London ［2009-4-01］—In the first  
meeting between Chinese President  
Hu Jintao and US President Barack  
Obama  prior to the Group of 20      
summit in London, the two leaders pledged that both countries will be working together to help the world resist the financial crisis.   
China and the US have agreed to prioritize（使……更重要; 優(yōu)化） the two countries’  relations by establishing the new strategic economic dialogue.
The two teams will be headed by Vice Premier Wang Qishan and State Councilor Dai Bingguo from the Chinese side and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner from the US side.
President Hu Jintao and US President Barack Obama made the announcement to the press before they went into the official meeting, their first, at Winfield House, residence of the US ambassador to the UK.
Although it is their first meeting, they have kept a close contact, which Obama said will  “set the stage” for both countries  “to tackle the challenges in the years to come. ”
Both presidents highlighted the importance of China-US relations, especially during the current economic crisis.
Obama said he hoped their meeting will be constructive and open not only about the whole state of the world economy during the current crisis, but to the efforts to improve peace and security for both countries and the world.
Hu said all the positive results the two countries have achieved have not come easily, adding that he hoped to develop good working relationship and personal friendship with Obama.
Sino-US relations are of fundamental interests not only to both countries, but to peace, stability and prosperity to Asia and the world.
【小題1】What is the best title of this passage?

A．Hu, Obama set up new economic dialogue.

B．Sino-US relations will be improved.

C．China and the US are working together to resist economic crisis.

D．China and the US have achieved positive results.

【小題2】How do China’ s and US’ s presidents think they should deal with their relations?

A．By trusting and helping each other.

B．By sharing their common interests.

C．By establishing the new strategic economic dialogue.

D．By establishing new economic policy.

【小題3】 What is Winfield House?

A．The US ambassador to the UK.

B．Residence of UK ambassador to the US.

C．The living place of US ambassador to the UK.

D．The residence of British Queen.

【小題4】 All of the following are mentioned EXCEPT____.

A．The two presidents agreed to work together to resist the financial crisis

B．The two presidents announced to the press before the official meeting

C．Both countries will make efforts to improve peace and security

D．Sino-US relations are of fundamental interests only to both countries

To understand the marketing concept, it is only necessary to understand the difference between marketing and selling. Not too many years ago, most industries concentrated primarily on the efficient production of goods, and then relied on "persuasive salesmanship" to move as much of these goods as possible. Such production and selling focuses on the needs of the seller to produce goods and then convert them into money.
Marketing, on the other hand, focuses on the wants of consumers. It begins with first analyzing the preferences and demands of consumers and then producing goods that will satisfy them. This eye - on - the - consumer approach is known as the marketing concept, which simply means that instead of trying to sell whatever is easiest to produce or buy for resale, the makers and dealers first endeavor to find out what the consumer wants to buy and then go about making it available for purchase.
This concept does not imply that business is benevolent(慈善的) or that consumer satisfaction is given priority over profit in a company. There are always two sides to every business transaction -- the firm and the customer -- and each must be satisfied before trade occurs. Successful merchants and producers, however, recognize that the surest route to profit is through understanding and meeting to customers. A striking example of the importance of meeting to the consumer presented itself in mid - 1985, when Coca Cola changed the flavor of its drink. The non - acceptance of the new flavor by a significant part of the public brought about a prompt(果斷的) restoration(恢復(fù)) of the Classic Coke, which was then marketed alongside new. King Customer ruled!
【小題1】 The marketing concept discussed in the passage is, in fact, __________.

A．the practice of turning goods into money

B．making goods available for purchase

C．the customer- centered approach

D．a(chǎn) form of persuasive salesmanship

【小題2】 What was the main concern of industrialists before the marketing concept was widely accepted?

A．The needs of the market.

B．The efficiency of production.

C．The satisfaction of the user.

D．The preferences of the dealer.

【小題3】According to the passage, the underlined part "to move as much of these goods as possible" ( Para. 1 ) means _________.

A．to sell the largest possible amount of goods

B．to transport goods as efficiently as possible

C．to dispose of these goods in large quantities

D．to redesign these goods for large - scale production

【小題4】 What does the restoration of the Classic Coke best illustrate?

A．Traditional goods have a stronger appeal to the majority of people.

B．It takes time for a new product to be accepted by the public.

