【推荐2】After years of heated debate, gray wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park. Fourteen wolves were caught in Canada and transported to the park. By last year, the Yellowstone wolf population had grown to more than 170 wolves.

Gray wolves once were seen here and there in the Yellowstone area and much of the continental United States, but they were gradually displaced by human development. By the 1920s, wolves had practically disappeared from the Yellowstone area. They went farther north into the deep forests of Canada, where there were fewer humans around.

The disappearance of the wolves had many unexpected results. Deer and elk populations — major food sources (来源) for the wolf — grew rapidly. These animals consumed large amounts of vegetation (植被), which reduced plant diversity in the park. In the absence of wolves, coyote populations also grew quickly. The coyotes killed a large percentage of the park’s red foxes, and completely drove away the park’s beavers.

As early as 1966, biologists asked the government to consider reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone Park. They hoped that wolves would be able to control the elk and coyote problems. Many farmers opposed the plan because they feared that wolves would kill their farm animals or pets.

The government spent nearly 30 years coming up with a plan to reintroduce the wolves. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service carefully monitors and manages the wolf packs in Yellowstone. Today, the debate continues over how well the gray wolf is fitting in at Yellowstone. Elk, deer, and coyote populations are down, while beavers and red foxes have made a comeback. The Yellowstone wolf project has been a valuable experiment to help biologists decide whether to reintroduce wolves to other parts of the country as well.

1. What is the text mainly about?

A．Wildlife research in the United States.	B．Plant diversity in the Yellowstone area.
C．The conflict between farmers and gray wolves.	D．The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone Park.

2. What does the underlined word “displaced” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Forced out.

B．Separated.

C．Tested.

D．Tracked down.

3. What did the disappearance of gray wolves bring about?

A．Damage to local ecology (生态).	B．A decline in the park’s income.
C．Preservation of vegetation.	D．An increase in the variety of animals.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards the Yellowstone wolf project?

A．Disapproving.

B．Positive.

C．Doubtful.

D．Uncaring.

【推荐3】Wildlife faces threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and some human activities. Although protecting wildlife may seem too hard at times, even small actions in your own neighborhood can help protect many different animals. Here are some tips on how to protect wildlife through small actions. Create wildlife­friendly areas in your backyard.

When trying to make your garden more beautiful, you can choose plants that can provide food and shelter for the native wildlife. This will also help cut down on pollution. Besides, bird or bat houses in your yard or garden can attract and shelter more species.

Avoid harming the natural ecosystem (生态系统) in your backyard.

Some plants from other places can kill or harm the native plants that provide food and shelter for wildlife.

Have a greener lifestyle.

By using less water and fewer fuels, you will do good to help protect the wildlife around you. Take buses or the subway if you can, turn off the electric devices when you’re not using them, take showers for a shorter time, and keep the temperature in your room at or below 68 Fahrenheit degrees in winter.

Buy products that are friendly to wildlife.

Don’t buy products that are made from endangered animals. Keep in mind that some endangered animals are killed by traps, or hunters who are eager to earn money with them.

Donate money to organizations that protect wildlife and their habitats.

You can give money to organizations or groups that protect wildlife in your neighborhood, thus promoting their work.

1. The purpose of this passage is to ________.

A．tell us why protecting wildlife is extremely important now

B．suggest that we protect wildlife through words

C．explain why protecting wildlife is not as hard as people think

D．give us some tips on how to protect wildlife through small actions

2. Which of the following threats to wildlife is NOT mentioned in the passage?

A．Animal diseases.	B．Destruction of habitat.
C．Pollution.	D．Hunters.

3. What behaviour do you think the author would disagree with?

A．Planting proper trees in gardens.

B．Buying a sweater that is made from antelope fur as a gift.

C．Donating some money to WWF.

D．Reading books about wildlife.

4. In which section of a newspaper would you most probably read this passage?

A．Environment.	B．Teaching.
C．Business.	D．Geography.

【推荐1】Raised by a single mother in Hartford, Fred Wright struggled with behavioral problems and was forced to move from one school to another. He even reached a point where he felt like he had nothing to live for.

