1 . Some people call it a traveling museum.Others refer to it as a living or open­air museum.Built in Brazil to honor Columbus’ first voyage to the New World, the Nina, a Columbus­era replica(复制品) ship, provides visitors with an accurate visual of the size and sailing equipment of Columbus’ favorite ship from over 500 years ago.

I joined the crew of the Nina in Gulf Shores，Alabama，in February 2013.As part of a research project sponsored by my university，my goal was to document my days aboard the ship in a blog.I quickly realized that I gained the most valuable insights when I observed or gave tours to school­age children.The field­trip tour of the Nina is hands­on learning at its best.In this setting，students could touch the line，pass around a ballast stone(压舱石)，and move the extremely large tiller that controlled the direction of the ships in Columbus’ days.They soon came to understand the labor involved in sailing the ship back in his time.I was pleased to see the students become active participants in their learning process.

The Nina is not the only traveling museum that provides such field trips. A visit to Jamestown Settlement, for example, allows visitors to board three recreations of the ships that brought the first settlers from England to Virginia in the early 1600s. Historical guides, dressed in period costumes, give tours of the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. These guides often portray a character that would have lived and worked during that time period.Students touring these ships are encouraged to interact with the guides in order to better understand the daily life in the past.

My experience on the Nina helps testify(证实) my long­held belief that students stay interested, ask better questions, and engage(参与)in higher­order thinking tasks when they are actively engaged in the learning process. The students who boarded the Nina came as passive learners.They left as bold explorers.

1. What occupation is the author engaged in?

A．Shipping.

B．Education.

C．Ecological tourism.

D．Museum administration.

2. Which of the following is TRUE about the Nina introduced in the passage?

A．She is a replica of a ship that Columbus built in Brazil.

B．She is always crowded with foreign tourists during holidays.

C．She is the boat Columbus sailed in his voyage to the New World.

D．She displays what Columbus’ ship was like and how it operated.

3. What is the third paragraph mainly about?

A．Guidelines for visitors on the ships.

B．Life of the first settlers in Jamestown Settlement.

C．Duties of the guides in the British museums.

D．Introduction to another museum similar to the Nina.

4. What does the author mean by the last two sentences of the passage?

A．The students are interested in becoming tour guides.

B．The experience has changed the students’ learning attitude.

C．The students become brave and are ready to sail the seas on their own.

D．The museums are successful in teaching the students survival skills at sea.

2 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

The most important rule of the road concerns which side to drive on. A large number of accidents in the world happen for this reason, with more and more people     1     (choose) car hire as the way to drive in a foreign country. Famous actor Matthew Broderick     2     (catch) up in a bad collision when he rented     3     vehicle in Ireland because he forgot that they drive on the opposite side of the road.

Most areas of the world which     4     (previous) were British colonies still drive on the left hand side of the road, Australia, India, and South Africa     5     (include). Most European countries drive on the right hand side apart     6     Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom. Guyana is the only country in South America     7     drives on the left.

Generally speaking, about two thirds of the countries in the world drive on the right such as, the USA, China and Russia. Canada used to drive on the left but changed to the right to make border crossings with the USA more     8     (manage).

The     9     (explain) for driving on different sides of the road is historical. British horse riders used to ride on the left hand side of the road, thus keeping their right arm free to offer greetings to     10     (passer-by). But in the USA Teamsters decided to start driving on the right so that they could see the passing wheels of other wagons.

3 . Up in the air—a history of ballooning

The first kind of air transportation was the balloon. People traveled by balloon one hundred years before there were planes or jet aircraft. Those early days of ballooning were exciting, but they were also risky.     1     However, the danger did not stop the balloonists.

The first real balloon flight was in France in 1783. Two French brothers made a balloon.     2    Hot air is lighter than cold air, so it goes up. The hot air balloon went up 1,000 feet in the sky.

    3    They built a fire under the balloon to make the air hot. This made the balloon stay up in the air for a few hours. But their balloon was tied to the ground. So it could not go anywhere.

