大英三级练习题

Reading Comprehension

Passage 1

British university entrants expect to be provided with washing machines and dryers in their rooms, and even car parking spaces, a survey has found. Students are also less prepared to tolerate poor quality living conditions than their predecessors, says the survey by British polling organization Mori.

More than 1,000 full-time undergraduates and postgraduates from 21 universities across the UK were surveyed for the research. It shows that location is the key factor in choosing accommodation for students—nearly half of those interviewed said that being close to their place of study was the most important factor in their choice. Cost came second, with evidence that many parents foot the bills for their children’s rent. The survey also shows that students are no longer prepared to carry bags of washing to the nearest launderette. These newcomers expect washers and dryers to be provided with their accommodation. The study also highlights those things today’s students expect as stand ard—communal areas to be cleaned regularly, utility bills to be included, even private car parking space to be included.

Separate findings from the UK’s National Union of Students published earlier this year show more than half of students in private rented accommodation are living in unsatisfactory conditions.

1. Who are the subjects of the survey? ____

A) Some oversea students in U. K. B) Some undergraduates and postgraduates in U. K. universities.

C) Some graduates in U. K. universities. D) Some British students in other countries.

2. What kind of accommodation is the most attractive to students according to the survey by British polling organization Mori? ____

A) An apartment near their universities. B) A cheap house far way from their universities.

C) An apartment with car parking space. D) An apartment with washing machines.

3. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage? ____

A) The survey described in the passage is conducted by UK’s National Union of Students.

B) Most of the subjects are from universities in London.

C) Most college students pay the rent by themselves.

D) Students think that communal areas should be cleaned regularly by cleaners rather than themselves.

4. According to the passage, the choice of accommodation is influenced by the following factors EXCEPT ______.

A) convenience B) comfort C) low rents D) weather

5. What does the survey indicate? ____

A) U. K. university students are increasingly satisfied with their living conditions.

B) U. K. university students are less and less energetic.

C) U. K. university students demand higher qualities of their living conditions.

D) U. K. university students pay less and less attention to their studies.

Passage 2

Internet use appears to cause a decline in psychological well-being, according to research at Carnegie Mellon University. Even people who spent just a few hours a week on the Internet experienced more depression and loneliness than those who logged on less frequently, the two- year study showed. And it wasn’t that people who were already feeling bad spent more time on the Internet, but that using the Net actually appeared to cause the bad feelings.

Researchers are puzzling over the results, which were complete contrary to their expectations. They expected that the Net would prove socially healthier than television, since the Net allows users to choose their information and to communicate with others. The fact that Internet use reduces time available for family and friends may account for the drop in well-being, researchers hypothesized. Faceless, bodiless “virtual” communication may be less psychologically satisfying than actual conversation, and the relationships formed through it may be shallower. Another possibility is that exposure to the wider world via the Net makes users less satisfied with their lives.

“But it’s important to remember this is not about the technology per se ; it’s about how it is used,” says psychologist Christine R iley of Intel, one of the study’s sponsors. “It really points the need for considering social factors in terms of how you design applications and services for technology.”

1. The word “well-being” (Line 1, Para. 1) is closest in meaning to ____

A) trouble B) health C) depression D) excitement

2. What is the intended conclusion of the research conducted by Carnegie? ____

A) Internet use may lead to mental dissatisfaction.

B) Internet use is sure to cause a decline in mental well-being.

C) People who spend just a few hours on the Internet will be happier.

D) People who use TV are less socially healthier than those who use the Internet.

3. Which of the following CANNOT explain the result of the research according to the passage? ____

A) Internet users may spend less time with their family and friends.

B) The “virtual” communication may be less psychologically satisfying.

C) Internet users may be less satisfied with their lives.

D) Internet users make too many friends through the Internet.

4. What lessons may be drawn from the result of the research? ____

A) We should not have developed the Internet technology. B) We should change the way we use the Internet.

C) We need Internet technology very much. D) TV is more useful than the Internet.

5. What is the best title for the passage? ____

A) The Popularity of Internet Use. B) The History of Internet Use.

C) The Harm of Internet Use. D) The Fast Development of Internet Use.

Passage Three

When faced with death, we all react in different ways. Most people hope for a “good death”, however they may define it. There are many books which are available to help you approach death mindfully and plan for end-of-life care in a systematic way. If you are faced with making decisions about end-of-life care for yourself or someone you love, a good place to start is with the Handbook for Mortals, a caring and authoritative guide written by a team of experts in the field.

