Richard Holmes, a British author and academic, is something of a Romantic, famous for biographies of Percy Bysshe Shelley and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. In his last book, "The Age of Wonder"， he wrote about science and Romanticism and their common commitment to discovery. In his new book, "Falling Upwards"， he combines the two again to tell the stories of Europe's early balloonists (气球飞行者).
Mr Holmes's love of balloons was aroused at a village festival and his enthusiasm is one of the book's many pleasures. He refers to the cheerful tone used in many first-hand ballooning stories, and applies it in this second-hand account. He describes men and women wrapped up in fur coats under their hydrogen-filled balloons, enjoying cold chicken and champagne and looking back to earth to see mankind "for what it really is."
Mr Holmes makes much of the strange side of ballooning, but the book is at its best when examining its more serious applications. In the American civil war, for example, both North and South put observers in balloons to spy on enemy movements. And during the Prussian attack on Paris in 1870-71， balloonists managed to fly out of the city to communicate with the French government in exile (流亡) in Tours.
"Falling Upwards" contains much of the historian's writing characteristics, such as footnotes and bibliography (文献书目)， but its epilogue (后记) refers modestly to what has gone before as "a series of true balloon stories". It does touch on the more technical aspects of ballooning, and says little about the French Montgolfier brothers who are credited as its inventors. That though seems a small price to pay for such a spirited work. Mr Holmes's tale ends at the start of the 20th century when the business of flight was being handed over to the airship and the airplane.
1. In his book "Falling Upwards"， Richard Holmes ______ .| A．uses the similar writing style of "The Age of Wonder" |
| B．describes how people celebrated a village festival |
| C．gives first-hand accounts of Europe's early balloonists |
| D．discusses balloons used in war in a serious tone |
| A．its vivid descriptions of balloonists' life |
| B．its analyses of the serious uses of balloons |
| C．its reference to many historical resources |
| D．its research on the ballooning technology |
| A．Falling Upwards is an inspiring book but its price is a little high. |
| B．To complete the book, Holmes received Montgolfier brothers' financial aid. |
| C．It is a pity that the book doesn't introduce Montgolfier brothers in detail. |
| D．It actually didn't take Holmes much work to write such a good book. |
相似题推荐
Wearing earphones, using complex Net language and constantly text messaging friends, the Gen-90s following the Gen-80s begin to make their world debut (初次登台).
Each generation or age group has its own symbols and lifestyle. Read on and judge for yourselves if you fit the Gen-90s group.
Earphones
These little devices seem to grow on the heads of the Gen-90s. They might lead to MP3, MP4 or MP101 players, giving these young people a plugged-in, cool and perhaps self-addicted look, of course, life is not always music to the ears.
Martian language
They have created their own code-like online language. It’s a mixture of English, Japanese and Chinese that perhaps only Martians can understand. This is an imaginative generation, though they need to be careful to keep it out of their term papers.
Self-Portrait
Saying “cheese” to their own digital cameras is usual for this generation. A little bit of narcissism (自恋) never hurts anyone. It helps them reflect a little on their own lives．But be aware of the risks of posting private photos online.
Text-messaging
They can type their mobile phones as fast as they can speak. This is a generation that respects efficiency. However, oral communication is important and will never go out of style.
1. According to the passage, if you belong to the Gen-90s , you will _______ .
| A．just appreciate yourself and ignore others’ strengths. |
| B．have your own symbols and lifestyle. |
| C．have the same symbols and lifestyle of the Gen-80s． |
| D．like music and dance very much. |
| A．Li Hua likes music and always wearing iPod |
| B．Zhang Chao is not only an imaginative boy but do everything efficiently. |
| C．Lily is a shy girl and she doesn’t like making friends. |
| D．Fangfang likes being taken photos and often posting them on line. |
| A．Not all teens are cautious about posting photos． |
| B．They type their mobile phones so fast that it can catch the speed of speaking. |
| C．The Gen-90s have a preference for some music players, and even regard them as a necessary part of life. |
| D．They don’t use the cool and complex online language in formal writing. |
| A．the Gen-90s’ happy life |
| B．the difference between the Gen-80s and the Gen-90s |
| C．the Gen-90s’ unique lifestyle and some practical warnings |
| D．the similarities between the Gen-80s and the Gen-90s |
【推荐2】This happened several years ago when I was still quite new in the city. I was doing my grocery shopping one day, and when I wanted to pay for my things, it turned out that I didn't have enough funds on my bank account for the things I’d chosen. It seemed something had been paid from my account that I had forgotten about.
