China's giant panda shows the achievement of the international effort to save animals that are now in danger. In television programmes we often see pandas playing funny games. Children have panda toys and beautiful
cards with pictures of lovely pandas in them. They often visit the giant pandas in the zoo on their holiday and
have a good time there.
     However, scientists are worried about the future of giant pandas. They know only about 1,000 giant pandas
remain alive today. They think the giant panda will die out in 30 years if the present conditions are not improved.
      It is reported that the giant pandas have a very low birthrate. About 115 pandas live in zoos and research
centers mainly in China, but during the past ten years they produced only 34 young pandas that are still alive.
Survival rate for giant pandas in the wild are probably the same or lower. There are several reasons for the low
birthrate. The main reason is that male pandas can make love with females in a very short season, only a few
days a year. When they do have babies, females often produce two pandas, but the mother is usually not able to care for both of them. The new-born pandas weigh only a few grams each. They are too weak to live without
special care. In the zoo, scientists can help the mothers care for the young pandas, but those living in the wild
do not get enough help. It is very difficult for mother pandas to bring up their young pandas.
     Conditions for the giant pandas have been worse in recent years. Pandas in China continue to reduce in
number. We know pandas live on bamboos. But sometimes all the bamboos in one area die. The pandas there
have nothing to eat and die of hunger.
     Giant pandas now live in thirteen separate protected areas in China. Several years ago the Chinese
government and the International Wild Life Organization agreed on a project of protecting giant pandas in the
wild. We hope it could be helpful.

1. What does the writer think of the giant pandas?

A. They are funny.
B. They are dirty.
C. They are lovely.
D. They are naughty.

2. According to this passage we know most of the giant pandas live _____.

A. in the wild all over the world
B. in the zoos and research centers
C. in the area where there are plenty of bamboos for them to eat
D. in thirteen separate protected areas in our country

3. Scientists are worried about the future of the giant pandas because _____.

A. sometimes all of the bamboos die in the area where the giant pandas live and they have nothing to eat
B. giant pandas that still live in the wild can not get enough help from humans
C. only a small number of giant pandas remain alive today and their birth rate is too low
D. male and female giant pandas often refuse to make love in the right season

4. The low survival rate of young giant pandas has much to do with the fact that ______.

A. mother pandas are usually unable to take care of both young pandas born
B. female pandas are able to have baby pandas only in a special time
B. young pandas weigh only a few grams each and they are too weak
D. male and female pandas often refuse to have babies in the right time

5. If the present conditions are not improved, giant pandas in the world will disappear _____.

A. in less than a few years
B. in thirteen years
C. in thirty years
D. in the twenties

     1970 was World Conservation (保護(hù)) Year. The United Nations wanted everyone to know that the world
was in danger. They hoped that governments would act quickly in order to conserve nature. Here is one
example of the problem. At one time there were 1, 300 different plants, trees and flowers in Holland, but now
only 866 remain. The others have been destroyed by a modern man and his technology. We were changing the
earth, the air and water, and everything that grows lives. We can't live without these things. If we continue like
this, we shall destroy ourselves.
     What will happen in the future? Perhaps it is more important to Ask "What must we do now?" The people
who will be living in the world of tomorrow are the young of today. A lot of them know that conservation is
necessary. Many are helping to save our world. They plant trees, build bridges across rivers in forests, and so
on. In a small town in the United States a large group of girls cleaned the banks of 11 kilometers of their rivers. Young people may hear about conservation through a record called "No one's going to change our world". It
was made by the Beatles, Cliff Richard and other singers. The money from it will help to conserve wild animals.

1. There are few plants, trees and flowers in Holland now because _____.

A. there has been a lot of conservation in Holland
B. Holland does not need so many plants, trees and flowers
C. many plants, trees and flowers are dangerous
D. many plants, trees and flowers do not grow there any more

2. "No one's going to change our world" was _____. 

A. an important book published in 1970
B. an idea that nobody would accept
C. a record calling all people to conserve nature
D. a rule worked out by the United States

3. What is the most important thing to save our world?

A. We should plant more trees and flowers.
B. We should clean the banks of our rivers.
C. We should know what would happen in the future.
D. We should know what we must do and begin to do now.

