1 . There is a Web site called the “World Database of Happiness.” It combines and analyzes the results of hundreds of surveys from around the world that have been conducted on life satisfaction. Most of the findings are _______, but a few are surprising.

The database makes it clear that there is not a strong connection between material wealth and general contentment. It is a cliché to say that money can’t buy happiness, but the old saying seems to be _______ by research. Many people still cling to the belief that gaining riches will be the answer to all their problems, yet they are probably _______.

Studies have been _______ on people who acquired sudden wealth, such as lottery winners. In most cases, after the _______ joy had worn off, people were not left with a sense of lasting happiness. In fact, they tended to revert to the way they _______ before they became rich. Previously contented people continue to be contented, _______ those who were miserable before sink back into misery.

If material wealth does not bring happiness, then what does? Perhaps happiness has something to do with where you live. The authorities at the World Database on Happiness have surveyed _______ of happiness in different countries. _______, people in America, Canada, and Singapore are very happy; people living in India and Russia, not surprisingly, are not happy.

Other surveys consistently ________ the importance of relationships. ________ relationships in particular seem to be the key to long-term contentment. The Web site suggests that falling in love and having children are two of the ________ that bring the greatest happiness.

Nowadays people look to technology as an ________ source of satisfaction. People increasingly spend more time alone watching TV or surfing the Internet ________ spending time with family. Can technology truly make people happy? It is too difficult to tell, but one thing is sure: If the Web site’s research is accurate, time spent with your family is a better ________ than time spent making money.

1.

A．different

B．predictable

C．satisfactory

D．unexpected

2.

A．challenged

B．widespread

C．overtaken

D．supported

3.

A．generous

B．positive

C．hesitated

D．mistaken

4.

A．turned out

B．done with

C．carried out

D．put forward

5.

A．essential

B．pleasant

C．initial

D．enviable

6.

A．felt

B．had

C．chose

D．lived

7.

A．as

B．so

C．and

D．while

8.

A．levels

B．standards

C．senses

D．examples

9.

A．Strangely

B．Hopefully

C．Apparently

D．Surprisingly

10.

A．point to

B．hold up

C．deal with

D．depend on

11.

A．Partner

B．Family

C．Relative

D．Society

12.

A．situations

B．relations

C．destinations

D．references

13.

A．convenient

B．alternative

C．everlasting

D．adequate

14.

A．as far as

B．rather than

C．as well as

D．in case of

15.

A．environment

B．circumstance

C．investment

D．civilization

2 . The following actors and actresses are among those who have achieved great success in acting.

Ingrid Bergman（1915-1982）

Like many artists, this Swedish actress left wartime Europe for Hollywood. She is remembered for her acting talent and her pure, simple beauty. She was nominated（提名）for the best actress Academy Award four times and won twice.

Gregory Peck（1916-2003）

Gregory Peck was known for his heroic roles. He was nominated for the best actor Academy Award five times and won once for To Kill a Mockingbird. Peck starred in Roman Holiday and was Hepburn’s lifelong good friend. He later became president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and held the position for three years.

Audrey Hepburn（1929-1993）

Born to a family of a Baroness（男爵夫人）and an English banker, Andrey spoke six languages fluently. She is famous for her elegant style. Audrey Hepburn was a graceful, dark-haired beauty with a youthful, lively look. She was nominated for the best actress Academy Award four times and won once for starring in Roman Holiday.

Tom Hanks（1956-）

Tom Hanks is now one of the most popular leading actors and busiest producers in Hollywood. He is known for playing characters with warmth, kindness and humor. He was nominated three times and won twice. Some of his more famous films are Forrest Gump, Castaway and Sleepless in Seattle.

Jodie Foster（1962-）

Jodie Foster’s intelligence showed itself when she taught herself to read at age three. She began her career at this time in commercials. She moved on to TV roles and then to her Oscar nominated performance in Taxi Driver at age fourteen. She went on to be nominated three more times and has won twice.

Julia Roberts（1967-）

Julia Roberts began her rise to fame after winning a Golden Globe award for her acting in the film Steel Magnolias. She has since been nominated for three Academy Awards and won one. Her films are usually very successful and she is now considered by many to be the most highly paid actress in Hollywood.

1. The passage is most probably taken from a _____.

A．school report	B．website article
C．science magazine	D．newspaper column

2. Audrey Hepburn worked with _____ in Roman Holiday and won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

A．Tom Hanks	B．Ingrid Bergman
C．Gregory Peck	D．Judie Foster

3. _____ won as many Academy Awards as each other according to the passage.

