People use languages to communicate. Any language has its ways to express people’s minds. One of the ways in common is the use of idioms. An idiom is a group of words. It has a special meaning that is different from the usual meaning. For example, “under the weather” is an idiom meaning ill. So when people say “I’m under the weather”, they are saying that they’re not feeling well. Another example, “in all weathers” means “in all kinds of weather”. So, “There are homeless people sleeping on the streets in all weathers” tells us that homeless people sleep on the streets no matter whether it is cold or hot.
Different languages may have different ways to make idioms. For people who are learning a foreign language, idioms could cause misunderstandings and bring them endless headaches. On the other hand, if things are done right, idioms can also be a fun way of looking into a new culture and understanding how the people think and talk.
Metaphor (比喻) is often used in idioms. Let’s read the following two examples:
●It makes my blood boil (煮沸) when people litter (乱扔).
●The night was dark and quiet; my blood ran cold when I heard a strange noise outside at dark night.
In neither situation above, our blood can reach the point so high or so low in temperature. Yet, with the situations the two sentences created, it is not difficult to work out the unhappy feelings of really angry in the first example and very afraid in the second.
Of course, not all idioms are this easy to understand. When we come to idioms of a foreign language, a good dictionary of idioms is always suggested.
1. This passage tells us something about ________ in the English language.| A．grammar | B．writing | C．reading | D．idioms |
| A．I’m under the weather | B．I’m there in all weathers |
| C．You’ve made my blood boil | D．My blood runs cold |
| A．We should look it up in a good idiom dictionary. |
| B．We should try to express our minds with it. |
| C．We should find an interesting way to learn it. |
| D．We should create situations to guess its meaning. |
| A．Positive. | B．Negative. | C．Neutral (中立的). | D．We don’t know. |
| A．history | B．language | C．health | D．nature |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Do you find it hard to describe a person? Don’t worry. These characters from famous books will help you.
Persevering Meaning: A persevering person never gives up his or her dream in spite of (尽管) difficulties. Example: In the book The Old Man and the Sea, the old fisherman Santiago doesn’t catch any fish in 84 days, but he doesn’t give up. Finally he succeeds in catching a big marlin. |  |
Adventurous Meaning: An adventurous person is brave and willing to take risks. Example: In the book The Wizard of Oz, the girl Dorothy takes the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Lion to the Land of Oz. Their journey is full of adventure. | |
Isolated Meaning: If someone is isolated, he is used to living alone. Example: In the book Heidi, Uncle Alp lives alone in the mountains before the lovely girl Heidi comes here. Others don’t like to meet and speak to him. |
| A．The marlin is Santiago’s pet. |
| B．Dorothy is brave enough to take adventure. |
| C．Heidi is too shy to speak to Uncle Alp. |
| A．To show a way to learn words. |
| B．To share some famous books. |
| C．To give examples on personalities. |
| A．Pronunciation | B．Grammar | C．Vocabulary |
As we know, many people are learning English in the world now. However, do you know a lot of American kids are trying to learn Mandarin (普通话)?
Why do people like learning Chinese? With the rapid development of China, Chinese is becoming more useful than other languages.
In many American cities, students are learning Chinese lessons after school or on weekends but Chicago schools teach Chinese during the weekdays.
Though Chinese classes are becoming popular, it is one of the most difficult languages to learn.
| A．Chinese is spoken by most people. |
| B．Nowadays more than 30 schools do. |
| C．Chinese is becoming more and more popular. |
| D．About 60,000 American students study Chinese now. |
| E．At the same time, some schools set up Chinese clubs. |
| F．So more and more foreigners like learning Chinese. |
| G．An English speaker takes about 1,320 hours to become good at Chinese. |
【推荐3】
When the weather outdoors gets warmer, flowers appear and birds become active. Spring has sprung (春天来了)!
Now one of the fastest growing things in nature is the mushroom. One day mushrooms are nowhere to be found.
We use the term “to spring” to describe anything that happens without warning. So if someone springs big news on you, the news comes to you from out of the blue.
Let’s say two people, Tara and Sam, own a business called Tara and Sam’s Roof Repair. Then one day, Tara sprang big news on Sam. She was moving to Alaska in a week! She wanted out of the business.
