54. The 21st Century is different from the other three schools in that 　　　　.

A. its teaching quality is better

B. it is nearest to the city centre

C. its courses are more advanced

D. it requires an entrance examination

53. You work from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm every day. Which schools will you choose?

A. Global English Centre and Modern Language School.

B. Global English Centre and the International House.

C. Modern Language School and the 21st Century.

D. The 21st Century and the International House.

52. What is the main point the writer is trying to make in the last paragraph?

A. The roller skates needed further improvement

B. The party guests took Merlin for a fool

C. Merlin succeeded beyond expectation

D. Merlin got himself into trouble.

D

Suppose you work in a big firm and find English very important for your job because you often deal with foreign businessmen. Now you are looking for a place where you can improve your English, especially your spoken English.

Here are some advertisements about English language training from newspapers. You may find the information you need.

Global English Centre*　 General English in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. *　 3-month(700 yuan), 6-month(1,200 yuan)and one-year(2,000 yuan)courses. *　 Choice of morning or evening classes, 3 hours per day, Mon. -Fri. *　 Experienced college English teachers. *　 Close to city centre and bus stops. Tel:67605272　　　　 Add:105 Zhongshan Road, 100082

Modern Language School* Special courses in English for business, travel, banking, hotel man agent and office skills. *　 Small classes(12 - 16 students)on Sat. & Sun. from 2:00 - 5:00　 pm. *　 Native English teachers from Canada and USA. * Language lab and computers supplied. * 3-month course: 1,050 yuan; 6-month course: 1,850 yuan. Write or phone: Modern Language School, 675 Park Road, 100056Tel: 67353019

The 21st Century English Training Centre*　 We specialize in effective(卓有成效的)teaching at all levels. * We offer morning or afternoon classes, both of which last three months and a half at a cost of 800 yuan. * We also have a six-week TOEFL preparation class during winter and summer holidays. * Entrance exams: June 1 and Dec. 1. * Only 15-minute walk from city centre. Call 67801642 for more information

The International House of English*　 Three/Six-month English courses for students of all levels at every low cost: 60 yuan for 12 hours per week; convenient(方便的)class hours: 9:00-12:00 am and 2:00-5:00 pm. * A four-month evening programme for developing speaking skills(same cost as day classes). * Well-trained Chinese and foreign teachers experienced in teaching English as a second/foreign language. *　 Free sightseeing and social activities(活动). * Very close to the Central Park. For further information call 67432308

51. Merlin put wheels under his shoes in order to_____-.

A. impress the party guests B. arrive at the party sooner

C. test his invention　　　 D. show his skill in walking on wheels

50. People thought Merlin was a dreamer because he ______.

A. often gave others surprises　 B. was a gifted musician

C. invented the roller slates　　 D. was full of imagination

49. The text is mainly about______.

A. a strange man　　　 B. an unusual party

C. how roller skating　 D. how people enjoyed themselves in the 18th century

48. What does the second paragraph mainly discuss?

A. Some animals and plants depend on each other for existence.

B. Some animals and plants develop their relationship easily.

C. Some plants depend on each other for food.

D. Some animals live better together.

C

Today, roller skating is easy and fun. But a long time ago, it wasn’t easy at all. Before 1750, the idea of skating didn’t exist. That changed because of a man named Joseph Merlin . Merlin’s work was making musical instruments. In his spare time he liked to play the violin. Joseph Merlin was a man of ideas and dreams. People called him a dreamer.

One day Merlin received an invitation to attend a fancy dress ball(化装舞会). He was very pleased and a little excited. As the day of the party came near, Merlin began to think how to make a grant entrance at the party. He had an idea. He thought he would get a lot of attention if he could skate into the room.

Merlin tried different ways to make himself roll. Finally, he decided to put two wheels under each shoe. These were the first roller skates. Merlin was very proud of his invention and dreamed of arriving at the party on wheels while playing the violin.

On the night of the party Merlin rolled into the room playing his violin. Everyone was astonished to see him. There was just one problem. Merlin had no way to stop his roller skates. He rolled on and on. Suddenly, he ran into a huge mirror that was hanging on the wall. Down fell the mirror breaking to pieces. Nobody forgot Merlin’s grand entrance for a long time!

47. It can be learnt from the text that the coral depends on the plant for 　　　　　　.

A. comfort　　 　　 B. light　　 C. food　　 　 D. oxygen

46. The underlined word” they” in the last sentence of the first paragraph refers to　　　　　 .

A. birds and parasites　　 B. birds and sheep

C. parasites and sheep　　 D. sheep, birds and parasites

45. Some birds like to sit on a sheep because 　　　　　　　　.

A. they can eat its parasites

B. they depend on the sheep for existence

C. they enjoy traveling with the sheep

D. they find the position most comfortable