Many animals recognize their food because they see it. So do humans. When you see an apple or a piece of chocolate you know that these are things you can eat. You can also use other senses when you choose your food. You may like it because it smells good or because it tastes good. You may dislike some types of food because they do not look, smell or taste very nice. Different animals use different senses to find and choose their food. A few animals depend on only one of their senses, while most animals use more than one sense.

Although there are many different types of food, some animals spend their lives eating only one type. The giant panda eats only one particular type of bamboo. Other animals eat only one type of food even when given the choice. A kind of white butterfly will stay on the leaves of a cabbage, even though there are plenty of other vegetables in the garden. However, most animals have a more varied diet. The bear eats fruits and fish. The fox eats small animals, birds and fruits. The diet of these animals will be different depending on the season.

Humans have a very varied diet. We often eat food because we like it and not because it is good for us. In countries such as France and Britain, people eat foods with too much sugar. This makes them overweight, which is bad for their health. Eating too much red meat and animal products, such as butter, can also be bad for the health. Choosing the right food, therefore, has become an area of study in modern life.

1.We can infer from the text that humans and animals _________.

A. depend on one sense in choosing food

B. are not satisfied with their food

C. choose food in similar ways

D. eat entirely different food

2.Which of the following eats only one type of food?

A. The white butterfly.        B. The small bird.

C. The bear.                   D. The fox.

3. Certain animals change their choice of food when ___________.

A. the season changes

B. the food color changes

C. they move to different places

D. they are attracted by different smells

4. We can learn from the last paragraph that __________.

A. food is chosen for a good reason

B. French and British food is good

C. some people have few choices of food

D. some people care little about healthy diet

I moved to the small, busy town of Edison in New Jersey six years ago. It was during the second term of my fifth grade. My parents got new jobs and higher income, so they decided it was time to move from Woodbridge to a better, more educational town.

In the US, it is unnecessary to take a test to get into a “good” middle or high school. You just attend the school close to where you live. So, many parents will think about the quality of the local school when they decide to buy a new house. My parents did the same. We finally chose Edison mainly because of the high quality of its school.

In New Jersey, an area with a good school usually means a concentration of Asian people. There are about 300 students in our school. 55% are Asians and just under half of that are Chinese. There are so many Chinese people nearby that we even have our own Chinese school.

Edison is an old town, just like thousands of others in the United States. However, I have treated it as my hometown. That’s where I spend much of my youth, and the memories there can’t be moved anywhere else.

1.Why did the writer’s parents move to Edison?

A．Because they were born there.             B．Because it was a better educational town.

C．Because the writer began his fifth grade.      D．Because the writer didn’t need to take a test.

2.How many students are from Asia in the writer’s school?

A．About 80.         B．About 160.        C．About 220.        D．About 300.

3.What does the underlined expression “a concentration of” mean in Paragraph 3?

A．None of.          B．The whole of       C．A large number of   D．A small number of

4.Why can’t the writer forget Edison?

A．Because he regards it as his hometown.      B．Because his parents got new jobs there.

C．Because there are many Asians there.        D．Because it is in the state of New Jersey.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

You probably heard those lines in grammar school, but do you really agree that harsh(严厉的) or negative words do not harm us? Words have power. Surely we all have had our feelings hurt by something someone said.

We may not say words to hurt others, but the way we interpret (解释) them and how we say them may cause great harm. Here’s an example:

An ancient king dreamed all his teeth had fallen out. He sent for a wise man to explain his dream to him: the dream means that all your relatives will die and you will be left alone! The king was very angry and threw the interpreter into prison. He then sent for another interpreter who said, “Congratulations! King! You will live many more years. In fact, you will survive all your relatives. Long Live the King!”

Both interpreters gave the same interpretation, but there was a huge difference in the way they said it.

Our speech must be understood by those who hear our words, but the way we say things and the intention behind them have as much power as the words themselves. Words can cause anger or appreciation. Which would you rather receive?

People who say harsh and negative things may not mean to harm, but have you ever known anyone who is a naysayer? They often look at the dark sides of things. They always see the glass as half empty rather than half full. How do you feel when you are around this type of person? Remember: words have power. Use them wisely.

1.The author mentions the story of the ancient king to show that _____.

A. one dream sometimes has different explanations

B. good words can bring good luck to people

C. people should be careful when talking to a king

D. different ways of saying things have different effects

2.The underlined word “naysayer” in the last paragraph refers to a person who always _____.

A. has a negative attitude

B. likes to be praised

C. talks big

D. likes to repeat what others say

3.According to the text, how can people understand each other better?

