西安交通大学网络学院英语二学习指南
Blank Filling
1. A person, ___________ (like) a machine, is not replaceable. Correct answer: unlike
2. They live in a good ___________ (residence) district. Correct answer: residential
3. The child made a very ___________ (intelligence) comment. Correct answer: intelligent
4. The play is a ___________ (drama) representation of a real event. Correct answer: dramatic
5. Although I am a member of the club, I ___________ (bare) go there. Correct answer: barely
6. He is ___________ (like) to come to see you tonight. Correct answer: likely
7. The child made a very ___________ (intelligence) comment. Correct answer: intelligent
8. I like ___________ (detect) stories very much. Correct answer: detective
9. The book is ___________ (admire) in respect of style. Correct answer: admirable
10. The ___________ (intelligent) department of a government collects and studies information that will help its army and navy. Correct answer: intelligence
11. His collection of paintings is most ___________ (impress). Correct answer: impressive
12. Many problems, however, escape ___________ (detect). Correct answer: detection
13. The plan, brilliant in its conception, failed because of ___________ (adequate) preparation. Correct answer: inadequate
14. We can ___________ (sure) overcome these difficulties as long as we are closely united. Correct answer: surely
15. I regret my ___________ (ignore) on the subject. Correct answer: ignorance
Banked Cloze 1
Directions: Fill in the blanks in the following passage by selecting suitable words from the Word Bank. You may not use any of the words more than once.
1.
A. prime D. artists G. audience J. constant M. athletes
B. contestant E. selected H. announced K. deals N. celebrity
C. performances F. offended I. popular L. seeks O. around
American Idol is a reality competition to find new solo musical talent, created by Simon Fuller. It debuted on June 11, 2002, and has since become one of the most ______ shows on American television.
The program ______ to discover the best singer in the country through a series of nationwide auditions. The American public decides the outcomes of the later stages through phone voting. The judges give critiques of the contestants' ______: record producer, music manager, pop singer, choreographer, and singer-songwriter.
The finals are broadcast live in ______ time from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, in front of a live studio ______. The finals lasted for eight weeks in season one and eleven weeks in subsequent seasons. Each finalist performs a song or songs ______ from a weekly theme. Themes are based on a musical genre, songs recorded by particular artists. Contestants usually work with a(n) ______ mentor during each week. When a(n) ______ is voted off of the show, a montage of the contestant's experience is played and they give their final performance.
In the finale, the two remaining contestants perform. The winner is ______ and receives a one million (US) dollar record deal with a major label, and is managed by American Idol-related 19 Management. In some cases, other finalists have also been signed by the show's management company (who has first option to sign contestants) and received record ______ with its major label partner.
Correct answer: (1)I popular; (2)L seeks; (3)C performances; (4)A prime; (5)G audience; (6)E selected; (7)N celebrity; (8)B contestant; (9) H announced; (10)K deals;
Banked Cloze 2
Directions: Fill in the blanks in the following passage by selecting suitable words from the Word Bank. You may not use any of the words more than once.
1.
A. write D. completely G. fight
B. flirty E. complete H. change
C. unsatisfied F. crisis I. absolutely
J. prompt M. defend
K. adventurous N. scribble
L. serious O. outraged
American Beauty was taken from a screenplay written by American screenwriter Alan Ball. The story is about Lester Burnham, a middle-aged man who is wholly ______ with his life. His job is lame, his marriage is sexless. His wife, who used to be ______ and charming, has become materialistic, self-absorbed, and uptight. He's completely lost touch with his 16-year-old daughter. Both his wife Carolyn and his daughter Jane think he's a ______ loser, and he has nothing particularly good to say about himself either. Within a couple of days, a number of factors come together that will ______ Lester's life. First, a new boss at work tells Lester he must ______ a report about how useful he is at work; if he fails at this task he'll lose his job, and Lester is ______ at the injustice of having to ______ his worth at a job he hates. Then, Lester meets Jane's friend Angela, a beautiful, ______ teenager who suddenly reinvigorates Lester's drive for life. Finally, at his wife's company party, Lester meets Ricky, the boy who just moved next door. Ricky reminds Lester of his younger self: He smokes pot, he's laid-back and confident and unworried about what others think of him. Those factors combine to ______ Lester into an intense midlife ______, which brings to the surface all the problems in the Burnham household. Over the course of about 6-8 months Lester, Carolyn, and Jane turn into the people that they want to be, but only at the cost of giving up the pretense of having a happy, normal family.
Correct answer:CKEHAOMBJF
(1) unsatisfied; (2) adventurous; (3) complete; (4) change; (5) write; (6) outraged; (7) defend; (8) flirty; (9) prompt; (10) crisis;
Banked Cloze 3
Directions: Fill in the blanks in the following passage by selecting suitable words from the Word Bank. You may not use any of the words more than once.