“I was walking around with a lot on my shoulders，” he said.“I couldn't handle it. I didn't care about life anymore.” But all that started to change when Wright met Patricia Kelly.

“I was seven when I met Mrs Kelly.I wasn't used to strictness. I wasn't used to hearing the word ‘no’，”said Wright, now 17.

Kelly, a former soldier and an equestrian (骑手), took Wright under her wing and helped him find hope in an unlikely place — on a horse.

“Wright was like a round peg that everybody kept trying to squeeze into a square hole，” Kelly said.“He was hurting. He needed a place where he could express himself. The riding field became that place for him.”

For the last 30 years, Kelly has helped children stay on the right track through her non­profit, Ebony Horsewomen. The program offers horseback riding lessons and teaches animal science to more than 300 young   people a year. By exposing those children to horsemanship, Kelly aims to give them an alternative to the streets and an opportunity to turn their lives around.

“We use horses as a hook to create pride, esteem and healing，” said Kelly, 66.“They learn that they have ability. They just have to unlock it.”

“When you teach a child to ride a horse, they learn they are the center of their environment，” said Kelly.“Once they make that connection, they can change what happens in school, at home and in the community.”

1. Why did Fred Wright have to move from one school to another?

A．Because his mother couldn't afford the fees.

B．Because his parents got divorced.

C．Because he behaved badly at school.

D．Because he didn't set a life goal.

2. How did Patricia Kelly help Fred Wright?

A．She provided him with a home.

B．She encouraged him to learn science.

C．She exposed him to the riding field.

D．She found him a better school.

3. What do we know about the program Ebony Horsewomen?

A．It is intended to make money.

B．It was founded by Patricia Kelly.

C．It aims to protect the environment.

D．It serves as a shelter for homeless kids.

4. What can be inferred from the last two paragraphs?

A．Horse riding is helpful to the growth of kids.

B．Patricia Kelly is a very successful woman.

C．Horses are closely related to the environment.

D．It is hard for a kid to learn to ride a horse.

【推荐2】阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项中，选出最佳选项。
Everyone gathered around and Paddy read out loud, slowly, his tone growing sadder and sadder. The little headline said: BOXER RECEIVES LIFE SENTENCE.
Frank Cleary, aged 26, professional boxer, was today found guilty of the murder of Albert Cumming, aged 32, laborer, last July. The jury (陪审团) reached its decision after only ten minutes, recommending the most severe punishment the court could give out. It was, said the judge, a simple case. Cumming and Cleary had quarreled violently at the Harbour Hotel on July 23rd and the police saw Cleary kicking at the head of the unconscious Cumming. When arrested Cleary was drunk but clear-thinking…
Cleary was sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour. Asked if he had anything to say, Cleary answered, “Just don’t tell my mother.”
“It happened over three years ago,” Paddy said helplessly. No one answered him or moved, for no one knew what to do. “Just don’t tell my mother,” said Fee numbly. “And no one did! Oh, God! My poor, poor Frank!”
Paddy wiped the tears from his face and said. “Fee dear, pack your things. We’ll go to see him.”
She half-rose before sinking back, her eyes in her small white face stared as if dead. “I can’t go,” she said without a hint of pain, yet making everyone feel that the pain was there. “It would kill him to see me. I know him so well— his pride, his ambition. Let him bear the shame alone, it’s what he wants. We’ve got to help him keep his secret. What good will it do him to see us? ”
Paddy was still weeping, but not for Frank, for the life which had gone from Fee’s face, for the dying in her eyes. Frank had always brought bitterness and misfortune, always stood between Fee and himself. He was the cause of her withdrawal from his heart and the hearts of his children.
Every time it looked as if there might be happiness for Fee, Frank took it away. But Paddy’s love for her was as deep and impossible to wipe out as hers was for Frank.
So he said, “Well, Fee, we won’t go. But we must make sure he is taken care of. How about if I write to Father Jones and ask him to look out for Frank?”
The eyes didn’t liven, but a faint pink stole into her cheeks. “Yes, Paddy, do that. Only make sure he knows not to tell Frank we found out. Perhaps it would ease Frank to think for certain that we don’t know.”
1. Which of the following is true according to the passage?

A．Frank was found guilty of murder because he was a professional boxer.

