Will Nanfang University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen announce a new beginning for China’s higher education reform? It’s too early to answer.But its presence is challenging the Ministry of Education.Even without the approval of the ministry it seems that the school is determined to move forward and enroll 50 students, so-called child prodigies(奇才), to begin classes on March l, 2011.On graduating in 2015, these students will receive a diploma unauthorized by the Ministry of Education-unlike the students of their age from the state-run universities.
The school is committed to modeling itself on Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, but if the government will not approve the school, the situation could cause a lot of trouble for those 50 students if they want to do graduate studies at other higher learning institutions.Other schools could turn their applications down for their unauthorized diplomas.
The difficulties, however, have not frightened students and their parents away.On Dec.18, 2010 more than 1,000 students and their parents visited Nanfang University of Science and Technology for interviews.
Private investment marks the school out from other higher learning institutions in the nation.Not a penny comes from the government. So the government will have no voice in how the school will be run.
The Ministry of Education has published a comprehensive plan for education reform and development between 2011 and 2020.The goal is to make China’s higher education internationally competitive.To accomplish this goal, the government should have the courage to let the educators who have big ideas try them out.The ministry should have applauded the independence the school in Shenzhen has shown and encouraged more to do likewise.
Education reform in China has reached a new and crucial stage.Nanfang University of Science and Technology has a long way to go to prove itself competitive rather than a diploma mill.
【小題1】Over 1,000 students and parents visited the school because      .

A．they believe that the school will have a bright future

B．they believe the government is sure to approve the school

C．the school models itself on Hong Kong University successfully

D．they will never do graduate studies at other higher learning institutions

【小題2】The trouble the students in the school may have is that      .

A．the government will have no voice in the school

B．they won’t receive any diploma when graduating from the school

C．other schools are unlikely to accept their diploma from the school

D．they will not learn how to be competitive

【小題3】What does the author think of Nanfang University of Science and Technology?

A．It is another kind of diploma mill.

B．It’s impossible for the school to be competitive.

C．It will never get the approval from the Ministry of Education.

D．Its independence from the government may benefit the education reform.

【小題4】What is the best title of the passage?

A．University of New Style.	B．China’s Education Reform.
C．Modeling Hong Kong University.	D．Authorized or Not?

Everyday, 340 million people speak it. One billion people are learning it and it is said that by 2050, half of the world’s population will be using it. What are we talking about? That is the global language—English.
The English language started in Britain in the 5th century. It is a mixed language. It was built up when German. Scandinavian and French invaders settled in England and created a common language for communication.
Today it is the official language of the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Ireland as well as many islands in the Caribbean. Many other countries and regions use it for politics and business, for example, India. Pakistan, Nigeria and the Philippines. English is also one of the official languages of Hong Kong.
But global advertising and pop music mean that in most countries, you will see or hear some English. Thanks to McDonalds, we all know about “burgers”. “fries” and “milkshakes”. Songs by Madonna, Britney Spears and Celine Dion are in English. We can sing along, even if we do not understand what we are singing!
English is a messy (雜亂的) language. Every year, dictionaries include new words that talk about popular culture, for example, computer-related words such as "blogging", "download" and "chartroom". Also included are words that teenagers use. Who does not know “cool”, “OK” and “hello”?
Other languages also influence English. Many English words come from French. Words like “café” and expressions like “c'est la vie” (that is life) are all part of the English language. On the other hand, the French language includes English words like "le weekend" and "le camping". German words are also part of English. Words like "kindergarten" come from the German language.
Recently, British people have become interested in “yoga”. But the word comes from an ancient Hindu language in India.
【小題1】The English language has a history of ______.

A．over 2000 years	B．over 500 years
C．over 1500 years	D．over 1000 years

【小題2】The underlined expression “thanks to” can be replaced by ______.

A．because of

B．in order to

C．a(chǎn)s usual

D．a(chǎn)s if.

【小題3】Which of the following statements is true about the language of English?

A．It has been changing all the time.

B．It has borrowed words from all the other languages.

C．French words are used by the English because dictionaries have French words.

D．Singers and film stars have the greatest influence on language.

