1 . About 30 years ago, I left Cuba for the United States with my son. After getting settled finally in Brunswick, New Jersey, I enrolled (注册) my son in kindergarten. Several weeks later, my son’s teacher asked me to meet him at his office.
In the teacher’s office, and exchange of greetings was followed by his questions: “Is your son mentally retarded (弱智的)? Does he suffer from any kind of mental disability?”
Was he talking about my wonderful Scola? NO, no, it can’t be. What a helpless, lonely moment! I told him that Scola was a quiet, sweet little boy, instead. I asked him why he was asking me all these questions.
My son could not follow the teacher’s directions, he told me, and thus, Scola was disrupting the class. Didn’t he know my son did not speak English yet?
He was angry; “Why hasn’t your son been taught to speak English? Don’t you speak English at home?”
No, I didn’t speak English at home, I replied. I was sure my son would learn English in a couple of months, and I didn’t want him to forget his native language. Well, wrong answer! What kind of person would not speak in English to her son at home and at all time? “Are you one of those people who come to this country to save dollars and send them back to their country, never wanting to be a part of this society?”
Needless to say, I tried to tell him I was not one of “those people.” Then he told me the meeting was over, and I left.
As I had expected, my son learned to speak English fluently before the school year was over. He went on to graduate from college and got a job, earning close to six figures. He travels widely and leads a well-adjusted, contented life. And he has benefited from being bilingual (双语的).
Speaking more than one language allows people to communicate with others; it teaches people about other cultures and other places — something very basic and obviously lacking in the “educator” I met in New Jersey.
1. The teacher asked the author to his office__________.| A．to discuss Scola’s in-class performance |
| B．to get Scola enrolled in kindergarten |
| C．to find a language partner for Scola |
| D．to work out a study plan for Scola |
| A．Breaking. | B．Following | C．Attending | D．Disturbing. |
| A．critical | B．casual | C．positive | D．passive |
| A．medicine | B．education | C．geography | D．history |
I waited by the side of the highway for three hours but no one stopped for me. Finally, a man walked over and introduced himself as Gordon. He said that although he couldn’t give me a lift, I should come back to his house for lunch. He noticed me standing for hours in the November heat and thought I must be hungry. I was doubtful as a young girl but he assured(使……放心) me I was safe, and he also offered to help me find a lift home afterwards. When we arrived at his house, he made us sandwiches. After lunch, he helped me find a lift home.
Twenty-five years later, in 2003, while I was driving to a nearby town one day, I saw an elderly man standing in the glaring heat, trying to hitch a ride. I thought it was another chance to repay someone for the favour I’d been given decades earlier. I pulled over and picked him up. I made him comfortable on the back seat and offered him some water.
After a few moments of small talk, the man said to me, “You haven’t changed a bit, even your red hair is still the same.” I couldn’t remember where I’d met him. He then told me he was the man who had given me lunch and helped me find a lift all those years ago. It was Gordon.
1. The author had to hitch a ride one day in 1978 because .
| A．her work delayed her trip to Sydney |
| B．she was going home for her holidays |
| C．the town was far away from Sydney |
| D．she missed the only train back home |
| A．He helped the girl find a ride. |
| B．He gave the girl a ride back home. |
| C．He bought sandwiches for the girl. |
| D．He watched the girl for three hours. |
| A．she realized he was Gordon |
| B．she had known him for decades |
| C．she was going to the nearby town |
| D．she wanted to repay the favour she once got |
| A．Giving sometimes produces nice results. |
| B．Those who give rides will be rapid. |
| C．Good manners bring about happiness. |
| D．People should offer free rides to others. |
3 . The 1900 house
The Bowler family was one of more than 400 families who applied to 1900 house, a reality TV show which took a typical family back a hundred years to see how people lived in the days before the internet, computer games and even electricity.
The Bowler family spent three months in a London home without a telephone, computers, TV, or fast food. The Bowlers wore clothes from 1900, ate only food available in English at that time, and cooked their meals on a single stove. Paul Bowler still went to work every day in a then uniform. The children changed their clothes on the way to and from school and their classmates didn’t know about their unusural home life. Joyce stayed at home, cooking and cleaning like a typical housewife of the time, though everything took three times as long.
So does Joyce think that people’s lives were better in the old days?
“I think people in the old days had just as many troubles and worries,” Joyce said, “and I don’t think their life was better or worse. There were lots of things back then that I’m happy I don’t have to deal with nowadays, but on the other hand life was simpler.” “We had a lot more time with our family, and it was hard being nice to each other all the time,” eleven-year-old Hilary said.
