1 . In the world of Chinese archaeology (考古学), a sign of a dig's importance is the sight of Zhou Mingsheng at work. A field technician who has worked at archaeological sites all around China. Master Zhou is credited with the gentlest touch in his profession. Born into a farming family, he is a “national-level craftsman” with a talent for using simple tools to get relics (遗物) that would crumble in other hands, says his current boss, Wang Xu, director of an archaeological site at Shuanghuaishu, a Neolithic (新石器时代的) settlement near the Yellow River in the central province of Henan.
It is not beauty that attracts visitors to Shuanghuaishu. At 5, 300 years old, the settlement is the work of a culture too simple to have left behind many buried treasures. The single most precious find, to date, is a finger-length sculpture of a silkworm. Nor is the setting lovely: an area surrounded by deafening insects, between a highway and two power stations. Rather, the site's importance is historical. For since the birth of Chinese archaeology in the 1920s, it has been inseparable from claims that China has the oldest unbroken civilisation on Earth.
Leading archaeologists say that the site has the right combination of location, age and distinctive cultural elements to be the capital of an early Chinese kingdom. That would make it a bridge between China's written history and the era of the Yellow Emperor, who is said to rule over these central plains almost 5,000 years ago, though many foreign scholars doubt his existence. Chinese media call the site proof of China's 5,000 years of history.
Foreigners complain about a lack of written records, Mr Wang notes. Perhaps they are missing symbols that will one day be understood, for instance in patterned pottery. Outsiders "can't keep using Western standards to apply to Chinese ruins," he argues.
1. What does the underlined word “crumble” in paragraph 1 mean?| A．Result. | B．Break. | C．Wait. | D．Shine. |
| A．It is of great historical significance. | B．It has various precious treasures. |
| C．It has appealing scenery. | D．It is easily accessible. |
| A．Ambiguous. | B．Tolerant. |
| C．Disapproving. | D．Sympathetic. |
| A．Chinese history amazes the world | B．Chinese archaeology catches on |
| C．China follows its tradition | D．China digs its past |
2 . Online Book Shop
The books listed here are reasonably cheap and also after discount they are even cheaper.
Once Upon a Time It is a collection of short stories written by a young and imaginative mind. The stories cover the experiences, lived and imagined, of a nine－year－old. This is an ideal return gift for all your child’s friends on his birthday. You can also gift this book to inspire a young friend or child. Price: $ 6.5 | Word Power Made Easy Word Power Made Easy is a comprehensive vocabulary－building system created by legendary grammarian Norman Lewis that provides a simple, step－by－step method to increase your knowledge and mastery of the English language. Price: $ 7.2 |
General Knowledge 2015 This General Knowledge 2015 covers all the sections like History, Geography, Economy, General Science with Theory, Figures, Graphics and Tables. It can be used for preparation of competitive exams. Here in this section you can buy this book online in a discounted rate and avail at your doorstep, easiest payment options are available here. Price: $ 8. 4 | Life Is What You Make It Life Is What You Make It is a story of young girl Ankita Sharma who is smart and lives her life as she likes. Ankita was born in a middle class family in a time when Doordarshan was the only source of entertainment and writing love letters was a general trend, every youth dreams of living a college life. Price: $ 6.8 |
| A．It describes a nine－year－old’s real life experiences. |
| B．It can serve as an ideal present chosen for children. |
| C．It has inspired many children to write short stories. |
| D．It was written by the young writer at the age of nine. |
| A．Once Upon a Time | B．Word Power Made Easy |
| C．General Knowledge 2015 | D．Life Is What You Make It |
| A．They share the same theme. | B．They are of a writing style. |
| C．They win popularity with girls. | D．They are sold at low prices. |
3 . Volunteering abroad is a great way to help others，improve your skills and become a more confident，independent person. If you are interested in volunteering abroad，here are some places to go.
Australia
If you seek a life on the beach，in a great climate with friendly people，Australia might be your best bet. With thousands of volunteers already signing up to leave for Australia during the holidays，it will be a very popular option.
Brazil
This vast country has some great opportunities on offer and is especially popular this year. A lot of volunteer work is available in Brazil centers on conservation and ecological projects. With the world's largest rainforest in Brazil，of which huge part is in danger，there are lots of different jobs you can do.