A．Julia Roberts, Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck

B．Ingrid Bergman, Tom Hanks and Jodie Foster

C．Jodie Foster, Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck

D．Tom Hanks, Audrey Hepburn and Julia Roberts

4. Which of the following is NOT TRUE according to the passage?

A．Jodie Foster is so talented that she can speak six foreign languages.

B．Julia Roberts earns the most among the actresses in Hollywood.

C．Ingrid Bergman left her motherland during the World War Ⅱ.

D．Audrey Hepburn was born into a wealthy family.

3 . Peers play a large role in the social and emotional development of children and adolescents. Their influence begins at an early age and increases through the teenage years. It is natural, healthy and important for children to have and rely on friends as they grow and mature.

Peers can be positive and supportive. They can help each other develop new skills, or stimulate interest in books, music or extracurricular activities.

However, peers can also have a negative influence. They can encourage each other to skip classes, steal, cheat, use drugs or alcohol, or become involved in other risky behaviors. The majority of teens with substance abuse problems began using drugs or alcohol as a result of peer pressure.

Kids often give in to peer pressure because they want to fit in. They want to be liked and they worry that they may be left out or made fun of if they don't go along with the group.

The following are some tips to help kids deal with peer pressure:

Stay away from peers who pressure you to do things that seem wrong or dangerous.

Learn how to say “no,” and practice how to avoid or get out of situations which feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Spend time with other kids who resist peer pressure. It helps to have at least one friend who is also willing to say “no.”

If you have problems with peer pressure, talk to a grown-up you trust, like a parent, teacher or school counselor.

Parents can also help by recognizing when their child is having a problem with peer pressure. The following are tips for parents to help your child deal with peer pressure:

Encourage open and honest communication. Let kids know they can come to you if they're feeling pressure to do things that seem wrong or risky.

Teach your child to be assertive and to resist getting involved in dangerous or inappropriate situations or activities.

Get to know your child's friends. If issues or problems arise, share your concerns with their parents.

Help your child develop self-confidence. Kids who feel good. about themselves are less vulnerable to peer pressure.

Develop backup plans to help kids get out of uncomfortable or dangerous situations. For example, let them know you'll always come to get them, no questions asked, if they feel worried or unsafe.

If your child has ongoing difficulties with peer pressure, talk to his or her teacher, principal, school counselor or family doctor. If you have questions or concerns about your child's mood, self-esteem or behavior, consider a consultation with a trained and qualified mental health professional.

1. Why do kids tend to be influenced by peer pressure?

A．Because peers are positive and supportive.

B．Because they are lonely and need friends.

C．Because they want to be identified with by their peers.

D．Because they want to be involved in something exciting.

2. What should parents do when their child is suffering peer pressure?

A．Consult a trained and qualified mental health professional.

B．Share their concerns with the parents of their child's friends.

C．Learn how to say “no” and avoid situations which feel uncomfortable.

D．Develop backup plans with his or her teacher, principal, school counselor or family doctor.

3. What does the underlined word “vulnerable” mean in the context?

A．Attackable.

B．Convincing.

C．Frightened.

D．Dangerous.

4 . Two friends have an argument that breaks up their friendship forever, even though neither one can remember how the whole thing got started. Such sad events happen over and over in high schools across the country. In fact, according to an official report on youth violence, “In our country today, the greatest threat to the lives of children and adolescents is not disease or starvation or abandonment, but the terrible reality of violence”. Given that this is the case, why aren't students taught to manage conflict the way they are taught to solve math problems, drive cars, or stay physically fit?

First of all, students need to realize that conflict is unavoidable. A report on violence among middle school and high school students indicates that most violent incidents between students begin with a relatively minor insult. For example, a fight could start over the fact that one student eats a peanut butter sandwich each lunchtime. Laughter over the sandwich can lead to insults, which in turn can lead to violence. The problem isn't in the sandwich, but in the way students deal with the conflict.

Once students recognize that conflict is unavoidable, they can practice the golden rule of conflict resolution: stay calm. Once the student feels calmer, he or she should choose words that will calm the other person down as well. Rude words, name-calling, and accusations only add fuel to the emotional fire. On the other hand, soft words spoken at a normal sound level can put out the fire before it explodes out of control.