Sam wasn’t prepared for this. He asked, “A week? How can you spring this news on me?
Next time you have news, try not to spring it on someone unless you want them to be shocked (震惊的). In that case (情况), spring away!
| A．We’re supposed to be in this together! |
| B．Here’s one way to use this expression. |
| C．The next day there’s a whole lot of them! |
| D．Sometimes these changes in nature seem to happen overnight. |
| E．When people break news to you this way, it can leave you speechless (哑口无言). |
When a baby comes to this world, people usually give it a name. And when they choose a name for a baby, there are many different kinds of traditions in different places around the world.
In many European countries, parents usually choose their babies’ names based on the names of their relatives. For example, children in Italy are usually named after their grandparents. The parents generally use babies’ grandparents’ names first on their fathers’ side. If they have more children, they will use the ones on their mothers’ side.
In some African countries, the time of a baby’s birth plays an important part in choosing a baby’s name. But each day is different for boys and girls. For example, a boy who was born on Friday is usually named Kofi and a girl born on that day is usually named Afua.
In some Asian countries, it is a baby’s grandfather who chooses the baby’s name. What’s more, a child’s name may influence his or her character (性格). From the name, we can know the child is outgoing, shy or brave and so on. In China, parents often name their babies with some certain things such as an earthquake or an event: And people usually add their best wishes to their babies’ names.
No matter where people live, a baby’s name is its first gift in life. How do the parents around you choose names for their babies? Can you tell us?
1. By saying “But each day is different for boys and girls.”, the writer wants to tell us _________.| A．a boy and a girl have different characters when they were born on the same day |
| B．a boy and a girl have different names when they were born, on the same day |
| C．a boy and a girl have the same name when they were born on the same day |
| D．a boy and a girl have the same character when they were born on the same day |
| A．In Italy, a baby is usually named after its grandparents. |
| B．Afua is usually a boy’s name. |
| C．In Asian countries, a baby’s grandfather never chooses the baby’s name. |
| D．In China, parents never use an earthquake to name their babies. |
| A．School Activities in Different countries |
| B．How to Choose a Gift in Different Cultures |
| C．Family Activities in Different countries |
| D．How to Choose a Name in Different Cultures |
【推荐2】The tradition of birthday parties started a long time ago. There are some traditions that you can find almost anywhere, anytime, such as sending birthday cards, blowing out the candles on a birthday cake and singing the “Happy Birthday” song. Others are only found for certain ages and in certain countries.
In China, on a child’s second birthday, family members put many things on the floor around the child. According to Chinese tradition, the first thing that the child picks up tells you what profession the child will choose later in life.
For Japanese children, the third, fifth and seventh birthdays are especially important. At this age, there is a special celebration Shichi-Go-San (seven, five, three in Japanese) when children go to the temple wearing a new kimono (和服). The priest (僧侣) gives them special sweets, and the parents usually organize a party for their friends in their home.
In Argentina, Mexico and several other Latin American countries, girls have a special birthday celebration when they reach the age of fifteen. After a special ceremony (仪式), the girls dance a waltz with their father and other boys.
Eighteen is the traditional “coming of age”—the age when (in many countries) you have the right to vote (选举), join the army and (in Britain) drink alcohol or buy a house.
In many English-speaking countries, a twenty-first birthday cake often has a key on top, or the cake itself is sometimes in the shape of a key. The key means that the young person is now old enough to leave and enter the family home at any time they want to!
1. Which of the following birthday traditions can be found almost anywhere, anytime?| A．Putting many things on the floor. |
| B．Wearing a new kimono. |
| C．Sending birthday cards. |
| A．priests | B．parents | C．friends |
| A．eighteen | B．seven | C．fifteen |
| A．join the army |
| B．have a key |
| C．have a special ceremony |
| A．Birthday Traditions around the World |
| B．Chinese Birthday Celebrations |
| C．Japanese Special Celebration |
In every country, people celebrate New Year, but in each of the countries, New Year looks different because of their different cultures and traditions.
Switzerland Swiss housewives always prepare some good food for New Year. They usually bake special bread, which is rich in butter, eggs and raisins(葡萄干). They also cook roast goose. Children go from house greeting the owners and receiving invitations to come inside.