C．Consumers with conservative tastes are often difficult to please.

D．Products must be designed to suit the taste of the consumer.

Massachusetts (美國(guó)一州名) became the first state in the nation to ban the dumping (傾倒;拋棄) of electronic equipment such as computer monitors and television sets. It means people there can no longer put computer monitors, TV sets and other devices containing glass picture tubes out on the street for pickup by garbage cleaners.
Official said much of this equipment is loaded with poisonous heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury. These poisonous heavy metals could go into groundwater or be released (釋放) into the air.
The Boston Globe reports the state has set up a system to recycle techno-garbage at state expense through community recycling centers.
Robin Ingenthron of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection said the state has been trying to get its electronics-recycling program in place ‘before the future wave of electronics hits’. The National Safety Council estimates some 300 million computers will enter the nation’s waste system in the next few years.
In addition, millions of people will be getting rid of their old television sets. New high-quality digital televisions and new rules will make old TV sets no longer in use over the next several years.
【小題1】The word ‘techno-garbage’ in the 3rd paragraph probably means ________.

A．a(chǎn)ll kinds of dirty things	B．deserted TV sets
C．heavy metals	D．used electronic equipment

【小題2】The passage tells us chiefly about __________.

A．forbidding of a certain type of garbage dumping

B．new problems of environmental protection

C．household problems raised by computers and TV sets

D．the handling of garbage

【小題3】     Which is NOT a reason that the state enforces (強(qiáng)制執(zhí)行) a ban on electronic equipment dumping?

A．This kind of garbage is poisonous.

B．Recycling systems are not working well.

C．The poisonous heavy metals can go to the underground water and the air.

D．There will be much more electronic garbage soon.

【小題4】 According to the last paragraph many people will be dumping their TV sets because ________.

A．they are broken	B．they are poisonous
C．new TV standards have come out	D．people will be tired of them

Losing a baby tooth can be fun for a kid. You can put it under your pillow and look forward to finding some money there in the morning. And then you can watch your new permanent(永恒的) tooth grow in its place.
But if a permanent tooth falls out, that’s a problem. There isn’t another one under the gum(齒齦)that can replace it. Unfortunately, this happens to some older people. And if permanent teeth fall out-or need to be pulled-an older person might need dentures.
Dentures, known as false teeth, are a set of replacement teeth for any teeth that are missing. There are partial dentures, which take the place of only a few teeth and prevent the others from changing position. If all the teeth are gone, the person would need complete dentures, which replace every tooth in the mouth.
Dentures can cause pains at first and take some time to get adjusted to. They also need special care. They should be brushed daily with a special denture brush and cleanser and soaked in denture solution when not in the mouth.
Dentures are important for older folks because, without teeth, it’s hard to smile, talk, and eat properly. But it can be a little weird if you see someone take out his or her dentures. It can also be strange to see someone, like a grandparent, without dentures in because he or she won’t have any teeth. Try not to make fun of the person because this could cause hurt feelings.
People usually lose their permanent teeth due to periodontal disease, or gum disease, which is caused by bacteria that attacks the gums. Diseased gums aren’t strong and healthy, so teeth can get loose and fall out. Older people often have many cavities(洞)that have been filled over the years, and these fillings can weaken over time, leading to more tooth decay(腐爛).
【小題1】If one of your baby teeth falls out, he or she       .

A．should have a false tooth fixed in its place

B．have to put it under your pillow at once

C．will gain a permanent tooth in future

D．can exchange it for some money

【小題2】A person wearing dentures      .

A．should brush them with a special denture brush every few days

B．will take a very long time to adjust himself or herself to them

C．will experience unpleasant feelings at the beginning of fixing them

D．should use denture solution to soak them in his or her mouth

【小題3】Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

A．Partial dentures can prevent the remaining teeth from changing position.

B．Old people will find it hard to smile, talk, and eat properly without teeth.

C．A person’s teeth will possibly get loose if diseases strike his gums.

D．It is hard for a person to wear dentures if all his teeth have fallen out.

【小題4】What does the underlined word “weird” mean in the fifth paragraph?