After both sides have calmed down, they can use another key strategy for conflict resolution: listening. Listening allows the two sides to understand each other. One person should describe his or her side, and the other person should listen without interrupting. Afterward, the listener can ask non-threatening questions to clarify the speaker's position. Then the two people should change roles.

Finally, students need to consider what they are hearing. This doesn't mean trying to figure out what's wrong with the other person. It means understanding what the real issue is and what both sides are trying to accomplish. For example, a shouting match over a peanut butter sandwich might happen because one person thinks the other person is unwilling to try new things. Students need to ask themselves questions such as these: How did this start? What do I really want? What am I afraid of? As the issue becomes clearer, the conflict often simply becomes smaller. Even if it doesn't, careful thought helps both sides figure out a mutual solution.

There will always be conflict in schools, but that doesn't mean there needs to be violence. After students in Atlanta started a conflict resolution program, according to Educators for Social Responsibility, “64 percent of the teachers reported less physical violence in the classroom; 75 percent of the teachers reported an increase in student cooperation; and 92 percent of the students felt better about themselves”. Learning to resolve conflicts can help students deal with friends, teachers, parents, bosses, and coworkers. In that way, conflict resolution is a basic life skill that should be taught in schools across the country.

1. This article is mainly about _____.

A．the lives of school children	B．the cause of arguments in schools
C．how to analyze youth violence	D．how to deal with school conflicts

2. After the conflict resolution program was started in Atlanta, it was found that ______.

A．there was a decrease in classroom violence

B．there was less student cooperation in the classroom

C．more teachers felt better about themselves in schools

D．the teacher-student relationship greatly improved

3. The writer's purpose for writing this article is to ______.

A．complain about problems in school education

B．teach students different strategies for school life

C．advocate teaching conflict management in schools

D．inform teachers of the latest studies on school violence

5 . Most of time black and white appears as opposites. White means light and purity(纯洁),while black is darkness and evil. But it is not always true. Sometimes the words are used differently.

White hats and black hats represent the traditional meaning of the words. The hats are used to tell the “good guys” and the “bad guys” in American western movies. Now the tradition of white hats and black hats is no longer a part of movie making,but you still hear the expression when people talk about good guys and bad guys. “A black sheep” is a person who does things that are not accepted,who breaks tradition. “A black sheep” is rejected(被排斥)because he brings shame to his group. A family may have a member who is thought of as “a black sheep”,a person who is not welcome at family gatherings.

Black is also used in some expressions that describe good things. Being “in the black” for example,is a good thing for anyone. It is a business expression that means a company is making money. When someone says his business is “in the red”,he means it is losing money.

White usually means something good. A “white collar” job,for example,is the kind of job many people want. It is a job where you work at a desk,using your brain instead of your muscles. Sometimes white is used in an expression that is not good. “Whitewash” is such an expression. At first “whitewash” meant to paint over something with a white paint to make it look better. But now “whitewash” has a different meaning: to hide or cover up mistakes or failures.

1. When a person is called “a black sheep”,it shows that______.

A．he is as black as a sheep

B．he always feels on top of the world

C．he will create wonders

D．he is not welcomed by people around him

2. Which of the statements is NOT true according to the passage？

A．People usually think of black and white as opposites.

B．White hats and black hats are only used in movies.

C．White hats and black hats represent the “good guys” and the bad guys.

D．Black usually means something bad while white often means something good.

3. All of the following expressions mean something not good EXCEPT______.

A．a black sheep

B．black hats

C．in the black

D．whitewash

6 . Shakespeare could not, of course, have imagined a world in which people would see performances of his plays projected onto large or small screens rather than acted_______in theaters, but that has become the_______. In the more than one hundred years since the first film of a Shakespeare play was made (in 1899, an excerpt from Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree's production of King John), the_______has become Shakespeare's proper medium no less than the stage or the printed page. If Shakespeare's works are undoubtedly literary classics and staples of our theatrical_______, they have also inescapably become a part of the modern age's love affair with film. In a movie theater, on a television screen, or on a DVD player, Shakespeare's plays live for us, and thereby reach audiences much greater than those that_______our theaters.

It is,_______, a development not always welcomed. Some critics complain that Shakespeare on screen is different from (and worse than) Shakespeare in the theater Certainly it is a_______experience to see a play in a _______movie theater with actors larger than life. It is different, too, to see it on a television screen with actors smaller than they are in life, and where the experience of play watching is inevitably more_______than in any theater.

