Without most people realizing it, there has been a revolution in office work over the last ten years. Before
that time, large computers were only used by large, rich companies that could afford the investment. With
the advancement of technology, small computers have come onto the market, which are capable of doing the
work that used to be done by much larger and expensive computers, so now most smaller companies can use
them.
     The main development in small computers has been in the field of word processors (處理器), or WPS as
they are often called. 40% of British offices are now estimated to have a word processor and this percentage
is growing fast.
     There are many advantages in using a word processor for both the secretary and the manager. The
secretary is freed from a lot of daily work, such as retyping letters and storing papers. He or she can use this
time to do other more interesting work for the boss. From a manager's point of view, secretarial time is being
made better use of and money can be saved by doing daily jobs automatically outside office hours.
     But is it all good? If a lot of daily secretarial work can be done automatically, surely this will mean that
fewer secretaries will be needed. Another worry is the increasing medical problems related to work with visual
display units (顯示器). The case of a slow loss of sight among people using word processors seems to have
risen greatly. It is also feared that if a woman works at a VDU for long hours, the unborn child in her body
might be killed. Safe screens to put over a VDU have been invented but few companies in England bother to
buy them.
     Whatever the arguments for and against word processors, they are a key feature (特征) of this revolution
in office practice.

▲small computers:
▲l. __________ larger and expensive computers
▲2.__________ can use them.
Small computers have been 3._________ in the field of word processors, or WPS.
advantages
4.__________
▲The secretary:
●freed from a lot of 5._________
●do other more interesting work for the boss
▲6.__________
●secretarial time can be made better use of
●7._________ can be saved by doing daily jobs automatically outside office hours.
▲8._________ will lost their jobs.
▲medical problems related to work with visual display units
●Many people 9._________ slowly.
●The unborn child in its mother's body 10._________.

     What makes one person more intelligent than another? What makes one person a genius, like the brilliant
Albert Einstein, and another person a fool? Are people born intelligent or stupid, or is intelligence the result
of where and how you live? These are very old questions and the answers to them are still not clear.
     We know, however, that just being born with a good mind is not enough. In some ways, the mind is like
a leg or an arm muscle. It needs exercise. Mental (done with the mind) exercise is particularly important for
young children. Many child psychologists (心理學(xué)家) think that parents should play with their children more
often and give them problems to think about. The children are then more likely to grow up bright and intelligent.
If, on the other hand, children are left alone a great deal with nothing to do, they are more likely to become
dull and unintelligent. Parents should also be careful with what they say to young children. According to some
psychologists, if parents are always telling a child that he or she is a fool or an idiot, then the child is more likely
to keep doing silly and foolish things. So it is probably better for parents to say very positive (helpful) things to
their children, such as "That was a very clever thing you did." or "You are such a smart child."

1. The words "intelligent" and "brilliant" in the first paragraph probably mean _____ while "dull" in the second paragraph means _____.

A. bright and splendid; slow in thinking and understanding
B. pretty and handsome; ordinary-looking
C. great and important; common
D. hopeful and helpful; careless　

2. According to the context we can guess that a genius is _____ while an idiot is _____.

A. a normal person; a funny person
B. a strong person; a weak person
C. a highly intelligent person; a foolish or weak-minded person
D. a famous person; an ordinary person　

3. A person _____ is more likely to become a genius.

A. whose parents are clever
B. often thinking about difficult problems
C. often helped by his parents and teachers
D. born with a good brain and putting it into active use　

4. It is better for parents _____.

A. to praise and encourage their children more often
B. to be hard on their children
C. to leave their children alone with nothing to do
D. to give their children as much help as possible　

5. Which of the following is NOT true according to the article?

A. Parents play an important part in their children's growth.
B. The less you use your mind the duller you may become.
C. Intelligence is obviously the result of where and how you live.
D. What makes a person bright or stupid is still under discussion.

