Who are the most beautiful women in the world? Looking at the records, people might think Venezuelan women are. They win the Miss Latin America, Miss Universe, and Miss World contests more frequently than women from any other country. In Venezuela, the term “Miss” as in “Miss Universe” is an honored title.

These days, people in some cultures consider beauty contests to be silly. They have tried to stop these contests, saying the contests treat women as objects and place too much importance on women’s looks. But in Latin America, beauty contests are a source of pride. And in Venezuela, they are almost a national obsession(狂热).

Are Venezuelan women really more beautiful than other women? “They are not really more beautiful here,” says Selena, who trains girls for the contest. “It’s just that the girls here work harder and prepare more than anyone else.” Preparing for a contest is a full-time job that includes sixteen-hour days for six months. Many of the women take a leave of absence from their jobs during the training period. “If you don’t take this seriously, you don’t have a chance.” Selena says.

The preparation takes many hours a day. The contestants stretch their bodies and practice their walks down the runway. They work on their speeches and practice answering questions such as, “Whom do you admire most in the world?” They starve to stay slim. They take classes to learn how to style their hair and apply makeup. Most of them grow their hair long and diet to lose at least 10 pounds. Many of them have their teeth straightened or have plastic surgery (整形外科手术) to straighten or fix other body parts.

It isn’t easy, and the contestants give up a lot for the contest. One Miss Universe winner immediately put on 20 pounds after the contest. She said the only thing she wanted to do after the contest was to eat. The cost is high as well. The training for the Miss Venezuela and Miss Universe contests can cost up to $ 60,000. Fortunately the television station that sponsors (赞助) the contest pays the costs of training the finalists. Yet most of the contestants say it’s worth the effort. A former Miss Universe is now a mayor of a district in a large city. Although she had no political experience before that, she has been asked to run for higher political office.

Another winner has her own television show. Winners have an advantage they could not get anywhere else. “It’s the only chance you have to make it.” Says one contestant. “You can’t get these opportunities any other way.”

61. From the above passage we can infer that Venezuela is probably____.

A. a place where contestants from all parts of the world gather together

B. a city in America where beauty contest is held

C. a country in Latin America

D. a world beauty center

62. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?

A. Contestants have to stay away from their work for a period of time before the contest.

B. Only a few women won the contest without being trained.

C. Beauty isn’t the only factor for a contestant to win the contest.

D. It’s too expensive for individuals (个人) to pay for the training for the contest.

63. What is the best title for the passage?

A. Beauty Means Money

B. Venezuelan Women — the Most Beautiful Women in the World

C. How to Succeed in the Beauty Contest

D. Training — the Only Way to Success

The notice has been told everyone _______ a party will be held in the open air tomorrow.

A．whether             B．when          C．where         D．that

—Do you think David will fail in the maths exam again?

       —_________.

       A．No, I don’t believe it      B．I hope not

       C．I expect not             D．I don’t suppose it

      on the top of the mountain is an ancient tower dating back to hundreds of years ago .

       A．To stand B．Having stood   C．Standing D．Stand

These countries will join one another against terrorism,      was agreed to at the international conference.

       A．as     B．who  C．that   D．what

—We’re supposed to be there at 6:00?

    —_______ I know.

       A．As soon as       B．As far as   C．So long as D．As possible as

        running , learning English needs will.

       A．As with   B．As to       C．As for      D．As if

—Where ____ Margaret have put the empty bottles?

       —She ______ them away. They must be somewhere.

       A．can; can’t have thrown    B．must; needn’t

       C．must; must have thrown  D．can; must throw

--I’m told that you are leaving for Shanghai.  ----Who ____ so?

A. says   B. said   C. has said   D. ’s saying

---What do you think of this maths problem? Is it too hard?----Not ___.

A. at all   B. in all    C. for all      D. all