day devoted to peace. But it didn't really become popular until 1907 when Anna Jarvis stared a campaign to honor mothers. She believed that mothers
could help people get over the pain they experienced during the Civil
     War. The US isn't alone in devoting a day to mothers. Many other countries including Denmark,
Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Japan, and Belgium also honor their mothers in May. Other countries
honor their mothers at different times of the year.
     Learning more about Mother's Day and celebrating Mother's Day are important, but probably not as
important as understanding what your own mother, or grandmother, or aunt has really done for you.
And that will certainly be appreciated more than one day in a year.

1. What is the passage mainly about?

A. The reason why people celebrate Mother's Day.
B. The ways people honor mothers.
C. The history of Mother's Day.    
D. The great contribution of mothers.

2. Where was the earliest Mother's Day celebrated?

A. In ancient Greece.
B. In the US.
C. In England.
D. In Italy.

3. We can learn from the passage that _____.

A. Rhea is the mother of a king in ancient Greece
B. not all the countries celebrate Mother's Day in May
C. only mothers were given a day off on Mothering Sunday
D. it was in 1872 that Mother's Day really came into being

4. The last paragraph tells us that _____.

A. all the people should celebrate Mother's Day
B. only mothers are honored on Mother's Day
C. understanding mothers' work is more important than just celebrating Mother's Day
D. people should celebrate Mother's Day every day

     If you are above the age of 40 then there are chances you would not know much about Snap Music.
But if that is the case, then ask your daughter or son, and perhaps, they'd even perform it for you. Indeed, Snap Music is one of the cool hip hop rap styles that support hip hop music. In simple words, Snap
Music is the music to which you "snap (捻着手指发劈啪声) your fingers and move with the rhythm.
This may seem relatively easy, but sure enough, it has its share of uniqueness which makes it stand apart.
     The theoretical and technical characteristics of Snap Music are slow-paced beats, regular and timed
snapping of fingers, which created pleasing rhythms. Often as rappers rap, they get the audience clapping
or snapping along with them.
     Snap Music was from Atlanta. It gradually made its way to the other parts of America. It is generally
believed that Snap was inspired by Crunk Music and it is Atlanta's Crunk style. But they are quite
different. While Crunk has high energy, Snap has an unhurried feel to it . An occasional whistle or a
polyrhythmic (多节奏的) combination can he heard; this is done to improve the feeling of the music. It is
also said that the music was made for the club-crowd and at first was meant for dance lovers; but as the
form developed, it turned out to be rather slow.
      There is a wide audience for this type of music. Here , this type of hip hop music is often simple with
not much depth or story. But then again, how many rap songs have depths and story these days? So , if
you are a teenager or a young adult, you might just enjoy the change that Snap offers.

1. We can learn from the text that US Snap Music ________.

A. is well known for its fast beats
B. is most popular in Atlanta
C. is very similar to Crunk Music
D. has changed in the development process

2. Which of the following is NOT the characteristic of Snap Music?

A. simple stories    
B. high energy    
C. whistles      
D. diverse rhythms

3. The text is written to ____________.

A. advise people to enjoy Snap Music
B. explain why people like Snap Music
C. teach teenagers to perform Snap Music
D. give a brief introduction to Snap Music

     Easter(复活节) is still a great day for worship, randy in baskets and running around the yard finding
eggs, but every year it gets quite a bit worse for bunnies.
     And no, not because the kids like to pull their ears. The culprit is climate change, and some
researchers found that rising temperatures arc having harmful effects on at least five species of rabbit in
the US.
     Take the Lower Keys March rabbit, for instance. An endangered species that lives in the Lower
Florida Keys, this species of cottontail is a great swimmer - it lives on the islands! - but it is already
severely affected by development and now by rising levels. According to the Center for Biological
Diversity, an ocean level rise of only 0. 6 meters will send these guys jumping to higher ground and a
0.9-meter rise would wipe out their habitat (栖息地) completely.
     The snowshoe hare, on the other hand, has a color issue. Most of these rabbits change their fur color
from white in the wintertime to brown in the summer, each designed to give them better cover from
predators(捕食者).  As the number of days with snow decreases all across the country, however, more
and more bunnies arc being left in white fur during brown dirt days of both fall and spring, making them
an easier mark for predators. Researchers know that the color change is controlled by the number of
hours of sunlight, but whether the rabbit will be able to adapt quick enough to survive is a big question.
The National Wildlife   Federation has reported that hunters have noticed their numbers are already
markedly down.
     American pikas or rock rabbits, a relative of rabbits and hares, might be the firs' of these species to
go extinct due to climate change. About 7-8 inches long, pikas live high in the cool, damp mountains
west of the Rocky Mountains. As global temperatures rise, they would naturally migrate (迁徙) to higher
ground - but they already occupy the mountaintops. They can't go any higher. The National Wildlife
Federation reports that they might not be able to stand the new temperatures as their habitat beats up.
     The volcano rabbit has the same problem. These rabbits live on the slopes of volcanoes in Mexico,
and recent studies have shown that the lower range of their habitat has already shifted upward about
700 meters, but there are not suitable plants for them to move higher, so they are stuck in the middle.
Scientists are concerned about their populations.
     Native to the US, pygmy rabbits weigh less than 1 pound and live in the American West. They are
believed to be the smallest rabbits in the world. Their habitats have been destroyed by development.
Several populations, such as the Columbia Basin pygmy, almost went extinct and were saved by zoo
breeding programs. Pygmy rabbits also rely on winter cover by digging tunnels through the snow to
escape predators, but lesser snowfall is leaving them exposed.
      All of this gives new meaning to dressing up in a giant bunny costume this Easter.