     Kids will often ignore your requests for them to turn off the TV, start their chores (雜事), or do their
homework as a way to avoid following your directions. Before you know it, you've started to sound like
a broken record as you repeatedly ask them to do their assignments, clean their rooms, or take out the
trash. Rather than saying "Do your chores now." you'll be more effective if you set a target time for when
the chores have to be completed. So instead of arguing about starting chores, just say, "If chores aren't
done by 4 pm, here are the consequences." Then it's up to your child to complete the chores. Put the ball
back in their court. Don't argue or fight with them, just say, "That's the way it's going to be." It shouldn't
be punitive (懲罰性的) as much as it should be persuasive. "If your chores aren't done by 4 pm, then no
video game time until chores are done. And if finishing those chores runs into homework time, that's going
to be your loss." On the other hand, when dealing with homework, keep it very simple. Have a time when
homework starts, and at that time, all electronics go off and do not go back on until you see that their
homework is done. If your kids say they have no homework, then they should use that time to study or
read. Either way, there should be a time set aside when the electronics are off.
     When a kid wears his iPod or headphones when you're trying to talk to him, make no bones about it;
he is not ignoring you, he is disrespecting you. At that point, everything else should stop until he takes the
earplugs out of his ears. Don't try to communicate with him when he's wearing headphones-even if he tells
you he can hear you. Wearing them while you're talking to him is a sign of disrespect. Parents should be
very tough about this kind of thing. Remember, mutual respect becomes more important as children become
mature.

1. According to the passage, it seldom happens that _____.

A. kids turn a deaf ear to their parents' requests
B. parents' directions sound like a broken record
C. children are ready to follow their parents' directions
D. parents are unaware of what they are repeating to their kids

2. Parents will be able to deal with their children more effective- ly if they _____.

A. avoid direct ways of punishment
B. make them do things at their request
C. argue and fight with their children
D. allow their children to behave in their own way

3. When the kid is doing his homework, parents _____.

A. should provide him with a good learning environment
B. can do whatever they like
C. can stay aside watching TV
D. must switch off the power

4. It can be inferred from the passage that _____.

A. parents should take off their child's headphones when trying to have a talk with their child
B. it will make no difference that a kid is wearing his earplugs while talking to his parents
C. parents shouldn't give in to their kid when he shows no sign of respect
D. kids' purposely talking to their parents with iPod gives them a sense of power and control

5. The main idea of the passage is _____.

A. that respecting each other is more important than anything else
B. how kids behave to ignore and disrespect their parents
C. that children should make choices and decisions on their own
D. how parents can deal with their kids' behavior effectively

     Why should mankind explore space? Why should money, time and effort be spent exploring and researching
something with so few apparent benefits? Why should resources be spent on space rather than on conditions
and people on Earth? These are questions that, understandably, are very often asked.
     Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup (基因構(gòu)成) as human beings. What drove our ancestors
to move from the trees into the plains, and on into all possible areas and environments? The wider the spread of
a species, the better its chance of survival. Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetic tendency
to expand wherever possible.
     Nearly every successful civilization has explored, because by doing so, any dangers in surrounding areas
can be identified and prepared for. Without knowledge, we may be completely destroyed by the danger. With
knowledge, we can lessen its effects.
     Exploration also allows minerals and other potential (潛在的) resources to be found. Even if we have no
immediate need of them, they will perhaps be useful later. Resources may be more than physical possessions.
Knowledge or techniques have been acquired through exploration. The techniques may have medical applications
which can improve the length or quality of our lives. We have already benefited from other spin-offs including
improvements in earthquake prediction, in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems.
Even non-stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by-products (副產(chǎn)品) of technological developments in the
space, the chance to save ourselves might not exist.
     While many resources are spent on what seems a small return, the exploration of space allows creative,
brave and intelligent members of our species to focus on what may serve to save us. While space may hold
many wonders and explanations of how the universe was formed or how it works, it also holds dangers. The
danger exists, but knowledge can help human being to survive. Without the ability to reach out across space,
the chance to save ourselves might not exist.
     While Earth is the only planet known to support life, surely the adaptive ability of humans would allow us
to live on other planets. It is true that the lifestyle would be different, but human life and cultures have adapted
in the past and surely could in the future.