Kenya
Kenya is the destination for those seeking an African experience. Generally volunteers in Kenya work in orphanages (孤儿院) or with local children living in slums. There is a great demand for volunteers in Africa because many people live in poverty，so if you truly feel like making a difference to a community，Kenya should be at the top of your list.
Costa Rica
Golden sandy beaches，clear coastlines and beautiful cities are what Costa Rica is all about. Because of its small size，you can see a lot of the country in just a short time. You can really make the most of your time as a volunteer. A lot of work is needed with wildlife and ecological work，so if you want to look after turtles on the beach，Costa Rica could be just the place for you.
1. If you are interested in protecting the environment，you will probably go to .| A．Australia | B．Brazil | C．Kenya | D．Costa Rica |
| A．animals | B．plants | C．the elderly | D．children |
| A．take care of trees in the forests | B．surf with children in the water |
| C．work with animals on the beach | D．look after children who have lost their parents |
4 . In 2006, documents were published by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They suggested that cloned animals and cloned animal products would be allowed into the American food supply.
The FDA has stated that cloned animal products are safe for consumption, and has performed many studies to support this view. In fact, products from cloned animals have already been eaten by some Americans without ill effects. The FDA analyzed the structure(结构)and content of cloned animal products and compared it with that of traditionally reproduced animals, and discovered no statistical difference between the two.
Consumers raised serious concerns about cloned animals. The first is the question of whether or not cloned tissue and animal products are truly safe. The second is that many clones are also genetically modified(转基因的)animals, which the FDA has said are unsafe for human consumption. The third is that consumers want to be able to choose what they put into their bodies.
The first concern about cloned animals is almost unnecessary due to the price of producing a clone. Making a clone needs hard work and is very costly. These clones live spoiled lives because they are very valuable, despite biologists' warning that cloned animals decrease diversity.
The second concern, about genetic modification of cloned animals, is more problematic. It may be very difficult to separate genetically modified animals from normal ones. The purpose of genetically modified cloned animals is unclear, and the FDA hasn't allowed their products onto the market, due to health concerns, but the risk of genetic pollution of healthy animals still exists.
Finally, the matter of choice is a large one. Many animal rights activists are worried about clone rights because cloned or not, the animals still have lives. Other consumers are simply trying to eat healthy foods, and have doubts about the cloned animals. If the FDA does not make labeling (贴标签)laws, people may not be able to make informed choices about their food.
1. Why did the FDA allow cloned animal products for consumption?| A．They appeal to consumers very much. |
| B．They differ from traditional animal products. |
| C．They taste better than normal animal products. |
| D．They have been proved safe in several aspects. |
| A．It takes much more efforts and money. | B．It provides some new medical benefits. |
| C．It needs less time than raising animals. | D．It helps increase the diversity of animals. |
| A．Cloned animals should be forbidden to enter market. |
| B．Cloned animals should have the same rights as humans. |
| C．Laws should be made to protect people's right to choose food. |
| D．Animal rights activists are strongly against cloned animal products. |
| A．Doubts about cloned animals rights. | B．Discussions about how to clone animals. |
| C．Concerns about animal cloning technology. | D．Worries about cloned animal consumption. |
5 . About two months ago, Xing Yan started experiencing insomnia for the first time.
“It developed suddenly. I was under heavy pressure from work at the time. I could not fall asleep at all at night, and was wide awake until dawn. I tried not to think of the things that were troubling me and forget them, but the thoughts quickly returned, making it even harder for me to fall asleep,” said the bank employee from Fushun, Liaoning province.
Before the insomnia developed, Xing had regularly experienced less serious related disorders, such as taking a long time to fall asleep. He believes his tendency to worry may be the cause of his insomnia.
In addition to feeling tired during the day, Xing feels he is experiencing the physical consequences of insomnia, such as an unexplained stomach ache.
“I became very frightened when I realized I could not sleep every day,” said the 40-year-old, who has been admitted to Peking University Sixth Hospital in Beijing for treatment. “I may be ruined if this situation continues.”
In an attempt to overcome his problem, Xing plans to strictly follow the advice of his doctor, such as getting up and going to bed at fixed times, and taking medication.
Sun Hongqiang, director of the Sleep Medicine Center at the hospital, said his team has seen a constant rise in the number of patients with sleeping disorders in recent years.
Despite seeing about 100 patients every day, the 12 doctors at the center are unable to meet demand, which means many patients endure a long wait before they can consult a physician, according to Sun.
