In ancient times, man settled near rivers or on river banks and built up large empires.
Water is nature’s most valuable gift to man. Man needs water to irrigate his crops, to cook and to wash. In nations all over the world, rivers mean life and wealth. They feed and clothe nations around them.
Water is also a source of energy and power. Man builds huge dams across the rivers to control the water for irrigation and get the energy needed to drive generators. The electrical power is then directed to homes, cities, factories and television stations.
Man uses water each day. In a small way rivers help to keep man in good health and provide for his amusements. Various forms of water sports keep man strong and healthy.
1. Rivers have been important to man______.
A.since the last century | B.since they came into being |
C.since a few hundred years ago | D.since the beginning of BC |
A.by sea | B.by air | C.by train | D.by bus |
A.to direct electrical | B.to control |
C.to build dams | D.to produce electricity |
Transport
☆Three stations for the suburbs have been added to the western train service.
☆20 new buses for the southern line were purchased in January.
☆50 per cent of city busstops have been upgraded.
Communication
☆Broadband cable is now available to all parts of the city.
☆All of the new Government buildings are smartwired for better computer service!
Medical Facilities
☆The new stateoftheart Nightingale Hospital was opened in June.
☆To overcome a shortage of trained medical staff at Dover Hospital, 10 doctors have been employed from overseas.
☆Some facilities at Station Street Hospital have been upgraded.
Education
☆Textbooks will be free to all primary students in 2014!
☆Rental for private schools has been reduced.
Protection and Security
☆Extra police now patrol(巡逻)the tourist areas.
☆50 new police officers graduated in July and have taken up duties in the city area.
Entertainment / Recreation
☆The new Central Community Building opened in May.
☆5,000 new fiction books were bought for the Silver City Library.
1. What is the purpose of the changes in Silver City?
A.To satisfy all the needs of the citizens. |
B.To make public service improved. |
C.To better the citizens’life. |
D.To meet the needs of the Silver City Council. |
A.Travel books are provided in the new library. |
B.More bus lines and stops are bought in Silver City. |
C.Free medical treatment is available at Station Street Hospital. |
D.There are more police officers on duty now. |
A.the community | B.the local government |
C.the Silver City Library | D.a travel agency |
But only years ago, the Texas native was often the butt of jokes(笑柄)about being too handsome. In 1993, after meeting with director Richard Linklater, McConaughey starred in Dazed and Confused. And a Hollywood career was born, mostly in romantic comedies. For a long time, the whole world believed McConaughey was just a handsome guy with comic talent.
But McConaughey stopped starring in that type of movie, and began to use his looks differently. Slowly he built up his reputation as a serious actor. In 2013, McConaughey was offered to play an AIDS activist in Dallas Buyers Club. The role saw the normally muscular actor losing 50 pounds in order to appear sick. His performance won him an Oscar for Best Actor.
The actor gave thanks to someone he has always looked up to as a hero during his Oscar acceptance speech. When he was 15, the actor said, he decided that his hero would be himself in 10 years. But 10 years later, he pushed the deadline ahead another decade. Then 10 years later, another decade.“My hero’ s always 10 years away,” he said. “I’ m never going to attain that. That keeps me with somebody to keep on chasing.”Or perhaps constantly chasing the chance to be his own hero has given him a second chance to follow his dreams.
1. Why was McConaughey often the butt of jokes in his early career?
A.He was limited to handsome roles. |
B.He was unknown to the audience. |
C.He played in romantic comedies. |
D.He was handsome and emotional. |
A.A caring father. | B.An AIDS activist. |
C.A serious buyer. | D.A strong hero. |
A.He was born in Hollywood. |
B.He has become a hero of his own. |
C.He wasn’ t famous until recently. |
D.He isn’ t content with his achievements. |
A.McConaughey, a Romantic Comedian |
B.McConaughey, a Man Making a Hit |
C.McConaughey, a Man Daring to change |
D.McConaughey, Handsome and Talented |
Look at this example:
British Betty: Would you like to see my flat?
American Amy: Yes. I’d like to come up to your apartment.
So why has English changed over time? All languages change and develop when cultures meet. At first the English spoken in England between about AD 450 and 1150 was very different from the English spoken today. It was based more on German than the English we speak at present. Then between about AD 800 and 1150, English became less like German because those who ruled England spoke first Danish and later French. These new settlers improved the English language and especially its vocabulary. So by the 1600’s Shakespeare was able to make use of a wider vocabulary than ever before.
Finally by the 19th century the language was settled. At that time two big changes in English spelling happened: first Samuel Johnson wrote his dictionary and later Noah Webster wrote The American Dictionary of the English Language. The latter gave a separate identity to American English spelling.
English now is also spoken as a foreign or second language in South Asia. For example, India has a very large number of fluent English speakers because Britain ruled India from 1765 to 1947. During that time English became the language for government and education. Today the number of people learning English in China is increasing rapidly.