【小題4】How many people in the world are using English now?

A．One billion people	B．340 million
C．a(chǎn)lmost all the people in the world.
D．not mentioned above, but the number is growing rapidly.

【小題5】 Many countries and regions use it for politics and business except______.

A．the USA

B．Nigeria

C．the Philippines

D．Norway

When I was about 12, I had an enemy, a girl who liked to point out my shortcomings(缺點(diǎn)). Sometimes she said I was thin. Sometimes she said I was lazy. Sometimes she said I wasn’t a good student. Sometimes she said I talked too much, and so on. I tried to put up with(忍受) her as long as I could. At last, I became very angry. I ran to my father with tears in my eyes.
He listened to me quietly, and then he asked, “Are the things she said true or not? Mary, didn’t you ever wonder what you’re really like? Go and make a list of everything she said and mark the points that are true. Pay no attention to the other things she said.”
I did as he told me and to my surprise, I discovered that about half the things were true.
I brought the list back to my dad. He refused to take it. “That’s just for you,” he said. “You know better than anyone else the truth about yourself. When something said about you is true, you’ll find it will be helpful to you. Don’t shut your ears. Listen to them all, but hear the truth and do what you think is right.”
Many years have passed. The situation often appears in my mind. In our life we often meet with some trouble and we often go to someone and ask for advice. For some advice you will treasure(珍惜) all your life!
【小題1】What did the writer’s father do after he heard her complaints(抱怨)?

A．He agreed with her “enemy”.

B．he let her continue to put up with her “enemy”.

C．He told her to write down all her “enemy” had said about her.

D．He told her not to pay attention to what her “enemy” had said.

【小題2】The writer felt ______ when she did the things as her father had told her.

A．surprised

B．a(chǎn)ngry

C．disappointed

D．sad

【小題3】Which of the following can we know from the passage?

A．The “enemy” thought the writer was pretty.

B．The “enemy” thought the writer studied hard.

C．The writer and her “enemy” became best friends at last.

D．The writer is grateful to her father.

【小題4】Which of the following can be the best title of the passage?

A．My Parents

B．A Serious Criticism(批評(píng))

C．What People Say About You Is Always Right

D．The Best Advice I Ever Had

Parents are often amazed at how fast their child grows and develops. New research has determined that the ability to quantify may develop much sooner than most parents realize.
Kristy vanMarle, professor of the University of Missouri, has determined that contrary to what previous studies have shown, infants（嬰兒）are able to quantify substances（物質(zhì)）—like sand or water—as early as 10 months. As long as the difference between the two substances is large enough, infants will choose the larger amount, especially when it comes to food.
With the assistance of her team researchers, vanMarle tested the quantifying skills of babies by presenting them with two cups: one containing a small amount of food, and one containing a larger amount. Consistently, the babies chose the larger amount.
“Several studies throughout the last 15 years have shown that infants are very good at telling how many objects they see; however, infants don’t seem to count things like water or sand,” vanMarle said. “What we’re saying is that they can quantify substances; it’s just much harder. The infants can see how much food goes into each cup and compare that in their memories. They decide which amount is larger, and they almost always select the larger one.”
“This information further refutes（駁斥）the long-held idea that babies “know nothing of the world,” vanMarle said.
“Since psychologists have begun studying infants with sensitive measures, we’ve discovered a lot of early abilities. I think for parents, it should be exciting to know that there’s somebody in there that has some fundamental and basic knowledge of the world, and that knowledge is guiding their development,” vanMarle said.
In the future, vanMarle says this kind of study could be linked to a child’s progress in math-related skills, although programs marketed to increase those abilities, such as “Baby Einstein,” still have mixed reviews when it comes to academic study.
【小題1】The quantifying ability refers to the ability to     .

A．get much knowledge of the world

B．identify the quantity of something

C．choose between different substances

D．obtain math-related skills

【小題2】Babies choose the larger amount of food     .

