大学英语快速阅读

Unit 1Passage 1It was Monday, and Mrs. Smith’s dog was hungry, but there was not any meat in the house.Considering that there was no better way, Mrs. Smith took a piece of paper, and wrote: ―Give my dog half a pound of meat.‖ Then she gave the paper to her dog and said gnetly, ―Take this to the butcher, and he’s going to give you your lunch today.‖Holding the piece of paper in its mouth, the dog ran to the butcher’s. It gave the paper to the butcher. The butcher read it carefully, recognized it was really the lady’s handwriting and did as he was asked. The dog was very happy, and ate the meat up immediately.At midday, the dog returened to the shop. It gave the butcher a piece of paper again. After reading it, he gave it half a pound of meat once more.The next day, the dog came again exactly at midday. And as usual, it brought a piece of paper in its mouth. This time, the butcher did not look at the paper, and gave the dog its meat, for he had regarded the dog as one of his customers.But, the dog came again at four o’oclock, and brought with it a third piece of paper. The butcher felt a bit puzzled. He said to himself, ―This is a small dog. Why does Mrs Smith give it so much meat to eat today?‖Looking at the piece of paper, he found that there were not any words on it!1. When Mrs. Smith found there was no meat in the house, she ___________ .A.went to the butchers’B.wrote a noteC.shouted at the dogD.sold her dog2. The butcher gave the dog some meat the next day, because he _____________ .A.read the paperB.saw the paperC.felt sorry for the dogD.wanted the dog to go away3. The writer of this passage suggests that the butcher was fooled because ________ .A.he could not readB.the dog cound writeC.he was a creature of habitD.the dog looked hungry4. In total, how much meat did the dog get form the butcher?A.Half a pound.B.A poundC.One and a half pounds.D.Two pounds.5. It can be learned from the passage that the dog was __________ .A.lovelyB.smartC.naughtyD.troublesomePassage 2Most people rest and relax when they are old. They do not work. And most people certainly are not famous. But Grandma Moses is different. She starts a new job at age 76. This is her story. It begins in 1860. She is born a poor farmer’s daughter. Her parents name her Anna Mary Robertson.She is one of 10 children. She works on other people’s farms to make money. It is 1887. She marries Thomas Moses. He is a farm worker, too. They both work on a farm.Now it is 1930. Anna Mary Moses is 70 and a grandmother. She paints pictures. She makes paintings of country life. One day, her daughter takes her paintings to a store in town. Her paintings are put in the window. A man from New York sees the paintings in the window and buys them. And he wants more!The man likes Grandma Moses’ paintings. He wants to help her. So he takes her paintings to galleries (画廊) in New York. Otto Kallir has a famous gallery there. He likes the paintings by Grandma Moses. Now it is 1940 and Grandma Moses’ paintings are in Kallir’s gallery. She is 80 years old.Grandma Moses suddenly becomes famous. Everyone wants her paintings. So she paints more and more. She wins many prizes for her paintings. She becomes famous in the United Stats and Europe.When she is 100 years old, the state of New York makes her birthday ―Grandma Moses Day.‖ After her 100th birthday, she paints 6 more paintings. She dies at age 101. She leaves 11 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and a lot of people who think she is amazing.(Words: 277)1. How does Grandma Moses differ form most other old people?A.She has more grandchildren.B.She makes more friends.C.She likes an easy life.D.She starts a new job.2. Grandma Moses doesn’t paint pictures until __________ .A.she is 60 years oldB.she becomes a grandmotherC.her husband diesD.her daughter asks her to do that3. Grandma Moses’ paintings are first noticed by ___________ .A.her daughterB.the owner of town storeC.a man from New YorkD.Otto Kallir4. The writer of the passage suggests that _____________ .A.many people buy her paintings only because she is famousB.Grandma Moses is too old to paint at the age of 100C.many people like her paintings but do not like herD.it is never too late to start a new job5. The best title for the passage is __________.A.Grandma Moses’ DayB.Grandma Moses’ LifeC.Grandma Moses and FameD.Grandma Moses and PaintingUnit 2Passage 1I have been hearing –impaired (听力弱的)all my life. By the time I was five yearsold, putting on hearing aids in the morning was just as normal as brushing my teeth.However, I never believed that it should limit my success in any way.During my 17 years, I have met many people who don’t know about hearingdisabilities and deal with this by stereotyping （对某人有成见）me. My classmates toldme something was wrong with my brain. My teachers would not let me sit past the secondrow because they worried I would not be able to hear. My ―learning expert‖ tried toteachme sign language, though I had no need for it. People tend to speak lounder than normalwhen they see my thick plastic hearing aids in my ears. Almost every mouth I hearsomeone say that hearing aids are for old people.However, my haring disability has made me a stronger person. Because I wearhearing aids, I have to prove that I am not physically or mentally limited. I have to workharder and earn top grades in school toearn the respect of my teachers. In sports, I’ve hadto score more points to prove I am not physically challenged.I still don’t know a word of sign language. I consider myself no different formanyone else. I wear hearing aids, but I can hear without them. And I am not ―half deaf.‖With my hearing aids on, I can hear just as well as anyone else.I truly believe I would not be the strong and ambitious person I am today if I did nothave the hearing disability.1. When I was very young, hearing aids ______________.A.made my life difficultB.became a part of my lifeC.limited my successD.hurt my feelings2. Which of the following is NOT the stereotyped view?A.My classmates thought something went wrong with my brain.B.My teachers had me sit at the back of the classroom.C.People spoke louder than normal to me.D.Someone said hearing aids were for old people.3. Para. 3 shows that the effects of my hearing disability on me are _____________ .fortingB.encouragingC.troublingD.damaging4. According to Para. 4, the writer doesn’t __________________.A.think he or she is specialB.like deaf peopleC.learn sign language wellD.hear clearly with hearing aids5. How does the writer feel about the public’s attitude toward hearing disabilities?A.The public is worried.B.The pubic is critical.C.The public is helpful.D.The public looks down upon people with hearing disabilites.Passage 2A store owner was tacking（钉住）a sign above his door that read ―Puppies For Sale.‖ A little boy appeared under the store owner’s sign. ―How much are you going to sell the puppies for?‖ he asked.The store owner replied, ―Anywhere from $30 to $50.‖The little boy reached his in his pocket and pulled out some change. ―I have $2.37,‖ he said. ―Can I please look at them?‖The store owner whistled and five tiny balls of fur ran out. One puppy was falling far behind. Immediately the little boy single out the limping puppy and said, ―What’s wrong with the little dog?‖The store owner explained that the little pubby didn’t have a hip socket（臀骨臼）. The little boy became excited and said, ―That’s the little puppy I want to buy.‖The store owner said, ―No, you don’t want to buy that little dog. But if you really want him, I’ll just give him to you.‖The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner’s eyes and said, ―I don’t want you to give him to me. The little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I’ll pay the full price. In fact, I’ll give you $2.37 now and 50 cents a mont until I have him all paid for.‖The store owner said, ―This little dog is never going able to run and jump like the other puppies.‖To this, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to show a badly twisted（扭曲的）, disabled left leg supported by a big metal brace（支撑物）. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, ―Well, I don’t run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands.‖(Words: 292)1. The boy is able to offer something to the little puppy that no one else can, What’s that?A. good home.B. high price.C.Care and understanding.D.A big metal brace.2. Upon the boy’s request, the store owner _____________ .A.asked for his reasonughed at his silly voiceC.persuaded him to buy the other dogsD.suggested that he take the dog free of charge3. When the store owner offered to give the puppy to the boy, the boy was upset because ____________.A.he did not really like the puppyB.he hated to accept things freeC.he had enough money with himD.he thought the puppy had its value and should not be given away free4. According to the passage, which of the following statement is true?A.The little boy was disabled.B.The little boy bought the dog for fun.C.The store owner couldn’t understand the little boy.D.The store owner didn’t sell the dog to the little boy.5. The best title for the passage is ______________ .A.Store Owner and His DogsB.Little Boy and Disabled DogC.A Dog in NeedD.Little Boy’s Best FriendUnit 3Passage 1Traditional American summer camps offer young people a chance to play many sports. These camps may be in the mountains. Or they may be in the woods, or at a lake. Some camps teach activities like painting or music. Or