So there are four of them in this car heading north from Coleman in the heart of Texas to the town of Abilene (阿比林), some 53 miles away. It is a hot day, and the drive is dusty and boring. Someone has had the bright idea to interrupt a nice family game of dominoes (多米諾) to go on a four-hour round-trip to eat at a really not very good restaurant.
When they are back home again, one family member admits that she hasn’t enjoyed herself all that much. One by one they all confess that they would rather have stayed at home. “I only went along with it because I thought the rest of you wanted to go,” says everyone. No one wanted to go to Abilene. It had just happened.
This story was first told by Professor Jerry Harvey in an article published in 1974 called The Abilene Paradox (悖論) and other meditations on management. It offers a wonderful insight into the way that decisions can sometimes just emerge, without ever being consciously “made”.
Whether they mean to or not, groups exert a pressure to conform (順從). A senior management team can find itself a long way down the track to a bad decision without realizing that the idea has very little support around the table.
Close-knit (組織嚴(yán)密的) teams are easily influenced by the pull of groupthink. The late Professor Janis suggested several ways in which teams can avoid it. Two key steps are to invite experts from outside into meetings, and to appoint at least one person to the role of “devil’s advocate” — a role that should be played by different people in different meetings.
小題1:The four family members have decided to go on a four-hour round-trip to the town of Abilene because _______.
A.they really like the restaurant they are going to
B.they are tired of the game they have been playing
C.they have not been to Abilene for a long time
D.everyone thinks all the other family members want to go
小題2:When they are back home, they find that______.
A.they have not really trusted each other
B.they have all enjoyed the trip except one family member
C.they would have had a better time if they had stayed at home
D.they have all had a good time although none of them wanted to go
小題3:A senior management team can make a bad decision because ______.
A.the idea has the support of everyone around the table
B.everyone on the team is too tired to think clearly
C.the group puts a pressure to conform
D.they understand what each member means
小題4:According to Professor Janis, at least one person should be appointed to the role of “devil’s advocate ” at each meeting so that _______.
A.the pull of groupthink can be avoided
B.each member will play a different role
C.team members can agree with each other more easily
D.experts from the outside can be invited into meetings

小題1:D
小題2:C
小題3:C
小題4:A

試題分析:文章通過對(duì)一家人為了替別人著想而進(jìn)行了一次不愉快的旅行的描述,說明集體的決定對(duì)個(gè)人產(chǎn)生的影響。
小題1:細(xì)節(jié)題,由第二段I only went along with it because I thought the rest of you wanted to go,” says everyone.可知選D。
小題2:細(xì)節(jié)題,由第二段One by one they all confess that they would rather have stayed at home.可知他們?cè)诩視?huì)更好。故選C。
小題3:細(xì)節(jié)題,由第四段Whether they mean to or not, groups exert a pressure to conform (順從).可知團(tuán)隊(duì)的壓力會(huì)使他們服從,故選C。
小題4:細(xì)節(jié)題,由最后一段The late Professor Janis suggested several ways in which teams can avoid it. ...appoint at least one person to the role of “devil’s advocate” — a role that should be played by different people in different meetings.可知選A。
點(diǎn)評(píng):這是一篇說明文,主要考查細(xì)節(jié)問題,考生首先通讀全文了解大意,然后根據(jù)提問理解細(xì)節(jié),選出正確的選項(xiàng)。
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科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

People in the UK often talk about their homes: their mortgages (按揭), the interest rates, and rising prices. Here’s a guide to some of the words and phrases you might come across.
It’s a good idea in the UK to arrange a mortgage with a bank before you start looking. This is when the bank tells you how much money they will lend you so you have a good idea of how much you can afford.
The next step is to go to an estate agent and see what sort of properties they have available in your budget range and in your area. If you see something you like, the estate agent will arrange for you to view the property, so that you can see the house or flat for yourself.
If you see something that takes your eye, you put in an offer. The vendor (賣家) can accept or decline this offer, and if the vendor accepts it, you can move forward with the sale. However, as you don’t pay any money at this point, the offer isn’t legally binding (具有約束力), and in theory, you can pull out of the offer at any time that you like.
Your next step will probably be to get a structural survey done. A qualified surveyor will inspect the house and write a report that illustrates any structural problems, like damp or drainage problems.
If you still want to go ahead with the sale, you need to appoint a lawyer to do the legal paperwork.. If you already own a house, you might also be busy trying to sell it. Many house owners prefer to sell to first-time buyers (those people who don’t already own a home), as they are not in a chain (waiting for other people to buy the house before they can buy their next house).
Finally, once the contracts are signed and exchanged, you complete on your house. You get the keys and you can move in whenever you want. Then you might want to throw a house-warming party. Congratulations!
小題1: Which of the following shows the right order of what happens before the people in the UK move into a new house?
a. ask for a company which represents others of properties
b. decide how much to borrow from the bank
c. examine the structure of the house
d. hire a lawyer and make a contract
e. offer the seller the right money
f. visit the house and discuss a price with the seller
A.b, a, f, d, c, e B.b, a, f, c, d, e
C.b, a, f, e, d, c D.b, f, d, e, c, a
小題2: According to the passage, these statements are correct EXCEPT ___________.
A.People can borrow the whole money for a new house from a bank.
B.People care for mortgages, interest rates and the prices &house.
C.The sellers are more interested in the first-time buyers.
D.After getting the keys, the owners sometimes have a party.
小題3:Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?
A.Owners.B.Surveyors.
C.Lawyers.D.Collectors.
小題4: The passage is maybe one that _______________.
A.give some advice on the house
B.introduces a book on travelers
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科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:完形填空

