Scientists warn today that the Atlantic bluefin tuna(金枪鱼)faces disappearance unless certain action is taken.They used electronic ways to track the movement of the powerful fish from the Gulf of Mexico to the Mediterranean, and report today in the journal Nature that meals of sushi and sandwiches with tuna worldwide are more dangerous than anyone has imagined.
The bluefin tuna can live for 30 years, grow to three metres in length and weigh as much as 700 kg.A good one can fetch as much as £ 52,000 in the Tokyo fish markets.“In my lifetime, we've brought this big fish to the doorstep of death in the western Atlantic Ocean,” said Barbara Block of Stanford University in California.“The electronic way of tracks provides the best scientific information we've ever had to manage these tuna and we must, as an international community, start to act actively to make sure of the future of this fish.”
Scientists have repeatedly said that the harvest of the seas cannot be as good as before.There are fewer and fewer fish in around Newfoundland, North Sea and Iceland, so fishermen have pushed further offshore in search of deep ocean fish.Tuna-in the Mediterranean and Japan-have been under increasing pressure for years.The International Commission on the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna has tried to manage the fish since 1969.There are two populations:a western one that has dropped by 80% in the past 30 years, and a larger, eastern population.Although catches are controlled by 3,000 tons a year in the western fishery, and 32,000 in the east, no one knew whether the limits worked.
So Professor Block and her team placed tracks on hundreds of the fish and tracked them to depths of more than 900 metres and on journeys of thousands of miles, measuring the movement, body and water temperatures.“There are two ways to save the Atlantic bluefin tuna-protect them in their production grounds and in their feeding grounds,” Prof.Block said.“This will need immediate action in both the central Atlantic, to reduce the loss of the big fish while hunting, and in the Gulf of Mexico and Mediterranean, where tuna produce as separate populations.”
(1)
The bluefin tuna in this passage mainly refers to the one ________.
[ ]
A.
in the Atlantic
B.
in the Pacific
C.
in the Gulf of Mexico
D.
in the Mediterranean
(2)
Which of the following is NOT true according to this passage?
[ ]
A.
The bluefin tuna is a kind of large and heavy fish.
B.
The number of the bluefin tuna in the sea is getting smaller and smaller.
C.
Scientists are worried about the future of the tuna.
D.
Scientists think that the harvest of the seas will remain good.
(3)
The purpose of the passage is to ________.
[ ]
A.
tell people a new way has been found to save the bluefin tuna
B.
call for action to save the bluefin tuna
C.
warn people not to eat tuna sandwiches anymore
D.
help scientists to find a new way to save the bluefin tuna
阅读理解
The Americans believe that anybody can become President of the United States.In a recent Hollywood comedy(喜剧), that is exactly what happens.
Dave Kovic, played by Kevin Kline, is a kind-hearted man who runs a business that finds people jobs.He leads a typical(典型的)American way of life, except for one thing-he looks exactly like the President, Bill Mitchell.In fact, the only thing that makes him different from the nation's leader is that he is very nice!
The president has started using look-alikes during some public appearances.Dave is offered a chance to “serve his country” by becoming one.However, things go wrong.The President becomes very ill and Dave ends up acting as the President forever.
Director Ivan Reitman, who made the popular and successful comedies like Twins, Ghostbusters and Legal Eagles, could have gone for easy laughs by making fun of the American government.Instead, Dave is an attractive comedy about an ordinary man in extraordinary situations.Kevin Kline gives a double performance as Dave and the President, and Sigourney Weaver is at her best as his First Lady.The love story that develops between her role and Dave is a real classic(经典).
The film is 100% American.However, if you've ever felt that anybody could do a better job running the country than the people in power, then you'll enjoy Dave!
(1)
What is the purpose of the text?
[ ]
A.
To tell the reader about the American government.
B.
To discus the Americans' ideas about the President.
C.
To make a comparison between Dave and other films.
D.
To introduce a new film to the reader.
(2)
Who plays the role of the President in the film?
[ ]
A.
Sigourney Weaver.
B.
Kevin Kline.
C.
Bill Mitchell.
D.
Ivan Reitman.
(3)
The underlined word “one” in the 3rd paragraph refers to ________.
[ ]
A.
the President
B.
the director
C.
an actor
D.
a look-alike
(4)
Which of the following is best supported by the text?
[ ]
A.
The author makes fun of the President.
B.
The author thinks highly of the film.
C.
The author is a fan of Hollywood comedies.
D.
The author wishes to become the American President.
