阅读理解。 The fiddler crab (蟹) is a living clock. It indicates the time of day b

题型：0103 月考题难度：来源：

阅读理解。     The fiddler crab (蟹) is a living clock. It indicates the time of day by the colour of its skin, which is dark
by day and pale by night. The crab"s changing colour follows a regular twenty-four hour plan that exactly
matches the daily rhythm of the sun.
     Does the crab actually keep time, or does its skin simply answer to the sun"s rays, changing colour
according to the amount of light which strikes it? To find out, biologists kept crabs in a dark room for two
months. Even without daylight, the crab"s skin colour continued to change exactly on time.
     This characteristic probably developed gradually in answer to the daily rising and setting of the sun, to help
protect the crab from sunlight and enemies. After millions of years it has become completely controlled inside
the living body of the crab.
     The biologists noticed that once each day the colour of the fiddler crab is especially dark, and that each day
this happens fifty minutes later than on the day before. From this they discovered that each crab follows not
only the rhythm of the sun but also that of the tides (潮水). The crab"s period of greatest darkening is exactly
the time of low tide on the beach where it was caught! 1. The crab"s changing colour _____. [     ]
A. tells the crab what time it is
B. protects the crab from the sunlight and enemies
C. keeps the crab warm
D. is of no real use 2. When the fiddler crabs were kept in the dark, they _____. [     ]
A. did not change colour
B. changed colour more quickly
C. changed colour more slowly
D. changed colour on the same timetable 3. The crab"s colour-changing ability was probably developed _____. [     ]
A. in the process of evolution (进化)
B. over millions of years
C. by the work of biologists
D. both A and B 4. The best title for this selection would be _____. [     ]
A. The Sun and the Tides
B. Discoveries in Biology
C. A scientific Study
D. A Living Clock

答案

1-4: BDDD

举一反三

阅读理解。     Apparently, we are safe neither at home nor in the business office. We use water in both places, but the
research shows that chemicals added to our local water supply to kill harmful bacteria can have unwanted
side effects. These chemicals can cause potential harm through drinking and in seemingly harmless activities
as cleaning one"s house. They are released (set free) from water by daily actions like water running out of tap,
spraying from garden pipes, or splashing in dishwashers and washing machines. As the water is moving, these
chemicals are released into the air and then breathed in. Once inside our bodies, they start to affect our health.
     Does this mean we should stop bathing? No, say the scientists, but we should put all pollution into
perspective. Activities at home such as the burning of coal, cooking oil, or even candles release carbon
monoxide and particulates such as cigarette ashes which have been proven as harmful to health as working or
living near heavy traffic. New rugs, bedding, and even clothing give off that "new smell," which is a sure sign
of chemicals. In the office, newly applied paint, newly purchased telephones and other telecommunications
equipment, and computers release polluting chemicals, too. As offices and homes often have inadequate
ventilation (通风), these chemicals can build up to become health problems. Their poisonous effects are only
now being slowly recognized.
     These facts suggest that, at a minimum, proper airing of newly purchased goods with an obvious chemical
smell is a wise warning. Home and office windows should be opened during good weather. Evenone"s car
needs to be ventilated as well while in the garage.
     We need further research to understand better other potential health dangers, too. For example, the effects
of overcrowding of schools (carbon dioxide build-up), the factory work environment (an endless list of
potentially dangerous substances), and even home heating and cooling (the air conditioner may be our enemies,
not our friends) have only recently started to come to light. Until we understand the effects of our new
technological environment better, we can only hope that "there is no place like home." 1. What is the main idea of the first paragraph?[     ]
A. The air we breathe in is harmful.
B. The water in everyday use is unsafe.
C. Chemicals are added to the drinking water.
D. Chemicals are released in the running water. 2. In Paragraph 2, the underlined sentence means that _____. [     ]
A. bathing should be done with caution
B. homes and offices should be aired often
C. any pollution should be taken into consideration
D. we should prevent any pollution from doing harm to us 3. What is the purpose of the passage?[     ]
A. To call on us to guard our water.
B. To show us that no place is like home.
C. To make us aware of the pollution around us.
D. To argue that neither homes nor offices are safe.