I was so embarrassed and ashamed. There was a queue forming behind me. I became very flustered（慌乱的）and very close to tears. I tried to quickly pick some things out that weren’t so urgent for me to buy. The cashier（收银员）, a patient, elderly man, saw how upset I was and gently said, “Please, don't worry about picking out groceries to leave behind and you can pay me back for the difference another day.” I immediately refused since I didn't know him, but he insisted he would pay for the difference because he also had daughters and sometimes life could be hard. I thanked him greatly while I packed my things. I asked him what his name was so I could bring the money another day. He said, “Just ask for Baba（Father）and everyone calls me that here.”
I came back a few days later with the money, a thank-you card, and some homemade cookies. I asked a young salesman if he'd seen the old man and he immediately told me, “Oh! That must be Baba!” It was clear that he was very familiar with him. I explained what had happened and he nodded. "Yes, that is something he would do. He is a bit of an extra father to all of us working here, too. He isn't working today but I will make sure he gets this."
Thank you, Baba, for looking out for me that day, and for taking good care of your coworkers, too! I think it is people like Baba that make the world beautiful.
1. What happened to the author as she went shopping?| A．She forgot to bring money with her. |
| B．She regretted choosing something expensive. |
| C．She couldn't afford the goods she had picked. |
| D．She couldn’t remember the password of her account. |
| A．To make herself calm down. |
| B．To give up some high-priced things. |
| C．To remove some items less necessary. |
| D．To take out all the goods she had chosen. |
| A．Shy and honest. | B．Talented and friendly. |
| C．Generous and hardworking. | D．Kind and warm-hearted. |
| A．Every job is meaningful. | B．We need people like “Baba". |
| C．Giving is a kind of happiness. | D．An embarrassing shopping experience. |
【推荐3】Moksh Jawa, 16, a junior student in Washington High School in the US, has already become a hero among students. As a seventh-grader, he studied on the Internet and taught himself programming. As a high school freshman, he passed the AP Computer Science A Exam with a 5, the highest possible score. Because his high school didn't teach programming, he developed his own online course and helped classmates get through it. Everything he did came from his interest. "I just fell in love with computer science." Jawa said. He encouraged classmates to learn programming, too. Trying to make the knowledge easy for anyone to learn on the Internet, Jawa set about creating his own online course, with easy-to-follow lessons, quizzes and tests. The course has so far attracted 3,200 students across the United States and in 120 countries including China, Ukraine and Algeria. It shows, Jawa said, the huge need for programming lessons.
"I deliver it like I'm talking from one high school student to another." Jawa said, "It's always great to make it as clear and fun as possible, and to try to keep my voice as energetic as possible." He does that, too, when teaching members of the computer science club he founded in Washington.
"He's pretty amazing," said Bob Moran, the headmaster of Washington High School, who saw him lead the club. "He was just a fantastic teacher, clear, organized and entertaining. When a student got the right answer, he would throw them a piece of candy."
1. Which can be the main reason for Jawa creating the online course?| A．He has a great interest in teaching. |
| B．The online teaching can make him a hero. |
| C．He wants to help his classmates and others to learn the subject. |
| D．There is a huge need for programming lessons around the world. |
| A．They are hard to understand. |
| B．They've attracted learners around the world. |
| C．They are taught in different languages. |
| D．They are easy and fun without quizzes and tests. |
| A．Jawa has always been a great club leader |
| B．Jawa is a hero in Washington High School |
| C．Jawa is very good at computer programming |
| D．Jawa knows how to teach and encourage students |
【推荐1】As you grow older, you’ll be faced with some challenging decisions-like whether to cut class or try cigarettes. Making decisions on your own is hard enough, but when other people get involved and try to pressure you one way or another, it can be even harder. People who are at your age, like your classmates, are called peers. When they try to influence how you act, or get you to do something, it’s called peer pressure.
