Only after the straight-talking repairman handed me the bill and waved goodbye did I finally acknowledge the painful truth: Our 20-year-old clothes dryer was not going to last.
I turned to my husband. “He says we’re throwing good money after bad,” I sighed. “I think he’s right.”
“When do you want to go shopping for a new one?” my husband asked.
I glanced out the window, admiring the sunlight dancing on the big-leaf maples（枫叶） in our backyard. Perfect drying weather. Suddenly, I recalled my mother hanging laundry on a clothesline during my childhood. My sister and I had played hide-and-seek among the sweet-smelling sheets waving in the wind.
I suddenly had a plan. After the wash cycle, we covered the maples with damp blue jeans, shirts, socks and towels. The only things that didn’t go outside were my underpants. And I persuaded my shameless husband to let his big boxer shorts(男式平角短裤) stay indoors, too.
There is a secret pleasure to hanging laundry outdoors. It is the perfect excuse to get up from the computer. While checking on the laundry in the backyard, I could commune(亲近) not only with cotton T-shirts, but also my cats. I could watch cautious deer run through the yard with their young, listen to nervous squirrels in trees and observe a family of wild turkeys by the road. I returned to my desk refreshed.
And, except for the sandpaper feel of sun-dried bath towels, the drying method was a complete success. When autumn came, I’d scan the horizon each day to evaluate the chances of sun-drying. One morning I saw rain clouds. I had a load of wet clothes in my arms and no place to put them.
I found my husband. Together we hung laundry throughout the house.
Then my husband gave me a hug and a smile. “I think it’s time to buy a dryer…” he said, “… like, today.”
“Good idea,” I said, just as the infamous Oregon rain started.
Our sun-dried laundry habit was finished for the season.
1. Why did the author want to try sun-drying?
a. Her husband insisted.
b. She wanted to cut expenses.
c. Their dryer wasn’t working.
d. She had good childhood memories of using a clothesline.
A. b c B. c d C. a c d D. b c d
2.What could the straight-talking repairman have said to the author?
A. “Continue to use it even if it is old.”
B. “You should have taken better care of your dryer.”
C. “You shouldn’t have wasted money on repairing your dryer.”
D. “Just buy a new dryer even if it’s very expensive.”
3. What was the biggest benefit that sun-drying brought to the author besides dry clothes?
A. She loves sun-dried bath towels.
B. She felt healthier and closer to nature.
C. She could bathe in the sunshine, too.
D. It gave her a break from her housework.
4. Which of the following is TRUE according to the article?
A. The author has stopped sun-drying since autumn started.
B. The author later became fed up with the trouble of hanging up her clothes.
C. The author listened to weather reports every day when autumn came.
D. The author realized sun-drying was seasonal and thus had its disadvantages
The World Health Organization has for the first time expressed “cautious optimism” that the growth in new Ebola cases in West Africa may be slowing down.
Bruce Aylward, who is in charge of the WHO response to Ebola, said in Geneva that he was particularly encouraged by evidence of a downward trend in Liberia, one of the three worst-affected countries.
The WHO’s official total number of Ebola cases has reached 13,703 – a big jump from the10,141 cases it reported four days ago. But Dr Aylward said that was mainly the result of the data being updated with old cases, rather than new cases arising.
“Do we feel confident that the response is now getting an upper hand on the virus? Yes, we are seeing a slowing rate of new cases, very definitely,” Dr Aylward said.
However, Dr Aylward also urged people not to celebrate pre-maturely over any apparent downturn in the epidemic (传染病). “I’m terrified that the information will be misunderstood and people will think Ebola is under control,” he said.
Any reduction in the battle against the virus might lead to “an oscillating(震荡的) pattern where the disease moves up and down”.
The improvement in Liberia seems to be due to a combination of more treatment facilities, better contact tracing and safer burial practices, together leading to fewer new infections from Ebola patients.
In Sierra Leone the number of cases continues to increase in some areas. “We’re still seeing this thing burning quite hot in parts of Sierra Leone,” Dr Aylward said
Tracing the progress of individual patients, the WHO estimates an overall death rate of 70 percent, though people who receive treatment in a well-equipped clinic are slightly less likely to die. The WHO plans to set up 56 Ebola clinics with 4,700 beds in West Africa. Of these 15 clinics with 1,050 beds are already operational and another 22 clinics are expected to open during November.
Meanwhile, two former NATO(北约) secretaries-general and dozens of leading European politicians have urged the alliance(盟国) to send troops, aircraft and ships to west Africa to help contain the Ebola crisis.
1. In the first paragraph, “cautious optimism” probably refers to ______
A. Ebola under control thanks to WHO’s caution
B. the decline of new Ebola cases though not defeated
C. celebrations on the downturn in Ebola in Liberia
D. More treatment and relief supplies to West Africa
2.Why did Dr Aylward urge people not to celebrate prematurely?
A. Because celebrations may increases infections.
B. Because the pattern of the disease is up and down.
C. Because people may be misled to stop the battle.
D. Because we are getting an upper hand on the virus.
3.Which of the following didn’t contribute to the improvement in Liberia?
