1 . Sometimes a book comes along that isn’t just “interesting” or “well done”— it’s a book where it seems like the author looked into your brain and wrote a book specifically for you. A book like that for me was released this week. It’s called 100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet, written by editor Pamela Paul.

Paul lists 100 things we used to do that the Internet has either changed or taken over completely: writing letters, print newspapers, the joys of being bored, and not having all the knowledge in the world in your pocket.

As I’m a longtime accumulator of random knowledge, certain entries on the list—Being the Only One, Figuring Out Who That Actor is—hit me where live; remembering detailed facts is no longer   nearly as impressive when everyone has the capability to find the answer in seconds.

On and on the list goes, with every minor shift adding to the pile. What this book does so well is illustrate the growth of that pile; while any individual item might be no big deal, the collected set is significant. It’s a list of ways in which the world now is different from the world then.

Obviously, Paul isn’t saying that everything back then was better. Time marches on, after all. and it’s tough to argue against the many benefits that the Internet has brought into our lives. But that isn’t really the point. It’s not about whether it used to be better. It’s that it used to be different.

100 Things We’ve Lost to the Internet is a fun read for those of us who share some of Paul’s memories and experiences. We remember what it was like and we like to remember. The landscape has shifted, and no doubt it will shift again as technology’s advancement continues apace. This book serves as a reminder of the simple truth that when gains are made, sometimes something is lost.

1. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To review and recommend a good read.

B．To comment on the effect of the Internet.

C．To argue for the viewpoint of a new book.

D．To urge the readers to value what they have.

2. Which might be entries on Paul’s list?

A．Maps and Eye Contact.

B．E-pay and Compact Disks.

C．Postcards and Homeschooling

D．Bad Photos and Washing Machines.

3. What does the underlined phrase “hit me where l live” in paragraph 3 mean?

A．Prove what I’m good at.

B．Introduce how I grew up.

C．Describe the place I live in.

D．Speak out what is on my mind.

4. What conclusion has the author drawn after reading Paul’s book?

A．Things in the past are better.

B．There’re no gains without pains.

C．The internet is a double-edged sword.

D．Technology is constantly changing the world.

2 . Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.

Charles Dickens

It has been 150 years since Charles Dickens died, 184 years since his first work was released to the public and 156 years since his last completed book came out. In all of this time, these novels have never been out of print. Dickens may have left us, but his work remains timeless,     1     (fascinate) the majority of those who open their pages.

Most people have read, watched or at least heard of Dickens’ stories, but what makes him and his work so popular? Since he began novel writing in his 20s, Dickens constantly produced quality classics. Year after year his awaiting fans were not left     2     (disappoint) as their minds were fed with complex tales of romance, crime, hope and despair.

In the Victorian era he lived in, much of the work Dickens produced     3     (model) on the literature before him. He was one of the first writers of the time     4     (portray) honest examples of working-class people, giving many something to relate to. He focused on unfolding the good and bad qualities of characters which allowed his readers to follow their journeys and understand     5     they may have acted in the unusual or shocking ways that they did.

Any Dickens fans will know the diverse and outrageous (耸人听闻的) characters coming to life between the pages.     6     was special about this novelist’s ability in imagining these characters’ stories is that it comes from his own life’s path.     7     a young boy left to take care of himself in a workhouse to the wealthy figure he became through his writing successes, he knew what it was like to see in different lights. This deep understanding of his characters gave his fictional stories the strong element of believability     8     is needed in a good novel.

Over a century and a half later, Dickens’ themes can be relevant to today’s world problems. His words and imagery have been transformed further into the media of modern film, television and even musical adaptations.     9     set in a time unfamiliar to readers today, his work still enables everyone to relate to the love, hardship and sense of family that pours from the narratives. It is this aspect     10     has carried Charles Dickens into the 21st century.

3 . 语法填空

Reading a book and watching a film are two very different experiences, but it’s normal to have high     1     (expect) when a film of a favourite book is made. Most audiences and critics have been pessimistic or even disappointed by a film of a book they love.

A key question is obviously how close to the     2     (origin) the film is. Another problem area is the cast. Finding actors     3     (accept) to film audiences can mean the difference between success and failure. Some books are just too difficult to be adapted     4     technical reasons. Technology has had a huge impact on the film industry. It is the book writer     5     is in the best position     6     (do) film adaptations. In fact, sometimes authors are     7     (involve) in the process eagerly and may even be the screenwriter. They may be too close to the material and find     8     difficult to adapt to a new form. Sometimes writers have been very     9     (satisfy) with the film versions of their work. Anyway, it is always a bad idea to watch a film of a book you love.

    10     the challenges, there have been some highly successful films made from popular books.