A. By sharing different life experiences

B. By accepting different habits.

C. By properly using words

D. By recognizing different values.

4.The passage mainly talks about ______.

A. the power of words

B. the cruelty of the king

C. how to understand others

D. how to build good relationships

If a sitcom(情景喜剧)that lasts for l0 years is considered popular，then surely one that still arouses emotions after 20 must be considered a classic．Friends first aired in the US in 1994，featuring a cast of six young men and women in New York．In the time since，it’s become one of the most famous titles in the sitcom style，aired in over 100 countries and regions in the world．

The show is typical among those who grew up in the 1990s because it explores basic yet important themes like friendship，struggling to survive in a big city，and finding independence and identity，all of which are still relevant to young audiences today．

Against the background of the Internet age，IT staff who were once marginalized(排斥)and laughed at have experienced a revival due to the popularity of hit show The Big Bang Theory，in which four talents lacking normal social skills make an attempt at living on a college campus．

At the same time，Gossip Girl，describing a young cast of New Yorkers born with silver spoons in their mouths，demonstrates the difficulties upper-class adolescents experience．The show’s fashion and mature subject matter allowed it to capture the interest of both teenagers and adults．

Although these typical TV shows span a wide timeline and feature a variety of themes，they all have a universal topic．Love，money，friendship，career aspirations and identity are things all young people struggle to understand．Why are they still fascinating? It remains to be found out．

1.Why is the sitcom Friends typical among young people in the 1990s?

A．Because it is a breakthrough in the producing style．

B．Because it is the most influential sitcom of all time．

C．Because it addresses the subjects faced by the youth．

D．Because it predicts the future of the young at that time．

2.What can we learn about The Big Bang Theory?

A．It arouses people’s enthusiasm for computers．

B．There are four talents who are good at everything．

C．It is set in the time before the Internet came into being．

D．It improves the conditions of the people in technological industry．

3.According to the passage，Gossip Girl            ．

A．attracts people of all ages

B．shows eye-catching style and adult subject

C．describes the life of ordinary girl

D．describes the hardships of upper-class people

4.What will the author most probably talk about next?

A．The introduction to other hit sitcoms．

B．The further information about the plot．

C．The emotional response among audience．

D．The analysis of the reasons for the appeal．

There are 67 counties in the state of Alabama. Each county is rich with history and its own unique stories. Colbert County, located in the northwest corner of the state, has its share of exciting stories and claims to statewide fame. The county was created on February 6, 1867, and Tuscumbia became the county seat (the town in which the offices of the county government are located).

One of the most famous residents of Tuscumbia was Helen Keller. Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880. Her home was a white frame cottage built by her grandparents. Since ivy (常春藤) grew everywhere, the house was called Ivy Green. It was here, at the water pump in the backyard, that Keller learned the word “w-a-t-e-r” with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Visitors to Ivy Green can walk under boxwood trees that are 150 years old. The home has furniture that the Keller family used. It also has Keller’s Braille (盲文) books and her original Braille typewriter.

Spring Park is Tuscumbia’s most popular park and favorite tourist attraction. This park has the world’s largest manufactured waterfall called Coldwater Falls. The Spring Park Light and Water Show is an amazing sight to see. It takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at sundown. The water appears to dance to music and colored lights. The music played during the show is recorded by singers and musicians from Alabama.

Fame Recording Studios is in the city of Muscle Shoals in Colbert County. The studio is the first successful recording studio in Alabama. It is best known for creating “Southern rock,” “Southern soul,” and “county soul.” Well-known performers like Aretha Franklin and musical groups such as Alabama and Lynyrd have made recordings at this studio.

Visitors can continue to explore music in Alabama by visiting the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia. Built in 1990, this site recognizes the musical talents of more than 500 Alabama residents in a wide variety of musical styles, including country and rhythm and blues.

Truly, Colbert County has a lot of wonderful locations to visit. Guests will not be disappointed in a visit to this delightful place.

1.Which of the following is TRUE about Alabama and music?

A. Alabama musicians have established exhibits for visitors.

B. There are a great many talented musicians in Alabama.

C. Music is the most important industry in Alabama.

D. Alabama residents enjoy listening to music.

2.How many locations related to music in Colbert County are mentioned in the text?

A. 1.    B. 2.    C. 3.    D. 4.

3.The author writes the text mainly to persuade the reader __________.

A. to learn from Helen Keller

B. to visit businesses in Alabama

C. to stop for a visit in Colbert County

D. to listen to Southern styles of music

4.The text is most probably taken from __________.

