How could we possibly think that keeping animals in cages in unnatural environments－mostly for entertainment purposes－is fair and respectful?
Zoo officials say they are concerned about animals. However, most zoos remain “collections” of interesting “things” rather than protective habitats. Zoos teach people that it is acceptable to keep animals bored, lonely, and far from their natural homes.
Zoos claim to educate people and save endangered species, but visitors leave zoos without having learned anything meaningful about the animals’ natural behavior, intelligence, or beauty. Zoos keep animals in small spaces or cages, and most signs only mention the species’ name, diet, and natural range. The animals’ normal behavior is seldom noticed because zoos don’t usually take care of the animals’ natural needs.
The animals are kept together in small spaces, with no privacy and little opportunity for mental and physical exercise. This results in unusual and self-destructive behavior called zoochosis. A worldwide study of zoos found that zoochosis is common among animals kept in small spaces or cages. Another study showed that elephants spend 22 percent of their time making repeated head movements or biting cage bars, and bears spend 30 percent of their time walking back and forth, a sign of unhappiness and pain.
Furthermore, most animals in zoos are not endangered. Captive breeding (圈养繁殖) of endangered big cats, Asian elephants, and other species has not resulted in their being sent back to the wild. Zoos talk a lot about their captive breeding programs because they do not want people to worry about a species dying out. In fact, baby animals also attract a lot of paying customers. Haven’t we seen enough competitions to name baby animals?
Actually, we will save endangered species only if we save their habitats and put an end to the reasons people kill them. Instead of supporting zoos, we should support groups that work to protect animals’ natural habitats.
1.In the state of zoochosis, animals _________.
A. remain in cagesB. behave strangely
C. attack other animalsD. enjoy moving around
2. What does the author try to argue in the passage?
A. Zoos are not worth the public support.
B. Zoos fail in their attempt to save animals.
C. Zoos should treat animals as human beings.
D. Zoos use animals as a means of entertainment.
3.The author tries to persuade readers to accept his argument mainly by _____.
A. discussing the advantages of natural habitats
B. using evidence he has collected at zoos
C. questioning the way animals are protected
D. pointing out the faults in what zoos do
China is a land of bicycles. At least it was back in 1992 when I traveled the country. Back then everyone seemed to be riding a bicycle. Millions of them, all black. Cars were rare. Yet since my arrival in Beijing last year, I've found the opposite is true. There are millions of cars. However, people still use their bicycles to get around. For many, it's the easiest and cheapest way to travel today. Bicycles also come in different colors—silver, green, red, blue, yellow, whatever you want.
It's fun watching people biking. They rush quickly through crossroads, move skillfully through traffic, and ride even on sidewalks．Bicycles allow people the freedom to move about that cars just can't provide.
Eager to be part of this aspect of Chinese culture, I decided to buy a bicycle. Great weather accompanied my great buy. I immediately jumped up on my bicycle seat and started home.
My first ride home was orderly．To be safe, I stayed with a “pack” of bikers while cars on the streets came running swiftly out of nowhere at times. I didn't want to get hit. So I took the ride carefully.
Crossing the streets was the biggest problem. It was a lot like crossing a major highway back in the United States. The streets here were wide, so crossing took time，skill and a little bit of luck.
I finally made it home. The feeling on the bicycle was amazing. The air hitting my face and going through my hair was wonderful. I was sitting on top of the world as I passed by places and people. Biking made me feel alive.
1.．According to the author, why are bicycles still popular in China today?
A．Because they are traditional and safe.
B．Because they are convenient and inexpensive.
C．Because they are colorful and available.
D．Because they are fast and environment friendly.
2.．The author decided to buy a bicycle because he intended ________．
A．to ride it for fun
B．to use it for transport
C．to experience local culture
D．to improve his riding skills
3.．How did the author feel about his street crossing?
A．It was boring. B．It was difficult.
C．It was lively. D．It was wonderful.
4.．Which of the following best describes the author's biking experience?
A．The author enjoyed showing off his biking skills.
B．The author was annoyed by the air while riding.
C．The author was praised by the other bikers.
D．The author took great pleasure in biking.
It’s 5:00 in the morning when the alarm rings in my ears. I roll out of bed and walk blindly through the dark into the bathroom. I turn on the light and put on my glasses. The house is still as I walk downstairs while my husband and three kids sleep peacefully. Usually I go for a long run, but today I choose my favorite exercise DVD insanity. Sweat pours down my face and into my eyes. My heart races as I face my body to finish each movement. As I near the end of the exercise, I feel extremely tired, but a smile is of my face. It’s not a smile because the DVD is over, but a smile of success from pushing my body to its extreme limit.
Some people enjoy shopping, smoking, food, work, or even chocolate. But I need exercise to get through each day. Some shake heads when they see me run through the town. Others get hurt when I refuse to try just one bite of their grandmother’s chocolate cake. They raise their eyebrows, surprised by my “ no thank you,” or by my choice to have a salad. Over the years, I have learned it’s okay to just say “ no”. I shouldn’t feel sorry for refusing food that I don’t want to eat.
So what drives me to roll out of bed at 5:00 a.m.? What gives me the reason to just say to ice cream? Commitment. A commitment to change my life with a way that reduces daily anxiety, increases self –confidence and energy, extends life and above all improve my body shape. This is the point where a smile appears on my face as I look at myself in the mirror or try on my favorite pair of jeans that now fit just right. It’s through commitment and sweat that I can make a difference within myself inside and out.