1. A. emotion D. frequently G. major J. campus M. urban B. suburb E. interest H. introduce K. facility N. provide C. occupation F. master I. perfect L. suggest O. assignment What can you do when you find yourself in school without enough friends? Making friends on ______ is not the easiest thing to do especially when you are new on campus or you go to a(n) ______ commuter campus. Meeting people at school need not be a daunting task, there are several methods that are not difficult and you may find
easy when you try them out.
Start by looking around at people you tend to see ______, such as people who you see in your classes, dorms and dining areas. Often an easy way to start a conversation is to focus on an area of obvious common ______. For example, before or after classes, ask, \theory of...\conversation. Be sure to ______ yourself before the end of the conversation. If your campus has a dining ______, café or coffee cart, then there will be more opportunities for meeting people. After you've introduced yourself and talked about class, it's the ______ time to ask the other person to join you for a cup of coffee. Once you are at the table it should be easier to talk about where you're from, what is your ______, what you think of the class, it is easy or hard. Once you start a conversation, you've gotten past the most difficult part. It will be much easier to ______ meeting again for coffee, or to meet socially off campus.
Correct answer: JMDEOHKIGL
(1) campus; (2) urban; (3) frequently; (4) interest; (5) assignment; (6) introduce; (7) facility; (8) perfect; (9) major; (10) suggest;
Banked Cloze 4
Directions: Fill in the blanks in the following passage by selecting suitable words from the Word Bank. You may not use any of the words more than once.
1.
A. organized D. variety G. expressing J. semester M. used
B. exaggerating E. assignments H. commanding K. courses N. proficiency
C. resisting F. schedules I. workload L. offered O. highlighting
When I started University in late August, I already knew I was interested in the great ______ of courses the Social Science Department ______. The academic year started with an Introduction Week for all freshmen ______ and run by students. Through BBQs, bar hopping, games and beach days we got to know the town and the university. We thus quickly settled into our new homes and became acquainted with our roommates. An important part of the student culture is partying, and we did a lot of that during the first week of the ______.
All of us had to take an English test so we could be placed in an English course appropriate to our language ______. As all classes at the university are taught in English, students are required to meet certain language requirements. Those who have trouble ______ themselves properly can take English courses during the summer. After
the English tests were evaluated, we finally got our class ______. When I heard that I had to take four courses only, I did not believe I would end up with such an immense ______. During the interview the Dean had told me that I was expected to work about 56 hours a week on my studies and that it probably would not be possible to have a part-time job. Back then I thought he was ______. A couple of weeks into the semester though I noticed that I needed those hours if I wanted to keep up with the many reading ______ and homework in my classes. I also had to prepare presentations, write papers, essays and reviews, do research and interviews for projects and so on.
Correct answer: DLAJNGFIBE
(1) variety; (2) offered; (3) organized; (4) semester; (5) proficiency; (6) expressing; (7) schedules; (8) workload; (9) exaggerating; (10) assignments;
Vocabulary and Structure
Directions: Choose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D.
1. A survey was carried out on the death rate of new-born babies, ________________ was surprising. A. as result
B. the result of it C. which result
D. the result of which Correct answer: D
2. A number of students ________________ for the lesson to begin now. A. is waiting B. are waiting C. waits D. waited
Correct answer: B
3. If only we ________________ a phone. I'm tired of lining up outside the public phone box. A. have B. had
C. will have D. are to have Correct answer: B
4. On no account ________________ to feed the animals in the zoo. A. visitors are not allowed B. are visitors allowed C. do visitors allow D. visitors don't allow Correct answer: B
5. She stood there, her face ________________. A. being dull B. is to be dull
C. is dull D. was dull
Correct answer: A
6. I meant ________________ you, but I'm afraid I forgot to. A. ringing
B. being ringing C. to ringing D. to ring
Correct answer: D
7. ________________ the space, scientists find the earth looks like a huge water globe. A. See from B. Seen from C. Seeing from D. To see from Correct answer: C
8. Is there any possibility of getting the price ________________ further? A. reduced B. reduce C. reducing D. be reduced Correct answer: A
9. It is hot and dry; the flowers need ________________. A. being watered B. be watered C. to water D. watering
Correct answer: D
10. He didn't come to the meeting yesterday, otherwise I ________________ him. A. saw
B. would see
C. would have seen D. had seen
Correct answer: C
11. Because of many mistakes, she was made ________________ these letters again. A. type B. to typing C. typed D. to type
