Shane Thomas is a 10-year-old pianist from England. He's being called the next Mozart because
of his amazing abilities.
     He has only been having piano lessons for four months, and practices four hours a week, but he has
already played difficult classical pieces. He was just seven when he sat down at the piano, and could play
at once. He also says he never gets nervous.
     When Shane was three years old, he said that he could play the piano, but nobody took him seriously. At school, he could listen to the teacher and do his work while composing (作曲) in his head. Shame
remembers all the melodies(旋律),and when he gets home he plays them on the piano, while his father
records them. Shane loves playing the piano, and when he grows up he wants to be a composer.
     His tutor, Richard Goffin-Lecar, says he is like Amadeus Mozart, who lived during the 18th century
in Salzburg, Austria, and was one of the most famous composers ever. Mr. Goffin-lecar says, "I don't
teach Shane very much. I just give him directions, then sit back and watch."
     His father, a single parent with two other children, says that although he has little money, he wants to
send Shane to a good music school. "I'm a single father, but I have this gifted child. I don't have much
money, but I want to give him the best teachers, and also take him into a studio to record."

1. When did Shane tell others that he could play the piano?
A. At age three.
B. At age ten.    
C. At age seven.
D. At age four.

2. Which of the following is TRUE about Shane?
A. He feels nervous while playing the piano     
B. He can compose in his head while doing his work.
C. He wants to be a piano tutor when he grows up.
D. He doesn't like to listen to the teacher at school.

3. What do we learn about Shane's father?
A. He also plays the piano well.
B. He's a single father with two children.
C. He believes in Shane's talent for music and will support him.
D. Not having enough money, he will ask the teachers for help

     Before Nicolas Sarkozy became French president, he was asked if he thought about presidency
when he looked in the mirror while shaving. "Not just when I' m shaving," he answered.
     When Francois Hollande, now president-elect (總統(tǒng)當選人) of France, was asked the same
question, he replied: "Do I see myself as president? No, I am a presidential candidate. A candidate must
not think himself president; he must give hope that he becomes president."  zxxk
     Hollande has promised to be a "normal president" - something Sarkozy certainly was not. Sarkozy
celebrated his election in 2007 at a world-class Parisian restaurant. He took holidays on the yachts (游
艇) of wealthy businesspeople. Hollande, by contrast, was still going around Paris on his three-wheeled
motorbike at the start of this year. One member of his party said he looked "more like a pizza delivery
man" than the next president.
     "That is the key to Hollande's success because the election is turning into a sort of referendum (公民
投票) for or against Nicolas Sarkozy," Eric Dupin, a journalist and political observer told Global Post.
"Francois Hollande is the one who appears not only as his main opponent politically, but also as his
complete opposite psychologically."
     When he was the Socialist party leader, Hollande was nicknamed "the marshmallow (軟糖)" because
he hated fights. Sarkozy, by contrast, is known to be loud and aggressive.
     When faced with Sarkozy's verbal attacks during the election, Hollande stayed calm. This sometimes
annoyed even his own supporters. "I wish he would just let go and savage (用暴力對付) Sarko," one
Hollande voter said to the Guardian.
     But Hollande still knows how to fight. St?phane Le Foll, a Socialist MEP who has been one of
Hollande's closest advisors for 17 years and is co-directing his campaign, said Hollande had quietly
planned his presidential bid for 10 years. "I think we all underestimated this guy," Alain Minc, one of
Sarkozy's closest friends and advisers, told Reuters.
     Hollande was born in 1954 into a middle-class family. He lived through the 1968 protests that nearly
overthrew the French government. "They shocked him, but also politicized him, he said in a recent
interview, making him understand that change was possible," reported the New York Times. When
Hollande was 15, he told friends he expected to become president.
     "I didn't come to the first rank either by chance or by obsession (執(zhí)迷)," Hollande said in an
interview with Reuters. "I got there because I put myself in this situation, and because I deserved it."
 
1. By citing Hollande and Sarkozy's replies to the same question, the author intends to show ________.
A. Sarkozy is more confident than Hollande
B. Hollande is more modest than Sarkozy
C. Hollande is less ambitious than Sarkozy
D. Sarkozy is more humorous than Hollande

2. What is the key to Hollande's success in the presidential election according to Eric Dupin?
A. His dislike of fights.
B. His careful plan for the presidential bid.
C. How different he is from Sarkozy.
D. The gentle way in which he ran his campaign.