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___20 ___ the stillness. It’s a treasure, and it’s available to us, always.
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A.placeB.chanceC.freedomD.time
小題2:
A.forcedB.orderedC.invitedD.told
小題3:
A.haveB.findC.buyD.get
小題4:
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小題5:
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A.playB.foodC.sleepD.consideration
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A.furtherB.worseC.fartherD.deeper
小題8:
A.everythingB.a(chǎn)nythingC.nothingD.something
小題9:
A.howB.whereC.whyD.whether
小題10:
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小題11:
A.walkingB.rushingC.steppingD.going
小題12:
A.schoolB.youthC.workD.life
小題13:
A.silentB.patientC.stillD.quiet
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小題15:
A.likeB.decideC.chooseD.need
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A.frequentlyB.slowlyC.fastD.quickly
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小題3:
A.giftsB.toysC.chalksD.crayons
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Hilton English Language Center
Information for New Students
CLASS TIME: 8:30a.m.—10:00a.m., 10:30a.m.—12:00a.m., 1:30p.m.—3:00p.m..
The Language Center is open Monday to Friday. Each class has one afternoon free per week. On the first day, go to the lecture hall to check your timetable.
SELF-ACCESS: The language laboratory (Room 1110) is open Monday to Friday from 3:15p.m. to 5:00p.m. for all full-time students.
You can learn how to use computers for language games or word-processing(文字處理). There are tapes for students to borrow to practice their English. Go in and ask the teacher to show you. If you plan to take public examinations, there are dictation and listening comprehension tapes for you to practice with. There are cloze exercises on the computers. Ask your class teacher for a list of past exam essays. Students can borrow tapes to take home but they must be returned after two days.
ATTENDANCE(出勤):All students are expected to attend classes as it is required. Students who do not attend classes will be reported to OSS. Eighty percent attendance is required for students to receive their certificates(證書)when they finish their courses. It is also required by OSS for an extension to your visa.
BOOKS: If students are given course books, the books are their responsibility. If a book is lost, the student will be expected to pay for it.
If students wish to buy books, there is a bookshop in the college specializing in English books (Room 3520).
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A.8:30a.m.—1:30p.m..B.8:30a.m.—3:00p.m..
C.8:30a.m.—3:15p.m..D.3:15p.m.—5:00p.m..
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A.No teachers are in the language lab.
B.90% attendance is required for the students.
C.Books can’t be taken out of the center.
D.Students can prepare for exams by listening to tapes.
小題3:The timetable can be seen in _____.
A.the lecture hallB.Room 3520C.the classroomD.Room 1110

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科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

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I went into the fifth shop with a plan in my mind. I placed the chair on the floor and said to the shopkeeper, “Would you like to buy a chair?” He looked it over carefully and said, “Yes, not a bad chair. How much do you want for it, sir?” “Twenty pounds,” I said. “OK,” he said, “I’ll give you twenty pounds.” “It’s got a slightly broken leg,” I said. “Yes I saw that, it’s nothing.”
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A.was rather impolite B.was warmly received
C.a(chǎn)sked the shopkeeper to buy his chair D.a(chǎn)sked the shopkeeper to repair his chair
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A.changed his mind B.saw the writer’s purpose
C.a(chǎn)ccepted the offer D.decided to help the writer
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A.£5B.£7C.£20D.£27
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科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

Five years ago, David Smith wore an expensive suit to work every day.“I was a clothes addict(有癮的人)”he jokes.“I used to carry a fresh suit to work with me so I could change if my clothes got wrinkled.” Today David wears casual(不經(jīng)意的,隨意的) clothes—khaki pants (褲子)and a sports shirt—to the office. He hardly ever wears a necktie.“I am working harder than ever.”David says,“and I need to feel comfortable.”
More and more companies are allowing their office workers to wear casual clothes to work. In the United States, the change from formal to casual office wear has been gradual. In the early 1990s, many companies allowed their employees to wear casual clothes on Friday(but only on Friday).This became known as“dress-down Friday”or“casual Friday”.“What started out as an extra one-day-a-week benefit for employees has really become an everyday thing.”said business Maisly Jones.
Why have so many companies started allowing their employees to wear casual clothes? One reason is that it’s easier for a company to attract new employees if it has a casual dress code.” “A lot of young people don’t want to dress up for work,” says the owner of a software company,“so it’s hard to hire people if you have a conservative(保守的)dress code.”Another reason is that people seem happier and more productive when they are wearing comfortable clothes. In a study conducted by Levi Strauss and Company, 85 percent of employers said that they believe that casual dress improves employee morale(心境,士氣). Only 4 percent of employers said that casual dress has a negative influence on productivity. Supporters of casual office wear also argue that a casual dress code helps them save money. “Suits are expensive, if you have to wear one every day,”one person said. “For the same amount of money, you can buy a lot more casual clothes.”
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A.he often wore khaki pants and a sports shirt
B.he couldn’t stand a clean appearance
C.he wanted his clothes to look neat all the time
D.he didn’t want to spend much money on clothes
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A.they make him feel at ease when working
B.he cannot afford to buy expensive clothes
C.he looks handsome in casual clothes
D.he no longer works for any company
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A.Company workers started to dress down about twenty years ago.
B.Dress-down has become an everyday phenomenon since the early 90s.
C.“Dress-down Friday”was first given as a favor from employers.
D.Many workers want to wear casual clothes to impress people.
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科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解