they teach computer programming or foreign languages. Children at all kinds of camps meet new friends. They learn new skills and develop independence.Some children go to camp during the day and return home at night. Others stay at camp all day and all night. Children stay at an overnight camp for between one and eight weeks. Parents can pay less than one hundred dollars or more than seven-hundred dollars a week for an overnight camps.Children from poor families might not have a chance to attend summer camp. The Fresh Air Fund is a well-known organization. People around the country give money to support the Fresh Air Fund. Each summer it sends ten thousand poor children to stay with families in the country or to five camps in New York State.Summer camps have become very important to millions of families. Many American women now work outside the home. Working parents need a place where their children can be cared for during the summer when they are not in school.Young people who like the arts can learn about painting, music, acting or writing. Camps that offer programs in science and environmental studies are popular, too. There are also camps for older children who like wilderness (野外) adventure. These campers take long trips by bicycle or canoe. Or they go rock climbing or ride horses. Other summer camps in American children learn about religion or help them lose weight.(words: 280)1. All traditional American Summer Camps teach children to be .A) brave B) lovely C) patient D) independent2.In an overnight camp, children .A) return home at night B) only stay there for the night C) spend less than a week there D) are there the whole day and night3. It can be learned from the passage that the Fresh Air Fund .A) helps children in general B) receives money from around the countryC) has established five summer camps D) supports families in the country4. Summer camps have become popular because .A) children can learn more there than in school B) they teach children new skillsC) children like living there D) they are good places to send children to during summer vacation5. The writer wants to explain that summer camp is .A) something new B) only for those in povertyC) possible for children from either rich or poor families D) possible only for those from rich familiesPassage 2On a summer afternoon in 1795, a teenage boy named Daniel McGinnis was exploring a tiny island off the eastern coast of Canada. He was walking through a meadow （草地）of tall grass when he noticed something strange. In the center of the meadow was a huge oak（橡树）tree. The ground beneath it was lower than the surrounding ground.Daniel knew that pirates (海盗)had once sailed in the waters around the island. The next day Daniel returned to the island with shovels （铲子）and two friends. The boys began digging and soon discovered a layer of stones. Under the stones was a hole about four meters wide. It was filled with loose dirt. The boys kept digging for several days. Three meters below the ground their shovels hit an oak floor. They kept digging.But when they discovered another oak floor nine meters below the ground, they decided that they couldn’t dig any deeper.Eight years later, Daniel McGinnis returned with a group of men to continue digging beneath the oak tree. One evening, 30 meters below the ground, their shovels hit a large wooden box. The box had to be a treasure chest (大箱子)！The men went home to rest until daylight. When they returned in the morning, there was an unpleasant surprise—the hole had filled with water. The men couldn’t remove the w ater.During the following 200 years, dozens of search groups have dug in the hole, but each group only made the hole bigger. The hole that was once four meter wide is now enormous. The oak tree is now gone. Where is the hole that Daniel McGinnis found? Today nobody knows for sure, and there is still the problem of water in the hole.1. Daniel McGinnis .A) had ancestors who were pirates B) was curious about the valuable treasure of piratesC) was a pirate himself D) recovered the valuable treasure of pirates2. When Daniel and his two friends dug for the treasure, they .A) discovered an oak there B) gave up because they had dug too deepC) found an oak floor D) dug for about 12 meters deep3. When Daniel and his friends continued digging eight years later, the major problem wasA) removing the dirt B) making the hole biggerC) locating the large wooden box D) getting water out of the hole4. Which of the following explains the disappearance of the hole found by Daniel McGinnis?A) The oak tree was planted elsewhere. B) The hole was made much bigger.C) Seawater drowned（淹没）the island. D) Other search groups gave up on finding the hole.5. The best title for the passage is .A) Legend(传奇)of Daniel McGinnis B) Mystery of the Hidden TreasureC) Discovery of the Hidden Treasure D) Explorer of the Mysterious Islandunit 4Passage 1There are stock markets in large cities in many countries. Stock markets in Paris, London, Tokyo, Shanghai and New York are among the largest and most well-known. The stock market, also called stock exchange, is a place where people can buy or sell the shares of a factory of company. And each share means part ownership of a factory or company.Different people go to the stock markets. Some are rich, who want to get more money than they have. Others are not very rich, who buy stocks to try to become rich. Still others buy stocks as part of their plan to save money.Of course, investing （投资）money in the stock market is not the safest way to make money. No one can tell exactly whether the shareswill be doing well. The factory or company may do badly. Then the stocks will go down, and the investors will lose money. The stock may go up or down for a number of untold reasons. Everyone wants the stock to go up, but sometimes even if a factory or company does a good job, the stock may still go down.No wonder going to the stock market is often compared to gambling (赌博). All are eager to make money by ―gambling‖ in the stock market. Factories and companies that need money are pleased that so many people are willing to ―gamble.‖ Indeed, the stock ma rket is an attractive and complex part of the business world.1. The following people go to the stock market EXPCEPT those whoA) want to become richer B) want to get rid of povertyC) want to save money D) want to find jobs2. Which of the following statements is true?A) A good investor can affect the change in stock prices. B) A good investor can tell exactly when the stock goes up or down.C) A good investor will sometimes lose money. D) A good investor knows how to choose a company which does a good job.3. In the passage the writer .A) encourage people to go to the stock market B) assures people that buying stock is a good investmentC) warns people to be careful in buying stocks D) explains how stock goes up when factories or companies run well4. The word “ complex” in the last sentence probably means .A) complete B) strange C) difficult D) modern5. The passage mainly tells us aboutA) the ABCs of stock markets B) gambling in stock marketsC) how to make money in stock markets D) how to buy or sell shares in stock marketsPassage 2She is widely seen as proof that good looks can last forever. But, at nearly 500 years of age, time is catching up with the Mona Lisa.The health of the famous picture, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1505, is getting worse by the year, according to the Louvre Museum where it is housed.―The thin, wooden panel on which the Mona Lisa is painted in oil has changed shape since experts checked it two years ago.‖ The museum said. Visitors have noticed changes but repairing the world’s most famous painting is not easy. Experts are not sure a bout the materials the Italian artist used and their present chemical state.Nearly six million people go to see the Mona Lisa every year, many attracted by the mystery of her smile. ―It is very interes ting that when you’re not looking at her, she seems to be smiling, and then you look at her and she stops,‖ said Professor Margaret Livingstone of Harvard University. ―It’s because direct vision （视觉）is excellent at picking up detail, but less suited to looking at shadows. Da Vinci painted the smile in shadows.‖Da Vinci himself loved it so much that he always carried it with him, until it was eventually sold to France’s King Francis I in 1519.During World War II, French hid the painting in small towns to keep it out of the hands of German forces.Like many old ladies, the Mona Lisa has some interesting stories to tell.(Words: 247)1.In the first paragraph, “catching up with” meansA)coming up with behindB)having effect onC)making up forD)getting along with2.It is difficult to repair this painting due to itsA)painting materialsB)wooden panelC)long historyD)good name3.Mona Lisa is smiling you lookA)at herB)from the corners of your eyesC)into the shadowsD)for details4.Para. 4 is mainly aboutA)the history of the Mona LisaB)the condition of the Mona LisaC)the secret of Mona Lisa’s smileD)the secret of Mona Lisa’s beauty5.During World War II the famous painting was inA)ItalyB)FranceC)BritainD)GermanyUnit 5Passage 1People over the age of 65 in the United States are called senior citizens. Most senior citizens retire or no longer work full time. Also it is unusual for people of this age to live with their children and grandchildren. For many senior citizens, the years after age 65 are not enjoyable. They feel unproductive when they no