Ever wonder how this season’s celebrations affect the environment? Guest blogger Krista Fairles takes an amusing look at this very topic:
The holidays are a wonderful, cheerful time when most people wait for Santa to bring them presents. But I’m not like most people. I spend my time wondering just what the environmental impacts of Santa Claus and his reindeer are, and more importantly, how I can calculate those impacts.
Lately I’ve been particularly curious as to whether Santa’s old sled is a clean green flying machine, or if he should be replacing his 8 reindeer with an environmentally-friendly car.
I should mention that, surprisingly, I was unable to find statistics specific to Santa’s magical flying reindeer, so these calculations use numbers from various sources and may not represent actual pollution caused by Santa and his animals. In other words, don’t complain to the government about the damage Santa is causing the environment based on this article.
Santa’s yearly trip around the globe is 44,000km long, twice the average of a North American driver. If we assume that the magic provides the altitude for this trip, then reindeer power only needs to push Santa’s sled forward. To complete the trip in 12 hours, I estimate they must travel at a speed of about 3100km/h. To travel at this speed, for this length of time, the reindeer need to eat an incredible 980 million calories each!!
So the next question is: how much food is in 980 million calories? Well, if they’re eating corn, they’d need to eat 16,500 lbs each — or 1.6 acres of food. Growing 12.8 acres of corn has its own implications for the environment that we’ll leave for another calculation.
We now need to consider that during the global trip the reindeer are “l(fā)etting out” some of that corn in the form of methane (甲烷，沼氣). A resting cow produces 110 kg of methane per year, so flying reindeer would each let out about 4.8 tons. With methane causing 20 times the global warming damage of CO2, and the altitude increasing that damage by 1000% that another 20 times, we can put Santa’s round-trip emissions at 15,488 tons. This is much more than the 100 tons an environmentally-friendly car would release on the same trip!
Bad Santa.
【小題1】Which aspect does the writer NOT include in her analyses about reindeer’s influence on environment?
| A．Distance covered. | B．Calories consumed. |
| C．Tons of waste let out. | D．Money spent on food. |
| A．1.6. | B．16. | C．12.8. | D．128. |
| A．Christmas celebrations are really a waste of money. |
| B．Vegetarians are more likely to survive than meat-eaters. |
| C．Raising animals has a negative influence on environment. |
| D．The car industry does less harm to environment than farming. |
| A．Humourous and concerned. | B．Cheerful and friendly. |
| C．Academic and formal. | D．Serious and boring. |
| A．Is Santa driving clean and green? |
| B．Santa, watch where you’re going! |
| C．Santa Claus is coming to town! |
| D．Let’s reduce waste on Christmas celebrations! |
【小題1】D
【小題2】B
【小題3】C
【小題4】A
【小題5】A
解析試題分析：文章大意：圣誕老人每年旅行44,000公里，那么圣誕老人的駕駛是清潔和綠色的嗎？
【小題1】D細(xì)節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)第文章五、六、七段可以知道提及到Distance covered、Calories consumed和Tons of waste let out.，而D項沒有提及到。故D正確。
【小題2】B細(xì)節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)第六段的第二句Well, if they’re eating corn, they’d need to eat 16,500 lbs each — or 1.6 acres of food.可以計算出10只馴鹿所需要的谷物。故B正確。
【小題3】C細(xì)節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)文章第七段作者提及到馴鹿排放的沼氣可知C項和作者的觀點相符合。 故C正確。
【小題4】A推理判斷題。全文作者以詼諧的口吻講述圣誕老人每年44,000公里的旅程所帶來的污染，體現(xiàn)了作者對環(huán)境的關(guān)注。故A正確。
【小題5】A主旨大意題。全文作者以詼諧的口吻講述圣誕老人每年44,000公里的旅程所帶來的污染，懷疑圣誕老人是否是清潔和綠色旅行。 故A正確。
考點：考查趣味閱讀
科目：高中英語 來源： 題型：閱讀理解
Dear Dean,
It is my understanding that this college has received a large donation to be used to improve the quality of life for students: expand the bookstore or add computers to the lab. I strongly argue in favor of the addition of more computers.
We have to think about a greater goal and a more practical way to enhance the quality of life for students. Do we want our college to be known as a place with a great bookstore where you can find CDs and gifts, or as a place where the students can research in their field using the best tools provided by technology?
