1 . Jimmy likes to follow rubbish trucks. His strange habit makes sense when you consider that he's an environmental scientist who studies how to reduce rubbish, including things that fall off rubbish trucks as they drive down the road. What is even more interesting is that one of Jimmy's jobs is defending an industry behind the plastic shopping bag.

Americans use more than 100 billion thin film plastic bags every year. So many and up in tree branches or along highways that a growing number of cities do not allow them in supermarkets. The bags are not allowed in some 90 cities in California, including Los Angeles. Seeing these headwinds, plastic-bag makers are hiring scientists like Jimmy to make the case that their products are not as bad for the planet as most people assume.

Among the bag bakers' arguments: many cities with bans still allow shoppers to buy paper bags, which are easily recycled but require more energy to produce and transport. And while plastic bags may be ugly to look at, they make up a small percentage of all rubbish on the ground today.

The industry has also taken aid at the product that has appeared as its replacement; reusable shopping bags. The stronger are usable bag is, the longer its life and the more plastic-bag use it cancels out. However, long-lasting reusable bags often require more energy to make. One study found that a cotton bag must be used at least 131 times to be better for the earth than plastic.

Environmentalists don't question these points.They hope paper bags will be banned someday, too. They want shoppers to use the same reusable bags for years.

1. What has Jimmy been hired to do?

A．Argue for the use of plastic bags.	B．Recycle plastic shopping bags.
C．Stop things falling off trucks.	D．Help increase sales in supermarkets.

2. What does the word “head winds” in Paragraph 2 refer to?

A．Plastic bags ending up in tree branches.	B．Bans on plastic bags.
C．Environmental damage done by plastic bags.	D．Too many plastic shopping bags in use.

3. What is a disadvantage of reusable bags according to plastic-bag makes?

A．Their less frequent use.	B．Their unpleasant appearance.
C．More energy consumption.	D．Their longer life cycle.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Industry, Pollution and environment	B．Rubbish collection and Waste Control
C．Recycle or Throw Away	D．Plastic, Paper or neither

4 . The 15-day Spring Festival is the biggest holiday of the year for many Chinese to leave from their jobs to travel home and see their loved ones. But along with gathering come a lot of traditions aimed at making sure the year ahead is lucky and happy.

Here are some key dos and don’ts that many Chinese follow before and after the Lunar New Year.

DOs
Set off fireworks

The more fireworks or firecrackers you set off, the better.

Not only do you light up the night sky with a symphony of color, but the loud banging sounds are thought to scare off evil spirits.

Eat dumplings

Eating dumplings is a popular tradition in northern China because dumplings not only taste good but also look like pieces of gold.

Clean your home

Sweep, mop, vacuum, steam-do anything and everything to make sure your home is clean before the midnight on Lunar New Year eve. The aim here is to free your home from any bad luck that’s accumulated over the past year.

DON’Ts
Wash or cut your hair

Leave your hair as it is on the first day of the New Year.

The Chinese character for hair is the same first character in the word for prosperity(发达).

This means washing or cutting it off is seen as washing your fortune away.

Clean post-New Year

Cleaning of any kind on the first day is strictly forbidden.

You clean your home to avoid any bad luck before the New Year - now you want to be sure not to wipe, sweep or wash away any of the good luck that arrives after midnight.

Buy books

It’s bad luck to buy them during the 15-day Spring Festival.

The Chinese word for "book" (shū) sounds exactly the same as the word for "lose’"-so buying a book is considered an invitation to bad luck.

Also, avoid giving books as gifts to anyone, because it’d be like wishing bad luck upon them.

1. Why is the Spring Festival the best time for many Chinese people according to the text?

A．They can enjoy a lor of delicious dishes.

B．They can get together with their family members.

C．It’s time for them to say good-bye to the past year.

D．The festival will bring them good luck and happiness.

2. You are expected to do the following on the first day of the New Year EXCEPT        .

A．setting off fireworks	B．enjoying tasty dumplings
C．cleaning your home	D．leaving your books untouched

3. In which section of a newspaper can we see the passage?

A．Advertisement.	B．Literature.
C．Culture.	D．Travel.