A．inconvenient

B．strange

C．uncomfortable

D．impolite

Many of us already know about several American superstitions(迷信). Having a black cat cross your path, walking under a ladder, and breaking a mirror are all bad luck. In addition to these, there are many other superstitions that are worth knowing. Understanding them will keep you safe from evil spirits—if you believe in such things—and impress your American friends when you mention them.
Like the superstitions in other cultures, American superstitions often involve the things important in daily life, such as health, numbers, and marriage. For example, have you ever had a cough that would not go away? According to one American superstition, you should take a piece of your hair and put it between two slices of buttered bread. Next, feed this hair sandwich to a dog and say, “Eat well, you hound, may you be sick and I be sound.”This will trick the evil spirits and help your cough. It will also raise some eyebrows if you try it.
In American superstitions, the number three is very important. Often, Americans will say, “All things come in threes.” Three is lucky because it represents the traditional family: mother, father, and child. Therefore, gifts, letters, and guests will often arrive at your home in groups of three. However, it is also possible for bad events, like accidents and funerals, to come in threes as well.
Another time people pay attention to superstitions is when they get married. During a wedding, brides must wear or carry“something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.”The old and borrowed things will bring luck to the person who gives them to the bride. The new and blue things will bring good fortune to the bride herself. The next time someone you know is getting married, be sure to recite this phrase.
As it would be unlucky to discuss one more superstition, we will wind things up here. Keep your fingers crossed, and stay lucky!
【小題1】The passage is most probably entitled(命名)“       ”.

A．American’s Bad Luck	B．Cross-culture and Superstitions
C．American Superstitions	D．Daily Life in Superstitions

【小題2】The underlined sentence in the second paragraph“It will also raise some eyebrows if you try it”means:       .

A．When you try it, the dog will raise its eyebrows

B．You will make some people surprised when you try this trick

C．Only if you raise your eyebrows can the trick work

D．You will believe in the trick after you try it

【小題3】In American’s view, the number three is a(n)       number.

A．lucky

B．unlucky

C．special

D．ordinary

【小題4】On the wedding, the bride often uses old and borrowed things so as to       .

A．save some money for the wedding

B．bring good luck to the people who give them to the bride

C．give the good luck to the bride herself

D．pass the bad luck to others

Parties held by the wealthy seldom welcome poor guests.But last week China made it through the doors into a gathering of the world’s richest countries.
Jin Renqing ,Chian’s finance minister,and Zhou Xiaochuan,governor of the People’s Bank of China,joined a meeting of the Group of Seven(G7)on October1,2004.It is the fist time that China has had direct talks with the club.It was a good chance to share the world powers’thoughts about critical economic issues and promote understanding.
China’a participation is a natural part of its increasingly important role in the global economy.China is the world ‘s factory and the biggest market.
America and China made up almost half of global economic growth last year.“If Anerican consumers and Chinese producers were to reduce their activities at the same time,global growth would drop greatly,”said the Economist,a leading British economics magazine.
Up to now chinese economic stability(穩(wěn)定)has been closely related to world development.“The increasingly connected global economy means that China should be a part of the meeting.”said Stephen Roach,a world famous economist.
During the meeting,China represented (代表)developing countries.It callde on the world’s developed nations to increase their  spending on aid to poorer  countries.Jin said that overall official help from developed countries is only 0.23 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product(國(guó)內(nèi)生產(chǎn)值),much lower than the 0.7per cent UN targert.And this should be changed.
【小題1】According to the passage,China particpates in the meeting of G7 because______.

A．China has become one of the richest countries of the world

B．China is playing a more important part in the world economy

C．China has more factories than any other countries in the world

D．developing countries want China to speak for them

【小題2】Which of the following is true?

A．China’s participation in the meeting of G7 is the first time that China has talks with the developed countries.
B．The stable economy of China has done a great deal to the development of the world.	C．The developed nations are trying their best to help the poorer countries at present
D．America has as large a market as China has.

【小題3】From the passage we can infer that ________.

A．Chinese producers as well as American consumers contribute a lot to the growth of the world economy

B．the author doesn’t think it necessary for China to participate in the meeting

C．China produces a lot but consumes a little

D．the economist thinks that American consumers and Chinese producers will reduce their activitres at the same time

【小題4】The underlined wrold “promote”in the second paragraph means_______.