As a learning institution, this college has the responsibility to offer its students the best technology to help them prepare for their future, since many students will be expected to be familiar with the latest software and other tools when they go on to work.
While they are in college, students find they are expected to use computers. They are asked to create PowerPoint presentations and research many topics on the Internet. Being able to do projects using the computer also gives students the opportunity to find information that without a computer would be much more difficult to find. Since students are competing for good grades, those who have limited access to computers are at a great disadvantage.
If there are more new and faster computers accessible, students will be able to complete their work more efficiently. No more will they have to wait in line, paper and disk in hand, while scanning the room for an empty chair and computer. No longer will they have to sit and wait while an outdated computer struggles to follow their commands.
The more computers are used in society, the more colleges will depend on them as a tool of teaching and learning. Making computers more accessible to students facilitates their learning process by making it much easier and more engaging(專注), and eventually improves their quality of life.
【小題1】The purpose of the author in writing the passage is________.
| A．to explain why students are in great need of computers |
| B．to tell us what benefits students can gain from computers |
| C．to persuade the Dean to purchase more advanced computers |
| D．to describe the problems caused by lack of computers |
| A．computers are beneficial to students’ academic success |
| B．computers are the only access to good grades for students |
| C．students find it convenient to do homework by computers |
| D．students wish to use more money to buy more computers |
| A．furthers | B．equips | C．predicts | D．troubles |
| A | B |
 |  |
| C | D |
 |  |
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科目：高中英語 來源： 題型：閱讀理解
Q: On Facebook, my friends are a mix of real-life pals, former classmates, professional colleagues, extended-family members, and … my mom. Mom is the first to like and comment on everything I post, which is annoying. I tried talking to her about it, but her feelings quickly got hurt, so I backed off. I know I can’t block her, but now I don’t want to post anything. How do I handle this?
A: This is about Facebook, not your mom. The often-shrugged-off truth about social media is that nothing is private. It’s easy to forget this, so in a way, you’re lucky that your mom is reminding you. Everything you post—comments, likes, photos—is freely available to future friends, employers, lovers etc unless blocked. That said, you can ask Mom again nicely to tone it down. You can also customize your controls so she can’t see everything you post.
Q: In which situations am I required to make a phone call versus send a text message?
A: A text is for information—time, date, news. It’s for the stuff you can keep short and sweet. A phone call is for analysis, discussion, opinion, and, if you must, gossip.
Q: I’m always on Facebook, so I just send messages to friends through the site. But when should I log off and send an e-mail?
A: When you’re serious about anything. Think of it as chatting with someone on a bus versus asking her to meet you for coffee. The former is good for casual conversation; the latter is personal and requires attention.
Q: For which occasions should I mail paper invitations versus send e-mail ones? (E-cards are free and easy—what’s not to love?!)
A: Anything important needs a paper invitation. That’s your baseline. So ask yourself: “Do I want people to dress up for this event?” If the answer is yes, dress up your invitation by making it printed instead of virtual. For more casual events and gatherings, e-card away.
Q: Is using emoticons ever inappropriate to express a feeling or make a point in texts or e-mails?
A: Emoticons are for fun. Is the message you’re writing fun? Use an emoticon. Are you asking for a big favor? Skip it. Is the message to your boss or a colleague? Skip it. Avoid them if you want to be taken seriously about anything.
Q: I have a big, happy announcement to share with a lot of people. Is it appropriate to share it on my blog?
A: Yes, so you don’t have to go cc-ing everyone in an e-mail. Post away. But send a private message to those who should know first.
Q: I have a big, sad announcement. What should I do?
A: Respect your privacy—and yourself. Pick up the phone and call a trusted friend or family member to let her know, and then ask her to help spread the news offline.
【小題1】What do we learn about social media from the first Q and A?