Correct answer: D
12. We live in a time ________________, more than ever before in history, people are moving about.
A. what B. when C. which
D. where
Correct answer: B
13. However much ________________, it will be worth it. A. the watch will cost B. the watch costs C. does the watch cost D. the watch cost Correct answer: B
14. The news quickly spread through the village ________________ the war had ended. A. where B. which C. what D. that
Correct answer: D
15. Our failure ________________ourselves to modern life often causes us trouble in our work. A. to adopt B. to apply C. to adapt D. to act
Correct answer: C
16. Not until Mr. Smith came to China ________________ what kind of a country she is. A. did he know B. he knew
C. he didn't know D. he could know Correct answer: A
Reading Comprehension
Reading 1
You finally graduated from high school and you are either looking forward to your first semester in college or already there. Your parents are telling you how important it is to study and stay focused, but we all know what you are really looking forward to, having a good time! College is definitely something you have to take serious, after all, your future depends on it, but you also need to have a good time and learn how to live life a little bit. This means having college fun, college life and of course college parties!
College Life is probably going to be your first experience away from home for any long period of time. You will probably still have mom and dad feeding you money, but you are going to be responsible for every other aspect of your life. Mom won't be doing your laundry and cleaning up your room anymore. The bright side of that is that you won't have the parental units hanging over your shoulder every five minutes or wanting to know where you were until two in the morning either. College life definitely has its perks.
You are going to make a ton of new friends too. You are going to be exposed to students from all different life styles and backgrounds. The beauty of dorm life is that you can have people living with each other and becoming friends that would probably never happen in any other setting. You may be from a normal middle class neighborhood and your roommate could be the son of a millionaire. It makes for some very interesting times.
The more serious aspect of college life is dealing with legitimate stress for the first time in your life. You are going to have to learn balance and this is not always easy. You are going to be exposed to the possibility of having a good time all the time and you are going to have to remain disciplined. There is also, of course, the exam schedules. Tests and homework are going to get your blood pressure up a bit, but just stay organized and budget out your time between studying and play time and you will be fine. Not what you may want to hear, but at times you are going to have to act like an adult. Okay, enough of that serious stuff, let's get to the good stuff about college life!
1. In the first paragraph, the author is trying to say that ________________. A. college is place to entertain
B. you should just have fun at college
C. you should always stay focused and work hard at college
D. you should have some good time but work hard at the same time Correct answer: D
2. College life is wonderful because ________________. A. you parents still give you money
B. your parents won't be checking on you so often C. you can do your own laundry
D. you are away from home for a long period of time Correct answer: B
3. The beauty of dorm life lies in ________________. A. getting to know the son of a millionaire
B. getting to know people from the same neighbourhood C. getting to know people from different walks of life
D. getting to know different people and become special friends Correct answer: D
4. What does \ A. Be nervous. B. Be sick. C. Be excited. D. Be frustrated. Correct answer: A
5. What is the tone of the author? A. Serious. B. Friendly. C. Humourous. D. Indifferent.
Correct answer: B
Reading 2
Sixteen-year-old Maria was waiting in line at the airport in Santo Domingo. She was leaving her native country to join her sister in the United States. She spoke English very well. Though she was very happy she could go abroad, she was feeling sad at leaving her family and friends. As she was thinking all about this, she suddenly heard the airline employee asking her to pick up her luggage and put it on the scales (称). Maria pulled and pulled. The bag was too heavy and she just couldn't lift it up. The man behind her got very impatient. He, too, was waiting to check in his luggage.
\placed his bag on the counter, hoping to check in first. He was in a hurry to get a good seat.
Maria was very angry, but she was very polite. And in her best English she said, \you so upset? There are enough seats for everyone on the plane. If you are in such a hurry, why can't you give me a hand with my luggage?\
The man was surprised to hear Maria speak English. He quickly picked up her luggage and stepped back. Everyone was looking at him with disapproval.
1. Maria's story happened _______ A. when she was leaving America B. on her way back to Santo Domingo C. before she left the USA
D. when she arrived at the airport Answer: D
2. You believe that the work of the airline employee mentioned in the story is to ______ at the airport.
A. help carry people's luggage
B. ask people to pick up the luggage C. check people's luggage
D. take care of people's luggage Answer:C
3. \_____.
A. surprised and worried B. sad and angry
C. unhappy and worried D. sad and sorry Answer:C
4. \felt ____.
A. worried about Maria B. worried about the man C. sorry for Maria's manners D. sorry for the man's manners
Answer:D
5. The author mentioned Maria's age at the beginning of the story in order to show that _____ . A. she was young but behaved properly B. she would not have left home alone C. everyone around her was wrong
D. it was not good that nobody offered to help her Answer:A
Reading 3
There's no need to be lonely when you reach your chosen university or college—join one of the many clubs or societies on offer and you are sure to make friends quickly. The major benefit of joining them is that whether you choose to join a society or club because it will introduce you to people who share your interests, or to try something new, it is a great way to start your life in the UK.
