1 . More students than ever before are taking a gap year (间隔年) before going to university. It used to be called the “year off” between school and university. The gap-year phenomenon originated (起源) with the months left over to Oxbridge applicants between entrance exams in November and the start of the next academic year.
This year, 25,310 students who have accepted places in higher education institutions have put off their entry until next year, according to statistics on university entrance provided by the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS).
That is a record 14.7% increase in the number of students taking a gap year. Tony Higgins from UCAS said that the statistics are good news for everyone in higher education. “Students who take a well-planned year out are more likely to be satisfied with, and complete, their chosen course. Students who take a gap year are often more mature and responsible.” he said.
But not everyone is happy. Owain James, the president of the National Union of Students (NUS), argued that the increase is evidence of student hardship—young people are being forced into earning money before finishing their education. “New students are now aware that they are likely to leave university up to £ 15,000 in debt. It is not surprising that more and more students are taking a gap year to earn money to support their study for the degree. NUS statistics show that over 40% of students are forced to work during term time and the figure increases to 90% during vacation periods,” he said.
1. What do we learn about the gap year from the text?A.It is flexible in length. | B.It is a time for relaxation. |
C.It is increasingly popular. | D.It is required by universities. |
A.are better prepared for college studies |
B.know a lot more about their future jobs |
C.are more likely to leave university in debt |
D.have a better chance to enter top universities |
A.He’s puzzled. | B.He’s worried. |
C.He’s surprised. | D.He’s annoyed. |
A.Attend additional courses. | B.Make plans for the new term. |
C.Earn money for their education. | D.Prepare for their graduate studies. |
2 . Why play games?Because they are fun,and a lot more besides.Following the rules...planning your next move...acting as a team member...these are all “game” ideas that you will come across throughout your life.
Think about some of the games you played as a young child,such as rope-jumping and hide-and-seek.Such games are entertaining and fun.But perhaps more importantly,they translate life into exciting dreams that teach children some of the basic rules they will be expected to follow the rest of their lives,such as taking turns and cooperating(合作).
Many children’s games have a practical side.Children around the world play games that prepare them for work they will do as grown-ups.For instance,some Saudi Arabian children play a game called bones,which sharpens the hand-eye coordination(协调) needed in hunting.
Many sports encourage national or local pride.The most famous games of all,the Olympic Games,bring athletes from around the world together to take part in friendly competition.People who watch the event wave flags,knowing that a gold medal is a win for an entire country,not just the athlete who earned it.For countries experiencing natural disasters or war,an Olympic win can mean so much.
Sports are also an event that unites people.Soccer is the most popular sport in the world.People on all continents play it—some for fun and some for a living.Nicolette Iribarne,a Califomian soccer player,has discovered a way to spread hope through soccer.He created a foundation to provide poor children with not only soccer balls but also a promising future.
Next time you play your favorite game or sport,think about why you enjoy it,what skills are needed,and whether these skills will help you in other aspects of your life.
1. Through playing hide-and-seek,children are expected to learn to .A.be a team leader |
B.obey the basic rules |
C.act as a grown-up |
D.predict possible danger |
A.describe life in an exciting way |
B.turn real-life experiences into a play |
C.make learning life skills more interesting |
D.change people’s views of sporting events |
A.It inspires people’s deep love for the country. |
B.It proves the exceptional skills of the winners. |
C.It helps the country out of natural disasters. |
D.It earns the winners fame and fortune. |
A.bring fun to poor kids |
B.provide soccer balls for children |
C.give poor kids a chance for a better life |
D.appeal to soccer players to help poor kids |
A.Games benefit people all their lives. |
B.Sports can get all athletes together. |
C.People are advised to play games for fun. |
D.Sports increase a country’s competitiveness. |
What is your favorite color? Do you like yellow, orange, red?
A.On the other hand, black is depressing. |
B.They tell us, among other facts, that we do not choose our favorite color as grow up — we are born with our preference. |
C.The rooms are painted in different colors as you like. |
D.If you do, you must be an optimist, a leader, an active person who enjoys life, people and excitement. |
E.Light and bright colors make people not only happier but more active. |
F.Life is like a picture or a poem, full of different colors. |
G.Colors do influence our moods—there is no doubt about it |
4 . They say there are three ways to experience the Grand Canyon; on foot, on mules(骡子) or by air. We chose the first. Up early, my husband and I and our three children couldn't wait to get started. We decided to walk along a lovely path named Bright Angel Trail.
As we set out, I was shocked at how narrow the path was. And I couldn't help noticing that the other tourists weren't like us. They had heavy backpacks, water bottles, and hats. But as usual we were dressed. As the sun rose higher, Arizona's famous heat seemed to roast us. There was no shade and our legs were aching. We decided to go back, with the girl on my back and the boys far behind. By the time we finally got back, our legs were like jelly.
The next day, after we'd had a long rest and a good breakfast, we were ready for another view of the Canyon—by air. After our last walk, this would be the easiest thing in the world.
We called to each other excitedly as the plane took off and circled around the Canyon. But the smiles on our faces disappeared as the pilot tossed(翻转) the plane around, pretending he was going to hit the ground. I shouted, "STOP, TAKE US BACK!" When we finally arrived back on land, once again our legs were like jelly. We hardly spoke as we drove back.
As I said, there are three ways to view the Grand Canyon. We never tried the mules, but personally I'd suggest a fourth: buy yourself a good magazine like National Geographic. That way, you can see the Canyon, without fear or tiredness.
1. Which of the following is true according to the second paragraph?A.They made a careful preparation before the trip. |
B.The children were more joyful than their parents. |
C.Bright Angel Trail was not as lovely as they expected. |
D.The summer heat prevented them from enjoying the view. |
A.we were weak | B.we were unhappy |
C.we were dissatisfied | D.we were disappointed |
A.It proved to be frightening. | B.It was more comfortable. |
C.It turned out to be exciting. | D.It made each of them tired. |
A.experiencing the Canyon on mules would be the best way |
B.one needs to dress less when visiting the Grand Canyon |
C.the writer was not serious when she made the suggestion |
D.the whole family narrowly escaped from the air accident |