There's something rotten in Rio and the smell is coming from the huge stacks of rubbish pried up on sidewalks all over the city. Rio's street sweepers chose the carnival holiday to demand better salaries. Their wages start at roughly $400 a month.
There could hardly be a better time for them to prove their importance. The streets were left a mess after hundreds of carnival parades and now, rubbish pries up in both poor and uptown neighbourhoods and in tourist areas like Ipanema or Copacabana beach.
The president of Rio's rubbish collecting company has even appealed to the population to store rubbish at home whenever possible. He says 30% of the city's sweepers have gone on strike. Some of those who have been working have been threatened by the strike movement so now the police has been deployed alongside rubbish collectors to keep them sage as they go about their business.
The strike has divided opinions in Rio. On social media, many support the sweepers' demands for better salaries. Others say they are opportunists and the situation is a big embarrassment to the city.
But Brazil's culture of littering the streets doesn't help. A video that went viral online shows that even authorities have a problem with that. Rio's mayor, Eduardo Paes, is seen throwing what seemed to be the rest of an apple on the sidewalk--and now promised to impose himself a fine for his wrongdoing. His government recently created a programme to keep Rio's residents from littering the streets.
Rio's street cleaners go on strike to
A.prove their importance | B.threaten the government |
C.ask for higher salaries | D.appeal to the public not to litter |
The reason why the police are involved is that __
A.the police are called out to put down the riot | B.the police are required to protect some cleaners |
C.the police are to collect rubbish for the time being | D.the police are sent to arrest people who litter around |
The author's attitude to Brazil's culture of littering is __
A.hopeless | B.approving | C.critical | D.optimistic |
The purpose of writing the passage is to __
A.criticize, street sweepers of Rio for misusing their rights |
B.call attention to the embarrassing situation of Rio |
C.describe the effect or the strike on people |
D.inform people of the present situation of Rio |
It was 3:45 in the morning when the vote was finally taken. After six months of arguing and final 16 hours of hot parliamentary debates, Australia’s Northern Territory became the first legal authority in the world to allow doctors to take the lives of incurably ill patients who wish to die. The measure passed by the convincing vote of 15 to 10. Almost immediately word flashed on the Internet and was picked up, half a world away, by John Hofsess, executive director of the Right to Die Society of Canada. He sent it on by way of the group’s online service, Death NET. Says Hofsess: “We posted bulletins all day long, because of course this isn’t just something that happened in Australia. It’s world history.”
The full import may take a while to sink in. The NT Rights of the Terminally Ill Law has left physicians and citizens alike trying to deal with its moral and practical implications. Some have breathed sighs of relief, others, including churches, right-to-life groups and the Australian Medical Association, bitterly attacked the bill and the hurry of its passage. But the tide is unlikely to turn back. In Australia—where an aging population, life-extending technology and changing community attitudes have all played their part—other states are going to consider making a similar law to deal with euthanasia (安乐死). In the US and Canada, where the right-to-die movement is gathering strength, observers are waiting for the dominoes (多米诺骨牌) to start falling.
Under the new Northern Territory law, an adult patient can request death — probably by a deadly injection or pill — to put an end to suffering. The patient must be diagnosed (诊断) as Terminally Ill by two doctors. After a “cooling off” period of seven days, the patient can sign a certificate of request. After 48 hours the wish for death can be met. For Lloyd Nickson, a 54-year-old Darwin resident suffering from lung cancer, the NT Rights of Terminally Ill Law means he can get on with living without the haunting fear of his suffering: a terrifying death from his breathing condition. “I’m not afraid of dying from a spiritual point of view, but what I was afraid of was how I’d go, because I’ve watched people die in the hospital fighting for oxygen and clawing at their masks,” he says.
Which of the following has the similar meaning to “But the tide is unlikely to turn back.”?
A.What happened in Australia can change world history. |
B.It is impossible to pass the NT Rights of the Terminally Ill Law. |
C.Doctors are allowed by law to take the lives of the ill patients. |
D.That the Law has been passed probably can’t be changed. |
From the second paragraph we learn that __________.
A.the objection to euthanasia is slow to come in other countries |
B.physicians and citizens share the same view on euthanasia |
C.changing technology is chiefly responsible for the hurry passage of the law |
D.it takes time to realize the significance of the law’s passage |
By saying “observers are waiting for the dominoes to start falling”, the author means __________.