Peers can have a positive influence on each other. Maybe another student in your science class taught you an easy way to remember the planets in the solar system (太阳系). Maybe you got others excited about your new favourite book, and now everyone’s reading it. These are examples of how peers positively influence each other.
Sometimes peers influence each other in negative ways. For example, a few kids in school might try to get you to cut class with them; your soccer friend might try to convince (说服) you to be mean (吝啬，小气) to another player and never pass him the ball.
It is tough to be the only one who says “no” to peer pressure, but you can do it. Paying attention to your own feelings and beliefs about what is right and wrong can help you know the right thing to do.
You’ve probably had a parent or teacher advising you to “choose your friends wisely” Peer pressure is a big reason why they say this. If you choose friends who don’t cut class, smoke cigarettes, or lie to their parents, then you probably won’t do these things either, even if other kids do.
If you continue to face peer pressure and you’re finding it difficult to handle, talk to someone you trust. Don’t feel guilty (内疚) if you’ve made a mistake or two.
1. For whom is the passage most probably written?| A．Students. | B．Parents. | C．Teachers. | D．Doctors. |
| A．explains why friendship is so important | B．gives advice on how to deal with peer pressure |
| C．discusses how peers influence each other | D．shows how to make more good friends |
| A．Spending more time with classmates. | B．Taking up more relaxing hobbies. |
| C．Choosing friends with no bad habits. | D．Helping others who are in trouble. |
| A．Friendship. | B．Making decisions. |
| C．Self-confidence. | D．Peer pressure |
【推荐2】Giraffenap is a new style of sleeping pod (仓) that encourages workers to get power naps during the day as a way of improving concentration and work efficiency.
Japan usually emphasizes extreme dedication to one’s work. In order to get used to this kind of heavy schedule and stress, some workers turn to short power naps. These are known to improve energy levels and concentration, as long as the person doesn’t go into deep sleep. In order to make it easier for people to get power naps pretty much anywhere, one company has begun installing vertical (垂直的) sleeping pods called Giraffenap in cafes all over the country.
One of the main reasons that Giraffenap pods have a vertical orientation is space—it’s much easier to have them installed in small cafes and restaurants because they take up little room—but it’s not the only reason. The standing position makes it easier for the person using the pod to wake up from their power nap.
Each Giraffenap pod features an alarm system that can be set by the user and support points for various parts of the body, which can make sure that the user remains in an upright position when napping. The pods also feature a height adjustment system so that anyone can achieve the perfect posture while using them.
Giraffenap sleeping pods currently come in two styles: a plain white model and one that uses a more traditional bamboo design. They offer great sound insulation (隔音), various sounds designed to support sleep and a built-in ventilation system.
Giraffenap is currently being put into effect in some coffee shops in Japan, and if the response is positive enough, we might also start seeing them in other places.
1. Where is the text probably taken from?| A．Science magazine | B．A biography |
| C．An advertisement | D．A novel |
| A．It keeps people healthy. | B．It is very cheap in price. |
| C．It saves a lot of energy. | D．It makes work efficient. |
| A．The types of Giraffenap pods | B．The effect of Giraffenap pods |
| C．The features of Giraffenap pods | D．The materials of Giraffenap pods |
| A．Hotels are to be replaced soon. | B．People’s sleeping habits change. |
| C．A company launches vertical pods. | D．How we keep energetic at work. |
【推荐3】Worried about your tuition? Take a look at some of the big names offering tuition assistance.
McDonald’s
Hourly employees can receive up to $2,500 in tuition assistance, and salaried workers can take up to $3,000. Both on-campus and online degree programs at schools are eligible (有资格的). You only have to be an employee for 90 days to benefit from this educational program.