Brazil In Brazil, December 31st is an important day. The next day will be a new year. So Brazilians choose to show their respect for Lemanja, the old African goddess of the sea. People light hundreds of candles along Copacabana Beach. They also throw some presents into the sea for goddess. They could be flowers, cigarettes(香烟), bottle of beer（啤酒）, and even bottles of champagne(香槟酒).
China The Spring Festival is held at the end of January or beginning of February for a period of one month. During this time, the Chinese celebrate the end of the winner season. Families get together at home and prepare some traditional food, for example, dumplings. Their homes are filled with something red such as paper cuttings and red lanterns.
Greece Some people in Greece play cards to celebrate New Year. They hope that winning card games will bring them good luck for the whole year. In addition, they eat a piece of cake with coin in it. Whoever gets the piece of cake with the coin, he or she will have good luck.
1. There are five countries in the passage.2. Swiss housewives never cook roast goose.
3. People in Brazil never throw beer or champagne into the sea.
4. In China, the Spring Festival lasts for a period of one month.
5. In Greece, people play cards and eat a piece of cake with a coin inside to celebrate New Year.
【推荐1】On a sunny day last January, people got together at a parking lot in Las Vegas to see small vehicles that looked more like colorful eggs than ordinary cars. These vehicles were electric, ran on two wheels instead of four and held only two passengers. Thanks to their tiny size, six of the vehicles would fit in a parking spot. If the idea of parking such a small car makes you nervous, don’t worry: these cars can park themselves. And they can return to their owners when controlled by a button on a cellphone.
The vehicle is called the EN-V(Electric Networked-Vehicle). It is built by General Motors, or GM, and it points to what future vehicles might be like. It is designed to be energy-saving, solve environmental problems and help ease traffic jams, parking and safety concerns. The automaker says its next concept car(概念车) will help drivers get whatever they want.
According to GM, the company has also designed an electric vehicle named Lean Machine. However, it is a small three-wheeler and this single-seater vehicle looks like a motorcycle. One day, such small, electric vehicles might safely carry people around，especially in crowded cities.
Scientists and engineers are finding new ways to make cars safer, smarter and more efficient, or use less energy. New cars may help you keep track of your health by reminding you to take medicine. If it’s electric, your car may send you a message reminding you to recharge it. Cars will talk to other cars, your computer, your phone and your iPad. They’ll help drivers save energy, watch out for other drivers and avoid walkers on the streets.
This is the future of vehicles: safer, smarter and more energy-saving. Besides, they might even drive themselves down the highway or through a city. You can sit back and enjoy the ride.
1. Why did people get together at a parking lot?| A．They wanted to see some colorful eggs. | B．They came to see an unusual parking lot. |
| C．They came to watch a kind of new vehicle. | D．They were invited to drive smart vehicles. |
| A．running both on land and in water | B．helping keep track of your health |
| C．talking to other cars and your phone | D．saving energy and avoiding passers-by |
| A．have only two wheels | B．can hold two passengers |
| C．are environment-friendly | D．look like a motorcycle |
| A．a parking lot | B．the future of vehicles |
| C．the traffic rules in America | D．the functions of modern cars |
【推荐2】Almost everyone likes to eat apples. Apples grow in nearly every part of the world. The United States produces more apples than any other（其它的）country except France. The states of Washington and New York grow the most apples. New York is on the east coast and Washington is on the west near Canada.
Apples are red, yellow or green. They are very popular in the United States. Many people like to carry apples to work or to school to eat with their lunches. Most American people are often too busy or too tired to cook, so they often have their lunches very simply. Apple juice is also a popular drink and apple pie is the favorite dessert of many Americans.
The state of Washington is proud of its apples. The trees there produce nearly five billion apples every year - one apple for every man, woman and child in the whole world.