| A．It is illegal to keep track of personal privacy on Facebook. |
| B．Personal privacy is inaccessible online with control customized. |
| C．People tend to ignore privacy provided it is blocked purposefully. |
| D．We need someone to remind us constantly of our privacy online. |
| A．Sending texts to consult a doctor for surgery |
| B．Carrying on casual conversations via emails. |
| C．Emailing your boss with emoticons for promotion. |
| D．Writing a formal invitation for a dress-up event. |
| A．Arranging for a social gathering to celebrate it. |
| B．Informing your teachers who may help you spread. |
| C．Telling your parents before posting it on your blog. |
| D．Sending everyone a message privately to share it. |
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科目：高中英語 來源： 題型：閱讀理解
In today's fast paced, high stress world people are working longer hours than ever, and often exhaust themselves at day's end in front of the television to relax enough to begin again in the morning．However, television watching, for most people, does not really lower stress．Studies show that TV viewing more than an hour or so actually creates stress and, especially in women, may lead to the blues．Most individuals are unaware that doing some exercise after work makes them more energetic since it increases energy levels．
Wise use of free time does not mean getting an advanced degree, although the mental encouragement gained through education is unbeatable in keeping your mind active．Learning new things nearly always adds a spark to your daily life, especially if it is a favorite topic, such as sport, fashion, or art．Also, look through your bookstore or library to find books on your interests．Try to replace a half hour TV watching with reading．
It is reported that in the United States recently, many individuals have as few as two good friends．Long work hours and car commute act to separate people from each other．This separation is deadly．Find ways to meet people at the end of the day and on weekends．Often this can be best done by combining activities, such as by joining a walking group to get both exercise and companionship．Taking a class will lift your spirits and allow you to meet others with similar interests．Hobbies are great for reducing stress and provide another opportunity for social interaction．
Using your free time to aid your health may include these elements and many more, such as going to concerts and spending time with family．Overall, the key is to spend less free time being passive．The best ways to use free time are to be mentally and physically active, spend some time outdoors, and interact with other people on a regular basis．
【小題1】What can we learn from the passage?
| A．Watching television may cause women to feel depressed． |
| B．Finding interests and hobbies in common means taking a class． |
| C．Going to concerts is the best way to make you mentally active． |
| D．Getting an advanced degree in education always lights up your life． |
| A．The arrangement to work every day． | B．The journey to work every day． |
| C．The communication between people． | D．The separation between people． |
| A．Live a Happy and Healthy Life | B．Relax Yourself in Various Ways |
| C．Spend Your Free Time Wisely | D．Interact With Others Outdoors |
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科目：高中英語 來源： 題型：閱讀理解
If your child has mobile internet access, it will be more difficult to monitor(監(jiān)督) and control his or her internet use. Kids are turning to the internet for everything from hanging out with friends to shopping, which makes it harder for parents to keep track of their online activities. Fortunately, there are many choices for controlling what your kids see on their computers, laptops, and mobile devices.
Content blockers and filters are great tools to use for younger kids. They allow you more control over where they go and what they do online. A content blocker can block some unhealthy websites or limit a child’s search to the kind of sites. A content filter can scan sites and pictures and block those sites that contain certain words, key phrases, or content.
Consider tracking software for older teenagers. This software enables you to see which sites your children have visited, tracking their path online. This tool gives young people more freedom to explore the Internet, but it also allows you to check that they are using the internet responsibly. Let your teenagers know that you trust them, but that you will be regularly checking that they are visiting appropriate sites online.
Even if you use content blockers, filters, and trackers, you know that a lot of kids figure out ways to get around these, so it’s important to remain alert(警惕的). Remember that not all adult sites can be identified by blocker, filter, or tracker software. That’s why it’s important to talk to your kids about what to do when something inappropriate or scary comes up. Nothing can replace involvement and supervision(監(jiān)督) by adults. Keep monitoring how your kids use the internet on a regular basis without getting into the role of internet traffic police.
【小題1】What is the passage mainly about?
| A．More and more kids have mobile internet access |
| B．Some choices for monitoring and controlling kid’s internet use |
| C．It is difficult to monitor and control kid’s internet use |
| D．Kids are turning to the internet for everything |
| A．With tracking software |
| B．With tracking software and content blockers and filters |
| C．With content blockers and filters |
| D．With filters and trackers |
| A．how to monitor and control older teenagers’ internet use |
| B．how to monitor and control younger kids’ internet use |
| C．tracking software |
| D．Content blockers and filters |
| A．content blockers, filters, and trackers are useless. |
| B．lots of kids figure out ways to get around content blockers, filters, and trackers. |
| C．not all adult sites can be identified by blocker, filter, or tracker software |
| D．nothing can replace involvement and supervision by adults |
| A．Tracking software | B．Content blockers and filters |
| C．Filters and trackers | D．Involvement and supervision by adults |
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科目：高中英語 來源： 題型：閱讀理解
"Oh, you must have been a spoiled(寵壞的) kid. You must be really bossy. I wonder what you're going to be like to deal with?" That's often the response Angela Hult gets when people find out she's an only child, she told ABC News, Despite such negative(消極的) remarks, Hult has decided to have only one child herself. And she's not alone.