It’s important for a person to express preferences about health care at t he end of life. This can be done through the use of formal legal documents which grant a power of attorney for health care to someone you trust to make decisions for you should you become unable to do so yourself. These directives, which may be called living wills, must be tailored to your specific situation and location, as laws vary around the world. These directives may cover any issue you consider important. A very common concern centers around tube feeding and related issues including difficult decisions about withdrawing life-sustaining treatment.

A very important decision is whether or not you wish to choose home or hospice care（临终关怀）as an alternative to a hospital setting. Whether at home or in a hospital, it's important to demand top-quality palliative

（缓和的）care. You can inform yourself about specific diseases by researching health care texts.

Many faith traditions place emphasis on the importance of conscious preparation for death as a way of showing respect for and acceptance of life's final adventure. Death is not the opposite of life---it is the opposite of birth.

The decision to end one's life when death is approaching anyway is sometimes called physician-assisted suicide (PAS), or voluntary euthanasia（安乐死）; this is a special case of the more general topic of suicide. The "right to die" is the subject of controversial legal battles on an international scale.

1.Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage about a "good death"?

A. There are many recommendations to plan for a "good death".

B. A "good death" means a peaceful death with dignity.

C. To face death mindfully is what is expected most.

D. A "good death" may be defined as voluntary euthanasia.

2.Which is NOT recommended by the passage for health care at the end of life?

A. Always involve a lawyer when making end-of-life care decisions.

B. Never stay at home for the final phase of life.

C. Study the specific diseases.

D. Express the will to die without pain.

3.According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true?

A. Whether to stop life-sustaining treatment is one of the difficult decisions to make.

B. Hospice care is one of the choices for pain-free end-of-life care.

C. Tube feeding is a choice that has come to be accepted by almost all people.

D. Handbook of Mortals is reliable for health care at the end of life.

4.The word "tailored"(underlined in Paragraph 2) may mean__________.

A. to make a garment, especially to one's specific requirements

B. to adapt for a particular need or purpose

C. to engage in the trade of a tailor

D. to appoint a particular situation and location

5.What does the author mainly intend to express?

A. Euthanasia is a legal matter that causes worldwide arguments and disputes.

B. Death is the last stage of life and one should consciously plan for end-of-life health care.

C. It's important to make clear what laws to follow in making directives.

D. No effort is to be spared to keep life even with physical and mental sufferings.

Passage Four

With so many scientists devoted to earthquake study, there are very few "unknowns" about these powerful forces of nature. And only one crucial piece of information is missing: how to predict them. The ability to predict earthquakes would forever change their impact on the world. Two scientists may be one step closer to that goal.

According to Andrew Freed and Jian Lin, the two largest quakes to hit Southern California in the last 10 years may have been connected. The 1992 Landers earthquake and the 1999 Hector Mine earthquake occurred on neighboring faults about 12 miles from each other. Many large earthquakes cause aftershocks---tremors that occur for several weeks or months after the initial quake. But aftershocks generally grow weaker over time and eventually disappear. Other scientists do not believe the Hector Mine earthquake was an aftershock of the Landers quake.

Freed and Lin propose that a buildup of stress in the Earth's upper crust after the Landers earthquake may have caused the Hector Mine earthquake seven years later. If they are correct, then scientists may be able to monitor stress levels in the Earth's crust after an earthquake to help predict future quakes.

Big earthquakes induce a large amount of stress on the Earth's lower crust. However, the earth's crust is made of a viscoelastic（黏弹性的）material, which means that it cannot sustain stress for longer periods of time. Under Freed and Lin's theory, the upper and lower parts of the crust deform separately under quake-induced stress. Eventually, the lower-crust stress slowly moves into the upper crust and can cause another quake in the same region.

In their Nature report, Freed and Lin use a stress model to illustrate the effects of Landers on the Hector Mine quake, and also the predicted stress effect on other faults in Southern California, including the San Andreas Fault. To expand this tool for use in all earthquakes, however, more information is needed. Precise data on the viscosities of the upper and lower mantle（地幔）are needed, according to the study.

1.What is the passage mainly about?

A. The great devotion to earthquake study.

B. The possible progress in earthquake prediction.

C. The historical study on earthquakes.

D. The connections between earthquakes.

2.According to Freed and Lin, the 1992 Landers earthquake and the 1999 Hector Mine earthquake may have been connected, because__________.

