Too cold for recess?  School policies vary as much as temps

When is it too cold for schoolchildren to go outside for recess（课间休息）? The answer varies widely based on where a school is located and what the kids are used to.

Consider:  One northern Minnesota school says it has to be 15 below zero before kids are kept inside. But in areas along the East Coast, temperatures below 35 to 40 degrees could keep kids inside. Canceling recess because of the cold is no small issue considering that much of the USA is trembling through what may be its coldest winter in a generation, according to AccuWeather.

There is no national temperature standard for when to keep kids inside during the winter months, the U.S. Department of Education says. Decisions are made at the local level, either by principals or school districts.

Consequently, policies are all over the map:

• In International Falls, Minn., the self-described "Icebox of the Nation," where the average high temperature in January is 13 degrees, Falls Elementary School Principal Jerry Hilfer says, "if it's 15 below (or warmer), they go out, no matter what." "At 20 below, it gets iffy," he adds.

• In Wicomico County, Md., principals typically keep children indoors when temperatures drop below freezing, or if it's raining or snowing, says Susan Jones, the school system's director of elementary education.

"That's the bottom line," says Curtis Twilley, principal of Pemberton Elementary School in Salisbury, Md. Twilley says students get little exercise when recess stays indoors. At Pemberton Elementary, the students will typically play board games or computer games in a classroom because the school's gym is occupied with other classes, he says.

• For schools in Marquette, Mich., which averages about 12 feet of snow per season, school officials acknowledge students are probably a little more prepared than those in some more mild climates.

1.Which of the following is not true according to the passage_________.

A. No national temperature standard is made for when to keep kids inside during the winter months

B. Susan Jones insists students get little exercise when recess stays indoors.

C. In Wicomico County, children are kept indoors when temperatures dip below freezing.

D. Mich has about 12 feet of snow per season on average.

2.Which place calls itself Box of Ice?

A. Wicomico County    B. Marquette    C.Salisbury       D. Minn

3. Considering_______, canceling recess In USA because of the cold is a big issue.

A. different schools have different principles.              B. much of the USA has very cold winter.

C. physical activity can boost student performance.  D. decisions are made at the local level,

4.The underlined word iffy means _______.

A. uncertain                  B. surprising           C.  serious  D. worse

5.What will be talked about next?

A. More school policies                                           B. The reasons why school policies vary.

C. Measures to improve the situation.                 D. Necessities to improve the situation.

 

 

Bedazzling (眼花缭乱) with their bright colors and eye-catching displays, fireworks light up our night skies during the holidays. However, these crowd-pleasers can have some damaging side effects.

Once a firework is set off, it only takes a couple of seconds before smoke, dust and harmful chemicals are let out into the atmosphere. The loud booming noises are caused by gunpowder. While the sounds may excite some people, they can be frightening to domestic and wild animals—as well as some humans.

The pretty colors you see are a result of more chemicals. Barium, added to make green, is known for its poisonous and radioactive qualities. Blue comes from copper compounds. Cadmium, lithium and lead—all found in fireworks—have been linked to diseases, such as allergies and skin rashes in both humans and animals. Acid rain has been linked to gases given off by fireworks, which sometimes go beyond the toxin(毒素) limits of the United States Clean Air Act.

Once all those chemicals come back down to the ground, they can cause problems too. Debris (碎片) from the fireworks falls to the ground, where animals can burn their paws or noses on piping hot pieces. Humans also are at risk of stepping on or picking up something sharp or hot. Meanwhile, debris that finds its way into waterways can damage animal habitats and water supply sources.                              

Instead of setting off fireworks, try to come up with some new ways for fun. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sky lanterns—a tradition that originated long ago in the most-populated Asian country.

• Party crackers—a favorite in the United Kingdom—give you noise and surprises without the mess of fireworks. You can make your own or buy eco-friendly crackers.

• Want noise excitement with less volume? Consider a fireworks sound recording beforehand or break out the party horns (号角) and blow up a storm! 

1.The advantages of fireworks can be seen below EXCEPT that _____.

A. the special sounds of fireworks excite people

B. debris from fireworks can even find its way into water

C. the pretty and bright colors add to the beauty of night skies

D. fireworks are enjoyed as one of the crowd-pleasers

2. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

A. Copper compounds are needed to make green in fireworks.

B. Chemicals in fireworks are both poisonous and dangerous.

C. Too much gases from fireworks can result in acid rain.

D. Chemicals in fireworks are harmful in the air and on the ground.

3. All the italicized (斜体的) words are probably ____.

A. mineral materials  B. tiny solids  C. chemical elements   D. broken pieces

4. What is implied from the passage?

A. Gunpowder in fireworks makes loud booming noises.

B. It must be Indians who first started to hang sky lanterns.

C. Fireworks does less harm in the air than on the ground.

D. Fireworks can even break the balance of nature.

5. What can be concluded as the writer’s attitude towards fireworks?

A. It is not allowed to set off fireworks except during the holidays.

B. Fireworks should be banned and replaced by some other means.

C. Night is the best time to set off fireworks and see the pretty colors.

D. You cannot set off fireworks unless you come up with new ways.

 

      Tired of Working in Your Country?

With over 500 teachers and 20 years of experience, we are the leader in the field of teaching foreign languages. We now have positions open in Osaka starting September/October 2004 for teachers of English, German, Spanish and French.

• Teach many different kinds of classes using the latest technology in small classes of up to 3 students.