The students union is the place to search for these new experiences. Student-run societies offer a variety of interests and activities—from groups based on common nationality or religion, to leisure and matters that are more academic. There will also be a range of sports clubs on offer, from football to hockey (曲棍球) to table tennis. Not only will joining a sports club help you make friends, it will help your understanding of British culture, both on and off the playing field. Sports clubs offer an exciting social life for their teams, from club events after a match to going on an international tour to play abroad. Sports nights at the students union are generally the busiest nights, wherever you are studying.
Every university or college over here has a great selection of clubs and societies for you to choose from. Many cultural societies have links with other universities, or even national networks, meaning you get a chance to mingle with people you share an interest with that you wouldn't usually get the chance to meet.
So make sure you check out what's on offer, either by attending the Freshers' Fair or looking in the students union handbook, which lists what societies are on offer, and which is available from your university or college union. Some university websites also offer links to their societies and clubs, so it is a good idea to check them out too. If you cannot find one that interests you, there will be plenty of support to start your own group. With a little effort, the benefits of joining a club or society will make your introduction to higher education in Britain easier and a lot of fun. After all, student life is not just about work!
1. According to the author, joining a club or a society is a great way to start university life because ________________.
A. there are so many clubs and societies on offer B. you don't want to be lonely at university
C. it introduces you to people who are of the same interests D. it is the only way to make friends quickly
Correct answer: C
2. Students-run societies offer various activities EXCEPT ________________. A. religious activities B. study groups C. entertainment
D. exchange students between universities Correct answer: D
3. Joining sports clubs will help you ________________. A. understand the British culture
B. improve your academic performance C. get to know religious people D. pay for international tours Correct answer: A
4. Where can you find information about students clubs and societies? A. The students union meeting room. B. The university map online. C. The Freshers' Fair.
D. The university president's office. Correct answer: C
5. According to the passage, which of the following statements is true? A. University clubs and societies are the best way to get famous.
B. Joining a university club or society is the best way to know the culture. C. Starting a club or society in universities is takes a lot of time and effort.
D. Many cultural societies have access to other universities or national resources. Correct answer: D
Passage 4
Attending your first Freshers' Fair can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. First of all, you are still trying to become accustomed to your new environment and living away from home. You are probably already feeling pressure to make new friends, study for class, and make your family proud. Deciding which club to join is just an added layer of pressure and might be the last thing you want to think about.
Have no fear! The Freshers' Fair is actually a fun and exciting place, if you manage to forget your worries, kick back, and enjoy yourself. Just follow this simple advice for a pleasant and productive day.
1. Shop around. Take your time, walk around, and check out everything that's available. It's a little like shopping for a good bargain. The first pair of pants you see might not be the best fit.
2. Ask questions. The whole point of the Freshers' Fair is to let you know what clubs and activities are available. Representatives are there to answer your questions. Take advantage of them.
3. Take notes. Write down all important information you want to remember. How often are meetings? What are the requirements of membership? What is the time commitment and will it interfere with your class schedule?
4. Don't be shy. Many groups will have sign-up sheets. They will use these to send out more information or let you know about upcoming events. There is often no commitment to join, so even if you have a passing interest, sign up and stay in touch.
Now that you've got a leg up and have a plan for your first Freshers' Fair, get out there and start taking advantage of the many opportunities your school provides. You won't regret it!
1. Which of the following is NOT advice that is given for a first Freshers' Fair? A. Write down club meeting schedules.
B. Ask for more information about interesting groups. C. Look for a great pair of pants.
D. Try to forget the pressure you're feeling at a new school. Correct answer: C
2. According to this passage, what is the point of a Freshers' Fair? A. To make new friends. B. To feel less pressure.
C. To ask questions about membership requirements. D. To learn about available opportunities at school. Correct answer: D
3. Which of the following most accurately describes \ A. A plan.
B. An advantage. C. An opportunity. D. A disadvantage. Correct answer: B
4. This type of writing would best be described as ________________. A. persuasive B. entertaining C. informative D. analytical Correct answer: C
5. A proper title for this passage might be ________________. A. Helpful Advice for a First Freshers' Fair B. Dealing with Pressure at University C. Shop Around at the Freshers' Fair D. Get a Leg Up at University Correct answer: A
Reading 5
It's 1am and, in the centre of town, dolled-up students pour out of bars and clubs and rush to join the queue for a burger and chips at one of several kebab vans lining the street. The talk is of essay deadlines and early morning tutorials. The food is cheap, fattening and very popular.
This could be any student town in Britain but in fact it is Oxford, where the famous dreamy spires are bathed in the smell of fast food every night. This might be one of the world's top universities but, like students across the country, Oxford undergraduates are eating their way out of essay crises, and spending only ￡4 a day doing it.
I witness these scenes because I too am a student at Oxford. Every week I eat my way through whole packets of pasta and, like my friends, notice a difference between eating habits - and waistlines - in term time and during the holidays.