     We already know the fastest, least expensive way to slow climate change: Use less energy. With a little
effort, and not much money, most of us could reduce our energy diets by 25 percent or more-doing the
Earth a favor while also helping our wallets. Not long ago, my wife, PJ, and I tried a new diet-not to lose a
little weight but to answer an annoying question about climate change. Scientists have reported recently that
the world is heating up even faster than predicted only a few years ago, and that the consequences could be
severe if we don' t keep reducing emissions (排放) of carbon dioxide( CO2) and other greenhouse gases that
are trapping heat in our atmosphere.
     We decided to try an experiment. For one month we recorded our personal emissions of CO2. We wanted
to see how much we could cut back, so we went on a strict diet. The average US household (家庭) produces
about 150 pounds of CO2 a day by doing common-place things like turning on air-conditioning or driving cars.
That's more than twice the European average and almost five times the global average, mostly because
Americans drive more and have bigger houses. But how much should we try to reduce?
     For an answer, I checked with Tim Flannery, author of The Weather Makers: How Man Is Changing the
Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth. In his book, he had challenged readers to make deep cuts in
personal emissions to keep the world from reaching extremely important tipping points, such as the melting
(融化) of the ice sheets in Greenland or West Antarctica."To stay below that point, we need to reduce CO2
emissions by 80 percent." he said.
     Good advice, I thought. I' d opened our bedroom windows to let in the wind. We' d gotten so used to
keeping our air-conditioning going around the clock. I' d almost forgotten the windows even opened. We
should not let this happen again. It' s time for us to change our habits if necessary.

It can be inferred from the passage that _____.

A. it is necessary to keep the air-conditioning on all the time
B. it seems possible for every household to cut emissions of CO2
C. the average US household produces about 3,000 pounds of CO2 a month
D. the average European household produces about 1, 000 pounds of CO2 a month

     You can be proud of yourselves, even if you can only make one or two of these green changes. The
goal here is to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which are closely associated with the big
problem of global-warming.
     Strategy 1:Bring your own cup to Starbucks.
     You'll get a 10-cent discount, and it's one less paper cup to end up in a dustbin.
     The store won't create more waste when they throw away a cup.
     Strategy 2:Tum off your computer.
     When in standby mode, your PC is still using energy.
     Turning off a monitor for 40 hours a week may only save $ 5 a month, but it reduces CO2 by 750 pounds!
     Strategy 3:Reuse plastic bags.
     Instead of throwing away 100 billion plastic bags a year, try and get a second, third, or tenth use out of them. Better yet, next time you shop, try a reusable bag.
     You're reducing pollution. The amount of oil it would take to make just 14 plastic bags would run your car
for one mile.
     Strategy 4: Use recycled paper in the bathroom.
     Most of the toilet paper we use is made from trees found in forests previously untouched by humans.
     If every household replaced one roll of toilet paper with a recycled one, 424, 000 trees would still be
standing. Look for eco-paper towels too.
     Strategy 5: Buy energy-efficient appliances (電器).
     Replace the old fridge with an Energy Star appliance and you'll use 15 percent less energy. It might be a
little expensive to buy, but you'll save money on your electricity bills and help the environment.
     If we all used one Energy Star appliance at home, it would be like planting 1. 7 million acres of new trees.
     Strategy 6 Plant a tree.
     Adding green to your garden is beautiful and earth-pleasing.
     Just one tree will help make cleaner air and save the environment from 5,000 pounds of hot carbon dioxide
each year.

1. What is the best title for the passage?

A. Strategies to save money
B. Ways to be earth-friendly
C. Strategies to end global-warming
D. Ways to limit carbon dioxide

2. According to the writer, what will happen if our PC is switched off when not in use?

A. It will help to save a large amount of money.
B. It will help to reduce a great deal of CO2.
C. It will save the amount of oil that runs your car for a mile.
D. It will be like planting 1.7 million acres of new trees.