A．on personal preference	B．by saying numbers
C．with the help of parents	D．through their natural abilities

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

A．people used to think the world is known to babies

B．scholars disagree on baby-training programs

C．little research has been done on infants

D．some parents don’t care about their kids

A student is learning to speak British English. He wonders(想知道): Can I communicate(交際) with Americans? Can they understand me? Learners of English often ask: What are the differences between British and American English? How important are these differences?
Certainly, there are some differences between British and American English. There are a few differences in grammar. For example, speakers of British English say “in hospital” and “Have you a pen?” Americans say “in the hospital” and “Do you have a pen?”.Pronunciation is sometimes different. Americans usually sound theirs in words like “bird” and “hurt”. Speakers of British English do not sound theirs in these words. There are differences between British and American English in spelling and vocabulary. For example, “colour” and “honour” are British, “color” and “honor” are American.
These differences in grammar, pronunciation, spelling and vocabulary are not important, however. For the most part, British and American English are the same language.
【小題1】According to this passage, a student who is learning to speak American English might be afraid that __________.

A．British people cannot understand him

B．American people cannot understand him

C．the grammar is too hard for him

D．the spelling is too hard for him

【小題2】American English and British English are different in __________.

A．spelling

B．pronunciation

C．grammar

D．a(chǎn)ll of the above

【小題3】What is NOT mentioned(提及) in the passage?

A．Whether there are differences between British English and American English.

B．Whether British English and American English are one language or two.

C．How the differences between British English and American English came about.

D．How important the differences are.

【小題4】Most ______say “Do you have a watch?”

A．British people

B．Americans

C．children

D．teachers

【小題5】According to this passage, British people and Americans have ______ difficulty in understanding each other.

A．little

B．much

C．some

D．great

The UK has a well­respected higher education system and some of the top universities and research institutions in the world. But to those who are new to it all， sometimes it can be confusing.
October is usually the busiest month in the college calendar. Universities have something called Freshers’ Week for their newcomers. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends， join lots of clubs and settle into university life.
However， having just left the comfort of home and all your friends behind， the prospect(前景) of meeting lots of strangers in big halls can be nerve­wracking(令人頭痛的). Where do you start？ Who should you make friends with？ Which clubs should you join？
Luckily， there will be thousands of others in the same boat as you worrying about starting their university social life on the right foot. So just take it all in slowly. Don’t rush into anything that you’ll regret for the next three years.
Here are some top advice from past students on how to survive Freshers’ Week：
●Learn rules. Make sure you know British social manners. Have a few wine glasses and snacks handy for your housemates and friends.
●Be kind. Sometimes cups of tea or even slices of toast can give you a head start in making friends.
●Be sociable. The more active you are， the more likely you’ll be to meet new people than if you’re someone who never leaves their room.
●Bring a doorstop. Keep your door open when you’re in and that sends positive messages to your neighbors that you’re friendly.
So with a bit of clever planning and effort， Freshers’ Week can give you a great start to your university life and soon you’ll be passing on your experience to next year’s new recruits.
【小題1】Which of the following statements is FALSE according to the passage？

A．October is generally the busiest month for universities.

B．It’s a good idea to put a doorstop in your suitcase.

C．A bit of planning can make Freshers’ Week easier.

D．The first week of your every year at university is called Freshers’ Week.

【小題2】The underlined word “recruits” in the last paragraph refers to 　　　　.

A．courses

B．freshers

C．neighbors

D．challenges

【小題3】We can infer from the 4th paragraph that 　　　　.

A．the newcomers usually miss the days living at home

B．most of the students in the UK spend three years in universities

C．many freshers are worried about how to fit university life

D．a(chǎn)ll the new students will make new friends and join certain clubs

【小題4】Why does the author suggest having wine glasses and snacks handy？

A．To pass the busy university life.

B．To help make friends with other freshers.

C．To show yourself a drinker as others.

D．To pass the time in a happy way.

【小題5】The main purpose of the passage is to 　　　　.

