Historically,work has been associated with slavery and sin (罪恶)and punishment.And in our own day we are used to bearing traditional complaints.Against this background,it may well come as a surprise to learn that not only psychologists but other behavioral scientists have come to accept the positive contribution of work to the individual's happiness and sense of personal achievement.Work is more than a necessity for most human beings;it is the focus of their lives,the source of their identity and creativity.
Rather than a punishment of a burden,work is the opportunity to realize one's potential.And the opposite is true,too.For large numbers of people,the absence of work is harmful to their health.Retirement often brings many problems surrounding the “What do I do with myself?”question,even though there may be no financial cares.Large numbers of people regularly get headaches and other illnesses on weekends when they don't have their jobs to go to,and must take care of themselves.It has been observed that unemployment,quite apart from financial pressures,brings enormous psychological troubles and that many individuals'conditions become worse rapidly when jobless.
But why?Why should work be such a significant source of human satisfaction?A good share of the answer rests in the kind of pride that is stimulated by the job,by the activity of accomplishing.
1. Which of the following statements can NOT be learned from the passage?
A.People feel happier and more content than they realize when working. |
B.Work is likely to provide you with the chance of achieving your potential. |
C.Happiness can only be gained through working. |
D.A lot of people will suffer physically and psychologically without work. |
A.work is related to negative aspects |
B.happiness has nothing to do with work |
C.identity and creativity depend on work |
D.work is not only a necessity for humans but the focus of their lives |
A.What the proper way to balance work and life is. |
B.How work brings people pride in accomplishment. |
C.Which is more important:the material things of life or psychological wellbeing. |
D.How people overcome the problems arising from retirement. |
A.Doubtful. | B.Concerned. |
C.Approving. | D.Neutral. |
As months went on and his health grew worse, I noticed an unexpected change in attitude that came over him. He had also been a happy person with a cheerful personality, but rather than give in to discouragement and self-pity, he took comfort in God and humanity. His talks focused on others rather than himself, and he spoke of the afterlife as something he was prepared for, believing that his concerned ancestors, including his mother and father, were there waiting for him.
During the last few months, weeks, and days of his life, he was kindly cared for by family, friends, his loving wife, who looked after both his physical and emotional needs, and workers from a local hospice (安养院) came to the home to regulate his medication and provide any other needed support. He didn't complain about his fate, and he willingly allowed others to serve him.
Indeed, one might think why God allows death and suffering in our world, but for me, such experiences taught me to value family more and kindness for others. You often can't learn these important attributes in the lap of luxury, and perhaps, such an experience is the greatest and final gift the illness can give those left behind.
1. What did the man do after he first learned of his illness?
A.He was operated on immediately. |
B.He retired from his job. |
C.He researched cancer treatments. |
D.He felt sad, doing nothing. |
A.His family and friends. |
B.His belief in humanity. |
C.His doctors’ encouragement. |
D.The care from others. |
A.Giving more respect to friends. |
B.Extending life as possible. |
C.Caring for yourself and enjoying luxury. |
D.Getting comfort from God. |
A.All people will face death, and thus, we must prepare for it spiritually. |
B.Our characters can be strengthened by such an unpleasant situation. |
C.Families provide the best support system during such a crisis. |
D.People should help those who have got serious illness. |
3 . I had a bad habit of skipping to the last pages of a book. I just wanted to see how it ended
At times I didn’t
Recently when I found myself living in the
Each of us has to
A.since | B.for | C.while | D.because |
A.confused | B.annoyed | C.delighted | D.embarrassed |
A.usually | B.obviously | C.accidentally | D.finally |
A.impatience | B.misunderstanding | C.disappointment | D.disagreement |
A.saying | B.reading | C.doing | D.watching |
A.page | B.copy | C.chapter | D.edition |
A.contribute | B.devote | C.apply | D.limit |
A.try | B.figure | C.let | D.turn |
A.on the part of | B.other than | C.instead of | D.on the basis of |
A.book | B.river | C.picture | D.play |
A.forgotten | B.left | C.kept | D.regretted |
A.feelings | B.beginning | C.ending | D.comments |
A.consciously | B.strangely | C.foolishly | D.critically |
A.otherwise | B.moreover | C.therefore | D.however |
A.surprise | B.cheat | C.satisfy | D.frighten |
A.make | B.bring | C.take | D.award |
A.present | B.future | C.memory | D.dream |
A.cheered | B.cried | C.lost | D.smiled |
A.exciting | B.hopeful | C.favorite | D.right |
A.write | B.review | C.explain | D.translate |
At one time silk was reserved only for the Chinese emperor. Gradually, others began wearing silk. In addition to being used for clothing, silk came to have industrial uses in ancient China, something that happened in the West only in modern times. Silk was used to make musical instruments, fishing lines, weapons, ropes and even paper. During the Han Dynasty silk became a form of money. Farmers paid taxes in both rice and silk. The prices of goods were calculated in lengths of silk just as they had once been calculated in gold. The importance of silk is even reflected in the Chinese language. For example, of the 5000 most common Chinese characters, around 500 have silk as their “key”.