1. Why does the author mention the questions in Paragraph1?

A. To express his doubts.
B. To compare different ideas.
C. To introduce points for discussion.
D. To describe the conditions on Earth.

2. What is the reason for exploring space based on Paragraph2?

A. Humans are nature-born to do so.
B. Humans have the tendency to fight.
C. Humans may find new sources of food.
D. Humans don't like to stay in the same place.

3. The underlined word "spin-offs" in Paragraph 4 probably refers to _____.

A. survival chances
B. potential resources
C. unexpected benefits
D. physical possessions

4. What makes it possible for humans to live on other planets?

A. O ur genetic makeup.
B. Resources on the earth.
C. The adaptive ability of humans.
D. By-products in space exploration.

5. Which of the statements can best sum un the passage?

A. Space exploration has created was wonders. 　　
B. Space exploration provides the best value for money.　
C. Space exploration can benefit science and technology.
D. Space exploration may help us avoid potential problems on Earth.

     About 21,000 young people in 17 American states do not attend classes in school buildings. Instead,
they receive their elementary and high school education by working at home on computers. The center
for Education Reform says the United States has 67 public "cyberschools" and that is about twice as many
as two years ago.
     The money for students to attend a cybersehool cotes from the governments of the states where they
live. Some educators say cyberschools receive money that should support traditional public schools. They
also say it is difficult to know if students are learning well.
     Other educators praise this new form of education for letting students work at their own speed. These
people say cyberschools help students who were unhappy or unsuccessful in traditional schools. They say
learning at home by computer ends long bus rides for children who live far from school.
     Whatever the judgment of cyberschools, they are getting more and more popular. For example, a new
cyberschool called Commonwealth Connections Academy will take in students this fall. It will serve children
in the state of Pennsylvania from ages five through thirteen.
     Children get free equipment for their online education. This includes a computer, a printer, books and
technical services. Parents and students talk with teachers by telephone or by sending emails through their
computers when.necesary.
     Students at cyberschools usually do not know one another. But 56 such students finished studies at
Western Pennsvlváni? Cyber Charter School recently met for the first time. They were guests of honour at
their graduation.

1. What do we know from the text about students of a cyberschool?

A. They have to take long bus rides to school.
B. They study at home rather than in classrooms.
C. They receive money from traditional public schools.
D. They do well in traditional school programs.

2. What is a problem with cyberschoois?

A. Their equipment costs a lot of money.
B. They get little support from the state government.
C. It is hard to know students' progress in learning.
D. The students find it hard to make friends.

3. Cyberschools are getting popular became _____.

A. they are less expensive for students
B. their students can work at their own speed
C. their graduates are more successful in society
D. they serve students in a wider age range

4. We can infer that the author of the text is _____.

A. unprejudiced in his description of cyberschools
B. excited about the future of cyberschools
C. doubtful about the quality of cyberschoois
D. disappointed at the development of cyberschools

     We experience different forms of the Sun's energy every day. We can see its light and feel its warmth.
The Sun is the major source of energy for our planet. It causes the evaporation (蒸發(fā)) of water from the
oceans and lakes. Sunlight also provides the energy used by green plants to make their own food. These
green plants then provide food for all organisms (生物) on the Earth.
     Much of the energy that comes from the Sun never reaches the Earth's surface. It is either reflected
or absorbed by the gases in the upper atmosphere. Of the energy that reaches the lower atmosphere, 30%
is reflected by clouds or the Earth's surface. The remaining 70% warms the surface of the planet, causes
water to evaporate, and provides energy for the water cycle and weather. Only a tiny part, approximately
0.023%, is actually used by green plants to produce food.
     Many gases found in the atmosphere actually reflect heat energy escaping from the Earth's surface back
to the Earth. These gases act like the glass of a greenhouse in that they allow energy from the Sun to enter
but prevent energy from leaving. They are therefore called greenhouse gases.
     When sunlight strikes an object, some of the energy is absorbed and some is reflected. The amount
reflected depends on the surface. For example, you've probably noticed how bright snow is when sunlight
falls on it. Snow reflects most of the energy from the Sun, so it contributes to the low temperatures of winter.
Dark-coloured surfaces, such as dark soil or forest, absorb more energy and help warm the surrounding air.

