Before World War Ⅱ Chicago, Illinois, standing at the southern end of huge Lake Michigan, had the reputation(名声)of being one of the toughest, most lawless and corrupt(腐败的) cities in the world. It earned its ill reputation largely from those who sold strong wine during the days of 1919 to 1933, when a law forbade Americans to make or sell strong wine in any form.

Chicagoans have a great pride in their city. They say it is of great importance to the nation than New York. It is the center of American commerce(商业 ) and transportation. O’Hare Airport is the busiest airport in the world. 44 million passengers pass through it every year, and there are 2000 take offs and landings every day.

Chicago is also a great inland port(港).It can send goods by oceangoing ships all the way to Europe-via the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. It can send goods by barge(驳船),through water-way and canals, to the Mississippi and down it to the Gulf of Mexico.

1.Which of the following diagrams(图解) gives the correct relationship between Lake Michigan, Chicago and Illinois?

L.M.=Lake Michigan Ch= Chicago Ill=Illinois

2.According to the passage, Chicago is more important than New York because ______.

A. Chicagoans love their city more than others

B.Chicago is the center of America

C. Chicago is an inland port and has O’Hare Airport

D. Chicago lies at the southern end of Lake Michigan

3.44 million passengers each year and 2 000 take-offs and landings prove that O’Hare Airport is ______.

A. the only one in America

B.the biggest one in the world

C.the busiest one in the world

D.the most well-known one in the world

4.If we carry goods to Chicago from Mexico, we probably go through ______.

A. the Gulf of Mexico— Mississippi—Canals—Waterway—Chicago

B.the Gulf Mexico—Mississippi—the Great Lake—Chicago

C.Lake Michigan—the Saint Lawrence Seaway—the Gulf of Mexico

D.Waterway—Canals—Mississippi—the Gulf of Mexico

Toronto—A pleasant attitude can do wonders for patients recovery, according to researchers who reviewed 16 studies that looked at patients’ attitudes toward health. The studies lasted 30 years and looked at patients’ attitudes after operation.

“In each case the better a patient’s expectations about how they would do after operation or some health procedure, the better they did,” said the author Donald Cole, of the Institute for Work and Health in Toronto.

“This mind-body connection that we have been toying with for the past couple of decades really does have hard science behind it. The result shows that the power of positive thinking is real,” Cole said.

New York—A Pablo Picasso painting sold at Christie’s auction house in New York Wednesday for 55-million dollars. The price set a new auction record for a Picasso, and is the fifth-highest price ever paid for any work of art at auction.

The painting—Woman with her arms crossed—was purchased（购买） by an telephone bidder(投标者).Painted in 1902 in Barcelona, the portrait is one of the best-known works from what is called Picasso’s blue period.

Christie says the painting by the famous Spanish artist is of a quality not seen on the market in more than 10 years. It sold for more than twice its pre-sale estimate.

Xinhua Agency—A report that three kindergarten teachers knelt down before a South Korean couple to apologize, in Nanjing, of East China’s Jiangsu Province, has triggered wide criticism（批评）.

At a local kindergarten, a Chinese teacher frightened a South Korean child by saying she would cut off his fingers if he continued to make mischief. Although the kindergarten had apologized to the couple and dismissed the teacher surnamed Yang, the mother insisted that Yang should kneel down before her.

Sheng Dalin, a columnist, wrote in the XINXI SHIBAO that it was enough to fire the teacher and make an apology to the couple, but the mother’s request was beyond all reason.

1.News Item 1 intends to make us believe that ______.

A. positive thinking can make people healthy

B.a better attitude results in a better operation

C.researchers have observed 16 patients recovery during the past 30 years

D.great attention has been paid to how attitudes affect health

2.Which of the following is NOT true about the painting Woman with her arms crossed?

A.The painting was once thought to be worth around $25 million.

B.The painting is one of the most expensive pictures ever sold at auction.

C.The painting was purchased through telephone.

D.The painting has not been seen on the market for more than 10 years.

3.The report in News Item 3 has caused wide criticism because ______.

A.the kindergarten fired the teacher surnamed Yang

B.the mother demanded an unreasonable apology from the teachers

C.the teacher frightened a South Korean boy

D.the kindergarten punished a boy so severely

All plant cells are capable（有能力的） of taking up water. Even dead ones do to a certain degree. Absorption（吸收） of water by dead cell walls makes wood become larger. In common land plants, the living cells of roots take up most of the water. Land plants without roots do exist, however. Those greenish-yellow lichens（苔藓）you see on rocks in the high mountains have no roots. Half a billion years ago, when water plants started to enter the land, the first land plants did not have roots.

