Nowadays people are troubled by the violence that spreads throughout the media. Movies, television and video games are full of gunplay and bloodshed, and one might reasonably ask what’s wrong with a society that presents videos of violence as entertainment.

Viewing large amounts of violent television and video games may well contribute to violent behavior in certain individuals. The trouble comes when researchers downplay uncertainties in their studies or overstate the case for causality（因果关系）. Skeptics were dismayed several years ago when a group of societies including the American Medical Association tried to end the debate by issuing a joint statement: “At this time, well over 1,000 studies… point to a causal connection between media violence and aggressive behavior in some children.”

Freedom-of-speech advocates accused the societies of catering to politicians, and even disputed the number of studies (most were review articles and essays, they said). When Jonathan Freedman, a social psychologist at the University of Toronto, reviewed the literature, he found only 200 or so studies of television-watching and aggression. And when he weeded out “the most doubtful measures of aggression”, only 28% supported a connection.

The critical point here is causality. The alarmists say they have proved that violent media cause aggression. But the assumptions behind their observations need to be examined. When labeling games as violent or non-violent, should a hero eating a ghost really be counted as a violent event? And when experimenters record the time it takes game players to read “aggressive” or “non-aggressive” words from a list, can we be sure what they are actually measuring? The intention of the new Harvard Center on Media and Child Health to collect and standardize studies of media violence in order to compare their methodologies, assumptions and conclusions is an important step in the right direction.

Another appropriate step would be to tone down the criticism until we know more. Several researchers write, speak and testify quite a lot on the threat posed by violence in the media. That is, of course, their privilege. But when doing so, they often come out with statements that the matter has now been settled, drawing criticism from colleagues. In response, the alarmists accuse critics and news reporters of being deceived by the entertainment industry. Such clashes help neither science nor society.

Why is there so much violence shown in movies, TV and video games?

A. Showing violence is thought to be entertaining.

B. Something has gone wrong with today’s society

C. Many people are fond of gunplay and bloodshed.

D. There is a lot of violence in the real world today.

What is the skeptics’ view of media violence?

A. Violence on television is fairly accurate reflection of real-world life.

B. Most studies exaggerate (夸大) the effect of media violence on the viewers.

C. A causal relationship exists between media and real-world violence.

D. The influence of media violence on children has been underestimated.

The author uses the term “alarmists” to refer to those who _________.

A. use standardized measurements in the studies of media violence

B. initiated the debate over the influence of violent media on reality

C. insist on a direct link between violent media and aggressive behavior

D. use appropriate methodology in examining aggressive behavior

The underlined phrase “weeded out” in Paragraph 3 most probably means _________.

   A. got rid of things that are not good     B. removed unwanted parts from something

   C. picked out things that are useful        D. took away unnecessary details of a report

What does the writer think of the debate concerning the relationship between the media and violence?

A. He more than agrees with the views held by the alarmists. 

B. It should come to an end since the matter has now been settled.

C. The past studies in this field have proved to be misleading.

D. More studies should be conducted before conclusions are drawn.

Boxing is a fist fighting sport between two matched combatants (对手) wearing padded gloves. A boxer’s primary aim is to land as many blows as possible to the head and torso (躯干) of the opponent, using strength and speed to dominate the contest. One of the oldest sports still practiced, boxing dates back to thousands of years ago. Today the sport is popular in many parts of the world and encompasses (包括) both amateur and professional matches.

For most of the 20th century boxing attracted huge fan and media attention in the United States. Some boxing champions became legendary, larger-than-life figures, such as Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, and Muhammad Ali. Criticized to varying degrees throughout its history for its violent nature and high injury rate, boxing has somehow always managed to survive——and even thrive——as a sport.

Modern boxing regulations are based upon the 12 rules set out by British boxing officials in the mid-19th century. These rules became known as the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, named after the 8th Marquess of Queensberry, John Sholto Douglas, who sponsored and published them. In addition to in-the-ring rules, modern boxing also has specific regulations regarding eligibility for the fighters themselves.

