On the last day of one voyage, the ship was in a small port. It was winter time, and the sea was very cold, so the captain said to his sailors, "If one of you stays in the water during the whole night, I will give him my ship. But if he comes out before the sun appears, I shall get his wages."
The sailors had heard about the captain's cheating, so they didn't trust him. But then one of them, who thought that he was cleverer than the captain, said that he would do it. He got into the water, and, though it was very cold, he stayed in it. When it was nearly morning, some fishermen lit a fire on the shore about half a mile away.
"You are cheating," the captain said to the sailor. "The fire's warming you."
"But it's half a mile away!" said the sailor.
"A fire's fire," answered the captain. "I have won."
The sailor came out of the water, and said, "Perhaps you think that you are clever because you have won my wages, but you can't cook a chicken."
"I can," answered the captain.
"If you cook this chicken," said the sailor, "I shall work for you without wages for seven years, but if you can't, you will give me your ship."
The captain agreed, took the chicken and said, "Where's the fire?"
"There it is," answered the sailor. "On the shore."
"But it's half a mile away," said the captain angrily.
"A fire's fire,' you said," answered the sailor. "If it is enough to warm me in the water, it is enough to cook your chicken."
1. The captain got the sailors' wages ________.
| A．to buy a chicken for himself |
| B．and kept the money for future use |
| C．by cheating him |
| D．and said he would return the money soon |
| A．All the sailors refused to get into the water because it was too cold. |
| B．The captain knew that the fire the fishermen made was enough to warm the sailor in the water. |
| C．The captain succeeded in cheating the sailor. |
| D．It was the sailor who was cleverer. |
| A．didn't want to lose the bet |
| B．didn't believe the sailor's success |
| C．wanted to keep his promise |
| D．wanted to show his cleverness |
| A．The sailors didn't trust the captain. |
| B．In order to help the sailor in the water, the fishermen made a fire. |
| C．The captain failed to cheat the sailor this time. |
| D．The sailor didn't get out of the water before the sun appeared. |
| A．How a Captain Cheated His Sailor |
| B．How a Sailor Got a Ship |
| C．A Brave Sailor |
| D．A Fire Is Fire |
2 . Poteet Strawberry Festival
Poteet, Texas, USA
April 11—April 13
Description:
The Poteet Strawberry Festival is one of the oldest, most popular events in the state and is recognized as the largest agricultural festival in Texas as well as one of the most exciting, dynamic festivals in the Greater Southwest. The 100-acre site, which is located on Hwy. 16, 20 minutes south of San Antonio, offers free parking, clean public restrooms, handicapped accessibility, complete RV facilities, and tent covered activities during the fun, filled Festival Weekend.
The Poteet Strawberry Festival includes fourteen areas of continuous, family entertainment featuring concerts with nationally known Country Western and Tejano stars, dancers, gunslingers, clowns, puppets, regional bands, various contests, and rodeo performances. These activities are included in the price of a $10.00 admission ticket. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge as well as active, reserve and retired military with proper ID.
Performers:
Craig Morgan, Pam Tillis, Rick Trevino
Location:
Poteet, Texas
Directions:
30 miles south of San Antonio on Hwy. 16
Times:
The Festival Grounds will open at 6:00 pm Fri. and at 10:00 am both Sat. & Sun.
Admission:
Adult $10.00
Children 12 & under / active, reserve, and retired military personnel with proper ID are admitted FREE
Website: http://www.strawberryfestival.com
Telephone: 830-276-3323
Email: nitaharvey@sbcglobal.net
1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?
| A．The position of Poteet Strawberry Festival. |
| B．The open time of Poteet Strawberry Festival. |
| C．The price of parking cars. |
| D．The price of taking a train there. |
| A．10 dollars. | B．5 dollars. |
| C．30 dollars. | D．20 dollars. |
| A．the news report in a newspaper |
| B．the advertisement in a newspaper |
| C．the entertainment section of a magazine |
| D．the program of a radio |
Danielle Steel comes from New York and was sent to France for her education.After graduation,she worked in the public relations and advertising industries.Later she started a job as a writer which she was best fit for.Her achievements are unbelievable:390 million copies of books in print,nearly fifty New York Times best-selling novels,and a series of “Max and Martha” picture books for children to help them deal with the real-life problems of death,new babies and new schools.Her 1998 book about the death of her son shot to the top of the New York Times best-selling list as soon as it came out.Twenty-eight of her books have been made into films.She is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for one of her books being the Times best-seller for 381 weeks straight.