3. Which strategies suggest recycling or reuse of things?

A. Strateges 1＆3.
B. Strategies 2&5.
C. Strategies 3&6.
D. Strategies 4&5.

4. What benefits do these strategies have in common?

A. They all help reduce the use of energy like electricity.
B. They all cut down the amount of the use of paper.
C. They all result in producing less greenhouse gases.
D. They all aid to preserve our trees and forest.

     Remember how great exercise was when you were a little kid? Back then, racing around the playground
or skipping rope for hours, you weren't thinking fitness, you were thinking entertainment. But in this age of
high-tech home equipment and underused gym member-ships, the simple joy of jumping rope has been
forgotten. Rediscove ring' it will give you a total-body exercise you can find.
      Although considered as an excellent form of exercise, jumping rope has never gained widespread
acceptance because of two funda mental reasons. First, most people recognize jumping rope as an ex-cellent
form of cardiovascular (心血管的) exercise, but they also believe that it is simply too difficult. In other words,
they don't think they'll be able to continue jumping for the near 20 minutes that it takes to achieve a beneficial
physical outcome. Second, many view it as somewhat boring and overly repetitive not as something fun or
enjoyable.
     As a matter of fact, jumping rope can be great fun if you find a proper way to practice it. Instead of doing
the usual two-foot bounce over and over again, people good at rope-jumping often change their pattern every
10 or 20 jumps. A single bounce, a double bounce, a skip, a knee-up, side swings, as well as a variety of other
easy-to- learn free-style rope-jumping.
     Now researchers are learning that jumping rope also prepares the brain for learning. It is an exercise
allowing both brain hemi- spheres to perform in parallel to each other. In short, jumping rope can be a life-long
activity requiring little equipment, time and space, yet leading to a much healthier life.

1. From the first paragraph we learn that _____.

A. jumping rope has faded from people's memories
B. people now have more advanced equipment
C. racing around the playground was preferred
D. people now like to have exercise in a gym

2. Rope-jumping has not spread widely because _____ .

A. it benefits the cardiovascular system
B. it is neither easy nor enjoyable
C. it is considered boring and repetitive
D. it requires little equipment, time and space

3. The first sentence in the 3rd paragraph implies _____.

A. there is only one proper way to follow
B. the usual way should not be used
C. the easiest way is always the best
D. there are many ways to follow

4. According to the researchers, jumping rope _____.

A. only prepares the brain for learning
B. is suitable for students only
C. helps both brain hemispheres work together
D. can be dangerous for old people

     Climate scientists hit back at disbelievers yesterday with a new study which brought about the evidence
for man-made global war ming was"stronger than ever".
     After analyzing more than 100 scientific papers published in the last few years, a team of British
researchers say there is an"in creasingly small possibility" that the world is warming up because of natural
variations (變動(dòng)) in climate.
     Instead, man-made global warming-caused by the burning of fossil fuels-is making its mark on every
continent and ocean, they say.
     The studies used computer models to see whether changes in air temperature, sea ice, sea temperature,
wetness, rainfall and ocean saltiness recorded in the last 50 years could be explained by nature.
     Since 1980,the average global temperature has increased by around0.5℃,they found. The same warming
pattern was also found deep in the world's oceans.
     Natural forces such as volcanic eruptions and returning chan ges in the brightness of the sun could not
explain what was happen- ing to the world's climate, Dr Stott said.
     The sun's output had actually fallen over the last 50 years, he said.
     Even if the sun had got warmer over the last few decades-as some skeptics say-both the upper and lower
layers of the atmos phere should have got hotter.
     However, in the last 50 years the lower atmosphere has warmed while the upper atmosphere has actually
cooled, Dr Stott said.
     Drier parts of the world are getting drier, while wetter areas are getting more rain-a finding in agreement
with man-made climate change, the report found.
     And the amount of mid summer sea ice in the Arctic is also declining over time-even with the natural
yearly variations, the study found.
     The study comes along with growing public doubt about climate change.