A. better contact tracing
B. more treatment facilities
C. safer burial practices
D. data updated with old cases
4. According to the text, “burning quite hot” means ______ .
A. very severe B. extremely hot
C. on fire D. well received
The term “résumé” means a document describing one’s educational qualifications and professional experience. However, guidelines(指南) for preparing a global résumé are constantly changing. The best advice is to find out what is appropriate regarding the company culture, the country culture, and the culture of the person making the hiring decision. The following list is a good place to start.
·In many countries, it is standard procedure to attach a photo or have your photo printed on your résumé. Do not attach a photograph to your résumé if you are sending it to the United States, though.
·Educational requirements differ from country to country. In most cases of “cross-border” job hunting, just stating the title of your degree will not be enough. Provide the reader with details about your studies and any related experience.
·Pay attention to the résumé format(格式) you use—chronological(时间的) or reverse-chronological order. If you find no specific guidelines, the general preference is for the reverse-chronological format, which means listing your current or most recent experience first.
·The level of computer technology and accessibility to the Internet varies from country to country. Even if a company or individual lists an e-mail address, there is no guarantee that they will actually receive your email. Send a paper copy of your résumé, as well as the emailed copy, just to make sure that it is received.
·If you are writing your résumé in English, find out if the receiver uses British English or American English because there are variations between the two versions.
·Although English is widely accepted today as being the universal language of business, most multinational companies will expect you to speak the language of one of the countries in which they do business, in addition to English. Have your résumé prepared in both languages, and be ready for your interview to be conducted in both languages. Most companies will want to see and hear proof of your language skills.
·Be aware that paper sizes are different in different countries. The United States standard is 8½ by 11 inches, while the European A4 standard is 21 by 29.7 centimeters. When you send your résumé by email, reformat it to the receiver’s standard. Otherwise, when it is printed out, half of your material may be missing!
1.The passage is most probably intended for _____.
A. job hunters that seek careers abroad
B. companies that do international business
C. people that are employed by companies overseas
D. graduates that can speak over one foreign language
2.Which of the following is always advisable when a global résumé is prepared according to the passage?
A. Write it in American English.
B. Prepare it in more than two languages.
C. Attach or print your photo on it.
D. Send both a paper and an emailed copy.
3.From the passage, we learn that _____.
A. we can’t list the oldest experience first in a résumé
B. Asian countries may have the same standard paper size
C. a résumé can help us know about a person’s personality
D. a person’s educational background should be included in a résumé
4.The passage mainly wants to tell us that a global résumé should _____.
A. be highly professional
B. be especially informative
C. be culturally proper
D. be completely chronological
Dear Reader，
I receive many letters from children and can't answer them all -- there wouldn't be time enough in a day. That is why I am sending you this printed reply to your letter. I'll try to answer some of the questions that are commonly asked.
Where did I get the idea for Stuart Little and for Charlotte's Web? Well, many years ago I went to bed one night in a railway sleeping car, and during the night I dreamed about a tiny boy who acted rather like a mouse. That's how the story of Stuart Little got started.
As for Charlotte's Web, I like animals and my barn is a very pleasant place to be, at all hours. One day when I was on my way to feed the pig, I began feeling sorry for the pig because, like most pigs, he was doomed to die. This made me sad. So I started thinking of ways to save a pig's life. I had been watching a big grey spider at her work and was impressed by how clever she was at weaving. Gradually I worked the spider into the story that you know, a story of friendship and salvation(拯救) on a farm. Three years after I started writing it, it was published. (I am not a fast worker, as you can see.)
Sometimes I'm asked how old I was when I started to write, and what made me want to write. I started early – as soon as I could spell. In fact, I can't remember any time in my life when I wasn't busy writing. I don't know what caused me to do it, or why I enjoyed it, but I think children often find pleasure and satisfaction is trying to set their thoughts down on paper, either in words or in pictures. I was no good at drawing, so I used words instead. As I grew older, I found that writing can be a way of earning a living.
Some of my readers want me to visit their school. Some want me to send a picture, or an autograph, or a book. And some ask questions about my family and my animals and my pets. Much as I'd like to, I can't go visiting. I can't send books, either – you can find them in a bookstore or a library. Many children assume that a writer owns (or even makes) his own books. This is not true – books are made by the publisher. If a writer wants a copy, he must buy it. That's why I can't send books. And I do not send autographs – I leave that to the movie stars. I live most of the year in the country, in New England. From our windows we can look out at the sea and the mountains. I live near my married son and three grandchildren.
Are my stories true, you ask? No, they are imaginary tales, containing fantastic characters and events. In real life, a family doesn't have a child who looks like a mouse; in real life, a spider doesn't spin words in her web. In real life, a swan doesn't blow a trumpet. But real life is only one kind of life – there is also the life of the imagination. And although my stories are imaginary, I like to think that there is some truth in them, too – truth about the way people and animals feel and think and act.
Yours sincerely,
E.B. White
1.How many animal characters in E.B.White’s books have been mentioned in his letter?
