阅读理解

　　Steven Spielberg may be one of the most successful filmmakers in Hollywood history, but for the last three decades he has missed one thing-a college degree. That was realized in the end at the end of May, 2002.

　　The 55-year-old director of “E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Saving Private Ryan” was admitted at California State University, Long Beach, in 1965 but dropped out three years later to pursue his filmmaking career.

　　After admitted again nearly a year ago, he has caught up on his credits and attended commencement ceremony in cap and gown(毕业典礼). “Completing the requirements for my degree 33 years after finishing my principal education marks my longest past production schedule, ” (后期制作) Spielberg joked in a written statement.

　　Although he didn't attend general classes, the director wrote papers, worked on independent projects and consulted with professor to receive his bachelor's degree in film and electronic arts, according to his spokesman, Marvin Levy.

　　“I wanted to accomplish this for many years as a ‘thank you’ to my parents for giving me the opportunity for an education and a career, and as a personal note for my own family—and young people everywhere—about the importance of achieving their college education goals, ” Spielberg said. “But I hope they get there quicker than I did, ”he added.

　　After leaving school, Spielberg worked in television through the early 1970x. He made his film “The Sugarland Express” in 1974 and followed the next year with the great success “Jaws”.

　　He already has five honorary doctorates (荣誉博士)—the latest bestowed upon him by Yale University late of May, 2002—but what he really wanted was this humble bachelor's degree. Spielberg carried his scroll of honor as proudly as any of his graduate fellows. He posed for pictures with his fellow honorees on the campus lawn and smiled broadly as he was showered with confetti(彩色纸屑).

1．Spielberg got his college degree ________.

[　　]

2．Spielberg left school because he ________.

[　　]

A．couldn't go on learning

B．was so interested in filmmaking

C．was busy working in television

D．didn't like his major very much

3．From the passage we can conclude that Spielberg considers ________ very important.

[　　]

4．Which of the following films brought him public notice?

[　　]

阅读理解

　　A senior executive of the world's largest mobile phone maker Nokia is appealing(申诉) a record $103, 600 fine for speeding because his income has dropped, Finnish media and officials said. Millionaire Anssi Vanjoke was caught racing his motorbike down a Helsinki street at 47 mph in a 31 mph zone, and unlike in marry other countries, Finnish traffic fines change according to the offender's(违反者) average income. The fine was based on Vanjoke's 1999 income which was increased by big options(期权) sale. But Vanjoki's income dropped greatly last year as Nokia's share price fell alongside other techshares, making option sales uneconomical(不合算).

　　Vanjoki's fine is believed to be the largest ever traffic penalty in Finland, beating a fine of more than $17, 000 handed down to Internet millionaire Jaakko Rytsola and one of $31, 200 given to Vanjoki's colleague, Nokia president Pekka Ala-Pietila. A Helsinki district court official con-fumed that Vanjoki's appeal would be heard on May 15.

1．Anssi Vanjoki is appealing because ________.

[　　]

A．he thinks the law is unfair

B．he has gone bankrupt(破产) now

C．he has earned much less now

D．his fine is too much

2．In Finland, traffic fines change so ________.

[　　]

A．the faster you drive, the more you'll be fined

B．the richer you are, the more you'll be fined

C．if you are famous, you'll pay less

D．if your income is small, you'll pay nothing

3．Which of the following is true?

[　　]

A．All the three persons work in Nokia.

B．Only Anssi Vanjoki works in Nokia.

C．Only Pekka, Ala-Pietila works in Nokia.

D．All the three don't work in Nokia.

4．What is the result of Vanjoki's appeal?

[　　]

A．His fine will be reduced.

B．His fine will be increased.

C．His fine will remain the same.

D．There is no information in the passage.

阅读理解

　　The human robot “Asimo”can gracefully walk downstairs, respond to human orders and even work like a receptionist-but without a smile.

