第二部分 阅读理解（共20小题：每小题2.5分，满分50分）
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。
A
Edinburgh Zoo makes plans to bring a pair of giant pandas from China to Scotland. Representatives from Edinburgh Zoo have recently returned from China, where they signed a letter of intent(意向书)making a promise to bring giant pandas to the zoo.
It has been suggested that the breeding pair should be on loan(暂借)to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) for 10 years and it is hoped they would give birth to babies during that time. Edinburgh Zoo would be the eighth zoo in the Western hemisphere(半球)to care for the species if the project goes ahead.
Zoo chiefs said that looking after the endangered animals could benefit conservation. David Windmill, chief executive(主管)of RZSS, said, “It is an opportunity to work on a global level with other conservationists to gain a better understanding of the giant panda, the threats they face, and what we can do to ensure their survival.”
At present, there are currently only around 1,500 giant pandas in the wild. RZSS has been working on the project for almost a year, and hopes to have giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo by 2009, the year of the society’s centenary(一百年纪念日).
Mr. Windmill said that the project has received strong support from the UK and Scottish Governments and that this must continue if the zoo is to reach an agreement with the Chinese. As part of the proposed agreement with the Chinese government, Edinburgh Zoo will cooperate on research projects benefiting conservation in the wild.
RZSS will also provide considerable money to support giant panda conservation projects in the wild. Giant pandas live in a few mountain ranges in central China and feed almost wholly on bamboo, which makes up 99% of the their diet.
36. What result did zoo representatives get from China?
A. A breeding pair is on loan to RZSS for ten years.
B. China promised to sell two giant pandas before 2009.
C. They signed a letter of intent about giant pandas to be loaned to Edinburgh Zoo.
D. China promised to offer the money but not the experts for research into giant pandas.
37. If Edinburgh Zoo can borrow giant pandas, what will happen?
A. RZSS will celebrate its centenary in 2009.
B. Scotland will be the eighth country to have giant pandas.
C. RZSS will have a better understanding of living habits of giant pandas.
D. Edinburgh Zoo will be the eighth zoo to have Chinese pandas in the world.
38. The underlined part “the project” in Paragraph 4 refers to “__________”.
A. the celebration of RZSS’s centenary
B. introducing giant pandas to RZSS’s collection
C. the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland itself
D. borrowing giant pandas from China for conservation
39. At present what seems to be the key factor for giant pandas to successfully go to Edinburgh Zoo?
A. RZSS’s attitude.                                    B. The Chinese government’s attitude.
C. Edinburgh Zoo’s support.                       D. The Scottish government’ attitude.
40. The best title for this passage would be “___________”.
A. Edinburgh Zoo expects giant pandas from China
B. Edinburgh Zoo does research into giant pandas
C. Scotland supports giant panda conservation
D. Giant pandas live happily at Edinburgh Zoo

D
Holidays

Holidays

Holiday News

Vacations(空位) now and in the school holidays at a country hotel in Devon. This comfortable, friendly home-from-home lies near the beautiful quiet countryside, but just a drive away from the sea. The food is simple but good. Children and pets are welcome. Reduced prices for low season.

The Snowdonia Centre

The Snowdonia Centre for young mountain climbers has a mountain climbing lesson. The beginners’ costs are 57 for a week, including food and rooms. Equipment is included except walking shoes, which can be hired at a low cost.

You must be in good health and prepared to go through a period of body exercises. This could be the beginning of a lifetime of mountain climbing adventure.

The world Sea Trip of a Lifetime

Our World Sea Trip of 2008 will be unlike any holiday you have ever been on before. Instead of one hotel after another, with all its packing and unpacking, waiting and travelling, you just go to bed in one country and wake up in another.

On board the ship, you will be well taken care of . Every meal will be first-class and every cabin like your home.

During the trip, you can rest on deck(甲板)，enjoy yourself in the games rooms and in the evening dance to our musical team and watch our wonderful play.

You will visit all the places most people only dream about---from Acapulco and Hawaii to Tokyo and Hong Kong.

For a few thousand, all you’ve ever hoped for can be yours.

What can you do if you like to go on holidays with pets?

    A. Choose the holiday in Devon. B. Go to the Snowdonia Centre.

    C. Join the World Sea Trip of 2008. D. Visit Acapulco and Hawaii.

In what way is the Snowdonia Centre different from the other two holidays?

    A. It provides chances of family gatherings.

    B. It provides customers with good food.

    C. It offers a sports lesson.

    D. It offers comfortable rooms.

What is special about the World Sea Trip of 2008?

    A. You can have free meals on deck every day.

    B. You can sleep on a ship and tour many places.

    C. You will have chances to watch and act in a play.

    D. You have to do your own packing and unpacking.

_______ a concert next Sunday?       

　　Among the four skills in learning English ,which of these is the “Odd-Man-Out”?The answer is speaking. The other three you can do alone on your own. But you can't really speak alone! Speaking to yourself can be “dangerous” because men in white coats may come and take you away!?

Where can you find people to speak English? And how can you practise speaking when you are alone??

At school if you pay to go to a language school ,you should use the chance to speak .If your teacher asks you to speak in pairs or groups with other students ,try to say as much as possible. Don't worry about your mistakes. Just speak!?

Conversation Clubs　Many cities around the world have conversation clubs where people can exchange one language for another .Look in your local newspaper to find a conversation club near you .They are usually free although some may charge a small entrance fee.?

Shopping　Even if you don't want to buy anything ,you can ask questions about products that interest you in a shop.“How much does this cost?” “Can I pay by cheque?” Often you can start a real conversation—and it costs you nothing!?

Cafe and Bars　There are often American, Britain, Irish and Australian bars in many large cities .If you can find one, you'll probably meet many people speaking English as a first or second language.?

Language is all around you　Everywhere you go, you find language .Shop names, street names ,advertisements ,notices ,and car numbers....When you walk down the street ,practise reading the words and numbers that you see .Say them to yourself .It's not exactly a conversation ,but it will help you to “think” in English .But don't speak too loud!?

Songs and Video　Repeat the words of an English-language song singing with the music until it becomes automatic. It's good practice for your memory and for the mouth muscles that you need for English.?

Above all ,speak as much as possible! Make as many mistakes as possible! When you know that you have made a mistake, you know that you have made progress!?

1.What does “Odd-Man-Out” probably mean according to the passage??

A.Someone or something appearing different from others.?

B.Someone or something standing out of the group.?

C.Someone or something arranged in pairs.?

D.Someone or something easily mistaken for another.?

2.What might happen if you speak to yourself loudly in public??

A.The police will take you away and punish you.?

B.The doctors will force you to stay in hospital.?

C.You will have to pay to escape being punished.?

D.You will be forbidden to be member of the club.?

3.Why does the writer say “Make as many mistakes as possible”?Because _______.

A.everyone will make mistakes in learning English?

B.everyone will meet people speaking English with some mistakes?

C.making mistakes is a must in making progress in learning English?

D.making mistakes can make one realize the importance of speaking?

4.According to the passage,which way is not likely to be accepted by English beginners?

A.Recite poems loudly along the riverside.?

B.Listen to some English pop songs and video.?

C.Find an Englishman to speak English with.?

D.Take to the TV showing programmes at home.?