3. What did Hollande think he owed his success to, according to the article?
A. His good luck.
B. His devotion and efforts.
C. His obsession with politics.
D. His personality and experience.

4. What is the purpose of the article?
A. To show what kind of a person Hollande is.
B. To compare the differences between Hollande and Sarkozy.
C. To show what French people think of Hollande.
D. To explain why Sarkozy lost the election.

     Anthony Horowitz was miserable as a child. He was,   as he puts it,   "not very bright" and couldn't
win the attention of his very wealthy parents,   who preferred his "clever" older brother. At age 8,  
Horowitz was sent away to an abusive (虐待的) boarding school in his native England,   even though he
screamed and pleaded with his parents year after year not to send him. "The thought was,   'It'll be good
for him',   " Horowitz recalls.
     It was not. Horowitz did badly in his studies,   had few friends and was bullied (欺負) for five years. "My teachers couldn't have had a lower opinion of me,   " he said. "I wasn't even smart enough to rebel (反抗). The one thing I remember from the very earliest age was this desire to write. When I was 10
years old,   I remembered asking my parents to get me a typewriter for my birthday because I wanted to
be a writer."
      Now,   at 55,   Horowitz is one of the world's most successful children's book authors. His Alex
Rider series has sold more than 5 million copies,   and the eighth book featuring the young spy, 
  Crocodile Tears,   came out this month.
      The Alex Rider books tell the adventures of 14yearold Alex Rider,   an agent for the British
intelligence agency MI6.
     Horowitz said he didn't try to write for kids;  it just came out that way. "I have a feeling that's to do
with purity and simplicity. I give as little information as is necessary to describe the room,   the character
in the room,   and get on with the action,   " he said.
     That style has also made Horowitz a successful writer of television shows for adults in Britain because,   he says,   writing books for kids is a lot like writing television for grownups. In both cases,   it's all about
entertaining people with a good story.
     Now,   Horowitz couldn't be happier with his life. He sums up his success: "…you can be anything
you want to be if you just believe in yourself. I do believe it completely."

1. The text is mainly about________.
A. Horowitz's popular book-Alex Rider
B. Horowitz's miserable childhood
C. Horowitz,   a successful children's writer
D. Horowitz's special writing style

2. In his childhood,   Anthony Horowitz________.
A. was more intelligent than his brother
B. was paid more attention by his parents
C. couldn't understand why he was sent to the boarding school
D. led a miserable life because of poverty

3. In the boarding school,   Horowitz's teachers________.
A. showed great concern for him
B. often abused and bullied him
C. taught him how to write stories
D. thought little of his ability

4. Which of the following is true of Anthony Horowitz?
A. He was the beloved child of his family.
B. He benefited a lot from boarding school.
C. He emphasizes the plot rather than character in stories.
D. Although he is successful,   he isn't very happy.

      Michael Phelps and his U.S. teammates crowned the greatest single Olympic performance on 17th
August, 2008 with a win in the 4?100 - meter medley relay.
     The victory gave Phelps his eighth gold medal of the Beijing Olympics, the most golds ever won by
an athlete at one Games. With gold No. 8, Phelps earned a singular place in the Olympic record books.
      "There is no comparison in the swimming world for what Michael has done," said Gregg Troy, coach
of U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte, who finished third to Phelps in two races here in Beijing but also won
gold alongside him in the 4?200-meter freestyle relay. It's hard to find comparisons even in the sports
world overall. Phelps is solidly in the company of seemingly invincible superstars such as Michael Jordan
and Tiger Woods.
     "I think years and years down the road we'll realize more and more how amazing he is and how
special he really is." U. S. teammate Natalie Coughlin said. The 23-year-old from Baltimore capped a
brilliant meet at the Water Cube. He set a world record in every event aside from the 100 butterfly which
he narrowly won on Saturday, completing a program of 17 races in nine days.
     Phelps has won 14 Olympic gold medals and 16 total medals. He holds the record for most medals
won by a man, surpassing Soviet gymnast Nikolai Andrianov, who won 15 from 1972 -1980, Soviet
female gymnast Larysa Latynina holds the record with l8.
     At the 2004 Athens Games, Phelps won six gold medals and two bronze. He has already said he'll
swim in the 2012 London Games. Phelps' victories in Beijing include: 200-meter freestyle, 200 and 400
individual medleys, 100 and 200 butterfly, 4?200 free relay, 4?100 medley relay, and 4?100 free relay.