A.observers are taking a wait-and-see attitude towards the future of euthanasia |
B.similar bills are likely to be passed in the U.S., Canada and other countries |
C.observers are waiting to see the result of the game of dominoes |
D.the effect-taking process of the passed bill may finally come to a stop |
We can learn from the passage that Lloyd Nickson __________.
A.will face his death with calm when dying |
B.experiences a lot the suffering of a lung cancer |
C.has an intense fear of terrible suffering |
D.undergoes a cooling off period of seven days |
The author’s attitude towards euthanasia seems to be that of __________.
A.opposition | B.doubt | C.approval | D.anxiety |
You might notice something new in the next few years as you watch Disney programs: Starting in 2015, there won’t be any candy, sugary cereal or fast-food commercials aimed at kids.
The Walt Disney Company has become the first major media company to ban ads for junk food on its TV channels, radio stations and websites. It hopes this will stop kids from making poor food choices.
First Lady Michelle Obama called it a “game changer” that is sure to send a message to the rest of the children’s entertainment industry. “Just a few years ago, if you had told me or any other mom or dad in America that our kids wouldn’t see a single ad for junk food while they watched their favorite cartoons on a major TV network, we wouldn't have believed you,” said the First Lady, who heads a campaign to help stop child obesity.
The ban would apply to Disney-owned ABC stations as well as Radio Disney and Disney-owned websites aimed at families with young children. In addition, Disney plans to make changes to its kids’ menus at theme parks and resorts(度假胜地). Fast-food options will be replaced with healthier choices, such as smoothies(果汁), apples, vegetables and yogurt.
In addition to candy bars and fast-food meals, other foods that don’t meet Disney’s nutritional standards will be banned from the company’s kid-targeted media. Any cereal with 10 grams or more of sugar per serving will be off the air. There will be no ads for full meals of more than 600 calories. Juices with high levels of sugar and foods with too much salt will also be pulled.
Leslie Goodman, Disney’s senior vice-president of Corporate Citizenship, said a company that wants to advertise will need to show that it offers a range of healthy options.
Disney isn’t the only one pushing away unhealthy foods. Last week, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg suggested a ban on drinks over 16 ounces sold in movie theaters, restaurants and convenience stores in the Big Apple. He says large, sugary drinks are partly to blame for obesity.
What will the Walt Disney Company do from 2015?
A.Produce more and better cartoons for young kids. |
B.Stop broadcasting advertisements for junk food on TV. |
C.Help kids develop healthy lifestyle in the program. |
D.Provide healthier food for kids while they are watching programs. |
What Michelle Obama said suggests that while watching cartoons _________.
A.kids didn’t believe what the commercials said |
B.kids don’t enjoy eating candy, sugary cereal or junk food |
C.kids would see a lot of fast-food commercials on TV |
D.kids find pleasure in watching fast-food commercials |
The underlined phrase “be off the air” in Paragraph 5 probably means “________”.
A.not be broadcast | B.be in need |
C.become popular | D.be praised |
According to Michael Bloomberg, to fight child obesity, kids should ____________.
A.watch fewer cartoons | B.drink less sugary drinks |
C.not go to movie theaters | D.take more physical exercise |
When Peng Liyuan stepped off the plane in Moscow,the whole world wanted to know who dressed the elegant first lady.The reporter released the secret—Ma Ke.
Peng Liyuan has been wearing Ma Ke’s designs for more than a decade,a fact that was only highlighted recently when she was on her first state visit,accompanying her husband President Xi Jinping.The elegant and attractive Peng,formerly a popular singer,has been compared with the US’ first lady Michelle Obama and France’s Carla BruniSarkozy,since stepping off the airplane in Moscow on March 22.Suddenly,everyone was curious to know more about the first lady’s wardrobe.
Even so,Ma prefers a lowkey approach.“If you eat a tasty egg why would you want to see the hen?” she says of all the media attention.
Ma’s relationship with Peng began 10 years ago after a concert in Guangzhou when a reporter told Peng she knew the designer behind the label Exception de Mixmind.Peng asked for an introduction because she was a fan of Ma’s designs and had been wearing them for years.
The two naturally became friends.Ma says:“The painting reflects the painter,and clothes reflect both the designer and the wearer.Someone desires fame and wealth,or love and sympathy;what you have in your heart is reflected in the design.Those who don’t share my philosophy won’t buy my clothes.Peng is a caring person,devoted to charity and environmental protection,which is exactly what I’m doing now.”
However,regardless of the brand,Peng’s support of Chinese labels has surprised millions of Chinese who favor foreign fashion brands.