\food, like chocolate and biscuits, and at lunchtime I am lazy so I buy sandwiches in town. Although I can cook, it just doesn't happen during term time. There's so much work that cooking a proper meal takes too much time. I end up eating at my college's hall, where they tend to serve curry and chips.\meal from scratch every night. But with a couple of essays to do every week, convenience often takes precedence.
A recent investigation by a student newspaper, The Oxford Student, into diet and lifestyle found that nearly three-quarters of the 100 respondents said they felt less healthy during term time. Forty-eight per cent said their student lifestyle did not allow for healthy eating and regular exercise, and half said work-related stress increased their appetite.
British teenagers are not alone: in America, the weight gain at university has been dubbed \of all-you-can-eat dorm-dining, late-night pizzas, tacos, barbecues and beer. And a study called Generation XL by the Obesity Society in the US found that students are succumbing to the temptation of unlimited and unsupervised food choices.
1. The writer describes the scene in Paragraph 1 to ________________. A. give examples of students eating junk food B. show students are working really hard C. explain the fast food business in Britain D. show how popular cheap food is Correct answer: A
2. Students eat a lot of fast food because ________________. A. they think fast food is delicious and healthy
B. they don't know they have gained weight because of it C. they don't like home made food
D. they are too busy and tired to cook for themselves Correct answer: D
3. A recent research found that ________________. A. students' lifestyle doesn't increase their appetite B. students' lifestyle results in ill health
C. students' lifestyle requires regular exercise D. students' lifestyle makes them stressful Correct answer: B
4. What does \
A. It refers to UK new students who gained weight at university. B. It refers to US new students who gained weight at university. C. It refers to UK students who eat unlimited and unsupervised food. D. It refers to US students who eat unlimited and unsupervised food. Correct answer: B
5. What is the best title for the passage? A. Freshmen Pressure. B. Fast Food at College.
C. Freshmen Obesity and Its Causes. D. Fast Food and Obesity. Correct answer: C
Reading 6
Fast food—what does the phrase conjure up (使人想象) for you? Juicy hamburgers, crispy French fries? Most probably, but it may also create images of obese people stuffing themselves with fat and sugar. The latter effect may well be because you have seen \Size Me\the Oscar-nominated (提名的) 2004 documentary about the fast-food industry, a film in which American filmmaker Morgan Sporlock eats nothing but food from McDonalds, the multinational fast-food chain, for thirty days.
Sporlock's immediate motivation for the film was a lawsuit against McDonald's by two American girls who claimed that they had become obese as a result of eating McDonald's food. They lost their case, but Sporlock, a fit, slim 32-year-old, set out to prove they were right. The start of the film shows him being examined by three doctors, who give him a clean bill of health. Sporlock then start a 30-day diet, in which he eats nothing but McDonald's food three times a day and accepts a \portion whenever it is offered to him. The results of the diet proved astonishing. By the end of the 30 days Sporlock was depressed and unnaturally tired, had gained 11.1 kilos and had liver damage. It took him fourteen months to lose the weight he had gained.
In the film, as well as following Sporlock's progress, we learn a lot about the nation's health, for example, that 37% of American children are overweight and that two out of every three American adults are obese. Sporlock interviews people ranging from school dinner ladies to food corporation lawyers. The picture that comes out is that of a fast food industry that cares far more about profits than the nation's health. Sporlock himself remains good-humoured and amusing throughout the film, but the message is clear - too much fast food can damage your health!
1. What does the word \ A. Poor in health. B. Heavy in weight. C. Slow in action. D. Low in spirit. Correct answer: B
2. Sporlock decides to shoot the film \ A. he is always interested in topics on law and justice B. he is looking for effective ways to gain weight
C. he wants to prove that too much fast food brings fatness D. McDonald's food is quite popular among American people Correct answer: C
3. Doctors give Sporlock a body check at the beginning of the film to ________________. A. show the magic effect of eating MacDonald's food regularly B. make people believe that fast food does bring health problems C. emphasize that only MacDonald's \
D. record the whole process of how to gain weight by eating fast food Correct answer: D
4. In the film \ A. eats a \
B. has developed mental diseases by eating too much fast food C. delivers a serious message through a humorous tone D. make most Americans amused at his performance Correct answer: A
5. According to the author, the film \ A. earned a lot of audience for Morgan Sporlock
B. helped to create a new food name for the McDonald's C. focused on the improvement in the fast-food industry D. detected health problems the fast-food industry brings Correct answer: D
Reading 7
Irish food is generally highly meat-orientated, and you don't have to be a vegetarian to find this. For carnivores (食肉者), meat in Ireland is generally of a good standard — steaks, in particular are excellent—but after a while you begin to long for some variety in your diet and for something which hasn't been fried.
