Ten students have stopped complaining about gas prices. Instead, they’re competing in a nationwide contest to redesign the cars. Final competitors were chosen from a field of 60 applicants.

“The schools were selected to find technology that will help our country reach the needs for energy sources, so we don’t have to depend on other countries to provide fuel.” Pickering said. He is vice chairman of the US House of Reprentatives Energy and Commerce Committee. The teams received $ 10,000 and a Chevrolet Equinox which would be used as a starting place for modifications. Each team can also get $ 25,000 in parts and software from GM and other sponsors. The cars will be taken to the GM proving grounds for a national competition. It’s the finale(结束曲) of a three-year competition.

In the first year, students designed and worked out their plans. “At the end of the first year, our plans for the hybrid(混合动力系统) were approved and we received our own Chevrolet Equinox to begin construction.” said Amanda McAlpin, leader of the outreach team.

In the second year, the students’ goal is for their hybrid to exceed the factory Equinox’s fuel efficiency by 50 percent. “Our goal is to place in the top five but increase in the areas we lacked in.” McAlpin said. “If we can maintain this strategy, we should be able to obtain our goal.”

In the final competition this year, GM technicians would examine the cars to approve the safety and make sure they meet all contest rules. “We would like to be in the top half of each event, but they are all different. Every team has their own strategy to win.” said a computer engineering major.

“By hosting the competition, GM really gets the cream of the crop(优秀毕业生) from the top engineering schools across the country.” McAlpin said, “Many of our recent graduates who have worked on the car have received jobs with GM.” And Pickering agreed, “Their brainpower will give us firepower and horsepower for the future.”

1．How long does the contest last?

       A．one year              B．two years            C．three years          D．four years

2．The underlined word “modifications” means ______.

       A．design                 B．changes               C．approval              D．examination

3．What’s the real purpose for GM to sponsor this contest?

       A．To reduce the consumption of fuels.

       B．To sell its Chevrolet Equinox.

       C．To make advertisements.

       D．To find excellent graduates and employ them.

4．According to the passage, which of the following statements is true?

       A．Sixty students competed in the final contest.

       B．The team could get nothing but 35,000 from the sponsors.

       C．It was GM technicians who decided which team was best.

       D．Ten teams in all took part in the contest.

5．Which of the following can be the best title for this passage?

       A．Students Building Better Hybrid            

       B．A Competition for Redesigning Cars

       C．An Energy-saving Competition             

       D．GM and the Redesigned Cars

"Fen students have stopped complaining about gas prices. Instead, they're competing in a nationwide contest to redesign the cars. Final competitors were chosen from a field of 60 applicants.

     "The schools were selected to find technology that will help our country reach the needs for energy sources, so we don't have to depend on other countries to provide fuel." Pickering said. He is vice chairman of the US House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. The teams received $10,000 and a Chevrolet Equinox which would be used as a starting place for modifications. Each team can also get $25,000 in parts and software from GM and other sponsors. The cars will be taken to the GM proving grounds for a national competition. It's the finale(结束曲) of a three-year competition.

     In the first year, students designed and worked out their plans. "At the end of the first year, our plans for the hybrid (混合动力系统) were approved and we received our own Chevrolet Equinox to begin construction." said Amanda McAlpin, leader of the outreach team.

     In the second year, the students' goal is for their hybrid to exceed the factory Equinox's fuel efficiency by 50 percent. "Our goal is to place in the top five but increase in the areas we lacked in." McAlpin said, "If we can maintain this strategy, we should be able to obtain our goal."

     In the final competition this year, GM technicians would examine the cars to approve the safety and make sure they meet all contest rules. "We would like to be in the top half of each event, but they are all different. Every team has their own strategy to win." said a computer engineering major.

     "By hosting the competition, GM really gets the cream of the crop (优秀毕业生) from the top engineering schools across the country." McAlpin said, "Many of our recent graduates who have worked on the car have received jobs with GM." And Pickering agreed. "Their brainpower will give us firepower and horsepower for the future."

1. How long does the contest last?

     A. one year             B. two years             C. three years            D. four years

2. The underlined word modifications means

     A. design             B. changes             C. approval             D. examination

3. What's the real purpose for GM to sponsor this contest?

     A. To reduce the consumption of fuels.

     B. To sell its Chevrolet Equinox.

     C. To make advertisements.

     D. To find excellent graduates and employ them.

4. According to the passage, which of the following statements is true?

    A. Sixty students competed in the final contest.

    B. the team could get nothing but 35,000 from the sponsors.

    C. It was GM technicians who decided which team was best.

    D. Ten teams in all took part in the contest.

5. Winch of the following can be the best title for this passage?

    A. Students Building Better Hybrid               B. A Competition for Redesigning Cars

    C. An Energy-saving Competition                D. GM and the Redesigned Cars