Soon balloonists tried longer flights. In 1785, an American and a Frenchman flew over the English Channel. They left England on a cold, clear January day. Halfway across, their balloon began to drop toward the water. They threw out some equipment and food to make the balloon lighter. The balloon continued to fall, so they threw out almost everything in the basket -even some of their clothes.     4    

During the nineteenth century, ballooning became a popular sport and balloons were also used by scientists to study the air and by armies in war time. After the airplane was invented, however, interest in balloons decreased dramatically. But some people today still like to go up in balloons.     5    What’s more, they have a wonderful view of the world below.

A．They filled a very large paper bag with hot air.

B．High up in the balloon basket, they find quiet.

C．Sometimes the balloons fell suddenly and sometimes they burned.

D．Back then, few people understood how they were able to fly so far.

E．Finally, after about three hours, they landed in France, cold but safe.

F．Balloon races and displays remain popular all over the world to this very day.

G．Later that same year, two other Frenchmen ascended in a basket under a balloon.

4 . The idea that history is an outdated course of study that will lead to limited career options has spread.     1     It is a wonderful way to prepare for a successful future. Here are a few reasons why it’s important that today’s students continue to learn about the past.

Understanding where people come from is key in understanding who we are.     2     It’s deeply influenced the world and its citizens. For this reason, it’s important to understand history in order to understand why people are the way that they are.

    3     Through history classes, you can experience a change in the way you think. You’ll look at things from a new angle, as you understand the world in a new way. In the end, this change can improve your ability to assess and understand situations, make educated decisions, and learn how to weigh the consequences linked with each choice before you.

Learning from the past prevents future mistakes.     4     From wars to fashion to political trends, historians are often able to make predictions about the future based upon the past. By having a firm grasp on what happened in the past, today’s generation can better prepare for a brighter future by making the right decisions — instead of repeating old mistakes.

    5     The idea that a degree in history can’t lead to a good career is untrue. In fact, students who graduate with degrees in history can become lawyers, business owners, foundation leaders, and non-profit leaders. Besides, history degrees can lead to working as an educator, a leader in a historical organization, a writer, an editor, a journalist, or a producer of multimedia materials.

A．You will understand the world much better.

B．History degrees can lead to well-paying careers.

C．Many people don’t know well about themselves.

D．Learning history can change how you think.

E．But the truth is that studying history is still important.

F．The idea that history repeats itself is rooted in truth.

G．History has shaped cultures, attitudes, and social structures.

5 . History tells us that footwear was one of the first things ancient people learned to make. Footwear helped them across rocky paths or hot sands without injuring themselves. The earliest footwear we know of was simply a piece of plaited (编织的) grass or leather tied to the feet.

The ancient Egyptians seem to have invented the first footwear with a firm sole (鞋底) — sandals. Egyptian royalty usually wore sandals that had a different style from those with lower status (身份), while slaves were not allowed to wear anything on their feet. The sandal is still the basic form of footwear in many countries, particularly those with a hot climate, whereas in cold climates, an entirely different type of shoe appeared — the moccasin — a slipper-shaped shoe made of soft but strong leather.

The Greeks were the first to develop shoes with heels (鞋跟). Then, in the Middle Ages, shoes with long points at the toe became very chic for the nobility. These shoes were often very difficult to wear. Other trends followed, with square-toed shoes, wide shoes, and even shoes that could make a woman stand two feet taller. Not surprisingly, these sometimes led to accidents. Even today, fashion rather than comfort often leads to the kind of shoes women wear.

Mechanical shoemaking appeared in the 1800s in North America. Until then, shoes had been made with the same kinds of hand tools used by the ancient Egyptians. And in 1858, a machine was invented that could stitch (缝合) the sole of a shoe to the upper part. Now it was possible to make shoes that were shaped to fit either the left or right foot. Toward the end of the 1800s came a new type of shoe that was specifically designed for sports — the sneaker — and it soon become an all-time favorite.

1. What did shoes often show in ancient times?

A．The rich resources.	B．People's different beliefs.
C．People's status in society.	D．The changeable climates.

2. What does the underlined word   “chic” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Valuable.	B．Convenient.
C．Fashionable.	D．Comfortable.

