In the eyes of dog lovers, the dog is man’s best friend. But for much wildlife, loose dogs may be a dangerous enemy, according to a study by a biologist from Utah State University in the US.
Based on much existing research and their own case studies, Julie Smith of Utah State University and four other scientists conclude that loose dogs may represent a huge danger to wildlife, especially endangered species, by hunting down or worrying them and by spreading diseases. They also found that dogs, their worldwide numbers around 500 million, can cause more damage to wildlife and livestock(牲畜) than wolves and other enemies of these animals.
Smith gave examples from the US state of Idaho, where research showed the presence of dogs reducing some deer populations. On the Navajo American Indians’ reservation in northeastern Arizona, packs of loose dogs are attacking livestock. They have killed populations of small animals such as rabbits and act as a disease carrier for rabies(狂犬病) among people and other animals, she said. Loose dogs also were to blame for distemper(溫?zé)岵? outbreak leading to a die-off of endangered black-footed ferrets in northwestern Wyoming in the 1980s.
The phenomenon is not just limited to US; it’s a global problem. Julie Smith once studied three endangered species in central Asia: wild sheep, gazelles and antelope. The rate of injury and death to these animals by loose dogs was very high. In another case, Smith found that dogs, not wolves, as originally suspected, were responsible for a large number of livestock killings in the mountainous Basque country between Spain and France.
Authors of the new study said the problem is likely to worsen as communities expand. Then how to deal with it?
Indeed, in many countries, leash(拴狗的皮帶) laws permit punishment of dog owners whose pets attack wildlife. But lawbreakers are rarely punished because the police lack both people and money.
Smith has low-cost solutions to the problem for dog lovers, though. They include public dog-training programs and vaccinating (預(yù)防接種) dogs against rabies and other illnesses.
【小題1】Julie Smith’s study mainly tells us that _______.

A．many species are endangered because they are killed by loose dogs.

B．wild dogs are immune to many diseases.

C．wolves are still the greatest enemy of livestock.

D．loose dogs are a great danger to wildlife.

【小題2】Which of the following statements about loose dogs is TRUE according to the research?

A．There are around 500 million loose dogs around the world.

B．The black-footed ferrets in northwestern Wyoming were once the main food source of local loose dogs.

C．The problem caused by loose dogs is the most serious in the US.

D．People used to think that wolves, rather than loose dogs killed livestock in the Basque country.

【小題3】Which of the following is among Julie Smith’s solutions to the trouble caused by loose dogs?

A．More strict leash laws

B．Public dog-training programs.

C．Vaccinating people against rabies and other illnesses.

D．More support from the police.

【小題4】What is the main point of the article?

A．A global disaster caused by loose dogs.

B．What makes the dog man’s greatest friend.

C．The problem of loose dogs and the possible solutions.

D．The danger of the increasing numbers of dogs.

Swimming is one of those activities that can be learned early in life.Little children can learn to swim as soon as they walk.In fact,you need the same skills in walking as in swimming. However,I believe that five is the best age to learn.By five or six,a child knows fear of water,a very important thing to know.It's wise to be afraid,to recognize true danger.Young ones understand that the water can sometimes be very dangerous. 
To really benefit from swimming,every swimmer should learn,as soon as possible,these four basic strokes;butterfly,backstroke,breastroke,and crawl.I feel that one of these-the breaststroke-is different from the others,since some young swimmers use this stroke naturally,without any training. 
In swimming there are certain rules every swimmer should follow: 
1.Never swim alone!No matter how good you are in the water,don't risk drowning by swimming alone.If you swim by yourself,with no life guards or friends with you,you may get into trouble. 
2.Don't go beyond your abilities.Most swimmers know enough not to swim too far from the bank or the beach,Showing off by doing dangerous tricks is no good.  Swim safely and you will continue to swim and alive. 
3.Don't smoke.Swimming depends on a healthy body;good lungs are part of it. 
4.Work at any activity that builds muscles. 
【小題1】Little children can learn to swim as soon as _____. 

A．they can talk

B．they start walking

C．they have no fear of the water

D．they are five or six years old

【小題2】The author believes that fear of water is_____. 