In spite of their secrecy, the Chinese eventually lost their monopoly on silk production. It reached Korea in around 200 B.C. when immigrants from China arrived there. Silk production came to India in 300 A.D.. It was not until 500 A.D. that silk production came to Europe when travellers
Silk was brought to Rome from China by means of the Silk Road. There were actually two Silk Roads, one over land and one on the sea. The land route in particular had a huge effect in history. All sorts of trade goods — silver, gold, jade, porcelain — passed along this road. Ideas travelled the Silk Road too. For example the religion of Buddhism was carried to China from India by traders on the Silk Road. The Silk Road created the first international culture, exposing many people to the ideas and treasures of both Western and Chinese cultures.
1. How was China able to keep the secret of silk production?
A.It refused to sell its silk to other countries. |
B.Foreigners were not permitted to enter China. |
C.The silkworms needed were not able to survive outside China. |
D.Chinese passing on the secret to foreigners were seriously punished. |
A.A way of purchasing goods people sold. |
B.A material used for making different products. |
C.A method of paying money to the government. |
D.A valuable gift given to foreigners travelling in China. |
A.Europe àIndia àKorea àChina. | B.China àKorea àIndia àEurope. |
C.China àIndia àKorea àEurope. | D.China àEurope àIndia àKorea. |
A.quietly traded | B.openly removed |
C.illegally transported | D.violently stole |
A.It allowed for economic and cultural exchanges between countries. |
B.It made China the most powerful country in the ancient world. |
C.It could only be completed by travellers with access to a boat. |
D.It was first developed for transferring religious ideas. |
If someone seems to dislike you, the reason for that dislike might have little or nothing to do with you. The person who doesn’t like you might be fearful, or shallow or busy or shy. Perhaps you and that person are simply a mismatch for each other at this particular time.
Don’t take yourself out of the game by deciding that your flaws are bigger than your good qualities. In fact, some of the very qualities you consider to be flaws may be irresistible to someone else. Although some factors that might cause one person to reject you, there are at least many factors that will work in your favor.
You might be thirty pounds over your ideal weight, but you may have a wonderful laugh and a real enthusiasm for life. There are many people who don’t mind your extra pounds. You may drive a shabby car, but you might be a great dancer and a loyal friend. There are people out there looking for loyalty, or fun, or sweetness, or wisdom, and the package it comes in is not important. If you are worried that you are not beautiful enough to attract friends, keep in mind that not everyone is looking for physical beauty in their friends. You can decide to feel inferior because you don’t have much money and you don’t drive a nice car. You can believe that this is the reason
that you don’t have many friends in your life. On the other hand, if you are very wealthy you may be suspicious that everyone is after your money and that nobody really likes you as a person.
The point is that you can focus on just about anything and believe it’s the reason you do not have friends and cannot make any.