“Instead she presented a vision of Chinese fashion,desiring to bring Chinese designers to the world stage,” says a western designer.
The first lady’s doublebreasted coat and her black leather handbag aren’t available at any of Exception’s shops,though Exception’s physical stores do have seen a rising number of visitors.
The passage mainly discusses________.
A.the designer of the first lady Peng Liyuan’s dress,Ma Ke |
B.the friendship between Peng Liyuan and her designer |
C.Peng Liyuan’s clothes on her first state visit |
D.the reactions to Peng Liyuan’s first visit to Moscow |
In the underlined sentence in Paragraph 3 Ma Ke mentioned “an egg and the hen” to show________.
A.it is hard to explain “Which came first,the egg or the hen?” |
B.paying such great attention to her was unnecessary |
C.the outcome was more important than the process |
D.her dissatisfaction with the media attention on her dress |
What can be inferred from the passage?
A.First ladies compete with each other whenever they are together. |
B.Peng’s suits can be bought in Ma Ke’s clothes stores. |
C.Ma Ke offered to design the first lady’s clothes through her friends. |
D.Peng had liked Ma’s designs long before she got to know her in the flesh. |
In the passage,Peng Liyuan________.
A.often reflects on what she has in her heart before choosing clothes |
B.is sympathetic and has a strong environmental consciousness |
C.always desires the exceptional charm of the brand |
D.is knowledgeable in philosophy |
Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?
A.Peng wears the dress designed by a Chinese designer probably to support Chinese brands |
B.Many citizens found Peng Liyuan’s choice quite unexpected. |
C.Black leather handbags like Peng’s are widely sold in bag stores in big cities. |
D.After Peng Liyuan’s visit to Moscow Ma Ke’s clothes became more popular. |
University of Maryland student Ben Simon and his friends couldn’t stand to see good food thrown out on their campus.“We basically noticed that some of the extra food from the dining hall was going to waste at the end of the day.And we met with the dining services and asked them whether it would be okay if instead of throwing out the food we would donate it.And they were on board,” he said.
So 18 months ago,the students began what they call the Food Recovery Network.Each night,volunteers would show up at a campus dining hall to pick up leftovers and deliver them to area shelters and food banks.So far,they have donated more than 23 000 kilos of food that would otherwise have been thrown out.
Nationwide,$165 billion worth of food is wasted each year,according to the National Resources Defense Council.Spokesman Bob Keefe says that is about 40% of the country’s entire food production.“If we can reduce our waste in this country by 15%,we can feed 25 million hungry Americans.That is a huge benefit.That is what programs like this Food Recovery Network are doing,” he said.
Christian Life Center is one of the beneficiaries (受益者) of the students’ efforts.Ben Slye,the senior pastor (牧师),said,“It has been just amazing to see these students take their own time,their own vehicles and own gas money and be able to make an effort like this.Each week we are able with this food probably to feed over hundred people.”
The University of Maryland’s Food Recovery Network now has 200 volunteers and the program has expanded to 18 schools across the country.“I want to grow 18 chapters to a thousand chapters within five years.And once we get to the Food Recovery Nation being at every college campus in America,we want to expand to restaurants and farms.” said Simon.
The volunteers are committed to making that happen.
The dining services in University of Maryland________.
A.threw out good food on the campus |
B.supported the volunteers’ job |
C.enjoyed the talk with the students |
D.donated their leftovers to the poor |
Volunteers from the Food Recovery Network________.
A.started the Food Recovery Network two years ago |
B.delivered leftovers as well as money to shelters |
C.helped to solve the hunger issues in America |
D.donated leftovers to avoid food waste |
Ben Slye’s attitude toward the volunteers’ effort was that of________.
A.unconcern | B.doubt |
C.appreciation | D.opposition |
We can learn from the text that________.
A.over 40% of the country’s entire food is wasted each year |
B.altogether 25 million Americans suffer from hunger nowadays |
C.Simon aims to expand the program to restaurants and farms |
D.every college has started the Food Recovery Network |
What can be the best title for the text?
A.College Students Rescue Leftover Food |
B.Battles Against the Problem of Hunger |
C.How to Pick up Leftovers on College Campuses |
D.Waste Problems in University of Maryland |
PERTH—Search crews will send a submarine(潜航器)deep into the Indian Ocean on Monday for the first time to try to determine whether signals detected by sound-locating equipment are from the missing Malaysian plane's black boxes, the Australian head of the search said.