A. the interval between the two earthquakes was very short

B. the distance between the two places was quite short

C. the former might be the cause of the latter

D. the two earthquakes happened on the same fault

3.Freed and Lin's theory is __________.

A. focusing on the stress level

B. acceptable to most of the scientists

C. considered to have a great impact on the scientific world

D. applicable to all earthquakes

4.Freed and Lin believe that aftershocks _________.

A. gradually become weaker and disappear in general

B. are causing too much stress to the Earth's lower crust

C. always happen several years after the initial earthquake

D. are the result of the increasing stress after the first earthquake

5.Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

A. Very little remains unknown about earthquakes except for their prediction.

B. Quake-induced stress first forms in the lower crust of the earth.

C. Freed and Lin published their report in the magazine of Nature.

D. Freed and Lin's stress model helped predict the San Andreas earthquake.

Passage Five

We have the technology and ingenuity to reduce the threat of global warming today. Solutions that are already available will stimulate the American economy by creating jobs, saving consumers’ money, and protecting our national security. By investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and increasing the efficiency of the cars we drive, we can take essential steps toward reducing our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels that cause global warming.

Using energy more efficiently and moving to renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal, and bio-energy) would significantly reduce our emissions of heat-trapping gases. The United States currently produces 70 percent of its electricity from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil, but only two percent from renewable sources. Since the burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide—the leading cause of global warming—but renewable energy does not, increasing the share of our electricity generated from renewable resources is one of the most effective ways to reduce global warming emissions.

Cars and trucks are another significant source (25 percent) of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. A serious

effort to address global warming must therefore reduce emissions from cars and trucks. Many technologies already exist can do this, while also creating new jobs in the U.S. automotive sector and other industries throughout the country. In addition, American consumers would save billions of dollars on gasoline and reduce the dependence on foreign oil.

1. Which of the following is NOT an available solution that can reduce the threat of global warming?

A. Using energy more efficiently.

B. Developing more renewable energies.

C. Reducing emissions of heat-trapping gases.

D. Increasing our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels.

2. Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy?

A. Wind.

B. Solar.

C. Geothermal.

D. Fossil fuels.

3. According to the passage, why is it suggested that our electricity be generated from renewable sources?

A. Because they are cheaper.

B. Because they are renewable.

C. Because they don’t release carbon dioxide.

D. Because they are more effective.

4. In the U.S what vehicles produce 25% of its carbon dioxide emissions?

A. Cars and trains.

B. Motorcars and buses.

C. Motorbikes and lorries.

D. Cars and trucks.

5. What can we learn from the passage?

A. The prospect of renewable energies is promising.

B. The global warming problem has been solved.

C. Half of the electricity in America is generated from renewable resources.

D. Americans will reduce the amount of cars and trucks.

Passage Six

A dinner party is often a pleasurable time for everyone but the host, so the important point to keep in mind is that “planning” is a key part of a successful dinner party.

All too often, people make the mistake of over-exerting themselves, leaving little time to enjoy the evening themselves. The following information can help you make it an enjoyable night for both yourself and your guests.

Firstly, make a guest list so you’ll know how many people to cook for. Let your guests know the time and date of the dinner well in advance and be sure to remind them shortly before the party. Make a checklist of ingredients and drinks that you’ll need and try to buy them a couple of days before the party. Get the house in order the day before the dinner party. If you leave your house cleaned till on the day, you might find yourself more stressed than you need to be. Keeping the menu simple doesn’t mean it has to be boring. The night will also be a lot easier for you if you prepare dishes that can be laid out at the centre of the table, allowing guests to serve themselves. You can provide some music and the type of music will depend on the type of guests. You might not think of it, but the night will run a lot smoother with background music for the evening.

1. What can be inferred from the first two paragraphs?

A. Usually both the host and the guests enjoy themselves at the party.

B. A good “planning” means over-exerting the host.

C. The host should make a fuller preparation in order to have more time to enjoy the party.

D. It’s important for hosts to leave themselves some time to enjoy the dinner party.

2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in planning a diner party?