A．stupid

B．sensible（明智的）

C．dangerous

D．not smart

【小題3】According to the passage,you should not swim alone because_____. 

A．the water is too cold	B．your parents would not be happy
C．something in the water might attack	D．you might drown

As kids, my friends and I spent a lot of time out in the woods． “The woods” was our part-time address, destination, purpose, and excuse． If I went to a friends house and found him not at home, his mother might say, “Oh, he’s out in the woods, ” with a tone（語(yǔ)氣） of airy acceptance． It is similar to the tone people sometimes use nowadays to tell me that someone I’m looking for is on the golf course or at the gym, or even “away from his desk．” For us ten-year-olds, “being out in the woods” was just an excuse to do whatever we feel like for a while．
We sometimes told ourselves that what we were doing in the woods was exploring（探索）． Exploring was a more popular idea back then than it is today． History seemed to be mostly about explorers． Our explorations, though, seemed to have less system than the historic kind: something usually came up along the way． Say we stayed in the woods, throwing rocks, shooting frogs, picking blackberries, digging in what we were briefly persuaded was an Indian burial mound．
Often we got “l(fā)ost” and had to climb a tree to find out where we were． If you read a story in which someone does that successfully, be skeptical: the topmost branches are usually too skinny to hold weight, and we could never climb high enough to see anything except other trees． There were four or five trees that we visited regularly—tall beeches, easy to climb and comfortable to sit in．
It was in a tree, too, that our days of fooling around in the woods came to an end． By then some of us had reached seventh grade and had begun the rough ride of adolescence（青春期）． In March, the month when we usually took to the woods again after winter, two friends and I set out to go exploring． We climbed a tree, and all of a sudden it occurred to all three of us at the same time that we really were rather big to be up in a tree． Soon there would be the spring dances on Friday evenings in the high school cafeteria．
【小題1】The author and his friends were often out in the woods to _______．

A．spend their free time

B．play golf and other sports

C．a(chǎn)void doing their schoolwork

D．keep away from their parents

【小題2】What can we infer from Paragraph 2 ?

A．The activities in the woods were well planned．

B．Human history is not the result of exploration．

C．Exploration should be a systematic activity．

D．The author explored in the woods aimlessly．

【小題3】The underlined word “skeptical” in Paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to ______．

A．calm

B．doubtfu

C．serious

D．optimistic

【小題4】How does the author feel about his childhood?

A．Happy but short．	B．Lonely but memorable．
C．Boring and meaningless	D．Long and unforgettable．

One warm May day, two eighteen – year – old students from San Francisco State College decided to cool off with a swim at Bakers’ Beach． The two students were named Robert Kogler and Shirley O’Neill． They headed out to sea for a distance of 50 metres． Robert was in front．
“Suddenly, I heard him scream,” Shirley recalls． “I looked round and saw this great grey thing going up in the air． The water seemed to be alive．”Robert screamed again． “It’s a shark! Get out of here!”
An eye – witness, Army Sergeant Leo P． Day was on guard at the nearby army post． He saw exactly what happened next． “I could see this boy struggling with the shark in the water,” he said． “The sea was red with blood． He was shouting and signalling someone to go back, go back． Then I saw the girl． She was swimming towards him． She completely ignored his warning．”Shirley reached Robert, and tried to take his hand．“When I pulled, all I could see was his arm, handing by a thread,” she said．
So she put her arm about Robert’s back, and started to swim towards the shore． She kept praying “Don't’ let it attack again!” That journey to the shore seemed to last for hours． At last, as they neared the shore, a fisherman threw them a line, and pulled them both the rest of the way．The young man had lost a lot of blood, and died two and a half hours later, From the teeth marks, experts identified the attacker as a Great White Shark．For what Sergeant Day called “the greatest exhibition of bravery I have ever seen,” the President of the US gave Shirley a medal for bravery．
【小題1】When Albert was attacked by a shark Shirley        ．