According to the US' Office for National Statistics, women approaching the end of their childbearing years had an average of l.9 children in 2004, compared with 3.1 for their counterparts in 1976. The percentage of one-child families in Britain had risen from 18 percent in 1972 to 26 percent in 2007.
But even though only children are becoming increasingly common, the traditional view that they're selfish, spoilt and lack social skills holds strong. Even parents of only children, like Hult, are made to feel guilty about having only one child. Worried that they're being selfish and endangering their child's future, they flock to online discussion forums seeking advice. Soon, however, they ask themselves: is this social prejudice really reasonable?
"There have been hundreds and hundreds of research studies that show that only children are no different from their peers(同齡人) ," Susan Newman, a social psychologist at Rutgers University in the US, told ABC News.
This raises another question: why are only children still viewed with such suspicion?
"There is a belief that's been around probably since humans first existed that to have just one child is somehow dangerous, both for you and for the continuation of your race," Toni Falbo, a professor of educational psychology, told the Guardian." In the past a lot of children died, You'd have had to be crazy to only have one. "
Times, of course, have changed and infant mortality(嬰兒死亡率) has largely reduced. So what do only children themselves say?
Kayley Kravitz, a blogger for The Huffington Post, grew up as an only child and highly recommends the experience. "Being an only child taught me the most valuable skill of all: the ability to be alone," she said.
【小題1】Which of the following could be the best title for the text?
| A．Are only children lonely? |
| B．Are only children common? |
| C．Are only children dangerous? |
| D．Are only children different? |
| A．Only children are as good as their peers. |
| B．Only children are more selfish and spoiled. |
| C．Parents feel guilty about having only one child. |
| D．Parents will endanger their only child's future. |
| A．The infant death rate always stays high. |
| B．People are crazy to have only one child. |
| C．It's easy for only children to earn their living. |
| D．It's hard to continue the family line with only one child. |
| A．must be difficult to persuade |
| B．can possibly learn to be alone |
| C．should value special skills |
| D．need ignore bad experience |
| A．Neutral. | B．Negative. | C．Positive. | D．Doubtful. |
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科目：高中英語 來源： 題型：閱讀理解
My cat Toto is aging，and as she ages，her body is failing her．Mentally，she seems sharp，but after nearly sixteen years，Toto’s hips are causing her obvious trouble．In fact，they make it so that she can’t use a litter box effectively．She tries to squat（蹲坐），but mostly she just pisses（撒尿）out the back end of the box．
I spent the summer working with my vet to find things to help Toto，but nothing works．Since we can’t stand the smell of cat urine in the house，two weeks ago I took drastic measures．I banished Toto outside．（She gets to come in while I work，but I put her out for 80％of the day and night．）
Because Toto now lives outside，she eats and drinks outside．I’ ve set up a heating pad on the porch．a(chǎn)nd given her own food and water area nearby．She seems perfectly content with this arrangement except when she’s out of food，or she wants to be petted．
Strangely enough，she’s been out of food a lot lately．“I think another cat is eating Toto’s food．”I told Kris when I first noticed how quickly she was going through her bowl．
“Actually，”I said a couple of days later，“maybe it’s a dog．Whoever is eating Toto’s food keeps knocking the bowl over．”
But a few days after that，I realized that the food thief probably wasn’t even a dog．Whatever the critter（動物）was，it was messy． Every morning，Toto’s water dish was filled with mud．The food bowl was tipped over and the porch scattered with mud and debris（殘渣）．“I’ ll bet it’s a coon（浣熊），”I told Kris．Though we live in a residential neighborhood not far from Portland，we’ ve seen plenty of raccoons in the six years since we moved in．
Today I got to see the cat－food thievery first－h(huán)and．Turns out it’s not one raccoon－it’s a family of four．I was lucky enough to have my camera handy as they performed their daring raid：My favorite part of this video is how Toto simply sits on her heating pad and watches the raccoons eat her food．She isn’t bothered at all．
【小題1】Which of the following about Toto is true?
