Few Asians are Christian but people across the vast continent are embracing the holiday as a great excuse for shopping,partying and even romance.

Christmas lights brighten shopping streets in cities from Beijing to Colombo,while images of Santa Claus and deer decorate office buildings,shops and restaurants.

  Shopping malls in Indonesia,the country with the largest number of Muslims,play carols like Silent Night and Jingle Bells through speakers during the yearend holiday season.

  "Most workers here are Muslim,but we also celebrate Christmas just like we celebrate Id al-Fitr (开斋节) .We are complementing each other with these clothes and decoration," said Jakarta restaurant receptionist Lina Novianti,wearing a red Santa Claus hat.

  Every year the Indonesian president and top officials attend national Christmas celebrations with church groups.

  In China,Christmas Eve has become one of the biggest party nights of the year for young professionals.

  "Bars,karaoke halls,restaurants,they all get completely packed on Christmas Eve,"

said Zu Min,who sells Christmas trees and wreaths (花环) ."More and more Chinese people are buying Christmas trees now."

Tinsel (金属线条) has even been put up inside commercial aircraft that fly from Colombo to Jaffna.

  "We celebrate Christmas because my kids insist on it. We decorate the house and have a Christmas tree so my kids will be happy," said a mother-of-two,laden with gifts.

  In Japan,Christmas Eve has taken on a meaning similar to Valentine's Day being the time for romance among young couples.

(   ) 5. The best title of this article can be         .

   A. The Coming of Christmas Day

   B. Asia Celebrates Christmas Happily

   C. Are You Shopping at the Christmas Day

   D. The Chinese Are Embracing the Christmas

(   ) 6. We can infer from the passage that         .

   A. the presidents and top officials from all the Asian countries will attend their national Christmas

   B. not only the Christian but also people all over the world enjoy the Christmas Day

   C. Christmas Eve has not yet become the colorful party nights of the year for the youth

   D. young Japanese regard only Valentine's Day as the time for romance

(   ) 7. According to the passage,which of the following activity will the people NOT do to celebrate Christmas Day?

   A. Ladies rush into the town for their Christmas shopping.

   B. People invite many friends to a big party.

   C. Lovers send gifts,such as roses,chocolates,to each other.

   D. People all wear red Santa Claus hat,walking in the street.

(   ) 8. When you visit Indonesia on the Christmas Day,you will probably find         .

   A. all the Muslims stay at home,celebrating Eid al-Fitr

   B. all the residents join together in the street,enjoying delicious dinner

   C. the shops and supermarkets are all closed

   D. the Christmas songs float here and there

  They will soon fast track a new resort at Inuvik,on the Arctic Ocean. It will be extremely popular,mainly because it will be the only beach resort left where people can enjoy a nice cool swim. A six lane (车道) highway will be built so people from across North America can easily access the resort with their SUV's and Winnebagos.

  By 2010 parts of the southern States will be abandoned due to the heat and the extreme weather. So,the parts of Las Vegas that can be moved will be moved to Inuvik,along with a bunch of shopping malls.

  Immediately next to the beach will be a huge iceberg,made out of white plastic. Penguins and pandas,by popular demand,will be placed on the top; elephants and giraffes will be imported to run around on a platform at the base of the iceberg. Unfortunately the plastic,of course,will soon damage the feet of the animals,so they will all have to wear pink booties. So,as all the animals proudly walk around in their booties,all the Americans will agree that,although Inuvik isn't a Disneyland or a Las Vegas,it certainly is a nice cool place.

  In 2010,most of the people in the southern United States will escape the fires,heat,hurricanes,tornados,snow,and flooding by heading north to the Arctic Ocean where they will settle in the resort city of Inuvik. This location not only has a cool ocean to swim in,but at the end of the beach there are two real trees to enjoy. Those trees will look strong and healthy,because they will be nourished and protected by a team of 140 dedicated workers,24 hours a day.

  In late June,tourists in Inuvik will love to enjoy themselves for 20 hours a day in real sunshine (which will be mostly smog free,as long as the wind blows from the north) . In the winter,Inuvik will be even busier. It will attract people from around the globe who want to adapt to global warming by escaping.