1. Which of the following would be the best title for the text?

A. Phelps wins 4?100 -meter medley relay        
B. Phelps writes Games gold history
C. Phelps plans to attend 2012 London Games      
D. Phelps finishes his competitions

2. Why are Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods mentioned in the 3rd paragraph?

A. To emphasize Phelps' unique position in swimming.
B. To indicate Phelps' great efforts to his championship.
C. To attract the world's attention to the young Phelps.
D. To memorize the two heroes' contributions to the world.

3. The world records Phelps has set do not include        .

A. 200-meter freestyle                      
B. 200 individual medleys
C. 200-meter butterfly                      
D. 100-meter butterfly

4. Which of the following is true of Phelps?

A. Phelps has won 18 Olympic gold medals till now.
B. Phelps has got the most gold medals in Beijing Olympic.
C. Phelps defeated Nikolai Andrianov in Beijing.
D. Phelps won 8 gold medals at the Athens Games.

5. It can be inferred from the text that        .

A. Phelps is a swimming genius by nature
B. Phelps succeeded in Athens at the age of 18
C. Phelps has won the most golds all by himself
D. Phelps will have a brilliant future in the 2012 London

     Think of some of your favorite singers.When you listen ,they can make you happy or sad , peaceful
or angry.They can make you relax or want to get up and dance.Gifted singers have the power to affect
us in many ways-emotionally, physically and mentally.
     But becoming a great singer isn’t as easy as listening to one.It takes practice , devotion and strong
lungs ! Just ask the wellknown American opera( 歌劇)star Carol Vaness.
     At the Metropolitan Opera in New York City where she often sings, Carol’s voice must be loud
enough to be heard  by  four thousand people. It must reach every person  in  the theater , without a
microphone ,even when she’s singing softly.The reason Carol can project her voice that far is the way
she breathes.
     “When you breathe,  it’s like a swimmer taking a deep breath before going underwater ,” Carol
explains.“You have to take a lot of air into your lungs.”
     According to Carol, the main difference between pop singing and opera is “how you breathe, how
much air you take in,  and how you control it coming out.Regular singing is more like speaking, and
it’s a lot softer.When I sing for children,they’re often surprised by how the vibrations strike their ears-like waves on a beach,”Carol says.“In opera,  the air doesn’t just go out of your mouth-it vibrates in your
chest,  the way a guitar vibrates when it’s played.”
     Ever since she started piano lessons at the age of ten,  Carol has loved music.As she got older,she
decided to become a music teacher.When she went to college,  she took singing lessons as part of her
studies.Her voice teacher discovered that nineteenyearold Carol had an exceptionally beautiful soprano
voice-the highest singing voice for women.
     Carol decided to make opera her goal,not only because she loved to sing but also because she loved
the drama.Opera is a play in which the characters sing the words instead of speaking them.The stories of
opera can be tragic or comical.They can be personal stories about two people falling in love or grand
stories about kings and queens who lived long ago.As the characters in an opera sing,the emotions(情感)
expressed by words and music come to life.
    Today,  Carol performs throughout the United States and Europe and she has sung for almost twenty
years.But she has never forgotten where she started singing in the first palace.“Put_your_heart_into_your_
singing and enjoy it,”says Carol, “because singing is a great joy.That’s why I sing.In fact, that’s why
everybody sings.”

1．According to the passage，  the Metropolitan Opera in New York City  ________.

A．is a fivestory building  
B．can seat 4， 000 people
C．has no microphones in it
D．can project the singer’s voice

2．What is the best title for this passage？

A．Opera Singing and Pop Singing  
B．The Way An Opera Star Sings
C．An Opera Star            
D．Singing without A Microphone

3．Which statement is TRUE？

A．A pop singer’s lungs are usually stronger than those of an opera singer’s.
B．The author has the idea that opera singing is more like speaking.
C．A pop singer takes in much more air than an opera singer when singing.
D．An opera singer breathes differently from a pop singer when singing.

4．From the passage you can conclude all the following EXCEPT that________.