B．The family didn’t find out what happened to Frank until three years later.

C．The jury and the judge disagreed on whether Frank had committed murder.

D．Frank didn’t want his family to find out what happened because Paddy disliked him.

2. Paddy didn’t cry for Frank because he thought ________.

A．Frank did kill someone and deserved the punishment

B．Frank should have told Fee what had happened

C．what had happened to Frank was killing Fee

D．Frank had always been a man of bad moral character

3. Which of the following suggests that Fee was deeply shocked by what happened to Frank?

A．“Her eyes in her small white face stared as if dead.”

B．“Let him bear the shame alone, it’s what he wants.”

C．“Every time it looked as if there might be happiness for Fee, Frank took it away.”

D．“The eyes didn’t liven, but a faint pink stole into her cheeks.”

4. “She half-rose before sinking back …” (in Paragraph 6) shows that ________.

A．Fee was so heart-broken that she could hardly stand up

B．Fee didn’t want to upset Paddy by visiting Frank

C．Fee couldn’t leave her family to go to see Frank

D．Fee struggled between wanting to see Frank and respecting his wish

【推荐1】There are few things that will come close to the excitements of white-water rafting(激流皮划艇运动); after all, this sport can take a turn for the worse if safety measures are ignored. But if it’s done in place, this can be an adventure like no other.

The White Nile, Uganda

The White Nile flows from the rather calm Lake Victoria, but soon bursts into a major force as it runs through Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Sudan. Rafting on the river, though, is best enjoyed when you’re in Uganda, with rapids touching Class V. And now to the best part --- rafting on the White Nile is permitted all year round except in spring, with nine Class V rapids.

The Colorado River, Arizona

When you’re surrounded by beautiful nature, it's hard to concentrate on the task at hand. But if your attention is attracted by nature, you will be thrown into the water. This stretch of the Colorado River has what is probably the largest Class V rapid in the United States, which attracts rafting enthusiasts worldwide. In late spring, snow melts from the Rocky Mountains bringing in some Class V rapids.

The Zambezi River, Zimbabwe

Africa’s got some big thrills in the Zambezi River. It’s full of big Class V rapids. The Batoka Gorge is where the river turns over 23 rapids, going on for a 15-mile stretch below the Victoria Falls. This is best described as the continent’s most thrilling rafting experience all year round except in spring.

The Tuolumne River, California

The Tuolumne River stretches for a distance of 27 miles, where you can experience some amazing Class V rapids. The river will test your rafting skills as you raft along the course. The best time to be here is in early spring. You can also enjoy the wilderness in Yosemite, a valley in California, America.

1. Which of the following can best describe white-water rafting?

A．Competitive but easy.	B．Popular but dangerous.
C．Frightening but worthy.	D．Exciting but adventurous.

2. Which river offers the most thrills in late spring?

A．The Colorado River.	B．The White Nile.
C．The Tuolumne River.	D．The Zambezi River.

3. What do the Colorado River and the Tuolumne River have in common?

A．They cover the same distance.	B．They are located in America.
C．Only experienced rafters are allowed.	D．They are from the Rocky Mountains.

【推荐2】I have been dancing since I was 14 years old, when my best friend dragged me to an after-school dance class. I enjoyed that dance class so much that I have been dancing ever since. After every dance class, however, I always have to stretch out my legs and back, as dancing can be quite a tough workout! It feels like as much exercise as going to the gym—but dancing is not widely considered to be a sport.

Many dancers would argue that dancing is a sport, as it requires great physical stamina (耐力), strong muscles and impressive flexibility. No matter what style of dance you are participating in, you will always be using all of your muscles while dancing and this can often be for several hours a day. Additionally, in the more traditional dance styles (such as ballet and contemporary dance), men often lift their female dance partners up in the air. The strength that dancers need means that they are often just as athletic as footballers, runners or swimmers.

On the other hand, many people argue that dance is an art form. Dances often exhibit emotion, show characters and tell stories. Dancing to music is creative and visually appealing to the eyes and ears. It is easy to see why many people consider dance to be an art form. I personally believe that dance is both a sport and an art. I believe that a great dancer will be a mixture of an athlete and an artist.

