large number of lone parent families, 90 per cent of these are headed by a woman rather than a man.
The average family size now in the UK is 1.8 children per couple, which means that there's been quite a decline in the birth rate in the UK along with other European countries.
1. What does the passage mainly discuss? ____C_____ A. The declining divorce rate in the UK.
B. Trends in marriage and divorce in the UK. C. The increasing divorce rate in the UK. 2. During the last ten years, ____ A____. A. the marriage rate has gone down more rapidly in the UK B. the marriage rate has gone up a lot in the UK
C. 40% of children were born to unwed couples in the UK 3. According to the passage, the cohabitation rate in the UK tends to ____A____. A. soar (急剧上升)
B. not mentioned in the passage C. stay stable
4. According to the passage, which of the following statements is NOT true? __ B__
A. The marriage rate has gone down in recent years. B. The highest divorce rate was around 1969. C. The marriage rate is currently 70 percent. 5. The last paragraph tells us ____B____. A. the birth rate in the UK is increasing at the moment B. the birth rate in the UK is decreasing rapidly now
C. the birth rate in other European countries keeps increasing
短文理解2 ACBCC
People all over the world today are beginning to hear and learn more and more about the problem of pollution. Pollution is caused either by man’s release of completely new and often artificial (人造的) substances into the environment, or by releasing greatly increased amounts of a natural substance (物质)，such as oil from oil tankers into the sea.
Whatever its underlying reasons, there is no doubt that much of the pollution caused could be controlled if only companies, individuals and governments would make more efforts. In the home there is an obvious need to control litter and waste. Food comes wrapped up three of four times in packages that all have to be disposed of; drinks are increasingly sold in bottles or tins which can’t be reused. This not only causes a litter problem, but also is a great waste of resources, in terms of glass, metal and paper. Advertising has helped this process by persuading many of us not only to buy things we neither want nor need, but also to throw away much of what we do buy. Pollution and waste combine to be a problem everyone can help to solve by cutting out unnecessary buying, excess use and careless disposal (处理) of the products we use in our daily lives.
1. The main cause of pollution is ____A______.
A. the release of artificial or natural substances into the environment
B. the production of new industrial goods C. increased amounts of a natural substance
2. Much of the pollution could be controlled if only _____C_____. A. farmers would use less artificial fertilizers B. governments would take effective measures C. all sides concerned would make more efforts
3. Food packages, bottles and tins for drinks can cause _____B_____. A. air and water pollution
B. both a litter problem and a waster of resources C. to pay for the service
4. Which of the following can not help solving the problem of pollution? _ _C_ _
A. Cutting out unnecessary buying. B. Reduce excess use C. Eating.
5. What does the underlined word “litter” mean in paragraph 2? _ _C_ _ A. Bits of wast things B. serious problem C. industrial pollution 短文理解3 ACBCB
A funny thing happened on the way to the communication revolution: we stopped talking to each other.
I was walking in the park with a friend recently, and his mobile phone rang, interrupting our conversation. There we were, walking and talking on a beautiful sunny day and – poof! – I was cut off as if I had become absent from the conversation.
The park was filled with people talking on their cell phones. They were passing people without looking at them, saying hello, noticing their babies or stopping to pat their dogs. It seems that the limitless electronic voice is preferred to human contact.
The telephone used to connect you to the absent. Now it makes people feel absent. Recently I was in a car with three friends. The driver hushed the rest of us because he could not hear the person on the other end of his cell phone. There we were, four friends driving down the highway, unable to talk to each other because of the small thing designed to make communication easier.
Why is it that the more connected we get, the more disconnected I feel? Every advance in communications technology is a setback (退步) to the closeness of human interaction. With e-mail and instant message over the Internet, we can now communicate without seeing or talking to one another. With voice mail, you can make entire conversations without ever reaching anyone. If my mom has a question, I just leave the answer on her machine.