A．Carol once learned to play the piano
B．Carol worked as a music teacher
C．Carol has been singing opera for 20 years or so
D．Carol is popular with Americans and Europeans

     Who do you think was the most important woman of the past 100 years?
     Jane Addams (1860 - 1935)
     Addams helped the poor and worked for peace. She created shelters, education opportunities and
services for people in need. In 1931, Addams became the first American woman to win the Noble
Peace Price.
     Rachel Carson (1907 - 1964)
     Rachel Carson was born in the rural river town of Springdale, Pennsylvania in America. The popular
1962 book "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson made people realize the dangers and the harmful effects
(影響) of pollution on humans and on the world's lakes and oceans.
     Angela Merkel (1954 - )
     In 2005, Germans chose Angela Merkel as their first woman head of the country. She had been a
scientist in the past. As Germany's leader, she has had an effect on the whole world.
     Sandra Day O' Connor (1930 - )
     When Sandra Day O' Connor finished her class at Stanford Law School, in 1952, she could not find
work because she was a woman. However, she became the first woman to join the U.S. Supreme Court (最高法院) in 1981 after years of hard work.
     Margaret Thatcher (1925 - )
     In 1979, Margaret Thatcher became Britain's first woman Prime Minister (首相). She served until
1990, which made her the first British leader to serve three terms in a row. Because of her high standards
and strong will, people called her Britain's Iron Lady.
     Marie Curie (1867 - 1934)
     Polish-born scientist Marie Curie discovered that some types of metal give off energy called radiation (輻射能). Her research led to new medical treatments and arms. She received the Nobel Prize in physics
in 1903 and in Chemistry in 1911.

1. Who once won the Nobel Price?

A. Jane Addams and Marie Curie
B. Jane Addams and Margaret Thatcher
C. Marie Curie and Angela Merkel
D. Marie Curie and Rachel Carson

2. We can infer from the text that Rachel Carson worked to _______.

A. help the poor
B. spread geographic knowledge
C. protect the environment
D. protect the rights of women

3. What do Angela Merkel and Margaret Thatcher have in common?

A. Both of them were scientists before coming to power.
B. Both of them are the first woman head of their country.
C. Both of them are famous for being strict.
D. Both of them have worked for three terms.

4. Who once failed to find a job?

A. Jane Addams.
B. Sandra Day O' Connor
C. Rachel Carson
D. Margaret Thatcher

     Andrew Carnegie, known as the King of Steel, built the steel industry in the United States, and, in
the process, became one of the wealthiest men in America. His success resulted in part from his ability
to sell the product and in part from his policy of expanding during periods of economic decline, when
most of his competitors were reducing their investments.
   Carnegie believed that individuals should progress through hard work, but he also felt strongly that the
wealthy should use their fortunes for the benefit of society. He opposed charity, preferring instead to
provide educational opportunities that would allow others to help themselves. "He who dies rich, dies
disgraced", he often said.
   Among his more noteworthy contributions to society are those that bear his name, including the
Carnegie Institute of Pittsburgh, which has a library, a museum of fine arts, and a museum of national
history. He also founded a school of technology that is now part of Carnegie-Mellon University. Other
philanthropic(慈善的) gifts are the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to promote
understanding between nations, the Carnegie Institute of Washington to fund scientific research, and
Carnegie Hall to provide a center for the arts.
   Few Americans have been left untouched by Andrew Carnegie's generosity. His contributions of more
than five million dollars established 2,500 libraries in small communities throughout the country and
formed the nucleus(核心) of the public library system that we all enjoy today.

1. The author quoted "He who dies rich, dies disgraced" in the passage to show ____.

A.He felt strongly that the wealthy should use their fortunes for the benefit of  society
B. He opposed charity
C. The wealthy die from their fortunes
D. The wealthy die from not contributing to society

2. Carnegie succeeded in becoming one of the wealthiest men in America by____.

A. his policy of expanding                  
B. his hard work
C. his ability to sell the product              
D. Both A and B

3. Which of the following may NOT be philanthropic gifts to society according to the passage?  

A. the Carnegie Institute of Washington.   
B. the Carnegie Institute of Pittsburgh.
C. the steel industry.
D. the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