However, whether you consider dance to be an art or a sport, the important thing is to enjoy it! Dancing is a great way to make new friends and it’s a really fun way to exercise!

1. Why did the author fall in love with dancing?

A．Because she got inspired by her best friend.

B．Because she found the dance class was for free.

C．Because dancing might be the best form of exercise.

D．Because dancing was the most challenging task.

2. What can we learn according to the second paragraph?

A．A ballet dancer should be tall and strong. .

B．In some ways dancers are similar to athletes.

C．Most dancers find it hard to practice for several hours.

D．The traditional dance styles often cost more energy.

3. Why do some people think dance is an art form?

A．Because they think it is just like watching a play.

B．Because dancing merely brings amusement.

C．Because they think it is funny to watch dance.

D．Because dancers tell stories while dancing.

4. In which part of a website can we read the passage?

A．Fashion.

B．Sport.

C．Life around the world.

D．Music.

【推荐3】I sent a message to my sister at 12: 30 p.m. during my lunch to ask her about my father's progress. He was having his second knee surgery and my expectations were the same as the previous successful surgery. My brother picked me up from school and we headed for the hospital.

When we arrived at the hospital, my first question was “How is he doing?” My father was connected to a breathing machine and his face was very swollen. I tried my best not to cry because 1 was supposed to interpret for him what was happening as the nurses did not speak Spanish. I had never seen my father this way. He looked so fragile and different from the strong man I knew. I asked him how he was doing and he said he was fine. I returned to the lobby and I was in a state where I realized that my hero, best friend, and love of my life was in a dangerous state and at this point anything could happen.

I recalled on when I was a child. “I'm going to the store” were always his words, and that was without a doubt my cue to follow him. We would walk to the car, and sometimes if I was lucky, I got away with sitting in the front seat. We would arrive at the store and he always said “Get whatever you want and something for Ana”; Ana is my sister. My dad and I were best friends, he never showed preference with his children, but I just always happened to follow him. It was okay for me to cry when I wanted something because I was his youngest girl, he couldn't say no to me.

All along my father had dedicated his life to giving us the best. Growing up does not necessarily mean that one must distance from our parents because it is childish; it is a time to take action and embrace the feelings because it is the right thing to do. Life presents us signals to acknowledge and value what is the most important in life.

1. How was the author's father when she arrived at the hospital?

A．He was dangerously weak.	B．He was worried about his life.
C．He remained healthy and strong.	D．He was unconscious and couldn't speak.

2. How did the author feel after knowing her father's situation?

A．Sympathetic.	B．Worried.
C．Optimistic.	D．Indifferent.

3. What can we learn about the author's childhood?

A．She never took no for an answer.

B．She was her father's favorite child.

C．She followed her father a lot as a young girl.

D．She got away from her family at an early age.

4. What advice does the author give at the end of the text?

A．Value your loved ones and keep them close.

B．Grow up and share your parents' responsibility.

C．Care for your parents' health before it's too late.

D．Distance from your family and be independent.

【推荐1】

KIMBOLTON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE (K&C); ￡274,995 Lying in the popular town of Kimbolton, this modern house has got an entrance hall and a downstairs cloakroom. On the ground floor, there is a kitchen with breakfast room and a dining room. It has got a study and a playroom. On the first floor there is a living room and the master bedroom with a shower room. On the top floor, there are two bedrooms and the family bathroom and you can enjoy the scenery outside. There is a drive and a double garage to the front and large rear (后面) garden.

BRAMPTON, CUMBRIA(B&C); ￡399,995 Lyingon Pipers Lane in Brampton, this classic cottage has got two floors. On the ground floor, there is a kitchen with a breakfast room. There is also a sitting room, a dining room and a cloakroom. On the first floor, there are four bedrooms and a family bathroom. There are gardens to the front and rear and a garage with a drive to the side.

GODMANCHESTER, CAMBRIDGESHIRE (G&C); ￡152,500 Lying in the heart of Godmanchester, this house has got three storeys. On the ground floor, there is a kitchen with a dining area and a sitting room with a fireplace. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is a master bedroom with a shower room on the top floor. There is a rear garden and a storage shed.