If you're staying in B&Bs, it's almost impossible to avoid the \Irish breakfast of sausages, bacon and eggs, which usually comes accompanied by generous quantities of delicious soda bread. Lunch staples are usually meat and two vegetables, with plenty of gravy (酱汁), although you can usually get freshly made sandwiches; home-made soups can be very good too. Most larger towns have good simple coffee shops (open daytimes only) where you can get soup, sandwiches, cakes and the omnipresent apple pie as well as slightly more ambitious and filling
dishes. In the North, in particular, expect enormous portions of meat and thoroughly overcooked vegetables that will ground you for the rest of the afternoon. It's worth remembering that hotels are obliged to offer food to all comers — so you can always find a sandwich and a cup of coffee, at any reasonable hour; you can generally order a plate of sandwiches and a pot of tea in pubs, too. Many traditional Irish dishes are based on potato and you certainly do get an awful lot of them.
Produce available in Ireland is usually fresh and excellent, but — aside from in the cities and some tourist towns on the west coast — it is limited in range (you won't find exotic fruits and vegetables, for instance). Irish potatoes, cabbages and carrots are delicious, though surprisingly hard to buy in rural areas, where the population may be too small to support even a grocer's shop. Meat is very good, bread and scones are wonderful, and if you're travelling around the coast, you can often buy seafood cheaply direct from the fishermen. Sometimes you'll come across more unusual things in this way — spider crabs and monkfish, for example — that you would never find in local fish shops; it's all exported. In many places you can gather your own mussels from the rocks — but be sure to check locally in case there's a sewage outlet nearby.
Dairy products, especially cheese, can also be excellent. The past decade has seen an upturn in the Irish cheese business, which now produces many delicious cheeses. Look out for the creamy Cashel Blue, St Killian brie, and Gubbeen Farmhouse in west Cork as well as countless more idiosyncratic cheeses from smaller makers, many of whom like to experiment. There's no need to go to a smart restaurant to taste these — you can often find them in grocer's shops.
1. Traditional Irish breakfast usually consists of ________________. A. meat and vegetables B. sandwiches and soups C. sausages and eggs D. cakes and apple pies Correct answer: C
2. Irish hotels are obliged to offer food to all comers, so ________________. A. you can order a pot of tea in pubs
B. you can order some food at any reasonable time C. you can order anything for free D. you can only have potatoes Correct answer: B
3. In the North, people tend to eat ________________ for lunch. A. a lot of meat and overcooked vegetables
B. a small amount of meat and overcooked vegetables C. a lot of meat and fresh vegetables
D. a small amount of meat and fresh vegetables. Correct answer: A
4. Which of the following statement is true?
A. Irish food is fresh and excellent but limited in range in most cities. B. In some rural areas in Ireland, there is not even a grocer's shop. C. You can often come across unusual things in local shops.
D. Good cheese can only be found in good restaurants. Correct answer: B
5. What can you infer from the passage?
A. Irish food is often good quality but without much variety. B. Foreign food is also very popular in Ireland.. C. Irish people keep a healthy and balanced diet.
D. Ireland is famous for its traditional cheese business. Correct answer: A
Reading 8
Psychologists in Britain have said that the last full week of January is the most depressing time of a year, and labelled next Monday ‘Blue Monday'. Blue is a slang way of saying unhappy. Mondays are generally seen as the worst day of the week because people feel grumpy (脾气暴躁) and tired at having to go back to work after a weekend with a different sleep pattern.
There are various reasons why more people feel depressed at this time of year. Many people have unpaid credit card bills for the Christmas presents they bought, and pay day is often not until the end of the month.
As the party season is over, people feel stressed because they have to go back to real life — work and commuting; and they may be unhappy with their body image after bingeing on booze, chocolates, and other food at Christmas-time. People may have already failed in their New Year's resolutions, such as giving up smoking. The bad weather in January can also contribute to people feeling fed up.
Some companies are taking this quite seriously and offering counselling for any staff who are feeling depressed. They hope that helping people as soon as there are signs of depression will avoid absenteeism (旷课、矿工). Evidence shows that unreasonable managers who contribute to their staff feeling fed up at this time can expect an uncooperative workforce.
However, it's not all bad! Many people feel optimistic at this time, that things can only get better. Psychologists offer suggestions of how to combat feeling blue. These include spending 15 minutes doing a \health, family, friends and so on.
Taking up a new hobby, doing some exercise, going to bed earlier, eating a healthy breakfast, and listening to some uplifting music, are all recommended as ways to feel more cheerful.
To avoid feeling blue next January, experts say that the best thing to do is to plan better next December. Spend less on presents, eat and drink less over the festive period, and make more realistic New Year's resolutions.
1. Psychologists in Britain have said that ________________ is the most depressing time of a
year.