Even among the flowering plants, one finds rootless forms. These flowering plants are “the higher plants” because they evolved（进化） recently and are thus considered higher on the evolutionary scale（进化树）.In the Peruvian desert, there grows one of these rootless higher plants, a bromeliad. It is a relative of the pineapple. Even if this plant had roots, they would be of no use, because where the plant grows, it never rains. The plant gets its water only from the dew（露水）it collects at night, when its leaves cool off. Such rootless plants, of course, can be moved with ease, but they will only grow when they are placed out in the open. If they are placed too near a house, the radiation from the heat of the house prevents the leaves from cooling and so prevents dew from forming, and the plant dies. In the southern United States and in Puerto Rico, one sees bromeliads growing high above the streets on the insulation（绝缘物）of electric wires. These plants get their water from rain, and the only soil they ever come in contact with is the dust that may blow on their leaves.

1.Wood becomes larger because of ______.

A. dead cell walls

B. water entering dead cells

C. the growth of cells

D. the death of cells

2.From the passage we know that the evolutionary scale is graded according to ______.

A. evolutionary cycles

B. heights and depths

C. time

D. kinds

3.The “bromeliad” is a plant that ______.

A. has useless roots

B. is a pineapple

C. can grow anywhere

D. takes up water through its leaves

4.The most suitable title for this passage is “______”.

A. Absorption of water by plants

B. Rootless plants

C. Plants in the desert

D. Higher plants

Venice, one of the cities in Italy, was founded in A.D.811 by the people of Malamocco, fleeing（逃跑）from the Franks. It was said that they were guided by pigeons carrying little crosses ,and settled where now Venice lies.

Venice is built on 117 islands. It has 150 canals and 400 bridges. The narrow streets, with their historic names, are covered with stones, but have no footpaths. They are dotted with flower shop signs and lanterns. Shops and palaces stand by side. The brick bridges are high enough to allow boats to pass freely under them.

The center of public life is St. Mark’s Square where tourists and citizens sit in the famous Florian and Quadri cafes to listen to music, enjoying themselves. The Quadri is more popular but the Florian, founded in 1720, is the best-known cafe because it has received such great persons as Byron (an English poet) and Goethe (a German poet).

Unfortunately the special position of Venice is threatening（威胁）its own existence. The terrain（地势）on which it is built began to sink while the level of the surrounding waters is constantly rising. However, many measures have already been taken to prevent the city from sinking.

1.In the second paragraph, the author ______.

A. told us who built the city of Venice

B.showed up where Venice is

C.described what Venice is like

D.talked about why Venice is surrounded by waters

2.Which of the following shows the right relationship? （○=Italy;△=Venice;□=St. Marks Square）

3.Why is the Florian the famous cafe? Because ______.

A. it appeared in Byron and Goethe’s poems

B.it is more close to St. Mark’s Square than the Quadri

C. it was founded in 1720,much older than the Quadri

D.Byron and Goethe were once its customers

4.From the article we can see that ______.

A.many people have fled because Venice’s existence is being threatened

B.the level of the surrounding water is constantly rising because the city of Venice began to sink

C.the government has already taken many measures to save the city from going down

D.many steps have already been taken to prevent the terrain from rising

Central Park

Outside among the trees, watch the wildlife—both the human and animal varieties. Call (212)360—3465 or (212)360—2726 for events and tours. Central Park stretches from 59th to 110th Sts., and from 5th Ave. to Central Park. West.

Empire State Building

This is among the most striking building in the city, the nation, even the world. The observation dock(瞭望台) on the 86th floor is open to general public, offering a wonderful view of the second floor you’ll find the New York Skyride, a simulated (模拟的) helicopter ride. Over Manhattan.5th Ave. at 34th St., Midtown/(212)736—3100.

Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum

Five blocks west of Time Square, this museum has hundreds of air, deep-sea and space exhibits. Walk the fight deck of the 900-foot-long aircraft carrier Intrepid, see dozens of old and modern aircraft and ride the Intrepid Navy Flight Simulator. Pier 86,W.46th St. and 12th Ave./(212)245-0072.

Madison Square Garden.