But there are obvious________as well. On screen, performances are preserved and allowed easily to circulate. If films of Shakespeare may sometimes lack the exciting one-time experience of live theater, they gain the not insignificant benefit of easy accessibility. In a town without a theater company one can see a Shakespeare play virtually at will. Some newly filmed version of a Shakespeare play is________almost every year, it seems. A video or DVD can be rented even if the film itself has passed from the local cine-plex. And on video we can replay-even interrupt-the performance, allowing it to________itself as we attend to details that might otherwise be missed.

Filmed Shakespeare is indeed different from staged Shakespeare or Shakespeare read, but it is no less________for being so. It provides a way-and for most of us the most convenient way-to see the plays. For people who cannot get to the theater and who find the printed text difficult to imagine as a theatrical experience, filmed Shakespeare offers easy________to a performance. For students for whom the language of a play often seems artificial and old-fashioned, the performance clarifies the psychological and social________of the characters. For all of us who love Shakespeare, his availability on film gives us an archive of performances to be viewed and enjoyed again and again. It is no less an authentic experience than seeing Shakespeare in the theater, for the modern theater (even the self-conscious anachronisms like the rebuilt Globe)imposes its own mistakes upon the plays. And possibly, as many like to claim, if Shakespeare lived today, he would most likely have left Stratford for Hollywood.

1.

A．alive

B．live

C．living

D．lively

2.

A．case

B．occasion

C．routine

D．rule

3.

A．theater

B．platform

C．stage

D．screen

4.

A．frame

B．root

C．range

D．branch

5.

A．seat

B．litter

C．fill

D．drown

6.

A．indeed

B．however

C．furthermore

D．therefore

7.

A．distinct

B．golden

C．familiar

D．similar

8.

A．masked

B．well-lit

C．guided

D．darkened

9.

A．complex

B．distant

C．private

D．ideal

10.

A．advantages

B．properties

C．profits

D．rewards

11.

A．separated

B．released

C．presented

D．awarded

12.

A．rescue

B．lift

C．repeat

D．restore

13.

A．universal

B．outstanding

C．enormous

D．valuable

14.

A．attempt

B．applause

C．access

D．entrance

15.

A．relations

B．relatives

C．interactions

D．communications

7 . Directions: Read the following passage. Fill in each blank with a proper sentence given in the box. Each sentence can be used only once. Note that there are two more sentences than you need.

On a summer day at Brookfield Zoo,near Chicago,a three-year-old leaned over the fence at the gorilla(大猩猩)exhibit. He leaned too far. Before anyone could grab him the boy fell 18 feet into the exhibit. He hit the hard ground and did not move. Suddenly,a gorilla named Binti Hua ran in the direction of the little boy.     1    .

Would the huge gorilla hurt the boy？Would the boy lose his life？No,Binti Jua gently picked up the little boy. She carried him to a door where zookeepers stood. The boy lived.

This story would not surprise some people. They believe that certain animals can think and feel almost the same as humans can. What makes animals act this way in times of danger and conflict？Can we thus conclude that animals and people are more alike than different？

    2    .One possible proof is seen in elephant behavior. Elephants have been known to feel dying relatives in an effort to save them. Also,when relatives die,elephants may bury them and gather around the grave.

Some scientist believe that wild animals can think,too. One of the most intelligent animals is the crow(乌鸦). In one experiment,a crow picked up a straight piece of wire and bent it into a hook. It used the hook to lift food from a tube that was too deep.

    3    .

But do animals sincerely care about humans？This is a challenging questions.     4    . These researchers argue that if animals were actually programmed to act this way,all gorillas would save humans and all dogs would alert people to dangers. Why do some animals act this way while others do not？Animal researchers are still trying to answer this question.

A．The bird had never seen a piece of wire before but used it to make a tool.

B．Scientists have studied wild animals to look for proof that animals have feelings similar to those of humans.

C．It is said that wild animals are similar to human being both is feelings and thinking.

D．Some researchers have concluded that animals act only on instinct.

E．People watched in horror.

F．The boy was so frightened that he began to cry.

8 . According to Dr. William Conway, director of the New York Zoo and chairman of the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, modern zoos can do a great deal to serve as a backup strategy to support the primary conservation goal of safe-guarding species in their wild habitats. No less and no more.