  The escape will last all night long,and in Inuvik in December,that means the party goes on for 24 hours. At the end of the night,as the party comes to an end,everyone will have a chance to pause and relax,then they can plunge into the next night's party. Inuvik will be the most popular resort on the planet.

(   ) 1. Why will Inuvik become an extremely popular resort in 2010,according to the passage?

   A. Tourists can enjoy themselves together with some animals.

   B. People can enjoy a nice cool summer in Inuvik.

   C. Las Vegas will have been moved to Inuvik.

   D. Almost all the highways are built for people to go there.

(   ) 2. What do you know about the huge iceberg next to the beach of Inuvik?

   A. It is just the iceberg that caused the sinking of Titanic.

   B. It will be made up of many small icebergs on the Arctic Ocean.

   C. Another Disneyland may be set up on the huge iceberg.

   D. The manmade iceberg will attract many tourists from around the globe.

(   ) 3. In 2010,people in the southern United States will         .

   A. have to struggle against many natural disasters as well as the slavery

   B. make a living by raising penguins and whales

   C. head north to the Arctic Ocean and settle there

   D. try to prevent themselves from the sunshine

(   ) 4. Which of the following is true?

   A. In winter,Inuvik,the new resort will be quite silent.

   B. Inuvik may be a movable resort in 2010.

   C. Inuvik attract tourists from the globe not only in summer but also in winter.

   D. There will be no Inuit in Inuvik in 2010.

  He held out the little red felt pillow and pointed to its tiny pocket,which held a quarter,instead of a tooth. "Look,mom!Look what the tooth fairy 1        me. Twentyfive cents!"

  I 2       his excitement,and we chatted for a few minutes about the 3        to which he would put his new wealth. I returned to my kitchen 4       ,but he lingered ，silent,a thoughtful look on his face. "Mom ," he 5      ,"is there really a tooth fairy,or do you put this money in my tooth pillow and take away my tooth?"

  6       I knew I would have to answer such questions,but in spite of seven years of preparation,I hadn't really thought through a 7       reply. I stalled (拖延) for time by asking, "What do you think,Simon?"

  "Could be 8      ," he reasoned. "It seems like something you would do,but I know some things are 9       ,too."

  "What would you like to think?" I 10,still uncertain about whether or not I was about to 11        his heart.

  "It doesn't really matter," he said with 12       "I like it either way. If there is a tooth fairy,that's pretty exciting,and if it's you,that's pretty nice,too."

  I concluded that no disappointment would 13        my answer,so I confessed to being his benefactor,and he 14        satisfyingly. I then cautioned him not to say 15        to his younger brother,explaining , " Each child is entitled to the magic 16        he or she is ready to ask the question that you did today. Do you understand that?"

  "Yes ," he said,17       He took great pride in his older brother 18       ,and I knew he would never spoil anything 19       . I considered the matter closed,but still he lingered in the kitchen.

  "Is there something else,Simon?" I asked.

  "Just one 20        question,mom. Does dad know?"

(   ) 1. A. gave   B. left   C. put   D. laid

(   ) 2. A. shared   B. accepted   C. understood   D. refused

(   ) 3. A. source   B. amount   C. purpose   D. quality

(   ) 4. A. games   B. activities   C. sports   D. lessons

(   ) 5. A. sighed   B. considered   C. confirmed   D. hesitated

(   ) 6. A. In surprise   B. Of course   C. In excitement   D. To my joy

(   ) 7. A. correct   B. wonderful   C. suitable   D. quick

(   ) 8. A. either   B. neither   C. both   D. none

(   ) 9. A. false   B. magic   C. true   D. bad

(   ) 10. A. said   B. paused   C. started   D. continued

(   ) 11. A. mend   B. break   C. kill   D. capture

(   ) 12. A. confidence   B. excitement   C. sadness   D. disappointment

(   ) 13. A. make for   B. result from   C. lead to   D. get from

(   ) 14. A. smiled   B. responded   C. wondered   D. murmured

(   ) 15. A. nothing   B. everything   C. anything   D. something

(   ) 16. A. before   B. when   C. until   D. after

(   ) 17. A. thinking   B. nodding   C. smiling   D. moving

(   ) 18. A. power   B. height   C. grade   D. role

(   ) 19. A. accidently   B. intentionally   

       C. continuously   D. contentedly

(   ) 20. A. much   B. many   C. more   D. most

  Extremely hot weather is common in many parts of the world. Although hot weather just makes most people feel hot,it can cause serious medical problems―even death. Recently,extreme heat was blamed for killing more than one hundred people in India. Experts say heat may be nature's deadliest killer.