As almost every contact between human beings gets automatic, the emotional distance index goes up. Pumping gas at the station? Why say good-morning to the assistant when you can swipe you credit card at the pump and save yourself the bother of human contact? Making a deposit at the bank? Why talk to the clerk who lives in the neighborhood when you can put your card into the ATM? More and more, I find myself hiding behind e-mail to do a job meant for conversation or being relieved that voice mail picked up because I didn’t really have time to talk. The technology devoted to helping me keep in touch is making me lonelier.
I own a mobile phone, an ATM card, a voice-mail telephone, and an e-mail account. Giving them up isn’t a choice. They are great for what they are intended to do. It’s their unintended results that make me upset. What good is all this gee-whiz technology if there is no one in the room to hear you crying out “Gee whiz”?
1. The author’s experience of walking in a park with a friend recently made him feel ______A_______. A. unhappy B. funny C. wonderful
2. According to the author, human contact in a park means
_____C_______.
A. looking at each other and saying hello when passing B. noticing their babies and stopping to pat their dogs C. both A and B
3. According to the author, the more connected we get in communications technology, the _____B______ we are. A. more automatic B. more disconnected C. closer
4. What are the examples the author gives to explain his idea that every advance in communications technology is a setback to the closeness of human interaction? _ _C_ A. With e-mail and instant message over the Internet, we can now communicate without seeing or talking to one another.
B. With voice mail, you can make entire conversations C. special parts of the road for bicycle riders only
4. Which of the following is not true according to the passage? ___A___ A. In New York City, many people use bikes as they have special lanes
B. Sometimes accidents may occur when cars and bikes are on the same lanes.
C. The Central Park is closed to cars on weekends. 5. The best title for this passage is ______C______. A. Traffic Crowding in New York City B.Special Lanes for Passengers
C. Solution to Traffic Problem in New York 短文理解5 ABBAC
Benjamin Disraeli, the famous nineteenth century prime minister, said, “London is not a city, - it is a nation.” Today without ever reaching anyone. C. All of the above.
5. What is the unintended result of communication technology, according to the author? ___B___
A. It makes communication easier and conversation possible everywhere.
B. It actually creates a distance between people instead of bringing them together.
C. It makes human contacts limitless with electronic voices everywhere
短文理解4 CBCAC
Some people think they have an answer to the troubles of automobile crowding and dirty air in large cities. Their answer is the bicycle, or “bike”.
In a great many cities, hundreds of people ride bicycles to work every day. In New York City, some bike riders have even formed a group called Bike for a Better City. They claim that if more people rode bicycles to work there would be fewer automobiles in the downtown section of the city and therefore less dirty air from car engines.
For several years this group has been trying to get the city government to help bike riders. For example, they want the city to draw bicycle lanes on some of the main streets, because when bike riders have to use the same lanes as cars, there are accidents. Bike for a Better City feels that if there were special lanes more people would use bikes. But no bicycle lanes have been drawn. Not everyone thinks it is a good idea - they say it will slow traffic. Some store owners on the main streets say that if there is less traffic, they will have less business. And most people live too far from downtown to travel by bike.
The city government has not yet decided what to do. It wants to keep everyone happy. Only on weekends, Central Park is closed to cars, and the roads may be used by bicycles only. But Bike for a Better City says that this is not enough and keeps fighting to get bicycle lanes downtown. 1. According to the passage, bicycles ______C______. A.are more convenient than cars B.are safer traffic tools than cars
C.are the solution to some city problems
2.The idea of special bicycle lanes is most favored by ____B_____. A.the city government B.some bike riders C.some store owners
3.“Bicycle lanes” in the third paragraph probably means _____C_______.
A.roads for bicycles only B. roads full of bicycles this is an understatement; London, with its vast range of different ethnic groups, is a world.
Certainly, London is the most culturally diverse city in the world. The city was founded by the Romans and since then new arrivals have constantly added to its character and prosperity.
Within 10 years 40% of Londoners will be from ethnic minority groups, including the growing number of Londoners of mixed ethnic origin, but most of them will have been born in Britain.
