BEING an astronaut sounds cool, doesn’t it? In space, they get to do some pretty amazing things, like floating in zero gravity (重力).

However, there are also plenty of things that astronauts can’t do because of their weightless environment, and that’s very sad. What’s worse, they can’t even let their sadness show – because it’s impossible to cry in zero gravity.

Of course, astronauts can still produce tears. But crying is much more difficult in space, reported The Atlantic in January. Without gravity, tears don’t flow downward out of the eyes like they do here on Earth. This means that when you cry in space, your tears have nowhere to go – they just stick to your eyes.

In May 2011, astronaut Andrew Feustel experienced this during one of his spacewalks. “Tears,” he said, “don’t fall off of your eye... They just kind of stay there.”

Besides making your vision unclear, this can also cause physical pain. Back on Earth, tears are supposed to bring comfort to the eyes. But that’s not the case in space. The space environment dries out astronauts’ eyes, and when tears suddenly wet the eyes, it can cause pain rather than comfort. “My right eye is painful like crazy.” Feustel told his teammate during the walk.

Since gravity doesn’t work in space, astronauts need some extra help to get rid of the tears. Feustel chose to rub his eyes against his helmet to wipe the tears away. Another choice is to just wait – “When the tears get big enough they simply break free of the eye and float around,” astronaut Ron Parise told The Atlantic.

There are lots of small things – things like crying – that we are so used to on Earth. We usually take them for granted, until they become a problem in a totally different environment, like space. There, astronauts can’t talk to each other directly. They also can’t eat or drink in normal ways. They can’t even burp (打嗝), because there is no gravity to hold the food down in their stomach. If they do burp, they just end up throwing up (嘔吐) everything in their stomach, according to the UK National Space Center.

Thus, perhaps it’s only space explorers who can honestly say: “Gravity, you’re the best.”

50. What can we conclude from paragraphs 2 and 3?

A. Astronauts are unable to feel sad in space.

B. Astronauts produce fewer tears in space.

C. Tears produced in space flow down more slowly.

D. Tears produced in space don’t flow downward.

51. What effect do tears have on astronauts?

A. They cause physical pain.

B. They bring comfort to them.

C. They make their vision clearer.

D. They float around and cause trouble.

52. What can the astronaut do to get rid of the tears?

A. Rub his eyes against his helmet to let the tears float forward.

B. Rub his eyes by hand to let the tears float around.

C. Get the tears big enough to fall off of his eyes.

D. Get the tears big enough to break away from his eyes.

53. What’s the second-to-last paragraph mainly about?

A. Suggestions on how astronauts can stay comfortable in space.

B. Other basic things that are difficult to do in space.

C. Why burping is impossible in space.

D. Things that humans can’t do without gravity.

54. When of the following can be the best title for the text?

A. In the sky, you can’t burp

B. Better life with gravity

C. In the sky, you can’t cry

D. No Gravity, no tears

Shower Radio—Warranty(保單)and Directions

Introduction

Congratulations! You are now the owner of a So Fine Shower Radio! It is sure to provide entertainment for many hours. In addition, the radio features a timer（計時器）for those days when you are in a hurry.

Before using the radio, please read all directions, fill out and mail in the warranty card, and put warranty information in a safe place. Although we do not expect problems with the radio, you may need to refer to the warranty information at a later time.

Warranty

This radio is warranted for a one-year period that begins on the date of purchase. If it fails to work because of a problem of materials, please return it to the following address; So Fine Radio Corp.,1279 Delta Way, Monga, CA97623.

We will not pay shipping costs for returning the radio to us. We will either repair or replace the radio. Please allow at least four weeks for looking at the problem and repairing the radio. If you have not heard from us within six weeks, call our customer service department at 1-800-123-4567.

Radios that are returned to us for problems other than a problem of materials will be affected by service fee as well as the cost of the repairs. Customers will be informed of the charge by postcard. Radios will not be returned to customers until these fees are paid.

Directions

Please read all directions before using it.

Please note that this radio is designed and built to operate well in a damp environment. The self-contained batteries and circuits are contained in the enclosed space that will bear heat and dampness.

To Operate the Radio

1．Put two AA batteries in the enclosed space at the back of the radio. Be certain to follow the diagram, or the batteries will not provide electricity. The radio should NOT be adapted(改裝) in order to be fixed into the wall; this will damage the waterproofing(防水).

2．Turn the POWER dial in a clockwise direction until it clicks. Continue turning the dial until the desired volume is achieved.

3．To find the desired station, press the station selector button. The tuner(調(diào)諧器)will automatically go to the next highest signal. The station’s call number will be visible in the digital screen. When the station with the highest frequency has been reached, the selector will start again at the lowest frequency.

4．To switch between AM and FM stations, move the sliding AM/FM switch.

To Operate the Timer

1．Press the Timer Set button. Each time the button is pressed, five minutes will be put on the timer. The amount of time on the timer will be visible for five seconds on the digital screen.