I’m lying on my back in my grandfather’s orchard (果園),looking up at the branches above me. It is one of the last days of summer. Already the days are shorter and the nights are cooler. Some kinds of apples are already ripe(成熟的).Others will be ready to pick soon. I think of my grandmother’s apple pie,and how I used to make it with her. She died last year,before the apple harvest,and I have not had her pie since. I really miss her. I hear bees busily humming about,visiting the late summer flowers. The gentle hum of their wings nearly sends me to sleep.
The sky is as blue as my grandfather’s eyes. Above me,big white clouds race across the sky like pieces of cotton blowing in the wind. School starts in another week,and time seems to have slowed down.
“Sophie!” calls my grandfather. “Is that you?”I stand up,take his hand,and tell him all about my day as we walk through the orchard. We talk about apples,and bees,and Grandma. He tells me that he misses her too.
He puts his rough,brown farmer’s hand around my shoulder and pulls me close. “You know,Sophie,”he says,“I spent the morning in the attic(閣樓),and you’ll never guess what I found. It’s the recipe (烹飪法) for Grandma’s apple pie. I used to help her make it sometimes. I can’t do it all alone,but you used to help her too. Maybe between the two of us,we can work it out. Want to try?”
“But it won’t be the same without Grandma,” I tell him.
“That’s true,”he says,“but nothing is the same without Grandma. Still,I don’t think that she would want us never to have another apple pie. What do you say?” I nod yes,and we walk towards home...towards an afternoon in the farmhouse kitchen,making Grandma’s famous apple pie.
小題1:We learn from the passage that Sophie          .
A.likes to watch clouds in the attic
B.comes to the orchard after school
C.enjoys Grandma’s apple pie very much
D.picks many apples in the orchard
小題2:Sophie’s grandfather spent the morning in the attic        .
A.looking for Grandma’s recipe for apple pie
B.helping Sophie’s grandmother make apple pie
C.trying to make apple pie all alone for Sophie
D.talking about apples,and bees,and Grandma with Sophie
小題3:The underlined  part in the last paragraph shows          .
A.how much Sophie’s grandmother loved Sophie
B.how much Sophie’s grandfather likes apple pies
C.how much Sophie loves her grandfather’s orchard
D.how much Sophie’s grandfather misses Grandma
小題4:Which of the following might be the best title for the passage?
A.My grandfather’s orchardB.My grandmother’s apple pie
C.A morning in the atticD.The last days of summer

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科目:高中英語 來源:不詳 題型:閱讀理解


High school graduation is indeed important for the person concerned. It is usually marked by a party where friends and family present the person with gifts as a celebration. Below are some good choices for those who will go to college.
You can buy a folding bike. It is a good choice for a high school graduate going to college who may not have room to store a traditional bike. He or she will love moving around the school. It can be easily folded and carried, which would be great for those who often trip back home on weekends. You can also buy a Walkman. It is not expensive. The person can enjoy music while walking, exercising or studying. It can help improve one’s mood.
College is an important time for a person’s career. Many high school graduates know little about the fields they will enter. So why not buy the person a book on what to expect in college life? That way the person would be fully prepared for college. Also he or she can tell something about it to his or her classmates. It is a reality that knowledge is something that cannot be taken away. Healthy food is a major issue in college. Some students have to put up with the bad-taste food in the college dining hall. A refrigerator which can keep food fresh is an excellent choice.
In short, there are so many you can choose from as high school graduation gifts. So what gift are you planning to give to the bright young person?
小題1:Why is a folding bike a good gift?_______
A.Because it is convenient and takes up little space.
B.Because it can help students save more time.
C.Because it is environmentally friendly and cheap.
D.Because it is much lighter than traditional bikes.
小題2:How many great choices are mentioned in the text?________
A.3.B.4.C.5.D.6.
小題3:Gifts for people who will go to college should be     .
A.usefulB.cheapC.lovelyD.fashionable
小題4:What’s the text mainly about?_________
A.How to celebrate high school graduation.
B.How to make college life easy.
C.What a good gift means to high school graduates.
D.What to buy for people who will go to college.

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