If it’s big, it probably happens at the Garden. Check out sporting events, concerts and much more. Tours are available.7th Ave,btwn.31th and 33rd Sts., Midtown/(212)4656-741.

1.The New York Skyride is for ______.

A.sightseeing

B.fight training

C.model plane-sports

D.city transportation

2.If a visitor is interested in music, he will probably go to______.

A. Central Park

B.Empire State Building

C.Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum

D.Madison Square Garden

3.What is the purpose of these texts?

A. To provide information of living in New York.

B.To provide directions of city traffic in New York.

C.To give visitors a guide to New York.

D.To give a brief introduction to the history of New York.

It is natural for young people to blame their parents for most of the misunderstandings between them. They have always complained(抱怨),more or less justly, that their parents are out of touch with modern ways; that they always want to control them; that they do not trust them to deal with problems; and that they have no sense of humor, at least in parent-child relationships.

Young people often irritate their parents with their choices in clothes, hairstyles, and music. Actually this is not what they really intend to do. They feel cut off from the adult world into which they have not yet been accepted. So they create a culture and society of their own. Then, if it turns out that their music or clothes or hairstyles make their parent angry, this gives them additional enjoyment. They feel they are better, at least in a small way, and that they are leaders in style and taste.

Sometimes you do not obey orders, and are proud because you do not want your parents to say yes to what you do. If they do, it looks as if you are unfaithful to your own age group. But in that case, you will probably think that you are the underdog: you can’t win but at least you can keep your honor. This is a passive way of looking at things. It is natural enough after long years of childhood, when you were completely under your parent’s control. If you plan to control your life, co-operation can be part of that plan. You can persuade others, especially your parents, into doing things the way you want. Get them to feel your sense of responsibility(责任) and initiative(进取心) so that they will allow you to do what you want to do.

1.The first paragraph is mainly about ______.

A. children’s complaints about their parents

B.misunderstandings between children and their parents

C.the control of the parents over their children

D.children’s ability to deal with problems

2.The underlined word “irritate” in this passage is closest in meaning to “______”.

A.to make someone excited

B.to make someone angry

C.to please someone

D.to comfort someone

3.Children choose to have certain strange clothes and hairstyles because they ______.

A. want to show their existence by creating a culture of their own

B.have a strong desire to be leaders in style and taste

C.have no other way to enjoy themselves better

D.want to make their parents angry

4.Children do not want their parents to say yes to whatever they do because they ______.

A.have already been accepted into the adult world

B.feel that they are better in a small way than the adults

C.are not likely to win over the adults

D.have a desire to be independent

A world of opportunity

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NEW—An expanded, two-part Weekend section. Fridays, with more ideas about movies, shows, art exhibitions, outdoor and indoor recreation.

Latest news and sports results daily. And of course, daily world and national news, Sunday’s special sections and all the other great features you’ll continue to find in The Times.

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Call I-800-331-1969 or use the postage-paid order card convenient home delivery at 50% off our regular price.

1.This is one of the advertisements put for a______.

A.book store

B.newspaper

C.magazine

D.restaurant

2.Detailed information about films can be found in ______ section.

A.The Arts

B.The Dining In, Dining Out

C.The House & Home

D.Weekend

3.The advertisement tells us The Times is______.

A.of great benefit

B.of little use

C.paid

D.priceless

4.The main idea of this advertisement is______.

A. many opportunities will be provided just to those who order home delivery

B.several new sections have been printed separately from now on

C.readers can be well informed of the latest news and sports results

D.people can pick up all the information they are interested in

The artisan who makes pottery in North America today utilizes his or her skill and imagination to create items that are beautiful as well as functional, transforming something ordinary into something special and unique.

The potter uses one of the Earth’s most basic materials, clay. Clay can be found almost anywhere. Good pottery clay must be free from all small stones and other hard materials that would make the potting process difficult. Most North American artisan potters now purchase commercially processed clay, but some find the clay they need right in the earth, close to where they work.

The most important tools potters use are their own hands; however, they also use wire loop tools, wooden modeling tools, plain wire, and sponges. Plain wire is used to cut away the finished pot from its vase on the potter’s wheel.

After a finished pot is dried of all its moisture in the open air, it placed in a kiln and fired. The first firing hardens the pottery, and it is then ready to be glazed and fired again.

For areas where they do not want any glaze, such as the bottom of the pot, artisans paint on melted wax that will later burn off in the kiln. They then pour on the liquid glaze and let it run over the clay surface, making any kind of decorative pattern that they want.

