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1 . A http:/www.literacynet.org/cnnsf/

Fantastic site from CNN. Over 50 news stories categorized under headings such as crime, environment and adventure. Each story has a range of activities focusing on comprehension and vocabulary, mostly of the multiple-choice variety.

B http:/www.npr.org/

NPR is an American radio network with an extensive audio archive—an excellent source of authentic English.

C http:/www.humorlinks.com/

Hilarious site bringing together over 7,000 links to humor of every kind, from American comedy to Australian cartoons. Here you will see the funniest jokes and pictures from around the world.

D http:/www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/audiointerviews/

Hundreds of fascinating interviews with famous people from every walk of life: actors, cartoonists, musicians, painters, philosophers, political activists, scientists and writers.

E http:/www.bbc.co.uk/music/listen

Lots of online music from classical to jazz, from blues to rap. You can listen to radio programs or select a range of special features.

F http: /www.onestopenglish.com

Here you will find listening activities—updated each month--from the online magazine from Macmillan.

1. http:/www.literacynet.org/cnnsf is a website intended for those who________.
A.are learning English
B.are writing news stories
C.are interested in environment protection
D.are designing activities for newspapers
2. For someone who is doing a project on this year's Nobel Prize winner, ________ will be the most suitable website to turn to.
A.http:/www.onestopenglish.com
B.http:/www.humorlinks.com/
C.http:/www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/audiointerviews/
D.http:/www.bbc.co.uk/music/isten
3. Which of the following might be the best title of the passage?
A.How to Choose a Suitable Website
B.This Week's Web Guide
C.Web Radio: New Access to Information
D.Special Features from Famous Websites

2 . Patients often come into my office and ask, “How can I look younger?” While I always suggest healthy living — a balanced diet and regular exercise — in order to look and feel younger, I have never thought of facial exercises as part of that plan. That is, until a recent study, published in JAMA Dermatology (皮肤学), showed promising results that routine facial exercise may slow the merciless tide of time.

The theory behind the study originates from the fact that a major part of facial aging is due to the loss of fat and soft tissue, which leads to the growth and spread of wrinkles. If we can lift weights at the gym and enlarge muscles in arms, why couldn’t the same be done for muscles in our faces, therefore to create a more youthful face?

The concept of facial exercise is not a new one. A simple Internet search will produce a lot of blog posts and books on the subject, as well as various programmes that promise to be the next fountain of youth. What the JAMA Dermatology researchers did in their study, which was the first of its kind, was to examine this question from a more strict scientific aspect. They enrolled 27 women between the ages of 40 and 65 to perform daily, 30-minute exercises for eight weeks, and then continue every other day for a total of 20 weeks.

Dermatologists who did not know the participants were asked to rate their photographs before and after the exercise. The dermatologists found an improvement in cheek fullness and estimated the age of the participants at 51 years of age at the start of the programme and 48 at the end of the 20-week study. Furthermore, all the participants felt improvement in their own facial appearance at the end of the study.

While these results seem exalting, the study has some obvious limitations. Of the 27 patients involved, 11 gave up before completing the study. One reason may be that the programme was to time-consuming, clocking in at 30 minutes a day. The overall small size of the study also limits its generalizability to the larger population. In addition, there was also no control group, which would have helped reduce the possibility that this improvement happened by chance.

It’s also hard to draw conclusions about the longevity of these results. Probably the exercises must be continued to keep their effects. But for how long? And how frequently? Which exercises are most effective? Most studies are need to answer these questions.

