英语 热门试卷

“Tommy, run! Be quick! The house is on fire!” the mother shouted, with ______ clearly in her voice.

I agree to his suggestion ______ the condition that he drops all charges.

Claire had her luggage ______ an hour before her plane left.

There is little doubt in your mind that he is innocent, ______?

More highways have been built in China, ______ it much easier for people to travel from one place to another.

第一节：单项填空（共15个小题，每小题1分，满分15分）

    从A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。

－I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, but may I use your phone? It’s rather urgent.

－Yes, ______.

－Excuse me, ______?

－That’s $35.76 altogether, madam.

Some insects ______ the colour of their surroundings to protect themselves.

I’d prefer to ______ my judgement until I find all the evidence.

Planning so far ahead ______ no sense – so many things will have changed by next year.

It was 80 years before Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic ______ Zheng He had sailed to East Africa.

第二部分 阅读理解（共20个小题，每小题2.5分，满分50分）

    阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。

                                A

Bayside Technical College 5th Annual Exploring Science Career Day Saturday, May 17

        Exploring Science Career Day (E.S.C.D.) will give Bayside Middle School students a chance to explore the different careers available in the field of science.

        In the morning, students will take part in hands-on science activities. Then in the afternoon, the students will gather for a question-and-answer session with scientists.

        Welcome – 7:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. Brown Student Center (located in the Dining Hall)

        Students will gather and meet.

        Science Activites – 8 a.m. – 12 noon Benson Building

        The students will be divided into four groups which will rotate (轮流) among the four science demonstrations each hour.

        1.Biology Room 102

        Students will test water samples from various local sources to determine the acid levels and guess what might cause differences in the acid levels.

        2.Mechanical Engineering Room 104

        Students will build simple wooden bridges and test how much weight their designs can stand.

        3.Computer Science Room 203

        Students will visit the computer lab to study computer programs and printouts (打印输出).

        4.Geology (地质学) Room 213

        Using descriptions, students will classify and identify different kinds of rocks.

        Lunch – 12 noon – 1 p.m. Students will eat in the Dining Hall. They may either buy a lunch or bring their own.

        Question-and-Answer Session – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Brown Student Center

        The scientists who will be available to answer questions include a computer programmer, electrical engineer, pharmacist (药剂师), a research biologist, and veterinarian (兽医).

        Wrap-up Session – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Brown Student Center

        The students will have a chance to look through some displays and to review available materials about science programs. The students will also have opportunities to visit with scientists and the college staff.

What will students do in the morning during E.S.C.D.?

                                A

Bayside Technical College 5th Annual Exploring Science Career Day Saturday, May 17

        Exploring Science Career Day (E.S.C.D.) will give Bayside Middle School students a chance to explore the different careers available in the field of science.

        In the morning, students will take part in hands-on science activities. Then in the afternoon, the students will gather for a question-and-answer session with scientists.

        Welcome – 7:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. Brown Student Center (located in the Dining Hall)

        Students will gather and meet.

        Science Activites – 8 a.m. – 12 noon Benson Building

        The students will be divided into four groups which will rotate (轮流) among the four science demonstrations each hour.

        1.Biology Room 102

        Students will test water samples from various local sources to determine the acid levels and guess what might cause differences in the acid levels.

        2.Mechanical Engineering Room 104

        Students will build simple wooden bridges and test how much weight their designs can stand.

        3.Computer Science Room 203

        Students will visit the computer lab to study computer programs and printouts (打印输出).

        4.Geology (地质学) Room 213

        Using descriptions, students will classify and identify different kinds of rocks.

        Lunch – 12 noon – 1 p.m. Students will eat in the Dining Hall. They may either buy a lunch or bring their own.

        Question-and-Answer Session – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Brown Student Center

        The scientists who will be available to answer questions include a computer programmer, electrical engineer, pharmacist (药剂师), a research biologist, and veterinarian (兽医).

        Wrap-up Session – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Brown Student Center

        The students will have a chance to look through some displays and to review available materials about science programs. The students will also have opportunities to visit with scientists and the college staff.

