Going shopping seems easy, but actually it takes a lot of learning, especially in America. In fact, many
Americans who are not so well-off often shop at "sales" or at special stores that sell things at low prices,
which you may find interesting. In America, the important rule of dressing is that one should change his
or her clothes every day. For example, in an American college, neither professors nor students are seen in
the same clothes two days in a row. So you may find it necessary to buy more clothes than you have in
China. While you are shopping in the States, you will discover that prices range considerably from time to
time. The purchase of used, second-hand clothing, furniture, or other household articles may be an excellent
way of saving money. Most second-hand clothes are of pretty good quality. If you are going to settle down
in the States and want some furniture, you may go to a"loan closet", where furniture rents at low cost, or
you may also go to a"furniture exchange" place in the community.
     Sheets, blankets, and other bedclothes go on sale in most communities twice a year. Advertisements for
"white sales" on bed linen, towels, etc., often appear in January, as well as in May, June or July. Once or
twice every season, there will be"garage sales", where you can get almost anything, from a yacht to a pair
of shoes, at low prices. Prices at"discount stores" and "thrift shops" are also as low as you can imagine.
     When shopping for food, you should look for special prices for various items that are put on sale weekly.
To economize, it would be a good idea for you to plan the weekly menu according to what is on sale,
including in it the meats, vegetables, fruits, etc. that can be bought at special prices that week.
     Exchange and return policies vary from store to store. You should also keep in mind that exchange and
return policies for sales items can be different from standard store policies, especially if the price of the items
has been reduced. Ask the merchant about their exchange and return policies before making your purchase.
Obtaining an exchange or a return without a store receipt is often difficult. So, to save yourself the headache,
you'd better hold on to any paper or other proof of purchase.

1. People shopping in America will discover _____.

A. American goods are excellent
B. most clothes come from China
C. prices vary much sometimes
D. used clothes are of poor quality

2. A person who needs furniture can _____.

A. exchange their goods for furniture
B. settle in a place that has furniture
C. get some free of charge
D. rent some at low cost

3. At a "white sale", one can buy _____.

A. almost anything
B. meats, vegetables, fruits
C. bed linen, towels
D. shoes at low prices

4. Garage sales are held _____. 

A. once or twice every three months
B. once or twice every year
C. from time to time
D. in January, May, June or July

5. What does "any paper or other proof" in the last paragraph refer to?

A. The exchange and return policy.
B. A store receipt.
C. A sales item.
D. The standard store policy.

     I've written 14 movies. My characters smoke in many of them, and they look cool and glamorous (有魅力
的) doing it.
     Smoking was an integral (必需的) part of many of my screenplays because I was a heavy smoker. It was
part of a bad-boy image I'd cultivated for a long time- smoking, drinking, partying, rock 'n' roll. Smoking, I
once believed, was every person's right. The second-hand smoke was non-existent problem invented by
professional do-gooders. I put all these views into my plays.
     Remembering all this, I find it hard to forgive myself. I have been an accomplice (幫兇) to the murders of
untold numbers of human beings. I am admitting this only because I have made a deal with God. Spare me, I
said, and I will try to stop others from committing the same crimes I did.
     Eighteen months ago I was diagnosed with throat cancer, the result of a lifetime of smoking. I am alive but
disabled. Much of my larynx (喉) is gone. I have some difficulty speaking; others have some difficulty
understanding me.
     I haven't smoked or drunk for 18 months now, though I still take it day by day and pray for help. I believe
in prayer and exercise. I have walked five miles a day for a year, without missing even one day. Quitting
smoking and drinking has taught me the hardest lesson I've ever learned about my own weakness; it has also
given me the greatest affection and empathy (同感) for those still addicted.
     I don't think smoking is every person's right anymore. I think smoking should be as illegal as heroin (海洛
因). I'm no longer such a bad boy. I go to church on Sunday. I'm desperate to see my four boys grow up. I
want to do everything I can to undo the damage I have done with my own big-screen words and images.
     Screen writers know, too, that some movie stars are more likely to play a part if they can smoke because
they are so addicted to smoking that they have difficulty stopping even during the shooting of a scene.
     My hands are bloody; so are Hollywood's. My cancer has caused me to attempt to cleanse (徹底清潔) me.
I don't wish my fate upon anyone in Hollywood, but I beg that Hollywood should stop putting it upon millions
of others.

1. The main idea of this passage probably is _____.

A. the writer is ashamed of the bad effects his screenplays have had on human beings
B. the writer's smoking experience nearly killed himself
C. the bad effects that Hollywood screenplay have brought to children
D. the determination of the writer to overcome his illness

2. How do you think the writer has realized his mistake?

A. So many people have found the habit of smoking due to his plays.
B. His plays have brought great harm to teenagers.
C. He himself suffered greatly from smoking.
D. His screenplays have been doing more and more harm to human beings.