1. According to the passage, which statement is true?
A.Though the concept of facial exercise is new, much information about it can be found on the Internet.
B.Some participants did not feel improvement in their facial appearance at the end of the study.
C.If there is a control group, the possibility that the improvement in the facial appearance happened by chance will be increased.
D.The reason why some participants quit the study before it was completely may be that they had not enough time.
2. What does the underlined word exalting mean?
A.Calming.B.Challenging.C.Frustrating.D.Exciting.
3. What is the author’s attitude towards the study published in JAMA Dermatology?
A.Doubtful.B.Positive.C.Opposed.D.Indifferent (中立的).
4. What can be inferred from the passage?
A.The study published in JAMA Dermatology is not reliable.
B.Healthy living is the only way to make someone look and feel young.
C.More studies are needed to further the present study on facial exercises.
D.As a dermatologist, the author was involved in the research project on facial exercises.
2021-04-24更新 | 243次组卷 | 1卷引用:上海市奉贤区2020-2021学年高一下学期四校调研英语试题(含听力)
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3 . I’m a talker. I am keen on debating, gossiping and teasing when I have people to talk to. Under lockdown, however, I’ve only had my partner, Peter.

We not only lived, worked and travelled together, we mostly socialized together, too. Under the first UK lockdown, our already closeness began to feel uncomfortable. While talking to Peter, I could see his attention drift.

For the first time in our 10 years together, we needed to be alone. I tried to manufacture this by going on walks on my own, but a short walk wasn’t doing the job. I had hiked in remote spaces all over the world but always in a pair or group — for safety reasons. I considered my options and hit upon an idea: the semi-solo hike.

Could we do a circular hike but walk in different directions? This would give us the space and peace of a solo hike — done by a person alone. It felt like a promising way out, and he agreed to give it a try.

We started with a four-mile loop (环路) from Reeth. At the start, we parted ways. At first, I was aware of how close we were, which lessened the appeal. As I gained ground, however, I found myself very much alone. I set my own pace, and I decided to take my time.

I sat on a rock and breathed out. That moment — with the weak sun through the clouds and the breeze blowing — felt extraordinary to me. I was born and raised in London and had never imagined leaving until I met an outdoorsman. Now, my former life as a city girl felt crazy. In remembering what I had gained, I felt the tension leave me. There, in the chilly air, I no longer needed to talk. The semi-solo hike gave us a shared experience with added room to breathe.

I didn’t see Peter on the way but reunited back where we started, both pleased.

The semi-solo hike is admittedly silly in theory, but for me it has been a lifeline. It has given me the gift of time alone and, in a year of constant closeness, the joy of reuniting.

1. What motivated the author to adopt the semi-solo hike?
A.Peter’s disinterest in her words.
B.Her habit of venturing into the wild.
C.The lack of privacy under lockdown.
D.Her desire to engage in outdoor exercise.
2. How does the semi-solo hike work?
A.Their routes coincide sometimes during the hike.
B.They depart in a separate way to different destinations.
C.They hike in each other’s company throughout the journey.
D.They start and return to the same place by a different route.
3. Which of the following can describe the author’s feelings when she sat on a rock?
A.Fearless and refreshed.B.Free and relaxed.
C.Tense and depressed.D.Upset and embarrassed.
4. What message does the author convey with this text?
A.An appropriate distance creates beauty.
B.There are more solutions than difficulties.
C.Access to nature is better than social circles.
D.Hiking helps improve interpersonal relationships.

4 . The urgency and importance of Covid-19 over (he past year have driven almost everything else from most leaders5 minds. But since the vaccine is kicking in, Britain's government is once again beginning to think about the things that will matter later. Next week, it is expected to publish a 'plan for growth“ to boost productivity, with innovation at its centre.

The world may be on the point of a technological boom with life sciences, at which Britain excels. Innovation is crucial to productivity, but on this front Britain's performance has lagged behind its competitors' in recent years. Its low spending on Research and Development (R&D) argues for a boost. Those who attributed the financial failure in the 1970s to the insufficiency of research funds may regard this as a threat to economic growth. Promoting innovation can quickly (um into an exercise in picking winners - or, as is more often the case, losers.