Children of Caribbean-Chinese marriages will go to school with children of Russian-Irish couples. None of them will be English but all of them will be Londoners.
Most of Britain's ethnic minority residents live in the capital, speaking over 300 languages.
Nearly all of the African population and many of the Caribbean population of Britain live in London (83% and 58% respectively); 39% of the Chinese population of Britain and 36% of the Asian population of Britain live in London.
The largest migrant community is from the Irish Republic with 256,000 people, 3.8% of the total population of London.
There are an estimated 330,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in London, with most recent arrivals coming from Eastern Europe, North Africa and Kurdistan.
Young people, in particular, are skilled at dealing with a large number of different and hybrid cultures.
They themselves often have several different ethnic identities since their parents and grandparents may come from several different backgrounds and their friends and partners do also. They are “skilled cross-cultural travellers” without leaving their home-town.
1．Why does the writer think that Benjamin Disraeli’s statement is an understatement?
Because he thinks London is ____A_____.
A. a miniature world thanks to its great cultural diversity
B. even larger than some countries in the world C. not a nation at all
2. London is regarded as the most culturally diverse city in the world due to the following facts EXCEPT that ____B_____.
A. within 10 years 40% Londoners will be from ethnic minority groups
B. many young people are immigrants from different backgrounds
C. London accommodates about 330,000 refugees and
asylum seekers from many other countries 短文理解7 FFTTNG 3. Ethnic minority groups will make up ____B_____ of the The ancient Olympic Games were part of a religious London population in the future. festival in honour of the Greek god Zeus, the father of all A. 36% B. 40% C. 39% Greek gods and goddesses. The festival and games were 4. The last paragraph mainly tells us in London ___A_____. held in Olympia, a religious sanctuary. The athletes came A. young people feel at ease with a large number of to Olympia from all parts of the Greek world, from as far as diversified cultures Spain in the west and Turkey in the east. B. young people are raised in a multicultural environment The ancient Olympic Games began in the year 776 BC C. young people find it hard to adapt themselves to hybrid when Koroibos, a cook from the city of Elis, won a cultures 5. The passage mainly deals with ____C_____. A. the advantage of hybrid cultures in London B. the composition of the population in London C. the cultural diversity in London 短文理解6 CACDD Who will stage the games? Preparing for the Olympics Games is a huge undertaking. Just like the athletes, the host city spends years getting ready for the event. Before deciding which city will host the Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has to examine bids from all over the world. Bidding for the games begins about ten years in advance. Without preparing a very strong bid1
, a city will not win the competition to host the games. Beijing was chosen for the 2008 games from five bidders Istanbul.2
— Osaka, Paris, Toronto and Why does it take so long to prepare? Building the infrastructure costs huge amounts of money. Holding the World Cup in 2002 in Japan and South Korea, for example, meant that ten new stadiums had to be built, as well as many hotels and an improved transport system. In Beijing, after winning the bid the government began major construction projects — the extension of the underground, the improvement of the airport and the building of new motorways3
. Each host city must also build an Olympic village for the athletes. By planting trees and creating parks, the city becomes more attractive for tourists. Why do countries want to host the Olympic Games? Hosting the games has a major effect on the economy and brings international prestige to the country. Thousands and thousands of visitors come to the games and the host cities are permanently improved. 1. Bidding for the Olympic Games usually starts _____C______ before the games are really held. A. two years B. eight years C. ten years 2. Beijing was one of the ___A____ bidders for the 2008games. A. five B. four C. three 3. The World Cup 2002 was held in ______C_______. A. Japan B. South Korea C. A and B 4. What construction projects did Beijing start after winning the bid? __D_ _ A. The extension of the underground. B. The improvement of the airport. C. The building of new motorways D. All of the above 5. Why do countries want to host the Olympic Games? __D_ _ A. Because it has a major effect on the economy. B. Because it brings international prestige to the country. C. Because the host cities are permanently improved. D. All of the above. 