1. With enough evidence the climate scientists prove _____.

A. global warming is disappearing recently
B. mankind isn't to blame for global warming
C. mankind is to blame for global warming
D. global warming will disappear sooner or later

2. What caused the global warming according to the British researchers?

A. Frequent volcanic eruptions across the world.
B. The increase of the brightness of the sun.
C. The warming pattern of the world's oceans.
D. The burning of fossil fuels by the human being.

3. The underlined word "skeptics" in Paragraph 8 refers these people who_____.

A. believe that mankind is to blame for global warming
B. believe global warming will disappear sooner or later
C. doubt the global warming will disappear sooner or later
D. doubt the global warming is caused by humankind

4. What can we infer from the last sentence of the passage?

A. The study has made the public live in a terrible dream at present.
B. Many people don't believe the study of the British researchers now.
C. The public have been used to the climate changes these years.
D. The result of the study comes from the opinions of the public.

     There is an English saying, "Laughter is the best medicine." Until recently, few people took the saying
seriously. Now however, doctors have begun to look into laughter and the effects it has on the human body.
They have found that laughter really can improve people's health.
     Tests were carried out to study the effects of laughter on the body. People watched funny films while
doctors checked their heart, blood pressure, breathing and muscles. It was found that laughter has similar
effects to physical exercise. It increases blood pressure, makes the heart beat quicker and makes people
breathe deeper; it also works several groups of muscles in the face, the stomach, and even the feet. If laughter
exercises the body, it must be beneficial.
     Other tests have shown that laughter appears to be able to reduce the effect of pain on the body. In one
experiment doctors produced pain in groups of students who listened to different radio programmes. The
group that tolerated (忍耐) the pain for the longest time was the group which listened to a funny programme.
The reason why laughter can reduce pain seems to be that it helps to produce a kind of chemical in the brain
which diminishes both stress and pain.
     As a result of these discoveries, some doctors in the United States now hold laughter clinics, in which they
help to improve their patients'condition by encouraging them to laugh. They have found that even if their
patients do not really feel like laughing, making them smile is enough to produce beneficial effects similar to
those caused by laughter.

1. Doctors have proved the following except that ________.

A. smiling does good to health
B. laughter can be tolerated
C. there is a way to reduce pain
D. laughter can work the muscles in the feet

2. The main idea of the passage is ________.

A. laughter and physical exercises have similar effects on the human body
B. smile can produce the same effects as laughter
C. pain can be reduced by laughter
D. laughter is best medicine

3. The underlined word"diminish" is similar to________.

A. test
B. stop
C. reduce
D. increase

4. Doctors hold laughter clinics _____.

A. to give better condition to their patients
B. in order to improve patients' health
C. to make patients smile
D. to prove smile and laughter have the same effect

     People believe that climbing can do good to health. Where can you learn the skill of climbing then? If you
think that you have to go to the mountains to learn how to climb, you're wrong. Many Americans are learning
to climb in city gyms (體育館). Here, people are learning on climbing. The climbing wall goes straight up and
small holding places for hands and feet.
     How do people climb the wall? To climb, you need special shoes and (保護(hù)帶) around your chest to hold
you. There are ropes (繩索) tied to your. The ropes hold you in place so that you don't fall. A beginner's wall
is usually about 15 feet high, and you climb straight up. There are small pieces of metal that stick out for you
to stand on and hold on to. Sometimes it's easy to see the new piece of metal. Sometimes, it's not. The most
difficult is an your fear. It's normal for humans to be afraid of falling, so it's difficult not to feel fear. But when
you move away from the wall, the and the ropes hold you, and you begin to feel safe. You move slowly until
you reach the top.
     Climbing attracts people because it's good exercise for almost everyone. You use your whole body,
especially your arms and legs. This sport gives your body a complete workout. When you climb, both your
mind and your body can become stronger.

1. What can we infer from the passage?

A. People are fairly interested in climbing nowadays.
B. It is impossible to build up one's body by climbing.
C. People can only learn the skill of climbing outdoors.
D. It is always easy to see holding places in climbing.