A．tell the newcomers how to make a new start in universities

B．introduce something about higher education system of the UK

C．discuss something about the Freshers’ Week in the UK

D．a(chǎn)dvise the freshmen how to behave well in universities

Everyday, 340 million people speak it. One billion people are learning it and it is said that by 2050, half of the world’s population will be using it. What are we talking about? That is the global language—English.
The English language started in Britain in the 5th century. It is a mixed language. It was built up when German. Scandinavian and French invaders settled in England and created a common language for communication.
Today it is the official language of the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Ireland as well as many islands in the Caribbean. Many other countries and regions use it for politics and business, for example, India. Pakistan, Nigeria and the Philippines. English is also one of the official languages of Hong Kong.
But global advertising and pop music mean that in most countries, you will see or hear some English. Thanks to McDonalds, we all know about “burgers”. “fries” and “milkshakes”. Songs by Madonna, Britney Spears and Celine Dion are in English. We can sing along, even if we do not understand what we are singing!
English is a messy (雜亂的) language. Every year, dictionaries include new words that talk about popular culture, for example, computer-related words such as "blogging", "download" and "chartroom". Also included are words that teenagers use. Who does not know “cool”, “OK” and “hello”?
Other languages also influence English. Many English words come from French. Words like “café” and expressions like “c'est la vie” (that is life) are all part of the English language. On the other hand, the French language includes English words like "le weekend" and "le camping". German words are also part of English. Words like "kindergarten" come from the German language.
Recently, British people have become interested in “yoga”. But the word comes from an ancient Hindu language in India.
【小題1】 The English language has a history of ______.

A．over 2000 years	B．over 500 years
C．over 1500 years	D．over 1000 years

【小題2】The underlined expression “thanks to” can be replaced by ______.

A．because of

B．in order to

C．a(chǎn)s usual

D．a(chǎn)s if.

【小題3】Which of the following statements is true about the language of English?

A．It has been changing all the time.

B．It has borrowed words from all the other languages.

C．French words are used by the English because dictionaries have French words.

D．Singers and film stars have the greatest influence on language.

【小題4】 How many people in the world are using English now?

A．One billion people	B．340 million
C．a(chǎn)lmost all the people in the world.
D．not mentioned above, but the number is growing rapidly.

【小題5】 Many countries and regions use it for politics and business except______.

A．the USA

B．Nigeria

C．the Philippines

D．Norway

People use their mouths for many things. They eat, talk, shout and sing. They smile and they kiss. In the English language, there are many expressions using the word “mouth.”
For example, if you say bad things about a person, the person might protest and say “Do not bad mouth me.”  Sometimes, people say something to a friend or family member that they later regret because it hurts that person’s feelings. Or they tell the person something they were not supposed to tell. The speaker might say: “I really put my foot in my mouth this time.” If this should happen, the speaker might feel down in the mouth. In other words, he might feel sad for saying the wrong thing.
Another situation is when someone falsely claims another person said something. The other person might protest: “I did not say that. Do not put words in my mouth.”
Some people have lots of money because they were born into a very rich family. There is an expression for this, too. You might say such a person, “was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.” This rich person is the opposite of a person who lives from hand to mouth. This person is very poor and only has enough money for the most important things in life, like food.
Parents might sometimes withhold sweet food from a child as a form of punishment for saying bad things. For example, if a child says things she should not say to her parents, she might be described as a mouthy child. The parents might even tell the child to stop mouthing off.
But enough of all this talk. I have been running my mouth long enough.
【小題1】In what kind of situation will a person say “Do not bad mouth me.” ?       

A．When he feels down.	B．When he feels regretful.
C．When he is spoken ill of.	D．When he feels innocent.

【小題2】If a person feels sorry for what he has said, he might say “          .”  

A．Do not bad mouth me

B．I really put my foot in my mouth this time

C．Do not put words in my mouth

D．Stop mouthing off

【小題3】If a person lives from hand to mouth, it implies           .         

A．he is badly – off	B．he is hard – working
C．he is well – off	D．he has enough to eat

【小題4】By saying, “I have been running my mouth long enough”, the speaker means “            ”. 