In which room would a student learn about the basics of building bridges?

We live in an age ______ more information is available with greater ease than ever before.

Don’t handle the vase as if it ______ made of steel.

One Friday, we were packing to leave for a weekend away ______ my daughter heard cries for help.

But for the help of my English teacher, I ______ the first prize in the English Writing Composition.

                                A

Bayside Technical College 5th Annual Exploring Science Career Day Saturday, May 17

        Exploring Science Career Day (E.S.C.D.) will give Bayside Middle School students a chance to explore the different careers available in the field of science.

        In the morning, students will take part in hands-on science activities. Then in the afternoon, the students will gather for a question-and-answer session with scientists.

        Welcome – 7:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. Brown Student Center (located in the Dining Hall)

        Students will gather and meet.

        Science Activites – 8 a.m. – 12 noon Benson Building

        The students will be divided into four groups which will rotate (轮流) among the four science demonstrations each hour.

        1.Biology Room 102

        Students will test water samples from various local sources to determine the acid levels and guess what might cause differences in the acid levels.

        2.Mechanical Engineering Room 104

        Students will build simple wooden bridges and test how much weight their designs can stand.

        3.Computer Science Room 203

        Students will visit the computer lab to study computer programs and printouts (打印输出).

        4.Geology (地质学) Room 213

        Using descriptions, students will classify and identify different kinds of rocks.

        Lunch – 12 noon – 1 p.m. Students will eat in the Dining Hall. They may either buy a lunch or bring their own.

        Question-and-Answer Session – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Brown Student Center

        The scientists who will be available to answer questions include a computer programmer, electrical engineer, pharmacist (药剂师), a research biologist, and veterinarian (兽医).

        Wrap-up Session – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Brown Student Center

        The students will have a chance to look through some displays and to review available materials about science programs. The students will also have opportunities to visit with scientists and the college staff.

Which part of the text should a student read to find out where to go first during

                                A

Bayside Technical College 5th Annual Exploring Science Career Day Saturday, May 17

        Exploring Science Career Day (E.S.C.D.) will give Bayside Middle School students a chance to explore the different careers available in the field of science.

        In the morning, students will take part in hands-on science activities. Then in the afternoon, the students will gather for a question-and-answer session with scientists.

        Welcome – 7:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. Brown Student Center (located in the Dining Hall)

        Students will gather and meet.

        Science Activites – 8 a.m. – 12 noon Benson Building

        The students will be divided into four groups which will rotate (轮流) among the four science demonstrations each hour.

        1.Biology Room 102

        Students will test water samples from various local sources to determine the acid levels and guess what might cause differences in the acid levels.

        2.Mechanical Engineering Room 104

        Students will build simple wooden bridges and test how much weight their designs can stand.

        3.Computer Science Room 203

        Students will visit the computer lab to study computer programs and printouts (打印输出).

        4.Geology (地质学) Room 213

        Using descriptions, students will classify and identify different kinds of rocks.

        Lunch – 12 noon – 1 p.m. Students will eat in the Dining Hall. They may either buy a lunch or bring their own.

        Question-and-Answer Session – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Brown Student Center

        The scientists who will be available to answer questions include a computer programmer, electrical engineer, pharmacist (药剂师), a research biologist, and veterinarian (兽医).

        Wrap-up Session – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Brown Student Center

        The students will have a chance to look through some displays and to review available materials about science programs. The students will also have opportunities to visit with scientists and the college staff.

Who would be the best source of information for a student interested in examining water samples?

                                B

        “Where is the light?”My dad used to ask me that when I was little. It’s one of those questions that parents use to find out how smart their young children are. During my teenage years, my dad jokingly told me that he thought I was going to be dim-witted because I pointed at him whenever he asked me where the light was.

        Dad is from a rural area about 230 kilometers north of the capital Manila, and where most people live off the land, raising and selling livestock and poultry. His father, an artist and street magician, died when he was very young. To make ends meet, his mother went about town and washed laundry in various households. My dad found himself alone－lack of nurturing and love, short of family bonds.