阅读理解
Producer for music
We're looking for producers to join us in London 100FM.You'll work on the station's music programmes.Music production experience in radio is necessary, along with rich knowledge of modern dance music.Please apply in writing to Producer Vacancies.
Father Christmas
We're looking for a very special person preferably over 40, to fill our Father Christmas suit.
Working days:Every Saturday from November 24 to December 15 and every day from December 17 to December 24 except Sunday, 10∶30-16∶00
Excellent pay.
Please contact the Enterprise Shopping Center, Station Parade, Eastbourne.
Accountants Assistant
When you join them in our Revenue Administration Unit, you will be providing assistance within all parts of the Revenue Division, dealing with post and other general duties.If you are educated to GCSE grade C level we would like to talk to you.This position is equally suitable for a school leaver or for somebody who has office experience.
Software Trainer
If you are aged 24-45 and have experience in teaching and training, you could be the person we are looking for.You should be good at the computer and have some experience in programme writing.You will be allowed to make our decision, and to design courses as well as present them.Pay upwards of £15,000 for the right person.Please apply by sending your CV(简历)to Mrs R.Oglivie, Palmlace Limited.
(1)
Who should you get in touch with if you hope to work in a radio station?
[ ]
A.
Producer Vacancies.
B.
Mrs R.Oglivie, Palmlace Limited.
C.
The Enterprise Shopping Centre
D.
Wealden District Council.
(2)
We learn from the ads that the Enterprise Shopping Centre needs a person who ________.
[ ]
A.
is aged between 24 and 40
B.
may do some training work
C.
should deal with general duties
D.
can work for about a month
(3)
Which position is open to recent school graduates?
[ ]
A.
Producer, London Kiss.
B.
Father Christmas.
C.
Accountants Assistant
D.
Software Trainer
(4)
What kind of person would probably apply to Palmace Limited?
[ ]
A.
One with GCSE grade C level.
B.
One with some office experience.
C.
One having good computer knowledge
D.
One trained in producing music programs.
阅读理解
Walking down a path through some woods in Georgia, I saw a small pool of water ahead on the path.I angled my direction to go around it on the part of the path that wasn't covered by water or mud.As I reached the pool, I was suddenly attacked! Yet I did nothing for the attack.It was so unpredictable and from somewhere totally unexpected.I was surprised as well as unhurt though I had been struck four or five times.I backed up a foot and my attacker stopped attacking me.Had I been hurt I wouldn't have found it amusing.And I was laughing.After all, I was being attacked by a butterfly!
Having stopped, laughing, I took a step forward.My attacker rushed me again.He charged towards me at full speed, attempting to hurt me but in vain.For a second time, I took a step backwards while my attacker paused.I wasn't sure what to do.After all, it's just not every day that one is attacked by a butterfly.I stepped back to look the situation over.My attacker moved back to land on the ground.That's when I discovered why my attacker was charging me only moments earlier.He had a mate and she was dying.
Sitting close beside her, he opened and closed his wings as if to fan her.I could only admire the love and courage of that butterfly in his concern for his mate.He had taken it up on himself to attack me for his mate's sake, even though she was clearly dying and I was so large.He did so just to give her those extra few precious moments of life, should I have been careless enough to step on her.His courage in attacking something thousands of times larger and heavier than himself just for his mate's safety seemed admirable.I couldn't do anything other than reward him by walking on the more difficult side of the pool.He had truly earned those moments to be with her, undisturbed.
Since then, I've always tried to remember the courage of that butterfly whenever I see huge barriers facing me.
(1)
Why did the writer change his direction while walking down a path?
[ ]
A.
To get close to a butterfly.
B.
To look over the bad situation.
C.
To avoid getting his shoes dirty.
D.
To escape a sudden attack.
(2)
What made the man feel funny?
[ ]
A.
Making the attacker pause.
B.
Discovering the energetic butterfly.
C.
Being attacked by a butterfly.
D.
Being stepped on by his mate.
(3)
From this experience the man learned ________.
[ ]
A.
people should show sympathy to the weak
B.
what he should do when faced with trouble
C.
how he should deal with attacks
D.
people should protect butterflies
(4)
Which of the following words can best describe the butterfly?
[ ]
A.
Courageous.
B.
Amusing.
C.
Careless.
D.
Aggressive.
阅读理解
An annularity(日环食)is expected to cross China Friday afternoon, a researcher with the Purple Mountain Observatory under the Chinese Academy of Sciences said Wednesday.