  The total heat of a hot day or several hot days can affect health. Several hot days are considered a heat wave. Experts say heat waves often become dangerous when the nighttime temperature does not drop much from the highest daytime temperature. This causes great stress on the human body.

  The most common health problem linked to hot weather is heat stress. The causes of heat stress include wearing heavy clothing,physical work or exercise,hot weather or high humidity (湿度) .

  Untreated heat stress can lead to a more serious problem called heat exhaustion. A person suffering from heat exhaustion loses too much water through perspiration (流汗) .The person becomes dehydrated. Heat exhaustion also can lead to heat stroke if it is not treated. Heat stroke is the most serious disorder linked to hot weather.

  Generally,the body temperature rises to more than forty degrees Celsius. The body stops perspiring. The skin becomes dry and very hot. A person may become unconscious,not knowing what is happening.

  Health experts say adults should drink about two liters of water a day to replace all the water lost in liquid wastes and perspiration.

  In hot weather,drinking cool liquids is best. Cool drinks do more than just replace lost body water. They also help cool us faster than warm liquids do. This is because they take up more heat inside the body and carry it away faster. Yet experts advise against drinking sweet liquids in hot weather. The sugar they contain slows the liquid from getting into the blood system. Doctors also warn against alcoholic drinks. Alcohol speeds the loss of body water through liquid wastes.

  Doctors say actions other than drinking water can protect against the health dangers of heat. Stay out of the sun,if possible. Wear loose,lightweight and lightcolored clothes. Also,rest more often. Physical activity produces body heat.

  Experts say these simple steps can prevent the dangerous health problems linked to heat. They will prevent sickness,help you feel better and may one day even save your life.

(   ) 5. The example in the first paragraph indicates that         .

   A. India is not a suitable place for people to live in

   B. extreme heat can be deadly and fatal

   C. extreme heat is the main cause for death in India

   D. Indian government is to blame for not taking active measures

(   ) 6. Which of the following is NOT the cause of heat stress?

   A. Low humidity.

   B. Hot weather.

   C. Wearing heavy clothing.

   D. Physical exercise.

(   ) 7. What does the underlined word "dehydrated" mean in Paragraph 4?

   A. The body stops perspiring.

   B. The body temperature is high.

   C. The body loses much salt through perspiration.

   D. The body loses large amounts of body water.

(   ) 8. What can we learn from the passage?

   A. We should drink cool liquids and sweet liquids in hot weather.

   B. Drink plenty of water can solve the problem of heat exhaustion.

   C. When the body temperature is over 40 degrees Celsius,a person is sure to die.

   D. Physical activity can help us prevent the dangerous problems linked to heat.

   Net Library is a library that lends out digital books. It treats a digital like a paperback copy. It charges libraries per book per copy and gives publishers a cut of the total income.

  From the consumer's point of view,this means that if more than five people want the latest Danielle Steel romance novel,other people who request that book will get a message saying the title can't be found.

  It's a model many publishers seem to have embraced. More than 350 publishers gave the company rights to hand out their digital works,and McGraw-Hill Corporation and Houghton Mifflin Corporation have put money in to the company. The California public libraries and about 1,800 others across the US are trying out the Net Library service.

  Some librarians criticize the New Library model. Stanford University librarian Michael Keller argues that the company is creating an unnatural fear of digital works,which is contrary to the ideas of the Internet.

  Keller and some other librarians argue for the ebook vision set forth by E-Brary. E-Brary is starting a service that lets us users read books for free.

  But it will charge about 25 cents a page when a person tries to print out material or copy and paste it into a different file or tries to download copy onto a computer.

  Christopher Warnock,chief executive of E-Brary,believes most consumers won't want to buy entire books,only the parts that interest them.