        Dad loved reading and always looked for opportunities to educate himself. One day, when my father was 16 and out of work, a pastor saw him sitting under a tree absorbed in a book. He approached Dad and asked him why he wasn’t in school. Dad replied that he had no money for college. The pastor saw his desire to study and recommended him to University of the Cordilleras as a working student. He also gave Dad a job at a local church. Thanks to the pastor, Dad got his Bachelor of Arts degree, then went on to study law and became a successful lawyer. He wrote a widely read textbook on Philippine law.

        Looking at my father now, I can see how he was able to overcome so many obstacles. He is by nature a hardworking man, pouring his energy into his career without forgetting his family. He values education－when we were younger, he would tell me and my brother to constantly seek improvement in ourselves through learning.

        Like a light, he shines with dignity and respect because of his achievements, but his light radiates the brightest for maintaining our family as a cohesive unit with love and faith as its foundation.

        There are times when my dad kids around and asks me, using my childhood nickname, “Sasi, where’s the light?”

        I just smile, and point at him.

It can be inferred from the second paragraph that ________.

                                A

Bayside Technical College 5th Annual Exploring Science Career Day Saturday, May 17

        Exploring Science Career Day (E.S.C.D.) will give Bayside Middle School students a chance to explore the different careers available in the field of science.

        In the morning, students will take part in hands-on science activities. Then in the afternoon, the students will gather for a question-and-answer session with scientists.

        Welcome – 7:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. Brown Student Center (located in the Dining Hall)

        Students will gather and meet.

        Science Activites – 8 a.m. – 12 noon Benson Building

        The students will be divided into four groups which will rotate (轮流) among the four science demonstrations each hour.

        1.Biology Room 102

        Students will test water samples from various local sources to determine the acid levels and guess what might cause differences in the acid levels.

        2.Mechanical Engineering Room 104

        Students will build simple wooden bridges and test how much weight their designs can stand.

        3.Computer Science Room 203

        Students will visit the computer lab to study computer programs and printouts (打印输出).

        4.Geology (地质学) Room 213

        Using descriptions, students will classify and identify different kinds of rocks.

        Lunch – 12 noon – 1 p.m. Students will eat in the Dining Hall. They may either buy a lunch or bring their own.

        Question-and-Answer Session – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Brown Student Center

        The scientists who will be available to answer questions include a computer programmer, electrical engineer, pharmacist (药剂师), a research biologist, and veterinarian (兽医).

        Wrap-up Session – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Brown Student Center

        The students will have a chance to look through some displays and to review available materials about science programs. The students will also have opportunities to visit with scientists and the college staff.

Students will ________ at Brown Student Center in the afternoon.

                                B

        “Where is the light?”My dad used to ask me that when I was little. It’s one of those questions that parents use to find out how smart their young children are. During my teenage years, my dad jokingly told me that he thought I was going to be dim-witted because I pointed at him whenever he asked me where the light was.

        Dad is from a rural area about 230 kilometers north of the capital Manila, and where most people live off the land, raising and selling livestock and poultry. His father, an artist and street magician, died when he was very young. To make ends meet, his mother went about town and washed laundry in various households. My dad found himself alone－lack of nurturing and love, short of family bonds.

        Dad loved reading and always looked for opportunities to educate himself. One day, when my father was 16 and out of work, a pastor saw him sitting under a tree absorbed in a book. He approached Dad and asked him why he wasn’t in school. Dad replied that he had no money for college. The pastor saw his desire to study and recommended him to University of the Cordilleras as a working student. He also gave Dad a job at a local church. Thanks to the pastor, Dad got his Bachelor of Arts degree, then went on to study law and became a successful lawyer. He wrote a widely read textbook on Philippine law.

        Looking at my father now, I can see how he was able to overcome so many obstacles. He is by nature a hardworking man, pouring his energy into his career without forgetting his family. He values education－when we were younger, he would tell me and my brother to constantly seek improvement in ourselves through learning.