A．to make better

B．to make worse

C．to share

D．to make clear

The year 2009 is the Year of Ox. The ox is a representative of the farming culture of China. In the farming economy （經(jīng)濟(jì)）, oxen are the major animals pulling plows （犁）.
Of course, the good of oxen is not limited to plowing.  In fact, they are seen as "boats on land" for their ability to carry loads. Besides, the whole body of an ox is full of treasures. Their meat and milk are food full of nutrition, and their skin can be used to make clothes and shoes. With all these qualities, oxen are regarded as generous creatures.
In the past, oxen played an important role in the spiritual life of the Chinese. Even today, oxen still play a special part in some folk activities. For example, some people who1ive in southwest China will cook cattle bone soup and share it among family members when holding the ceremony for children who reach 13. They believe that the cattle bone soup represents the blood relationship among family members. In order to express their love for oxen, people in some other areas will run to shake off diseases on the 16th day of the first month by the lunar calendar （農(nóng)歷）, and during their run they will take their oxen along, which indicates they regard the creature as human.
Because of the contribution of oxen in their lives, the Chinese people are very grateful to the animal. In addition, the use of oxen in ceremonies and the thanks people owe to oxen help to develop various traditional customs, which becomes an important part of the folk culture of the Chinese nation.
【小題1】The words "boats an land" underlined in Paragraph 2 refer to _     .

A．a(chǎn)nimals for taking goods	B．creatures for pulling plows
C．treasures of the folk culture	D．tools in the farming economy

【小題2】From the third paragraph, we know that __.

A．oxen are no more important today than in the past

B．ceremonies are held when people cook cattle bone soup

C．oxen are treated as human in some areas of China

D．people run with oxen to shake off diseases every month

【小題3】Which of the following helps to develop traditional customs?

A．The special role of oxen in farming.

B．People's respect and love for oxen.

C．The practical value of an ox's body.

D．The contribution of oxen to the economy.

【小題4】 Why does the author write the text?

A．To stress the importance of oxen in farming.

B．To introduce the Chinese folk culture.

C．To describe how to celebrate the Year of Ox.

D．To explain how to develop agriculture with oxen.

“USA? Britain? Which country is better to study in?” We often hear such discussions. As China opens its doors, studying abroad has become a dream for many Chinese students. They want to learn about the world.
It’s true that studying abroad can help students develop themselves. Language skills will improve and it may be easier to find jobs.
But there are problems that should be considered. Language is the first. Students must spend a lot of time learning another language and getting used to a different culture.
Students must also learn to live without parents’ care and deal with all kinds of things they haven’t had to do before, like looking after themselves. There are reports about Chinese students abroad sinking into an ocean of difficulties and giving up easily. When they have to take care of themselves, it is hard for students to study well.
Finally, studying abroad brings a heavy burden(負(fù)擔(dān)) to the family. For most Chinese parents, the cost of studying abroad is very high. But is it worth it?
We know that there are many famous people who succeed in great things through their hard work in China. Liu Xiang is a good example. Once an American teacher invited him there but he refused. He kept training hard with his Chinese teacher. He surprised the world when he won a gold medal at the Athens Olympics. So when you wonder which country is better to study in, consider whether studying abroad is the right choice.
【小題1】The writer thinks          should be considered first before students study abroad.

A．places

B．time

C．money

D．language

【小題2】The writer mentions Liu Xiang in the passage in order to tell us that            .

A．Chinese teachers are better than American ones	B．studying abroad is not the right choice
C．people can also be successful in China if they work hard	D．Liu Xiang was a gold medal winner

【小題3】 Which of the following is NOT true?

A．Studying abroad will cost students’ families a lot of money.

B．Studying abroad will make it easy for students to learn well.

C．Studying abroad will help students to improve language skills.

D．Studying abroad will bring students a lot of difficulties in their life.

【小題4】This passage is mainly about             .