  "There's not really a lot of good in owning an electronic file and having to store it and manage it. It doesn't make sense," he said.

(   ) 1. How do publishers get money from the Net Library?

   A. They get money by cutting the cost of the books.

   B. They share the money with the Net Library.

   C. They get the money from the readers.

   D. They get money from selling their books to the Net Library.

(   ) 2. The underlined word "embraced" in the 3rd paragraph means         .

   A. taken something willingly   B. disliked something badly

   C. tried out something hard   D. held something tightly

(   ) 3. From the 2nd paragraph we can see consumers         .

   A. don't like other people borrowing books

   B. don't care if they are charged money

   C. enjoy the service of the Net Library

   D. complain about the limited number of the new books

(   ) 4. What does the last paragraph mean?

   A. E-Brary is not a good library for the consumers.

   B. There is no need for consumers to have a whole book.

   C. Net Library is not a good way for the consumers.

   D. It's reasonable to charge the consumers money for copying some pages.

 An eight-year-old child heard her parents talking about her little brother. All she knew was that he was very sick and they had no money left. When she heard her daddy say to her 1        mother with whispered desperation, " 2       a miracle can save him now," the little girl went to her bedroom and took out her piggy bank. She 3       all the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Then she 4        her way six blocks to the local drugstore. "And what do you want?" asked the chemist.

  "It's 5       my little brother," the girl answered back. "He's really,really sick and I want to buy a 6       . His name is Andrew and he has something 7        growing inside his head and my daddy says only a miracle can save him."

  "We don't 8        miracles here,child. I'm sorry," the chemist said,smiling 9       at the little girl.

  In the shop was a 10       customer. He stooped (弯腰) down and asked the little girl, "What kind of miracle does your brother 11       ?"

  "I don't know," she replied. "He's really sick and mommy says he needs 12        But my daddy can't pay for it,so I have brought my 13      .”

  "How much do you have?" asked the man.

  "One dollar and eleven cents,14       I can try and get some more”，she answered quietly.

  "Well,what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven cents―the 15       price of a miracle for little brother. 16       me to where you live. I want to see your brother and 17        your parents."

 That welldressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong,a surgeon. The operation was completed without 18        and it wasn't long before Andrew was 19        again and doing well.

  The little girl was happy. She knew exactly how much the miracle cost ... one dollar and eleven cents ... plus the 20         of a little child.

(   ) 1. A. tearful   B. hopeful   C. lovely   D. kind

(   ) 2. A. Simply   B. Just   C. Only   D. Helpfully

(   ) 3. A. drew   B. pulled   C. took   D. poured

(   ) 4. A. followed   B. made   C. fought   D. found

(   ) 5. A. to   B. towards   C. for   D. on

(   ) 6. A. hope   B. doctor   C. favor   D. miracle

(   ) 7. A. bad   B. small   C. extra   D. big

(   ) 8. A. process   B. offer   C. sell   D. store

(   ) 9. A. angrily   B. sadly   C. tightly   D. coldly

(   ) 10. A. welldressed   B. kindhearted   C. wellbehaved   D. goodlooking

(   ) 11. A. want   B. need   C. appreciate   D. like

(   ) 12. A. a doctor   B. a surgeon   C. an operation   D. a kindness

(   ) 13. A. savings   B. cash   C. wishes   D. ideas

(   ) 14. A. since   B. as   C. after   D. but

(   ) 15. A. same   B. exact   C. proper   D. necessary

(   ) 16. A. Show   B. Help   C. Take   D. Follow

(   ) 17. A. help   B. encourage   C. persuade   D. meet

(   ) 18. A. difficulty   B. delay   C. charge   D. result

(   ) 19. A. happy   B. well   C. strong   D. home

(   ) 20. A. cleverness   B. faith   C. courage   D. responsibility

 某英文报开辟了"编读互动"栏目。请根据下表提供的材料，给此报写一封英文信。

2008年2月底，教育部宣布从当年3月至第二年7月，在全国200所中小学开展京剧进课堂试点活动，试点后将逐步在全国推广。此消息一发布立即弓I起人们的广泛讨论。请你作为武汉市的一名学生代表，参与此项讨论。

