Think of London and you will probably remember the bright red double-decker buses. Think of Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, and the noisy tuk-tuks may come to mind. Think of San Francisco and you might see the city’s cable cars.
Imagining what these cities would look like without those is difficult. They are symbols of these cities that make them different. However, these city symbols are not always so well loved by their city leaders. City leaders want what is best for their city, which often means the most modern transport.
In Bangkok, city leaders have banned(禁止)tuk-tuks because they consider them noisy and polluting. However, the ban has largely been unsuccessful as it has not changed Thai people’s love for the cheap tuk-tuks over taxis.
In London the city’s first ever mayor(市長)removed the red double-decker buses, which he thought were old fashioned. His plan worked, but Londoners were unhappy to lose the nice old buses they believed represented the best of their city. They made their unhappiness felt when the mayor came up for re-election. Most Londoners voted for his competitor, who promised to bring the bus back.
As for San Francisco, several cable cars are still in use but mainly as tourist attractions. They are too slow to be used for anything other than scenic trips.
City transport symbols may have a place in their city people’s hearts, but it seems they are increasingly out of step with the modern world. As Londoners have proved, their continued life depends on people’s willingness to fight for their survival.
【小題1】 What’s the author’s purpose of writing the first paragraph?
A.To introduce some city transport symbols. |
B.To explain why some cities are popular. |
C.To talk about modern transport in some cities. |
D.To attract more tourists to visit some cities. |
A.the new mayor loves it |
B.Londoners fought for it |
C.it is an improved transport |
D.it is popular with tourists |
A.Only a few cable cars are still in use in San Francisco. |
B.Bangkok city leaders tried to remove the cheap tuk-tuks. |
C.The mayor who sold double-decker buses lost the re-election. |
D.The new mayor will bring back improved double-decker buses. |
A.Modern cities should remove old city transport symbols. |
B.The writer thinks highly of the old city transport symbols. |
C.Old city transport symbols face the problem of survival. |
D.Tourist cities will lose their attraction without the symbols. |
科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
In July 1994 Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, was struck by 21 pieces of a comet (彗星). When the fragments (碎片) landed in the southern part of the giant planet, the explosions were watched by scientists here on earth. But what if our own planet was hit by a comet?
The year is 2094. It has been announced that a comet is heading towards the Earth. Most of it will miss our planet, but two fragments will probably hit the southern part of the Earth. The news has caused panic.
On 17 July, a fragment four kilometers wide enters the Earth's atmosphere with a huge explosion. About half of the fragment is destroyed. But the major part survives and hits the South Atlantic at 200 times the speed of sound. The sea boils and an enormous wave is created and spreads. The wall of water rushes towards southern Africa at 800 kilometres an hour. Cities on the African coast are totally destroyed and millions of people are drowned. The wave moves into the Indian Ocean and heads towards Asia.
Millions of people are already dead in the southern part of the Earth, but the north won't escape for long. Tons of broken pieces are thrown into the atmosphere by the explosions. As the sun is hidden by clouds of dust, temperatures around the world fall to almost zero. Crops are ruined. Wars break out as countries fight for food. A year later civilization has collapsed. No more than 10 million people have survived.
Could it really happen? In fact, it has already happened more than once in the history of the Earth. The dinosaurs were on the Earth for over 160 million years. Then 65 million years ago they suddenly disappeared. Many scientists believe that the Earth was hit by a space fragment. The dinosaurs couldn't survive in the cold climate that followed and they became extinct. Will we meet the same end?
【小題1】55.Which of the following is NOT TRUE according to the author's description of the disaster in 2094?
A.The whole world becomes extremely cold |
B.All the coastal cities in Africa are destroyed |
C.The visit of the comet results in wars |
D.The whole mankind becomes extinct |
A.Because they could only live in the warm climate |
B.Because their extinction indicates future disasters |
C.Because they once dominated the earth |
D.Because dinosaurs and humans never live in the same age |
A.give an accurate description of the possible disaster in the future |
B.prove that humans will sooner or later be destroyed |
C.warn of a possible disaster in the future |
D.tell the historical development of the Earth |
A.a(chǎn)rticle of popular science | B.news report |
C.research paper | D.horror story |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Scotland is a unique place, loaded with history, where you can find aristocratic(貴族的)palaces and castles, as well as the traditional parades in national costumes.
In order to see and discover the true soul of Scotland today and what formed the character of this splendid region, we have to go towards the northern regions, to the Grampian Mountains(格蘭扁山區(qū)), beautiful and plain. The Scots conquered the environment with simple spades and strong arms, for it was difficult to farm.
The history of this ancient struggle, and its people’s ancient love with the hard land, can be felt within the walls of the Angus Folk Museum. You are able to get a feel of the typical rural atmosphere of times past from the everyday artifacts displayed here.