3. What is the writer determined to do in future?

A. He has made up his mind to give up smoking forever.
B. He will try his best to prevent others from writing screen plays encouraging smoking.
C. He will try his best to bring up his four children.
D. He has decided to write his screenplays without smoking scenes.

4. It can be inferred from the passage that _____.

A. the writer will soon be recovered from his illness thanks to his exercise
B. the writer will soon die because of his deadly disease
C. smoking will be got rid of in all Hollywood films
D. smoking in Hollywood films is still doing great harm to human beings

     Jim Madison was walking through the American Cemetery (公墓) at Normandy one day in 2001 when
his eyes fell on a grave marker that caught him by surprise, "Elizabeth A. Richardson, American Red Cross,
Indiana July 25, 1945". The chance discovery led to his new book-An American Woman in World War Two,
which tells about the war through the eyes of Richardson.
     Richardson joined the Red Cross in 1944 and worked on a Clubmobile-a converted bus from which she
and other women served coffee and chatted to American soldiers scattered across England and France. More
important than the food, they were a reminder of home for lonely and miserable soldiers.
     She died at 27 in a crash of a two-seater L-5 Sentinel aircraft. She was one of four women buried at the
American Cemetery at Normandy.
     Madison said the present understanding of World War Two just focused on the experiences of male soldiers,
but women were also important to the war effort and brought their own views to the conflict. "The point I try
to make in the book is how close Richardson came to understanding war," he said. "She saw the effects of it,
and she grieved (感到悲痛)."
     When Madison returned from Normandy in 2001, he managed to contact Richardson's younger brother,
Charles Richardson Jr. It was her family's keeping of her letters and diaries that made possible the book,
which quoted from them extensively.
     Madison believes America's fascination with World War Two will outlive those who fought it and the
generations that follow them. Since the late 1980s, he has taught undergraduate courses on the war at Indiana
University, and he said students obviously warm up to the subject.
     He said he sometimes talked to World War Two soldiers who "have a sense that young people don't know
and they don't care". "I tell them it's the opposite", he said.

1. How did Jim Madison get the idea of writing a book about World War Two?

A. His friends suggested it.
B. He got it quite by accident
C. It was requested by Richardson's brother.
D. It was arranged by his university.

2. The passage suggests that women working in the Red Cross, like Richardson, _____.

A. provided warmth and encouragement to soldiers
B. were braver than male soldiers
C. didn't experience much suffering during the war
D. had a good understanding of the cruelty of the war

3. What made Madison's new book special?

A. That it was based on a real life story and focused on the cruelty of war.
B. That it talked about war from a woman's point of view.
C. That it quoted a lot from Richardson's letters and diaries.
D. That it reminded people of those who contributed in World War Two.

4. According to Madison, today's American youth _____.

A. know a lot about World War Two
B. don't respect World War Two soldiers
C. are eager to learn about World War Two
D. are more interested in learning about male soldiers

     A team from Paris High School in Texas won the past weekend's Ford/AAA Auto Skills Challenge.
     The goal of the yearly competition is to accurately repair a car that has been disabled on purpose:
Responding to the call, "Gentlemen, start your engines, if you can" at 9:15 a.m., the teams ran to 50
cars with the same mechanical problems. They had 90 minutes to find and repair many "bugs" in the
starting, electrical, lighting, braking, temperature control, and power systems. The team from Texas
first drove their car across the finish line, winning the contest after judges determined that they had
removed all of the bugs.
     Bradley J. Bolton and Aaron Clay were able to get their car started in less than 30 minutes. In feet,
the pair from Texas spent months preparing for the competition with, their instructor. They walked
away with $2,500 in scholarships and something interesting to add to their resumes (履歷). With many
regional competitions, Ford and AAA gave away a total of $6 million in prizes and scholarships to this
year's competitors.
     "Aaron and Bradley proved today that they are America's best teen auto-repair team," Allan Stanley,
manager of Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills, said. "Their hard work and drive to be the top high school
auto technicians are typical of every participant here. The auto industry must attract such talented young
people to keep America's vehicles operating safely."
     Each year, the Student Auto Skills competition determines the nation's best high school auto technicians
with a two-part test. After a written exam worth 40% of their grade, the 50 two-person teams-each
representing a state-compete in hands-on repair work, which is worth 60% of their total.
     Darryl Hazel, senior president of Ford Motor Company, said, "Ford and its dealer (經(jīng)銷商) network
are offering these talented young people opportunities to train for high-tech careers with excellent wages."