1. What does the passage mainly discuss?

A. Different kinds of clay.

B. The training of an artisan.

C. The making of pottery.

D. Crafts of ancient civilizations.

2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as a way that ancient people used pottery?

A. To hold food.　　　　   B. To wash clothes.

C. To cook.　　　　　　   D. To transport objects.

3. According to the passage, how do most North American potters today get the clay they need?

A. They buy it.

B. They make it.

C. They dig it from the earth.

D. They barter for it.

4. According to the author, what do potters use to remove the pot from the wheel?

A. Melted wax.　　　　 B. A wire loop.

C. A sponge.　　　　   D. Plain wire.

5. The word“pattern”in the last sentence is closest in meaning to which of the following?

A. Model.　　　　   B. Color.

C. Puzzle.　　　　   D. Design.

Some parts of most modern buildings—theaters and offices as well as classrooms—are more than sufficiently（足够）heated by people and lights and sometimes must be air-conditioned even in winter. The technique of saving heat and redistributing it is called “heat recovery”. A few modern buildings recover heat, but the University’s system is the first to recover heat from buildings and reuse it in others.

Along the way, Pitt has learned a great deal about some of its producers. The harder a student studies the more heat his body gives off. Male students send out more heat than female students and the larger a student, the more heat he produces. It is tempting to conclude that the hottest prospect for the Johnstown campus would be a hard-working overweight male genius（天才）.

1. Which of the following is true of the heating system of the Johnstown campus? The heat is supplied by________.

A. human bodies, other heat sending objects, and fuel

B. both human bodies and other heat sending objects

C. both human bodies and fuel

D. human bodies

2. The technique of heat recovery is used________.

A. to produce a special form of air-conditioning

B. to provide heat for the hot water system

C. to find out the source of heat

D. to collect and reuse heat

3. Which of the following persons would produce the least amount of heat?

A. A thin male who studies hard.

B. A fat female who studies hard.

C. A fat male who does not study hard.

D. A thin female who does not study hard.

4. The words“the hottest prospect”refer to_______.

A. the person who suffers most from heat

B. the person who produces most heat

C. the person who uses most heat

D. the person who takes in heat

5. A good title for the passage would be_______.

A. MODERN BUILDING’S HEAT SYSTEM

B. A NEW HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM IN PITTSBURGH

C. A STRANGE OBJECT IN HEATING SYSTEM

D. RECOVERY OF BODY’S HEAT

Decibels（分贝）measured in water are different from those measured on land. A noise of one hundred and twenty decibels on land causes pain to human ears. In water, a decibel level of one hundred and ninety-five would have the same effect.

Some scientists have proposed setting a noise limit of one hundred and twenty decibels in oceans. They have observed that noises at that level can frightenand confuse whales.

A team of American and Canadian scientists discovered that loud noises can seriously injure some animals. The research team found that powerful underwater explosions were causing whales in the area to lose their hearing. This seriously affected the whales’ ability to exchange information and find their way. Some of the whales even died. The explosions had caused their ears to bleed and become infected.

Many researchers whose work depend  on ocean sounds object to a limit of one hundred and twenty decibels. They say such a limit would mean an end to important industrial and scientific research.

Scientists do not know how much and what kinds of noises are harmful to ocean animals. However, many scientists suspect that noise is a greater danger than they believed. They want to prevent noises from harming creatures in the ocean.

1. According to the passage, which of the following is increasingly dangerous to sea creatures?

A. The man-made noises.

B. The noises made by themselves.

C. The sound of earthquakes.

D. The sound of the ice-breaking.

2. Which of the following is discussed in the second paragraph?

A. Different places with different types of noises.

B. The very human ears sensitive to all types of noises.

C. The same noise measured differently on land and in the ocean.

D. The ocean animal’s reaction to noises.

3. As to the influence of noises on whales, which of the following statements is true?

A. They are deaf to noises.

B. Noises at a certain level may hurt them.

C. They are easily confused by noises.

D. Noises will limit their ability to reproduce.

4. We can know from the passage that many scientists think that the noise limit of one hundred twenty decibels would______.

A. prevent them from doing their research work

B. benefit them a lot in their research work

C. do good to their health

D. increase the industrial output

5. According to the passage, what will scientists most probably do in the future?

A. They will try their best to decrease noise.

B. They will work hard to cut down noise pollution.

C. They will study the effect of different noises.

D. They will protect animals from harmful noises.