“Globally, the incidence of sleep disorders is rising,” he said. “In China, about 30 percent of the population has sleep disorders, while around 10 percent frequently experience insomnia.”
It is unclear what is behind the rise in the number of people with sleep disorders, but the problem may be linked with factors such as personality, brain-related illnesses and disturbed lifestyles, he added.
1. What is the meaning of the underlined word “insomnia”?| A．Being unable to sleep. |
| B．Staying up late. |
| C．Low sleep quality. |
| D．Taking a long time to fall asleep. |
| A．A doctor. |
| B．A bank employee. |
| C．A student from Peking University |
| D．A physician. |
| A．About 30% of the Chinese suffer from insomnia. |
| B．Doctors are too busy to see people with insomnia. |
| C．Physicians are in high demand in the battle against insomnia. |
| D．The causes of insomnia include brain-related illnesses and disturbed lifestyles. |
| A．Insomnia — A terrible disease |
| B．Insomnia — An increasing incident |
| C．Doctors — In great demand |
| D．Sleep disorder — A constant phenomenon |
The theme of the film by itself will not result in a rating greater than PG-13, although activities shown in the film related to a mature theme may result in a restricted rating for the film. Any drug use will initially require at least a PG-13 rating. More than brief nudity will require at least a PG-13 rating, but such nudity in PG-13 rated film generally will not be sexually oriented. There may be violence scene in a PG-13 movie, but generally not both realistic and extreme or persistent violence.
A single use of one of the rude words in a film, though only as an expletive (感叹语), initially requires at least a PG-13 rating. More than one such bad word requires an R rating, as must even one of those words used in a sexual context. The Rating Board nevertheless may rate such a film PG-13 if, based on a special vote by a two-thirds majority, the Raters feel that most American parents would believe that a PG-13 rating is appropriate because of the context or manner in which the words are used or because the use of those words in the film is easily neglected.
1. What is the main goal of this passage?| A．To discuss various movie ratings. |
| B．To explain various movie ratings. |
| C．To explain the difference between PG-13 and R movie ratings. |
| D．To explain the PG-13 movie rating. |
| A．has little impact on its rating |
| B．has a large impact on its rating |
| C．should be entertaining |
| D．should be suitable for children |
| A．should not be allowed in movies |
| B．is dangerous |
| C．makes a PG-13 rating necessary |
| D．is not appropriate for children under 13 |
| A．A PG rating. | B．A PG-13 rating. |
| C．An R rating. | D．An NC-17 rating. |
7 . Ana, her husband Mario, and their four-year old son Antonio just moved to North Carolina. They need a temporary place to call “home” until they get settled into their new surroundings. So, Ana figured that she had better start looking for an apartment for them to stay in.
First, Ana picked up an Apartment Book at her local newspaper stand. The Apartment Book contained listings of all the major apartment complexes in her area.
Ana started by looking at the prices in the advertisements for apartments in the Apartment Book. Then, she read about the amenities that each apartment complex offered. For example, some apartments had a clubhouse, a gym (also called a “fitness center”), and a pool. After considering prices, amenities, and locations, Ana found a few apartment complexes that she liked.
Ana called the apartment complexes. She set up appointments with the apartment managers to see the apartments she found interesting. Ana made five phone calls, total. “I’ll see you then,” she said to the fifth apartment manager, and hung up the phone.
When Mario got home (to the hotel in which they were staying) from work, Ana showed him the list of apartments. “These look good,” he said.
“Mommy, let me see,” said Antonio, whom Mario had just brought home from childcare. Ana showed Antonio the pictures of the apartments.
The next day, while Mario was at work and Antonio was at childcare, Ana visited the apartment complexes. After visiting all five, she found that she liked the fifth one the best. It was near a good school system for her son, and it was near her and her husband’s workplace. She went home and discussed it with her husband, and they decided that they wanted to rent the apartment. The next day, they called the manager of the apartment complex and told him that they would like the apartment.
The manager asked them to sign a rental contract and pay a security deposit so that if any damage was done to the apartment while they were in it, the security deposit would pay for it. They signed the rental contract and paid the security deposit.
Finally, they had a place to stay.