A second danger is that policy agendas get mixed up. The government has promised to "level up” poorer areas of the country, so deprived towns are campaigning for more money for their universities. But trying to boost innovation by sending money to weak institutions is likely to make our leading universities lose their advantages, thus producing average ideas that could have been remarkable. Britain's research-funding system has always been elitist(精英主义的). It should stay that way.

The government's first move in boosting innovation was the announcement of a plan for an Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). ARlA's purpose is to fund high-risk, high-reward research. But money is not all that mailers. The successful translation of life science research into treatments during the pandemic suggests some inexpensive measures that can also make a difference.

One is to speed up governmental processes. The rapidity with which Britain's medical regulator moved during the pandemic is one reason why the vaccine rollout is racing through the population. Urgency is not unique lo pandemics. Getting things done quickly can make an investment worthwhile and determine where a businessman chooses as a base.

Another useful measure the government should use is its unique ability to overcome barriers. At the beginning of the pandemic. Covid-19 researchers were unable to gain access to different strands of health service data. The government eased restrictions on existing data and allowed researchers to ask people who had tested positive tor Covid-19 to join trials. Both were crucial to the effort.

A last principle is the value of connections between the government and the private sector. Kate Bingham, a venture capitalist who led the vaccine-purchase effort, understood how to deal with drug companies. Many of the civil servants working with her had commercial experience. The governments closeness to business during the pandemic has been criticized. But without it, the vaccine effort would not have succeeded.

Innovation took human beings from caves to computers. Good education, a welcoming immigration policy and a friendly business environment will do most to tend it. But a new sensible principles can help keep the flame burning.

1. What does the underlined word "this" in Paragraph 2 refer to?
A.Investing insufficient money in innovation.B.Promoting innovation in technology.
C.Applying science results to practical uses.D.Distributing funds to weak institutions.
2. What's the possible consequence of the British government's attempt to "level up'' poorer areas?
A.Britain's research-funding system will remain elitist.
B.Weak institutions are more likely to produce remarkable results.
C.The outstanding universities will be unable to exhibit remarkable ideas.
D.Both poor and rich areas in the country will develop in a balanced way.
3. What can be inferred from the three principles put forward by the writer?
A.A businessman is more willing to set up business where governments show high efficiency.
B.The administrative abilities are so unique to the government that they actually yield little fruit.
C.The government ceased the cooperation with private sectors for the criticism they had received.
D.The rollout of the vaccine was made possible mainly because the public responded quickly.
4. What's the best title of the passage?
A.How Governments Fuel the Sparks of Innovation
B.Why the Brits Struggle in the Tech Race
C.How Governments Benefit from Innovation
D.What People Gain with the Light of Technology
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5 .

We understand that in light of the latest government CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL ADVICE, your travel plans will be changing. To reflect this, some terms & conditions for refunding tickets or changing journeys are different to usual.

Refunds on Unused Tickets for Travel

• You can apply for refunds up to four weeks from the last day that the ticket was valid.

• Unused Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets can be refunded and a service fee applies. Advance tickets are not refundable. Alternatively, you can change your ticket io travel at a later date — See 'Changing Tickets or Requesting a Travel Voucher' below.

• PLEASE NOTE that if the train you are booked on does not ran or is canceled due to irresistible forces, refund: will be made on ALL TICKETS TYPES with no service fee.

If you are uncertain about travelling, you may wish to consider purchasing a more flexible ticket — such as Anytime or Off-Peak - for travel.

Changing Tickets or Requesting a Travel Voucher

• If you bought an Advance ticket before the National Lockdown was announced on 4lh January and will no longer be travelling, you should apply for a travel voucher or reschedule your journey free of charge. You need to do this be lore your first train departs and pay the difference if your new ticket is more expensive. Please note you will not be entitled to a travel voucher if your Advance ticket was purchased after 4lh Jan. Speak to the original retailer of your ticket for advice.

• Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are more flexible and can be changed any time before you travel There is no fee to change these tickets. you will only need to pay any difference in fare.