Chipotle
Chipotle allows employees to use up to $5,250 in tuition assistance, regardless of part-or full-time employment status. They can use these funds at two-year, four-year or vocational/ technical schools. Additionally, Chipotle is offering to pay full tuition for students studying business or technology at some colleges.
Walmart
Under its tuition assistance plan, full time employees only have to pay $1 a day towards their college tuition, and Walmart will cover the rest. This policy does not apply to part-time employees.
Publix
For college and university enrollment (注册), employees can take up to $3,200 per calendar year and a lifetime limit of $12,800. For other types of study, employees can receive up to $1,700 per calendar year and $3,400 over a lifetime.
Home Depot
Employees are eligible on day one of employment for a variety of tuition assistance benefits. Salaried employees can receive up to $5,000, full-time hourly employees $3,000 and par-time hourly up to $1,500 per calendar year.
UPS
On the day employees are hired, UPS will provide up to $5,250 per calendar year and up to a lifetime maximum of $25,000.
1. Which company has no limit on employment status?| A．McDonald’s. | B．Chipotle. | C．Walmart. | D．Publix. |
| A．Only on-campus degree programs are qualified for it. |
| B．Employees need to pay $1 a day towards their tuition. |
| C．Employees paid by the hour will gain less benefit. |
| D．Employees should work for at least 3 months. |
| A．$2,500. | B．$3,000. | C．$5,250. | D．$25,000. |
【推荐1】Bayfield Shopping Coupons (优惠券)
| 1. Six Hours Free Parking If you spend $100 or more in our stores, you will receive six hours of free parking. When you have spent $100 or more, just take this coupon and your receipt to the customer service desk on lever 4. They will stamp your parking ticket to allow 6 hours of free parking. Offer here until November 14. |
| 2. Win a $1,000 CD Collection Win your choice of $1,000 worth of CDs from JB Music Store. Just buy any two CDs and your name will go into the competition. Select your own prize from our wide variety of rock, pop, jazz, and classical music. Competition ends November 14. Prize drawn on November 21. Check store for more information. |
| 3. Buy One, Get One Free Buy one shirt or tie at Denial’s Menswear, and get another shirt or tie of the same value free. Choose from any of our dress shirts and we will give you another one at no cost. Hurry! Offer ends November 14. Offer limited to one per customer. |
| 4. 10% Off Present this coupon at Tile Book Store to get a 10% discount on any books you buy. We have lots of books to choose from, including children’s books, novels, travel guides, and science works. You’re sure to find something that you will enjoy. Shop now for Christmas. We have plenty of toys as gifts for you and avoid the rush! Offer here until November 14. |
| 5. Half price Movie Tickets Buy any full price movie ticket on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and you can buy a second ticket for a friend for only half price. The latest movies are shown in one of our five theaters at Bayfield Shopping Centre. Offer here through December 1. Limit one per customer. |
| 6. Free Soft Drink Buy any meal for at least $ 6 at Mike’s Cafe, and receive a free soft drink. We serve the best fast food in the Shopping Centre. Come in and try our delicious meals and our excellent service. You won’t be disappointed! Free soft drink offer ends November 14. |
1. What are these ads for?
| A．Food you can order for delivery. |
| B．Special offers at a shopping center. |
| C．Places to go on vacation. |
| D．Things on sale in a big store. |
| A．Spending $ 50 means 3 hours of free parking. |
| B．One person can buy 4 tickets for the price of $ 2. |
| C．After buying two CDs, you can get another two CDs for free. |
| D．At Mike’s Cafe, people can get a free soft drink after spending $ 6. |
| A．there is more than one theatre in the center |
| B．if you buy a book there, you may pay less than half the price |
| C．you may get a free one if you buy a shirt, or a tie, or a pair of shoes |
| D．you won’t get a free soft drink unless you spend more than 10 dollars on the meal |
【推荐2】Computer programmer David Jones earns £35,000 a year designing new computer games, yet he cannot find a bank ready to let him have a credit card(信用卡). Instead, he has been told to wait another two years, until he is 18.
