Most musicians agree that the best violins were made in Cremona, Italy, about 200 years ago. They even sound better than violins made today. Violin makers and scientists try to make instruments like the old Italian violins. But they aren’t the same. Why are these old Italian violins so special? Many people think they have an answer.
Some people think it is the age of the violins. But there is a problem here. Not all old violins sound wonderful. Only those from Cremona are special. So age cannot be the answer.
Other people think the secret to those violins is the wood. The wood of the violin is very important. It must be from certain kinds of trees. It must not be too young or too old. Perhaps the violin makers of Cremona knew something special about wood for violins.
But the kind of wood may not be so important. It may be more important to cut the wood in a special way. Wood for a violin must be cut very carefully. It has to be the right size and shape. The smallest difference will change the sound of the violin. Musicians sometimes think that this is the secret of the Italians.
Size and shape may not be the answer either. Scientists make new violins that are exactly the same size and shape. But the new violins still do not sound as good as the old one. Some scientists think the secret may be the varnish（清漆）, which covers the wood of the violin and makes it look shiny. It also helps the sound of the instrument. Since no one knows what the Italian violin makers used in their varnish, no one can make the same varnish today.
There may never be other violins like the violins of Cremona. And there are not many of the old violins left. So these old violins are becoming more and more precious.
1.What would be the best title for the passage?
A．The Secrets of Cremona Violins
B．The History of Italian Violins
C．Special Musical Instruments
D．How to Make the Best Violins
2.The main purpose of the first paragraph is to_______________
A．list some facts B．raise a question
C．give an opinion D．offer an answer
3.What is still unclear about Cremona violins according to the writer?
A．The shape． B．The size． C．The wood． D．The varnish．
4.Which of the following words can best describe Cremona violins?
A．Light． B．Shining． C．Valuable．D．Modern
5.What can we learn from this passage?
A．Modem things are always better than ancient ones
B．Ancient things are always better than modem ones
C．Once a cultural relic is lost．it Can never be recovered
D．Varnish for violins will become more and more precious
Last January I was given a chance to work in another country. At first, I lived a 36 life, but soon I met a group of new friends and they were really nice.
Then something 37 happened. One of our friends suffered from kidney stones (肾结石), which had to be 38 surgically as soon as possible. But it was not as 39 as that! Our friend could not 40 the operation, which put him into deep 41 . I didn’t know how to help him because I didn’t have any money either. 42 , I never lost hope. Instead I tried to think of other 43 and told him not to worry because everything would be all right.
Before I left the hospital, I talked to the surgeon and asked him to do the surgery, saying I would pay the expenses the next day 44 I had that kind of money. Well, I must have been 45 because the surgeon agreed to do it! But how was I going to get that much money?
All I knew was that I needed to help my friend! Although it could be 46 to deal with this kind of situation, I decided to make some efforts. I tried to borrow money but failed. I tried 47 my things but no one wanted them. Then I had the idea of talking to my 48 . I asked him if I could have my next two months’ salary in advance—without even thinking on how I would 49 for two months with no money. He was surprised and asked me the reason. I told him that I had a friend who was really in need. 50 I convinced him too and then he gave my two months’ salary without any 51 !
Upon getting the money, I ran to the hospital and paid all the bills. My friend didn’t know how to thank me. I just said, “Come on! Give me a 52 !”
Friendship may not only be found at the happy moment but sometimes you can find it on the 53 time in your life! I’ve done a good thing by being a (an) 54 friend and I think it is well worth the 55 .
1.A. private B. lonely C. colorful D. normal
2.A. strange B. wrong C. unexpected D. unfair
3.A. removed B. reduced C. examined D. lifted
4.A. terrible B. painful C. simple D. special
5.A. stand B. consider C. perform D. afford
6.A. anxiety B. confusion C. embarrassment D. dissatisfaction
7.A. Thus B. Otherwise C. However D. Therefore
8.A. reasons B. choices C. symptoms D. expectations
9.A. even if B. as if C. so that D. in case
10.A. encouraging B. annoying C. astonishing D. convincing
11.A. challenging B. disturbing C. amazing D. scaring
12.A. saving B. handling C. donating D. selling
13.A. colleague B. relative C. boss D. surgeon
14.A. adapt B. survive C. continue D. wander
15.A. Luckily B. Slightly C. Constantly D. Occasionally
16.A. analysis B. dignity C. hesitation D. remark
17.A. favor B. hug C. promise D. reply
18.A. best B. longest C. strangest D. toughest
19.A. supportive B. sensitive C. aggressive D. attentive
20.A. tolerance B. sympathy C. pressure D. effort
--- “Fail to do your homework again?”
---“Sorry, I ____ something else and didn’t hear your assignment.”
A. thought B. had thought
C. was thinking D. have been thinking
The officer gave orders that anyone________ a gun should be reported to the police station.
A. sees take B. see taken C. seeing take D. seen taking
Had it been possible, I would have gone to attend Monica in the hospital, but I________ fully occupied last month.
A. had been B. was C. am D. have been
When asked what original intention led them to volunteer, about half of___ said they were willing to devote themselves.
A. whom B. whose C. them D. who