1. According to the passage, the root cause for weather changes on the Earth is _____.

A. the atmosphere surrounding the Earth
B. water from oceans and lakes
C. energy from the Sun
D. greenhouse gases in the sky

2. Only a small part of the Sun's energy reaches the Earth's surface because most of it is _____.

A. absorbed by the clouds in the lower atmosphere
B. reflected by the gases in the upper atmosphere
C. lost in the upper and lower atmosphere
D. used to evaporate water from the oceans and lakes

3. We learn from the passage that _____.

A. all living things on the Earth depend on the Sun for their food
B. a forest looks dark in winter because it absorbs solar energy
C. only 0.023% of the energy from the Sun is made use of on the Earth
D. greenhouse gases allow heat energy to escape from the Earth's surface

     Ever since they were first put on the market in the early 1990s, genetically modified (GM, 轉(zhuǎn)基因) foods
have been increasingly developed and marketed in many countries in the word, mainly on the basis of their
promise to end the worldwide food crisis. But can GM technology solve world hunger problems? Even if it
would, is it the best solution?
     Despite what it promises, GM technology actually has not increased the production potential of any corp.
In fact, studies show that the most crown GM crop.
     GM soybeans, has suffered reduced productivity. For instance, a report than analyzed nearly two decades
of research on major GM food crops shows that GM engineering has failed to significantly increase US crop
production.
     Something else, however, has been on the rise, While GM seeds are expensive, GM companies tell farmers
that they will make good profits by saving money on pesticides (殺蟲劑). On the contrary, US government
data show that GM crops in the US have produced an overall increase in pesticide use compared to traditional
crops. "The promise was that you could use less chemicals and boost production. But neither is true," said Bill
Christenson, President of the US National Farm Coalition.
     At the same time, the authors of the book World Hunger: Twelve Myths argue that there actually is more
than enough food in the world and that the hunger crisis is not caused by production, but by problems in food
distribution and politics. These indeed deserve our efforts and money. Meanwhile, the rise in food prices results
from the increased use of crops for fuel rather than food, according to a 2008 World Bank report.
     As a matter of fact, scientists see better ways to feed the world. Another World Bank report concluded that
GM crops have little to offer to the challenges of worldwide poverty and hunger, because better ways out are
available, among which "green" farming is supposed to be the first choice.