3. Before mechanical shoemaking appeared, _____.

A．shoes were often very difficult for people to wear.

B．all the shoe patterns made by the Greeks were the same.

C．the only function of footwear was to protect people's feet.

D．people wore the same-shaped shoes on their two feet

4. How does the text mainly develop?

A．By providing examples.	B．By making comparisons.
C．By following the order of time.	D．By following the order of importance.

6 . Before the 1830s, most newspapers were sold through annual subscriptions in America, usually $8 to $10 a year. Today $8 or $10 seems a small amount of money, but at that time these amounts were forbidding to most citizens. Accordingly, newspapers were read almost only by rich people in politics or the trades. In addition, most newspapers had little in them that would appeal to a mass audience. They were dull and visually forbidding. But the revolution that was taking place in the 1830s would change all that.

The trend, then, was toward the “penny paper”—a term referring to papers made widely available to the public. It meant any inexpensive newspaper; perhaps more importantly it meant newspapers that could be bought in single copies on the street.

This development did not take place overnight. It had been possible(but not easy) to buy single copies of newspapers before 1830, but this usually meant the reader had to go down to the printer’s office to purchase a copy. Street sales were almost unknown. However, within a few years, street sales of newspapers would be commonplace in eastern cities. At first the price of single copies was seldom a penny—usually two or three cents was charged—and some of the older well-known papers charged five or six cents. But the phrase “penny paper” caught the public’s fancy, and soon there would be papers that did indeed sell for only a penny.

This new trend of newspapers for “the man on the street” did not begin well. Some of the early ventures(企业) were immediate failures. Publishers already in business, people who were owners of successful papers, had little desire to change the tradition. It took a few youthful and daring businessmen to get the ball rolling.

1. Which of the following best describes newspapers in America before the 1830s?

A．Academic.

B．Unattractive.

C．Inexpensive.

D．Confidential.

2. What did street sales mean to newspapers?

A．They would be priced higher.	B．They would disappear from cities.
C．They could have more readers.	D．They could regain public trust.

3. Who were the newspapers of the new trend targeted at?

A．Local politicians.	B．Common people.
C．Young publishers.	D．Rich businessmen.

4. What can we say about the birth of the penny paper?

A．It was a difficult process.	B．It was a temporary success.
C．It was a robbery of the poor.	D．It was a disaster for printers.

7 . When Sir Ector saw Arthur pulled the sword out of the stone and then pushed it back, he rubbed his eyes. “I can’t believe it!” he cried. Then he fell on his knees before Arthur. “Father, please do not kneel before me. Tell me what you mean!” Arthur said with great confusion.

“Listen, then,” said Sir Ector. “Years ago the wise magician, Merlin, carried a baby in his arms. That baby was you. Merlin told me to bring you up as my own son. Now I can guess. You must be the late king ⸺ King Uther’s son. Who else could have pulled out the sword? Arthur, we must let all England know you are qualified to be the new king.”

“I would rather be your son than be a king!” cried Arthur.

“On Christmas the Bishop(主教) will give everyone a chance to pull the sword. You must take your turn and show everyone that you are the only person who can pull the sword out.”

On Christmas Day the great crowd of knights(骑士) and lords gathered before the church. They pulled and pushed, but no one could make the sword move.

Down the street came Merlin. Behind him came Sir Ector with Arthur. “Who are these men?” asked the Bishop. “Here is one who will try the sword,” said Merlin. He laid his hand on Arthur’s shoulder. “Here, lords of England, is the true son of King Uther!” Arthur stepped upon the stone and laid his hand on the sword. Smoothly and easily he pulled it out. He held it high so all could see.

So Arthur became King of all England. Some of the lords did not want him, and he had to fight them. As the years went by, he became stronger and greater. Knights came from all lands to be in his court. At Camelot Arthur started the famous Knights of the Round Table. These were the greatest of all the knights. They made their names famous for all time.