So what did the Bowler family miss most about modern life while living in the 1900 house?
Paul, 39:“telephone and a hot shower”
Joyce, 44:“a quick cup of tea from a kettle you could just turn on”
Hilary, 11:“ rock CD”
Joseph, 9:“ hamburger and computer games”
1. While the Bowler family was living in 1900 house,_____.| A．the mother spent more time on housework |
| B．the two children wore the then clothes for school |
| C．they prepared their meals together on a stove |
| D．they ate simple foods they had never seen |
| A．There were fewer problems for the family |
| B．Life was simpler but worse than it is now |
| C．There were things she liked and disliked |
| D．The family had more time to stay together |
| A．To play computer games | B．To make phone calls |
| C．To listen to music | D．To chat on the Internet |
阅读下列四篇短文，从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑。
| Ask Dr. Jeffers | This month Dr. Jeffers is answering questions about the human brain and how it works. |
| Dear Dr. Jeffers, One of my colleagues, Felix Moeller, told me that scientists are learning to use computer to ‘read minds’. Is there any truth to this story? —Jane Leon, New York, USA Dear Ms. Leon, Well, a lot of research is being conducted in this area, but so far, the brain scanning equipment and corresponding computer programs haven’t been able to actually read thoughts. In one experiment, test subjects(受试者)were connected to scanning equipment and shown two numbers on a screen. They were then asked to choose between adding or subtracting(减)the two numbers. Using this method, researchers were able to follow brain processes and make the correct assumptions(假设)70 percent of the time. It’s not quite mind reading, but it’s certainly a first step. —Dr. J. | |
| Dear Dr. Jeffers, My three-year-old son loves it when I dig my fingers into his sides and tickle (胳肢)him until he laughs uncontrollably. The other day I noticed him trying to tickle himself but he couldn’t do it. Why not? —Glenn Lewis, Vancouver, Canada Dear Mr. Lewis, It’s because of how the brain works. The brain is trained to know what to pay attention to and what to ignore. It causes us to ignore physical feelings we expect to happen, but it causes a mild panic reaction when there is an unexpected feeling. For example, you don’t notice how your shoulder feels while you’re walking down the street. But if someone comes up behind you and touches you lightly on the shoulder, you may jump in fear. It’s that unexpected part that causes the tickle reaction. —Dr. J. | |
| A．Some equipment is able to read human minds. |
| B．Some progress has been made in mind reading. |
| C．Test subjects have been used tomake decisions. |
| D．Computer programs can copy brain processes. |
| A．unexpected | B．expected | C．comfortable | D．uncomfortable |
| A．Ms. Leon | B．Mr. Lewis | C．Mr. Moeller | D．Dr. Jeffers |
| A．a computer programmer | B．a test subject |
| C．a human brain expert | D．a medical doctor |
One cause of misconceptions is ethnocentrism, the belief that one’s own culture’s way of doing things is better than the way of other cultures. It’s ethnocentrism that leads to failure in international business. To avoid ethnocentrism, it’s necessary to study the different elements (组成部分) of culture: language, values and attitudes, and customs and manners.
Language
A knowledge of the local language can help international business people in four ways. First, people can communicate directly. Second, people are usually more open in their communication with someone who speaks their language. Third, an understanding of the language allows people to infer meanings that are not said directly. Finally, knowing the language helps people to understand the culture better.
Values and attitudes
Values are people’s basic beliefs about the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. An attitude is a way of thinking or acting. Values and attitudes influence international business. For example, many people in the United States believe that chocolate from Switzerland is better than chocolate from other countries, and they buy a lot of it.
Customs and manners
Customs are common social practices. Manners are ways of acting that the society believes are polite. For example, in the United States, it is the custom to have salad (色拉)before the main course at dinner, not after. It’s not acceptable to talk with food in mouth at table. Failure to understand the customs and manners of other countries will bring difficulty selling their products. Orange juice as a breakfast drink of an American company in France doesn’t sell well because the French don’t usually drink juice with breakfast.
1. A knowledge of the local language allows international business people _________.
| A．to be more open with their customers |
| B．to communicate without outside help |
| C．to express their thoughts indirectly |
| D．to have a better idea of their own culture |
| A．manners | B．values | C．attitudes | D．customs |
| A．Misconceptions in Business | B．Basic Beliefs in Business |
| C．International Business Culture | D．Successful International Business |
| A．how to take a right attitude in business |
| B．how to avoid misunderstandings in business |
| C．how to use a local language in business |
| D．how to act politely and properly in business |
“Give this package to Jean-Paul at the airport in Paris. He will have a sign with your name on it. I think you can find him easily, “Tony said.” You don’t have any luggage, right?”
