It is well-known that the “prom”, a formal dance held at the end of high school or college, is an important date in every student’s life. What is less well-known is that the word “prom” comes from the verb “to promenade”, which means to walk around, beautifully dressed, in order to attract attention. The idea is that you should see and be seen by others.

The prom is not just an American tradition, though most people believe that it started in America. In Canada the event is called a “formal”. In Britain and Australia the old fashioned word “dance” is more and more frequently being referred to as a “prom”. Most countries have some form of celebration when students finish high school: after all, it means the end of life as a child, and the beginning of life as an adult.

The prom is expensive to organize and the tickets can cost students a lot of money. The tradition is that students themselves have to raise the money to pay for it. Selling the students newspapers is one way to raise money; so is taking a part-time job at the weekend.

Although the prom should be the experience of a lifetime, it also worries many students. There is the problem of what to wear, who to take as your partner, who will be voted “prom queen”, etc. And it is not only students who feel worried. What many parents find difficult is the realization that their children’s school days are almost over. However, for most people at the prom, once the music starts playing, everyone relaxes and stops worrying.

1.In which country is the prom called a “formal”?

A. America.         B. Canada.        C. Britain.      D. Australia.

2.Why is the prom important in the students’ lives?

A. It’s the sign of becoming an adult.

B. It’s an old tradition in many countries.

C. There are many problems to work out.     

D. The students can raise money by themselves.

3.What is the passage mainly about?

A. The history of the prom. 

B. The traditions of the prom.

C. The development of the prom.

D. The general information of the prom.

Dear Malia and Sasha,
I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these two years. You have been to many picnics and had all kinds of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you eat. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom. So now I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.
When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with those smiles and suddenly, all my big plans didn’t seem so important any more. I soon found that the greatest happiness in my life was that you were so happy. And I realized that my own life wouldn't mean much if I couldn’t make you two happy. In the end, girls, I ran for(竞选)President: Because of what I want for you and for every child in the US.
I want all our children to go to school so that they can learn and grow. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even though their parents don’t have enough money. And I want them to get good jobs.
I want us to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our earth cleaner and safer. And I want us to see no difference of different colors and areas because we are all equal.
I hope both of you will start to give others the chances you’ve had. You know, this country has given our family so much, so you have to, and really should, give something back. When you are doing something larger than yourself, you will realize how helpful you are.
These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world in which you can make your dreams come true. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and get what you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.
I am so proud of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am thankful every day because you behave so well when we get ready to start our new life together in the White House.
Love，
Dad
【小题1】From the letter we can see that the father is President of _______.

Information for New Members

Welcome to Banktown Bushwalking (丛林徒步旅行) Club! Here are some things you need to know:

Most walks are in faraway places. You need to take enough food and water for a full day of activity on each walk. This is the most important thing to remember.

Wear good lace-up shoes, because you need to do some climbing sometimes.

Each walk has a grade. If you haven’t been bushwalking before, we suggest that you start with an easy walk- Grade 1 or 2. If you have been bushwalking before, then a Grade 3 walk may be suitable.

All beginners need to call or e-mail the leader of an activity 48 hours before the start of the activity. They need to make sure that you are fit and able to finish the activity as planned.

Membership fees(费用) for a year:

$35 for an adult over 18 years old.

If a family joins the club, fees will be lower. $55 for the parents and $10 for each child between the ages of 5 and 18.

1.Before starting a walk, ________ is the most important thing that walkers must remember.?

A. sunglasses????????????? ????????????? ????????????? B. money????????????? ????????????? C. lace-up shoes????????????? ????????????? D. food and water

2.A person who hasn’t been bushwalking before should choose a ________ walk.

A. Grade 1 or 2????????????? ????????????? ????????????? B. Grade 3????????????? ????????????? ????????????? C. Grade 4????????????? ????????????? ????????????? D. Grade 5

3.Eric, his wife and their 16-year-old child want to join the club. They should pay ______ for a year.

A. $35????????????? ????????????? ????????????? ????????????? B. $55????????????? ????????????? ????????????? ????????????? C. $65????????????? ????????????? ????????????? ????????????? D. $75

In the UK, there are two different types of school. One is free for every child in the country;   41   kind makes you pay for your education.

The free schools are known as “state schools” and the schools that   42   are known as “public schools”.

The UK has many famous public schools, such as Eton (伊顿公学), Harrow (哈罗中学) and Winchester (温彻斯特中学). Children from around the world come to the UK to study at these schools. Prince William studied at Eton.

  43   most kids go to state schools. Only about one in 10 goes to a public school. Fees (学费) at public schools can be very   44  . It can cost around 200,000 yuan for one year.

There are differences between state and public schools. Public schools generally attract better   45  , because they offer higher salaries（薪水）.

Because public schools have   46   money to spend than state schools, they also have nicer facilities (设施). Some have football fields, gyms and swimming pools for their students to use.

Facilities in state schools are not usually as good. They often have to   47   with other nearby schools.

Despite (尽管) these differences, kids learn the same things, whichever type of school they go to.   48   schools must follow the National Curriculum, which is set by the government. It   49   teachers what they must teach their students.

This means that whether you are rich or poor, you will still receive a basic level of  50  .

1. A. other                B. others              C. another           D. the other 

2. A. cost                 B. pay                C. spend             D. take

3. A. And                     B. But                C. Although           D. Besides

4. A. high         B. low                C. expensive            D. cheap

5. A. students       B. teachers             C. professors            D. visitors

6. A. less        B. little                C. much            D. more

7. A. share        B. talk       C. play              D. help

8. A. Every        B. Some               C. Most             D. All

9. A. says         B. asks                C. tells                   D. allows

10. A. living       B. work      C. education           D. study