A．I have run a long way	B．I have been a mouthy person
C．I have learned a lot	D．I have talked too much

Some people think that as more and more people have televisions in their homes, fewer and fewer people will buy books and newspapers. Why read an article in the newspaper, when the TV news can bring you the information in a few minutes and with pictures? Why read the life story of a famous man, when a short television program can tell you all that you want to know?
Television has not killed reading, however. Today, newspapers sell in very large numbers. And books of every kind are sold more than ever before. Books are still a cheap way to get information and enjoyment. Although some books with hard covers are expensive, many books are printed today as paperbooks (平裝本), which are quite cheap. A paperback collection of short stories, for example, is always cheaper than an evening at the cinema or the theater, and you can keep a book for ever and read it many times.
Books are a wonderful provider of knowledge and pleasure and some types of books should be in every home. Every home should have a good dictionary. A good encyclopedia (百科全書(shū)), though expensive, is useful, too, because you can find information on any subject. Besides, you can have such books as history books, science textbook, cookbooks, and collections of stories and poems. Then from time to time you can take a book of poems off your shelves and read the thoughts and feelings of your favorite poets.
【小題1】 It can be inferred from the passage that ________.

A．TV programs are a chief provider of knowledge.

B．cinemas are the best choice in getting information.

C．reading is a cheap way of learning and having fun.

D．newspapers are an expensive way to enjoy oneself.

【小題2】What does the sentences “Television has not killed reading, however ” underlined in the second paragraph suggest?

A．People only need reading, though.

B．Reading is still necessary today.

C．Reading is more fun than television.

D．Watching television doesn’t help reading.

【小題3】What can we learn from the passage?

A．Fewer and fewer people will buy books.

B．A good dictionary should be kept in every home.

C．Books with hard covers sell better than paperbooks.

D．More people like TV programs about famous men.

Having put down your pens at the end of the college entrance exam, you have ended 12 years of hard study. Forget your studies for a while. It’s time to enjoy yourselves!
There are many ways to celebrate this special month of graduation. You can have photos taken with your classmates and teachers, or dine out together and exchange gifts.
High school students in Western countries such as the United States and Canada usually have a prom to mark their graduation. It’s to mark the time kids turn into young men and women. After the prom, teenagers either go to college or find a job. It means they are no longer as dependent on their parents as they were before.
At the prom, boys usually dress in dinner jackets and bow ties, though many different types of formal clothes are worn. Traditionally, girls give boys matching boutonnieres ( 佩帶在扣眼上的花). Girls traditionally wear formal dresses, or dress to shock or be noticed, in shiny or brightly colored materials.
Common prom activities include dining, dancing, the crowning (加冠) of a prom king and queen, and just talking to friends.  In some cases, high school students collect funds for their class prom through the four years of their high school.
High schools in or near large cities may rent ballrooms at expensive hotels or, to be unusual, in a pleasure cruise boat.
But often costs are cut by simply using the school gym. Students make a lot of effort to decorate the gym to make the event special. The music played at the prom will be the most popular kinds, like rock and hip-hop.
The students elect the Prom Queen. She is partnered with a Prom King who is elected similarly. These are great honors that the pair take very seriously. The two dance with each other to celebrate their election.
【小題1】The word "prom" is probably closest in meaning with________.

A．a(chǎn) party to celebrate graduation	B．a(chǎn) dancing competition
C．a(chǎn) fashion show	D．a(chǎn)n election ceremony

【小題2】Which of the following is an economical way to hold the prom?

A．Renting a ballroom.	B．Taking a cruise boat.
C．Holding it in the school gym.	D．Wearing informal dresses.

【小題3】 What clearly indicates that prom is very important to students?

A．Music is played at the prom.

B．They take pictures at the prom.

C．The King and Queen dance with each other.

D．They wear formal clothes or special clothes.

【小題4】For what do the students just talk to friends at a prom?

A．They don’t want to get help from their parents.

B．They will part with their friends in a short time.

C．They don’t like to be accompanied by their parents.

D．They want to be elected by their friends as the Prom King or Queen.

【小題5】How is the prom significant to the students?

A．They can be relieved from the study pressure.

B．They are going to say goodbye to their friends.

C．They have chances to be elected as the Prom King or Queen.

D．The prom marks the graduation and after it they will be independent.