A. 2. B. 3. C. 4. D. 5.
2. Which of the following has inspired E.B.White to write his famous Charlotte’s Web?
A. His dream of a little boy acting like a mouse.
B. His sympathy for a dying pig.
C. His impression of spiders wearing skill.
D. His imagination of a swan blowing a trumpet.
3. Which of the following may not be the question asked by E.B.White’s readers?
A. Where do you live?
B. Are your stories true?
C. Can you come and visit our school?
D. Why do you send us this printed letter?
4.From the letter, we can know that E.B.White _____.
A. could spell at a very young age
B. makes a living by writing
C. lives under a roof of four generations
D. is busy writing animals all his life
Technology and the present generation of kids go hand in hand. Taking advantage of this factor, Lim Hojoon, the designer from South Korea, has come up with an educational gadget (小装置) especially for children.
Kidget, as the name suggests, is a combination of two words – kid and gadget. This kid-friendly gadget has various uses. When your child is in a mood to read, it takes the form of a storybook. When the mood is to draw and color, this wonder gadget turns into a perfect canvas (画布). Your child can freely give color to all his/her imaginations. Should he or she wish to have some fun, see this device change into a musical instrument. You too would enjoy doing activities with your loved one using this gadget. This touch screen device will definitely prove to be an ideal friend.
As many parents agree, in this age of technological advancements it is much easier to introduce children to new gadgets than adults. While many adults refrain (克制) from trying out something new, kids are more than prepared to take the leap. Keeping this fact in mind, Kidget is the perfect gift for the child of the 21st century. You will be surprised to see how fast your little one gets acquainted with the device. You might even find yourself lagging (落后) behind at times.
Kidget has another hidden advantage. It helps take the load off young shoulders. With three things rolled into one, a child has much fewer books, stationary items and related goods to carry. It comes with a promise to make life simpler for kids. Not only is it simple to use but also easy to carry along. The stylish protective case comes with a belt attached to it. Children up to 14 years of age, the targeted audience, enjoy the freedom that comes with it.
1. The Kidget probably can’t serve as a ______.
A. storybook B. perfect canvas
C. musical instrument D. television
2.We learn from the second paragraph that Kidget ______.
A. has many functions
B. is only suitable for kids
C. can make kids addicted if not properly used
D. can change its shape and color
3. A hidden advantage of Kidget is that ______.
A. it can be put into a schoolbag
B. children can carry much less with it
C. it has a stylish protective case
D. it contains all the textbooks
4. We can infer from the text that Kidget ______.
A. is easily operated by kids
B. meets with parents’ disapproval
C. needs to be further improved
D. replaces schoolbags
The day I met my best friend for the first time, I was full of anxiety. I was trying to do some for an important oral exam in the local library, but people kept me. I was getting annoyed and of course, I was not able to . Suddenly I heard someone singing loudly behind me. I and glared at the person who was singing. It was a tall girl about the same age as me.
She looked like a sensitive and friendly girl. “How could she be so selfish?” I thought .
I picked up my books, glared at her and shouted, “Thanks to your , I’ve been unable to study. You’re so !”
I left the library in a hurry, leaving my most important textbook . When I got home two hours later, I found my textbook gone. I was so that I almost cried. Just then, the phone rang. A gentle voice the speaker as Jenny and asked if I was Jane. After that I was, she said she had noticed I’d left my book in the library and as my was in it, she asked a librarian to get my phone number. She said she didn’t live far away and could bring it around for me if I needed it.
I sighed with and agreed to meet her at the convenience store down the road. Of course, you’ve who Jenny was. She was just the girl I had shouted at for singing in the library. When I recognized her in the store, I was filled with and apologized for my rude behavior. I felt so , but Jenny just laughed, saying she was glad to see I’d also left my in the library! I couldn’t help laughing and I invited her to my apartment for a cup of tea.
Ever since then we’ve been best friends and we’re getting along well. To be honest, I trust her more than anyone else. I often think how I am. If Jenny hadn’t been a kind person who was willing to my shortcomings, I would have experienced such true friendship.
1.A. research B. revision C. work D. experiment
2.A. watching B. asking C. warning D. disturbing
3.A. speak B. improve C. concentrate D. follow
4.A. turned around B. turned down C. turned off D. turned over
5.A. sadly B. hopelessly C. angrily D. crazily
6.A. practice B. noise C. attitude D. existence
7.A. selfish B. active C. sensitive D. stupid
8.A. out B. around C. aside D. behind
9.A. nervous B. careless C. upset D. forgetful
10.A. introduced B. considered C. took D. remembered
11.A. deciding B. confirming C. realizing D. thinking
12.A. number B. class C. writing D. name
13.A. comfort B. relief C. confidence D. satisfaction
14.A. recognized B. found C. guessed D. heard
15.A. courage B. energy C. doubt D. shame
16.A. worried B. sorry C. terrible D. excited
17.A. glare B. expression C. virtue D. understanding
18.A. considerate B. pleased C. lucky D. grateful
19.A. overcome B. share C. hide D. forgive
20.A. ever B. never C. seldom D. still