The modern rules for professional and amateur boxing differ, but both types of contests are divided into time periods called rounds. In professional boxing, each round lasts three minutes; in amateur boxing, two minutes. A one-minute rest period between rounds is standard. Amateur contests consist of three rounds; professional contests may consist of up to 12 rounds. A bell is usually sounded by a timekeeper to begin and end each round.

A key step in making boxing safer and more respectable was the introduction of gloves, ending brutal bare-knuckle competition. Boxing gloves are heavily padded to soften the impact of the blow and to protect the hands of the boxer. As an added protection, the hands are taped before being placed in the gloves, which are essentially huge mittens. Professional gloves usually weigh between 170 and 226g; amateur gloves average 226 to 340g.

1.Which of the following is true according to the information in the passage?

A. Boxing is a violent sport with high injury rate.

B. People enjoy boxing because of its brutal nature.

C. Only professional players are allowed to attend boxing matches.

D. Boxing is a popular sport with a history of only 200 years.

2.Boxing has always managed to survive as a sport. In the author’s opinion, __________.

A. this is because many people can participate in this popular sport

B. this is because boxing is a sport which can bring good business

C. the reason for this cannot be fully explained

D. this is because there are many legendary boxers

3.Which of the following facts about boxing is NOT mentioned in the passage?

A. The time set for a round.   B. The weight of gloves.

C. The size of boxing rings.   D. The signal to begin and end each round.

4.The author’s purpose in writing this passage is __________.

A. to give a general introduction to the sport of boxing

B. to advertise a band of boxing-related product

C. to discourage people from enjoying this violent sport

D. to get support for a sport with long tradition

5.Which of the following statements can best describe the sport of boxing as a whole?

A. It is a brutal and violent sport, with little popularity in modern times.

B. It is a traditional sport, with little room for improvement.

C. It is a controversial sport, which nevertheless enjoys great public support.

D. It is strictly professional sport with rigid and exclusive rules.

 

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　（3）Guitar lessons. Your home or mine. Experienced musician. Master’s degree in music. Call Louise 555-6131.

　（4）TENTH STREET BLOCK PARTY. Sunday, July 15. Noon to 8. Food, games, prizes, live band, Tenth Street between Main and North,

　（5）APARTMENT FOR RENT. 3 sunny rooms on high floor, great view. Separate kitchen. Wall-to-wall carpeting. The living room can be used as dining room. Email: SDGT@163.com.cn.

　（6）TAXI DRIVER WANTED. Full or part time. Experience necessary. A good knowledge of the city is required. Call 555-8860 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekday.

（7）A stereo system for sale, It has two speakers. The system has an AM/FM radio. It also has a tape deck and turntable. It is in good condition. The stereo was owned for only one year. The price is $200 including the speakers. The owner will also take the highest price offered if the asking price is not met. Call Bill after 6 p.m., at 555-9834.

1.How many of the seven ads are placed by people who want to hire someone for certain job?

　　A. 4                 B.3               C.2             D.5

2.Which of the following is true according to the ads above?

A. Those who have some experience in office work will have a better chance to get the job of secretary.

B. The owner of the stereo will never sell his stereo at a price less than $200.

C. The taxi driver is not necessarily familiar with the city.

D. The tenth street block party will last until after 8.

3.We may learn from the ads above that _____.

　 A. a baby sitter is paid by the hour

　 B. the party will be held without any music

　 C. the rooms for rent cannot get good sunlight

　 D. people can get guitar lessons at any places they like

4.These ads may probably appear in the following media except______

   A. a local newspaper                       B. a page on the internet

   C. a government report                     D. a special radio program

 