题型：北京期中题难度：| 查看答案

阅读理解。     It is thought that crying is hardly an activity encouraged by society. Tears, whether they are of sorrow,
anger, or joy, typically make Americans feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. The shedder of tears (落泪者)
is likely to apologize, even when a great tragedy was the cause. The observer of tears is likely to do everything
possible to put an end to the emotional tears. But judging from recent studies of crying behavior, both those
responses to tears are often inappropriate and may even be counterproductive (适得其反).
     Humans are the only animals clearly known to shed emotional tears. Since evolution has given rise to few
purposeless physiological responses, it is logical to assume that crying has one or more functions that enhance
(increase) survival.
     Although some observers have suggested that crying is a way to ask for assistance from others (as a crying
baby might from its mother), the shedding of tears is hardly necessary to get help. Loud cries would have been
quite enough, more likely than tears to gain attention. So, it appears, there must be something special about tears
themselves.
     Indeed, the new studies suggest that emotional tears may play a direct role in reducing stress. University of
Minnesota researchers who are studying the chemical composition of tears have recently separated two
important chemicals from emotional tears. Both chemicals are found only in tears that are shed in response to
emotion. Tears shed because of exposure to cut onion would contain no such substance.
     Other researchers are mvestigating the usefulness of tears as a means of making a careful examination of
human ills and monitoring drugs. At Tulane University"s Tear Analysis Laboratory, Dr. Peter Kastl and his
colleagues report that they can use tears to detect drug abuse, to study the causes of "dry eye" syndrome (综合
症) and the effects of eye surgery, and perhaps even to measure exposure to environmental pollutants. 1. What does the phrase "both those responses" in Paragraph l refer to? [     ]
A. Crying out of sorrow and shedding tears for happiness.
B. The embarrassment and unpleasant feeling of the observers.
C. The tear shedder"s apology and the observer"s effort to stop the crying.
D. Linking illness with crying and finding the chemical composition of tears. 2. From the passage we can infer that _____. [     ]
A. it is natural for people to shed tears
B. we can reduce our stress by shedding tears
C. shedders of tears can"t get help by crying loudly
D. unlike animals, humans can shed tears for survival 3. What does the passage mainly talk about? [     ]
A. Roles of emotional tears.
B. Functions of shedding tears.
C. Unwelcome shedders of tears.
D. Research on the effects of tears.

题型：北京期末题难度：| 查看答案

阅读理解。Dear College Dean,
     It is my understanding that this college has received a large donation to be used to enhance (improve) the
quality of life for students: expand the bookstore or add computers to the computer lab. It is the tradition of
this school to promote education and to be the pioneer of new technology. That is why I strongly argue in
favor of the addition of more computers to the computer lab.
     Although expanding the campus bookstore to include CDs, gifts, and a snack bar will give a nicer look to
the college, we have to think about a greater goal and a more practical way to enhance the quality of life for
students. What do we want for our students and our college? Do we want our college to be known as a place
with a great bookstore where you can find CDs and gifts, or as a place where the students can explore and
research in their field using the best tools provided by technology? In addition, there are already several snack
bars on campus, and there are music stores nearby, so students do not depend on the college bookstore for
these things.
     We live in a highly technological world and computers play an increasing"y important role in how we live.
As a learning institution, this college has the responsibility to offer its students the best technology to help them
prcpare for their future. Many students will be expecting to be familiar with the latest software and other tools
when they go on to work or to graduate school.
     While they are in college, students find they are expected to use computers. Many professors expect
students to use computers to do homework or to complete projects. Since students are competing for good
grades, those who have limited access to computers are at a great disadvantage. Furthermore, being able to do
projects using the computer enhances the process of leaming.
     If there are more computers, no more will students have to wait in line while scanning the room for an
empty chair and computer. No longer will they have to sit and wait while an outdated computer struggles to
follow their commands. Having more new and faster computers available will enable students to finish their
work more quickly.
     The more computers are used in society, the more colleges will depend on them as a tool of teaching and
learning. Making computers more available to students facilitates their learning process by making the process
casier, more interesting, more engaging, and in the process enhancing their quality of life. 1. The purpose of the author in writing the passage is _____.[     ]
A. to describe the problems caused by lack of computers
B. to explain why students are in great need of computers
C. to tell us what benefits students can gain from computers
D. to persuade the Dean to purchase more advanced computers 2. From the passage we can infer that _____. [     ]
A. present computers in the college cannot meet the demands of the students
B. computers in the college will be updated to meet the students" demands soon
C. the college has the responsibility to help the students to prepare for their future
D. it is also necessary to expand the college bookstore by using part of the donation 3. In paragraph 4, the author mainly wants to tell us that _____. [     ]
A. computers are beneficial to students" academic success
B. computers are helpful to students" competition for success
C. students find it convenient to do assignments by using computers
D. students wish to use the money to buy more advanced computers 4. Which of the following shows the organization of the passage? [     ]
A.