Refunding Season Tickets

•Unexpired(未逾期的)Season Tickets can be submitted for refund at any time and train companies calculate how much is refunded by bow much value is left on your ticket, they do this by deducting (扣除)the value of any other tickets you could have travelled with in the same lime until you stopped using and return your Season Ticket Refunds can only be backdated with evidence that illness prevented you from travelling. (National Rail Conditions of Travel. Condition 40.4).

• To see how much you could get back from your Season Ticket, try the Season Ticket Refund Calculator below. For more information, including if you require a refund due to sickness that prevented you from using a Season Ticket see the link here,

• Customers can still claim refunds remotely online, minimizing contact between customers and staffs keeping everyone safer. Please see your retailer's website for details.

Travelling on Another Train Company's Service

• In areas where there is cancellation, train companies may agree acceptance of tickets routed via another company For more details, please contact your rail service provider.

1. Passengers are entitled to their money back on________.
A.Anytime tickets completely free of chargeB.Oil-Peak tickets with no restrictions
C.Advance tickets for their train not runningD.Super Off-Peaks that went invalid for half a year
2. A Season ticket holds more refundable value only when________.
A.train companies refuse to calculate the value that is left on it
B.you formally apply to cease using the ticket and hand it back
C.you use the Season Ticket Refund Calculator on the website
D.the proof is given that you were unable to travel due to illness
3. We can learn from the passage that ________ .
A.Advance tickets purchased after Jan. 4th can also be rescheduled
B.passengers with a fixed timetable are advised to buy Anytime tickets
C.safer approaches to refund have been introduced to limit physical contact
D.service from another train company is not available if your train get cancelled
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6 . There is plenty of complaints about how social media-texting in particular — may be harming children’s social and intellectual development. But a new study suggests that constant instant messaging (IM’ing) and texting among teens may also provide benefits, particularly for those who are introverted (内向的).

British researchers studied instant messages exchanged by 231 teens, aged 14 to 18. All of the participants were “regular” or “extensive” IM’ers. In the U. S., two thirds of teens use instant messaging services regularly, with a full third messaging at least once every day.

The researchers analyzed 150 conversations in the study, and reported the results in the journal Computers in Human Behavior. In 100 of these chats, the study participant began IM'ing while in a negative emotional state such as sadness, distress or anger. The rest were conversations begun when the participant was feeling good or neutral. After the chat, participants reported about a 20% reduction in their distress — not enough to completely eliminate it, but enough to leave them feeling better than they had before reaching out.

“Our findings suggest that IM'ing between distressed adolescents and their peers may provide emotional relief and consequently contribute to their well-being,” the authors write, noting that prior research has shown that people assigned to talk to a stranger either in real life or online improved their mood in both settings, but even more with IM. And people who talk with their real-life friends online also report feeling closer to them than those who just communicate face-to-face, implying a strengthening of their bond.

Why would digital communication do better than human contact? The reasons are complex, but may have something to do with the fact that users can control expression of sadness and other emotions via IM without revealing emotional elements like tears that some may consider as embarrassing or sources of discomfort. Studies also show that the anonymity (匿名) of writing on a device blankets the users in a sense of safety that may cause people to feel more comfortable in sharing and discussing their deepest and most authentic feelings. Prior research has shown that expressive writing itself can vent emotions and provide a sense of relief — and doing so, knowing that your words are reaching a sympathetic friend, may provide even more comfort and potentially be therapeutic. Researchers also found that introverted participants reported more relief from IM conversations when they were distressed than extroverts did. Susan Cain, author of Quiet wrote recently for TIME: Introverts are often brimming over with thoughts and care deeply for their friends, family and colleagues. But even the most socially skilled introverts sometimes long for a free pass from socializing or talking on the phone. This is what the Internet offers: the chance to connect—but in measured doses and from behind a screen.

1. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?
A.Teens are more likely to send instant messages when feeling distressed.
B.Instant messaging can help completely remove teens’ negative emotions.
C.Chat via instant messaging services makes participants feel good or calm.
D.Constant instant messaging can help teens control their negative emotions.
2. The underlined word “vent” in paragraph 5 most probably means ________.
A.controlB.maintain
C.releaseD.conceal
3. What does the digital communication enable users to do?
A.Find more sympathetic friends.
B.Share and discuss more information.
C.Produce more expressive writings.
D.Avoid embarrassment and discomfort.
4. What can be concluded from the new study by British researchers?
A.Instant messaging will prevent children’s social and intellectual development.
B.Introverted teens may benefit from constant instant messaging.
C.Teens feeling bad often feel closer to real-life friends than to the net friends.
D.American teens aged 14 to 18 are extensive instant messaging users.
2021-04-03更新 | 67次组卷 | 1卷引用:上海市奉贤区2021届高三英语二模试题(含听力)

7 . ___________: 6 Tricks to Improve Your Life

1.Stop Early Meows(Pets)

With the longer days and the birds sing at the crack of dawn, your kitten is likely an early riser now. Should you feed him when he meows? That will just encourage his inappropriate new habit. Instead, install blackout shades or blinds to block the sun. Then stick to strict feeding times:once before you leave in the morning and once shortly before you go to bed.

2. Keep Fruits and Veggies Fresh(Food)

Most refrigerators have crisper drawers with adjustable vents that you can close to reduce airflow (and create more humidity) or open(to lower the humidity). The best way to extend the life of your fruits and vegetables is to set one drawer at low humidity and use it for anything that rots easily, such as peaches and melons. Set the other drawer at high humidity to store thin-skinned or leafy vegetables such as lettuce and fresh herbs.

3. Let Your Computer Breathe(Technology)

“Don't put your computer on the carpet or up against a wall,” warns Ben Carmitchel , CEO of Data recovery. com. “Doing so can cause heat to build up, and if it can't melt away, it can damage the hard drive and other components.”

4. Create a Corkscrew(          )

There are few things in life more frustrating than finding yourself with a nice bottle of wine to drink—but no corkscrew. The next time that happens, take out your house keys and drive one of them into the cork at 45-degree angle until it is all the way in. Slowly twist the key around and up, until you are able to hold the cork and pull it out. Cheers!

5. Stop a Radiator Leak(Auto)

A heat wave has hit town, and your old car radiator isn't too happy about it. If it suddenly overheats and you think the cause is a pinhole leak, pepper can provide a short-term solution.Simply pour a handful of ground pepper into the radiator. That will temporarily plug the leak and likely won't cause any damage to your car until you can get it to a mechanic for repair .

6. Take a Photo of Your Passport(Travel)

It may be your most important document, but travel blogger Suzanna advises against carrying your passport every day while you're travelling."I take a photo of my passport and keep it in my e-mail drafts folder so I can access it if needed," she explains."When shopping and filling out tax reclaim forms, I've used the photo in stores without an issue."

1. Which of the following can best fill in the blank in the 4th paragraph?
A.HealthB.EntertainingC.DecorationD.Communication
2. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A.Once your pet cat becomes an early riser , you should feed him immediately .
B.Pepper can save you the trouble of further repair by solving the leak of your car.
C.You'd better switch your computer off to prevent the over-heating of it
D.It's recommended that food be classified and stored accordingly in your fridge .
3. Which of the following can best complete the title of the passage?
A.We Played a TrickB.We Invented a Thing
C.We Found a FixD.We Created a Masterpiece
2021-02-16更新 | 105次组卷 | 2卷引用:上海市奉贤中学2020-2021学年高二上学期期末英语试题

8 . E-cigarettes Ban:Good news for Tobacco?

The proposed ban on flavored e-cigarettes may drive many Americans back to cigarettes,said Christopher Palmeri and Jeff Green in the Los Ange Times.