根据你的理解，用英语给编辑写一封信，表达你的意见和建议。注意：

1. 开头已经写好。

2. 词数:120词左右(已给出的开头部分不计词数) 。

3. 参考词汇：a pilot program试点计划;Peking Opera京剧;privilege特惠待遇，特权； controversy争论，争议。

Dear Editor,At the end of February,2008,the Ministry of Education announced a pilot program,start?ing in March this year and ending in July next year,to add Peking Opera to music classes in200 primary and secondary schools,and then spread it throughout the country,which immediately aroused great controversy.

生词提示

a pilot program试点计戈ij; Peking Opera京剧;appreciate欣赏;controversy争论，争议; promotion提升;privilege特惠待遇，特权；overburden负担过重

 In white shirt,blue pants,black cloth shoes and two pigtails,Jingqiu gives off an air of great "pure beauty" in Zhang Yimou's new movie Under the Hawthorn Tree.

  The film tells the story of the sad romance of Jingqiu and a handsome young man named Laosan. Set at the end of the "cultural revolution" (1966-1976) ，the pair managed to fall in love although they came from different political environments.

  Before it was released,moviegoers speculated on just what this "pure beauty" could be. Director Zhang complained of how long it had taken him to find the right girl for the part of Jingqiu―a character so innocent that she believed simply lying on the same bed with a man would make her pregnant.

  It was 18-year-old Zhou Dongyu who stood out from the crowd. According to Zhang,Zhou had "eyes that are clear like a fountain on a mountainside". Born of an ordinary worker's family,the Shijiazhuang girl was in her final year of high school and working hard for a place in an art college.

  While some teenagers consider such " pure beauty" illusory,others believe that it speaks of something soulful.

  Purity is all about the innocence that shines through from within,thinks 16-year-old Tan Mengxi of Nanjing.

  "Being pure can be simple,not having complicated thoughts and being inexperienced. However,it doesn't mean an ignorant or naive person. So,a person is pure in his or her nature if he or she is always enthusiastic and able to deal with difficult matters independently. This purity doesn't pass with time," she said. 

(   ) 5. What image does Jingqiu give to audiences in the movie Under the Hawthorn Tree"!

   A. A simple girl. B. A pure girl.

   C. A romantic girl. D. A silent girl.

(   ) 6. What kind of girls looks pure according to the passage?

   A. A girl in white shirt,blue pants,black cloth shoes and two pigtails.

   B. A girl has eyes that are clear like a fountain on a mountainside.

   C. A girl who was born into an ordinary worker's family.

   D. A girl wears accessories and makeup.

(   ) 7. What's the opinion of Tan Mengxi about purity?

   A. It is of whether someone is ignorant or naive.

   B. Being pure can be simple,not having complicated thoughts and being inexperi?enced.

   C. It is of whether someone is always enthusiastic.

   D. Purity is a matter of internal quality and doesn't pass with time.

(   ) 8. Which do you think is the best title for the passage?

   A. What Makes a Pure Girl?

   B. A Debate on the Movie Under the Hawthorn Tree

   C. Opinions on the Character Jingqiu

   D. It's Hard to Find the Character Jingqiu

 David Wroblewski's The Story of Edgar Sawtelle explores the silent world of the novel's hero,Edgar Sawtelle,living in Wisconsin during the middle of the 20th century. Born unable to speak,the boy seems to prefer the language of dogs more than the words of people. From his earliest memories,his favorite job on the farm was to name the new born dogs. As he grows older,his connection with the dogs becomes deeper. He helps to train them through sign lan?guage.

  The novel begins with Edgar's grandfather,telling readers about how the dog farm began. When Edgar's father,Gar,dies strangely,Edgar blames his uncle,Claude,his father's younger brother,who has meant nothing but trouble for the family. When Claude falls in love with Edgar's mother,Trudy,Edgar is shocked and very angry.

  The story is filled with loving family memories until Claude arrives,returning to the farm he abandoned long ago. Edgar finds Claude to be twofaced. The man presents his best side to Edgar's mother. She falls in love with him,allowing him to fill in the vacant spaces left behind from her husband's death. Edgar sees the other side of Claude,a side that Edgar finds danger?ous.