A．was swimming in the sea

B．was watching him on the shore

C．was on guard at the nearby army post

D．was shouting and struggling with a shark, too

【小題2】Choose the right time order of the following events in the story．
a． Army Sergeant saw the girl swimming to the boy．
b． Shirley saw a great grey thing．
c． They headed out to sea．
d． Robert died．
e． A fisherman threw them a line．
f． He saw a boy struggling with a shark．

A．b,c,e,d,f,a

B．c,a,f,d,e,b

C．b,c,f,a,d,e

D．c,b,f,a,e, d

【小題3】We can learn from the passage that         ．

A．the two students were brave and considerate

B．the fisherman was adventurous and helpful

C．the experts didn’t do much research on sharks

D．the Sergeant cared too much about his own life

People often use gestures to express our feelings, but the problem is that the gestures can be understood in different ways.
It is true that a smile means the same thing in any language.  So does laughter or crying.  Fear is another emotion(情感) that is shown in much the same way all over the world.  In Chinese and in English literature, a phrase like “he went pale and began to tremble” suggests that the man is either very afraid or he has just got a very big shock. 
However, “he opened his eyes wide” is used to suggest anger in Chinese whereas in English it means surprise. In Chinese, surprise can be described in a phrase like “they stretched out their tongues!” “Stretching out your tongue” in English is an insulting(侮辱的, 無(wú)禮的)gesture or expresses strong dislike.
Even in the same culture, people differ in their ability to understand and express feelings.  Experiments in America have shown that women are usually better than men at recognizing fear,  anger,  love and happiness on people’s faces. Other studies show that older people usually find it easier to understand body language than younger people do.
【小題1】Which of the following is TRUE according to the text? 

A．We can easily understand what people’s gestures mean.

B．It is difficult to tell what people’s gestures really mean sometimes.

C．Gestures can be understood by most people but words are not.

D．Words can be better understood by older people.

【小題2】People’s facial expressions may be misunderstood in different cultures because ______ .

A．people from different cultures have different meanings about some facial expressions

B．people speaking different languages have different facial expressions

C．people of different ages may have different interpretations (解釋)

D．people of different sexes may understand a gesture differently

【小題3】From the passage,  we can conclude(得出結(jié)論) that ______ .

A．words are often more difficult to understand than gestures

B．gestures can be more effectively used than words to express feelings

C．gestures can be used to express feelings

D．gestures are used as frequently as words to express feelings

【小題4】The best title for this passage can be ______ .

A．Gestures	B．Feelings
C．Culture and Understanding	D．Gestures and Feelings

A mum saved her daughter’s life with her newly learned first aid skills. Sonya Hall, 33, of Denny Avenue, Lancaster, had only just attended one first aid class the day before when she found herself needing to use the skills on her three year old daughter Tilly.
Sonya, who also has son Emmen, six, attended the first aid course at Lune Park Children’s Centre in Lancaster. Then she was faced with every parent’s worst nightmare when Tilly went blue in the face and stopped breathing. But thanks to her newly acquired skills, Sonya saved Tilly’s life.
Sonya said: “Tilly was playing with her brother and they were fighting over a toy. Emmen won the fight. Tilly fell backwards and her head was hit. She was face down and shaking and at first I thought she was upset. But then I saw she was blue in the face and had stopped breathing. I reacted without thinking and immediately started using the first aid skills I had learned the day before which were so fresh in my mind. I began doing mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions (胸外按壓). It probably took about a minute before Tilly started breathing again, but to me it felt like a lifetime.”
After getting Tilly breathing again, Sonya called an ambulance and the doctors came. Since then, Tilly has been diagnosed (診斷) with Reflex Anoxic Seizure (反射缺氧發(fā)作). Sonya said: “The seizure can happen when there’s any unexpected pain, fear or fright. It is just so lucky that the day before it happened, I had been practising first aid.”
The Empowering Parents First Aid course is run by Lancashire Adult Learning. Sonya said: “I am just so glad I did the course and learnt the first aid skills. I always feared I would not know what to do in a crisis situation, but luckily I had the knowledge and skills to deal with it.” 
【小題1】What happened to Tilly?

A．She was knocked down by her brother.