Responding to an outbreak of hundreds of serious lung illnesses from vapes(电子烟)that killed a seventh person this week, FDA(食物药品监管局)will outlaw everything but tobacco-flavored-cigarettes, as Michigan and New York state recently did. Flavors like buttered popcorn and mango helped create "an explosion" in teen vaping. But hundreds of thousands of teens already addicted to nicotine-and 9 million adults who vape--may simply replace vaping with tobacco products. By banning favored vapes the government may be "closing the shed door after the horse has gotten out."

Nobody vapes "because the flavor is so amazing," said David Marcus in The Federalist com. That's why the ban is so clueless."If kids want to taste bubble gum,they can buy,you know,bubble gum." Vaping giants like Juul need to be honest about the fact that they’re in the nicotine business, and monitor themselves accordingly. They should spend billions ensuring that stores don’t sell to minors instead of touting the "scientific conclusion"that e-cigarettes are safer than smoking. The burning involved in smoking cigarettes creates tar and a bunch of chemicals not present in e-cigarettes' watery vapor. True, but nicotine is also a dangerous and addictive drug and vaping liquid itself contains chemicals that damage blood vessels(血管)."The idea of safe smoking" is"a lie," and the vaping industry's fruit- and candy-flavored pods" are proof of evil intent."

"The massive increase in teen vapers" is a reasonable concern, said Robert Gebelhoff in Washington Post.com.But the evidence suggests that the lung illnesses that led the government to act were caused by black-market products cut with dangerous substance.Banning favored vapes will only drive more nicotine addicts and teens to the black market,which will be happy to provide fruity pods. Instead of banning flavors, the government "should empower the FDA to fully regulate the industry." That would let science,"not panic,guide our policy."

1. What led to the proposed ban on e-cigarettes?
A.Popular flavors like mango led to teen nicotine addiction.
B.The lack of proper legal supervision in the vaping industry.
C.An increased number of deaths resulting from lung diseases.
D.The sharp increase in the sale of unhealthy tobacco products.
2. What might happen if the ban takes effect?
A.FDA would regulate the tobacco industry more effectively.
B.The vaping industry would be more strictly monitored.
C.The evil intent of the vaping industry would be revealed.
D.The tobacco industry might regain its previous glory.
3. The underlined word "touting"probably means________.
A.PromotingB.challengingC.assumingD.tolerating
4. What is the writer's attitude towards vape ban?
A.Supportive.B.DisapprovingC.UninterestedD.Impartial.

9 . My first reaction was annoyance. It was Friday afternoon, and I was within an hour of finishing my work for the week. As I was leaving, a nurse brought ne one more patient message. The statement read: "Mrs. Jones called to say that she has had blurred vision(视觉模糊)ever since her medical test this morning." I smiled. Suddenly our tests were causing eye problems.

This week my patients had questioned everything. My patient with high blood pressure had stopped coming to her treatment on the advice of an Internet chat room. A woman who had a mental problem was substituting St. John's word for her medication. Now Mrs. Jones was imagining problems. I rolled my eyes.

My second reaction was worry. As I looked through her record, I tried to figure out why she would have blurred vision, but nothing in her record explained the new problem. She's probably just anxious, I thought. Still, she wouldn't have called if she had been all right. I picked up the phone.

What I next felt can only be described as delight. Before I made the call, the nurse ran in Mrs, Jones called. Her vision is fine. Turns out she picked up the wrong glasses when she left the office. The X-ray technician has been having the same problem. I let out a laugh. Mrs. Jones had been right. Her vision had been blurred. Now we know why.

Finally I felt shame. I came to realize what Mrs. Jones had taught me. I had first known she was wrong that her anxiety had clouded her judgment. Instead, my medical training had clouded mine. Now I feel thankful that Mrs. Jones figured it out before 1 made a mistake about our relationship. Patients come to me for my help. They pay me to listen, diagnose, treat and talk. That suggests trust; I must remember that, and trust them too.