A. a week begins with a \ B. a week followed by a \ C. the first full week of December D. the last full week of January Correct answer: D
2. The pay day of the credit card bills for the Christmas presents is often ________________. A. at the beginning of January B. in the middle of January C. at the end of January
D. the fourth week of January Correct answer: D
3. In the sentence \may have already failed in their New Year's resolutions.\\ A. a promise to yourself
B. a formal decision or statement C. strong belief and determination D. a statement that solves a problem Correct answer: B
4. Doing a \ A. think about and write down what makes you feel blue B. think about and write down what you are grateful for C. think about and write down what you are going to do D. think about and write down what you are missing Correct answer: B
5. To avoid feeling blue next January, the best thing to do is ________________. A. to listen to some uplifting music B. to take up a new hobby C. to plan better beforehand
D. to eat and drink less over the festive period Correct answer: C
Reading 9
When in another country, two of the things we most wish to avoid are firstly, unintentionally giving offence and secondly, making ourselves look ridiculous (可笑的). Unfortunately, when speaking a language we don't know very well, it can be all too easy to do both, as these two stories show.
A British business management trainer was training a group of Japanese senior managers with the aim of improving their ability to work together as a team. The managers were not doing very well and the trainer shook his head and said to them, \socks up!\The Japanese, already upset by their failure, looked miserably down at their socks, puzzled by the fact that their socks were pulled right up. They also felt extremely offended, as for
the Japanese it's important to dress correctly for every occasion and they thought they were being criticized. What they failed to understand is that the phrase, \someone that they are not doing a job well and need to improve. The trainer could not understand why the group seemed so unresponsive for the rest of the training session. It was only afterwards that a senior manager who understood English better than the others explained the misunderstanding to him.
The second story involves a company rather than a person — the Coca Cola company. When the company first came to China in the 1950s they decided to translate the phrase Coca Cola as \discovered that the phrase means \（蝌蚪）\horse stuffed with wax\in another dialect. You can imagine the company's horror when the mistake was discovered! It goes to show that even multinational companies can't always avoid making ridiculous mistakes.
1. According to the author, we may offend others and make us look stupid if we ________________.
A. don't understand well a foreign language B. have a visit in a foreign country
C. don't use communicative skills when speaking D. are eager to do business in another country Correct answer: A
2. It can be inferred that when Japanese people meet, they care very much whether ________________.
A. they know adequate foreign language B. they are properly dressed
C. they've pulled the socks high enough
D. or not to show their feelings in the other's face Correct answer: B
3. At the end of the training, the British trainer found that ________________. A. his Japanese trainees didn't work well with him B. he had offended those Japanese managers
C. his Japanese trainees failed to understand the English idiom D. only one of the Japanese trainees could understand him well Correct answer: A
4. What did the Coca Cola company do when they started to build their China market? A. They started a research on meanings of Chinese dialects. B. They spread the good effect of drinking Coca Cola.
C. They began a China market study in the beginning of 1950s.
D. They translated their name into Chinese according to its English sound. Correct answer: D
5. Coca Cola, if translated into Chinese according to its English sound may ________________.
A. make the company publicly laughed at in China
B. offend Chinese people's use of dialects in many areas
C. make Chinese people connect its product with strange animals D. help the company win Chinese people's love in a humorous way Correct answer: A
Reading 10
There are three kinds of goals: short-term, medium-range and long-term goals.
Short-term goals are those that usually deal with current activities, which we can apply on a daily basis. Such goals can be achieved in a week or less, or two weeks, or possibly, months. It should be remembered that just as a building is no stronger than its foundation, long-term goals cannot amount to very munch without the achievement of solid short-term goals. Upon completing our short-term goals, we should date the occasion and then add new short-term goals that will build on those that have been completed.
The intermediate goals build on the foundation of the short-term goals. They might deal with just one term of school or the entire school year, or they could even extend for several years. Any time you move a step at a time, you should never allow yourself to become discouraged or overwhelmed. As you complete each step, you will enforce the belief in your ability to grow and succeed. And as your list of completion dates grow, your motivation and desire will increase.
Long-term goals may be related to our dreams of the future. They might cover five years or more. Life is not a static thing. We should never allow a long-term goal to limit us or our course of action.
1. Our long-term goals mean a lot _______. A. if we cannot reach solid short-term goals B. if we complete the short-term goals C. if we have dreams of the future D. if we put forward some plans Answer: B
2. New short-term goals are built upon______. A. a daily basis
B. your achievement in a week C. current activities
D. the goals that have been completed Answer: D
3. When we complete each step of our goals, ________. A. we will win final success B. we are overwhelmed
C. we will build up our confidence to achieve success D. we should have strong desire for setting new goals Answer: C
4. What is the main idea of this passage? _______ A. Life is a dynamic thing.
B. We should set up long-term goals. C. Different kinds of goals in life.
D. The limitation of long-term goals. Answer: C
5. Which of the following statements is wrong according to the passage? _______
A. The long-term goals cannot amount to very munch without achieving short-term goals. B. The intermediate goals build on the foundation of the short-term goals. C. Life is a static thing, thus never allowing a long-term goal to limit us.