Angus Houst on said the crew on board the Ocean Shield will send the underwater vehicle sometime Monday evening. The Bluefin 21 submarine can create a sonar(声呐)map of the area to chartany wreckage(残骸)on the seafloor.
The move comes after crews picked up a series of underwater sounds over the past two weeks that were consistent with an aircraft's black boxes.
“We haven’t had a single detection in six days, and l guess it’s time to go under water,” said Houston.
“Analysis of the four signals has reduced the search area on the ocean floor. The experts have therefore determined that the Australian Defense Vessel Ocean Shield will stop searching with the Towed Pinger Locator(拖曳声波定位仪)later today and use the underwater vehicle Bluefin 21 as soon as possible," he said at a news conference in Perth.
But Houston warned the switch to the submarine will not automatically "result in the detection of the aircraft wreckage. It may not.”
He said the submarine will take 24 hours to do each task, including two hours to dive, 16 hours to search the bottom, then two more hours hack up and four hours to download data.
Recovering the plane's flight data and cockpit(飞行员座舱)voice recorders is necessary For investigators to try to figure out what happened to Flight 370, which disappeared on March 8.
Houston said the search using the submarine will be a slaw and painstaking process.
The submarine takes six times longer to cover the same area as the pinger locator,and will need about six weeks to two months to examine the present underwater zone. The signals are also coming from 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) below the surface, which is the deepest the submarine can dive.
The submarine will be sent deep into the Indian Ocean on Monday to _____ .
A.create a sonar trap of the area |
B.pick up underwater sounds |
C.see if the signals detected are from the target black boxes |
D.reduce the search area on the ocean floor |
According to the passage, the submarine_______ .
A.will download data of the black boxes |
B.can find the aircraft wreckage within 24 hours |
C.will recover the plane's flight data and voice recorder |
D.can dive to a depth of no more than 4,500 meters |
The underlined sentences in the passage indicate that______.
A.the switch of the submarine may not function properly |
B.the Ocean Shield will switch to submarine when it is necessary |
C.the submarine will detect the wreckage of the plane automatically |
D.the detection of the wreckage can't be guaranteed by using the submarine |
The search will be a slow and painstaking process, mainly because _____ .
A.the underwater sounds were consistent with an aircraft's black boxes |
B.the submarine travels slowly and the ocean is deep |
C.they haven't had a single detection in six days |
D.Ocean Shield stops searching wine the towed pinger locator |
Liyuan style
Peng Liyuan,wife of President Xi Jinping, has drawn extensive attention from people both at home and abroad for her charisma and grace. Accompanying her husband on his first overseas trip after becoming president, Peng Liyuan exhibited graceful demeanor, a pleasant personality and well-chosen dress, prompting people to coin the term “Liyuan style”.
Peng Liyuan, as one of China’s best-known singers, was popular among Chinese people long before her husband became the president. Loved by her fans, she has been in touch with the people for years.
“Liyuan style” is not only representative of a fashion idol, but also overpass cultural and diplomatic barriers. The beautiful handbags Peng has carried, and the plain but elegant and delicate dresses she has worn have become popular. Her choice of clothing, made-in-China instead of luxurious foreign brands, shows her belief in domestic dress designs.
But “Liyuan style” is not only about clothing and a woman’s paraphernalia. It is also about diplomacy and promoting, China’s soft power. In Moscow, Peng visited a boarding school for orphans and children estranged(疏远)from their parents, encouraging them to strive for a better life, which brought out the maternal side of her character. In Tanzania, she donated sewing machines and school bags to women and children. And as a World Health Organization ambassador in the fight against AIDS, Peng is devoted to many public causes, including those relating to charity and healthcare.
Some observers have already started saying that Peng’s activities have become part of public diplomacy in China.
Also, “Liyuan style” has boosted the confidence of the Chinese people. Modern but not flashy, elegant but not arrogant, Peng has all the virtues of a Chinese woman and carries them to the international stage.
Since the 18th Party Congress and the annual sessions of the NPC and CPPCC, the country’s new leadership has vowed to adopt a down-to-earth work style to connect with the people. Peng’s plain but elegant style shows that thriftiness and an earthy style need not be drab and boring.
So it can be said that Peng’s first appearance on the international stage has kicked off well.
What’s the meaning of the underline word “paraphernalia”?
A.Things she carried with | B.Her self-charm |
C.Her diplomatic measures | D.Her support to her husband |
This passage is mainly about .