The 16-year-old works for a small firm in Liverpool, where the problem of most young people of his age is finding a job. David's firm releases(推出) two new games for the fast throwing computer market each month.
But David's biggest headache is what to do with his money. Even though he earns a lot, he cannot drive a car, take out a mortgage(抵押贷款), or get credit cards. David got his job with the Liverpool-based company four months ago, a year after leaving school with six O-levels and working for a time in a computer shop. "I got the job because the people who run the firm knew I had already written some programs," he said. David spends some of his money on records and clothes, and gives his mother 50 pounds a week. But most of his spare time is spent working.
"Unfortunately, computing was not part of our studies at school," he said. "But I had been studying it in books and magazines for four years in my spare time. I knew what I wanted to do and never considered staying on at school. Most people in this business are fairly young, anyway." David added: "I would like to earn a million and I suppose early retirement(退休) is a possibility. You never know when the market might disappear."
1. In what way is David different from people of his age?| A．He has a handsome income. |
| B．He lives with his mother. |
| C．He often goes out with friends. |
| D．He graduated with six O-levels. |
| A．He has very little spare time. |
| B．He has no time to learn driving. |
| C．He is too young to get a credit card. |
| D．He will soon lose his job. |
| A．He had done well in all his exams. |
| B．He had written some computer programs. |
| C．He was good at playing computer games. |
| D．He had learnt to use computers at school. |
| A．He received lots of job offers. |
| B．He was eager to help his mother. |
| C．He lost interest in school studies. |
| D．He wanted to earn his own living. |
Kuringai Chase National Park Guided Walks and Nature Activities | |
| SUNDAY MAY 7 EASY Early Morning Stroll in Upper Lane Cove Valley Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the end of Day RD, Cheltenham, while the bush is alive with birdsong. Round trip: 4 hours FRIDAY MAY 12 MEDIUM Possum prowl Meet 7:30 p.m. at Seaforth Oval carpark. Enjoy the peace of the bush at night. Lovely water views. Bring torch and wear non-slip shoes as some rock climbing involved. Coffee and biscuits supplied. Duration: 2 hours SUNDAY JUNE 4 HARD Baime Basin Track Meet 9:30 a.m. Track#8, West Head Road, Magnificent Pittwater views. Visit Beechwood cottage. Bring lunch and drink. Some steep sections. Reasonable fitness required. | FRIDAY JUNE 6 EASY Poetry around a campfire Meet 7:00 p.m. Kalkaari Visitor Center. Share your favourite poem or one of your own with a group around a gently cracking fire. Drinks and food to follow. Bring a cup and a blanket (or a chair). Cost: $4.00 per person. Duration: 2.5 hours SUNDAY JUNE 25 EASY Morning Walk at Mitchell Park Meet 8:30 a.m. entrance to Mitchell Park, Mitchell Park Rd. Cattai for a pleasant walk wandering through rainforest, river flats and dry forest to swampland（沼泽地）. Binoculars（双筒望远镜）a must to bring as many birds live here. Finish with morning tea. Duration: 3 hours --------------------------------------------------------- GRADING EASY suitable for ALL fitness levels MEDIUM for those who PERIODICALLY exercise HARD only if you REGULARLY exercise |
1. If you seldom exercise, prefer nature to literature and are used to getting up early, you’re most likely to join __________.
| A．Early Morning Stroll in Upper Lane Cove Valley |
| B．Baime Basin Track |
| C．Poetry around a campfire |
| D．Morning Walk at Mitchell Park |
| A．meet at 7:30 p.m. June 6 | B．bring slippers with you |
| C．prepare a torch | D．climb rocks for two hours |
| A．appreciate bird watching | B．enjoy mountain climbing |
| C．take a relaxing walk | D．have morning tea |
【推荐1】When you think of a national park, you generally picture fresh air and wild animals, right? Well, now you're going to have to add tea shops and something called "the Tube" to your definition, because London, England has signed up to be the first "National Park City."