longer work. Their lives lose meaning. In addition, they may feel lonely being away from their families. Moreover, they become more concerned about their health as they grow older. If they live in big cities, they often worry about their safety.Other senior citizens enjoy their lives. They feel free to do things they were not able to do when they were working and raising families. They now have time to enjoy hobbies and sports and travel. They associate with their fellow senior citizens who have common interests and equal free time. Many senior citizens move to retirement communities located in warm climates. Some senior citizens continue to work beyond retirement age. Many find new careers and professional opportunities after they retire.The number of the senior citizens in the United States is increasing rapidly because people are living longer than before. The average life span (寿命) for Americans is now more than 74 years. Because of their larger numbers and more active life styles, senior citizens are gaining social influence in the country both politically and economically. Their concerns are receiving a wider audience than ever before. The time may come when all Americans will look forward to becoming senior citizens.1. Many senior citizens are not happy due to the following reasons EXCEPT_________.A) loneliness B) less money C) poor health D) meaningless life2. it’s implied in the first paragraph that__________.A) living in the country is safer for elder people than living in big cities B) people become senior citizens in the U.S. at 65C) most senior citizens live with their children D) people retire at 65 in the U.S.3. From Para. 2 we learn that___________.A) senior citizens' life can be enjoyable B) senior citizens enjoy their livesC) senior citizens enjoy living in retirement communities D) senior citizens enjoy working after retirement4. It can be learned from the passage that senior citizens must _________ to be happy.A) have free time B) find fun in life C) continue to work D) live with their children5. According to the writer, in the future, senior citizens will be___________.A) enjoying a longer life span B) a burden to the society C) highly respected D) fewer in numberPassage 2Six years ago, Dr. Leslie Gordon found that her 21-month-old son, Sam, sufferedfrom an extremely rare disease called progeria (早衰).Gordon, an assistant professor in an American college of medicine, wanted to findout what caused her son's condition and what she could do about it. But, at that time, noone knew the cause of the deadly disease. So she rounded up a team of experts. This teamfinally discovered the gene mutation that causes progeria and announced it on April 16.Researchers found that this gene mutation causes the nucleus (细胞核) of all thebody's cells, except for those in the brain, to become unbalanced. The nucleus holds mostof the cell's genes and chromosomes (染色体)."The nucleus is usually a nice, round structure," said Gordon. "But with the disease,bubbles (水泡，气泡) form there. That most likely causes them to become unbalanced andlead to cell death."This discovery is a big step towards finding a cure for affected children. But it's notthe end of the story.Every human being could benefit from this research. It provides a betterunderstanding of what occurs in the bodies of aging people.Aging is a condition that eventually affects everyone. And Gordon believes drugCompanies will be interested in her findings because everyone wants to fight old age.Of course, she keeps her highest hopes for her son."I hope, I hope, I hope that we can help Sam," she said."I live every day thinking we just need to do the best that we can. And we need tohave hope. But this research is there for all the children."(Words: 268)1.Gorden’s son caught progeria six years ago when ________.A) the disease frequently happened to children B) the cause of the disease was unknown to peopleC) much work had been done concerning the disease D) some ways had been discovered to treat the disease2.:Gene mutation‖ in the second paragraph refers to _______.A) the change in the gene B) the bubble in the gene C) the death of the gene D) the balance of the gene3. Which of the following statements is the writer’s point in the passage?A) Life is a mystery. B) Nature is dangerous. C) Science can help us live. D) A child can cause a parent a lot of worries.4. The research benefits everyone, because ________.A) it helps people fight aging B) it prevents people from dyingC) drug companies can develop more quickly D) progeria is attacking more and more people5. The story of Gorden tells the following facts EXCEPT that __________.A) she is a great mother B) she is a devoted researcherC) she is a qualified leader D) she is a chemistry professorUnit 6Passage 1数以百万计美国学生参加服务计画. 