From coastal Aberdeen in towards the Grampian Mountains there runs the Castle Trail, a road that touches on many fortresses(堡壘), which are witnesses of continual fights against the control of neighboring England in Scottish history.
Perhaps the most exciting moment for Scottish autonomy is the one experienced inside this ancient church of Arbroath, where, in 1320, the Declaration of Independence was celebrated, at the instigation(鼓動)of King Robert the Bruce. He carried out the plan for autonomy drawn up by the great popular hero William Wallace, for whom cinema has designed the wonderful film Brave Heart, the winner of the five Oscars.
This is Glamis Castle, where King Macbeth and Queen Elizabeth used to live. Among the most frequent guests here are the predictable ghosts, if not actually created, by ancient popular beliefs. These have been handed down over the centuries by people tending to live with mystery, with the forces of the supernatural.
Another attraction here is a legendary monster: the Loch Ness Monster. Whether it’s real or imaginary, this monster, which has been nicknamed Nessie, has collected a good 3,000 sightings over the last 50 years.
The true flag of Scotland, tartan, is recognizable from the brightly colored plaid patterns which are used to distinguish the various social groups.
Bagpipes and dancing open the competitions of local sporting events, which are called Highland Gatherings.
【小題1】Take a look at the Angus Folk Museum, and we can learn about _______. .
A.the love of ancient Scottish to the hard land |
B.the rural atmosphere in Grampian Mountains |
C.a(chǎn)ncient Scottish people’s fighting against the enemy |
D.the history of the Scottish famous palaces and castles |
A.Fighting against the invaders of England. |
B.Developing business with neighbor areas. |
C.Preventing the people from moving around. |
D.Providing a shelter from tough weather for travelers. |
A.the film Brave Heart winning the five Oscars |
B.the plan for Scottish autonomy being carried out |
C.the instigation of King Robert the Bruce |
D.the celebration of the Declaration of Independence |
A.The film Brave Heart is mainly about King Robert Bruce. |
B.The Scottish film industry is one of the attractions of the land. |
C.Highland gatherings are often marked with bagpipes and dancing |
D.The supernatural forces in Glamis Castle may change a person’s belief. |
A.a(chǎn)dvise readers to pay a visit to Scotland |
B.teach students about the customs of Scotland |
C.introduce cultural background about Scotland |
D.a(chǎn)nalyze the geographic formation of Scotland |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Should we allow modern buildings to? be built next to older buildings in a historic area of a city? In order to answer this question, we must first examine whether people really want to preserve the historic feel of an area. Not all historical buildings are attractive. However, there may be other reasons for example, economic (經(jīng)濟的) reasons-why they should be preserved. So, let us assume that historical buildings are both attractive and important to the majority of people. What should we do then if a new building is needed?
In my view, new architectural styles can exist perfectly well alongside an older style. Indeed, there are many examples in my own home town of Tours where modern designs have been placed very successfully next to old buildings. As long as the building in question is pleasing and does not dominate (影響) its surroundings too much, it often improves the attractiveness of the area.
It is true that there are examples of new buildings which have spoilt (破壞) the area they are in, but the same can be said of some old buildings too. Yet people still speak against new buildings in historic areas. I think this is simply because people are naturally conservative(保守的)and do not like change.
Although we have to respect people's feelings as fellow users of the buildings, I believe that it is the duty of the architect and planner to move things forward . If we always reproduced what was there before,we would all still be living in caves . Thus , I would argue against copying previous architectural styles and choose something fresh and different , even though that might be the more risky choice.
【小題1】What does the author say about historical buildings in the first paragraph?
A.Some of them are not attractive. |
B.Most of them ate too expensive to preserve. |
C.They are more pleasing than modern buildings. |
D.They have nothing to do with the historic feel of an area. |
A.We should reproduce the same old buildings. |
B.Buildings should not dominate their surroundings. |
C.Some old buildings have spoilt the area they are in. |
D.No one understands why people speak against new buildings. |
A.Destroy old buildings |
B.Put things in a different place |
C.Choose new architectural styles |
D.Respect people’s feelings for historical buildings |
A.To explain why people dislike change. |
B.To warn that we could end up living in caves. |
C.To admit how new buildings have ruined their surroundings. |
D.To argue that modern buildings can be built in historic areas. |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
For as long as humans have lived on the earth, they have made use of various forms of communication. Generally, this expression of thoughts and feelings has been in the form of oral speech. When there is a spoken language problem, communication can be carried out through sign language, in which gestures stand for letters, words, and ideas. Tourists and people unable to hear or speak have often had to turn to this form of expression. When gestures describe words or ideas, they can often be used internationally(各國之間地). When used for spelling words however, where each gesture stands for a single letter, people must share the same written language.