1 The writer mentions Easter at the beginning of the passage in order to_______.

A. show the importance of Easter Day
B. introduce the issue about bunnies
C. remind people of Easter traditions  
D. discuss the relationship between Easter and bunnies

2. The word "culprit" ( Paragraph 2) is closest in meaning to______.

A. criminal
B. judge
C. victim
D. producer

3.According to the passage, some rabbits can now be easily Uncovered by predators because they___.

A. are exposed lo more skillful hunters
B. have moved to habitats with fewer plants
C. haven't adapted themselves to climate change
D. can't change their fur color into white in the fall and the spring

4. The problem faced by volcano rabbets and rock rabbits is that________.

A. both are affected by 1ess snow
B. both are affected by rising sea levels
C neither can find enough food 
D. neither can migrate to higher places

5 Which best describes the writer's tone in the postage?

A. Approving.
B. Concerned.
C. Enthusiastic.
D. Doubtful.

     The Cathedral of Augsburg in the Bavarian region of German is credited with the world's oldest
stained glass windows from the 12th century. Originally constructed in the 9th century, this
Romanesque style church is a short 40-mile drive north of Munich.
      These windows are typically found in churches and were first made for this purpose. Natural light
is used to light the stained glass window in order to help tell the story described by the church. The
illustrations (图示) on each window appear to be alive with the natural light which is result of God's
symbolic presence. Each design told a story from the Bible or of an important individual in history in
pictures, rather than words since most people could not read. Visitors who wanted to learn more about
the exciting story being told in the stained glass window could ask the guide of monks for more details.
     The Renaissance (文艺复兴)which began in the late 13th century saw the usage of stained glass
windows expand from churches to other public buildings. However, many of the medieval (中世纪)
era windows were removed during the 18th century as they were viewed to be old and replaced with
painted glass. The former half of the 19th century saw the Gothic Revival movement in England where
artists made new bathroom stained glass windows in the medieval style for new Gothic buildings. These
Gothic works were used to decorate churches by replacing the simple painted glass ornamental windows
that had crept into churches. 
     John LaFarge and Louis Comfort Tiffany took the lead in the American glass movement in the late
19th century, when they made stained glass windows . LaFarge and Tiffany were American painters,
who worked independently at first and then competed with each other. Harvard University's Memorial
Hall, Boston's Trinity Church, and New York City's Judson Memorial Church are some of Lafarge's
most famous works. In 1879, it was Tiffany who became a leading figure within the American glass
movement.
     Today, stained glass is used in homes as an accent for windows not only for light, but to match
artwork that allows light to shine through. Some will even hang a frame of stained glass on a blank wall
for decoration. As history has shown, the usage of these works has developed from just churches to
public buildings and then to private homes.

1. The world's oldest stained glass windows came out______.

A. in the 12th century in Italy
B. in the 9th century in Germany
C. in the 12th century in Germany
D. in the 9th century in Italy

2. What was the purpose of using the illustration on church windows to tell stories?

A. To show God's presence.
B. To help people understand them.
C. To add the beauty of the church.
D. To attract visitors .

3. What is the RIGHT time order of the following events?
a. Tiffany became a leading figure within the American glass movement.
b. Stained glass windows expanded to more public buildings.
c. Gothic works were used to decorate churches.
d. The Cathedral of Augsburg was constructed.
e. Painted glass was used first.

A. d, b, e, c, a
B. b, d, c, e, a
C. d, e, b, a, c
D. b, d, e, a, c

4. What was the writer's purpose of writing the passage?

A. To introduce the usage of stained glass.
B. To introduce the development of stained glass.
C. To introduce the invention of stained glass.
D. To introduce some European architecture works.

