2 . The Intelligent Transport team at Newcastle University have turned an electric car into a mobile laboratory named “Drive LAB” in order to understand the challenges faced by older drivers and to discover where the key stress points are.

Research shows that giving up driving is one of the key reasons for a fall in health and well-being among older people, leading to them becoming more isolated and inactive.

Led by Professor Phil Blythe, the Newcastle team are developing in-vehicle technologies for older drivers which they hope could help them to continue driving into later life.

These include custom-made navigation (导航) tools, night vision systems and intelligent speed adaptations. Phil Blythe explains: “For many older people, particularly those living alone or in the country driving is important for keeping their independence, giving them the freedom to get out and about without having to rely on others.”

“But we all have to accept that as we get older our reactions slow down and this often results in people avoiding any potentially challenging driving conditions and losing confidence in their driving skills. The result is that people stop driving before they really need to.”

Dr Amy Guo, the leading researcher on the older driver study, explains, “The Drive LAB is helping us to understand what the key stress points and difficulties are for older drivers and how we might use technology to solve these problems.”

“For example, most of us would expect older drivers always go slower than everyone else but surprisingly, we found that in 30mph zones they struggled to keep at a constant speed and so were more likely to break the speed limit and be at risk of getting fined. We’re looking at the benefits of systems which control their speed as a way of preventing that.”

“We hope that our work will help with technological solutions to ensure that older drivers stay safer behind the wheel.”

1. What is the purpose of the Drive LAB?

A．To explore new means of transport.	B．To design new types of cars.
C．To teach people traffic rules.	D．To find out older driver’s problems.

2. Why is driving important for older people according to Phil Blythe?

A．It keeps them independent.	B．It helps them save time.
C．It builds up their strength.	D．It cures their mental illnesses.

3. What do researchers hope to do for older people?

A．Ensure their safety with the help of technology.

B．Improve their diving skills.

C．Provide advice on repairing their cars.

D．Organize regular physical checkups.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．A New Model Electric Car	B．Keeping Older Drivers on the Road
C．A Solution to Traffic Problems	D．Driving Services for Elders

3 . Sharon, Aged 22

The most important thing to keep in mind when going into high school is to be yourself. Besides, I don’t know what your middle school was like, but high school teachers will not care about things such as how much homework you already have in one night. It’s best to just learn to deal with things and manage your time wisely so you can achieve everything you need.

Frank, Aged 21

I think almost every kid feels both nervous and excited before their first day. You will probably love it. I know I did. You should join in some sports or activities that will make your high school experience more enjoyable. Good luck！

Eddie, Aged 20

When I started high school I was really nervous too, especially since I had been home-schooled all through middle school and didn’t really know anyone, I suppose the best advice would be to just relax. The first couple of days can be a little bit hard, but things will become easier after you know it.

David, Aged 19

I’m not going to lie. The first day is kind of frightening. But you’ll get used to it. Don’t be afraid of anyone; upperclassmen will pick on you more if you let them know you’re afraid. Just take it easy. Making some friends and staying with them will greatly help you get used to high school quickly. After the first week it’s really not bad at all. Don’t worry.

1. What can we infer from Sharon about high school?

A．Teachers are quite strict.

B．Students often stay up at night.

C．Teachers provide little care for students.

D．Students should make good use of their time.

2. How did Eddie feel on his first day of high school?

A．Excited

B．Bored.

C．Worried.

D．Relaxed.

3. Who mentions the importance of friends?

A．Frank.

B．David.

C．Sharon.

D．Eddie.

4 . Are you worried about moving up to Senior High school? It can be a new experience, but you shouldn’t worry. We’ve put together a guide on how to survive the first week.

You’re not alone!

Remember everybody else in your year is on the same boat. They may not realize it, but they’re just as nervous as you are. Moving to Senior High school is an opportunity, not a problem. Things are different and all you need to do is be polite and learn the new rules.

Teachers are ready to help!

If you’re unsure what to do or are worried about anything then you had better ask for help. Teachers are probably the best people to turn to as they’re experienced in helping new students. Some Senior High schools also have a “friends system”. If your school has this, then you will be paired with an older student. They will look out for you and help you if you have any problems or questions.

All change

There are lots of differences between Junior High school and Senior High school. You’ll have a homework diary or a student planner. You will have your lessons with different teachers in different rooms. You will have homework for different subjects on different days, so make sure you get organized. Make sure you have a copy of your school timetable written down so you know which rooms your classes are in and on which days you will have your different subjects.