　　The two-legged, white and silver robot was put on display last Monday by its creator, Japanese Honda Motor Corp (本田汽车公司). It is 1.2 metres high and 0.45 metres wide. Its name in Japanese means “legs, even. ”

　　Asked to turn around, Asimo responded in a clear voice: “What do you want?”while raising a hand and moving some fingers.

　　The 52-kilogram product of 15 years of development by Japan's third largest car maker was first shown to the public a year ago. But it now has new abilities and has found three new homes. One of them is with IBM Japan, which employs Asimo as a receptionist for US $166, 200 only once every year.

　　Although Asimo is not yet available for the public to buy, many entertainment companies are lining up to rent the robot for chats and tour guides. The money to rent it is about US $16, 000 per day.

　　“In terms of cost and attraction, Asimo would be as popular as famous people asked to host events. ”Said Toshiji Asai, manager of Asimo's business office.

　　Honda hopes that Asimo will be able to fetch things people ask for in the near future.

1．Asimo, a robot created by Japan, can ________.

[　　]

2．The walking robot ________.

[　　]

A．was produced one year ago

B．cost its creators more than 10 years

C．coat its creators less than 10 yeas

D．was sold last Monday

3．Marry entertainment companies want to rent Asimo because ________.

[　　]

A．they are new

B．they are efficient

C．they are never tired of working

D．they can bring in more money

4．Honda believes that Asimo ________.

[　　]

A．will be as popular as famous persons

B．is the newest robot in the world

C．will do more in the future

D．will be cheaper in the future

阅读理解

　　My son and I were trying to sell the house we had repaired but in the barn (谷仓) there were bats(蝙蝠) and they would not leave. The barn was their home. They told us so in their own way. They hung there in the barn and seemed determined to stay for the season. “Don't worry about it, Dad, ”Patrick said. “They keep down the mosquitoes(蚊子). ”

　　Unfortunately they also kept the buyers away. When we had asked a person to sell the house for us he had refused to show it because of the bats. “Bats are popular, ”Patrick comforted me. “They're ecological(生态学的).” Isn't there a machine you can buy that produces high-frequency sounds to keep bats away?“I don't know, ”said Patrick. “But I like bats, and whoever buys this house will probably like them too. ”“Probably?”I hated that word. “How many bats are there, anyway?”“I counted about 90 last night, ”said Patrick. “They were dropping out from under the edge of the roof. ”“You mean there are more-outside?”“They're everywhere, Dad. But look at it this way. When the cold weather comes, they'll be off to Mexico. Maybe in the spring we can keep them out. Don't worry about it, ”he said for the hundredth time. “It's not a problem. ”

　　The bat expert I called was even more active than Patrick. “I think you've got a large number there, ”he said in wonder. “I've been trying to attract bats to our house for 25 years. A single bat eats up his weight in mosquitoes and black flies three times every night. You're a very lucky man. ”I offered to share my luck with him. He could take them away. “Bats have a remarkable homing instinct (本能), ” he said. “They'd fly straight back even if I transported them 100 miles. Once they have settled, you can't stop them from coming back. ”I was silent.

　　Finally we managed to rent(出租) the house to a young family, who were also interested in buying it. “What about the bats?”I said to Patrick.

　　“Oh, they love the bats, ”he said. “No mosquitoes. No black flies. It's one of the things that attracted them. ”“Do you think they will really buy the house?”“Probably. ”“Probably? Well, if they do, I suppose I'll have to admit that I was wrong. ”“You mean you're going to eat your words?”

　　“Yes, I am. ”

1．What was the problem the author had with his house?

[　　]

A．Bats were living in the barn and wouldn't go away.

B．The author and his son couldn't sleep well because of the bats.

C．The author and his son might be able to stay for the season.

D．The house was still badly in need of repair.

2．What did Patrick suggest the author should do to stop the bats living in the barn?

[　　]

A．He should buy a high — frequency machine.

B．He should move them one hundred miles away.

C．He should reduce the number of mosquitoes.

D．He should close the barn in the spring.

3．Why did the author fall silent when he talked with the bat specialist?