Zoos are severely limited in terms of sheer space, let alone animal care capacity. All the animal space in the world's zoos would comfortably fit inside the Inner London Circular. They now contain rather more than half a million individual mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. During the past few years they have bred about 9 percent of all 8,700 bird species, and 19 percent of all 4,500 mammal species.

Not all of these are vet threatened or rare creatures; this is the case for only 12 percent of the birds and 48 percent of the mammals. But the number of endangered forms is expanding rapidly.

It is an expensive business to care for threatened animals. To look after one Siberian tiger costs almost f2,000 a year, which means that to care for an expected total of 500 Siberian tigers in the world's zoos over a period of 20 years will cost almost ￡20 million.

Gorillas are even more costly: the 500 in zoos cost ￡2,850 each per year, making a total of ￡28 million over 20 years. Unless we can keep them alive in captivity, we shall probably witness, within the coming decades, the demise of around 100 large carnivore species, some 160 species of primates, and perhaps 215 herbivores other than primates, plus about 300 species from other mammalian orders, making a total of about 800 species.

1. According to Dr. William Conway, modern zoos serve as _____.

A．research facilities to enrich our knowledge of wildlife

B．an alternative way to protect some animal species

C．places to raise public awareness of animal care

D．habitats and breeding grounds for endangered species

2. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word “demise” underlined in the last paragraph?

A．Death.

B．Failure.

C．Recovery.

D．Rescue.

3. Which of the following limitations of modern zoos is NOT discussed in the passage?

A．High captive costs.

B．Limited animal space.

C．Limited animal care capacity.

D．Restricted funding for endangered species.

9 . I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. Each contained five to seven dogs. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons, too big, too small, too much hair, etc. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down.

It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. It was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.

I pointed to the dog. “Can you tell me about him?” The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement.

“He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow.” He gestured helplessly.

As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. “You mean you're going to kill him?”

“Ma' am,” he said gently, “that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog.”

I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision.

“I'll take him,” I said.

I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I bonked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch.

“Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!” I said excitedly.

Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. “If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it!” Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.

“You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!” Dad ignored me. “Did you hear me, Dad?” I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate.

We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.

Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.

It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne. Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet.

Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night. Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.

1. Which of the following was NOT the reason why the writer took the dog home?

A．The dog's eyes.	B．The dog's appearance.
C．The writer's sympathy for the dog.	D．The man's words.

2. What's the reaction of the writer's Dad at the first sight of the dog?

A．Excited.

B．Frightened.

C．Disgusted.

D．Angry.

3. Which of the following is the best title for the story?

A．Dogs are our best friends.	B．The old man and the dog
C．Get along well with dogs.	D．How to take care of a dog

10 . Directions; Fill in each blank with a proper word chosen from the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

A. webs   B. occasionally   C. pick     D. continuously   E. feeding   F. belong G. bite     H. generally     I. dropping   J. exceptions     K. trap

The world is full of many tiny creatures besides insects. There are snails and slugs that creep along the ground, worms that dig holes underground, and many more. Some, like insects,    1    to a huge group of little creatures called arthropods, which also includes spiders and other arachinids, centipedes, and woodlice.

Spiders are found in almost everywhere in the world. They are most plentiful where there is plenty of vegetation, but you can encounter spiders in the darkest cellars and down the deepest mines, as well as high on mountains. Spiders are hunters,    2    mainly on insects and other arthropods though a few large “bird-eating” species, or tarantulas,    3    eat lizards and small rodents. Unlike other hunting animals, spiders    4    have poor eyesight. They usually have eight simple eyes, not the compound eyes of insects, and hunt by “listening” to vibrations in the ground, which they    5    up with their legs. Jumping spiders, with wolf spiders and ogre-faced spiders being    6    , have very keen eyesight.

Different species of spider have different methods of catching prey. Many weave silken nets called    7    . Some are simple tube-shaped webs inside holes, others are elaborate orb webs. The web is usually sticky, so any insects flying into it are stuck fast.

Spiders such as tarantulas and sun spiders destroy their victims with their powerful fangs, but most species use their poisonous    8    to kill or disable their prey. Some spiders, such as the black widow and funnel-web spiders, have a bite so poisonous that it can be fatal to humans.

Not all species of spider make webs. Some catch their preys by    9    a silk net on them. Others, such as the Australian trapdoor spider,    10    their prey from a hole with a carefully-fitting and well-masked flap. Hunting spiders follow their preys secretly and leap on them from a distance.