A.President Xi’s wife Peng |
B.Peng liyuan’s charming character |
C.a cultural phenomenon named as “Liyuan style” |
D.the achievements of Peng on charity and healthcare. |
Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A.Peng firstly appears in the pubic as the “First Lady” in Moscow. |
B.“Liyuan style” is only a fashion idol. |
C.Peng Liyuan, as the wife of President Xi, admires lots of Luxurious brands. |
D.Pend Liyuan is willing to fight against AIDS and become an ambassador of WHO. |
Tony Burke, Australia’s environment minister, says he won’t decide until next year whether the koala should be protected as an endangered species. He was expected to make his decision by the end of October. But that decision has been put off. Burke said he needed more time to go over the latest information about the koala’s population.
In September, an Australian Senate committee reported that there was no question the koala’s population is on the decrease. “But they may not yet be eligible(符合条件的)—for listing as a threatened species,” said Senator Doug Cameron. “To have such a significant Australian icon(偶 像) included on the threatened species list would be a national shame.”
The koala is found only in the eucalyptus(桉树) forests of Australia. And its population is reported to have fallen sharply for many reasons, including the cutting down of forests to make way for human beings’ development, their own illness, climate change and killings by other animals such as wild dogs. And every year many koalas are hit by cars as they are trying to cross the busy roads.
Putting off the decision on protection for the koala “is really bad news,” said Debbie Pointing the president of the Koala Action Group. “We’ve worked tirelessly for many years to gather data on the populations,” Pointing said. “That data should be enough to make a decision.”
However, Burke pointed out that the Australian government had spent at least $6.3 milion on koala conservation efforts since 1996. Senators listed efforts that are already underway in Queensland-the construction of special koala bridges as well as fences along roads, to keep the animals out harm’s way.
Some people say that is not enough. “What we’re doing at the moment is likely to drive this species to extinction,” Queensland University zoologist Bill Ellis said.
“Koalas are an iconic Australian animal,” Burke told Australians. “They hold a special place in the hearts of Australians.”
But it is a fact that if more isn’t done to protect the koala, they might soon hold a place only in Australians’ memories.
Tony Burke put off announcing the koala as an endangered species because .
A.he needed more time to examine the latest information |
B.he doubted whether koalas’ number is decreasing |
C.he was thinking about ways to protect koalas |
D.he had more important issues to deal with |
What is Paragraph 3 mainly about?
A.The habitat of the koala. |
B.Australia’s traffic problems. |
C.The importance of koalas for Australians. |
D.Reasons for the decrease of the koala population. |
According to the text, Debbie Pointing thinks that .
A.the construction of special koala bridges is of little use |
B.koalas becoming less important in Australians’ hearts |
C.the government is to blame for the decreasing koala population |
D.the government should announce the koala as an endangered species |
It can be learned from the text that Tony Burke .
A.thought the government has done much for koalas |
B.called on Australians to take care of the koala |
C.decided to construct more fences along roads |
D.was optimistic about the koala’s future |
As many as 4 out of every 1,000 infants born today have permanent hearing loss. When parents learn that their child has hearing loss, they are faced with many difficult decisions. These decisions can include choosing therapies and schools, as well as finding financial help for hearing aids or cochlear implants (人工耳蜗). Help Me Hear Foundation is a public charity that gives the gift of hearing to deaf children from families existing on very low incomes around the world. The foundation offers life-changing services for impoverished families, and provides real help for children with hearing impairment who may otherwise be left behind in schools or society due to their lack of hearing.
Help Me Hear Foundation believes that a child’s first years of development are critical. Being able to hear is vital to human, and Help Me Hear Foundation seeks to provide a positive lasting impression on society through its programs. Help Me Hear Foundation has many goals, including relieving the burden on communities with hearing-impaired infants and children, and strengthening the social structure of families and neighborhoods.
Recipients of Help Me Hear Foundation’s benefits receive state-of-the-art hearing devices that otherwise would cost thousands of dollars per child over the course of their lifetime. The Foundation raises money through donations for hearing aids and cochlear implants, which saves recipients and their families on average over $50,000 on related expenses.
The Foundation tries to be a transparent charity, and wants to be a catalyst for allowing deaf and hearing-impaired children to develop in a typical fashion alongside their peers.
Needy families can obtain information on specific services, and find out about deafness education by visiting the Help Me Hear Foundation’s website. The website offers helpful information on how hearing aids work, and how hearing aids ease many of the learning and language challenges that hearing-impaired children deal with on a daily basis.