Other points

If you’ve got an elder brother or sister at the school then ask them for advice.

Be yourself! It sounds simple, but people will know you much better if you just act naturally.

Having early nights makes a difference and you’ll find it easier to get up in the morning!

1. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the underlined sentence?

A．Other students have similar feelings to yours.

B．Other students have to learn boating with you.

C．Other students will help you solve your problems.

D．Other students will teach you politeness and new rules.

2. The new students turn to teachers first when having problems because_______.

A．teachers won’t blame them as parents do

B．teachers are good at helping solve problems

C．teachers are equal to every student

D．parents are too busy to help them

3. What’s the purpose of the passage?

A．To tell students the importance of learning.

B．To warn students not to ignore friendship in Senior High school.

C．To make a difference when moving up to Senior High school.

D．To help new students to get used to the life in Senior High school.

5 . My husband, our children and I have had wonderful camping experiences over the past ten years.

Some of our _______ are funny, especially from the early years when our children were little. Once, we _______ along Chalk Creek. I was _______ that our 15-month-old boy would fall into the creek (小溪). I tied a rope around his waist to keep him near to our spot. That lasted about ten minutes. He was _______, and his crying let the whole campground know it. So _______ tying him up, I just kept a close eye on him. It _______ — he didn’t end up in the creek. My three-year-old, however, did.

Another time, we rented a boat in Vallecito Lake. The sky was clear when we _______, but storms move in fast in the mountains, and this one quickly _______ our peaceful morning trip. The _______ picked up and thunder rolled. My husband stopped fishing to ____________ the motor. Nothing. He tried again. No ____________. We were stuck in the middle of the lake with a dead motor. As we all sat there ____________, a fisherman pulled up, threw us a rope and towed (拖) us back. We were ____________.

Now, every year when my husband pulls our camper out of the garage, we are filled with a sense of ____________, wondering what camping fun and ____________ we will experience next.

1.

A．ideas

B．jokes

C．memories

D．discoveries

2.

A．camped

B．drove

C．walked

D．cycled

3.

A．annoyed

B．surprised

C．disappointed

D．worried

4.

A．unhurt

B．unfortunate

C．uncomfortable

D．unafraid

5.

A．due to

B．instead of

C．apart from

D．as for

6.

A．worked

B．happened

C．mattered

D．changed

7.

A．signed up

B．calmed down

C．checked out

D．headed off

8.

A．arranged

B．interrupted

C．completed

D．recorded

9.

A．wind

B．noise

C．temperature

D．speed

10.

A．find

B．hide

C．start

D．fix

11.

A．luck

B．answer

C．wonder

D．signal

12.

A．patiently

B．tirelessly

C．doubtfully

D．helplessly

13.

A．sorry

B．brave

C．safe

D．right

14.

A．relief

B．duty

C．pride

D．excitement

15.

A．failure

B．adventure

C．performance

D．conflict

6 . As the oldest of three children, I never had any hand-me-downs to wear like other poor kids. Instead, Mom got my wardrobe (全部衣物) from neighborhood mothers. Imagine the fun other kids had when they saw me wearing their used clothing.

Perhaps my biggest challenge came from Charlie. As far as I was concerned, Charlie’s main fun was to make fun of me. During those years, I slowly learned to hate. I hated Charlie, but I also hated myself for not being able to change my situation.

But situations do change. That opportunity came after high school when I joined the Navy. The Navy made me a social equal for the first time in my life, and the GI Bill gave me a college education. Hard work and a few lucky career choices finally lifted me into the middle class.

One beautiful summer afternoon, my friend and I celebrated Friday in Jackson’s Steak House. For the first time in almost twenty years, I saw Charlie. Not only did I see him, but he spoke to me. I could tell he didn’t recognize me, but I surely recognized my childhood tormentor (折磨者). His words were short, but I’ll never forget them. He said, “Sir, what kind of dressing would you like with your salad?”

The tables had turned. Charlie was calling me “Sir”. While hundreds of improper ideas raced through my mind, I could only give a two-word reply: “Blue cheese.” As much as I wanted to taste the sweet taste of revenge (复仇), I refused to do it. I wouldn’t put another person through what I had gone through as a child. It was time to put childish things behind me and make use of the new opportunity that life had given me. I left him a good tip and I didn’t say one word about recognizing him.

