1 . Among the constant adjustive education standards and requirements, it’s important to ask a question: exactly what do we want in a high school graduate?

Some people think the goal is to enter college and earn a bachelor’s degree. Others find that interpretation too narrow, preferring that young people leave school with the skills to move into living-wage jobs. But one thing many people can embrace is that high school graduates are skilled in basic math and English.

A proposed law, House Bill 1308,could ruin that goal. Students must do the following things to get a diploma: earn 24 credits of coursework; complete a High School and Beyond Plan matching those courses; meet one requirement of a series of “graduation pathways”. The problem is that these pathways don’t work for all kids.

In large part, that’s because they guide students toward college standards. Last year, after surveying nearly 1,000 students, researchers discovered that 18% of students said they were “not good” at math, and 33% said they were poor test-takers. For them, the current pathways are a barrier because of their emphasis on these skills.

The new pathway is instead focused on performance. It would allow kids to create a presentation—say an exhibit or report — demonstrating mastery of two core subjects, but not necessarily math or English. When the bill came up for discussion, over 350 people showed their support, because it’s possible that through the performance pathway, a student could create a project emphasizing mastery in “fine arts” and “health and fitness”. Rep. Sharon favors the proposal. In a hearing, she spoke of her granddaughter, who wrote and self-published a novel while still in school, to illustrate the kind of project is workable. While Tafona Ervin worries that the lack of emphasis on math and English could lead students to graduate without solid skills.

If the purpose of education is to ensure that young people are prepared to pursue a fulfilling life, finishing school uncertain of one’s abilities in math and English weakens education’s goal.

1. Why is the question mentioned in the first paragraph?

A．To make an argument.	B．To introduce the topic.
C．To raise an education problem.	D．To clarify a concept.

2. How many items does House Bill 1308require for high school students to graduate?

A．One.

B．Two.

C．Three.

D．Four.

3. How does the writer make his points persuasive in Para.4?

A．By making comparisons.	B．By offering statistics.
C．By providing suggestions.	D．By doing experiments.

4. What does the author think of House Bill 1308?

A．Workable.

B．Effective.

C．Awful.

D．Reasonable.

2 . Are there any controversial blood sports in your country? In the UK, there’s fox hunting. Officially, it’s illegal but it’s still going on.

The goal of most fox hunts is simple: to track, catch up and, sometimes, kill a fox. A hunt begins when the hounds (猎犬) are “cast”. This is when the dogs are released and start searching in bushes for foxes. When the hounds pick up the smell, they track the fox. If they see it, the chase (追赶) is on and the dogs run after it. The hunt continues until either the fox escapes or is caught and then usually killed by the hounds.

Many people are against fox hunting. Animal rights activists argue that foxes suffer a cruel (残忍的) and violent death. They also say that fox hunting is an activity in which people seem to gain pleasure from cruelty. Others dislike it for being a mostly upper-class sport. Among them was Oscar Wilde, who once described it in 1893 as, “the unspeakable in full chase of the uneatable”.

Supporters of fox hunting say it’s a tradition that’s part of England’s cultural heritage. They also say it plays an important role in country life, and that many jobs depend on fox hunting. Finally, they point out that it’s an important form of pest control that protects the livelihood of farmers, and that the foxes are killed quickly and that it’s much less cruel than using traps or poisons.

But in 2005 everything changed. The Hunting Act came into force, and this effectively banned fox hunting. But it wasn’t easy passing the law. Thousands of people gathered outside the House of Parliament in protest. Now, it is officially illegal, but hunts still take place and more than 1804 hunt groups are still in existence. So, it seems that this England’s tradition just refuses to die.

1. What does the underlined word “controversial” in paragraph 1 mean?

A．Large in quantity.	B．Divided in opinion.
C．Diverse in form.	D．Similar in nature.

2. What did Oscar Wilde think of fox hunting?

A．It could bring a large number of jobs for farmers.

B．It was a blood sport where foxes were killed cruelly.

C．It could give people greater pleasure than expected.

D．It was a meaningless activity the upper class preferred.

3. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．The purpose in passing the law about fox hunting.

B．The difficulty in carrying out the ban on fox hunting.

C．The change of people’s attitudes towards fox hunting.

D．The importance of keeping the tradition of fox hunting.

3 .

LEGAL NOTICE If you purchased Hill's Prescription Diet or Science Diet Canned Dog Food Between September 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019, Your Rights May Be Affected by a Class Action Settlement.
WHAT IS THIS LAWSUIT ABOUT? The lawsuit claims that Hill's Prescription Diet(HPD) and Science Diet(SD) canned dog food products had high levels of Vitamin D. The lawsuit states that purchasers of these products lost money by purchasing dog food products that were not manufactured as represented and/or paid for services as a result of injuries to their dogs. The Court will hold a hearing on July 27, 2021, at 10:00 a. m. by Zoom Video, which may be moved to a different location, time or date. The Zoom Video link will be posted on www.PetFoodSettlement.com. WHO IS INCLUDED? You are included in the Settlement if you purchased HPD and/or SD canned dog food products in the U. S. between September 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019.	WHAT DOES THE SETTLEMENT PROVIDE? Consumer Food Purchase: If you purchased HPD and/or SD canned dog food products between September 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019, you could get a full refund with Proof of Purchase or up to 。20 total without Proof of Purchase. You must submit a valid Claim Form by July 2, 2021. Dog Injury: If your dog suffered injuries consistent with the consumption of excess Vitamin D as a result of your dog eating HPD and/or SD canned dog food products, you could receive money. You must submit a valid Claim Form with proper documentation by July 2, 2021. You can find more details on how to submit a claim by visiting www.PetFoodSettlement.com or calling 1-833-537-1191.
www.PetFoodSettlement.com 1-833-537-1191

1. When will the hearing be held according to the notice?

A．July 27, 2021.	B．July 2, 2021.
C．May 31, 2019.	D．Sept. 1, 2018.

2. Which one of the following purchasers has the least chance to get a full refund?

A．One provided some proof of purchasing related products.

B．One purchased HPD canned dog food on Sept. 11, 2018.

C．One submitted a valid claim application form on July 3, 2021.

D．One purchased some SD canned dog food products, costing $20.

3. How many ways can you find more details about submitting a claim?

A．1.	B．2.
C．3.	D．4.