Help Me Hear Foundation was probably set up to _____.
A.build schools for deaf children |
B.research deaf children’s behavior |
C.protect deaf children from being ignored |
D.offer real help to poor deaf children |
We learn from the text that _____.
A.the local government is in charge of the foundation |
B.the work of the foundation depends on donations |
C.even blind children can turn to the foundation |
D.poor deaf African children cannot get help from the foundation |
Visit the foundation’s website, and you will learn about _____.
A.the function of hearing aids |
B.the specific services the foundation needs |
C.the challenges that children face every day |
D.the prices of a variety of hearing aids |
For whom is the text most probably written?
A.Poor parents who have deaf children. |
B.Doctors who want to improve skills. |
C.Students who cannot see the blackboard clearly. |
D.Teachers who have deaf children in their class. |
The author writes the text mainly to _____.
A.tell how to avoid permanent hearing loss |
B.explain how hard a life deaf children live |
C.introduce Help Me Hear Foundation |
D.advise people to give money to Help Me Hear Foundation |
BBC Sports program Sunday.
We are currently planning our Volunteer Program, which will ensure volunteers are trained and ready to go for 2012.Up to 70,000 volunteers will be needed to help put on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Our program will aim to encourage a wide range of people to join in. We will provide the training to make sure our volunteers' skills are of the highest standard. London 2012 is an opportunity to inspire everyone to develop their interests and volunteer—in sport and also more widely within their community.
Applications will open in the late 2011.We'll recruit(招募) volunteers from across the UK—from a range of communities and backgrounds. Our recruitment process will be open and fair. Our goal is to select applicants who meet our standards and who will bring passion, enthusiasm and energy to the Games. Previous volunteering experience is not necessary. We'll give each successful applicant a specific role, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the Games. There will be two kinds of Games volunteer—specialist and generalist.
Specialist volunteers will have specific existing skills or qualifications that are needed for them to complete the role, for example, sport or medical training.
Generalist volunteers will not need any special skills or qualifications and will receive full training. They might be given roles in areas such as event services, uniform distribution (分发) and village operations. All volunteers will be expected to attend training events that will give them the knowledge they need to carry out their role.
There are lots of charities and sporting organizations that are looking for volunteers to help them. While you are waiting for applications for the London 2012 volunteer program to open in the late 2011, why not consider getting involved locally? You can find opportunities to volunteer in a range of activities in your local area by following the links on the right hand side of this page or make local enquiries about the needs in your community.
Where will you probably find this article?
A.In a newspaper. | B.On a webpage. |
C.In a magazine. | D.In a textbook |
Who can apply to become a volunteer in the 2012 Olympics?
A.People from some English-speaking countries. |
B.People with volunteering experience. |
C.People who meet the standards. |
D.People with a knowledge of the Olympic history. |
Which of the following statements is WRONG?
A.Two kinds of volunteers will be needed. |
B.Specialist volunteers do not have to attend training events. |
C.Applications will not be accepted until 20. |
D.Generalist volunteers will be fully trained. |
What can you do in July, 2011?
A.Do some volunteering work locally. |
B.Apply to become a volunteer in the 2012 Olympics. |
C.Get trained in the Volunteer Program. |
D.Join in the Olympic Games. 64-67 BCBA |
An idea that started in Seattle's public library has spread throughout America and beyond. The concept is simple: help to build a sense of community in a city by getting everyone to read the same book at the same time.
In addition to encouraging reading as a pursuit (追求) to be enjoyed by all, the program allows strangers to communicate by discussing the book on the bus, as well as promoting reading as an experience to be shared in families and schools. The idea came from Seattle librarian Nancy Pearl who launched (发起)the "If All of Seattle Read the Same Book " project in 1998. Her original program used author visits, study guides and book discussion groups to bring people together with a book, but the idea has since expanded to many other American cities, and even to Hong Kong.
In Chicago, the mayor(市长)appeared on television to announce the choice of To Kill a Mockingbird as the first book in the "One Book, One Chicago" program. As a result, reading clubs and neighbourhood groups sprang up around the city. Across the US, stories emerged of parents and children reading to each other at night and strangers chatting away on the bus about plot and character.
The only problem arose in New York, where local readers could not decide on one book to represent the huge and diverse population. This may show that the idea works best in medium-sized cities or large towns, where a greater sense of unity(一致)can be achieved .Or it may show that New Yorkers rather missed the point, putting all their energy and passion into the choice of the book rather than discussion about a book itself.