1. Where did the author usually get his clothes as a kid?

A．His mom bought them for him.

B．They were from other families.

C．Other poor kids collected them for him.

D．They were handed down by his brothers.

2. Which word best describes the author’s childhood?

A．Painful.

B．Funny.

C．Strange.

D．Lucky.

3. What job did Charlie probably do?

A．A hairdresser.

B．A waiter.

C．A soldier.

D．A cook.

4. What is the best title of the passage?

A．Live your own dream

B．Best memories in childhood

C．Don’t hate but love your enemy

D．Grow up and let it go

7 . A few years ago, I stood in a small classroom just outside of New York City, watching a high schooler named Serena Stevenson answer math questions. An instructor read outnumbers — 74,470, 70,809, 98,402 — and Stevenson added them in her head. For each question, she closed her eyes, and then the fingers of her right hand began to move. She answered most of the problems correctly.

The key to her success was an ancient technology called the abacus. Stevenson used a practice called “mental abacus”, imagining the abacus in her mind and then using her fingers to work through the problems.

From watching Stevenson, I knew that gaining skill at the abacus was more than a matter of counting beads, so I decided to sign up for an abacus course with my two daughters to see if we could also improve our math skills. I was one of the many who had some math doubts and I felt a touch of fear. My typical solution was avoidance, and if I had to calculate something like a percentage change, I would go online.

Then after a few abacus classes and a good amount of practice, math seemed a little less frightening. I didn’t become Euclid, the founder of geometry. But the practice brought my numerical fears down. This is a time-tested power of the abacus. Confidence grows easily in the device, and abacus students are less likely to be nervous about an upcoming math test, according to one study. Part of the reason, it seems, is that practice and outcomes appear to move in step.

My kids gained much as well. My youngest daughter could work out those math problems that once baffled her, while my older child brought her abacus to school to show it to her classmates and teacher. These were just small successes for them, but that was how they finally developed confidence.

1. What is the main purpose of the first paragraph?

A．To prove the difficulty of math.	B．To introduce the topic of the abacus.
C．To show the high intelligence of Stevenson.	D．To stress the importance of abacus learning.

2. What do we know about the author from paragraph 3?

A．He was weak in math.	B．He was good at computer.
C．He regarded math as useful.	D．He had a close relationship with kids.

3. What does the author realize from his learning experience?

A．Knowledge starts with practice.	B．It’s never too late to learn.
C．Faith can move mountains.	D．Practice makes perfect.

4. What does the underlined word “baffled” in the last paragraph mean?

A．Bored.

B．Inspired.

C．Defeated.

D．Interested.

8 . You probably know who Marie Curie was, but you may not have heard of Rachel Carson. Of the outstanding ladies listed below, who do you think was the most important woman of the past 100 years?

Jane Addams (1860-1935)

Anyone who has ever been helped by a social worker has Jane Addams to thank. Addams helped the poor and worked for peace. She encouraged a sense of community by creating shelters and promoting education and services for people in need. In 1931, Addams became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Rachel Carson (1907-1964)

If it weren’t for Rachel Carson, the environmental movement might not exist today. Her popular 1962 book Silent Spring raised awareness of the dangers of pollution and the harmful effects of chemicals on humans and on the world’s lakes and oceans.

Sandra Day O’Connor (1930-present)

When Sandra Day O’Connor finished third in her class at Stanford Law School, in 1952, she could not find work at a law firm because she was a woman. She became an Arizona state senator (参议员) and, in 1981, the first woman to join the U.S. Supreme Court. O’Connor gave the deciding vote in many important cases during her 24 years on the top court.

Rosa Parks (1913-2005)

On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks would not give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. Her simple act landed Parks in prison. But it also set off the Montgomery bus boycott. It lasted for more than a year, and kicked off the civil-rights movement. “The only tired I was, was tired of giving in,” said Parks.

1. What is Jane Addams noted for in history?

A．Her social work.	B．Her teaching skills.
C．Her efforts to win a prize.	D．Her community background.

2. Who made a great contribution to the civil-rights movement in the U.S.?

A．Jane Addams.	B．Rachel Carson.
C．Sandra Day O’Connor.	D．Rosa Parks.

3. What can we infer about the women mentioned in the text?

A．They receive higher education.	B．They are truly creative.
C．They make great achievements.	D．They are peace-lovers.