The phenomenon, predicted to be the longest annularity of the next 1,000 years, can be seen in some areas of Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Shanxi, Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shandong provinces as well as Chongqing.
A partial eclipse(日偏食)would be seen in most of the rest of China, except for the northeast tip of Heilongjiang Province, said Cheng.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA)of the United States, the annularity will begin in Africa and pass through the India Ocean, where the maximum duration(持续的时间)of annularity will reach 11 minutes and 8 seconds.
It will continue into Asia through Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and China.Cheng said the annularity will end at Jiaodong peninsula in Shandong Province, China.
The longest duration of the annularity on China’s territory would be 8 minutes and 17 seconds in Ruili, Yunnan Province.A sunset with the annularity would be seen in some areas of Shandong, Guangdong and Taiwan, said Chen.
An annularity occurs when the moon does not cover the entire disc of the sun so that a ring of light encircles the shadow of the moon.
Another expert said that though an annularity was not considered as wonderful as a total solar eclipse and was of little value in scientific research, It was interesting for the general public to watch the phenomenon, though.
(1)
The annularity mentioned in the passage is unusual because ________.
[ ]
A.
it is expected to cross all over China
B.
it begins in Africa and passes through Asia
C.
it is of great importance in scientific research
D.
it lasts the longest in the next one thousand years
(2)
From the passage we may conclude that people in Fujian can only enjoy the scene of ________.
[ ]
A.
an annularity
B.
a partial solar eclipse
C.
a total solar eclipse
D.
a sunset with the annularity
(3)
People ________ can enjoy the longest duration of the annularity on Friday.
[ ]
A.
in Africa
B.
in India
C.
in China
D.
on the Indian Ocean
(4)
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage? ________.
[ ]
A.
The annularity will end in Shandong Province.
B.
The annularity can be seen by people all over China.
C.
The phenomenon is an exciting one to the astronomers only.
D.
A partial eclipse occurs when a ring of light encircles the shadow of the moon.
阅读理解
When I was at school, our teacher told the class, “You are what you eat.” My friends and I would laugh and call each other “hamburgers” and “biscuits”.Our teacher was trying to show us the importance of eating the right food to stay healthy.
This was a few decades ago when there were big campaigns to make British healthier.We decided to throw out our chip(炸土豆条)pan which we had used to make chips every day for dinner.We replaced our chips with boiled potatoes.We also started using semi skimmed(半脱脂)milk instead of whole milk in our cups of tea and bowls of cornflakes(麦片).At first I felt like eating my cornflakes in water and my potatoes had no taste at all.But after a while I started to prefer healthier food because I felt stronger and I didn’t get sick so often.
Japanese people are regarded as the healthiest in the world because of the food they eat.The healthiest Japanese people eat rice and fish and vegetables every day.They drink green tea or water when they are thirsty, and snack on dried fish, fruit or gingko nuts.The traditional Japanese diet is famous for helping you to live a longer and healthier life.
So we have proof(证据)that you become what you eat.Can you tell what you friends eat just by looking at them? When you know the effects of different types of food, you can use your knowledge well and eat what you want to become.
(1)
The teacher says “You are what you eat” because ________.
[ ]
A.
it is important to make your own food
B.
we can be eaten
C.
our food affects(影响)us
D.
he makes a laugh at us
(2)
Why did the author stop drinking whole milk?
[ ]
A.
Because it tasted bad
B.
Because she only wanted half a glass
C.
Because she wanted to drink milk with less fat.
D.
Because she felt that the whole milk had no taste at all.
(3)
Why are Japanese people said to be the healthiest in the world?
[ ]
A.
Because they don’t drink milk
B.
Because of their traditional diet
C.
Because their parents were healthy
D.
Because they eat vegetables but never meat
阅读理解
Halloween is a festival celebrated on October 31st.the name of the holiday means “hallowed” or “holy evening” because it happens the day before All Saints Day(万圣节).
It is said that Halloween is the children’s New Year’s Eve.They dress up in special costumes(服饰),they eat too much, and stay up too late celebrating.
Children go around the neighborhood wearing making-up, and dressed in masks and colorful costumes.The most common costumes are witches, ghosts, skeletons, and popular TV, movies and storybook characters.Some costumes are homemade; others are bought in stores.The children go door to door saying ”trick or treat”.People give them candy, cookies, fruit, or money.Sometimes money is collected to help UNICEF(United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund).
Homes, stores, and classrooms are decorated in the traditional Halloween colors-orange and black.Usual decorations are witches, black cats, ghosts, skeletons and jack-o’-lanterns.