2．When the time on the timer doesn’t work, a beep will sound for ten seconds. The timer may be reset again after one minute.

Troubleshooting(發(fā)現(xiàn)并修理故障)

Before returning the radio for service, please check the following items:

Problem: Radio cannot be heard.

1．Check batteries to be certain that they still have power and are put in correctly.

2．Check power/volume control.

Problem: Timer does not work.

1．Check batteries to be certain that they still have power and are put in correctly.

2．Follow directions above for setting

3．Turn the power control on. The timer will not work when the radio is not on.

4．Adjust the volume control which regulates the volume of the beep as well as the radio volume.

46．The digital screen will show both_______.

A. the call number and time on the timer    

B. the AM/FM indicator and the radio station

C. the time remaining on the timer and the date      

D. the volume level and the AM/FM indicator

47．Which of the following is covered within this passage?

A. Who will benefit from using the radio?        B. How to adapt the radio?

C. How to operate the radio and the timer?       D. Where to purchase the radio?

48．What question might a reader still have about this product?

A. How can I know the service fee?           

B. How is the radio placed in the shower?

C. Where should I send a nonworking radio?  

D. What kind of batteries does the radio use?

49．According to the passage, what should you do before returning the radio for service?

A. Contact the store where you purchased it.         

B. Call the producer for a repair number.

C. Consult the telephone book for local repair service. 

D. Check whether certain problems exist.

Dear Alcohol,

You’ve been around forever. I can remember all the pain you’ve caused for me.

Do you remember the night you almost took my father’s life? I do. He loves you. Sometimes I think he loves you more than he loves me. He’s addicted to you, to the way you promise to rid him of his problems only to cause more of them. You just sat back and laughed as his car went spinning through the street, crashing into two other cars. He wasn’t the only one hurt by you that night.

Do you remember the night of my first high school party? You were there. My friends were intrigued by you. They treated you as if they were never going to see you again, drinking all of you that they could. I spent two hours that night helping my friends who had fallen completely. “I’m so embarrassed,” they said as I held their hair back so that they could vomit (嘔吐). “I’m sorry,” they said when I called taxies for them, walking them out and paying the driver in advance. “This won’t happen again,” they said as they were sent to the hospital to have their stomachs pumped. Two 15-year-old girls slept in hospital beds that night thanks to you.

Do you remember the night when you took advantage of my 17-year-old neighbor who had to drive to pick up his sister from her dance lessons? Do you know how we all felt when he hit another car and killed the two people in the other car? He died the next morning too. His sister walked home from her dance lesson, and passed police cars and a crowd of people gathering on the sidewalk just two blocks away from the dance studio. She didn’t realize her brother was in the midst of it all. She never saw him again. And it’s all your fault.

I wish you’d walk out of my life forever. I don’t want anything to do with you. Look at all the pain you’ve caused. Sure, you’ve made people happy too from time to time. But the damage you’ve caused in the lives of millions is inexcusable. Stop luring (引誘) in the people I love. Stop hurting me, please.

Sincerely,

Anonymous

41. What is author’s purpose in writing to alcohol?

A. To introduce Mr. Alcohol to the readers

B. To describe the harm alcohol did to his family.

C. To show how much alcohol can hurt people.

D. To show the great fun that alcohol can bring to people’s life.

42. What did alcohol do to the author’s father?

A. It made him crash into two other cars and took his life.

B. It made him drink too much and he had to get his stomach pumped.

C. It made him kill two other people when driving.

D. It made him get into a car accident and badly injure himself.

43. The underlined phrase “were intrigued by” is closest in meaning to ______.

A. were familiar with           B. were interested in 

C. were disappointed with       D. were satisfied with

44. What is the tone of the article?

A. Critical.     B. Doubtful.   C. Unconcerned.   D. Humorous.

45. What is the main writing technique of the passage?

  A. Making something more noticeable than usual.

  B. Representing something in the form of a person.

  C. Describing something by listing its harmfulness.

  D. Comparing one thing with another to make his point clear.

One fine afternoon I was walking along Fifth Avenue, 　 21　 I remembered that it was necessary to buy a pair of socks. Why I wished to buy only one pair is 　 22　 . I turned into the first sock shop that 　 23　 my eye, and a boy clerk who could not have been more than seventeen years old 　 24　 . “What can I do for you, sir?” “I wish to buy a pair of socks.” His eyes were shining. There was a note of 　 25　 in his voice. “Did you know that you had come into the finest place in the world to buy socks?” I had not been aware of that, as I entered the shop 　 26　 . “Come with me,” said the boy, excitedly. I followed him to the back part of the shop, and he began to take down from the shelves box after box, 　 27　 their contents for my enjoyment. “Hold on, young man, I am going to buy only one pair!” “I know that,” said he, “but I want you to see 　28　 beautiful these are. Aren’t they wonderful?”　 29　 was on his face an expression of pleasure, 　 30　 he were uncovering the mysteries of his religion. I became far 　 31　 interested in him than in the socks. I looked at him in amazement. “My friend,” said I, “if you can keep this up, if this is not 　32　 the enthusiasm that comes from having a new job, if you can keep up this enthusiasm and excitement day after day, in ten years you will own every 　 33　 in the United States.”