        Like a light, he shines with dignity and respect because of his achievements, but his light radiates the brightest for maintaining our family as a cohesive unit with love and faith as its foundation.

        There are times when my dad kids around and asks me, using my childhood nickname, “Sasi, where’s the light?”

        I just smile, and point at him.

Why did the writer write this passage?

                                C

        People want action on noise, a recent public meeting in Brisbane showed. Some want  technical improvements such as quieter air conditioners or better sound barriers around major roads. Others want tougher laws to restrict noise from building sites or to require owners to take responsibility for barking dogs. But the highest priority was a noise complaints system that works.

        Brisbane City Council receives more complaints about noise than all other problems put together. So it conducted a survey and found that about half its residents are upset by noise in one form or another --- traffic, mowers, pool pumps, air conditioners or loud parties. This inspired the Council to bring together more than 100 citizens one evening to talk through a range of options.

        The meeting found the present regulatory system bizarre (奇异的). Depending on the problem, responsibility for noise can lie with the Council, the Environment Protection Authority, one of three government departments or even the police. So complainants often feel they are getting the run-round. When the people at the forum were asked to vote for changes, the strongest response was for a 24-hour noise hotline to be the first port of call for all complaints.

        The forum also favored regulatory measures, such as tougher minimum standards for noise in appliances like air conditioners. This even makes economic sense, as noise is a waste of energy and money. Other measures the meeting supported were wider buffer (缓冲) zones around noisy activities and controls to keep heavy traffic away from residential areas.

        But there are obvious conflicts. Many people like to have a bar within walking distance if they feel like a drink, but they don’t want a noisy pub keeping them awake when they want an early night. Most people want to live near a major road providing good access to other parts of the city, but they don’t want the problem of road noise.

        I was most interested by the proposals aimed at behavioral change. There was strong support for measures to reduce traffic: better public transport, cycle ways and footpaths, even charges for road use. Many people optimistically thought industry awards for better equipment would stimulate the production of quieter appliances. It was even suggested that noise from building sites could be alleviated (减轻) if Brisbane adopted daylight saving (夏令时), thus shifting the working day and providing longer, quieter evenings.

It can be inferred from the text that ________.

                                C

        People want action on noise, a recent public meeting in Brisbane showed. Some want  technical improvements such as quieter air conditioners or better sound barriers around major roads. Others want tougher laws to restrict noise from building sites or to require owners to take responsibility for barking dogs. But the highest priority was a noise complaints system that works.

        Brisbane City Council receives more complaints about noise than all other problems put together. So it conducted a survey and found that about half its residents are upset by noise in one form or another --- traffic, mowers, pool pumps, air conditioners or loud parties. This inspired the Council to bring together more than 100 citizens one evening to talk through a range of options.

        The meeting found the present regulatory system bizarre (奇异的). Depending on the problem, responsibility for noise can lie with the Council, the Environment Protection Authority, one of three government departments or even the police. So complainants often feel they are getting the run-round. When the people at the forum were asked to vote for changes, the strongest response was for a 24-hour noise hotline to be the first port of call for all complaints.

        The forum also favored regulatory measures, such as tougher minimum standards for noise in appliances like air conditioners. This even makes economic sense, as noise is a waste of energy and money. Other measures the meeting supported were wider buffer (缓冲) zones around noisy activities and controls to keep heavy traffic away from residential areas.

        But there are obvious conflicts. Many people like to have a bar within walking distance if they feel like a drink, but they don’t want a noisy pub keeping them awake when they want an early night. Most people want to live near a major road providing good access to other parts of the city, but they don’t want the problem of road noise.

        I was most interested by the proposals aimed at behavioral change. There was strong support for measures to reduce traffic: better public transport, cycle ways and footpaths, even charges for road use. Many people optimistically thought industry awards for better equipment would stimulate the production of quieter appliances. It was even suggested that noise from building sites could be alleviated (减轻) if Brisbane adopted daylight saving (夏令时), thus shifting the working day and providing longer, quieter evenings.