1. The writer smiled while reading that patient message because he knew___________.
A.Mrs. Jones would ask for more tests
B.the patient was being unreasonable
C.the nurse was joking with him
D.Mrs. Jones would call him
2. What has caused Mrs. Jones' eye problem?
A.Wrong glasses.B.Medical checkup
C.Her own imagination.D.Chatting on the Internet
3. The underlined words "clouded her judgment" in the last paragraph probably mean__________.
A.made her less trustful toward the doctor
B.put her in control of her own feelings
C.mode bet less able to think clearly
D.put her in a dangerous situation
4. Which of following is the emotional development of the author?
A.angry-happy-worried-ashamed
B.ashamed-angry-happy-worried
C.worried-angry-ashamed-happy
D.angry-worried-happy-ashamed
2021-01-22更新 | 68次组卷 | 1卷引用:上海市奉城高级中学2020-2021学年高二第一学期期末调研考试英语试卷
阅读理解-阅读单选(约440词) | 较难(0.4) |
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10 . Progressives often support diversity missions as a path to equality and a way to level the playing field. But all too often such policies are an insincere form of virtue-signaling that benefits only the most privileged and does little to help average people.

A pair of bills sponsored by Massachusetts state Senator Jason Lewis and House Speaker Pro Tempore Patricia Haddad, to ensure "gender equality" on boards and commissions, provide a case in point.

Haddad and Lewis are concerned that more than half the state-government board are less than 40 percent female. In order to ensure that elite women have more such opportunities, they have proposed imposing government quotas(配额). If the bills become law, state boards and commissions will be required to set aside 50 percent of board seats for women by 2022.

The bills are similar to a measure recently adopted in California, which last year became the first state to require gender quotas for private companies. In signing the measure, California Governor Jerry Brown admitted that the law, which clearly classifies people on the basis of sex, is probably unconstitutional.

The US Supreme Court frowns on sex-based classifications unless they are designed to address an "important" policy interest. Because the California law applies to all boards, even where there is no history of prior discrimination, courts are likely to rule that the law violates the constitutional guarantee of "equal protection".

But are such government mandates even necessary? Female participation on corporate boards may not currently mirror the percentage of women in the general population, but so what?

The number of women on corporate boards has been steadily increasing without government interference. According to a study by Catalyst, between 2010 and 2015 the share of women on the boards of global corporations increased by 54 percent.

Requiring companies to make gender the primary qualification for board membership will inevitably lead to less experienced private sector boards. That is exactly what happened when Norway adopted a nationwide corporate gender quota.

Writing in The New Republic, Alice Lee notes that increasing the number of opportunities for board membership without increasing the pool of qualified women to serve on such boards has led to a "golden skirt "phenomenon, where the same elite women occupy multiple seats on a variety of boards.

Next time somebody pushes corporate quotas as a way to promote gender equity, remember that such policies are largely self-serving measures that make their sponsors feel good but do little to help average women.

1. The author believes that the bills sponsored by Lewis and Haddad will __________.
A.help little to reduce gender bias.
B.pose a threat to the state government.
C.raise women's position in politics.
D.greatly broaden career options.
2. The author mentions the study by Catalyst to illustrate __________.
A.the harm from absolute board decision.
B.the importance of constitutional guarantees.
C.the pressure on women in global corporations.
D.the needlessness of government interventions.
3. Norway's adoption of a nationwide corporate gender quota has led to __________.
A.the underestimation of elite women's role
B.the objection to female participation on boards.
C.the entry of unqualified candidates into the board.
D.the growing tension between labor and management.
4. Which of the following can be inferred from the text?
A.Women's need in employment should be considered.
B.Feasibility should be a prime concern in policy making.
C.Everyone should try hard to promote social justice.
D.Major social issues should be the focus of the government.
2021-01-11更新 | 131次组卷 | 1卷引用:上海市奉贤中学2020-2021学年高二上学期12月月考英语试题
共计 平均难度:一般