LITTLE PAXTON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE (L&C); ￡149,995 Set on the banks of the River Ouse, this modern flat has got an open-plan accommodation with dining, living and kitchen area. There is a balcony with views over the river. There are two double bedrooms with separate bathrooms. There is a parking lot on the basement.

1. What can we know about K&C?

A．It has three storeys in total.	B．It lies near a river with a rear garden.
C．Of the four it’s the 3rd most expensive.	D．On its top floor, people can overlook the city.

2. What do B&C and G&C have in common?

A．A double garage on the ground floor.	B．A sitting room on the ground floor.
C．A cloakroom beside the bedrooms.	D．A garden to the front of the house.

3. Which house has an underground parking garage?

A．K&C	B．B&C
C．G&C	D．L&C

【推荐2】It was a rainy day and I was walking down the street feeling comfortable and happy. I wanted to do something kind for someone else without any reason and purpose, almost as if I was just trying to spread the abundance (充足) of love I was receiving. It was then that I saw a teenage girl dressed in tattered clothes, getting soaked(湿透). She wasn't wearing any shoes or socks. The rain wet her skin through the holes in her clothes and she was making her way through the garbage, trying to find something that would be of use to her.

I walked towards her and told her to wait for me there while I ran home to get her something. On getting home, I took off my shoes, which I really loved, wrapped them up in a plastic cover and ran to give them to the teenage girl on the street.

The girl looked surprised as if she was not used to this kind of kindness. She thanked me in a trembling (颤抖的) voice.

A famous musician who lives down the street corner stopped his car and smiled when he saw what happened. The two watchmen who saw me do this talked and gave me friendly looks.

Although I had to wear my dad's shoes, I was satisfied even if they were a bit large for my feet, because I knew the girl would walk comfortably wearing the shoes. That day I learned that letting go off the little things we own can be a big help to others.

1. What does the underlined word ''tattered'' in the first paragraph probably mean?

A．Old and torn.	B．Large and new.
C．Colorless and small.	D．Thick and old.

2. In the passage, we are told that _______.

A．the author liked going down streets on rainy days

B．the author liked walking in her father's shoes

C．nobody wanted to help the poor girl

D．the author was very kind-hearted

3. What did the musician's and the watchmen's reactions to the author’s behavior mean?

A．They were laughing at the author.	B．They thought what the author did was right.
C．They also wanted to help the poor girl.	D．They were curious about what the author did.

4. What can we learn from the passage?

A．It is important to get others' praise.	B．It is no use giving things to others.
C．It is a pity to lose favorite things.	D．It is good to help others.

【推荐3】Winslow Homer was a famous American painter. Since Art History class in college, I had always admired his works and I was lucky to see a large exhibition of his works when I was in my early 30s. It was at this event that I bought a print of his painting “Snap the Whip”. It always hung in my classroom until I retired from teaching.

I thought it truly captured the freedom and fun of childhood. In the painting, a group of young boys are playing a game arm in arm on the grass ground in front of a farm house. They are jumping and laughing wildly with great joy. One of the boys is falling down to the ground. They are not even wearing shoes!

During my last year of teaching，there was a young woman in her first year of teaching right next door to me and we got to be good friends. She had been an art student before taking up education. Her eyes were drawn immediately to this print when she entered my room. So on my last day of teaching, after the students had left, I took the painting off the wall and walked next door and gave it to her.

She was really surprised，but very glad to have it. I was delighted that she liked it and all the students she would have would treasure it as much as I had. We found the perfect place for it on one of her walls and hung it together. I was happy that she brought back this wonderful memory for me.

1. Why did the author admire the painting “Snap the Whip” so much?

A．He had a deep love for children and students.

B．It was bought from a famous American painter.

C．He appreciated the freedom and fun in the painting.

D．It had also drawn the attention of the young woman.

2. What is the painting about?

A．The nature of children.	B．Homeless children.
C．Hard-working farmers.	D．The pleasure of working.

3. What does the underlined word “captured” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．Recognized.

B．Caught.

C．Controlled.

D．Recovered.

4. How did the author feel when seeing the painting hung in the woman’s room？

A．Regretful.

B．Painful.

C．Proud.

D．Pleased.