How could noise from building sites be alleviated if Brisbane adopted daylight saving?

                                B

        “Where is the light?”My dad used to ask me that when I was little. It’s one of those questions that parents use to find out how smart their young children are. During my teenage years, my dad jokingly told me that he thought I was going to be dim-witted because I pointed at him whenever he asked me where the light was.

        Dad is from a rural area about 230 kilometers north of the capital Manila, and where most people live off the land, raising and selling livestock and poultry. His father, an artist and street magician, died when he was very young. To make ends meet, his mother went about town and washed laundry in various households. My dad found himself alone－lack of nurturing and love, short of family bonds.

        Dad loved reading and always looked for opportunities to educate himself. One day, when my father was 16 and out of work, a pastor saw him sitting under a tree absorbed in a book. He approached Dad and asked him why he wasn’t in school. Dad replied that he had no money for college. The pastor saw his desire to study and recommended him to University of the Cordilleras as a working student. He also gave Dad a job at a local church. Thanks to the pastor, Dad got his Bachelor of Arts degree, then went on to study law and became a successful lawyer. He wrote a widely read textbook on Philippine law.

        Looking at my father now, I can see how he was able to overcome so many obstacles. He is by nature a hardworking man, pouring his energy into his career without forgetting his family. He values education－when we were younger, he would tell me and my brother to constantly seek improvement in ourselves through learning.

        Like a light, he shines with dignity and respect because of his achievements, but his light radiates the brightest for maintaining our family as a cohesive unit with love and faith as its foundation.

        There are times when my dad kids around and asks me, using my childhood nickname, “Sasi, where’s the light?”

        I just smile, and point at him.

What jokes did Dad play on the writer?

                                B

        “Where is the light?”My dad used to ask me that when I was little. It’s one of those questions that parents use to find out how smart their young children are. During my teenage years, my dad jokingly told me that he thought I was going to be dim-witted because I pointed at him whenever he asked me where the light was.

        Dad is from a rural area about 230 kilometers north of the capital Manila, and where most people live off the land, raising and selling livestock and poultry. His father, an artist and street magician, died when he was very young. To make ends meet, his mother went about town and washed laundry in various households. My dad found himself alone－lack of nurturing and love, short of family bonds.

        Dad loved reading and always looked for opportunities to educate himself. One day, when my father was 16 and out of work, a pastor saw him sitting under a tree absorbed in a book. He approached Dad and asked him why he wasn’t in school. Dad replied that he had no money for college. The pastor saw his desire to study and recommended him to University of the Cordilleras as a working student. He also gave Dad a job at a local church. Thanks to the pastor, Dad got his Bachelor of Arts degree, then went on to study law and became a successful lawyer. He wrote a widely read textbook on Philippine law.

        Looking at my father now, I can see how he was able to overcome so many obstacles. He is by nature a hardworking man, pouring his energy into his career without forgetting his family. He values education－when we were younger, he would tell me and my brother to constantly seek improvement in ourselves through learning.

        Like a light, he shines with dignity and respect because of his achievements, but his light radiates the brightest for maintaining our family as a cohesive unit with love and faith as its foundation.

        There are times when my dad kids around and asks me, using my childhood nickname, “Sasi, where’s the light?”

        I just smile, and point at him.

In the eyes of the writer, her dad ________.

                                B

        “Where is the light?”My dad used to ask me that when I was little. It’s one of those questions that parents use to find out how smart their young children are. During my teenage years, my dad jokingly told me that he thought I was going to be dim-witted because I pointed at him whenever he asked me where the light was.

        Dad is from a rural area about 230 kilometers north of the capital Manila, and where most people live off the land, raising and selling livestock and poultry. His father, an artist and street magician, died when he was very young. To make ends meet, his mother went about town and washed laundry in various households. My dad found himself alone－lack of nurturing and love, short of family bonds.