1. According to the passage, plays an important role in making friends.
A.admitting your shortcomings | B.self criticism |
C.modesty | D.confidence |
A.you should find the reason in yourself |
B.you’d better talk with the person face to face |
C.you may not be the one to be blamed |
D.you and that person misunderstand each other |
A.your good qualities may make you earn more money |
B.your weakness may also be your strengths in some way |
C.your negative qualities may cause you to lose friends |
D.you’ll have few friends if you don’t share the same interest |
A.It is important to lose weight. |
B.It is easier for a wealthy person to make friends. |
C.Inner qualities are more important than physical appearance. |
D.If you are not beautiful enough, try to improve your physical beauty. |
A.How to find your good qualities. | B.How to make friends. |
C.How to make self criticism. | D.How to keep fit. |
Love and concern
Another difference is their career choice. Nancy has always been a
A third difference is their
I am very
A.energy | B.power | C.ability | D.effort |
A.strong | B.special | C.impressive | D.similar |
A.childhood | B.education | C.appearance | D.religion |
A.confirmed | B.filled | C.influenced | D.controlled |
A.spoiled | B.moved | C.raised | D.deserted |
A.absorbed | B.interested | C.involved | D.stuck |
A.took | B.picked | C.called | D.gave |
A.carefully | B.properly | C.strictly | D.firmly |
A.Moreover | B.However | C.Instead | D.Therefore |
A.visit | B.touch | C.phone | D.know |
A.follower | B.receiver | C.caretaker | D.leader |
A.medical | B.physical | C.political | D.chemical |
A.difficult | B.complete | C.favorite | D.natural |
A.agreed | B.refused | C.chose | D.remembered |
A.machines | B.exhibitions | C.agreements | D.plays |
A.hobby | B.custom | C.habit | D.lifestyle |
A.beautiful | B.independent | C.famous | D.married |
A.After all | B.in contrast | C.in a word | D.in the end |
A.anxious | B.thankful | C.sorry | D.ready |
A.reminded | B.persuaded | C.taught | D.acknowledged |
Right as I was about to give up, a truck stopped and a man got off. He sized up the situation and went back to take a jack. After about two hours, we finished the job with sweats. We were both dirty. His wife produced a large water jug for us to wash our hands in.
I tried to put $20 in the man’s hand, but he wouldn’t take it, so instead I went up and gave it to his wife as quietly as I could. I thanked them up one side and down the other. I asked the little girl, their daughter, where they lived, thinking maybe I’d send them a gift. She said they lived in Mexico. They were in Oregon now so Mommy and Daddy could pick cherries for the next few weeks. After that, they were going to pick peaches, and then go back home.
After I said my goodbyes and started walking back to the Jeep, the girl called out and asked if I’d had lunch. When I told her no, she ran up and handed me a tamale(玉米粽子). I thanked them again and walked back to my car. When I opened the tamale, what did I find inside? My $20 bill! I ran to the van and the guy rolled down his window. He saw the $20 in my hand, started shaking his head smiling, and with what looked like great concentration said in English: “Today you, tomorrow me.” Then he rolled up his window and drove away, with his daughter waving to me from the back.
This family, working on a seasonal basis where time is money, took a couple of hours to help a stranger while others passed by quietly.
Since then I’ve helped many people like the Mexican family. I didn’t accept money. But every time I was able to help, I felt as if I was putting something in the bank.
1. From the passage we know that __________.
A.the Mexican man couldn’t speak English |
B.the author’s car broke down on the road |
C.the Mexican family came to Oregon for a visit |
D.$20 was a small amount for the Mexican family |
A.Because the man had refused to accept it. |
B.Because the man’s wife needn’t wash her hands. |
C.Because the author thought the Mexican family was poor. |
D.Because the author thought the man’s wife would take it. |
A.it was completely wrong for others to pass by quietly |
B.it was quite easy to help the author mend the jeep |
C.it was possible that everyone might get into trouble |
D.the author was a polite stranger and deserved the help |
A.He hated those who didn’t offer help. |
B.He would send a present to the family soon. |
C.He wondered why they didn’t take the money. |
D.He considered helping others as saving money in the bank. |
A.The Mexican family lived a richer life than the author. |
B.The Mexican family did seasonal work in Oregon each year. |
C.The author was inspired to help others by the Mexican family. |
D.What made the writer moved was the tamale given by the girl. |
1. The writer thinks that the most important thing for you to learn a language is___________.
A.reading | B.practicing |
C.talking about it | D.listening |
A.Try to make some mistakes. |
B.Avoid making any mistakes. |
C.Remember as many new words as you can. |
D.Use it as often as you cam |
A.be angry with them | B.be angry with yourself |
C.not care | D.believe you are right |
A.never make any mistakes again |
B.tell others not to make the same mistake |
C.punish yourself for making it |
D.keep your sense of humor |
A.It is normal (正常的) that we make some mistakes in learning English |
B.Everyone must make mistakes |
C.We can avoid making mistakes in learning a language |
D.Laughing can help one learn English well |
In the cold, dark waters of the Antarctic hides a creature with eight arms, two super long tentacles (触须) and eyes as big as dinner plates. Sound like something out of a science fiction movie? Think again.