[　　]

A．He felt sure about the situation.

B．He found out that it would be impossible to remove the bats.

C．He learned that he would be able to share his luck with the expert.

D．He liked the advice given by the expert.

4．What happened regarding the house in the end?

[　　]

A．Some people agreed to rent the house.

B．The author failed to find anybody who wanted to live in the house.

C．The bat expert made the decision to buy the house.

D．The bats left the house for Mexico in the spring.

5．Why did the author think he might have to “eat his words”?

[　　]

A．He felt sorry for the bats.

B．He might be mistaken about being unable to sell the house.

C．He realized he might be wrong about the bats' actions.

D．He was happy about selling the house.

阅读理解

　　In ancient times, it was quite common to believe in the magical power of numbers. It was believed some numbers could inform someone of the future or show the hidden side of a person's personality. Numberology, the art of reading the power in numbers, was often practiced in Jewish tradition and among Greek mathematicians. Today, many of those who still practise numerology use the Hebrew system which gives each letter of the alphabet one of the numbers 1 through 8.

　　Here is an example of how the Hebrew system of numerology works. In order to find the number related to a person's name, first assign (分派) the correct number to each letter of the name. The following chart can be used to see the number related to a person's name:

　　For a name like John, the following numbers are used : J = 1, O= 7, H = 5, and N = 5. Add these numbers together. The total is 18. Because this number is larger than 9, add the two digits (数字) so that, 1 + 8 = 9. Nine is the number which refers to the name John.

　　Each number from 1 to 9 shows a different type of personality. One is the number of a leader, a person who will achieve many things. Two represents a person who is gentle and kind, but this is also a person who does not have clear goals. Three stands for a social person who is intelligent(有才智的) and creative. A person whose name equals four is a dependable, organized, and logical person. Five is the number for a person who is clever but impatient. Six is a “happy”number. This type of person is peaceful, sincere, and has a well - balanced life. Seven is the number for a person who prefers to be alone. This kind of person is a thinker. Eight shows a person who will have money. This kind of person also thinks only of himself or herself. Nine is the number of a genius or spiritual leader.

1．The purpose of numerology as explained in the passage is ________.

[　　]

A．to count people

B．to strengthen the custom

C．to foresee a person's personality

D．to practise tradition

2．Why would a person want to examine his name through numerology? He wants to ________.

[　　]

A．get the information of his own character unknown by himself and others

B．know how other people see him

C．make sure of the relation between future and quality

D．show off his ability

3．What number represents Walter's name if he checks the chart?

[　　]

4．It can be inferred from the passage that ________.

[　　]

A．Vera may be thought a wealthy person in the future

B．The writer of the passage is a Greek mathematician

C．A person who wants to examine his name is sure to make himself lucky

D．A boy whose name number is three is expected to be an inventor or a film director

阅读理解

　　How many coins have you got in your pocket right now? Three? Two? or One?

　　With a phonecard you can make up to 200 calls without any change at all.

　　1. What do you do with it?

　　Go to a telephone box marked“Phonecard”. Put in your card to start, make your call and when you've finished, a screen tells you how much is left on your card.

　　It costs no extra for the cards, and the calls cost l0p per unit, the same as any other payphone call.

　　You can buy them in units of 10,20,40,100 or 200.

　　2. Now appearing in a shop near you

　　Near each cardphone place you'll find a shop where you can buy one. They're at bus, train and city tube stations.

　　At many universities, hospitals and clubs, restaurants and gas stations on the highway and shopping centers.

　　At airports and seaports.

　　3. No more broken payphones

　　Most broken payphones are like that because they've been damaged. There are no coins in a cardphone to excite thieves' interest in it. So you're not probably to find a broken one.

　　Get a phonecard yourself and try it out. Or get a bigger wallet.

1．The passage is most probably ________.

[　　]

2．There are three sections in the passage. Which one do you think is about why phonecards are good?

[　　]

3．Which statement of the following is right by inference?