Body language sends ideas or thoughts by certain actions, either meaningfully or not. A wink(眨眼, 使眼色)can be a way of showing that the person is only joking. A nod means agreement, while shaking the head indicates disagreement.
Other forms of language can be found in Braille(a reading system of raised dots read with the fingertips used by the blind), signal flags, Morse code, and smoke signals. Road maps and picture signs also guide and warn people. While language is the most common form of communication, other systems and techniques also express human thoughts and feelings.
【小題1】 What does the author mainly want to say?
A.People can communicate in many different ways. |
B.Everybody uses only one form of communication. |
C.Language is invaluable to foreigners. |
D.Non-spoken communication is of little value. |
A.Fingers. | B.Eyes. | C.Head. | D.Feet. |
A.Spelling. | B.Ideas. |
C.Whole words. | D.Expressions. |
A.Three. | B.Five. | C.Six. | D.Nine. |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
Finland (芬蘭) is perhaps the most beautiful and mysterious country of Northern Europe. Two-thirds of its surface is covered with thick forests. Relative to its size, Finland has more lakes than any other country. The northern part of this country is inside the Arctic Circle, where almost no trees can grow because of its cold weather and the people use their deer of transport, clothing and food.
The Finnish history began in the Middle Ages. In about 1155, Finland was conquered (侵略) by its western neighbor Sweden (瑞典). After a period of rule by Denmark (丹麥) in the 14th century, the Swedes won back independence and power in 1523 under their brave king. During the Napoleonic (拿破侖的) Wars (1804-1818) Finland was passed finally from Sweden to Russia. The opportunity came in 1917, when the Russian Revolution brought foreign rule of Finland to an end. Shortly after Soviet Russia made peace with Germany, 1919 saw the founding of the Finnish Republic.
The years between the First and Second World Wars were years of progress and growing development. Finland is the fifth largest country in Europe, and despite a relatively small population of 5.2 million, the market potential is much greater. Finland has no coal or oil, and the nation’s wealth lies in the timber from its forests, which supplies material for paper and furniture making, and in the electric power from its water. Finland is an excellent gateway to trading with Russia and the Baltic States because of a long history of trading with these marks. Finland has also enjoyed a strong and long-Finland’s accession to the European Union in January 1995.
【小題1】From the passage, we learn that Finland _______.
A.lies inside the Arctic Circle |
B.lies east of Sweden |
C.is next to the countries of northern Europe |
D.is entirely covered with forests and lakes |
A.Russia | B.Denmark | C.Sweden | D.foreign countries |
A.coal and oil | B.forests and water | C.paper and furniture | D.timber and power industry |
A.Fruits. | B.Wood. | C.Animals. | D.Money. |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
HE is one of the most charming young heroes since Harry Potter. Like Potter, he is chosen by fate to carry out a mission, but unlike the boy wizard, he doesn’t get any chances to have fun or hang out with friends because he’s a little too busy preparing to lead during an upcoming war to save the Earth.
Meet Ender Wiggin, 15, the main character of the hit US sci-fi movie Ender’s Game (《安德的游戲》), which will come out on Jan 7 in China.
The story opens in 2086, 50 years after an insect-like alien race, called the Formics, attacked the Earth and killed tens of millions of people before being driven back to their home planet. Since then, human beings have been in a state of fear, awaiting a second attack.
Earth’s military leaders seek young warriors to risk going into space for battle, and children are taught to compete for these positions. As the film explains, youths can make leaps of logic and intuition, devising effective attack strategies more quickly than adults.
So here comes Ender, the savior (救世主) of all mankind. Though Ender is a skinny kid, smaller than most, he is also smarter than average. He tends to analyze situations and easily find ways to achieve the most positive outcomes. This rare gift makes him stand out in the program and get promoted to the Battle School, where he is directed to plan and carry out a series of virtual attacks on the Formics.
Can he use his military talents to wipe out Earth’s enemies?
Despite the obvious “be all you can be” subtext (潛臺詞), the movie “explores complex issues, including the consequences of violence and maintaining humanity and morality during wartime with intelligence and insight,” commented Yahoo.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film best presents the power of empathy (感情移入), which is what makes Ender a good leader. “The reason Ender succeeds is because he understands what makes his opponents tick (有某種行為) on the battlefield,” explained the entertainment news site.
【小題1】The underlined words “a mission” in the first paragraph probably refer to “______”.
A.having fun and hanging out with friends |
B.being a boy wizard to save the Earth |
C.working to save all of mankind |
D.a(chǎn)cting as a leader of the Formics |
A.youths are smarter and more fearless than adults |
B.youths are more willing to take risks in space |
C.youths have sharper intuition and quicker reactions than adults |
D.youths adapt to new battle environments more quickly than adults |
A.The movie intends to encourage people to try to be what they want to be and never give up. |
B.Ender is able to defeat Earth’s enemies because he possesses a super power that enables him to read his enemies’ minds. |
C.Ender’s success proves that a good leader should have intelligence and insight and make full use of his or her teammates’ talents. |
D.The movie discusses a variety of issues such as the effects of violence and the importance of morality and humanity during wartime. |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
You may not be aware, but digital currency (貨幣) is a big part of the Internet world. QQ Coins can buy you accessories (配飾) for your QQ images. More importantly, a new digital currency, Bitcoin, is bringing the world’s commerce online.