Read the passage and then answer the following questions.
1. Find in the passage a word closest in meaning to the underlined word "bug".
    _____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What does the -Ford/AAA Auto Skills Challenge test the participants for? (回答詞數(shù)不超過15個(gè)) 
    _____________________________________________________________________________________
3. From what Darryl Hazel said, what do we learn about working as an auto technician? (回答詞數(shù)不超過
   10個(gè)) 
    _____________________________________________________________________________________

     For many the idea of one day having your dream home is not buying a bigger home, but a home that you
have built by yourself. A house that is unique and fit for your tastes and your lifestyle. It sounds great but
where do you begin to design your dream home? Here is a quick guide that can help you make your dreams
come true.
     The first step is to get an idea of what type of home you want. You can get inspiration from others. Drive
around to neighborhoods that have the styles of homes that you like and take pictures. You can also cut out
pictures from magazines, newspapers, or print-out pictures you find on the Internet.
     The next step will be to make two lists of items for yourself. The first list will be those items or features
that you feel your new home must have, such as granite (花崗巖) counter tops or a hot water heater. The
second list will be those items or features that are on your wish list like a fireplace or slate (石板) floors.
     At this point you will probably have a good idea what your dream home will look like, so you will need to
seek some professional help. You will need to hire an architect to put your ideas down on paper. You may
need to interview a few different architects to find one that you are comfortable with. Make sure whomever
you choose to make the final drawings has a full understanding of local building codes and zoning by-laws
(地區(qū)議事程序).In any case your final plan will need to be approved by the city and a building permit must
be obtained before any construction can begin. It is time to look for a contractor (承包人). Whichever way
you do it, be sure you are comfortable with your contractor and you have gotten references from his past
clients (客戶). Remember the more homework you do in the beginning, the more enjoyable the process will be.

                                                           Title: 1_________

     Teen Dating can be fun if you are aware of its pros and cons and are also aware of the ways to protect
yourself. There are a couple of suggestions you would like to know before you are out for dating.
     Do not go out for dating with somebody whom you have seen only a few times and not known much
about.
     Before leaving for a date, know the exact plans for the evening and make sure a parent or a friend knows
these plans and what time to expect your home. Let your date know that you are expected to call or tell that
person when you get in.
     Similarly, if you leave party with someone you do not know well, make sure you tell another person you
are leaving and with whom. Ask a friend to call and make sure you arrive home safely.
     No matter how good the person appears to you, trust your inner instincts (直覺). If a situation makes
you uncomfortable, try to stay calm and think of a way to remove yourself from the situation without letting
your date realize what is going on in your mind.
     Be aware of your decreased ability to react under the influence of alcohol or drugs and keep yourself in
control when out for a date.
     Always stay firm, straightforward and clear in your relationships, thoughts, decisions and judgments.
Never let a doubt come to your mind or face when out for dating. If you are firm and clear in your
communication, your date will always be careful in dealing with you.
     You should think ahead about ways to be safe if you are in a dangerous or potentially (潛在) dangerous
relationship. Adults, like parents, teachers, counselors, can be trusted in such cases.

1. Which of the following is forbidden when dating according to the passage?

A. Knowing the plan for the evening.
B. Telling your parents about the date.
C. Going out for dating with a stranger.
D. Telling the person you date that your parents know about the date.

2. The underlined word "date" in the third paragraph might mean _____.

A. a time
B. a plan
C. a person
D. a place

3. If you feel uncomfortable,you should _____.

A. call your parents
B. leave as soon as possible
C. speak out what you are thinking
D. trust the person you're dating with

4. The best title for this passage might be _____.

A. Be Careful With Your Friends
B. Never Go Out Dating
C. Safety Measures For Teen Dating
D. Dating Out Is Always Dangerous

     Maybe ten-year-old Elizabeth put it best when she said to her father, "But, Dad, you can't be healthy if
you're dead."
     Dad, in a hurry to get home before dark so he could go for a run, had forgotten to wear his safety belt-a
mistake 75% of the US population make every day. The big question is why.
     There have been many myths (謬論) about safety belts ever since their first appearance m cars some
forty years ago. The following are three of the most common.
     Myth Number One: It's best to be "thrown clear" of a serious accident.
     Truth: Sorry, but any accident serious enough to "throw you clear" is also going to be serious enough
to give you a very bad landing. And chances are that you'll have traveled through a wind-shield (擋風(fēng)玻璃)
or door to do it. Studies show that chances of dying after a car accident are twenty-five times greater in
cases where people are "thrown clear".
     Myth Number Two: Safety belts "trap" people in cars that are burning or sinking in water.
     Truth: Sorry again but studies show that people knocked unconscious (昏迷) due to not wearing safety
belts have a greater chance of dying in these accidents. People wearing safety belts are usually protected to
the point of having a clear head to free themselves from such dangerous situations, not to be trapped in them.
     Myth Number Three: Safety belts aren't needed at speeds of less than 30 miles per hour.
     Truth: When two cars traveling at 30 mph hit each other, an unbelted driver would meet the windshield
with a force equal to diving head first into the ground from a height of 10 meters.