Jack-o’-lanterns are pumpkins that are carved to look like faces.They are placed on door-way entrances and in windows.Horror movies and ghost stories are shown on TV on this day.
Adults and older children also celebrate Halloween with parades(游行), festivals and costumes; other people create their costumes; other people rent(租借)them.Contests are held and the best costume will receives a prize.One of the party events popular with children is dunking(浸泡)for apples.Apples are put in tubs filled with water.People try to get apples using only their mouths; hands cannot be used.
(1)
What does the word “holy” mean in the first paragraph?
[ ]
A.
Associated(和…有联系)with God or with religion
B.
No solid, with a hole or empty space inside
C.
Dark and green
D.
With a hole in
(2)
Why is it said that Halloween is the children’s New Year’s Eve?
[ ]
A.
Because Halloween comes the day before All Saints Day
B.
Because only on that day children can go around the neighborhood
C.
Because children can get money from their parents on Halloween
D.
Because children dress up with costumes, eat a lot, and stay up celebrating
(3)
Which is NOT true about the common costumes according to the passage?
[ ]
A.
They are colorful.
B.
They are witches, ghosts, skeletons, and popular TV characters, etc
C.
Some of the costumes are homemade.
D.
All of the costumes are bought in stores.
(4)
Which of the following is WRONG?
[ ]
A.
Jack-o’-lanterns are pumpkins that are carved to look like faces
B.
Adults also celebrate Halloween together with children
C.
Horror movies are shown on TV on 31st October
D.
Apples are the favorite fruit people eat on Halloween
阅读理解
Verbier Language School
Beginner? Fluent? Young? Young at heart? VLS can help you learn or improve your language skills in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with fun, professional teachers.
What we offer
Individual and group French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Swedish lessons for children and adults.
Exam preparation for TEFL, TOEFL, IELTS, Common Entrance, GCSE.
Summer courses.
Translation services.
Summer immersion(浸泡式)camps-language and activities including cooking, performances, art and crafts, walking, biking, various sports etc.9 am-4pm(lunch included)
Winter immersion camps-language and skiing.9 am-4pm(lunch included)
Courses+prices(prices shown are for 1 hour lessons, per student):
Private-one-to-one tuition focusing on the individual needs of the student.
Group-learn in a relaxed and fun environment.Maximum of 6 students per group so there is still plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Children-learning with fun and games in private or group lessons.
Corporate-arrange private or group classes fro your company aimed at your specific needs.
Conditions
If registering by phone or email, classes are not confirmed until a deposit(定金)has been received via the bank or Pay pal.Please contact us for bank details.
Payment for the classes must be paid in full in advance or at each lesson.
Students must complete a test at their first lesson to determine their level.
Contact us
By post:Verbier Language School, Centre de L’Etoile, Case Postale 475, Rue de M dran 6, 1936 Verbier, Switzerland
By phone:+41(0)79 653 22 27
By e-mail:info@ verbierlanguageschool.Com
(1)
In the first paragraph, “young at heart” refers to ________
[ ]
A.
optimistic people
B.
people with a strong heart
C.
old professional teachers
D.
people in old age
(2)
It can be inferred that IELTS is ________.
[ ]
A.
a language course
B.
a language test
C.
a sports competition
D.
a summer camp
(3)
John and his father both attend the Group lessons to learn German.They learn two hours each day.How much do they need to pay per day?
[ ]
A.
200 dollars
B.
180 dollars
C.
120dollars
D.
60 dollars
(4)
In their first lesson, students are required to ________
[ ]
A.
report their interests
B.
take an exam
C.
complete a form
D.
pay by credit card
阅读理解
A number of scholars have attempted to bring the destinies(命运)of the characters in Cao Xueqin’s novel A Dream of Red Mansions, to a closure.
When it comes to rewriting literary texts, no example is more exciting than that of A Dream of Red Mansions.Only the first 80 chapters by Cao Xueqin survive, with the characters’ destinies inferred but not explained clearly.
When Liu Xinwu, 69, released his 28-chapter version of the ending, it stirred up the proverbial hornet’s nest.Opinions were divided not only on Liu’s qualification for the job, but also on whether a new ending was really required.
Most scholars agree that it was Qing Dynasty scholar Gao E who completed the novel with a 40-chapter ending.Liu says his efforts are similar to putting the arms back on Venus:“The newest attempts shouldn’t be dismissed simply because previous efforts have failed.”