        Dad loved reading and always looked for opportunities to educate himself. One day, when my father was 16 and out of work, a pastor saw him sitting under a tree absorbed in a book. He approached Dad and asked him why he wasn’t in school. Dad replied that he had no money for college. The pastor saw his desire to study and recommended him to University of the Cordilleras as a working student. He also gave Dad a job at a local church. Thanks to the pastor, Dad got his Bachelor of Arts degree, then went on to study law and became a successful lawyer. He wrote a widely read textbook on Philippine law.

        Looking at my father now, I can see how he was able to overcome so many obstacles. He is by nature a hardworking man, pouring his energy into his career without forgetting his family. He values education－when we were younger, he would tell me and my brother to constantly seek improvement in ourselves through learning.

        Like a light, he shines with dignity and respect because of his achievements, but his light radiates the brightest for maintaining our family as a cohesive unit with love and faith as its foundation.

        There are times when my dad kids around and asks me, using my childhood nickname, “Sasi, where’s the light?”

        I just smile, and point at him.

How did Dad finish his college education?

                                C

        People want action on noise, a recent public meeting in Brisbane showed. Some want  technical improvements such as quieter air conditioners or better sound barriers around major roads. Others want tougher laws to restrict noise from building sites or to require owners to take responsibility for barking dogs. But the highest priority was a noise complaints system that works.

        Brisbane City Council receives more complaints about noise than all other problems put together. So it conducted a survey and found that about half its residents are upset by noise in one form or another --- traffic, mowers, pool pumps, air conditioners or loud parties. This inspired the Council to bring together more than 100 citizens one evening to talk through a range of options.

        The meeting found the present regulatory system bizarre (奇异的). Depending on the problem, responsibility for noise can lie with the Council, the Environment Protection Authority, one of three government departments or even the police. So complainants often feel they are getting the run-round. When the people at the forum were asked to vote for changes, the strongest response was for a 24-hour noise hotline to be the first port of call for all complaints.

        The forum also favored regulatory measures, such as tougher minimum standards for noise in appliances like air conditioners. This even makes economic sense, as noise is a waste of energy and money. Other measures the meeting supported were wider buffer (缓冲) zones around noisy activities and controls to keep heavy traffic away from residential areas.

        But there are obvious conflicts. Many people like to have a bar within walking distance if they feel like a drink, but they don’t want a noisy pub keeping them awake when they want an early night. Most people want to live near a major road providing good access to other parts of the city, but they don’t want the problem of road noise.

        I was most interested by the proposals aimed at behavioral change. There was strong support for measures to reduce traffic: better public transport, cycle ways and footpaths, even charges for road use. Many people optimistically thought industry awards for better equipment would stimulate the production of quieter appliances. It was even suggested that noise from building sites could be alleviated (减轻) if Brisbane adopted daylight saving (夏令时), thus shifting the working day and providing longer, quieter evenings.

According to the recent public meeting in Brisbane, what was the first step to take in order to reduce noise pollution?

                                C

        People want action on noise, a recent public meeting in Brisbane showed. Some want  technical improvements such as quieter air conditioners or better sound barriers around major roads. Others want tougher laws to restrict noise from building sites or to require owners to take responsibility for barking dogs. But the highest priority was a noise complaints system that works.

        Brisbane City Council receives more complaints about noise than all other problems put together. So it conducted a survey and found that about half its residents are upset by noise in one form or another --- traffic, mowers, pool pumps, air conditioners or loud parties. This inspired the Council to bring together more than 100 citizens one evening to talk through a range of options.

        The meeting found the present regulatory system bizarre (奇异的). Depending on the problem, responsibility for noise can lie with the Council, the Environment Protection Authority, one of three government departments or even the police. So complainants often feel they are getting the run-round. When the people at the forum were asked to vote for changes, the strongest response was for a 24-hour noise hotline to be the first port of call for all complaints.

        The forum also favored regulatory measures, such as tougher minimum standards for noise in appliances like air conditioners. This even makes economic sense, as noise is a waste of energy and money. Other measures the meeting supported were wider buffer (缓冲) zones around noisy activities and controls to keep heavy traffic away from residential areas.