1. When did English begin to be spoken in many other countries?
A.In 16th century. |
B.In 17th century. |
C.In 18th century. |
D.In 19th century. |
A.developed when new settlers came to Britain |
B.was based on Germany during the 5th century |
C.became the language for government and education |
D.was spoken wide all over the world |
A.British settlers moved to America in the 18th. |
B.It’s easy for Chinese people speak fluent English. |
C.English once became the official language in India. |
D.English was influenced by Danish invaders in AD 450 . |
A.Samuel Johnson’s dictionary | B.Shakespeare’s books |
C.French ruler’s language | D.Noah Webster’s dictionary |
A.To settle English in many countries. |
B.To understand English-speaking people. |
C.To describe the development of English. |
D.To tell people changes of American English. |
At US $349, the Apple Watch is expensive
If the Apple Watch becomes popular, it will change the way the world communicates with computers. “It might not only be a change for Apple, but for the whole industry,” says technology expert, Daniel Ives.
How does it work?
The Apple Watch has a speaker that users can both hear and feel. You can press the side button to communicate with people quickly and easily. The Apple Watch also introduces health and fitness apps(应用程序)that can help people lead healthier lives.
You can try it.
According to Matt Vella, a writer for TIME magazine, the watch is “the most thrilling product since the iPad.”
After actually trying the watch, he says: “ There’s a lot we don’t know about the Apple Watch. How long will its battery last? How exactly will it connect with the iPhone? But wearing the watch answers some other questions. It is very comfortable. You can easily forget you are wearing the Apple Watch.”
1. What does the underlined sentence probably mean?
A.The Apple Watch will be successful as the Smartphone. |
B.Contrary to popular belief, many people dislike the Apple Watch. |
C.Some people don’t think the Apple Watch will be as popular as smartphones. |
D.Some people think the Apple Watch will be more popular than smartphones. |
A.An officer . | B.An editor. |
C.A writer. | D.A teacher. |
A.The Apple Watch has a speaker. |
B.The Apple Watch can check your health. |
C.You can send messages with the Apple Watch. |
D.The Apple Watch doesn’t need a battery. |
A.Beautiful. | B.Exciting. |
C.normal | D.Expensive. |
A.how to choose the Apple Watch |
B.why people buy the Apple Watch |
C.a new product |
D.a new method |
“Examine the extended family, and you’ll probably find a bossy grandparent, aunt, uncle or cousin in every generation. It’s an inheritable trait.” says Russell Barkley, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. Other children who may not be particularly bossy can gradually gain dominance(支配地位)when they sense their parents are weak, hesitant, or in disagreement with each other.
Whether it’s inborn nature or developed character at work, too much control in the hands of the young isn’t healthy for children or the family. Fear is at the root of a lot of bossy behavior, says family psychologist John Taylor. Children, he says in his book From Defiance to Cooperation, “have secret feelings of weakness” and “a desire to feel safe.” It’s the parents’ role to provide that protection.
When a “boss child” doesn’t learn limits at home, the stage is set for a host of troubles outside the family. The overly willful and unbending child may have trouble obeying teachers or coaches, for example, or trouble keeping friends. It can be pretty lonely as the top dog if no one likes your bossy ways.
“I see more and more parents giving up their power,” says Barkley, who has studied bossy behavior for more than 30 years. “They bend too far because they don’t want to be as strict as their own parents were. But they also fell less confident about their parenting skills. Their kids, in turn, feel more anxious.”
1. Bossy children like Stephen Jackson __________.
A.make good decisions | B.show self-centeredness |
C.lack care from others | D.have little sense of fear |
A.should give more power to their children |
B.should be strict with their children |
C.should not be so anxious about their children |
D.should not set limits for their children |
A.relaxed | B.skillful |
C.hesitant | D.lonely |
A.How bossy behavior can be controlled. |
B.How we can get along with bossy children. |
C.What leads to children’s bossy behavior. |
D.What effect bossy behavior brings about. |
In the study, the robot, called AIBO, is placed for six weeks in the houses of some old people who live alone. Before placing AIBO in the home, researchers will collect baseline data for six weeks. These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activity before and after AIBO. Then, the researchers will review the data to determine if it has inspired any changes in the life of its owner.
“I talk to him all the time, and he responds to my voice,” says a seventy-year-old lady, “When I’m watching TV, he’ll stay in my arms until he wants down. He has a mind of his own.”
The AIBOs respond to certain orders. The researchers say they have some advantages over live dogs, especially for old people. Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding concerns.
“At the beginning, it was believed that no one would relate to the robotic dog, because it was metal and not furry.” Beck says, “But it’s amazing how quickly we have given up that belief.”
“Hopefully, down the road, these robotic pets could become a more-valuable health helper. They will record their masters’ blood pressure, oxygen levels, or heart rhythms. AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people’s minds.”