1. Sir Ector fell on his knees before Arthur because ______.

A．Sir Ector wanted to ask for forgiveness from the new king

B．Merlin told Sir Ector to respect Arthur as if he were the King

C．Arthur pulled the sword out and Sir Ector knew who he was

D．Arthur was so powerful that Sir Ector admired him very much

2. Arthur found it ______ when Sir Ector said he was qualified to be the new king.

A．believable	B．unacceptable
C．enjoyable	D．unchangeable

3. What did Arthur do as King of all England according to the passage?

A．Fighting the foreign countries.	B．Making the famous table.
C．Developing the national economy.	D．Gathering the greatest knights.

4. What is the best title for the passage?

A．Arthur Becomes King	B．Arthur Trains Knights
C．Arthur Defeats Enemies	D．Arthur Loves Swords

8 . 语篇语法填空

Qing Ming     1    (associate) with Jie Zitui, who lived in Shanxi province in 600 B.C. Legend goes that Jie saved his starving lord's life by serving a piece of his own leg. When the lord     2    (success) in becoming the ruler, he invited his     3    (faith) follower to join him. However, Jie turned down his invitation,     4    (prefer) to lead     5     simple life with his mother in the mountain.

Believing that he could force Jie out by burning the mountain, the lord ordered his men to set the forest     6     fire. To    7     astonishment, Jie chose to remain     8     he was and was burnt to death.     9    (remember) Jie, the lord ordered all fires in every home to be put out on the anniversary of Jie's death. Thus began the "cold food feast", a day when no food could be cooked since no fire could     10    (light).

9 . To an outsider，any culture can seem confusing.And the UK's got a thing or two that raises a few eyebrows.However，understand the why and things might be less puzzling.    1    .

In a world where 61％of nations drive on the right，Brits drive on the left.Why? Most people think it goes back to Medieval，maybe even Roman times.    2     when you remember that right-handed people wear a sword on their left hip.Travelling on the left allowed you to   keep your weapon arm toward your opponent，who would be on your right.This practice continued until the 18th century when a law was passed requiring all traffic crossing London Bridge to keep to the left.

Visitors to the UK that have just washed their hands in an old-fashioned sink might be wondering why one tap is only for hot water，the other cold.    3    .So，why this oddity? It relates to a time when hot and cold water were kept separate to prevent pollution.Drinkable cold water came from a mains supply，but hot water came from attic tanks and was not considered suitable for consumption.So they were kept apart.

Millions of people drink tea worldwide，but the odd Brits put milk in theirs.Why? This mysterious practice relates to the quality of china cup used in the 18th century when tea was first imposed.For the majority of Brits，the cups available couldn’t stand the heat of the boiling water and would break，so milk was added first.    4    .And this practical tweak soon became a national habit.

    5    .As you can see，these odd Brits have perfectly clear reasons for left-hand driving，two-tap sinks and tea with milk.Even if they still seem strange，at least now you’re in the know.

A．This makes it difficult to improve

B．There is a method to the madness

C．This unusual behavior makes sense

D．You can know the origins of the practices

E．Either can make washing very uncomfortable

F．This cooled the cup enough to resist the boiling water

G．Here are the reasons for three of Britain’s more puzzling practices

10 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入 1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Woodblock printing first appeared in the early Tang period. During the Song dynasty, the technique of block printing was very advanced. Books were     1    (beautiful) printed. Even today the books     2    (print) at the time are valuable and treasured by libraries and book collectors.

However, block printing     3    (be) not very convenient. Every two pages of a book had to be carved on a woodblock, and a big book would require many blocks. Besides, there had to be large places for storing the books.     4     (overcome) these shortcomings, Bi Sheng invented the movable type during the years between 1041 and 1048. One word was carved on one piece of clay,     5     was hardened with fire. Then clay characters were set on     6     iron plate according to the text of a book. Then ink was applied to them and     7    (sheet) of paper spread over them, and the printing was done. Bi Sheng’s invention made printing faster and     8    (easy) than before. Later, movable type of metal and wood was made and widely used.

The technique of printing was gradually known to other Asian countries and Europe. The great influence printing had     9    the advance of civilization is too clear to need any     10    (explain).