2. The most difficult thing to do in wall climbing is _____.

A. to tie ropes to your
B. to control your fear
C. to move away from the wall
D. to climb straight up

3. The word "workout" underlined in the last paragraph most probably means _____.

A. settlement
B. exercise
C. excitement
D. tiredness

4. Why does the author write this passage?

A. To tell people where to find gyms.
B. To prove the basic need for climbing.
C. To encourage people to climb mountains.
D. introduce the sport of wall climbing.

     As everybody knows, tourism plays an important part in the development of a country's economy, the life
of the nation and international cooperation. Individually, it can enlarge our personal perspective and knowledge,
and make us feel good.
     However, tourism can also lead to pollution and the destruction of places of interest, which is difficult to
avoid.
     Fortunately, "Green Tourism" is now being promoted and developed all over the world. As time goes by,
people will begin to realize the importance of these places of interest. "Green Tourism" teaches people to love
nature more and to consciously protect it by enjoying its beautiful scenery and learning more about it. "Green
Tourism" is the best kind of tourism as its purpose is to appreciate and research natural environments including
wild plants and animals, and of course the cultures of many places.
     Compared with traditional tourism, the main characteristic (特色) of "Green Tourism" is learning more
about nature and people. Traditionally, people travel the world to amuse themselves and pass time pleasantly.
But "Green Tourists" are different. They travel because they are attracted by the characteristics of protected
areas. They want to make good use of natural resources but not use them up. For example, they research the
wildlife, the culture and the customs or a place so that they can learn more about the history and value of the
area.
     In short, "Green Tourism" has a purpose and a plan, but not to pollute or destroy our places of interest.

1. What would be the best title for the text?

A. Green Tourism
B. The Difference between Green Tourism and Traditional Tourism
C. Travel Habits Are Changing
D. How to Have a Good Journey

2. The underlined word "promoted" in the third paragraph probably means ____.

A. raised
B. pushed
C. encouraged
D. advanced

3. Which of the following is NOT the difference between Green Tourism and Traditional Tourism?

A. Green Tourism can enlarge people's personal perspective and knowledge and make them feel good.
B. The main characteristic of Green Tourism is learning more about nature and people.
C. Traditional tourism is to amuse people themselves and make them pass time pleasantly.
D. Traditional tourism can lead to more pollution and the destruction of places of interest than Green Tourism.

4. From the passage we know that the author is most probably ____.

A. a supporter of tourism
B. a supporter of Traditional Tourism
C. a supporter of Green Tourism
D. a lover of tourism

     Feeling tired lately? Has the doctor said he can't find anything wrong with you? Perhaps he sent you to a
hospital, but all the advanced equipment there shows that there is nothing wrong.
     Then consider this, you might be in a state of sub-health (亞健康).
     Sub-health, also called the third state or grey state, is explained as an indefinite (不確定的) state between
health and disease. According to an investigation by the National Health Organization, over 45 percent of sub-
health people are middle-aged or elderly. The percentage is even higher among people who work in management
position as well as students around exams.
     Symptoms (癥狀) include a lack of energy, depression, slow reaction, insomnia, worries and poor memory.
Other symptoms include shortness of breath, sweating and aching on the waist and legs.
     The key to preventing and recovering from sub-health, according to some medical experts, is to form good
living habits, alternate (交替) work with rest, exercise regularly, and take part in open air activities.
     As for meals, people are advised to eat less salt and sugar. They should eat more fresh vegetables, fruits and
fish, because they are rich in nutritional elements-vitamins and tiny elements-those are important to the body.
     Nutrition experts point out that it is not good to eat too much at one meal because it may cause unhealthy
changes in the digestive tract. They also say that a balanced diet is _____.

1. What is the best title of the passage? (Please answer within 10 words.)
    _______________________________________________________________________________________
2. Which sentence in the passage can be replaced by the following one? If you feeling weak, depressed, have
    a slow reaction, poor memory and can't sleep well, you are most likely to have suffered sub-health.
    _______________________________________________________________________________________
3. Please fill in the blank with proper words or phrases. (Please answer within 10 words.)
    _______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Which of the suggestions do you think is the most important? Why? (Please answer within 30 words.) 
    _______________________________________________________________________________________
5. Translate the underlined sentence in the first paragraph into Chinese. 
    _______________________________________________________________________________________