        But there are obvious conflicts. Many people like to have a bar within walking distance if they feel like a drink, but they don’t want a noisy pub keeping them awake when they want an early night. Most people want to live near a major road providing good access to other parts of the city, but they don’t want the problem of road noise.

        I was most interested by the proposals aimed at behavioral change. There was strong support for measures to reduce traffic: better public transport, cycle ways and footpaths, even charges for road use. Many people optimistically thought industry awards for better equipment would stimulate the production of quieter appliances. It was even suggested that noise from building sites could be alleviated (减轻) if Brisbane adopted daylight saving (夏令时), thus shifting the working day and providing longer, quieter evenings.

What does the word “run-round” in Paragraph 3 mean?

                                D

        There’s no doubt that our character has a profound effect on our future. What we must remember, however, is not merely how powerful character is in influencing our fate, but how powerful we are in shaping our own character and, therefore, our own fate. Character may determine our fate, but character is not determined by fate.

        It’s a common mistake to think of character as something that is fully formed and fixed very early in life. It calls to mind old proverbs like “A leopard can’t change its spots” and “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

        This perspective that our character is “etched in stone” is supported by a great deal of modern psychology emphasizing self-acceptance. As Popeye says, “I am what I am.” The hidden message is: Don’t expect me to be more, better, or different.

        Ultimately, these views of humanity totally undervalue the lifelong potential for growth that comes with the power of reflection and choice.

        How depressing it would be to believe that we can’t choose to be better, more honest, more respectful, more responsible, and more caring. None of us should give up the personal seeking to improve our character. Not because we’re bad, we don’t have to be sick to get better, but because we’re not as good as we could be.

        There are so many things in life we can’t control, whether we’re beautiful or smart, whether we had good parents or bad, whether we grew up with affirmation or negation.  It’s inspiring to remember that nothing but moral will power is needed to make us better.

        No, it isn’t easy. But if we make a great effort to become more aware of the habits of heart and mind that drive our behavior, we can begin to place new emphasis on our higher values so that we become what we want our children to think we are.

In the author’s opinion, which of the following is TRUE?

                                C

        People want action on noise, a recent public meeting in Brisbane showed. Some want  technical improvements such as quieter air conditioners or better sound barriers around major roads. Others want tougher laws to restrict noise from building sites or to require owners to take responsibility for barking dogs. But the highest priority was a noise complaints system that works.

        Brisbane City Council receives more complaints about noise than all other problems put together. So it conducted a survey and found that about half its residents are upset by noise in one form or another --- traffic, mowers, pool pumps, air conditioners or loud parties. This inspired the Council to bring together more than 100 citizens one evening to talk through a range of options.

        The meeting found the present regulatory system bizarre (奇异的). Depending on the problem, responsibility for noise can lie with the Council, the Environment Protection Authority, one of three government departments or even the police. So complainants often feel they are getting the run-round. When the people at the forum were asked to vote for changes, the strongest response was for a 24-hour noise hotline to be the first port of call for all complaints.

        The forum also favored regulatory measures, such as tougher minimum standards for noise in appliances like air conditioners. This even makes economic sense, as noise is a waste of energy and money. Other measures the meeting supported were wider buffer (缓冲) zones around noisy activities and controls to keep heavy traffic away from residential areas.

        But there are obvious conflicts. Many people like to have a bar within walking distance if they feel like a drink, but they don’t want a noisy pub keeping them awake when they want an early night. Most people want to live near a major road providing good access to other parts of the city, but they don’t want the problem of road noise.

        I was most interested by the proposals aimed at behavioral change. There was strong support for measures to reduce traffic: better public transport, cycle ways and footpaths, even charges for road use. Many people optimistically thought industry awards for better equipment would stimulate the production of quieter appliances. It was even suggested that noise from building sites could be alleviated (减轻) if Brisbane adopted daylight saving (夏令时), thus shifting the working day and providing longer, quieter evenings.

What was the author’s attitude towards the industry awards for quieter equipment?