A. Inform your guests of the time and date beforehand.

B. List the ingredients and drinks for the party and buy them before the party.

C. Practice cooking according to menu.

D. Prepare some proper music for the party.

3. Get your house in order the day before the dinner party so that .

A. you may find yourself less stressed than you need to be

B. you won’t get up so early on the party day

C. you will have little time to enjoy the party

D. your guests will be much happier

4. Which statement is NOT true according to the information given in the passage?

A. Making lists helps.

B. A simple menu must be boring as well.

C. Music can make the party go smoother.

D. Allowing guests to help themselves makes things easier.

5. What’s the third paragraph mainly about?

A. How to save time for a dinner party.

B. How to entertain your guests.

C. How to plan a party.

D. How to enjoy yourself at a party.

CLOZE

1.

Man cannot go on 1 his numbers at the present rate. In the 2 30 years man will face a period of crisis. 3 experts believe that there will be a widespread food 4 . Other experts think this is 5 pessimistic, and that man can prevent things 6 worse than they are now. But 7 that two-thirds of the people in the world are undernourished or starving now.

One thing that man can do is to limit 8 of babies born. The need 9 this is obvious, but it is 10 to achieve. People have to 11 to limit their families. In the countries of the population 12 , many people like big families. The parents think that this 13 a bigger income for the family and ensures there will be someone in the family who will look 14 them in old age.

Several governments have 15 birth control policies in recent years. 16 them are Japan, China, India and Egypt. In some 17 the results have not been 18 . Japan has been an exception. The Japanese adopted a birth control policy in 1948. People 19 to limit their families. The birth rate fell from 34.3 per thousand per year to about 17.0 per year 20 .

1. A) increasing B) to increase C) and increase D) with increasing

2. A) second B) recent C) next D) late

3. A) Any B) Some C) More D) All

4. A) need B) want C) absence D) shortage

5. A) so B) much C) too D) enough

6. A) getting B) from getting C) to get D) get

7. A) remember B) remembering C) to remember D) remembers

8. A) an amount B) a number C) the amount D) the number

9. A) for B) in C) of D) about

10. A) not easy B) no easy C) not easily D) no ease

11. A) persuade B) be persuading C) be persuaded D) persuading

12. A) bursting B) explosion C) raising D) extension

13. A) takes B) brings C) makes D) earns

14. A) upon B) for C) into D) after

15. A) adjusted B) created C) adopted D) presented

16. A) Of B) Among C) Between D) Out of

17. A) exceptions B) examples C) events D) cases

18. A) success B) succeeded C) successful D) succeeding

19. A) were encouraged B) encouraged C) are encouraged D) encourage

20. A) presently B) at present C) in time D) on time

2.

In China it is relatively usual to ask people their age, but in the West this question is generally regarded as impolite. This is particularly true 1 women, and even more 2 if the inquirer is a man.

However, it is very 3 to ask children their age, and some adults may not mind being 4 either. In fact, some elderly people are quite happy to 5 the age, especially if they feel they look young 6 their age. Nevertheless, it is not very wise to ask a 7 question like “How old are you?”. If elderly people want to talk about their age, and perhaps receive a compliment (恭维话) on how young they look, they may easily bring 8 the topic themselves, and ask the other person to 9 how old they are. 10 such a situation, it is quite acceptable to discuss age 11 . They normally expect to be complimented on their youthfulness, rather than being 12 that they look very old!

Even 13 westerners do not usually ask people directly how old they are, this does not 14 that they are not interested to know how old other people are. They may ask 15 else for the information, 16 else they may try to 17 the topic indirectly. Sometimes discussions about educational 18 and the number of years of working experience may provide some 19 , but this is not always the 20 . Of course, individuals also vary in what they are interested or willing to talk about.

1. A) with B) for C) of D) to

2. A) that B) such C) than D) so

3. A) normal B) average C) formal D) unusual

4. A) said B) asked C) informed D) talked

5. A) reveal B) reflect C) release D) react

6. A) to B) with C) for D) at

7. A) short B) strange C) funny D) direct

8. A) about B) up C) along D) to

9. A) guess B) know C) learn D) predict

10. A) For B) With C) On D) In

11. A) exactly B) leisurely C) freely D) approximately

12. A) told B) corrected C) warned D) reminded

13. A) when B) then C) if D) though

14. A) include B) intend C) mean D) determine

15. A) anyone B) someone C) one D) everyone

16. A) or B) rather C) so D) and

17. A) approach B) solve C) address D) explain

18. A) level B) background C) knowledge D) systems

19. A) topics B) clues C) evidence D) suggestions

20. A) case B) truth C) reality D) fact