1. Which of the following is not an amenity?| A．Clubhouse. | B．Fitness center. |
| C．Pool. | D．High ceilings. |
| A．Prices. | B．Amenities. |
| C．Locations. | D．All of the above. |
| A．Because it ensures that a renter will pay the rent on time. |
| B．Because it ensures that a renter will not have pets on the property. |
| C．Because it ensures that any damage done to the apartment will be paid for by the renter. |
| D．Because it ensures that any damage done to the apartment is kept to a minimum. |
| A．She was a smart and organized wife. |
| B．She signed the rental contract on her own. |
| C．She bought a home for her family in Carolina. |
| D．Her husband worked in a hotel. |
8 . Theaters of the Past
The Greek Theater
Theaters developed in many parts of Greece. Ancient Greek theaters were built in natural open air sites on conveniently shaped hills. This allowed a great mass of people to enjoy a show at a time. Due to this, actors placed emphasis on exaggerated (夸张的) action and speech. And, colorful symbolic masks and costumes were used.
The Medieval Theater
The Medieval theater started in churches. That’s why medieval plays were about Bible stories. At first, it became a custom for priests (牧师) to act out brief scenes during Christmas and Easter. These acts attracted large crowds. Finally the church refused to allow priests to participate in any such events again, so ordinary people began these performances outside. Performances were set in the town square, with several stage settings around it.
The Elizabethan Theater
The England’s theater developed rapidly in the years following the defeat of the Spanish Navy. The dominant feature of Elizabethan theater was the stage, It has three parts: The fore stage for outside scenes ;the inner stage for scenes inside a building; an upper stage or balcony for various purposes. The reason for this design is that there were no scene changes, or breaks during the play. Very little scenery was used, so the actors had to create a scene through their voices and dialogues. This led to a more poetic script , and poets became the main source of script writing.
The Restoration Theater
Some of the plays told sad stories, but the majority of the plays were really funny. Many specialized machines were used to create the scene. The stage was a very clever idea , in that on the sides of the stage large back shutters (百叶窗) were painted with the scene.
1. Why were ancient Greek theaters built on hills?| A．To hold a large audience. |
| B．To build a big and strong stage. |
| C．To have a better sound effect. |
| D．To emphasize exaggerated performances. |
| A．The Greek Theater. |
| B．The Medieval Theater, |
| C．The Elizabethan Theater, |
| D．The Restoration Theater. |
| A．Colorful masks were used. |
| B．The stage was smartly designed. |
| C．Most of its plays were sorrowful. |
| D．Ordinary people were the performers. |
SYDNEY: As they sat sharing sweets beside a swimming pool in 1999, Shane Gould and Jessicah Schipper were simply getting along well, chatting about sport, life and anything else that came up.
Yet in Sydney next month, they will meet again by the pool, and for a short time the friends will race against each other in the 50-meter butterfly in the Australian championships at Homebu Bay.
Gould, now a 47-year-old mother of four, has announced she will be making a return to elite competition (顶级赛事) to swim the one event, having set a qualifying (合格的) time of 30. 32 seconds in winning gold at last year’s United States Masters championships. Her comeback comes 32 years after she won three golds at the Munich Olympics.
Schipper, now a 17-year-old girl from Brisbane with a bright future of going to Athens for her first Olympics, yesterday recalled (回忆) her time with Gould five years ago. “I was at a national youth camp on the Gold Coast and Shane had come along to talk to us and watch us train.” Schipper explained. “It seemed as if we had long been good friends. I don’t know why. We just started talking and it went from there.”
“She had a lot to share with all of us at that camp. She told us stories about what it was like at big meets like Olympics and what it was like to be on an Australian team. It was really interesting.”
Next time, things will be more serious: “I will still be swimming in the 50m butterfly at the nationals, so there is a chance that I could actually be competing against Shane Gould.” said Schipper, who burst onto the scene at last year’s national championships with second places in the 100 m and 200 butterfly.
1. What is the passage mainly about?
| A．Stories happening in swimming competitions. |
| B．Two women swimmers winning Olympic golds. |
| C．Lessons learned from international swimming championships. |
| D．Friendship and competition between two swimmers. |
| A．talk about sport and life | B．go back to elite competition |
| C．set a qualifying time and win gold | D．take part in the same sports event |
| A．15 | B．17 | C．22 | D．30 |
| A．the Olympics | B．the youth camp |
| C．the friendship | D．the Australian team |
| A．was no longer Gould’s friend | B．had learned a lot from Gould |
| C．was not interested in Gould’s stories | D．would not like to compete against Gould |