                                D

        There’s no doubt that our character has a profound effect on our future. What we must remember, however, is not merely how powerful character is in influencing our fate, but how powerful we are in shaping our own character and, therefore, our own fate. Character may determine our fate, but character is not determined by fate.

        It’s a common mistake to think of character as something that is fully formed and fixed very early in life. It calls to mind old proverbs like “A leopard can’t change its spots” and “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

        This perspective that our character is “etched in stone” is supported by a great deal of modern psychology emphasizing self-acceptance. As Popeye says, “I am what I am.” The hidden message is: Don’t expect me to be more, better, or different.

        Ultimately, these views of humanity totally undervalue the lifelong potential for growth that comes with the power of reflection and choice.

        How depressing it would be to believe that we can’t choose to be better, more honest, more respectful, more responsible, and more caring. None of us should give up the personal seeking to improve our character. Not because we’re bad, we don’t have to be sick to get better, but because we’re not as good as we could be.

        There are so many things in life we can’t control, whether we’re beautiful or smart, whether we had good parents or bad, whether we grew up with affirmation or negation.  It’s inspiring to remember that nothing but moral will power is needed to make us better.

        No, it isn’t easy. But if we make a great effort to become more aware of the habits of heart and mind that drive our behavior, we can begin to place new emphasis on our higher values so that we become what we want our children to think we are.

What is the best title of the passage?

                                D

        There’s no doubt that our character has a profound effect on our future. What we must remember, however, is not merely how powerful character is in influencing our fate, but how powerful we are in shaping our own character and, therefore, our own fate. Character may determine our fate, but character is not determined by fate.

        It’s a common mistake to think of character as something that is fully formed and fixed very early in life. It calls to mind old proverbs like “A leopard can’t change its spots” and “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

        This perspective that our character is “etched in stone” is supported by a great deal of modern psychology emphasizing self-acceptance. As Popeye says, “I am what I am.” The hidden message is: Don’t expect me to be more, better, or different.

        Ultimately, these views of humanity totally undervalue the lifelong potential for growth that comes with the power of reflection and choice.

        How depressing it would be to believe that we can’t choose to be better, more honest, more respectful, more responsible, and more caring. None of us should give up the personal seeking to improve our character. Not because we’re bad, we don’t have to be sick to get better, but because we’re not as good as we could be.

        There are so many things in life we can’t control, whether we’re beautiful or smart, whether we had good parents or bad, whether we grew up with affirmation or negation.  It’s inspiring to remember that nothing but moral will power is needed to make us better.

        No, it isn’t easy. But if we make a great effort to become more aware of the habits of heart and mind that drive our behavior, we can begin to place new emphasis on our higher values so that we become what we want our children to think we are.

The author agrees that ________.

                                D

        There’s no doubt that our character has a profound effect on our future. What we must remember, however, is not merely how powerful character is in influencing our fate, but how powerful we are in shaping our own character and, therefore, our own fate. Character may determine our fate, but character is not determined by fate.

        It’s a common mistake to think of character as something that is fully formed and fixed very early in life. It calls to mind old proverbs like “A leopard can’t change its spots” and “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

        This perspective that our character is “etched in stone” is supported by a great deal of modern psychology emphasizing self-acceptance. As Popeye says, “I am what I am.” The hidden message is: Don’t expect me to be more, better, or different.

        Ultimately, these views of humanity totally undervalue the lifelong potential for growth that comes with the power of reflection and choice.

        How depressing it would be to believe that we can’t choose to be better, more honest, more respectful, more responsible, and more caring. None of us should give up the personal seeking to improve our character. Not because we’re bad, we don’t have to be sick to get better, but because we’re not as good as we could be.

        There are so many things in life we can’t control, whether we’re beautiful or smart, whether we had good parents or bad, whether we grew up with affirmation or negation.  It’s inspiring to remember that nothing but moral will power is needed to make us better.

        No, it isn’t easy. But if we make a great effort to become more aware of the habits of heart and mind that drive our behavior, we can begin to place new emphasis on our higher values so that we become what we want our children to think we are.

What do we need to improve ourselves according to the author?