1.Why is there a smile on the author’s face in the morning?
A. Because she sees her family sleeping peacefully.
B. Because she finishes her favorite exercise
C. Because she enjoys the interesting DVD
D. Because she feels a sense of achievement
2.Which of the following is true according to Paragraph 2?
A. She doesn’t treat others politely
B. She likes to make others surprised
C. Others don’t understand what she does
D. Others try to help her by offering her food
3.What does the underlined word “commitment” in the last paragraph mean?
A. Good health B. Firm belief
C.A strong power D.A regular half
4. What can we learn about the author from the text?
A. She acts in a strange way
B. She wants to look different from others
C. She aims to develop a good body shape
D. She has difficult getting along with others
You put a great deal of effort into reaching the college of your choice. It’s time to get started. But what’s next? Beginning college can be an exciting but awkward time. Follow these tips to adjust to your new life rapidly and make the most of your college experience.
● To save time and money, use the college’s bus system. Taking the bus to school is quick, easy and free in most college towns. You won’t have to locate or afford a place to park either. It’s also a good way to be environmentally aware.
● Save pennies on books by waiting until class starts. You might not even need all of the recommended books. New textbooks cost an arm and a leg. Try buying used textbooks — it’s a surefire way to save money and serves the purpose as well.
● Do never look at college life as an endless series of parties and social activities.
But there is a whole lot more to college if you’re serious about graduating. Having a good college experience is all about balancing work and fun.
● Be aware that your living environment can largely affect your academic success. If the dorm doesn’t suit you, consider living at home with your family or renting your own apartment. The best location for your studies isn’t always your dorm. Find a quiet area, like the library, to do your work. Alternatively, buy some headphones that block out noise.
● Be mindful of your diet. Make healthy food choices and watch what you eat. Avoid foods that are processed or high in sugar. The “freshman 15” is real. Many college students gain at least 15 pounds during their freshmen year.
● While electives (选修课) can be helpful when figuring out your major, you shouldn’t entirely rely on them. Clubs and other organizations exist around. Get involved. Make sure, though, that you still have time to study. Having too much on your plate can hurt your grades.
1. Which of the following ideas can be financially wise?
A. Driving your own car. B. Buying used books.
C. Renting an apartment. D. Attending activities.
2. In the text, freshmen are repeatedly warned against ______.
A. academic failures B. physical problems
C. traffic accidents D. social activities
3. The “freshman 15” tells the fact that some freshmen ______.
A. attend limited activities on campus
B. have little regular physical exercise
C. focus less on their academic work
D. take relaxed attitudes to their diets
4.The underlined phrase “having too much on your plate” probably refers to _____.
A. using too much money for meals
B. eating too many unhealthy foods
C. taking part in too many after-class activities
D. taking an elective that has too many students
某英文杂志Help栏目Conversation with Mr. Helper的负责人Mr. Helper收到新华中学李磊的一封来信，仔细阅读下面的来信，根据提示，帮助Mr. Helper写一封回信。
Dear Mr. Helper，
I'm a student from Xinhua Senior High School. I have some difficulty in my English reading comprehension.
Though I practice reading a lot every day, I make no progress. I feel very depressed. I would be grateful if you could give me some advice.
Yours sincerely，
Li Lei
内容要点：
注意：1.词数100左右；
2．可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
3．信的开头和结尾已为你写好。
If you see a group of people dancing and singing on the street or in the railway station, you don't need to feel surprised. They are a flash mob(暴民). Who are they? Are they mobs? Don't be confused by their name. Actually, a flash mob is a group of people who gather suddenly in a public place, do something unusual for a brief period of time, and then quickly disappear.
They are usually organized with the help of the Internet or other digital communications networks. The messages may be sent to friends, who send to more people. At a predetermined time, they gather and perform some activities such as exchanging books, coming together to look at the sky, waving their hands and yelling something at the top of their voice for 30 seconds. Then, they quickly disappear before the police can arrive. Using mobile phones, the flash mob can change its place if the first one has been cancelled for any reason.
Bill Wasik, senior editor of Harper's Magazine, organized the first flash mob in Manhattan in May 2003 and the first successful flash mob gathered on June 3,2003. Wasik claimed that he created the flash mob as a social experiment designed to laugh at fashion seekers and stress the cultural atmosphere of wanting to be an insider or part of “the next big thing”．
Flash mob gatherings can sometimes shock people. Such an activity might seem amusing and magical, but it also might frighten people who are not aware of what is taking place. Undoubtedly, flash mob can serve as good political tools and have great potential, such as using to advertise a product.
The flash mob is now becoming more and more popular. People use it to do many things. Flash mobs give people from all walks of life an opportunity to come together to create a memory.
1.What is NOT the feature of the flash mob?
A．It can get together quickly.
B．It can change its place freely.
C．It can do activities suddenly.
D．It can injure people seriously.
2.How do flash mobs inform one another?
①By using the Internet.②By writing letters.③By yelling.④By waving hands.⑤By using mobile phones.
⑥By holding a meeting.
A．③④ B．①⑤ C．②⑥ D．⑤⑥
3.Why did Bill Wasik create the flash mob?
A．To advertise some products.
B．To help people make friends.
C．To laugh at fashion seekers.
D．To create some memories.
4.What can we learn about the flash mob from the passage?
A．Bill Wasik organized the first successful flash mob in May, 2003.
B．People are encouraged to take a more active part in an activity.
C．Flash mobs tend to do something illegal for a short time.
D．Flash mob gathering can frighten all the people present.