•Accommodation (???), and other necessary documents will be ready before you leave.

• Applicants will teach their first language only.

• Excellent teacher training programs.

If you are young with a university degree and are willing to experience different cultures, apply (????) now. Experience in teaching is an advantage but not specially required. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not necessary but good English skills and practical computer knowledge are basic requirements.

Apply with C. V. and send letters to:

NOVA France, Mr. Sampy (IHT3/2)

34, Bd. Haussmann, 75009 Paris, Franceks5*u

Fax: 33148014804

Or visit our website: www. teadyp. com

The manager expects to meet and talk with successful applicants in Paris in June and July.

1.What is the purpose of the text?

    A. To introduce a language school in Japan.           B. To hire language teachers to work in Japan.

    C. To describe working conditions in Japan.           D. To make clear the requirements for Japanese teachers.

2.We know from the text that those who are going to Japan will _______.

    A. teach English only in Osaka                        B. receive a degree from a university

    C. have free accommodation             D. get trained for the job

3.Before going to Japan, you need _______.

    A. to see the manager of NOVA France   B. to take some computer courses

    C. to write a letter to Japan                         D. to find a place to live

4.If you want to work in Japan you should _______.

    A. have some working experience                       B. know how to use computers

    C. present good teaching plans              D. speak several languages

 

Life comes in a package, which includes love and hate, happiness and sorrow, failure and success, hope and despair. Life is a learning process. Experiences in life teach us new lessons and make us a better person. With each passing day we learn to handle various situations.

• Love and hate

Love plays a key role in our life. Love makes us feel wanted. In the early stage of our life， our parents shower us with unconditional love and care. They teach us about what is right and wrong, good and bad. 1. Only after we get married and have kids can we understand and become sensitive to others, feelings. On the contrary, hate can not solve any problems, but make things worse. Thus, we’d better hate less and love more.

•       Happiness and sorrow

Material happiness is short-lived, but happiness achieved by bringing a smile to others gives a certain level of fulfillment. 2.____ No mind is happy without peace. We realize the true worth of happiness when we are in sorrow. Sorrow is basically due to death of a loved one, failure or despair. But these things are temporary and will pass away anyhow.

•       Failure and success

Failure is the path to success. It helps us to touch the sky, teaches us to survive and shows us a specific way. Success brings in money, fame, pride and self-respect. 3.____ The only way to show our gratitude to God for giving success to us is by being modest, polite and respectful to the less fortunate ones.

•       Hope and despair

Hope is what keeps life going. Hope makes us dream and builds patience and confidence in us. Life teaches us not to despair even in the darkest hour because after every night there is a day. Nothing remains the same.

4.____

Life teaches us not to regret over yesterday, for it has passed and is beyond our control. Tomorrow is unknown , for it can either be bright or dull. 5.___

A.      Every defeat is just a small part of victory.

B.      Peace of mind is the main link to happiness.

C.      But we always tend to take this for granted.

D.      Happiness is always what we want to achieve.

E.      It's important to keep our head on our shoulder.

F.       The alternative is to work hard today to enjoy a better tomorrow.

G.      We have only one choice — keep moving on with hope in life.

 

 

第三部分　阅读理解（共20小题，每小题2分，满分40分）

ROYAL HOTEL

invites applications for the following posts:

HOUSEKEEPING

Housekeeping Supervisor(主管人)

• Salary: $1,200 per month

•At least 2 years similar experience

•Female only

Housemaids

•Salary: $700 per month

•No experience required

Part-time posts for Housemaids only

LAUNDRY（洗衣）

Laundry Valet

•Salary: $700 per month

•Duties – to collect and deliver（递送） laundry parcels

•Shift（轮班） work required

Laundry Attendant

•Salary: $700 per month

•Male applicants only

•Shift work required

Preference will be given to people with some experience.

FOOD AND DRINKS

(for new 24-hour restaurant)

Head waiter

•Salary: $1,200 per month

•Experienced waiters can apply

Waiter/ Waiters

•Salary: $800 per month

•No experience needed

(Willing to work shifts)

Part-timers needed for permanent night shift 6 pm to 11 pm.

GENERAL

Car Driver

•Salary: $800 per month

•Clean driving record

•At least 1 year of experience

•Willing to work irregular hours

Pool Attendant

•Salary: $700 per month

•Must know life-saving technique

•Some related experience

Both posts for male only.

         Interviews will be conducted at the Royal Hotel, East Room, 2nd Level on the 25th and 26th Nov. from 10:00 to 4:00 pm.

56. What work does a laundry valet do?

        A. He washes the clothes.

B. He drives the laundry truck.

C. He collects and delivers bags of laundry.

D. He operates the machines in the laundry room.

57. Which posts can fresh school-leavers apply for?

         A. Housekeeping supervisor and housemaid.

B. Housemaid and waiter.

C. Head waiter and waiter.

D. Laundry valet and laundry attendant.

58. Which of these jobs require shift work?

         A. Housemaid and waiter.

B. Laundry valet and waiter.

C. Car driver and pool attendant.

D. Laundry attendant and pool attendant.

59. There are four people applying for pool attendant. If you are the interview, who do you think is most suitable for the post?

A. Mary, who likes swimming very much.

B. Jenny, who knows life-saving technique very well.

C. Tom, who has been a pool attendant for two years.

D. John, who expects to earn over $1000 every month.