     The first newspapers were written by hand and put up on walls in public place. The earliest daily
newspaper was started in Rome in 59 BC. In the 700's the world's first printed newspaper was
published. Europe didn't have a regularly published newspaper until 1609, when one was started in
Germany.
     The first regularly published newspaper in the English language was printed in Amsterdam in 1620. In
1621, an English newspaper was started in London and was published once a week. The first daily
English newspaper was the Daily Courant (每日新闻). It came out in March 1702.
     In 1690, Benjamin Harris printed the first American newspaper in Boston. But not long after it was
first published, the government stopped the paper. In 1704, John Campbell started The Boston
Newsletter (波斯顿新闻通讯), the first newspaper published in the American colonies. By 1760, the
colonies had more than thirty daily newspapers. There are now about 1,800 daily papers in the United
States.
     Today, as a group, English language newspapers have the largest circulation (发行量) in the world.
But the largest circulation for a newspaper is that of the Japanese newspaper Asahi Dhimbun (朝日新闻). It sells more than eleven million copies every day.

1. The first daily newspaper came out in _____.  

A. 59 BC        
B. 700's        
C. 1609            
D. 1620

2. The first regular published newspaper in Europe was printed in _____.    

A. England      
B. Germany      
C. France          
D. Sweden   

3. The first printed newspaper in America came out in _____.  

A. Washington    
B. New York      
C. Boston        
D. New Orleans .

4. Today there are about _____ daily newspaper printed in the United States

A. 1621        
B. 1704            
C. 1760          
D. 1800

     I paid a visit to Cambridge last January.  Though the trip took me 5 hours and it rained the whole day
with strong winds there, the town deserved a visit.
     The bus started at 6:10 a. m. It stopped at 4 airports before we finally arrived, which wasted more
time than we expected. Tired with long sitting, one passenger stood up to relax his numbed legs. The
driver asked him to sit down but in vain. So he pulled up and said seriously, "Either you get off or sit
down. "To him, safety is the first policy.
     Cambridge consists of nearly thirty colleges.  The oldest part of the university was built in the 13th
century while the newest was founded in the mid 1960s. The number of the students is so great that many
students live in lodgings(出租房)and move into college for their final year.
     Cambridge is called a university town because there is no clear separation between the university
buildings and the rest of the city. The university is not just one part of the town; it is all over the town. The
heart of Cambridge has shops, pubs, and supermarkets, but most of it is university-colleges, departments,
libraries, clubs and other places for university staff and students. Students fill the shops, cafes, banks and
churches, making these as well part of the university.
     With over 10, 000 undergraduates and postgraduates, the town is a busy place indeed. Students here
are not allowed to keep cars. If you happen to be walking in the street during a break, better stop a
moment to avoid the boiling sea of bicycles hurrying in all directions, carrying students from one college or
lecture room to another.

1. The writer believed that the trip took more time because of________

A. bad weather                        
B. unexpected stops of the bus
C. one passenger                        
D. an accident on the way

2. Why is Cambridge called a university town?

A. It has 10, 000 undergraduates and postgraduates.
B. There are nearly thirty colleges in the town.
C. All the students and staff live in the town.
D. The university and town are fully combined.

3. It can be inferred that most Cambridge students take________as their first means of transport.

A. boats          
B. cars          
C. bicycles          
D. buses

      根据短文内容, 从短文后的选项中选出能填人空白处的最佳选项.选项中有两项为多余选项
     Maybe you have heard the expression "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". So when you want to
do business in France, you have to get to know French culture, to make marketing plans, and to run your
business by local laws.
         1   The French take great pride in their language, so anyone who does not speak it may run the
risk of being disrespected by his French colleagues or business partners. Also, another reason why
learning French is important is that it is a great way to show every possible French business partner that
you care and respect their country's culture and language.
     The first thing that you should do when meeting someone new is to shake his hand firmly and always
look the person in the eye. In social meetings with friends, kissing is common.
     Use first names only after being invited to.  2   The French will sometimes introduce themselves using
their surname first, followed by their first name.
     Dress well.    3   Your business clothing is a reflection of your success and social status. Always try to
be tasteful and stylish.  Women are advised to dress simply but elegantly.  Wearing make -up is practised widely by business women.
     The French are passionate about food, so lunches are common in doing business in France, which
usually consist of an appetizer, main meal with wine, cheese, dessert and coffee, and normally take up
to two hours.        4       
     Do not begin eating until the host says, "bon appetite". Pass dishes to the left, keep wrists above the
table and try to eat everything on the plate.    5   This may suggest that you find the food tasteless. If
eating in a restaurant, the person who invites always pays.

A. The French draw information about people based on their appearance.
B. This is a time for relationship building.
C. Remember to be as polite as possible.
D. Language should be the focus of anyone planning to do business in France.
E. Be careful with adding salt, pepper or sauces to your food.
F. Use Monsieur or Madame before the surname.
G. Make an appointment with your business partner in advance.