Ultimately, as Nancy points out, the level of success is not measured by how many people read a book, but by how many people are enriched by the process, or have enjoyed speaking to someone with whom they would not otherwise have shared a word.
What is the purpose of the project launched by Nancy?
A.To invite authors to guide readers. |
B.To encourage people to read and share. |
C.To involve people in community service. |
D.To promote the friendship between cities. |
Why was it difficult for New Yorkers to carry out the project?
A.They had little interest in reading. |
B.They were too busy to read a book. |
C.They came from many different backgrounds |
D.They lacked support from the local government |
The underlined words “shared a word” in Paragraph 5 probably mean
A.exchanged ideas with each other |
B.discussed the meaning of a word |
C.gained life experience |
D.used the same language |
According to Nancy, the degree of success of the project is judged by
A.the careful selection of a proper book |
B.the growing popularity of the writers |
C.the number of people who benefit from reading. |
D.the number of books that each person reads. |
(NEW YORK) A French tourist highly praised for rescuing a two-year-old girl in Manhattan said he didn’t think twice before diving into the freezing East River.
Tuesday’s Daily News said 29-year-old Julien Duret from France was the man who left the spot quickly after the rescue last Saturday.
He lifted the little girl out of the water after she fell off the bank at the South Street Seaport museum. He handed the girl to her father, David Anderson, who had dived in after him.
“I didn’t think at all,” Duret told the Daily News. “It happened very fast. I reacted very fast.”
Duret, an engineer on vacation, was walking with his girlfriend along the pier(码头) when he saw something falling into the water. He thought it was a doll, but realized it was a child when he approached the river. Immediately, he took off his coat and jumped into the water.
When he reached the girl, she appeared lifeless, he said. Fortunately, when she was out of the water, she opened her eyes.
Anderson said his daughter slipped off the bank when he was adjusting his camera. An ambulance came later for her, said Duret, who was handed dry clothes from onlookers. Duret caught a taxi with his girlfriend shortly after.
The rescue happened on the day before he left for France. Duret said he didn’t realize his story of heroism had greatly moved New York until he was leaving the city the next morning.
“I don’t really think I’m a hero,” said Duret. “Anyone would do the same thing.”
Why was Duret in New York?
A.To meet his girlfriend. | B.To spend his holiday. |
C.To work as an engineer. | D.To visit the Andersons. |
What did Duret do shortly after the ambulance came?
A.He was interviewed by a newspaper. |
B.He went to the hospital in the ambulance. |
C.He disappeared from the spot quickly. |
D.He asked his girlfriend for his dry clothes. |
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A.Duret thought twice before he jumped into the cold water. |
B.Duret dived into the water before the girl’s father. |
C.The rescue happened on the day Duret left for France. |
D.Duret didn’t think he was brave enough to be a hero. |
What is probably the headline of this news report?
A.A Careless Father | B.A Poor Girl |
C.Warm-hearted Onlookers | D.Brave Frenchman Found |
New research shows sheep are clever
People often make jokes about how dull sheep are, but new research shows they may be cleverer than we think. Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that Welsh mountain sheep have brainpower that equals rodents (啮齿动物). Tests found that the sheep can map the area they live in, and some may even be able to plan ahead.
Young fish prefer noisy neighbors
A new study has shown that young fish like to live on reefs with noisy neighbors! Researchers from the universities of Auckland and Bristol found that young fish looking for a home choose areas where other noisy fish live. The scientists produced all kinds of sounds which had been recorded in different natural environments. The young fish seemed to prefer the sounds of natural reefs, complete with noisy animals! The scientists compared the choice to a music fan wandering around at a music festival, choosing to set up a tent closest to the music they like best!
Butterflies are disappearing
A new study has shown that 17 species (物种) of butterfly found in Europe have dropped by 70% in the last 20 years. The information collected from 3,000 sites across 15 countries shows it may be caused by the loss (减少) of grasslands covered with flowers. You can encourage butterflies to come into your garden by planting flowers.
What is the passage mainly about?
A.Some new studies about animals. |
B.People’s wrong ideas about animals. |
C.Why the number of animals has dropped. |
D.The importance of protecting animals. |
According to the first paragraph, we may infer that sheep _____.
A.are less clever than rodents |
B.can find their home |
C.can read maps |
D.are good planners |
Which seems to have to do with the number of butterflies?