题型：北京期末题难度：| 查看答案

根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。                                                             SELF STUDY TIPS
     However difficult you find it to arrange your time, it will pay off in the long run if you set aside a certain
part of the day for studying-and stick to it. 1_____. But don"t forget to make sure that you have enough left
for recreational activities or simply to be "with" yourself; reading a novel or watching a television programme.
     As part of your weekly schedule, it is also advisable to consider exactly what you have to do in that week,
and make sure that you handle the"most significant tasks first. 2_____.
     On a physical level, make sure you have an area or space for studying. 3_____. If you always study in the
same place: preferably a room of your own, you will find it easier to adjust mentally to the activity when you
enter that area. You should have everything that you might need at hand.
     Make sure that all the physical equipment that you use, such as a desk, chair etc. is at good height for you.
If you use a personal computer, there are plenty of guidelines available from the government on angles, lighting
and the like. 4_____.
     If you are working on topic your teacher has set, but finding it hard to concentrate, it may be that you
actually need to take your mind right off it for 8 period of time. 5_____. After a period away from the task,
having not thought about it at all, you may return to it refreshed and full of ideas. A. It"s wise to leave the easier or less urgent areas of your work until later
B. It"s all too easy to read something and then forget where it came from
C. Consult these and avoid the typical student aches and pains
D. "Airing the mind" can work wonders sometimes
E. Make use of equipment that is available to you
F. It is best to make a weekly schedule
G. Don"t do it just anywhere

题型：北京模拟题难度：| 查看答案

阅读理解。     Every baby born a decade from now will have its genetic code (基因编码) mapped at birth, the head of
the worlds" leading genome sequencing (基因图谱) company has predicted.
     A complete DNA read-out for every newborn will be technically possible and affordable in less than five
years, promising a revolution in healthcare, says Jay Flatley, the chief executive of Illumina. Only social and
legal problems are likely to delay the age of "genome sequences," or genetic profiles. By 2019 it will have
become routine to map infants" genes when they are born, Dr Flatley told The Times.
     This will open a new approach to medicine, by which conditions such as high blood pressure and heart
disease can be predicted and prevented and drugs used more safely and effectively.
     A baby"s genome can be discovered at birth by a blood test. By examining a person"s genome, it is possible
to identify raised risks of developing diseases such as cancers. Those at high risk can then be screened more
regularly, or given drugs or dietary advice to lower their chances of becoming ill.
     Personal genomes could also be used to ensure that patients get the medicine that is most likely to work
for them and least likely to have side-effects.
     The development, however, will raise legal concerns about privacy and access to individuals" genetic
records.
     "Bad things can be done with the genome. It could predict something about someone-and you could
possibly hand the information to their employer or their insurance company," said Dr Flatley.
     "People have to recognize that this horse is out of the barn, and that your genome probably can"t be
protected, because everywhere you go you leave your genome behind. Complete genetic privacy, however,
is unlikely to be possible", he added.
     As the benefits become clearer, however, he believes that most people will want their genomes read and
interpreted. The risk is nothing compared with the gain. 1. In the first two paragraphs, the author mainly wants to tell us about _____. [     ]
A. the significant progress in medicine
B. the promise of a leading company
C. the information of babies" genes
D. the research of medical scientists 2. Which of the following is a problem caused by this approach? [     ]
A. The delaying in discovering DNA.
B. The risk of developing diseases at birth.
C. The side-effects of medicine on patients.
D. The letting out of personal genetic information. 3. What does the underlined sentence "... this horse is out of the barn" mean? [     ]
A. Genetic mapping technique has been widely used.
B. Genetic mapping technique is too horrible to control.
C. People are eager to improve genetic mapping technique.
D. People can"t stop genetic mapping technique advancing. 4. What"s Dr Flatley"s attitude towards the technology? [     ]
A. Tolerant.
B. Conservative.
C. Positive.
D. Doubtful.

题型：北京模拟题难度：| 查看答案