1 . Humans have been living and working on the space station for 20 years. Their meals are packaged, though sometimes astronauts receive fresh treats from resupply missions. The longer that packaged food is stored, the more it loses nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin K.
Astronauts have successfully grown 10 different crops on the space station since 2015 and had the chance to sample each one. The International Space Station hosted a party for astronauts on Friday as they celebrated the harvest of the first Chili (辣椒) grown in space. The crew finally had a chance to taste the peppers after initially kicking off the plant experiment on the space station in July.
Plant Habitat-04 is one of the most complex plant experiments on the orbiting laboratory to date because peppers take much longer to grow than the previous experiment plants. After growing for four months, the peppers were harvested on Friday.
Peppers provide a great source of vitamin C, as well as other key nutrients. Pepper plants self-pollinate, so they are easy to grow, and they are a pick-and-eat crop that doesn’t have to be cooked. They are also safe to eat raw.
A side effect of life in zero gravity is that astronauts often lose some of their taste and smell, so spicy or well-seasoned foods are a favorite. Adding fresh greens or peppers to the menu allows astronauts to liven up their regular meals. But growing and tending to the plants can also produce other benefits.
Astronauts have described the joy from seeing—as well as smelling and caring for—leafy green plants on the space station that remind them of Earth.
“Growing colorful vegetables in space can have long-term benefits for physical and psychological health,” said Matt Romeyn, principal investigator for the experiment.” We are discovering that growing plants and vegetables with colors and smells helps to improve astronauts’ well-being.”
1. What does underlined “kicking off” in the 2nd paragraph mean?| A．Launch. | B．Complete. | C．Quit. | D．Announce. |
| A．The technology. | B．Growing process. |
| C．The varieties of plants. | D．Growing time required. |
| A．They are delicious. | B．They restore their appetite. |
| C．They help kill diseases. | D．They improve their memory. |
| A．The Fun in the Space Life |
| B．The Common Goal in the Space Mission |
| C．The First Chili Peppers Grown in Space |
| D．A Research Finding from the Space Mission |
2 . It was a dark and cold night. The taxi driver didn’t have even one passenger all day. When he went by the railway station, he saw a young man coming out with two bags in his hands. So he quickly opened the door of the car and asked, “ Where do you want to go, sir?”
“To the Star Hotel,” the young man answered. When the taxi driver heard that, he didn’t feel happy any more. The young man would give him only three dollars because the hotel was not far from the railway station. But suddenly he had an idea. He took the passenger through many streets of the big city.
After a long time, the car arrived at the hotel at last. “You should pay me fifteen dollars,” the car driver said to the young man. “What? Fifteen dollars! Do you think I’m a fool? Only last week, I took a taxi from the railway station to this same hotel and I only gave the driver thirteen dollars. I know how much I have to pay for the trip. I won’t pay you one dollar more than I paid to the other driver last week.
1. When did this story happen?| A．In the morning | B．In the afternoon |
| C．At noon | D．At night |
| A．sad | B．sorry |
| C．happy | D．worried |
| A．make the young man happy |
| B．let the young man have a good look at the city |
| C．show the young man around |
| D．get more money from the young man |
| A．knew the way from the station to the hotel | B．had never been to the hotel before |
| C．didn’t want to stay in the city | D．didn’t know the city very well |
3 . There are always some persons in your life who touch your soft heart with kindness.
As a little girl, my favorite thing was
At that time, the town library limited the number of books a person borrowed
Gradually, I developed an interest in writing,
Later, at the University of Iowa,
Whenever I think of the help from them, how
| A．reading | B．painting | C．exploring | D．creating |
| A．how | B．why | C．where | D．what |
| A．of | B．to | C．from | D．between |
| A．published | B．edited | C．presented | D．finished |
| A．under the weather | B．in the air | C．at a loss | D．on the rocks |
| A．shouting | B．smiling | C．crying | D．dancing |
| A．exchanged | B．recommend | C．designed | D．adapted |
| A．reflected | B．devoted | C．expected | D．benefited |
| A．extremely | B．fortunately | C．especially | D．slightly |
| A．inspired | B．challenged | C．contented | D．tricked |
| A．admit | B．send | C．revise | D．settle |
| A．although | B．because | C．when | D．since |
| A．relaxed | B．satisfied | C．impressed | D．upset |
| A．hesitation | B．tension | C．exception | D．argument |
| A．concerned | B．relieved | C．grateful | D．regretful |
4 . My body hit the water with a pounding and I suddenly felt afraid that terrible things could happen. Water gushed（涌出）through my mouth and left its salty taste. My feet touched the ground as I attempted to float back up to the surface. I could see the speed boats in the distance and I started to panic.