5 . Birthdays at the Canadian Children’s Museum

The perfect place for a memorable birthday party!

Celebrate at the Canadian Children’s Museum with creative and fun-filled activities designed to excite the interest of children aged 3 to 12.

The party includes:

●One hour in a private party room;

●Admission to the museum;

●Unlimited time in the Children’s Museum (until closing);

●One hour animation(动画片)(Only with the “scene-Stealers” and “round the World” themed party. ) Payment is due(到期的)in full upon registration. Registration is required at least two weeks in advance.

Scene-Stealers (Ages 3 to 8)

Step into the spotlight (聚光灯)with a behind-the-scenes trip to the Canadian Children’s Museum Theatre. The Director will help you warm up with some theatre games, and teach you some stage skills to get you ready for the audience!

Cost: $190 for up to 10 kids and 2 adults; $10 for each extra child.

Around the World (Ages 4 to 7)

Take an unforgettable trip around the world to learn a traditional Mexican dance! This unforgettable journey through the International Village is packed with fun and creative activities for young adventurers.

Cost: $190 for up to 10 kids, and 2 adults; $10 for each extra child.

DIY Party (Ages 5 to 12)

DIY Party includes Museum admission, and one hour of free time in one of the Museum’s party rooms. A great choice for parents looking to plan their own activities!

Cost: $100 for up to 10 kids and 2 adults; $8 for each extra child.

1. What should you know about celebrating birthdays at the Canadian Children’s Museum?

A．It is for kids aged 3 to 7.

B．It provides animation in all parties.

C．It should be booked ahead of time.

D．It is required to be within one hour in the museum.

2. What can you do at a Scene-Stealers party?

A．Make a new movie.	B．Learn some stage skills.
C．Visit the International Village.	D．Practice traditional paper-making art.

3. How much should a couple pay if they bring 12 kids to a DIY Party?

A．$100.

B．$116.

C．$190.

D．$210.

6 . Rainforests are home to a rich variety of medicinal plants, food, birds and animals. Can you believe that a single bush（灌木丛）in the Amazon may have more species of ants than the whole of Britain! About 480 varieties of trees may be found in just one hectare of rainforest.

Rainforests are the lungs of the planet-storing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and producing a significant amount of the world's oxygen. Rainforests have their own perfect system for ensuring their own survival; the tall trees make a canopy（树冠层）of branches and leaves which protect themselves, smaller plants, and the forest animals from heavy rain, intense dry heat from the sun and strong winds.

Amazingly, the trees grow in such a way that their leaves and branches, although close together, never actually touch those of another tree. Scientists think this is the plants' way to prevent the spread of any tree diseases and make life more difficult for leaf-eating insects like caterpillars. To survive in the forest, animals must climb, jump or fly across the gaps. The ground floor of the forest is not all tangled leaves and bushes, like in films, but is actually fairly clear. It is where dead leaves turn into food for the trees and other forest life.

They are not called rainforests for nothing! Rainforests can generate 75%of their own rain. At least 80 inches of rain a year is normal-and in some areas there may be as much as 430 inches of rain annually. This is real rain-your umbrella may protect you in a shower, but it won't keep you dry if there is a full rainstorm. In just two hours, streams can rise ten to twenty feet. The humidity（湿气）of large rainforests contributes to the formation of rainclouds that may travel to other countries in need of rain.

1. What can we learn about rainforests from the first paragraph?

A．They produce oxygen.	B．They cover a vast area.
C．They are well managed.	D．They are rich in wildlife.

2. Which of the following contributes most to the survival of rainforests?

A．Heavy rains	B．Big trees.
C．Small plants.	D．Forest animals.

3. Why do the leaves and branches of different trees avoid touching each other?

A．For more sunlight.	B．For more growing space.
C．For self-protection.	D．For the detection of insects.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Life-Giving Rainforests	B．The Law of the Jungle
C．Animals in the Amazon	D．Weather in Rainforests

7 . Hawaii is full of attractions, beach parks and gathering places. Looking for something new and lesser-known? Check out these public parks throughout the islands.