D. We should often add new short-term goals to what have been completed.
Answer: C
Reading 11
It has been reported that in colleges across the United States, the daytime serial drama known as the soap opera has suddenly become \television lounges are filled with soap opera fans who can't wait to see the next episode in the lives of their favorite characters.
Actually, soaps are more than a college favorite; they're a youth favorite. When school is out, high-school students are in front of their TV sets. One young working woman admitted that she turned down a higher paying job rather than give up watching her favorite serials. During the 1960's, it was uncommon for young people to watch soap operas. The mood of the sixties was very different from now. It was a time of seriousness, and talk was about social issues of great importance.
Now, seriousness has been replaced by fun. Young people want to be happy. It may seem strange that they should turn to soap opera, which is known for showing trouble in people's lives. But soap opera is enjoyment. Young people can identify with the soap opera character, who, like the college-age viewer, is looking for happy love, and probably not finding it. And soap opera gives young people a chance to feel close to people without having to bear any responsibility for their problems.
1. What is soap opera? ________
A. Plays based on science fiction stories. B. Plays based on non-fiction stories. C. The daytime serial dramas on TV. D. Popular documentary films on TV. Answer: C
2. What can be the best title of the passage? ________ A. College student viewers. B. Favorite TV serials. C. Soap opera fans. D. College-age viewers. Answer: C
3. Which is not the reason why the soap opera suddenly becomes \________
A. Because the viewers want to be happy and to enjoy themselves.
B. Because the soap opera makes young people feel close to their people.
C. Because the viewers can find themselves in the soap opera characters.
D. Because the young people have to bear the responsibilities for their troubles. Answer: D
4. What can we learn from the passage? ________
A. College students like soap operas more than any other social groups. B. Young people of sixties liked soap operas more than people today.
C. Young viewers have turned themselves from the seriousness of sixties to enjoyment now. D. The young as a whole are trying to look for happy love but in vain. Answer: C
5. What message does the author want to convey to us? ________
A. The people's favor toward drama works has been changed for a long time. B. The people's favor toward drama works changes along with the times. C. The people's favor toward drama works is changed by the soap opera. D. The people's favor has changed the drama works. Answer: B
Translation
1. Please give this book to whoever comes first. 请把这本书给最先来的人。
2. A good memory is a great help in learning a language. 好的记忆对学习语言很有帮助。
3. I don’t want to spend five dollars on a cup of water. 我不想花五美元买一杯水。
4. Some football teams will have games there. 有几支足球队要在那里进行比赛。
5. When were the Olympic Games founded? 奥运会什么时候成立的？
6. He lives in a small room with only one small window. 他住在一个只有一扇小窗户的小房间里。 7. This box can hold more books than that one. 这个盒子比那个盒子能装更多的书。
8. Yeah, but they play the same songs over and over again. 是啊，但是他们一遍遍重放同样的歌曲。 9. We enjoyed ourselves very much at the party. 我们在聚会上玩得很尽兴。
10. I think the picture shows us how fruits is necessary to life. 我想这幅图是告诉我们水果是生活中不可或缺的。 11. I was having a nap when suddenly the telephone rang. 我在睡觉时，电话铃突然响了。
12. Excuse me. Could you tell me how to get to the cinema? 对不起，请问去电影院怎么走？
13. In the United States a lot of college students do not live at home. 在美国，许多大学生不住在家里。
14. I think she will change her mind tomorrow. 我想她明天会改变心意的。
15. The poor girl had barely enough money to pay the tuition, so she had to take part-time jobs at KFC on weekends.
那个贫穷的女孩几乎交不起学费，因此她不得不利用周末在肯德基打工。
16. To avoid any possible inconvenience, passengers must check in at the airport an hour before the plane takes off.
为了避免任何可能出现的麻烦，乘客必须在飞机起飞前一小时办理登机手续。
17. Would you like to go along with me to the Extreme Sports Club if you are available this afternoon?
如果你今天下午有空，你愿意和我一起去极限运动俱乐部吗？
18. Jimmy took a sip of tea before he went on reading the novel recommended by his teacher. 吉米呷了一口茶，又继续看老师推荐给他的那本小说。
19. His parents were kept ignorant of the fact that he had been killed in the Vietnam War. 对于他已经在越战中阵亡这件事，他父母还蒙在鼓里。
20. When her children were old enough to go to school, the housewife signed up for evening classes to improve herself.
当孩子们到了入学年龄，那名家庭主妇报名上了夜校，以完善自我。