  When tensions become too strong between Edgar and Claude,Edgar takes his favorite dogs and runs away from home. For the story itself,this tension raises the level of curiosity for the reader. It is at this point that the novel takes on the form of a mystery or a sort of detective story. Edgar fears that the police are looking for him because of an accidental death that he played a part in. Readers may worry that Edgar might be caught because Claude tells local offi?cials that Edgar committed murder. In the end,it is Edgar against Claude―a fight to the finish. Unfortunately,there are no winners.

  The Story of Edgar Sawtelle was Wroblewski's first novel. It took him ten years to com?plete it. Literary critics praise the author's writing,especially in the first half of the story. Some critics,however,hold the opposite opinion. And,some have found the second half to be too artificially operated.

(   ) 1. As a whole,this passage is         . ,

   A. a news report   B. a horrible story

   C. a book review   D. a research paper

(   ) 2. Which of the following is true about Edgar?

   A. He is badly treated by the police.

   B. He is good at training different kinds of dogs.

   C. He is angry that his mother doesn't love his father at all.

   D. He thinks Claude is possibly linked to his father's death.

(   ) 3. According to the passage,Claude's arrival         .

   A. makes the family surprised

   B. disturbs the happy family life

   C. immediately causes Edgar's anger

   D. leads to the death of Edgar's grandfather

(   ) 4. From the passage,we know that         .

   A. the opinions about the novel are mixed

   B. in fact,the novel is a very good detective story

   C. David Wroblewski wrote the novel in Wisconsin

   D. on the farm,all the dogs are trained through sign language

 The Voice of America began during World War II,when Germany was broadcasting a radio program to get international 1        American officials believed they should 2        the German broadcast with words that they thought were the facts of world 3       . The first VOA news report began with these words in 4       The 5        may be good or bad,but we shall tell you the truth. " Within a week,other VOA 6       were broadcasting in Italian,French and English. After the World War II 7       in 1945,some Americans felt VOA's 8       had to be changed,9       the Soviet Union became enemy of America. They wanted to reach Soviet listeners. Then VOA began broadcasting in Russian.

  In the early years VOA began 10        something new to its broadcast that was 11 "Music USA". Another new idea came 12        in 1959. VOA knew that many listeners did not know 13        English to completely understand its normal English broadcast. So VOA 14       a simpler kind of English,which uses about 1 ,500 words and is spoken 15       ,of course,it is Special English.

In the 16        of most VOA listeners,the most 17        program is the news report. News from around the world 18        into the VOA newsroom in Washington 24 hours a day. It comes from VOA reporters in 19        cities and also from other broadcasts like BB C. VOA writers and editors use these materials to 20        news reports,which are being broadcast in 43languages.

(   ) 1. A. business   B. culture   C. support   D. information

(   ) 2. A. reply   B. answer   C. join   D. interrupt

(   ) 3. A. accidents   B. incidents   C. events   D. peace

(   ) 4. A. time   B. short   C. English   D. German

(   ) 5. A. news   B. problems   C. effects   D. opinions

(   ) 6. A. stations   B. news   C. announcers   D. officials

(   ) 7. A. began   B. developed   C. won   D. ended

(   ) 8. A. home   B. position   C. purpose   D. result

(   ) 9. A. if   B. supposing   C. considering   D. in order that

(   ) 10. A. connecting   B. adding   C. sticking   D. leading

(   ) 11. A. known   B. reported   C. called   D. printed

(   ) 12. A. into   B. across   C. down   D. along

(   ) 13. A. American   B. British   C. standard   D. enough

(   ) 14. A. invented   B. discovered   C. taught   D. stopped

(   ) 15. A. slowly   B. rapidly   C. normally   D. loudly

(   ) 16. A. pleasure   B. course   C. opinion   D. advice

(   ) 17. A. difficult   B. important   C. various   D. common

(   ) 18. A. flies   B. sends   C. delivers   D. passes

(   ) 19. A. all   B. major   C. American   D. news

(   ) 20. A. broadcast   B. announce   C. translate   D. prepare