Not content with a big house,a loving family,and a view of the Golden Gate Bridge,Danielle Steel considers her readers to be the most important resource(资源) and has kept in touch with them by e-mail.While she is often compared to the heroines(女主人公) of her own invention,her life is undoubtedly much quieter.But,if she does have anything in common with them,it is her strength of will and her inimitable(独特的) style.There is only one Danielle Steel.
1. Danielle Steel is different from other writers in that _______.
| A．she can write several books at the same time |
| B．she often does some reasearch before writing a book |
| C．she is one of the most popular American women writers |
| D．she can keep writing for quite a long time without a break |
| A．how to deal with affairs at school |
| B．what to do if Max and Martha die |
| C．what to do when new babies are born into their families |
| D．how to solve the difficult problems in their writing classes |
| A．some TV plays were based on her books |
| B．her picture books attracted a lot of young men |
| C．one of her books became a best-seller in 1998 |
| D．she wrote the Guinness Book of World Records |
| A．lives an exciting life | B．values her readers a lot |
| C．writes about quiet women | D．is pleased with her achievements |
On the 14th day, it is a custom for a boy to take his girlfriend out for dinner, buy her flowers and chocolates, write poems, sing to her or even spell out her name with rose petals! This is what you see on Valentine's Day, a day named after Valentine who was a priest (神父) in the third century Rome. When the emperor decided that single men could become better soldiers than those with wives, he didn't allow marriage.
But Valentine continued to perform marriage ceremonies for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered, the emperor sentenced him to death. While in prison, Valentine fell in love with the daughter of his prison guard. Before his death, he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From Your Valentine”, an expression that is still in use today. Valentine did for what he believed in and so he was made a Saint (圣徒), as well as becoming one of history's most romantic characters.
Nowadays, Valentine's Day is also popular among Chinese young people. Some students are planning to make Valentine's cards for parents, teachers and friends. Others want to hold parties at which they will exchange small gifts and eat heartshaped cakes. The idea is to have fun and encourage people to share in the spirit of St.Valentine.
1. Which of the following is NOT a custom for a boy to do on Valentine's Day?
| A．To take his girlfriend out for dinner. |
| B．To buy his girlfriend flowers and chocolates. |
| C．To make Valentine's cards for teachers and friends. |
| D．To spell out his girlfriend's name with rose petals. |
| A．Because there were few women in his country at that time. |
| B．Because he thought men without wives could be better soldiers. |
| C．Because there wasn't enough food for so many people. |
| D．Because he wanted to control the birth rate. |
| A．he killed one of the soldiers |
| B．he stole a lot of food |
| C．he didn't obey the emperor's order |
| D．he didn't want to be a soldier |
| A．students in China send cards to their teachers |
| B．Valentine's Day is also popular in China now |
| C．it is interesting to celebrate Valentine's Day in China |
| D．it is a good idea to celebrate Valentine's Day in China |
| A．A Romantic Man | B．A Brave Priest |
| C．Valentine's Day in China | D．Valentine's Day |
It is true that parents often find it difficult to win their children’s trust and they tend to forget how they themselves felt when young. For example, young people like to act on the spot without much thinking. It is one of their ways to show that they have grown up and they can face any difficult situation. Older people worry more easily. Most of them plan things ahead, at least in the back of their minds, and do not like their plans to be upset by something unexpected. When you want your parents to let you do something, you will have better success if you ask before you really start doing it.
Young people often make their parents angry with their choice in clothes, in entertainment and in music. But they do not mean to cause any trouble: it is just that they feel cut off from the older people’s world, into which they have not yet been accepted. That’s why young people want to make a new culture of their own, and if their parents do not like their music or entertainment or clothes or their way of speech, this will make the young people extremely happy.
Sometimes you are so proud of yourself that you do not want your parents to say, “Yes” to what you do. All you want is to be felt alone and do what you like. It is natural enough, after being a child for so many years, when you were completely under your parents’ control. If you plan to control your life, you’d better win your parents over and try to get them to understand you. If your parents see that you have a high sense of responsibility, they will certainly give you the right to do what you want to do.