A. a story book       B. a book review

C. a personal diary  D. a travel magazine

1.If one wants to apply for the NEMS programme, it is essential for him to __________.

A. make contact with Ms Soh

B. have passed the GRE test

C. possess a university diploma

D. major in engineering or science

2.Students admitted to the NEMS Programme __________.

A. are required to obtain a Doctor’s degree

B. will first have regular courses at Stanford

C. needn’t be released from their regular jobs

D. can receive degrees of both NTU and Stanford

3.What’s the main purpose of the NEMS programme?

A. To offer scholarship for tuition grants and living expenses.

B. To strengthen the cooperation between NTU and Stanford.

C. To introduce Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute.

D. To train experts on environmental science and engineering.

4.Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. 30 May 2012 is the deadline for NEMS application.

B. Applicants for NEMS should have relevant work experience.

C. Other centers and institutes for environmental and water technologies also exist in NTU

D. Singapore is the global center of environmental science and technology.

“Don't worry if you have problems!” It is easy to say until you are in the midst of a really big one. The only people who don't have troubles are gathered in little neighborhoods. Most communities have at least one. We call them cemeteries. If you're breathing, you have difficulties. It's the way of life. And believe it or not, most of your problems may actually be good for you! Let me explain.

Maybe you have heard the Great Barrier Reef, stretching some 1,800 miles from New Guinea to Australia. Tour guides regularly take visitors to view the reef.

On one tour, a traveler asked the guide an interesting question. "I notice that the lagoon (泻湖) side of the reef looks pale and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant and colorful," the traveler observed. Why is this?

The guide gave an interesting answer, "The coral around the lagoon side is in still water, with no challenge for its survival. It dies early. The coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by wind, waves and storms. It has to fight for its survival every day. As it is challenged and tested, it changes and adapts. It grows healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces."

Then he added, “That's the way it is with every living organism.”

That's how it is with people. Challenged and tested, we come alive! Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow. Physical demands can cause us to grow stronger. Mental and emotional stress can produce tough-mindedness and resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength of character and faithfulness. So, you have problems? No problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow again!"

Remember: A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.

1.Who has no problems according to the passage?

A. The persons who are very famous.

B. The persons who have much money.

C. The persons who have been born.

D. The persons who are living in the cemeteries.

2.In the writer's opinion, ________.

A. problems bring us much trouble

B. problems have two sides, good or bad

C. we should try to stay away from any trouble

D. the fewer things we do, the less trouble we'll meet

3.The reason why lagoon side of the reef has no life is _______.

A. it hasn't got any sunlight

B. it has less energy than others

C. it never faces any challenge and tests

D. it has no work to do every day

4.After reading this passage, we should ________.

A. regard any problem as challenge

B. learn from the lagoon side

C. worry your problem

D. enter into cemeteries

Americans gave nearly $300 billion away last year. Do you know the reason? Beyond the noble goals of helping others, it is that giving will make them happier.

It is a fact that givers are happier people than non-givers. According to the Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey, a survey of 30,000 American households, people who give money to charity are 43% more likely than non-givers to say they are “very happy” about their lives. Similarly, volunteers are 42% more likely to be very happy then non-volunteers.

The happiness difference between givers and non-givers is not due to differences in their personal characteristics, such as income or religion. Imagine two people who are identical in terms of income and faith, as well as age, education, politics, sex, and family circumstances, but one donates money and volunteers, while the other does not. The giver will be, on average, over 40 percentage points more likely to be very happy than the non-givers.

A number of studies have researched exactly why charity leads to happiness. The surprising conclusion is that giving affects our brain chemistry. For example, people who give often report feelings of euphoria, which psychologists have referred to as the “Helper’s High”. They believe that charitable activity produces a very mild version of the sensations people get from drugs like morphine and heroin.

Of course, not only does giving increase our happiness, but also our happiness increases the possibility that we will give. Everyone prefers to give more when they are happy. Researchers have investigated this by conducting experiments in which people are asked about their happiness before and after they participate in a charitable activity, such as volunteering to help children or serving meals to the poor. The result is clear that giving has a strong, positive causal impact on our happiness, so does happiness on giving

1.According to Paragraph 2. We can learn that         .

A. only those people who gave money to charity will be happy

B. more givers say they feel having happy lives than non-givers

C. those who donate money are happier than those who volunteer

D. 42% of the volunteers say they are as happy as the non-volunteers

2.What causes the happiness difference?

A. Income.  B. Faith.

C. Education.  D. Donation.

3.The underlined word “euphoria” in Paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to         .