1. The author develops the second paragraph mainly _____.

A. by classification
B. by comparison
C. by example
D. by process

2. What does the underlined word "boost" in the third paragraph probably mean?

A. Control.
B. Evaluate.
C. Obtain.
D. Increase.

3. GM companies promise farmers that they will benefit from ______. 

A. practicing "green" farming
B. use of less chemicals
C. fair distribution of their crops
D. using more crops for fuel

4. Which of the following best describes the attitude of the author towards GM technology?

A. Optimistic
B. Defensive
C. Disapproving
D. Casual

     The pound new Library of Birmingham (LoB) will be the most visible sign of the way the city is accepting
the digitalization (數(shù)字化) of everyday life.
     Set to open in 2013, the ￡188m LoB is already beginning to take shape next to the Birmingham Repertory
Theatre, with which it will share some equipment.
     As digital media (媒介) is important to its idea. The project is already providing chances for some of the
many small new local companies working at the new technologies.
     Brian Gambles, the LoB project director, says it is about giving people the right tools for learning, "The aim
is to mix the physical with the digital. Providing 24-hour services which can be used through, many different
ways. It is important to enable us to reach more people, more effectively."
     The digital library will, he says, be as important as the physical one, allowing the distant use of the services,
making sure that it is never closed to the public.
     Even before the LoB is complete, the public has been able to go online to visit the Virtual (虛擬的) LoB,
designed by Baden, the Birmingham virtual worlds specialists. Not only have the public been able to learn about
LoB, but the virtual one has also enabled those working on the LoB to understand the building and how it will
work before it even opens.
     Two other small Birmingham-based digital companies are working on the LoB projects. Substrat, a digital
design company, is developing what it calls an example of an "enlarged reality" project. It is about the use of
an exciting smart phone, an important part of which are the early stages of development is an online library of
figures of the city being built up by a content company in Cahoots, in which users with the encouraged to add
to and comment on the material.
     Gambles says:"Technology will enable us to make the libraries and services open to citizens as ever before."

1. The underline part"its idea" in Paragraph 3 refers to the idea of _____.

A. the equipment
B. the project
C. the digital media
D. the physical library

2. While visiting the Virtual LoB, the public can _____.

A. get a general idea of the LoB
B. meet more world-famous experts
C. learn how to put up a library building
D. understand how the specialists work on the project

3. Which of the following is true of the LoB when it opens?
    a. It offers better learning tools
    b. It reaches users in different ways
    c. It provides users with smart phone
    d. It allows users to enrich its material
    e. It gives non-stop physical and digital services

A. a, b, d
B. a, c, e
C. b, c, d
D. b, d, e

4. This ext more from _____.

A. a put book
B. a library guide
C. a handbook
D. newspaper report

     An idea that started in Seattle's public library has spread throughout America and beyond. The concept is
simple: help to build a sense of community in a city by getting everyone to read the same book at the same
tome.
     In addition to encouraging reading as a pursuit (追求) to be enjoyed by all, the program allows strangers
to communicate by discussing the book on the bus, as well as promoting reading as an experience to be shared
in families and schools. The idea came from Seattle librarian Nancy Pearl who launched (發(fā)起) the "If All of
Seattle Read the Same Book" project in 1998. Her original program used author visits, study guides and book
discussion groups to bring people together with a book, but the idea has since expanded to many other
American cities, and even to Hong Kong.
     In Chicago, the mayor (市長) appeared on television to announce the choice of To Kill a Mockingbird as
the first book in the "One Book, One Chicago" program. As a result, reading clubs and neighborhood groups
sprang up around the city. Across the US, stories emerged of parents and children reading to each other at
night and strangers chatting away on the bus about plot and character.
     The only problem arose in New York, where local readers could not decide on one book to represent the
huge and diverse population. This may show that the idea works best in medium-sized cities or large towns,
where a greater sense of unity (一致) can be achieved.Or it may show that New Yorkers rather missed the
point, putting all their energy.
     And passion into the choice of the book rather than discussion about a book itself. Ultimately was Nancy
points out, the level of success is not measured by how many people read a book, but by how many people
are enriched by the process or have enjoyed speaking to someone with whom they would not otherwise have
shared a word.

1. What is the purpose of the project launched by Nancy?

A. To invite authors to guide readers.
B. To encourage people to read and share.
C. To involve people in community service.
D. To promote the friendship between cities.

2. Why was it difficult for New Yorkers to carry out the project?

A. They had little interest in reading.
B. They were too busy to read a book.
C. They came from many different backgrounds.
D. They lacked support from the locate government.

3. According to the passage, where would the project be more easily carried out?

A. In large communities with little sense of unity
B. In large cities where libraries are far from home
C. In medium-sized cities with a diverse population
D. In large towns where agreement can be quickly reached

4. The underlined words "shared a word" in Paragraph 5 probably mean _____.

A. exchanged ideas with each other
B. discussed the meaning of a word
C. gamed life experience
D. used the same language

5. According to Nancy, the degree of students of the project is judged by _____.

A. the careful selection of a proper book
B. the growing popularity of the writers
C. the number of people who benefit from reading.
D. the number of books that each person reads.