     Barbara Morgan's lifelong dream has always been to travel into space.  On August 8,   2007,   her
wish came true.  The former teacher was one of seven crewmembers on the Space Shuttle Endeavour,   which flew into space from NASA's Kennedy Space Station in Florida.  
      Morgan taught at a primary school in Boise from 1975 to 1998 - with some time off for astronaut
training.  In 1985,   she was chosen as a backup for Christa McAuliffe,   who was to be the first teacher
in space.  On January 28,   1986,   the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after takeoff
killing McAuliffe and the other six crewmembers.  
      After the Challenger accident,   Morgan continued to teach.  In 1998,   she was asked to become
an astronaut.  Morgan's mission aboard Endeavour includes overseeing the move of 5,   000 pounds of
goods from the shuttle to the International Space Station and operating the shuttle's robotic arm.  
      Morgan gave students an unusual class after she was in space.  Morgan's outofthisworld class was
broadcast live on NASA television.  Her husband Clay Morgan said he couldn't help but smile as he
watched her talk to students.  "I'm just so proud of her and how she's going to do all this and do the
work of an astronaut as well as a teacher,   " he said.  "She just kept telling me how unbelievable it was
to be in space and I think it's much better than she expected. " One student asked Morgan how being a
teacher compared to being an astronaut.  "We explore,   we discover and we share,   " she said.  "The
great thing about being a teacher is you get to do that with students,   and the great thing about being an
astronaut is you get to do it in space.  These are both wonderful jobs. "
      The 25minute questionandanswer meeting also included the astronauts entertaining students by
swallowing floating juice bubbles and playing with PingPong balls.  

1. Which of the following would be the best title for the text?
A.  The First Female Astronaut
B. Space Shuttle Endeavour
C. An Unusual Class
D. Barbara Morgan's Lifelong Dream

2. The underlined word "backup" in the second paragraph most probably means "________".  
A. someone as a replacement
B. someone as a volunteer
C. someone as a teacher
D. someone as a supporter

3. What can we learn from what Barbara Morgan said to the student in Paragraph 4?
A. Getting to do with students is much greater.  
B. Being a teacher is as great as being an astronaut.  
C. An astronaut's life is more wonderful.  
D. Being a teacher is quite different from being an astronaut.  

4. Clay Morgan's attitude towards his wife's being an astronaut was that of ________.  
A. surprise  
B. pride
C. unconcern  
D. worry

     Nathan Phillips, who will formally begin his freshman year at the University of San Diego(USD) on
Aug. 31, will arrive on campus in an unusual and philanthropic manner.
     Phillips is expected to arrive between 5 p.  m. and 6 p.  m. Thursday on his bicycle, having pedaled
1,450 miles from Astoria, Ore.
     Phillips combined his desire to complete a long bike ride before entering college with his interest in
helping the children of Uganda.
      He is raising funds for Invisible Children, a San Diegobased organization seeking to end conflicts
afflicting(使苦惱) northern Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African
Republic and stop the use of children as soldiers.
     Phillips had raised $1,540 before embarking Aug.11 and hopes to reach $2,000.
     Phillips, who is from Redmond, Washington, visited Uganda during high school and worked in an
orphanage(孤兒院) there. He was also inspired by a presentation by Invisible Children at his high
school.
     "I have been to Uganda and personally gotten to know some of the kids affected by the war,"
Phillips said in a statement released by the university. "I would do anything to help these kids."
     Phillips' new roommate, Kyle Sharp, has joined him for the last 600 miles of the trip. Students and
other members of the USD community are expected to join him for the last 13 miles.
      "Nathan's passionate commitment(恪守承諾) to improving the lives of children more than 8,000
miles away resonates(共鳴) with USD's mission to prepare future leaders to change the world for the
better," Pamela Gray Payton, assistant vice president of public affairs at USD, said in a prepared
statement. "We are delighted to have Nathan as a member of our campus community."
     Supporters from USD and Invisible Children will greet Phillips and his entourage(隨從) when they
arrive in front of Founders Hall on campus. The public is invited as well.

1.  Which of the following statements about Nathan Phillips is TRUE?
A.  Nathan Phillips has been a freshman at the university.
B.  Nathan Phillips is an American.
C.  Nathan Phillips is an African.
D.  Nathan Phillips likes riding a bike.

2.  Why does Nathan Phillips finish riding a bike for a long way before going into college?
A.  He travels to Uganda.
B.  He practises riding a bike.
C.  He raises money to help the children of Uganda.
D.  He wants to take exercise.

3.  How much money does Nathan Phillips expect to collect in total?
A.  $1,540.  
B.  $2,000.  
C.  $3,540.  
D.  $2,540.

4.  How far does Nathan Phillips ride to college?
A.  8,000 miles.  
B.  600 miles.
C.  13 miles.  
D.  86,000 miles.

5.  What can we learn from the last paragraph?
A.  People like Nathan Phillips.
B.  The public invite Nathan Phillips.
C.  People support what Nathan Phillips does.
D.  Supporters like Nathan Phillips.