阅读下列短文，并根据短文内容判断其后的句子是否正确（T）、错误（F），还是文字中没有涉及相关信息（NG）。 200-metre-long race. They took place for a period of 617 years until the last games were held in AD 393. In the ancient games, athletes received prizes worth large amounts of money. In fact the word “ athlete ” is an ancient Greek word, meaning “ one who competes for a prize ”. Although women did not compete in the games, there was a separate festival held at the same time in honour of Hera, wife of Zeus. At this festival unmarried girls competed in foot races. The marathon was not an event of the ancient Olympic Games. The marathon is a modern event that was first introduced in the Olympic Games in 1896. It was named after a village called Marathon where the Persians were
defeated by a small Greek army. The news of the victory was brought to Athens by soldier, who ran the 26 miles from the village of Marathon to the capital. 26 miles was
therefore adopted as the distance of the modern marathon race. The Olympic flag was introduced in 1908 and carries the symbol of five linked rings. Which represent the five continents – Africa, America, Asia, Australasia and Europe. The Olympic flame was first carried in the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. There was no torch relay in the ancient Olympic Games. The first torch relay in the modern Olympic Games was staged in Berlin in 1936.
1. The ancient Greeks held the first Olympic Games in 617 BC. F 2. The ancient Greeks held the Olympic Games for 393 years. F 3. They did not allow women to compete in the ancient Olympic Games. T 4. They first used the Olympic flag in 1908. T 5. Both the Olympic Games and the Marathon Race are very popular for old and young people in many countries of the world. NG 短文理解8 TTNGFF Lily is 70 years old and she takes care of her 91-year-old mother. She told us about caring for her mother. I wake up early every day, it’s usually about 6.30 am, and wait until I hear Tilly, my mum, moving about. Then I make her a cup of tea. At about half past seven she gets up and we have breakfast together. We normally just have toast, but on Sundays we always have bacon and eggs. After breakfast she reads the newspaper, then she sits by the window and waves to the neighbours as they walk by. She hardly ever goes out but she is very proud of her personal appearance, so she goes to the hairdresser once a month. She doesn’t like being left on her own for very long, so I always arrange for a neighbour to come and sit with her when I go out. Now and again, my friend and neighbour, Joan, comes to spend the day with her, and I can go and have lunch with another friend, May, who lives in town. I have a brother, Syd. He comes to stay two or three times a year. He is very good and keeps in touch, but he lives 300
miles away. Once a year, he collects mum and takes her to stay with him in London for a week. She doesn’t really like going because it’s a long journey, but I need the rest.
Sally, the nurse, comes to see mum regularly. My next-door neighbour, Jack, often calls in. In the evening we usually watch TV and we sometimes play cards. Mum is fantastic for her age. But I can never decide to go anywhere spontaneously. I always have to plan it, so I feel a bit trapped. But what is the alternative? An old people’s home? I couldn’t do that to my mother. 1. Lily wakes before her mother. T
2. Joan sometimes spends the day with Lily’s mother. T 3. Tilly is satisfied with her hairdresser. NG
4. Lily’s brother comes to visit every three weeks. F 5. Lily and her mother play cards more than they watch TV. F 短文理解1
Who will stage the games? Dear all,This message is just to confirm the details for the next few days. Dave’s picking up the van tomorrow and we’re loading it at his place at 10.00 on Friday morning. I’ve booked us all into The Tolly for one night. It’s a hotel near the university – in Welbeck Street. Steve and I are getting the 4.30 p.m. train. We’re stopping to check in at the hotel to pick up the keys and get changed at 6.00. We have to check out of the hotel by 9.00 on Saturday morning because they have a big group coming to the hotel. So we have to get up early, I’m afraid!Dave and Paul, if you can’t get to the hotel by about 7.00, let’s meet in the cafe at the university at 7.30. We’ll set up the equipment at 8.00 for the gig and have a rehearsal.See you all,Mary