1. Why did Elizabeth say to her father "But, Dad, you can't be healthy if you're dead"?

A. He was driving at great speed.
B. He didn't have his safety belt on.
C. He was running across the street.
D. He didn't take his medicine on time.

2. The reason why Father was in a hurry to get home was that he _____.

A. wasn't feeling very well
B. hated to drive in the dark
C. wanted to take some exercise
D. didn't want to be caught by the police

3. According to the text, to be "thrown clear" of a serious accident is very dangerous because you _____.

A. may get seriously hurt being thrown out of the car
B. may be knocked down by other cars
C. may find it impossible to get away from the seat
D. may get caught in the car door

5. What is the advice given in the text?

A. Never drive faster than 30 miles an hour.
B. Never forget to wear a safety belt while driving.
C. Try your best to save yourself in a car accident.
D. Drive slowly while you're not wearing a safety belt.

     In a natural disaster-a hurricane, flood, volcanic eruption, or other catastrophes-minutes and even
seconds of warning can make the difference between life and death.Because of this, scientists are
working to use the latest technological advances to predict when and where disasters will happen. They
are also studying how best to analyze and communicate this information once it is obtained.
     On September 29, 1998, Hurricane Georges made landfall in Biloxi, Mississippi, after damaging Haiti,
the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and several islands of the Caribbean badly with torrential rains and
winds up to 160 km per hour.Few people lost their lives along the Gulf Coast of the United States, although
hundreds died in the Caribbean.
     This was a very different outcome from 1900, when a powerful Gulf Coast hurricane made an
unexpected direct hit on Galveston, Texas, killing at least 6,000 people.
     Vastly improved hurricane warnings explain the different circumstances at either end of the 20th
century--residents of Galveston had no advance warning that a storm was approaching, while residents
of Biloxi had been warned days in advance, allowing for extensive safety precautions (預(yù)防).
     At the same time that people in Biloxi were thankful for the advance warning, some residents of New
Orleans, Louisiana were less satisfied. A day before Georges made landfall, forecasters were predicting that
the hurricane had a good chance of striking New Orleans.Because much of New Orleans lies below sea
level, the city is at risk for flooding.Emergency management officials must begin evacuations (疏散) well
before a storm strikes. But evacuation costs money: businesses close, tourists leave, and citizens take
precautionary measures. The mayor of New Orleans estimated that his city' s preparations for Georges
cost more than 50 million. After Georges missed New Orleans, some residents questioned the value of the
hurricane forecasts in the face of such high costs.
     The different views on the early warnings for Hurricane Georges show some of the complexities related
to predicting disasters. Disaster prediction is a process of providing scientific information to the government
officials and other decision makers who must respond to those predictions.

1. What is the purpose of disaster prediction according to the passage?

A. To identify the cause of disasters.
B. To save people' s lives and property.
C. To prevent natural disasters from happening,
D. To apply advanced technology to disaster prediction.

2. Which of the following areas suffered the most severe damage?

A. Puerto Rico.
B. New Orleans.
C. Biloxi, Mississippi.
D. Galveston, Texas.

3. The city residents of New Orleans were unsatisfied because ___.

A. their preparations were made in vain
B. the hurricane warning arrived rather late
C. the forecast hurricane did not hit the city
D. they suffered from a heavy hurricane attack

4. What does the passage mainly talk about?

A. The different ways of disaster prediction.
B. Technological advances in disaster prediction.
C. The benefits and preparations of disaster prediction.
D. The importance and uncertainty of disaster prediction.

     If you plan to remain in the United States for any length of time, you will soon find 1_____ it too expensive
to stay in a hotel and will want to find another place to live. 2_____ As is true in cities very where in the world,
the 3_____ farther you live outside the city, generally the lower the rents will be. However, travelling to and 
4_____ from the city by bus, car or train may make it as expensive as living in the city. Naturally, it is easier to
join in the life of a city 5_____ if / when one is close to the center. 6_____ For this reason, you may prefer to
live as close to the center of the city as possible. Or, 7_____ you may prefer to rent a place for only a month or
two until you become more familiar with 8_____ the area.