My amazement 　 34　 his pride and joy in salesmanship will be easily understood by all who read this article. In many shops the 　 35　 has to wait for someone to serve him. And when 　 36　 some clerk does notice you, you are made to feel as if you were interrupting him. Either he is 　 37　 in deep thought in which he hates to be disturbed or he is chatting with a girl clerk and you feel like 　 38　 for “being too rude”.

He shows no interest either in you or in the goods he 　 39　 to sell. Yet possibly the very clerk who is now so indifferent(冷漠的) began his career with hope and 　 40　 . The daily work was too much for him; the newness disappears slowly; his only pleasures were found outside of working hours; and he saw younger clerks who had more enthusiasm in their work promoted over him. He became sour. That was the last stage. His usefulness was over.

21.　　 A. while　　　　　　　　　　 B. when 　　　　　　　　　 C. as　　　　　　　　　　　　 D. what

22.　　 A. unimportant 　　　　 B. unusual　　　　　　　　　 C. useless　　　　　　　　　 D. unnecessary

23.　　 A. kept　　　　　　　　　　　 B. shut　　　　　　　　　　　 C. took　　　　　　　　　　　 D. caught

24.　　 A. came about　　　　　　 B. came across　　　　　 C. came forward　　　　 D. came around

25.　　 A. anxiety　　　　　　　　　 B. shame　　　　　　　　　 C. panic　　　　　　　　　　 D. excitement

26.　　 A. in particular　　　　　 B. in place　　　　　　　　　 C. by accident 　　　　　 D. on purpose

27.　　 A. exchanging　　　　　　 B. showing 　　　　　　　 C. selling　　　　　　　　　 D. hiding

28.　　 A. how 　　　　　　　　　　 B. which　　　　　　　　　　 C. that　　　　　　　　　　　 D. what

29.　　 A. There　　　　　　　　　　 B. That　　　　　　　　　　　 C. One　　　　　　　　　　　 D. It

30.　　 A. although　　　　　　　　 B. even if　　　　　　　　　 C. as if 　　　　　　　　　　 D. since

31.　　 A. much　　　　　　　　　　 B. more 　　　　　　　　　 C. less　　　　　　　　　　　 D. little

32.　　 A. mostly　　　　　　　　　 B. likely　　　　　　　　　　 C. only　　　　　　　　　　　 D. hardly

33.　　 A. sock　　　　　　　　　　 B. money　　　　　　　　　 C. joy　　　　　　　　　　　　 D. store

34.　　 A. with　　　　　　　　　　　 B. at　　　　　　　　　　　　　 C. to　　　　　　　　　　　　 D. on

35.　　 A. salesman　　　　　　　 B. passenger　　　　　　　 C. manager　　　　　　　　 D. customer

36.　　 A. firstly　　　　　　　　　　 B. especially　　　　　　　 C. absolutely　　　　　　　 D. finally

37.　　 A. absorbed 　　　　　　　 B. devoted　　　　　　　　 C. busy　　　　　　　　　　 D. attracted

38.　　 A. forgiving　　　　　　　 B. apologizing 　　　　　 C. favoring　　　　　　　　 D. approving

39.　　 A. paid　　　　　　　　　　　 B. is paid　　　　　　　　　 C. was paid　　　　　　　　 D. pays

40.　　 A. content　　　　　　　　　 B. sympathy 　　　　　　 C. surprise　　　　　　　　 D. enthusiasm

 ---- I love the Internet. I’ve come to know many friends on the Net.

   ---- _______. Few of them would become your real friends.

   A. That’s for sure            B. It’s not the case

   C. I couldn’t agree more       D. I’m pleased to know that

 To show our respect, we usually have to take our gloves off _______ we are to shake hands with.

   A. whichever        B. whenever      C. whoever            D. wherever

 ---- You must be looking forward to your trip back to Sydney.

   ---- Yes, I _______ wait any longer. 

   A. mustn’t     B. can’t     C. needn’t     D. shouldn’t

 Rate of unemployment in Japan is likely to remain high in 2013, and _______ for the next few years.

   A. possibly   B. necessarily   C. gradually   D. normally

 We all feel it is David as well as his superiors that _______ for the mining disaster that happened the other day.

   A. are to blame             B. is to blame

   C. are to be blamed          D. is to be blamed

 ----Please find a taxi, and_______ I’ll pack some food.

   ---- It’s a deal.

   A. as a result    B. on the whole      C. in the meanwhile     D. as a matter of fact