I saw something gray from a distance coming closer and closer. As it approached me, I realized that it was not a good one-it was a SHARK! Its fin（鳍）was moving closer and I attempted to swim as fast and as far away from it as possible. My heart beat faster and faster as my body got all stiff（僵硬的）. I looked behind me and saw the huge sharp teeth pointing directly at me. As I turned away, I heard jaws shut with a mighty bite! The shark turned away and left me alone.
I looked at my feet and saw bright red blood flow into the water. I cleaned it with some water and a thought went into my mind-sharks love blood, and that was not good for me. I knew more fins were surrounding me from every direction. I was stuck in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by about ten sharks and they were all heading for me.
They all stared at me with their white sharp teeth sticking out, ready to attack. Slower and slower they got ready to bite. Just then I heard an engine heading my way and I saw a speed boat pushing some heavy waves away. As it came closer, I saw a tall man driving it. The engine roared in my ears and it began to scare the sharks away.
As they swam away, I began to make my way back to the shore. The boat sped towards me and I slowly climbed on it. With relief we headed back towards the shore.
1. What did the author do when the first shark came close to him/her?| A．He/She hit the shark. | B．He/She tried to swim away fast. |
| C．He/She dived deep into the water. | D．He/She stayed in the water quietly. |
| A．The engine drove them away. | B．A man scared them away. |
| C．They couldn't find the author. | D．They found a new target. |
| A．Frightened. | B．Nervous. | C．Anxious. | D．Relaxed. |
| A．An Exciting Trip | B．A Helpful Speed Boat |
| C．An Unforgettable Experience | D．A Brave Tall Man |
5 . Mount Hood is the highest mountain in Oregon, a state in the western United States. At 3, 400 meters it is attractive to many people, some of whom, of course, run into trouble. Each year 25 to 50 people have accidents or get lost on Mount Hood and need rescue（营救）. Although most of these are understandable accidents, a few result from careless risk-taking.
In one recent case, three experienced climbers went hiking in the middle of a snowstorm in December. Most hikers climb Mount Hood in May or June when the weather conditions are good. But in December, the mountain is covered in snow and ice. Winds up to 135 kilometers per hour blow the snow around, making it difficult to see. Temperatures can drop below freezing. As one rescue worker put it, "What were they thinking? They were just asking for it. "
During a rescue a few years ago, a helicopter full of rescue workers crashed and the rescue workers were almost killed. Linda Carle, who lives in the Mount Hood area, asks, If someone made a muddled decision, why should rescue teams have to risk their lives to save them? Why do people take unnecessary risks and do things that aren't right if they know that they can get into trouble? "
Most of the Mount Hood rescue workers are either volunteers or part of the local police department There is no charge for these rescues. It is the taxpayers who pay the bill. Linda Carle suggests that people who take careless risks and need rescue should ay for the rescue. She fees it is only fir that costs for things like damaged helicopters and medical care for rescuers should be paid for by the people who take the risks. What would you do if you were the local police officer at Mount Hood?
1. What can we learn about Mount Hood?| A．It lies in the west of the United States. |
| B．It is the highest mountain in the United States. |
| C．The best time to climb the mountain is from May to July. |
| D．Hundreds of people get lot in the mountain every year. |
| A．poor | B．important | C．wise | D．clear |
| A．Taxpayers | B．Risk takers | C．Government | D．Police |
| A．Advice on stopping people from climbing Mount Hood. |
| B．Other serious accidents in Mount Hood. |
| C．The requirements of becoming a volunteer. |
| D．Some possible ways to solve the problem of rescue costs. |
6 . The Honors Program in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (HPBMB) is offered to mature high school seniors with strong academic ability and achievement who seek careers in biological or biomedical science. Students can earn both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) in approximately 6 years.
Applicants to the Honors Program in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology must be in their last year of high school.
Undergraduates will have the opportunity to work with top-level research scientists in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and also in clinical laboratories with scientists that are associated with the department. They will conduct intensive laboratory work in the areas of biochemistry, molecular biology or nutritional biochemistry starting in the summer before their first fall semester starts. By spring of their junior year；students will prepare an undergraduate thesis as preparation for their entry into graduate school. At that time, they will start taking graduate courses and continue to do research with a graduate faculty member.