1. ____are to blame for the quarrels between parents and their children according to this passage.| A．Parents |
| B．Young people |
| C．Both parents and their children |
| D．Neither parents nor their children |
| A．do things without thinking carefully ahead |
| B．ask for advice before they really start to do anything |
| C．think in the same way as their parents do |
| D．be very strict with themselves |
| A．they don’t feel they belong to the world of the older people |
| B．they do not want to get into trouble |
| C．they feel they are as clever as old people |
| D．they want to show they have grown up |
| A．the young people’s choice |
| B．their being accepted by their parents |
| C．developing a new culture of their own |
| D．their parents’ dislike of their choice |
| A．do everything according to his own wish. |
| B．be responsible for what he does |
| C．do everything beyond his parents’ control |
| D．do everything the way his parents do. |
A few days later the man returned and said that his wife liked the pearl so much that she wanted another one just like it. It had to be exactly the same size and quality, because she wanted a pair of earrings made, “Can you give me any advice on how to get such a pearl? ” said the man. The jeweler regretfully replied, “I would say it’s exactly impossible to find one exactly like that pearl.”
The rich man insisted that the jeweler advertise in the newspapers, offering $ 25,000 for the matching pearl. Many people answered the advertisement but nobody had a pearl that was just right.
Just when the jeweler had given up hope, a little old lady came into his store. To his great surprise, she pulled the perfect pearl from her purse. “I don’t like to part with it,” she said sadly, “I got it from my mother, and my mother from hers. But I really need the money. ”
The jeweler was quick to pay her before she changed her mind. Then he called the rich man’s hotel to tell him the good news. The man, however, was nowhere to be found.
1. He paid $ 5,000 for the black pearl without bargaining because ______.
| A．he loved his wife deeply |
| B．his business had been successful |
| C．he was anxious to get it |
| D．he wanted to make the jeweler believe him |
| A．exactly the same size as the black one |
| B．exactly as big and nice as the black one |
| C．exactly as expensive as the black one |
| D．exactly the same quality as the black one |
| A．to see the perfect pearl |
| B．to sell their own pearl at a high price |
| C．to get in touch with the rich man |
| D．to help the rich man’s wife |
| A．the man’s partner |
| B．short of money |
| C．unwilling to sell the pearl |
| D．the man’s wife |
| A．his wife had found another perfect pearl already |
| B．he happened to be out at that time |
| C．he got $ 20,000 by cheating and had run away with the money |
| D．he was angry with the jeweler for waiting too long |
7 . Johnny Smith was a good math student at a high school. He loved his computer. He came home early every day, then he worked with it till midnight. But Johnny was not a good English student, not good at all. He got an F in his English class. One day after school Johnny joined his computer to the computer in his high school office. The school office computer had the grades of all the students: the math grades, the science grades, the grades in arts and music, and the grades in English. He found his English grade. An F! Johnny changed his English grade from an F to A. Johnny' parents looked at his report card. They were very happy. "An A in English!" said Johnny's Dad. "You're a very clever boy, Johnny."
Johnny is a hacker. Hackers know how to take informationfrom other computers and put new information in. Using a modem, they join their computers to other computers secretly. School headmasters and teachers are worried about hackers. So are the police, for some people even take money from bank computer accountand put it into their own ones. And they never have to leave home to do it! They are called hackers.
1. Johnny changed his English grade with the computer in _______.| A．the classroom | B．the school office |
| C．a bank near his house | D．his own house |
| A．Johnny was good at math | B．Johnny loved computers |
| C．Johnny could join one computer to another | D．they thought Johnny was not poor in English any longer |
| A．Johnny's parents | B．School headmasters, teachers and the police. |
| C．The police. | D．School headmasters and teachers. |
| A．Information | B．Back computer accounts |
| C．Computers. | D．Grades. |
| A．Johnny | B．computers |
| C．hackers | D．moden |
As the birthplace of the yearly event more than 2,000 years ago, China is not happy with the situation. "It would be a shame if another country successfully made a traditional Chinese festival part of its own cultural heritage ahead of China," said Zhou Heping, deputy (副) culture minister. The Ministry of Culture is even thinking of making its own application to UNESCO, covering all traditional Chinese festivals, including the Dragon Boat event.