A．the problems of studying abroad	B．the dream of studying abroad
C．the choice of studying abroad	D．the story of studying abroad

    Riding a London subway, a person from China will notice one major difference; in London, people do not look at each other. In fact, eye contact is avoided at all time. That's not rudeness— people are just too busy to bother looking.
Busy doing what, you ask? Well, they're certainly not using the time for a moment of quiet reflection（沉思）.Nor are they reading a book. New techology has replaced quiet habits. Today the only acceptable form of book on the London Underground is an e-book.
Apple must earn a fortune from London commuters（乘車(chē)上下班的人）. Since the launch of the iPhone in 2007, over 40,000-yes, that's 40,000-"apps"(programs downloaded for the iPhone)have been designed.
Commuters love them because they are the perfect time-filler. One "app"，called iShoot, is a game that features tanks. Another one, Tube Exits, tells passengers where to sit on the train to be closest to the exit of their destination（目的地）. ISteam clouds the iPhone screen when you breathe into the microphone. You can then write in the "steam" on your phone screen.
For those without an iPhone, another Apple product, the iPod, may be the distraction（消遣）of choice. It's not just teenagers who "plug in" to their music-iPods are a popular way to pass the time for all ages.
And if games, e-books and music aren't enough to keep you occupied. Then perhaps you would prefer a film? The development of palm（掌上）DVD technology means many commuters watch their favorite TV show or film on the way to work. With all this distraction, it's amazing that people still remember to get off the train.
【小題1】People in London do not make eye contact on the subway because they are busy    .

A．going to work

B．reading books

C．thinking private thoughts

D．playing games, reading e-books, listening to music or watching films

【小題2】In Paragraph 4, the underlined word “them” refers to “       ”.

A．habits

B．“apps”

C．iPhones

D．films

【小題3】Those who like war games can download     to their iPhones.

A．iShoot

B．Tube Exits

C．iSteam

D．iPod

【小題4】The underlined word "occupied" in the last paragraph probably means    .

A．delighted

B．busy

C．a(chǎn)mused

D．controlled

【小題5】The article tells us that     .

A．London commuters are unfriendly to strangers

B．Apple has earned a lot of money from selling 40,000 apps

C．technology is changing the way London commuters spend their traveling time

D．with all the new time-fillers, London commuters often forget to get off the train.

On October 19, 1959, the first Special English program was broadcast on the Voice of America. It was an experiment. The goal was to communicate by radio in clear and simple English with people whose native language is not English. Experts said the goal was admirable, but the method would not work. They were proved wrong. The Special English programs quickly became some of the most popular on VOA. And they still are.
Forty years later, Special English continues to communicate with people who are not fluent in English. But during the years its role has expanded. It also helps people learn American English. And it provides listeners, even those who are native English speakers, with information they cannot find elsewhere.
Today, Special English broadcasts around the world seven days a week, five times a day. Each half-hour broadcast begins with ten minutes of the latest news followed by 20 minutes of feature programming. There is a different short feature every weekday about science, development, agriculture and environment, and on the weekend, about news events and American idioms.
Three elements make Special English unique. It has a limited vocabulary of 1500 words. Most are simple words that describe objects, actions or emotions. Some are more difficult. They are used for reporting world events and describing discoveries in medicine and science. Special English is written in short, simple sentences that contain only one idea. No idioms are used. And Special English is spoken at a slower pace, about two-thirds the speed of Standard English. This helps people learning English hear each word clearly. It also helps people who are English speakers understand complex subjects.
Through the years, Special English has become a very popular tool for teaching English, even though it was not designed as teaching program. It succeeds in helping people learn English in a non-traditional way. Individuals record the programs and play them over and over to practice their listening skills. In countries around the world, English teachers assign Special English to their students. They praise it for improving their students' ability to understand American English and for the content of the programs. Universities and private companies in many countries produce packages of Special English materials for student use.
【小題1】At the beginning, Special English program was        .

A．well received

B．rejected by native people

C．doubted by some professionals

D．intended for teaching English

【小題2】What kind of English is spoken on Special English?

A．British English.

B．American English.

C．Both British and American English.

D．Not certain.

【小題3】Which of the following are the elements that make Special English unique?
a．limited vocabulary
b．short simple sentences
b．good communication method
d．slow speed
e．interesting feature programming

A．a(chǎn), b, c

B．a(chǎn), c, d

C．a(chǎn), b, d

D．b, d, e

【小題4】Which of the following statements is TRUE?

A．Special English has been founded for less than 50 years.

B．Native English speakers don’t have a great affection for Special English.

C．Special English usually starts with 20 minutes of the latest news.

D．People can learn some idioms from Special English.

【小題5】From the last paragraph we can infer that       .

A．listening to Special English can be a student’s homework

B．listening to Special English can improve the content of the program

C．some student record the Special English material for sale

D．learning English from VOA is a traditional way for English learner.