Kapiolani Park (Oahu)

Located in the shadow of Diamond Head close to Waikiki Beach, there's a lot to love about Kapiolani Park. It was the first public space in Hawaii, (treated in 1877 by the last king of Hawaii, David Kalakaua, who named it after his wife, Queen Kapiolani. Ifs a nice place to get a glimpse of local life in Waikiki.

Opening time: Sunday to Saturday.

Waihee Beach Park (Maui)

Located off the main tourist trail, on the lesser - visited northeast coast of Maui, is Waihee Beach Park. The beach is small but scenic, with views looking north at the mountains and plenty of shade. Though narrow, the beach is long, making it perfect for a morning or evening walk.

Opening time: Except Tuesday.

Prince Kuhio Park (Kauai)

Prince Kuhio Park on Kauai is a monument to Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. Close to Poipu Beach, the park has a nice view of the ocean. To the naked eye, that’s about it. But this Park serves as an opportunity to learn more about the lesser-known Kalanianaole, who is so respected in Hawaii that his birthday, March 26th, is a state holiday. Read up on his contributions to Hawaii and have a peaceful afternoon.

Opening time: Weekends.

Liliuokalani Park (Big Island)

Most visitors to Hilo are so focused on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that they don’t take time to experience the town itself. It is in and around the waterfront park, Liliuokalani Park, that you can get the best glimpse of local life. Hilo has a strong waterfront presence. Liliuokalani Park at sunset is especially nice, thanks to its ocean views.

Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday.

1. Which park is an ideal place for evening walk?

A．Kapiolani Park.	B．Waihee Beach Park.
C．Prince Kuhio Park.	D．Liliuokalani Park.

2. On what day can one visit Prince Kuhio Park?

A．Monday.

B．Wednesday.

C．Friday.

D．Sunday.

3. Which of the following best describes the four parks?

A．Underrated.

B．Romantic.

C．Historic.

D．Well-known.

8 . Today's world is not an easy adjustment for young adults. Key skill set for success is persistence (毅力), a characteristic that researchers say is heavily influenced by fathers. Researchers from Brigham Young University discovered that fathers are in a unique position to help their adolescent children learn persistence.

BYU professors Laura Padilla-Walker and Randal Day arrived at these findings after following 325 American families over several years. And over time，the persistence gained through fathers led to higher achievement in school.

"There are relatively few studies that stress the unique role of fathers，"Padilla-Walker said. "This research also helps to prove that characteristics such as persistence-which can be taught-are key to a child's life success.”

Researchers determined that dads need to practice an "authoritative" parenting style. Authoritative parenting is not authoritarian:rigid，demanding or controlling. Rather，an authoritative parenting style includes some of the following characteristics:children feel warmth and love from their father；responsibility and the reasons behind rules are stressed children are given an appropriate level of autonomy(自主权).

In the study，about 52 percent of the dads exhibited above-average levels of authoritative parenting. A key finding is that over time，children raised by an authoritative father were significantly more likely to develop persistence，which leads to better outcomes in school.

This particular study examined 11 to 14-year-olds living in two-parent homes. Yet the researchers suggest that single parents still may play a role in teaching the benefits of persistence，which is an avenue of future research.

1. What is special about the BYU professors' study?

A．It centered on fathers' role in parenting.

B．It was based on a number of large families.

C．It analyzed different kinds of parenting styles.

D．It aimed to improve kids' achievement in school.

2. What would an authoritative father do when raising his children?

A．Ignore their demands.	B．Make decisions for them.
C．Control their behaviors.	D．Explain the rules to them.

3. Which group can be a focus of future studies according to the researchers?

A．Single parents.

B．Children aged from 11 to 14.

C．Authoritarian fathers.

D．Mothers in two-parent homes.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．Three Characteristics of Authoritative Fathers.

B．Key Skills for Young Adults to Succeed in Future.

C．Children Tend to Learn Determination from Father.

D．Family Relationship Influences School Performance.

9 . There is a story about a man who lost his legs and left arm in an accident. After the accident, only a finger and thumb on his right hand remained.