     
Pollution is reducing the fragrance（芬芳） of plants and thus preventing bees from pollinating(授粉) them—endangering one of the most essential cycles of nature, a new study suggests.
The potentially hugely significant research, funded by US National Science Foundation, has found that gases mainly formed from the emissions（排放） of cars prevent flowers from attracting bees and other insects to pollinate them. And the scientists who have conducted the study fear that insects’ abilities to drive away enemies and attract mates may also be disturbed.
Professor Jose Fuentes, who led the study, said, “Scent molecules(香味分子) produced by flowers in a less polluted environment could travel for roughly 1,000 to 1,200 meters. But today they may travel only 200 to 300 meters. This makes it increasingly difficult for bees and other insects to locate the flowers.”
The researchers, who worked on the molecules of snapdragons(金鱼草),found that the molecules are volatile(易挥发的) and quickly bond with pollutants, mainly formed from vehicle(车辆)emissions. This chemically changes the molecules so that they no longer smell like flowers. A harmful cycle is therefore set up where insects struggle to get enough food and the plants do not get pollinated enough to multiply.
Already bees, which pollinate most of the world’s crops, are in such a great decline that has never been known before in Britain and across much of the globe. At least a quarter of America’s 2.5 million honey bee colonies have been mysteriously wiped out by colony collapse disorder(CCD),where hives are found suddenly deserted.
The crisis(危机) has now spread to Europe. Politicians insist that CCD has not yet been found in Britain, but considering the present number of bees, the agriculture minister Lord Rooker has sent the warning, “The honey bee population could be wiped out in 10 years.”
Although the researchers are not certain whether this is the real cause of CCD, they say that pollution is making life more difficult for bees and other insects in many ways.
【小题1】 In what way does pollution prevent flowers from attracting bees?

A．By shortening the distance traveled by the scent molecules of flowers.

B．By disturbing the bees’ ability to attract mates.

C．By weakening the bees’ ability to fight against enemies.

D．By stopping flowers from giving off fragrance.

【小题2】 From the passage we can know that      .

A．Europe is affected greatly by CCD

B．CCD has destroyed most of the honey bee colonies in Europe

C．no honey bees will be found all over the world in the near future

D．European officials have paid much attention to CCD

【小题3】 What would be the best title for the passage?

A．Traffic Pollution Puts Bees in Danger

B．Traffic Pollution is to Blame for CCD

C．Pollution Makes Flowers Lose Their Scent

D．Pollution Causes the Decrease in Flowers

（1）Secretary. Part time. 20 hours a week. Busy doctor’s office. Experience preferred. Good typing. Call 555-2438.

　（2）BABY SITTER. 3 to 6 weekday afternoons. I will take you home. $5.00 an hour. Call 555-5593.

　（3）Guitar lessons. Your home or mine. Experienced musician. Master’s degree in music. Call Louise 555-6131.

　（4）TENTH STREET BLOCK PARTY. Sunday, July 15. Noon to 8. Food, games, prizes, live band, Tenth Street between Main and North,

　（5）APARTMENT FOR RENT. 3 sunny rooms on high floor, great view. Separate kitchen. Wall-to-wall carpeting. The living room can be used as dining room. Email: SDGT@163.com.cn.

　（6）TAXI DRIVER WANTED. Full or part time. Experience necessary. A good knowledge of the city is required. Call 555-8860 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekday.

（7）A stereo system for sale, It has two speakers. The system has an AM/FM radio. It also has a tape deck and turntable. It is in good condition. The stereo was owned for only one year. The price is $200 including the speakers. The owner will also take the highest price offered if the asking price is not met. Call Bill after 6 p.m., at 555-9834.

1.How many of the seven ads are placed by people who want to hire someone for certain job?

A．4                B．3                C．2                D．5

2.Which of the following is true according to the ads above?

A．Those who have some experience in office work will have a better chance to get the job of secretary.

B．The owner of the stereo will never sell his stereo at a price less than $200.

C．The taxi driver is not necessarily familiar with the city.

D．The tenth street block party will last until after 8.

3.We may learn from the ads above that _____.

A．a baby sitter is paid by the hour

B．the party will be held without any music

C．the rooms for rent cannot get good sunlight

D．people can get guitar lessons at any places they like

4.These ads may probably appear in the following media except______

A．a local newspaper                       B．a page on the internet

C．a government report                     D．a special radio program