B．She fell on the floor and hit her head.

C．She was hit by a toy on the head and felt upset.

D．She was hit by her brother and stopped breathing.

【小題2】When Sonya found Tilly’s shaking, she thought her daughter must ______.

A．be crying	B．be very angry
C．pretend to be hurt	D．recognize her failure

【小題3】When Sonya goes to the first aid class next time, she will feel ______.

A．enjoyable	B．excited
C．grateful	D．confident

【小題4】What would be the best title for the text?  

A．The importance of first aid

B．How to practise first aid

C．Mum saves girl with first aid

D．Mums should attend first aid courses

When you want to go shopping, decide how much money you can spend on new clothes, Think about the kind of clothes you really need. Then look for those clothes you really need. Then look for those clothes on sale.
There are labels(標(biāo)簽) inside all new clothes. The labels tell you how to take care of your clothes. The label for a shirt may tell you to wash it in warm water. A sweater label may tell you to wash in cold water. The label on a coat may say “dry clean only”, for washing may ruin this coat. If you do as the directions(說(shuō)明)on the label, you can keep your clothes looking their best for a long time.
Many clothes today must be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning is expensive. When buying new clothes, check to see if they will need to be dry cleaned. You will save money if you buy clothes that can be washed.
You can save money if you buy clothes that are well-made. Well-made clothes last longer. They look good even after they have been washed many times. Clothes that cost more money are not necessarily better made. They do not always fit better. Sometimes less expensive clothes look and fit better than more expensive clothes.
【小題1】If you want to save money, you had better buy clothes that         .

A．don’t fit you	B．don’t last long
C．need to be dry cleaned	D．can be washed

【小題2】The labels inside the clothes tell you         .

A．how to keep the clothes looking their best

B．how to save money

C．whether the clothes fit you or not

D．where to get the clothes dry cleaned

【小題3】We learn from the passage that cheaper clothes         .

A．a(chǎn)re always worse made

B．must be dry cleaned

C．can not be washed

D．can sometimes fit you better

【小題4】The best title for the passage should be         .

A．Buy Less Expensive Clothes

B．Taking Enough Money When Shopping

C．Being a Clever Clothes Shopper

D．Choosing the Labels inside New Clothes

Our “Mommy and Me” time began two years ago. My next-door neighbor and fellow mother, Christie, and I were out in our front yards, watching seven children of age 6 and under ride their bikes up and down. “I wish I could take one of my children out alone,” said Christie.
Then we worked out a plan: When Christie takes one of her children out, I’ll watch her other three. And when she watches two of mine, I’ll take someone out.  
The children were extremely quick to accept the idea of “Mommy and Me” time. Christie’s daughter, McKenzie, went first. When she returned, the other children showered her with tons of questions. McKenzie was smiling broadly. Christie looked refreshed and happy. “She’s like a different child when there’s no one else around,” Christie shared with me quickly. With her mother all to herself, McKenzie didn’t have to make an effort to gain attention. 
Just as Christie had noticed changes in McKenzie, I also discovered something different in each of my children during our alone times. For example, I am always surprised when my daughter, who is seldom close to me, holds my hand frequently. My stuttering（口吃的）son, Tom doesn’t stutter once during our activities since he doesn’t have to struggle for a chance to speak. And the other son, Sam, who’s always a follower when around other children shines as a leader during our times together.
The “Mommy and Me” time allows us to be simply alone and away with each child talking, sharing, and laughing, which has been the biggest gain. Every child deserves（應(yīng)得到）to be an only child at least once in a while.
【小題1】What is the text mainly about?  

A．The basic needs of children.

B．The advantage of spending time with one child at a time.

C．The happy life of two families.

D．The experience of the only child being with mother.

【小題2】Right after McKenzie came back, the other children were _____________.  

A．happy

B．curious

C．regretful

D．friendly

【小題3】What is one of the changes the author finds in her children?  

A．Tom has less difficulty in speaking.	B．Sam holds her hand more often.
C．The boys become better followers.	D．The daughter acts like a leader.

【小題4】The author seems to believe that ___________.  