He was a brilliant, creative, and educated man. He had gained a lot of experience while traveling around the world, so he became very depressed after his accident. He was afraid that he would spend the rest of his life suffering and would no longer be able to spend his life in a meaningful way. Then, he realized that he still had partial function of his right hand and could still write even though it was very difficult. An idea occurred to him. “Why not write to other people who need encouragement? ”

He wrote to the prison ministry about sending letters to the prisoners. The prison minister replied, “Writing to the prisoners is acceptable, but your letters will not be answered. ”

Filled with excitement, the man knew he could write his letters. He began sending one-way messages of God’s love, hope, strength, and encouragement. He wrote twice a week, testing his strength and ability to the limit. He poured his heart and soul into his words and shared his experience, sense of humor, optimism, and faith.

It was difficult to write those letters, especially without hope of a reply. One day he received a letter from the prison ministry. It was a short note from the officer who monitored and checked the prison mail.

The letter said, “Please write on the best paper you can afford. Your letters are passed from cell to cell until they literally fall to pieces! ”

No matter what circumstances life may present, we all have unique experiences, abilities, and God-given talents. We can discover ways to reach others who desperately need messages of encouragement and strength.

1. According to the prison minister,                   .

A．the man was not allowed to write to the prisoners

B．the man couldn’t go to see the prisoners himself

C．he was not sure if the prisoners liked receiving the letters

D．the prisoners were not allowed to answer the letters

2. In order to live in a meaningful way, the man began to                .

A．receive the school education

B．meet the people who are depressed

C．write to other people who need encouragement

D．help other people with lost arms and legs

3. What can be the best title for the passage?

A．Special Letters of Encouragement

B．Popularity of Special Letters

C．Stories about a Humorous Person

D．Life in the prison

4. From the officer’s short note we are told that                   .

A．the man would be offered free paper to write letters on

B．his letters were very popular among the prisoners

C．the prisoners eagerly wanted to write back to the man

D．some of the prisoners were not satisfied with his letters

10 . When I was about 4 years old, I decided to go to Disney World. For most young kids, it’s a normal request, but I had cerebral palsy (脑瘫). Walking into anywhere, let alone a crowded place like Disney World was, to put it lightly, a tall order. Luckily, I had people in my corner to help me. Over the next three years, I worked with physical doctors, acquired a walker, and practiced walking, standing, and balance — all skills that I would need to turn my goal into a reality.

I remember the feeling when my legs would protest doing any more work. Despite this, everyone else told me I could do it, so I kept it up. It was all because of people like my parents, brothers, teachers, and doctors that I was able to grow so much, both physically and mentally. Constantly pushing me to “walk on,” yet encouraging me whenever I needed it.

On June 9, 2008, as I stood in the tunnel leading into Main Street, my dad asked me if I wanted any help. I instantly replied, “No!” and situated myself facing the end of the tunnel, feet planted firmly, heart most likely beating out of my chest. Then I went, walking ever so slowly at first, then gradually speeding up. Step, step, step, step, bump. Holding fast onto the handlebars, I gathered up all my strength, picked up my walker and straightened out, picking up my pace once again. It wasn’t too long before the cheering increased because I had made it to the end, where my mom was waiting with tears in her eyes and arms open wide ready to hug her son and tell him how proud she was.

Looking back on that experience, I realize something pretty thoughtful. Every once in a while, life will throw a few bumps in the road. Though it may set you back for a bit, don’t let it stop you. Pick yourself back up and finish. It’s worth it. Besides, there just might be someone there cheering you on along the way.

1. Which of the following best explains “a tall order” underlined in paragraph 1?

A．An easy decision.	B．An available action.
C．A reasonable order.	D．A challenging task.

2. Why does the author say he’s lucky?

A．He eventually has his brain disease well cured.

B．He constantly gets courage and support from others.

C．He is likely to do any kind of work in his later life.

D．He is naturally gifted in keeping balance on his own.

3. The author gives a vivid picture of himself in paragraph 3 to______.

A．explain he was terrified to take the first step

B．describe he took pride in his mother and friends

C．show how he managed to walk by himself

D．prove how he understood to respect others

4. What can be the best title of the text?

A．Where Dreams Come True	B．When Bad Fortune Falls
C．How I Value Friendship	D．Why I Look Back My Life