To be considered students must:
• have a combined SAT I score of 1400(combined Math and Critical Reading scores)
• meet the SAT II score requirement of at least 600 in Math, and one science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
• have completed eight semesters of English and mathematics and two semesters each of Biology and Chemistry by the time they graduate from high school
• complete all components of your Common Application for undergraduate admission by November 1 of your senior year
• complete a supplemental application form for the Honors Program in Bio chemistry & Molecular Biology
• include a counselor recommendation, three letters of recommendation from teachers in support, of your application to the Honors Program and a personal statement
Send all Dual Admission Honors Program application materials to:
Dual Admission Honors Programs
Office of Admission
University of Miami
P. O. Box 248025
Coral Gables, FL 33124-4616
Fax number: (513)529-7592 (513)529-1950
For more information on the HPBMB, contact:
Dr. Thomas K. Harris
Director, Undergraduate and Medical Education
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Office: Gautier Building， Room 111
Phone: 305-243-3358
•E-Mail: tkharris@miami．edu
1. We can learn from the passage that________．| A．First- year students in a high school can apply for the program |
| B．It’s possible for graduates to obtain both a bachelor's degree and a doctor's degree |
| C．Graduates are promised a chance to work with top biomedical scientists |
| D．A thesis is not necessary if an undergraduate want to go to graduate school |
| A．A combined SAT I score of 1400 |
| B．SAT II scores of at least 600 in Math and one science |
| C．Three letters of recommendation from his teachers． |
| D．A letter of recommendation from the principal． |
| A．To tell students how to learn well in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology． |
| B．To introduce a very famous university, the University of Miami． |
| C．To attract excellent high school graduates to apply for the Honors Program． |
| D．To give information on how to contact Director of the Honors Program． |
7 . One day, Jack’s parents told him that his grandpa would retire(退休) after working for forty years. Jack said in surprise，“I’m only seven, so it means grandpa has been…er... a really long time!”
His parents said，“Yes. That’s why we are going to have a surprise party for him. ”
Jack loved his grandpa and wanted to do something special for him. He remembered the business card his grandpa had given him two years before. He knew that his grandpa would no longer have the position(职位) on that card, so he decided to build a new one for his grandpa.
When the big day came, Jack was ready. But he didn’t want to put his gift together with others’. He carried it around with him the whole evening.
When all the other people left，he took his grandpa’s hand and brought him over to a chair and gave him the gift. His grandpa smiled, “Well，it must be a beautiful gift. May I open it now?” “Sure! ”Jack said excitedly.
As his grandpa opened the gift, tears came into his eyes. Jack gave him the greatest gift he had ever got! They were business cards with his new position FULL-TIME GRANDPA! Jack said, “Now your full-time(全职的) job is my grandpa!”
“Well，how much do I get paid?”his grandpa asked，smiling. “As many hugs(拥抱) as you want!” With these words，Jack gave his grandpa a hug. “Well, I guess that means I’m the richest man in the world! ” said his grandpa.
1. Who was going to retire?| A．Jack’s grandma. | B．Jack’s grandpa. |
| C．Jack’s mother. | D．Jack’s father. |
| A．明信片 | B．纸牌 | C．名片 | D．信用卡 |
| A．To build a new position for him on the card. |
| B．To draw a picture for him. |
| C．To sing a song to him. |
| D．To buy a gift for him. |
| A．Because he would lose his position. |
| B．Because he was not loved. |
| C．Because he was moved by Jack’s gift. |
| D．Because he was unhappy. |
8 . The American book Who Moved My Cheese (奶酪) has been a bestseller all over the world. It teaches people how to face changes in their lives. Now its author Spence Johnson has written a book just for teens. The book tells us that when facing change in our lives, like a new school or new friends, don’t be afraid. Instead, use this change to make a better life. The book gives an example of a change at school. A school is changing from having two terms to three terms because there are too many students.
Several teens are talking about this. Most of them are unhappy and worried. But Chris is not. He laughs and tells a story about two mice, two “little people” and some cheese.
The four are in a maze looking for the cheese. Here, cheese means something important in life, like moving to a new class or getting into college. But they find the cheese is gone. The mice realize that they can’t change what has happened and have to find more cheese. This means finding different dreams. The little people, however, can’t do this. They are afraid of change so they find no cheese.
After Chris finishes the story, the friends understand one thing: to get more cheese, move in a new direction quickly. His friends understand how this can be used in the changes all teens face, such as doing well at school or having good relationships or just feeling good about yourself.