If you’re traveling, you can spend Bitcoins at restaurants and hotels listed at BitcoinTravel.com. In China, Bitcoins can be used to buy goods at about 134 online shops on Taobao. And at a café named 2nd Place in Beijing, you can even buy fresh coffee with Bitcoins.
So what makes Bitcoin so attractive to investors?
First of all, the Bitcoin system is not controlled by anyone. One central authority cannot make policies to change the value of Bitcoins. The fixed amount of Bitcoins also means they cannot lose value through inflation(通貨膨脹), as all forms of paper money have done over time.
In addition, accounts in the Bitcoin system are anonymous and transparent. Users can set up an account easily and track every Bitcoin. All of these features seem to make Bitcoins immune(有免疫力的) from loss, but that is not entirely true.
“The value of Bitcoins can vary wildly as no central government makes the price of them steady. If the value drops suddenly, investors cannot get any compensation(賠償),” Zhao Qingming, a senior researcher at China Construction Bank, told China Economic Weekly. And Bitcoins, unlike company shares, are not backed by any tangible funds, which also adds to their risk.
While China will not recognize the digital currency anytime soon, Xinhua said, lawmakers and officials at a hearing on Nov. 18 in the US made positive comments about Bitcoin.
Ben Bernanke, outgoing chairman of the Federal Reserve, told the Washington Post that “these types of creations, such as Bitcoin… may hold long-term promise, particularly if its system promote a faster, more secure and more efficient payment system.”
【小題1】Bitcoin is ______.
A. actually exactly like QQ Coins
B. only used online
C. a new currency used both online and in real life
D a country’s new digital currency.
【小題2】We can use Bitcoin to buy the following things except ______.
A.online goods | B.goods at 134 online shops on Taobao |
C.books in physical shops | D.coffee at a café named 2nd Place |
A.the value of it can rise and fall wildly. |
B.It cannot lose value through inflation. |
C.Every bitcoin in your account can be followed. |
D.It can even be used at some specific restaurants and hotels. |
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科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解
When, after a year of being alone on his island, Robinson Crusoe sees a footprint in the sand, the reader of Robinson Crusoe trembles. Will Crusoe find another human being to end his loneliness? Is the footprint the sign of an enemy? Since 1719, when Daniel Defoe wrote Robinson Crusoe, thousands of people who enjoy English novels have thrilled to this great adventure story. But few know how the story came to be written. Robinson Crusoe was the first English novel. Its birth brought together the misadventures of a Scotch “failure” and the untapped imagination of an aging English scribbler.
Near the end of the Seventeenth Century, the hot-tempered Alexander Selkirk was charged with bad conduct while in church. Rather than face this charge, he ran away to sea. Several years later, Selkirk found himself on the ship of an English privateer. The privateer was preying on Spanish shipping. But Selkirk quarreled bitterly with the Captain. So, when the ship came to the island of Juan Femandez in the South Seas, Selkirk asked to be put ashore. When he saw that there were no people on the island, he begged to be taken back on board. But the Captain refused—Selkirk had gone too far. Over four years later, Selkirk was rescued by another ship.
When Selkirk got back to England, the story of his life on the island fired the imagination of Daniel Defoe. Defoe had been earning a living by his pen since he was thirty. He was amazingly hard-working. He wrote a whole newspaper three times a week. He also made part of his living from politics. He supported both political parties. He told each party that it had his sole support.
【小題1】Alexander Selkirk spent four years on a desert island because .
A.he sought adventure |
B.he was hot-tempered |
C.he was afraid to face charges |
D.his ship was wrecked |
A.made his living as a writer |
B.got his start as a writer with the writing of Robinson Crusoe |
C.was very “straight”-he was hardworking and honest |
D.had little power of imagination, but succeeded with his novel because he worked hard |
A.how Alexander Selkirk was able to survive on the island. |
B.why people enjoy English novels |
C.what the footprint in the sand meant |
D.how Robinson Crusoe came to be written |
A.Robinson Crusoe was a successful novel. |
B.Even if Alexander Selkirk had not lived on the island of Juan Femande, Robinson Crusoe would still have been written. |
C.Daniel Defoe lived partly by hard work and partly by his “ wits ”. |
D.With the writing of Robinson Crusoe , the English novel was born. |
A.critical | B.supporting | C.both A and B | D.opposing |
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