[　　]

A．Using a phonecard will cost you less money than payphone call .

B．Phonecards are easier to carry.

C．If a thief steals your phonecard, he can't use it any more .

D．When you finish your call, take out your card first and then you will see how many calls you can still make.

4．According to the information you get from the passage, how much does a card with 200 units cost?

[　　]

阅读理解

　　Beijing is to spend up to US $20 billion to change the Chinese capital into a 21st century one for the 2008 Olympics.

　　The government managed to host the 2008 games. The general aim is for Beijing to have the same environmental standards as Paris, London or Washington by 2008. Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent to pipe natural gas to the city's homes, taking away dirty coal burning gradually while 60, 000 buses will be changed to liquified gas.

　　The money also will be used for relocating the polluting factories and building green belts. By 2008 around 90 percent of Beijing's waste will be treated, compared to only 40 percent at present.

　　Olympic officials realize the city has a long way to go to match the environmental standards of such cities as Paris. Toronto, Istanbul and Osaka.

　　City officials have already announced that around 50 large projects are being dealt with to improve traffic congestion and cut down pollution. They include construction of Beijing's first light railway, a 40.5-kilometre line which is expected to be completed in 2005.

　　Beijing besides, plans to build an 82.25-kilometre-long subway to add to the existing 53 kilometers. Nine major roads will be rebuilt or widened.

　　Beijing also plans to build a 70-metre-wide green belt along the waterways to protect water quality as well as increase the green areas.

1．The government will pipe natural gas to the city's homes in order to ________.

[　　]

A．solve the problem of being short of fuel

B．bring down the cost of daily life

C．reduce the pollution of our capital

D．keep up with the development of modem society

2．The underlined word “relocating”in this report means ________.

[　　]

3．From the last three paragraphs we know the fact that ________.

[　　]

A．Lengthening the existing 53-kilometre subway is among the 50 large projects

B．A 40.5-kilometre line will be added to Beijing's first light railway

C．The length of the subway will be up to 135.25 kilometers in 2005

D．A 70-metre-wide green belt will supply us with enough water

4．Which of the following is true according to the passage?

[　　]

A．The environment of London is better than Toronto.

B．In the first paragraph “a 21st century one”refers to a modem and advanced capital.

C．Beijing is badly polluted mainly by coal burning.

D．Liquified gas is more expensive than petrol.

阅读理解

　　Portferraio is the capital of the Italian island of Elba. It is a small seaside town in the north of the island with a beautiful harbour(港)full of boats and ships which go to and from the port of Piombino on mainland of Italy, about an hour away. Napoleon stayed in Portferraio in 1814 and you can still visit his house today.

　　There are some small beaches near the capital where the water is not deep and safe for swimming. Bigger, sandy beaches are in the south of the island at Campo di Martina and in the east at Porto Azzurro.

　　Away from the sea, in the west of the island, there are mountains over 1, 000 meters high, which are covered with trees and wild flowers during the spring and summer months.

　　If you want a quiet holiday, visit Elba in May when the weather is warm in the day and cool in the evening; the beaches are empty and the roads are quiet; hotels are cheap and it's easy to find somewhere to stay. But, be careful. It's very different in July and August !

1．Which of the following shows the correct relation between Portferraio, Elba and Italy? ( P stands for Portferraio; E for Elba and I for Italy. )

[　　]

A．

B．

C．

D．

2．Where can you most probably read this piece of writing?

[　　]

A．Travel magazine.

B．Business report.

C．Children's picture dictionary.

D．Geography textbook.

3．What is the purpose of this piece of writing?

[　　]

A．To encourage people to visit Elba in July and August.

B．To discourage people to visit Elba in July and August.

C．To attract people to visit Elba in May.

D．To tell people that May is the best time to visit Elba.