“Only this backpack,” Brian answered. “You said I could bring one carry-on bag.”
“That’s right, one carry-on bag is fine. Have a good trip.”
“Thanks.”
Is Brian a criminal (犯罪)? Not at all. He is an air courier. And he paid only $110 for the round-trip ticket to Paris. Air couriers get cheap airline tickets because they take important packages and papers to foreign countries. Businesses sometimes need to get packages and papers to people in foreign countries by the next day. Often, the only way they can do this is to use an air-courier company. It is not cheap for a business to send a package with an air courier, but it is quick.
Every year about 80, 000 people worldwide travel as air couriers. The number of tickets for courier travel is growing by about 10 percent a year. However, air-courier travel isn’t for everyone, But if you have very little money, can be flexible (灵活的) about your travel plans, and don’t mind wearing the same clothes for a week, it can be a great way to take a vacation!
1. Why was Brian wearing so many clothes for his travel?| A．Because they were the uniform for air couriers. |
| B．Because that made him easier to be recognized. |
| C．Because his backpack had no room for his clothes. |
| D．Because he did not have any luggage with him. |
| A．manages a business company in foreign countries |
| B．organizes international flights for tourists |
| C．travels around the world with cheap tickets |
| D．delivers papers and packages to foreign countries |
| A．it costs less | B．it is flexible | C．it saves time | D．it grows fast |
| A．cannot decide when and where to travel |
| B．cannot take any luggage with him |
| C．has to wear two pairs of jeans |
| D．saves little money from the travel |
| A．describes the activities of a law-breaker |
| B．suggests an ideal way to travel |
| C．argues against the air-courier travel |
| D．tells us about a developing business |
7 . When people hear a president speak, they seldom think about others helping to shape the presentation (报告). Today, however, presidents depend on writers such as J. Terry Edmonds to help them communicate (交流) effectively. Edmonds is the first African American ever to work as a full-time speechwriter for a U. S. president; he is so the first African American to serve as director of speechwriting for White House. His is an all-American story of success.
Edmonds grew up in Baltimore, Maryland; his father drove a truck, and his mother worked as a waitress. A. great reader, Edmonds showed a gift for writing at his high School, Baltimore City College. After graduating in 1967 Edmonds went on to Morgan State University.
Edmonds began his career in business, with jobs in public relations and communications. He joined the world of politics as news secretary for his congressman (国会议员) from Baltimore During Bill Clinton’s presidency, he wrote speeches for Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala and worked in a number of job in the White House and in governmental departments President Clinton then appointed (任命) him to the office of directory of speechwriting. Following the 2000 elections Edmonds returned to Morgan State University as the school’s special assistant to the president for 2001-2002
1. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the text?| A．Edmonds proved himself to be good at writing at high school. |
| B．Edmonds graduated from Morgan State University in 1967. |
| C．Edmonds was the first full-time speechwriter. |
| D．Edmonds served the White House after 2000. |
| A．news secretary for a Congressman |
| B．a speechwriter for President Clinton |
| C．news secretary in the White House |
| D．a speechwriter for Secretary Donna Shalala |
| A．popular science | B．historical events |
| C．successful people | D．Political systems |
8 . It was the first snow of winter — an exciting day for every child but not for most teachers. Up until now, I had been old enough to dress myself, but today would need some help. Miss Finlayson, my kindergarten teacher, had been through first snow days many times, but I think she may still remember this one.
I managed to get into my wool snow trousers. But I struggled with my jacket because it didn’t fit well. It was a hand-me-down from my brother, and if made me wonder why I had to wear his ugly clothes. At least my hat and scarf were mine, and they were quite pretty. Finally it was time to have Miss Finlayson help me with my boots (靴子).
In her calm, motherly voice she said, “By the end of winter, you will all be able to put on your own boots.” I didn’t realize at the time that this was more a statement of hope than of confidence (信心).
I handed her my boots and stuck out my foot. Like most children, I expected grown-ups to do all the work. After much pushing, she managed to get first one into place and then, with a sigh, worked the second one on too.
I announced, “They’re on the wrong feet.”
She struggled to get the boots off and went through the joyless task of putting them on again.
“They’re my brother’s boots, you know,” I said. “I hate them”.
Somehow, from long years of practice, she managed to act as though I wasn’t an annoying (烦人的) little girl. She pushed and pushed, less gently this time. With а greater sigh, seeing the end of her struggle with me, she asked, “Now, where are your mittens?”