A．having brothers and sisters is fun

B．it’s tiring to look after three children

C．every child needs parents’ full attention

D．parents should watch others’ children.

Coolest Hotels in the World
Artau Aragon Towers
The Ariau Amazon Towers hotel lets you sleep in a tree house. Eight towers make up this hotel that offers over 300 rooms. If you really want to get into the spirit, book the Tarzan Suite which is large enough for a big family. You'll be thirty feet up in the air and can travel between the towers through their wooden walkways.
Prices: starting at $300 one night for each person for a regular room and going all the way up to $3000 for the Tarzan Suite.
For more information, visit the website: http://Hwww.ariautowers.com
The Ice Hotel
Every winter in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, a special kind of hotel called the lce Hotel is built. Each year, world-famous artists are invited to design and produce works of art from the ice, many of which can be found in the rooms. You'll have your choice between hot or cold rooms but you will be well advised to stay at least one night in a cold room for a true experience.
Prices: starting at $318 one night for each person for either a cold room or a warm one. For more information, visit the website: http:Hwww.icehotel.com
Propeller Island
Propeller Island City Lodge is a very special hotel that was designed by a German artist. Each room provides you with the possibility of living in a work of art. Every single piece of furniture in the thirty rooms of the hotel has been hand-made and each room is completely different. You'll be able to choose a room based on your own personal tastes.
Prices: starting at just $91 a night, and an additional (另外) person for only 20 extra dollars. For more information, visit the website: http://www.propeller-island.com
For information about other cool hotels In the world, visit the website: http://www.bahamabeachclub.com
【小題1】What is special about the Ariau Amazon Towers hotel?

A．You can sleep in the tree house.	B．You can choose any of the towers.
C．It is designed for big families.	D．Every room has a walkway.

【小題2】For more persons spending a night in one of these hotels, they have to pay at least
A $111                  B. $182              C. $600         D. $636
【小題3】Which website should you visit if you want to find out whether there exists a hotel under the sea?

A． http://www.icehotel.com	B． http：//www.ariantowers.com
C．http://www.propeller-island.com	D．htlp://www.bahamabeachclub.com

【小題4】Which hotel would invite artists to come to work every year?

A．Propeller Bland City Lodge.	B．Arian Amazon Towers.
C．The Ice Hotel.	D．Bahama Beach Club.

There are many ways to find a job. It can be as easy as walking into a neighborhood store to look at its announcement board. Local stores often have areas where people can put small signs telling what kind of service they need or can provide. Such services include caring for children or cleaning houses.
Or, job searchers can look in the newspaper. Local newspapers have employment announcements placed by companies seeking workers.
Another popular tool for finding jobs is the Internet. For example, people in four hundred and fifty cities around the world can use the Craigslist Web site to buy objects, meet people or find a job. Craigslist says that it receives two million new job listings each month.
Another useful way to find a job is through a college or university. For example, students at the University of Texas in Austin can go to the Career Exploration Center to get help in finding a job. Of course, looking for a job requires knowing what kind of work you want to do. For example, there is a book called “What Color is Your Parachute (降落傘)?” by Richard Bolles. This book has been helping people choose a career (職業(yè)) since it was first published in nineteen seventy.
Some experts also help people find jobs. Susan W. Miller owns a company called California Career Services in Los Angeles. She says her company helps people find jobs by first helping them understand their strengths, goals and interests. Then she provides them with methods and resources to help them find the right job.
【小題1】What is the passage mainly about?

A．Finding a job.	B．College students’ part-time jobs.
C．Craigslist Web site.	D．The relation between study and work.

【小題2】“What Color is Your Parachute?” is a book which gives tips to those who want to _____.

A．work on the airplane	B．buy a parachute
C．publish a book	D．find a suitable job

【小題3】It can be learned from the passage that ______.

A．companies often put job information in local shops

B．the Internet is the most popular tool for job hunters in the USA

C．Susan W. Miller’s company is helping people choose careers

D．California Career Services mainly serves university students

【小題4】How many ways of finding a job are mentioned in the passage?

A．Three.

B．Four.

C．Five.

D．Six.