1. What can we know from the underlined sentence?| A．American apples taste good. |
| B．We can see apples everywhere in America. |
| C．Americans like to eat apples. |
| D．Americans regard（把……视为）apples as their best food. |
| A．The United States | B．Canada | C．China | D．France |
| A．eat nothing but apples | B．feel it better to eat apples |
| C．always eat simple food | D．can get apples easily |
| A．everyone on the world can share their happiness |
| B．they can produce a large number of apples |
| C．their apples are better than any other fruit |
| D．their apple trees are the best in the world |
【推荐3】When throwing away rubbish, do you know which bin it should go in? Have you ever noticed the differently-colored rubbish bins on the street?
Some of you might not be able to answer the questions. However, it’s actually quite important to know how to sort(分类) your rubbish .Not knowing how to sort rubbish can make it harder to save energy and protect the environment. If you don’t sort your rubbish .all of it will be buried(埋) together .It can take up large areas of ground that could have been used for planting trees. Shanghai is the first city to put rubbish-sorting into practice in China .Shanghai government has asked all the people who live there to sort rubbish into four groups: wet, recyclable, harmful and dry.
“Wet” rubbish is also known as “household” rubbish. It is what people produce every day after they eat or drink. “It is the thing you don’t want but pigs can eat”, Guangzhou Daily explained. Paper, metal, glass and other things that can be recused are recyclable rubbish. Harmful rubbish includes things like medicine, batteries and so on. Finally, any rubbish that is not wet, recyclable or harmful will go in the dry rubbish bin.
Many other Chinese cities, including Changsha, plan to use this method to sort their rubbish.
Now that you know this, perhaps you can do your part in protecting the environment.
1. What will happen if we don’t sort the rubbish?| A．It will be easier to save energy. |
| B．It will be difficult to protect the environment. |
| C．The rubbish will take up small areas of ground. |
| A．Food | B．Household rubbish | C．Paper |
| A．A glass bowl | B．An old newspaper | C．A piece of bread |
| A．All the people in Shanghai have known how to sort rubbish. |
| B．Changsha asked people to sort rubbish many years ago. |
| C．Useless medicine is a kind of harmful rubbish. |
| A．Rubbish is helpful. |
| B．What to do with rubbish. |
| C．Different rubbish bins. |
【推荐1】Some people think only school children do not agree with their parents, however, it is not true.
Don’t argue（争辩）with your parents.
Try to reach a compromise（和解）.
Of course, your parents might refuse to compromise on something. In these situations, it is especially important to show love and respect to them.
Talk about your values. The values of yours parents are probably different from those of your own. Tell your parents what you care about and why.
A good relationship with your parents can make you a better and happier person. It is worth having a try!
| A．Showing respect will keep your relationship strong |
| B．Don’t get to your parents when you are angry |
| C．Perhaps yon and your parents disagree on something |
| D．Many children don’t respect their parents |
| E．Perhaps you ask your parents to buy something |
| F．Understanding your values might help them see your purposes in life |
| G．Communication is a problem for parents and children of all ages |
Do you have a problem in meeting new people? If you do, you could be really shy.
Look after yourself.
Even just small things, like taking a shower or washing your face can make a difference in how you feel about yourself. Dress up well every day.
Accept yourself.
Practice talking.
Start talking to people, you’ll stop being shy.
When you say “no” , you’re missing the chance to meet new people. It’s not difficult for you to say “yes” . It’ll allow you to be popular with people.
| A．Start saying “yes” . |
| B．Making friends with people. |
| C．People are different from each other. |
| D．Be active and talk more with people around you. |
| E．Here are some ideas to help you to solve your problem. |
| F．You’ll be surprised about how much better you feel about yourself. |
【推荐3】We’re all told to eat more vegetables, but drinking them can be helpful too. Carrot juice is a popular vegetable juice because it is much sweeter than other types.
Although carrot juice is sweet, drinking it doesn’t make people fat. It is rich in vitamins and minerals (维生素和矿物质) in each cup. One cup of carrot juice can meet your daily need for vitamin A.
Vitamin C also helps to keep the heart healthy. Carrot juice may even reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
| A．Is there a bad point to drink this drink? |
| B．It is difficult to decide which vegetable is the best for our heath. |
| C．To enjoy all the benefits from carrots, you need to eat the whole vegetable whenever you can. |
| D．All of these are good for your eyes. |
| E．The reasons to drink carrot juice don’t stop at eye health. |
| F．It also comes with a long list of health benefits (益处). |