Liu is just the latest in a long list of writers who have attempted to provide an ending to the famous novel.The number of such works is more than 100.Varying in length, quality, and form, some make Gao’s 120th chapter the starting point.Some recent versions have even gone so far as to experiment with Xue Baochai speaking in English.
Referring to what he calls Gao’s misleading inferences, Liu says he set out to restore Cao’s original plans.“Cao intended to make it a tragedy,” he says.Liu is confident about having Lin Daiyu drowned, Xue Baochai sick and depressed, Wang Xifeng, suicidal(自杀), and Jia Baoyu survive and return to heaven.
Liu’s efforts have taken seven years and he says “writing in Cao’s tone” is the biggest problem.However, critics and writers such as Wei Minglun say his biggest challenge was reproduce the poetry of the original.
Liu scores his work as a six out of 10, a bare pass.He says his efforts were not motivated by money and fame.Cao is truly great to have created in Jia Baoyu a fighter against the dark side of society, Liu says.“Gao E has changed Jia’s character but I have preserved it.”
(1)
The underlined words in paragraph 3 most probably mean “_________”.
[ ]
A.
attracted people’s interest
B.
led to heated discussions
C.
drew readers’ attention
D.
won its fame
(2)
Which of the following can we infer from the text?
[ ]
A.
Some versions have Xue Baochai speak in English.
B.
It took Gao E about seven years to complete the 40-chapter ending.
C.
No one can decide what ending is the best for the novel.
D.
Wei Minglun found it most difficult to “writing in Cao’s tone”.
(3)
What is probably the best title for the passage?
[ ]
A.
An Introduction of Liu Xinwu
B.
Come on to complete the dream
C.
An Ending Is Needed
D.
Completing the Dream
阅读理解
Bobby was getting cold.Try as he might, he could not come up with an idea for his mother’s Christmas gift.“This is useless, even if I do have an idea, I don’t have money to spend.”
Since his father had passed away, the family had struggled.But what the family lacked in money and material things, they made up for in love.
Wiping a tear from his eye, Bobby started to walk from shop to shop, looking into each decorated window.Everything seemed so beautiful and so out of reach.
It was starting to get dark when he suddenly discovered a dime(十分钱)lying on the ground.Never before had anyone felt so wealthy as Bobby felt at that moment.
He walked into the first store but his excitement quickly turned cold when he was told nothing could be bought with only a dime.He then went into a flower shop.Hearing Bobby’s words and looking at the dime, the shop owner said, “You just wait here and I’ll see what I can do for you.”
Bobby waited until the last customer left.The shop owner moved to the counter saying “I happened to have some roses on sale for ten cents a dozen.Would you like them, young man?” Could this be true? When the man placed roses into his hands, he knew it was true.Walking out gratefully, Bobby heard the shop keeper say, “Merry Christmas, son.”
Staring out of the window, tears in eyes, the shop keeper explained to his wife, “A strange thing happened to me this morning.While I was to open the shop, I heard a voice telling me to set aside a dozen of my best roses for a special gift.I wasn’t sure at the time whether I had lost my mind or what, but I set them aside anyway.Then when the little boy came in, I saw myself many years ago who was a poor boy with nothing to buy mother a Christmas gift.A man I never knew stopped me on the street and gave me ten dollars.Then I knew who that voice was.
The shop owner and his wife hugged each other tightly, and as they stepped out into the bitter cold air, they somehow didn’t feel cold at all.
(1)
With the dime that Bobby found, _________.
[ ]
A.
he could afford nothing but a dozen of roses
B.
he could buy anything he wanted for his mother
C.
he couldn’t have afforded the roses without the shop owner
D.
he could use it to buy something in memory of his father
(2)
Why did the shop owner sell Bobby flowers at a low price?
[ ]
A.
Because someone told him to do so.
B.
Because he was always willing to help others.
C.
Because Bobby was like his son.
D.
Because he saw himself years ago in Bobby.
(3)
We can learn from the passage that _________.
[ ]
A.
Bobby’s family had neither money nor love.
B.
Bobby’s family was full of love though lacking his father
C.
The shop owner had once done the same thing to another boy like Bobby
D.
The shop owner didn’t believe what he heard that morning
(4)
In the last paragraph, what does the writer mean by “they somehow didn’t feel cold at all”?
[ ]
A.
Bobby’s love for mother made them feel not cold.
B.
The coming Christmas brought warmth to them.
C.
Making others happy can give people a sense of warmth.
D.
The love between the couple warmed their body and heart.