A. relaxation B. uncertainty

C. nervousness D. pleasure

4.If a person feels happy, he may         .

A. ask for more donations

B. stop charitable activity

C. be likely to give more

D. cook food for the poor

5.Which of the following is the main theme of this passage?

A. Giving brings happiness.

B. Americans love donating.

C. The happiness difference.

D. Feelings of volunteers.

Finding a friend doesn’t seem like a difficult job. However, bad friends are easier to find than good friends these days. If you’re sitting there and wondering if you have a bad friend, let me define it for you.

A bad friend is someone whose jealousies and insecurities outweigh their love for someone. They night want to be a good friend but they’re too messed up in their own head to ever actually do it. They wonder if their friends are going out without them or if they’re being forgotten and left behind. People who are violently insecure don’t have what it takes to be the quality of a friend.

Bad friends are narcissistic(自恋的). They look for any opportunity to bring the conversation back to them. Worse, they might not even be aware that they’re doing it. In their mind, they might think they are the best friend ever, which is truly frightening.

Bad friends are quick-change. They’re by your side when you’re fun and you have something to give them but as soon as you’re going through a difficult time, they will become indifferent quickly. They won’t bring you cold medicine. They won’t give you a ride to the doctor, everything they do is self-serving.

If you find a friend who has these same characteristics, send them to your bad friend list immediately. Your friends are supposed to be the solution to your problems, not the source.

I believe your twenties are a time when you need positive and helpful friends. In such a time, friendships aren’t easy to maintain like they once were in school. Now we actually have to put work into it, we have to make a conscious effort to keep the friendship going. You need to ask yourself, “Is this person worth it? Do they treat me like a fool or what?” if your have doubts, try to make them clear by considering the past experiences. Toxic(有毒的) friendships do nothing but drag you down. My point is that you have to take care of yourself and stop getting in touch with your bad friends. Only surround yourself with people who bring out the best qualities in you. It may sound cruel but it’s true,.

1.The author believes that we can easily find a         .

A. close friend B. poor friend

C. good friend D. bad friend

2.Bad friends give the author the following impressions EXCEPT being         .

A. outgoing    B.insecure

C. narcissistic D. self-centred

3.We can infer from the passage that a bad friend will         when you have trouble.

A. feel worried as you do B. try hard to help you out

C. do nothing but leave you D. pay more attention to you

4.In the last paragraph, you are advised         .

A. not to treat your friends like fools

B. not to keep a terrible friendship

C. not to be a bad friend of others

D. not to doubt but ask yourself

5.What is the purpose of the passage?

A. To tell us finding a friend is not an easy job for everyone.

B. To help us know about bad friends and get rid of them.

C. To encourage us to make more friends in school.

D. To advise us not to treat our close friends badly.

Why do parents have such a difficult time to communicate openly and honestly with their teens? For this, there are many reasons but most of them stem from not being able to properly understand their teens. It is a dangerous gap because parents will have to communicate with their teens about a wide variety of issues during the most important years of their lives. Thus, parents must know how to communicate openly and honestly with their teens.

Here are a few tips to make communication easier between parents and teenagers.

1. Try not to talk down to your teens. Make them feel as if their views really matter, which not only helps your discussions with your teen but bring you closer to him.

2. Imagine what it would be like to be a teen. Try to remember some of the negative feelings you experienced as a teenager and apply it to your teen's situation.

3. Never make negative remarks to your teen about what she has said or done.

4. Remember how much courage it would have taken for your teen to come and talk to you about his personal issues. So listen respectfully.

5. Don't ignore your teen's feelings because it is usually a cry for help. For instance, if your teen is unusually angry, it may be time to spend a bit of quality time with your teen to determine what is wrong and where he is coming from.

It is, therefore, necessary for parents to strive to keep lines of communication open at all times with their teens. Try to remember what it was like to be a teenager and how vulnerable（脆弱的）you felt. Then you will be well on your way to help your teen communicate more openly and honestly.

1.Why don't teens want to talk about their personal issues with their parents?

A．Because they can't respect their parents.

B．Because they can't understand their parents.

C．Because their parents won't understand them well.

D．Because their parents are not honest.

2.When your son comes to you for help, you should NOT _____.

A．listen respectively                       B．treat him seriously

C．care about his feeling                    D．make negative remarks

3.Which of the following has the similar meaning to the underlined phrase  “talk down to”?

A．put down         B．look down upon     C．chat with          D．quarrel with

4.The best title for this passage is _____.

A．Causes of generation gap

B．Relations between teens and parents

C．Suggestions for parents-children effective communication

D．Problems with communication between teens and parents