9 . Last Friday, after doing all the family shopping in the town. I wanted to have a rest before catching the rain. I _______ a newspaper and some chocolate and _______ into the station coffee shop. It was a cheap self-service place with long tables to _______ at. I put my heavy bag down on the floor, _______ the newspaper and the chocolate on the table and then went to get a cup of coffee.

When I came back with the coffee, there was someone _______ in the next seat. _______ was a boy, with dark glasses and old clothes, and _______ bright red at the front. He had started to eat my chocolate!

Naturally, I was rather uneasy about him, but I didn’t want to have any _______. I just read the newspaper, tasted my coffee and took a bit of chocolate. The boy looked at me in _______.Then he took a ________ piece of my chocolate. I could hardly believe it. Still I didn’t say anything to him. When he took a third piece, I felt more angry than uneasy. I thought, “Well, I shall have the last piece.” And I got it.

The boy gave me a strange look, then ________ up. As he left, he shouted out, “There’s something ________ with that woman!” Everyone looked at me, ________ I didn’t want to quarrel with the boy, so I kept quiet. I did not realize that I had ________ a mistake until I finished my coffee and was ready to ________. My face turned red when I saw my unopened chocolate under the newspaper. The chocolate that I had been eating was the boy’s!

1.

A．stole

B．bought

C．sold

D．wrote

2.

A．went

B．sat

C．seated

D．looked

3.

A．sit

B．seat

C．lie

D．laugh

4.

A．pushed

B．took

C．put

D．pulled

5.

A．jumping

B．playing

C．sitting

D．sleeping

6.

A．He

B．It

C．Who

D．What

7.

A．cut

B．washed

C．covered

D．colored

8.

A．coffee

B．trouble

C．chocolate

D．matter

9.

A．carelessness

B．anger

C．surprise

D．happiness

10.

A．first

B．second

C．very

D．last

11.

A．stood

B．took

C．cried

D．looked

12.

A．strange

B．wrong

C．OK

D．funny

13.

A．and

B．but

C．so

D．while

14.

A．spelt

B．corrected

C．made

D．found

15.

A．finish

B．leave

C．jump

D．shop

10 . It is a blue, cotton shirt. The shirt belonged to my _________ David. On his birthday before he left college, his mother bought him the shirt. _________ I gave him free use of my bike, he let me wear the shirt, occasionally.

We shared the shirt, and as days _________ , we shared more of our _________ . David was in school by scholarships and grants (助学金). He _________ to keep his scholarships, because without even one of them, he would have to   _________ and back on the farm. And in David's home, there was always only enough money to cover the expense. His father died when he was twelve.

At times David also talked about his father. Usually it was late at night, in the dormitory just before bed, and the   _________ always ended with tears that flowed from a river of memories and longings: memories of a father suffering from _________ when his son was just a teenager; longings for opportunities to cure his father's disease missed, because disease does not understand about the _________ between father and son. Nor does it care.

Time passed and we had to say goodbye to each other. After lots of hugging, and words of thanks, we eventually departed. It was on my ____________ trip upstairs to our dorm that I saw a package on my bed. I ____________ the wrapping paper. It was the blue cotton shirt in a box with a card ____________ to it, reading “Thomas, I can't thank you enough for your ____________ . This has been tough years and you have been ____________ a friend. Thank you for listening. Thanks for everything. — David”.

I put aside the note, with ____________ tears dropping on the shirt. I still have the shirt today, though it has faded and wrinkled with age.

1.

A．colleague

B．brother

C．roommate

D．professor

2.

A．Because

B．Unless

C．While

D．Even if

3.

A．came across

B．went by

C．ran out

D．came up

4.

A．victories

B．belongings

C．scholarships

D．stories

5.

A．happened

B．refused

C．struggled

D．failed

6.

A．turn out

B．stand out

C．figure out

D．drop out

7.

A．interview

B．discussion

C．conversation

D．debate

8.

A．failure

B．depression

C．poverty

D．illness

9.

A．connection

B．distance

C．difference

D．conflict

10.

A．first

B．last

C．next

D．second

11.

A．touched

B．pulled

C．removed

D．folded

12.

A．attached

B．applied

C．adjusted

D．admitted

13.

A．guidance

B．devotion

C．friendship

D．mercy

14.

A．less than

B．other than

C．more than

D．rather than

15.

A．sympathetic

B．grateful

C．joyful

D．painful