1. The book Who Moved My Cheese is ________.| A．written all over the world | B．read across the world |
| C．sold only in America | D．loved only by teens |
| A．Never change in our life | B．Change when you like to do |
| C．Change with the changes | D．Pay attention to the changes |
| A．Mice and little people | B．students |
| C．Cheese | D．Readers |
| A．The author is Britain. |
| B．There are three terms in every school. |
| C．Most teens don’t understand Chris’ story. |
| D．The book tells teens how to face changes in their lives. |
9 . TOURNAMENT OF ROSES ——5 Days Los Angeles
Day 1 Los Angeles.( Sun.Dec.30)
Welcome to Los Angeles! This evening mixes with your traveling friends at the welcome reception.
Day 2 Los Angeles.( Mon.Dec.31)
Head to Pasadena for the always colorful ROSE BOWL FAMILY FESTIVAL and watch the floats (彩车)decorated with tens of thousands of flowers. This afternoon, you can take the included visit to the GETTY MUSEUM.This evening, join your travelling friends at a special New Year’s Eve DINNER AND DANCE GALA (盛会), complete with hats, party favors and live music. You’ll toast the New Year a little early tonight to consider an early morning departure (离开) to the Rose Parade.
Day 3 Los Angeles.Tournament of Roses Parade ( Tue.Jan.1)
Happy New Year! Get ready for one of the world’s most popular parades, and you’ll see it live! Globus has booked the GRANDSTAND SEATS at the beginning of the parade route for a good view. See the wonderful colorful floats, marching bands from around the world, and the famous people.
Day 4 Los Angeles.( Wed.Jan.2)
This morning view the individual floats in the POST PARADE VIEWING AREA. For many this is the most exciting part of the entire event. Be sure to bring your camera and plenty of film! Another special dinner tonight—a special GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER.
Day 5 Los Angeles.( Thu.Jan.3)
The tour ends today, with tour guests departing on individual schedules.
1. What activity can visitors enjoy on Dec.31?| A．Tournament of Rose Parade. |
| B．A farewell celebration dinner. |
| C．Post parade viewing area. |
| D．A dinner and dance gala. |
| A．Day 2. | B．Day 4 | C．Day 3 | D．Day 5 |
| A．textbook | B．news report |
| C．travel guide | D．history magazine |
10 . A Journey to the Yosemite Firefall
Each year, thousands of people are attracted to the Yosemite National Park in California for a chance of seeing —and photographing ——the unique “firefall”. The amazing “firefall” comes to life only when there is enough water from the melting（融化）snow to keep the Horsetail Fall flowing and when the light of the setting sun hits the waterfall at the right angle. It can only be seen for a short time in February on clear sunny days.
This year, the weather isn’t stopping the “firefall” from happening, but it is making the journey to see it more difficult.
“What would have been a 10-minute walk turned into a two-hour hike through deep snow,” photographer Ryan Fitzsimons said about his recent trip to see the phenomenon. “Our clothes were all wet by the time we got to a viewing site. But the heavy snow made the sight much more beautiful since the waterfall is much bigger this year.”
Another photographer Andy Heitz was making his first trip to see the “firefall”. He had to wait five hours in the extreme cold for his turn to take a picture.
“I got to the site at about 12:00 at noon. The place was already filled with hundreds of people waiting to see and photograph the ‘firefall’. I was so lucky that I shot a really wonderful burner! I was completely amazed with what I saw,” he said. “You know, only on a couple days of the year in February and when the sun sets down at the perfect angle to shine on Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall can we see the ‘Fire Fall’. I’ll never forget what I have seen.’’
The “firefall” should continue to be there from 20 to 24 February. But park officials said that there’s no guarantee（保证）that visitors will see it on any given day.
1. When might be the best time to take pictures of the “firefall”?| A．Early in the morning. | B．At noon. |
| C．Late in the afternoon. | D．At night. |
| A．There wouldn’t be enough snow. | B．It might be too cloudy. |
| C．The waterfall might not freeze. | D．The snow might melt too fast. |
| A．A worker in the kitchen. |
| B．The fire in the Yosemite National Park. |
| C．A part of a cooker or stove. |
| D．The unique Horsetail Fall in the setting sun. |
| A．To introduce an attraction. | B．To give suggestions for a trip. |
| C．To advertise a park in the US. | D．To explain what is a “firefall”. |
