American cities are similar to other cities around the world: American cities are changing, just as American society is changing. After World War Two, the population of most large American cities decreased; however, the population in many Sun Belt cities increase. Los Angeles and Houston are cities where population shifts (轉(zhuǎn)移) to and from the city reflect the changing values of American society. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, city residents became weathier. They moved out of their apartments in the city to buy their own homes. They bought houses in the suburbs (郊區(qū)).

     Now things are changing. The children of the people who left the cities in the 1950s are now adults. Many, unlike their parents, want to live in the cities. They continue to move to Sun Belt cities and older ones of the Northeast and Midwest. Many young professionals are moving back into the city. They prefer the city to the suburbs because their jobs are there; or they just enjoy the excitement and possiblilies that the city offers.

     This population shift is bringing problems as well as benefits. Countless poor people must leave their apartments in the city because the owners want to sell the buildings or make apartments for sale instead of for rent. In the 1950s, many poor people did not have enough meney to move to the suburbs; now many of these same people do not have enough money to stay in the cities.

     Only a few years ago, people thought that the older American cities were dying. Some city residents now see a bright, new future. Others see only problems and conflicts. One thing is sure:many dying cities are alive again.

What does the author think of cities all over the world?

    A. They are alive.                                      B. They are hopeless.  

C. They are similar.                    D. They are different.

Why did American city residents want to live in the suburbs after World War Two?

   A. Because older American cities were dying.

   B. Because they were richer and needed more space.

   C. Because cities contained the worst parts of society.

   D. Because they could hardly afford to live in the city.

According to the 4^th paragraph, a great many poor people in American cities             .

   A. are faced with housing problems                     B. are forced to move to the suburbs

   C. want to sell their buildings             D. need more money for daily expenses

We can conclude from the text that            .

   A. American cities are changing for the worse

   B. people have different views on American cities

   C. many people are now moving from American cities

   D. the population is decreasing in older American cities

—How was the weather then?

—Hardly ______ off the plane when it started to rain.

A.I had stepped      B.had I stepped    C.I stepped           D.did I step

Why didn't you tell me there was no meeting today? I       all the way here through the heavy snow.

    A．needn't have driven               B．can't have driven

C．mustn't have driven                 D．shouldn't have driven

  go straight on to university, why not get some work experience first?

      A. Rather than        B. More than

      C. Other than         D. Better than

--- -When did he get his first novel published?

---- It was in 2008 ____  he was still in high school.

A. that           B. since          C. when         D. which

Self-esteem(自尊心)is all about how much we feel valued,accepted and thought well of by others---and how much we value,love and accept ourselves.Poeple with healthy self-esteem are able to feel good about themselves,appreciate their own worth,and take pride in their abilities,skills,and accomplishments with others,feel happier,find it easier to deal with low self-esteem may feel as if no one will like them or accept them or that they can’t do well in anything.

Here are some steps that may help improve your self-esteem:

Try to stop     Try to thinking about negative thoughts about yourself.If you’re used to focusing on your shortcomings,start thinking about positive aspects of yourself that outwheigh them .Each day,write down three things about yourself that make you happy.it is good to aim high,but your goals should be within reach.That’s why you should set pratical goals and never expect the impossible.Mistakes are part of learning,so view mistakes as learning opportunities.Accept that you will make mistakes because everyone does.Also, you should recognize what you can change and what you can’t.if you realize that you’re unhappy with something about yourself that you can change, then start today.If it’s something you can’t change(like your height),then start to work toward loving yourself the way you are.Feeling like you’re making a difffference and that your help is valued can do wonders to improve self-esteem.So don’t hesitate to make a contribution.Help a classmate who’s having trouble,help clean up your campus,or volunteer your time in some other way.

Self-esteem plays a role in almost everything you do.It’s never to be late to build healthy positive self-esteem.It takes some work,but healthy self-esteem is an asset you’ll have for life.

What does the author mainly want to tell us in this passage?

A.Self-esteem plays an important role in life.

B.What self-esteem means

C.How people can improve their self-esteem.

D.What people with healthy self-esteem are like.

The  underlined word “them” in paragagh 3 refers to_____.

A.negative thoughts         B.your shortcomings

C.positive aspects          D.your goals

According to the passage,which of the following can help you improve your self-esteem?

A.Setting high goals.

B.Never forgiving yourself for your mistakes.

C.Changing all the things that make you upset.

D.Lending a hand to a classmate in trouble.

How many ways to improve your self self-esteem are given in this passage?

A.4             B.5           C.6          D.7

  Health is the most important thing in the world. Nothing is more important than health. If we take away our money, houses, cars, or even our clothes,we can still survive.__ ___ That is why we always try to eat in a healthy way and exercise regularly.

   How can we keep healthy? In order to eat healthily, I usually avoid eating food high in fat,like French fries or cookies,which are junk foods. ____ I eat a lot of vegetables and fresh fruit which are full of vitamins.

   _____ Taking exercise every day helps us build a strong body. Regular exercise is an important part of keeping me healthy.

   What’s more, I think friends are an important part of one’s health.__ __ I always feel better when I am with friends than when I am alone. When I am with my friends, I always laugh. Laughing is also an important part of health. It is good to stay with my friends.

   By eating properly and exercising regularly, I can keep my body at a proper weight and keep healthy.By spending time with my friends,I can keep my mind as well as my body happy. These things sound easy to do, but not many people can manage them.__ ___

A. On the other hand, doing exercise is very important.

There are some people who like staying alone, but they keep healthy.

Many studies show that people with a narrow range of social contacts don’t get sick.

But if our health was taken away, it is certain that we would surely die.

I only eat little meat.

I think a strong will is necessary if we want to keep healthy.

G. Some people appear fat because they often eat too much.

They are of _____ height, but I think Mary ____ the job.

 A.equally,is equal B.equal, is equal to Ｃ．equal, equals D.equally, is equaled

In a family, ______ really works is ____ there is one person who understands the finances and takes care of it.

A. that; what                        B. what; that         

C. it; that                             D. as; that

---Is John coming by train?

  --- He should, but he _______ not. He likes driving his car.

A. must      B. can      C. need      D. may