It is thought that the festival is held in memory of the great poet Qu Yuan (340-278 BC), who lived in the State of Chu during the Warring States Period. Qu was known to be a patriot (爱国者) and admired by ordinary people.
He is said to have jumped into Miluo River, because he had lost hope in his country's future. When people heard about Qu's death, they sailed up and down the river searching for his body. They also beat the drums to frighten away the fish and threw Zongzi into the water to stop the fish touching Qu. Dragon boat racing is said to come from this search for the poet's body.
Over the years, the Dragon Boat Festival has spread throughout the world. In Japan and Viet Nam, as well as South Korea, the festival has mixed with and become part of the local culture.
1. The Dragon Boat Festival _______.| A．is also kept by South Korea |
| B．comes from South Korea |
| C．was created by South Korea |
| D．is South Korea’s cultural heritage |
| A．Fighting against South Korea. |
| B．Telling South Korea it’s not right to do so. |
| C．Considering to do the similar thing. |
| D．Asking South Korea not to do so. |
| A．In memory of Qu Yuan. |
| B．In memory of all the patriots of China. |
| C．To frighten away the fish. |
| D．In honor of QuYuan’s birthday. |
| A．feed him |
| B．protect his body from going bad |
| C．prevent the fish biting his body |
| D．attract his soul |
| A．a nationwide | B．a worldwide |
| C．an Asian | D．a foreign |
9 . Doctor Mason has held a clinic for ten years. He is an expert doctor. He usually gets up at 7:00 a.m. and commutes to work by subway. It’s always very crowded with people and he tries to keep his distance from them. In the winter he notices the stress on the faces of the commuters and knows that some of these people will come to him for advice. He always solves their problems and returns to the comfort of his home a satisfied man.
Martin is a gifted artist. He knows that he has an unusual occupation（职业）, but he actually treats it as a disciplined career. He gets up at the same time every day and works for nine hours with a break for lunch. His new project uses metal but his designs use pencil and paper. In nine months’ time, his work will be on display outside the local library, and he will be very proud of it.
1. What kind of transportation does Doctor Mason usually take?| A．bus | B．underground |
| C．boat | D．bicycle |
| A．He tries to take the next one. |
| B．He gives up and tries to take a taxi. |
| C．He tries to keep his distance from the tube. |
| D．He tries to keep his distance from the people. |
| A．intelligent | B．stupid |
| C．common | D．strange |
| A．metal | B．metal and pencil |
| C．pencil and paper | D．Both A and C. |
| A．When Doctor Mason notice the stress on people’s face in winter, he knows that some of these people will come to him for advice. |
| B．Doctor Mason often feel satisfied after he helps people with their problems. |
| C．Martin is very strict with his work. |
| D．Martin has to work for nine hours without a break everyday. |
10 . This was my grandmother’s first Christmas without grandfather. When we reached her house, it did seem a little
Grandfather had always said the Christmas
＂Where’s the star?＂I asked. It was my grandmother’s
＂Let’s
The next morning, my sister and I
＂From who?＂There was
＂I found that
My grandmother opened it. Her face lit up when she pulled out a(n)
Don’t be
| A．empty | B．cold | C．slow | D．absent |
| A．wish | B．tree | C．spirit | D．work |
| A．unique | B．artificial | C．widespread | D．alive |
| A．follow | B．show | C．judge | D．admire |
| A．losing | B．happening | C．missing | D．falling |
| A．doubt | B．reward | C．honour | D．treasure |
| A．filled | B．covered | C．put | D．removed |
| A．them | B．it | C．her | D．him |
| A．stop | B．move | C．start | D．stay |
| A．hid | B．searched | C．lay | D．found |
| A．as | B．until | C．because | D．though |
| A．disappointed | B．amazed | C．excited | D．shocked |
| A．snowing | B．raining | C．blowing | D．darkening |
| A．cheered up | B．picked up | C．woke up | D．took up |
| A．pack | B．open | C．pick | D．exchange |
| A．happiness | B．fright | C．surprise | D．hope |
| A．gift | B．book | C．note | D．letter |
| A．big | B．old | C．shining | D．broken |
| A．generous | B．angry | C．strict | D．important |
| A．sadness | B．concern | C．peace | D．joy |