阅读理解

　　Let children learn to judge their own work. A child learning to talk does not learn by being corrected all the time: if corrected too much, he will stop talking. He notices a thousand times a day the difference between the language he uses and the language those around him use. Bit by bit, he makes the necessary changes to make iris language like other people's. In the same way, children learning to do all the other things: they learn to do without being taught to walk, run, climb, whistle, ride a bicycle, compare their own performances with those of more skilled people, and slowly make the needed changes. But in school we never give a child a chance to find out his mistakes and correct them for himself. We do it all for him. We act as if we thought that he would never notice a mistake unless it was pointed out to him, or correct it unless he was made to. Let him work out, with the help of other children if he wants it, what this word says, what the answer is to that problem, whether this is a good way of saying or doing this or not.

　　If it is a matter of right answer, as it may be in mathematics or science, give him the answer book. Let him correct his own papers. Why should we teachers waste time on such routine(常规) work? Our job should be to help the child when he tells us that he can't find the way to get the right answer. Let the children learn what all educated persons must some day learn, how to measure their own understanding, and how to know what they know or do not know.

1．According to the passage, the best way for children to learn things is by ________.

[　　]

A．listening to skilled people's advice

B．asking older people many questions

C．making mistakes and having them corrected

D．doing what other people do

2．Which of the following does the writer think teachers should NOT do?

[　　]

A．Give children correct answers.

B．Allow children to make mistakes.

C．Point out children's mistakes to them.

D．Let children mark their own work.

3．According to the writer, teachers in school should ________.

[　　]

A．allow children to learn from each other

B．point out children's mistakes whenever found

C．give children more book knowledge

D．correct children's mistakes as soon as possible

4．The passage suggests that learning to speak and learning to ride a bicycle are ________.

[　　]

A．different from learning other skills

B．the same as learning skills

C．more important than other skills

D．not really important skills

阅读理解

　　Why must we pay taxes? The answer is that the government needs money for many things, for example to pay its soldiers, sailors and airmen, to build roads, bridges, offices, schools, etc and I to buy goods from abroad; and only the people of the country can supply the money. One of the most important taxes is income-tax which a person pays according to the amount of his income. Whether he is a merchant, a doctor, a lawyer, a shopkeeper, a miner, or anything else. This is called a “direct”tax, because it is paid in money direct to the government.

　　Another tax is paid on goods such as watches, jewellery, new clothes, tobacco, wine, etc, when they are brought into a country. Such a tax is paid as part of the price of these goods if they are later sold in shops. We call it “indirect”tax, because it is paid indirectly through the shopkeeper.

　　People usually complain about having to pay taxes, but they forget that the money is spent on things that they and their families need. We need policemen to catch thieves, to see that men obey the laws, to direct traffic, etc, and they must be paid what they earn; children need education and there must be school and teachers; we want our streets to be kept clean, and the wages of men who do this kind of work have to be paid. Above all, the country must always be ready to de-fend itself against attacking enemies, and we cannot have an army without paying for it.

　　Taxes, therefore, cannot be avoided. We buy our own food and clothes and pay for our own amusements; but, there are several things that the State finds the money for, and that are necessary for us if our society is to continue. We have no real cause to complain, therefore, when we are asked to supply money to be spent for the good of ourselves and for our fellow-citizens.

1．Indirect tax means ________.

[　　]

A．tax that one pays direct to the government

B．tax that is not paid directly to the government

C．tax that is paid as an extra amount added to the price of certain goods

D．Both B and C

2．Which of the following is right?

[　　]

A．Taxes are paid to the sellers.

B．Income-tax is an indirect tax.

C．The tax on new clothes is paid in money direct to the government.

D．Tax is amount of money that you have to pay to the government so that it can pay for public services.

3．People have no real reason to complain about having to pay taxes because ________.

[　　]

A．some shopkeepers are very rich

B．they need money to buy goods from abroad

C．their children need education

D．the money is spent on things that they and their families need

4．“Taxes cannot be avoided”means ________.

[　　]

A．people have to pay taxes to the government

B．you do not have to pay tax on some goods

C．soldiers do not have to pay taxes

D．all goods have to be taxed