1. The purpose of Beck and Edwards’ study is to.
A.understand human-animal relationship |
B.make lonely old people’s life better |
C.find the causes of old people’s loneliness |
D.promote the animal-assisted research |
A.note the activities of AIBOs | B.keep AIBOs at home for 12 weeks |
C.record their feelings and activity | D.analyze the collected information |
A.It is easier to keep at home. | B.It can help the disabled people. |
C.It responds to all the human orders. | D.It can watch TV with its owner. |
A.cure certain diseases | B.keep old people active |
C.change people’s beliefs | D.look more like real dogs |
8 . Have you ever noticed that the more you have the more you want? Let’s face it. Thinking our life is good enough doesn’t come naturally to many people. When we have high expectations of everything in life we will run into disappointment. Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction. Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are.
Focus on what you are thankful for. Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have. Learn to reflect on how much better things are than they could be. Focus on what you are thankful for. Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now.
When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can really poison our wellbeing. Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner. What happened in the past is done and gone, so work to stay present and be mindful of the current moment to find more joy and fulfillment.
When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life, we are likely to be less satisfied. Social comparisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others, but they also hold our perspective in a discontented position. Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more.
When you are focused on your big ambitions and future goals, you might elide the daily pleasures that surround you. Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you. Stay present and focus on the task you’re undertaking at the moment. Don’t let the life pass you by because you’re always on the go and distracted by ambition.
Practice looking at life through the lens of contentment and it will become more natural.
1. How can we live with contentment?A.To change our lifestyle. |
B.To have a motivation in life. |
C.To give less attention to what we are grateful for. |
D.To realize the difference between needs and desires. |
A.Make wise decisions. | B.Know the present situation. |
C.Let go of regrets. | D.Remember the past. |
A.enjoy | B.change |
C.create | D.neglect |
A.Make time for simple pleasures. | B.Learn from successful people. |
C.Focus on your future goals. | D.Create chance to learn more. |
Prices starting from$1999
Your tour begins in Milan, Italy, and moves on to the pretty Italian Lake District and the attractive resort(胜地) of Stresa, your home for two nights. Collette Vacations has carefully chosen
You’ll spend 4 days touring Greek cities you’ve always heard about. In Katakolon, you will have the only unguided tour to nearby Olympia on the whole journey. Then with a local guide you will visit the Greek islands of Santorini, which is often related to the story of the lost city Atlantis, and Mykonos, a wonderful island with beautiful beaches.
Your journey ends in Verona, home of the love story Romeo and Juliet, with a fun-filled farewell dinner--- a perfect ending to a pleasant journey.
12Days, 25 Meals, 10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 9Dinners
Day 1 Overnight fight to Italy
Day 2-3 Regina Palace, Stresa, Italy
Day4—10 Costa Victoria (Costa cruises)
Day11 Hotel Leopardi, Verona, Italy
Day12 Leave for home
Please Note
Leaving date | Price for one person |
April 7 | $ 2 099 |
June 2 | $ 2 199 |
October 6 | $ 2 099 |
November 3 | $ 1 999 |
1. How is the journey planned?
A.It starts and ends in Italy. |
B.It starts and ends in Greece. |
C.It starts in Italy and ends in Greece. |
D.It starts in Greece and ends in Italy. |
A.The price may get lower than those in the plan. |
B.The price include three meals a day. |
C.The price is the highest in summer. |
D.The prices include entertainment service. |
A.A famous hotel. | B.A beautiful resort. |
C.A comfortable ship. | D.A long-distant bus. |
A.Stresa | B.Olympia | C.Mykonos | D.Verona |
I graduated from Boston University and was doing theater in New York when I got cast in a Korean miniseries(电视连续剧). We started shooting the show in New York, and then went to Korea to finish it up. They said I would be there for three weeks, but it ended up being two months. The miniseries took off, and overnight, I became recognizable. It was sort of like Lost. It blew up. Then amazing projects were offered to me. I kept thinking, “ I’ll do one more and then go back to the US.” I ended up staying for seven years.
Some people described me as the Julia Roberts of Korea, which is a bad comparison because she’s the queen of romantic comedy. I became famous in Korea for a dramatic role in a film called Shiri. I played a “La Femme Nikita” type of role. I was the girl with the gun—all action.
1. The writer’s parents moved to America so as to ________.
A.offer a good chance to their children. |
B.receive a good education in performing |
C.seek a successful life in America |
D.film a Korean miniseries |
A.were both in favor of her | B.felt very ashamed of her |
C.didn’t agree at first | D.took it for granted |
A.The author’s performing life in America. |
B.The difficulties of filming abroad. |
C.The popularity of the miniseries Lost. |
D.The author’s first performing breakthrough. |
A.she looked down upon Julia Roberts |
B.she disliked to be compared with others |
C.she had a different style of performing |
D.she was better at dramatic roles than Julia |