他们在他们的社区中帮助人如他们的教育部份. 他们像改良处理计画那environment and feeding homeless people. Many school systems in the United States now require students to do some kind of community service as part of their studies.Students involved (使卷入) in service projects help themselves as well as their communities. They learn about the needs of people and aid organizations. Some college administrators (事务管理人) say public service may also help high school graduates gain acceptance to the college oftheir choice.Many schools in the United States offer courses in what is called service-learning. These educational programs teach methods to aid the community.For example, Nicholas Senn High School in Chicago, Illinois, is one of these schools. It has received national honors for its service-learning program. Students there were not doing well in their studies back when the program began in 1997. Teachers say doingcommunity service has led many students to work harder in school. School officials say mathematics and reading skills haveimproved.Wilkinson Junior High School in Middleburg, Florida, also has received national honors for its service-learning program. Its twelve- and thirteen-year-old students work on two major projects. They are helping to find the best ways to restore (使复位) trees to an area of land that was used for mining titanium (钛). They also test water from the nearby Saint John's River and report the results to local water officials.Teachers try to link their classroom material with current community needs. For example, a history teacher talked about the issue of hunger in some Americancommunities. After that, students helped at a food center for poor people.Students at some schools come from many other countries. They speak different languages. Even students who have just arrived from other nations perform community service.Public schools are not the only ones that require community service. Bishop Ireton High School is a private Roman Catholic school. In one project, students there organized programs for people who lived in a retirement center near the school.(Words: 347)1. What is the main idea of the passage?A) American service programs are gaining popularity now. B) Service programs help American students win college acceptance.C) American schools involve students in community service. D) American service programs have helped many people.2. The example of Nicholas Senn High School mainly suggests that _________.A) it offers the best service-learning program nationwide B) students there didn't work hard back in 1997C) students there have improved their math and reading D) service involvement contributes to study improvement3. How do American schools help students better serve their communities?A) They call on students to improve the environment. B) They train students to aid the community.C) They provide students with extracurricular activities. D) They link school courses with student needs.4. Students from Wilkinson Junior High School help to _________.A) restore trees to an old titanium-mining land B) test water from a local fiverC) report test results to local water officials D) All above.5. Which of the following claims would supporters of service-learning programs inschools make?A) It is good for growing youths to be physically active. B) Students should learn how to make a living.C) Students should contribute to the communities in which they live.D) Students should help pay for school taxes.Passage 2When I come across a good essay in the newspaper, I often cut it and keep it. Butjust as I am about to do so I find the article on the opposite side of the page just as interesting.It may be a discussion about a way to keep in good health, or advice about how tobehave and conduct oneself in society. If I cut the front essay, the other one on the back ofthe page will suffer damage, leaving out half of it or the text will be kept but missing thesubject. As a result, my scissors (剪刀) would stop before they start, or only halfway donewhen I find out the regrettable consequence.Sometimes, two things are to be done at the same time, both deserving yourattention. You can only take up one of them, the other has to wait or even be given up. Butyou know the future is unknown--- the changed situation may not allow you to do what isleft behind. Thus, you are caught in a fix and you may feel sad. How come that niceopportunities and brilliant ideas should gather around all at once. It may happen that yourlife changes dramatically on your preference of one alternative over the other.In fact, that is what life is like: we are often faced with two choices that are equallydesirable, just like what happens during newspaper-cutting. It often occurs that our。