On February 21, New Zealand fishermen landed a colossal squid the length of a school bus. They had been fishing with long lines for Chilean sea bass (黑鲈) in the waters off the coast of New Zealand when they caught the rare squid. With two hours of hard work, the crew skillfully pulled the creature into a net and dragged it aboard their ship.
Scientists estimate (估计) that the animal weighs about a half ton and is about 40 feet long. That would make this colossal squid the biggest on record.
First identified in 1925 after two tentacles were found in a whale’s stomach, the colossal squid has long been a mystery. The animals are not easy to observe because they can go down to ocean depths of 6,500 feet. What scientists do know from studying the bodies of a half dozen colossal squids is that they are fierce hunters.
The recently captured colossal squid has been frozen to keep it for scientific study. It will be transported to New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, in the capital city of Wellington. Experts believe it to be the first adult male ever caught undamaged. Scientists hope to learn more about the colossal squid’s diet, behavior and reproductive (繁殖) patterns.
“Scientists will be very interested in this amazing creature,” said New Zealand Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton. “It adds immeasurably to our understanding of the marine environment.”
1. Why is it usually difficult for experts to observe the squid?
A.Because it moves too fast. |
B.Because it is too large. |
C.Because it is very dangerous. |
D.Because it can go down to deep ocean. |
A.The squid is from a science fiction story. |
B.The fishermen often meet colossal squids. |
C.Scientists know much about the colossal squid. |
D.The fishermen had some difficulty catching the large squid. |
A.To make it into food. |
B.To set a world record. |
C.To do research on it. |
D.To display it for visitors. |
A.The biggest squid ever found |
B.Scientific research on squid |
C.The lifestyle of the colossal squid |
D.How the fishermen caught the squid |
10 . About 1 million adult New Yorkers are obese(肥胖的), but nearly two-thirds of them don’t think they are, according to a study released on Tuesday by the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene(卫生).
Among the obese, who account for about one in five New Yorkers, only 39% described themselves as “very overweight”, according to the report. 2% said they were very underweight, 1% said they were slightly underweight, 16% said they were just right and 42% said they were slightly over weight.
Some 2 million more New Yorkers are overweight, the report said, and one in five children in kindergarten is obese.
Only 44% of the city’s adults are at a healthy weight, and nearly 75% say they do not participate in(参加) any regular physical activity.
New York City’s adult obesity rate was 20% in 2003 compared with 23% nationwide in 2004.The national average has nearly doubled from 12% in 1993, the report said.
Overweight and obese are defined by body mass index, or BMI (=" kg/m)" , which is based on a person’s weight , adjusted(调整) for height, the department said.
Being obese means having a BMI of 30 or greater, while being overweight means a BMI of more than 25 but less than 30.
A 5-foot, 10-inch (1.78-meter) man weighing 175 pounds(79kg) would have a BMI of 25.1 and be considered overweight according to the department . If he weighed 210 pounds (95kg), he would have a BMI of 30.1 and be obese.
The report came from results of the department’s 2002 and 2003 yearly telephone surveys of some 10,000 adults.
1. New York City has a population of about _____ according to the passage.A.5,000,000 | B.2,000,000 | C.1,000,000 | D.500,000 |
A.most adult New Yorkers go in for many regular physical activities |
B.New Yorkers think that obesity shows economic development |
C.New York City’s adult obesity rate increased from 1993 to 2004 |
D.most of the New York City’s adults are at a healthy weight |
A.overweight | B.underweight | C.slightly underweight | D.obese |
A.Population explosion in USA. |
B.Weight problems in New York. |
C.Weight controlling measures |
D.Diet habits in USA |