A.The species of grass in grasslands. |
B.The species of trees in grasslands. |
C.The number of flowers in grasslands. |
D.The number of animals in grasslands. |
In which part of a newspaper can we most probably read the passage?
A.Geography. | B.Culture. | C.Travel. | D.Nature. |
A father with Parkinson's disease was arrested as he watched the Olympic cycling road race because he failed to smile or look as if he was enjoying himself.
Mark Worsfold, a martial arts trainer and former soldier, claims that he was thrown to the floor and handcuffed just as cyclists passed by. His worried wife Nicola only found out he was being held after she reported him missing when he did not turn up for their daughter's ninth birthday party. The 54yearold man had his fingerprints, DNA and mugshot taken before being questioned about why he did not appear to be enjoying the event on July 28. Police said Mr. Worsfold, who was held for over five hours, was arrested because of his manner,his state of dress and his being too near to the course. A spokesman added that the arrest was necessary to avoid a breach(破坏) of the peace because he was standing near a group of protesters(抗议者).
But Mr. Worsfold, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2010, said that one of the symptoms of the disease is muscle rigidity, which can cause his face to become expressionless. “I was sitting minding my own business”, he told a local newspaper. “Before I knew anything the police grabbed me off this sevenfoot wall, threw me to the floor and handcuffed me, so all I saw of the cycle race was between the feet of people from the pavement. It could have been done better. I was arrested for not smiling. I have Parkinson's disease.”
Mr. Worsfold has since asked for a letter of not being guilty from police. The officers who made the arrest have apologized to him.
Which word can be used to replace the underlined word “mugshot” in the second paragraph?
A.Clothes. | B.Photos. | C.Measures. | D.Tools. |
Which statement is TRUE according to the passage?
A.Worsfold's wife was immediately informed of his being arrested by the police. |
B.Worsfold was arrested because he was extremely dangerous. |
C.Worsfold enjoyed the cycle race though he saw it between the feet of people from the pavement. |
D.Worsfold was arrested because of his clothes as well as his facial expression. |
What can we infer from the passage?
A.The officers must have been punished for Worsfold's arrest. |
B.Worsfold has an expressionless face and probably looks strong. |
C.The officers apologized to Worsfold after one day's arrest. |
D.Worsfold was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease four years ago. |
STARBUCKS China yesterday renamed a newlyopened outlet near one of Buddhism's most famous temples after a wave of controversy over what critics called a “cultural invasion”.
The coffee shop in Hangzhou had opened as the Lingyin Temple Starbucks, leading some people to believe it was located inside the renowned temple.
However, the company said in a statement yesterday that the coffee shop was actually in the Lingyin scenic area, about 20 minutes' walk from the temple's entrance.It was said the outlet would now be known as the Lingyin Starbucks.
Wang Shan, deputy director of the Lingyin office of the West Lake Administration in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, said, “Actually, the coffee house is a long distance from the temple.It is located in the tourist service area on Lingyin Road outside of the temple, as part of the supporting facilities.”
The temple's administration urged the cafe to change its name to make it clear that it was not located inside the temple.
In a heated online debate, critics said the U.S.chain's commercial style would spoil the serenity that an oriental Buddhism temple should embrace.
Supporters, however, said that the talk of an “invasion” was misplaced as the outlet was not inside the temple but on a nearby commercial street where a KFC restaurant and a shopping mall had been open for more than six months.
The incident follows calls in 2009 to stop an earlier “cultural invasion” when the Seattlebased coffee chain had to move its outlet out of Beijing's Forbidden City seven years after it opened.
Critics urged closure of the outlet, which they said was a “humiliation” for a culture exemplified by the ancient buildings.
Why did the temple's administration urge the cafe to change its name?
A.To attract the tourists. |
B.To tell the public the coffee outlet doesn't lie inside the temple. |
C.To obey the government. |
D.To do something to protect the temple. |
Why did the Seattlebased coffee chain have to move its outlet out of Beijing's Forbidden City?
A.Because the Seattlebased coffee chain was thought as an earlier “cultural invasion”. |
B.Because it changed Chinese culture. |
C.Because the Seattlebased coffee chain earned much more money than the temples. |
D.Because the Seattlebased coffee chain closed the shops by itself. |
What's the best title of this passage?
A.Coffee shop's new outlet deletes the word “temple”. |
B.Cultural invasion. |
C.Starbucks chain invasion. |
D.Seattlebased coffee chain's invasion. |
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