I looked into her eyes and said, “I didn’t want to lose them, so I hid them in the toes of my boots.
1. The little girl was more satisfied with her_____.| A．trousers | B．jacket | C．boots | D．hat |
| A．the girl got them from her brother | B．the girl put something in them |
| C．they were on the wrong feet | D．they did not fit the girl well |
| A．Because the little girl was in her brother’s clothes. |
| B．Because it was the most exciting day of the winter. |
| C．Because the little girl played a trick on her. |
| D．Because the little girl wore a pretty scarf. |
| A．was losing confidence in the little girl |
| B．gradually lost patience with the little girl |
| C．became disappointed with the little girl |
| D．was getting bored with the little girl |
9 . “Old wives’ tales” are beliefs passed down from one generation to another. For example,most of us remember our parents’ telling us to eat more of certain foods or not to do certain things. Is there any truth in these teachings? Some of them agree with present medical thinking,but others have not passed the test of time.
Did your mother ever tell you to eat your carrots because they are good for your eyes? Scientists now report that eating carrots can help prevent a serious eye disease called macular degeneration. Eating just one carrot a day can reduce the possibility of getting this disease by 40%. Garlic is good for you,too. It can kill the type of virus that causes colds.
Unfortunately, not all of Mom’s advice passed the test of medical studies. For example, generations of children have been told not to go swimming within an hour after eating. But research suggests that there is no danger in doing so. Do sweets cause tooth problems?Well, yes and no. Sticky sweets made with grains(谷物) tend to cause more problems than sweets made with simple sugars.
Even though science can tell us that some of our traditional beliefs don’t hold_water,_there is still a lot of truth in the old wives’ tales. After all, much of this knowledge has been accumulated (积累) from thousands of years of experience in family health care. We should respect this body of knowledge even as we search for clear scientific support to prove it true or false.
1. Which of the following is TRUE according to the text?| A．Sticky sweets are damaging to our teeth. |
| B．Eating garlic is good for our eyes. |
| C．Swimming after a meal is dangerous. |
| D．Carrots prevent people from catching colds. |
| A．by cause and effect |
| B．by order in space |
| C．by examples |
| D．by order in time |
| A．to be valuable |
| B．to be believable |
| C．to be admirable |
| D．to be suitable |
| A．Subjective(主观的). |
| B．Objective(客观的). |
| C．Dissatisfied. |
| D．Curious. |
A. The mistaken belief
B. The need for tolerance
C. Unpunctuality at dinners
D. Punctuality and confidence
E. Self-discipline and punctuality
F. Avoid anxiety by being punctual
1.
There is the belief that, if you arrive at an appointment late, you will be considered important. This is a mistaken view. Being unpunctual, we are not respectful of others ; we are interfering (扰乱)with another man's time. We must realise that keeping appointments or being punctual is a contract that is silently agreed and we are expected to respect this contract. It is only natural that we lose faith, trust and confidence in a person who is tardy(延迟的).
2.
To be punctual one has to have self-discipline(自律), and the lack of it affects others. A school boy or girl is unpunctual because he or she does not have the necessary human virtue of self-discipline. It is also a mark of disrespect for a system or an institution. Unpunctual people seldom realise that their habit cause problems to others. A salesman who is not punctual may not make a sale if he arrives late for an appointment. If one is late for a job interview, it is not likely that he will get the job.
3.
Being punctual, we can avoid anxiety. Imagine the anxiety if you do not want to be considered unpunctual. You will be anxious if you set out for a dinner late. The person who sets out late might be careless in driving. He will ignore traffic rules. A traffic jam, flat tyres, etc. can delay him further. Happy and calm is the man who takes all these possibilities into consideration and arrives at the appointment either early or on time.
4.
Many of those who attend dinners are notorious (声名狼藉的)for unpunctuality. They ignore the appointed time and leave their homes only after the fixed time. They are indifferent to the inconvenience caused to others. If the self-centred guest arrives late, the nine others at the table set for ten will have to wait. The host is put in an unpleasant situation and this man seldom thinks of the inconvenience caused to all -the waiters, the management staff, etc. It is necessary for us to think of others and be considerate to them.
5.
However, we cannot always be intolerant (无法容忍的) of tardiness, for ordinary living requires some tolerance. There can be a busy executive who fights to keep to his schedule. Such a person may be forgiven if he is late, but not those who are deliberately late to create impression.
In modern society, punctuality is a necessary virtue. It is a recognition of the importance of other people.