1. They’ll load the van ___A____. A. after Dave has picked it up
B. tomorrow morningC. when Dave comes 2. They’ll stay in a hotel for __B____. A. two nightsB. one night C. a few hours
3. Mary will get to the hotel ___C_____. A. at 4.30 pm B. at 5 pm C. before 6 pm
4. They’ll stay at the hotel on __B______ night. A. Saturday B. Friday C. Sunday
5. Dave and Paul can meet Mary at the hotel if they ___B___.
A. arrive before 7.30 B. arrive before 7
C. get up early in the morning 短文理解2．Hi, Sharon,I’ve only got 10 days left in England. Can you believe I’ve already been here for a year? There’s so much to do before I leave! I really must buy presents for my English friends to thank them for all their help. I have to move out of my room on Friday because Franco has got another tenant. At least I don’t have to find somewhere else to live. I’m going to spend a few days with friends. He is letting the whole flat because Mary is moving just before her marriage. The time has gone so quickly. I cannot believe that I’ve been here for a whole year. And I must start packing too – I have bought a lot since I came, and I need another suitcase. I’ll give some things to charity shops I think.Anyway, I’m really writing to say that I’ll be back in Shanghai on the 27 April, and it would be great to see you to catch up on all our news. I’ll phone as soon as I get back.How are things with you?Love Xiaoyan 1. When will Xiaoyan leave England? B A A month later. B. 10 days later. C. A year later.
2. Where will Xiaoyan live after moving out? A A. She will stay in her friends’ place. B. She will be on the plane to Shanghai. C. She will have to find a hotel to live in.
3. What will happen to Franco’s flat when Xiaoyan and Mary move out? B
A. It will be sold at a good price. B. It will be rented to other people.
C. It will be kept for Xiaoyan when she comes back. 4. Why does Xiaoyan need another suitcase? A A. She has got more things than she came with. B. Her old suitcase is broken.
C. She has to give things to charity shops.
5. What would Xiaoyan most possibly do when she sees her friend Sharon? B
A. To ask Sharon to show her around Shanghai. B. To talk about what happened to them recently. C. To show Sharon her new clothes.
短文理解3．My grandfather was a completely different person before he had a stroke. He worked as a chief accountant, and he worked really long hours. People used to say that he was a workaholic. When he came home, he was always tired and this used to make him irritable. He didn’t use to be sociable at all. He used to spend a lot of time alone working in the garden. I used to be frightened of him as a child. He used to shout at us all the time. Then, suddenly he became ill, and then the doctors told him he had to give up work. He changed almost overnight. His attitude to lots of things changed. He relaxed and spent time with his grandchildren. When he died, I think he was a really happy, relaxed man.
1. My grandfather used to ____B______.
A. drink a lot B. work very hard C. be the manager 2. He was ____C______ when he came home.
A. very pleasant B. excited C. easy to get angry 3. When I was a child, I _____C_____.
A. liked him very much B. I hated him C. was afraid of him
4. Doctors asked him to ___A___after he had a stroke. A. stop working B. change his attitude C. work less 5. When he died, he _____C_____.
A. was feeling worried B. was irritable C. was a happy man
短文理解4.Ivydale Guesthouse **** Bath Tourist Association Approved Ron and Ann welcome you to Ivydale, where modern comforts and traditional hospitality meet.· Conveniently located – a short walk from the city centre. · Well-equipped – all rooms have an en suite bathroom, colour TV with satellite channels, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini bar and phone. · Excellent food – we offer full English and buffet breakfasts. Vegetarian food available on request. · Peace and quiet – Ivydale is situated in its own gardens, offering the perfect atmosphere for business travellers and tourists. · Please note that we operate a strict no-smoking policy. · Mini-break deals available.
For reservations or a brochure, please call (01225) 1212355
1. The owner of the guesthouse is/are ____B____. A. Ivydale B. Ron and Ann C. Bath