London was established by the Romans around 2,000 years ago and has been continually inhabited (居住于) since then. In all that time, however, nobody had the idea to replace all the parks with big box stores or high buildings, which means London already has a much lower urban density (密度)than most of the worlds cities. Nowadays about a third of the city is green space,
In July 2019, London announced its willingness to become the world’s first National Park City. Now the city is moving toward the goal of achieving 50% green space by the year 2050 by connecting and expanding public parks, greening up unused parking lots and the private yards of existing and new houses, fixing some green roofs on existing buildings and even cutting holes in fences for wildlife to pass through.
"Inspired by the aims and values of our precious rural national parks, the London National Park City is basically about making life better in the capital through both small everyday things and long-term strategic thinking," Daniel Raven-Ellison, who began the campaign to make London a National Park City six years ago said in a press release. "We've been doing that in London for centuries, which is why London is so green and diverse. "
London will have a much easier job achieving this type of green transformation than more densely-urbanized cities like Paris and New York, which have 10% and 27% greenspace, respectively. But that doesn't mean it's not possible——the National Park City Foundation hopes to employ 25 more cities in addition to London by the year 2025. Glasgow, Scotland and Newcastle upon Tyne in northeast England are both currently considering becoming National Park Cities.
1. What makes London more likely to become a national park city than other cities?| A．Its smaller population. | B．The government’s efforts. |
| C．Its less dense urbanization, | D．Its citizens’ great support. |
| A．In Paragraph 1. | B．In Paragraph 2. |
| C．In Paragraph 3. | D．In Paragraph 4. |
| A．London’s long-term strategic thinking. |
| B．The significance of London’s campaign. |
| C．The effects of national parks on London. |
| D．The resources of London’s green space. |
| A．Trying to be a national park city is turning new trend. |
| B．National park cities are springing up around the world. |
| C．It is so easy for London to become a national park city. |
| D．National park cities are making improvements to our life. |
【推荐2】Sunshine Secondary School offers after-school clubs and activities from Monday to Friday. These activities are offered to all of the students at no cost. The school decides to give its students chances to become successful lifelong learners.
Clubs and activities | Time | Place | Advisor(导师) |
Art Club | Tuesday and Thursday 15:00 — 17:00 | Art Room | Ms Wang |
Chess Club | Monday and Wednesday 15:00 — 17:00 | Chess Room | Mr Zhang |
Choir(合唱队) | Friday 15:00 — 17:00 | Music Room | MsYao |
Dancing Club | Friday 15:00 — 17:00 | Dance Studio | Ms Liang |
Drama Club | Tuesday and Thursday 15:00 — 17:00 | Music Room | Ms Qing |
Dress Design | Monday and Wednesday 15:00 — 17:00 | Workroom | Ms Wang |
Football Team | Friday 15:00 — 17:00 | Football Field | Mr Chen |
Web Design | Monday 15:00 — 17:00 | Computer Room | Mr Ye |
Other helpful clubs and activities, as you like. | |||
1. Why does the school offer its students the clubs and activities?
| A．To give the students abilities to learn. |
| B．To make the students get ready for work. |
| C．To help the students spend their free time. |
| D．To make some money. |
| A．Music and dancing. | B．Sport and singing. |
| C．Computers and design. | D．Dress and art. |
| A．Dancing Club. | B．Chess Club. |
| C．Drama Club. | D．Art Club. |
Two weeks
later, the businessman returns, and repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41.The loan officer says, “We are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multimillionaire. What puzzles us is that why would you bother to borrow $5,000?”
Laughing, the businessman replies, “Where else in San Francisco can I park my car for two weeks for $15?”
1. The businessman walks into the bank with the true purpose of _________.
| A．borrowing $5,000 | B．meeting the loan officer |
| C．finding a place to park his car | D．showing how rich he is |
| A．he never thought he could meet a multimillionaire in his bank |
| B．he thinks the businessman is crazy to leave his car in the bank |
| C．he never thought the businessman could drive a Rolls Royce |
| D．he thinks $5,000 is so small a sum of money to the businessman |
| A．security | B．payment |
| C．reward | D．deal |
| A．Honest. | B．Clever. |
| C．Rich. | D．Kind. |