| A．She is physically sharp． |
| B．She is at least sixteen years old． |
| C．She can’t use a litter box properly． |
| D．She stays outside all the while recently． |
| A．drove away or forced somebody or something to leave |
| B．put away or stored something |
| C．protected somebody or something from being harmed |
| D．threw something away |
| A．How Toto fought against the raccoons． |
| B．A family of raccoons stole the food together． |
| C．Toto’s casual attitude toward the raccoons． |
| D．How the raccoons made the writer’s porch dirty． |
| A．My Aged Cat | B．A Banished Cat |
| C．An Unforgettable Experience | D．The Raccoons on My Porch |
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科目：高中英語 來源： 題型：閱讀理解
I find some of the ways in which Chinese parents show love for their children rather surprising. Obviously there are some pretty big differences between our behaviors and theirs in this respect. Most Chinese children seem to get whatever they want, from ice creams, sweets and toys to endless attention from the adults around them. Is this a sort of spoiling or love? I wonder.
Most westerners would think it is a sort of spoiling rather than love. We think love means educating your children and bringing them up to lead an independent life. That includes learning to accept the fact that he can't get everything he wants. As an adult, he will not always get the quite expensive car he hunts for; she will not always manage to acquire the beautiful dress she longs for. So we try to teach our children early to cope with the disappointment of not getting what they want.
I find too much such kind of love for the children can actually spoil them. To my surprise, it seems that the life of a Chinese child is rather hard. Without doubt, the child is the very center of a whole circle of adults, but on the other hand he or she is also expected to start studying according to adults' wishes. Many children of my son's age take piano lessons, painting classes and even English lessons. It looks as if Chinese adults think that just playing without learning anything is a waste of time. So in this respect our children appear spoiled, just because they are allowed to play. But without this sort of play how can western children develop such free and rich imaginations? In fact the connection between this imagination and the creativity is so important in the children’s future life.
【小題1】In which way do most Chinese children seem to be spoiled?
| A．They can be supported by their parents. |
| B．They can play whenever they want. |
| C．They need not behave themselves. |
| D．Their demands can always be satisfied. |
| A．rather hard | B．rather easy | C．independent | D．colorful |
| A．they can manage time by themselves |
| B．they can have the freedom to play |
| C．they can take piano lessons |
| D．they may have expensive toys |
| A．Chinese children's early education |
| B．How to develop kids' imagination |
| C．What is the real love for children |
| D．The imagination and creativity |
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科目：高中英語 來源： 題型：閱讀理解
If Confucius(孔子）were still alive today and could celebrate his September 28 birthday with a big cake, there would be many candles. He’d need a fan or a strong wind to help him put them out.
While many people in China will remember Confucius on his special day, few people in the United States will give him a passing thought. It’s nothing personal. Most Americans don’t even remember the birthdays of their own national heroes.
But this doesn’t mean that Americans don’t care about Confucius. In many ways he has become a bridge that foreigners must cross if they want to reach a deeper understanding of China.
In the past two decades, the Chinese studies programs have gained huge popularity in Western universities. More recently, the Chinese government has set up Confucius Institutes in more than 80 countries. These schools teach both Chinese language and culture. The main courses of Chinese culture usually include Chinese art, history and philosophy（哲學(xué)）. Some social scientists suggest that Westerners should take advantages of the ancient Chinese wisdom to make up for the drawbacks of Westerners philosophy. Students in the United States, at the same time, are racing to learn Chinese. So they will be ready for life in a world where China is an equal power with the United States. Businessmen who hope to make money in China are reading books about Confucius to understand their Chinese customers.
So the old thinker’s ideas are still alive and well.
Today China attracts the West more than ever, and it will need more teachers to introduce Confucius and Chinese culture to the West.
As for the old thinker, he will not soon be forgotten by people in the West, even if his birthday is.
【小題1】The opening paragraph is mainly intended to ________
| A．provide some key facts about Confucius |
| B．a(chǎn)ttract the readers’ interest in the subject |
| C．show great respect for the ancient thinker |
| D．prove the popularity of modern birthday celebrations |
| A．have a great interest in studying Chinese |
| B．take an active part in Chinese competitions |
| C．try to get high scores in Chinese exams |
| D．fight for a chance to learn Chinese |
| A．Forgotten Wisdom in America |
| B．Huge Fans of the Chinese Language |
| C．Chinese Culture for Westerners |
| D．Old Thinker with a Big Future |
| A．a(chǎn) biography(自傳) | B．a(chǎn) history paper | C．a(chǎn) newspaper | D．a(chǎn) philosophy textbook |
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