Have you ever posted letters to your friends or parents? If so, you must have put stamps on the letters before you sent them. But, how did people receive letters before stamps were invented, and who came up with the idea of using stamps?

   In the past, stamps and envelopes were not used. When people wanted to send a letter, they would close the paper with a seal（封?。? The person who got the letter had to pay for it. Because costs at that time were very high, most people refused to accept letters. In fact, the sender would often place secret marks on the outside of the letter. The person who was sent the letter would read the secret message. Then, they would refuse to accept the letter and did not have to pay for it.

    In Britain, Sir Rowland Hill introduced the “Post Office Reforms” in 1837. He decided that letters could go to any place in the country for a penny even if the letter had to go far away. The cost was to be paid by the sender of the letter. Payment was recorded by placing a small piece of coloured paper on the letter, the stamp! On May 6,1840, the first stamp called the “Penny Black” was born. Because the stamp was printed in black, the stamp became known as the “Penny Black”. This is now the world’s most famous stamp. This new system spread fast.

The best title for this passage should be______

A. The First Stamp.                  B. How Stamp Was First Made

C. Why the First Stamp Was Made      D. When Was Stamp First Made

Before stamps were used,______ would pay for the letter.

A. the sender        B. the receiver     C. the government    D. no one

The first stamp was made______.

A. more than 160 years ago        B. more than two centuries ago

C. less than 100 years ago         D. about 100 years ago

Which of the following is true about the first stamp of China?

A. It was made much earlier than the first stamp of the US

B. The stamp had a snake on it

C. The stamp couldn’t be found now

D. The stamp had a picture of a dragon on it

閱讀下列短文, 從所給的四個選項中, 選出最佳答案。

    There was a time when the owner of shops and business in Chicago　　 had to pay large sums of money to the gangsters (歹徒) in return for　　 "protection" . If the money was not paid on time, the gangsters would　　 quickly put a man out of business by destroying his shop. Obtaining　　　　 "protection money" is not modern crime (罪). As long ago as the　　 fourteenth century, an Englishman, Sir John Hawkwood, made the　　 remarkable discovery that the Italians would rather pay large sums of　　 money than have their life and work destroyed by a band of his men　　 when he settled there with his soldiers.

(1) Why did the owners of shops and business in Chicago have to pay 　　    the gangsters?　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　  　　 ［　?。荨　?    

 A. They were well protected by the gangsters.　　    

 B. The protection would cost large sums of money.　　 　　

 C. They needed protection, especially from the gangsters!　　    

 D. They were afraid that their business was damaged. 

(2) From the passage we can infer that Sir John Hawkwood had been_____.　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 ［　?。荨　? 　　 

(3) According to the passage, we know that obtaining "protection money"　　    had happened in ________.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　  　　 ［　?。荨　?    

 A. Italy　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 B. America　　    

 C. Either Italy or America　　　　　　　　  　　 D. Italy and America 

(4) What do you think of the gangsters?　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　  　　 ［　　］　　 　　

(5) Do you think the gangsters could protect the owners of the shops?　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　 ［　?。荨　? 　　

A. Yes, they were ready to help others.　　    

B. Yes, if anyone was willing to pay them.　　 　　　　

C. No, but the owners had to pay them.　　    

D. No, but the owners needed their help.

閱讀理解

　　Mr Smith gave his wife ten pounds for her birthday. So the day after her birthday, Mrs Smith went shopping. She got on the bus and sat down next to an old lady. After a while, noticed that the old lady’s handbag was open. Inside it, she saw a wad(疊) of pound notes exactly like the one her husband had given her.

　　She quickly looked into her own bag-the notes were gone. Mrs Smith was sure that the old lady who was sitting next to her had stolen them. She thought she would have to call the police; but she didn’t like getting people into trouble. She decided to take back the money from the old lady’s handbag and say nothing more about it. She looked around the bus to make sure nobody was watching, then she carefully put her hand into the lady’s bag, took the notes and put them in her own bag.

　　When she got home that evening, she showed her husband the beautiful hat she had bought.

　　“How did you pay for it?” he asked.

　　“With the money you gave me for my birthday, of course.”

　　“Oh? What’s that. then?” he asked, as he pointed to a wad of pound notes on the table.

1. Mrs Smith ______.

[　　]

A. gave Mr Smith ten pounds for her birthday

B. spent ten pounds on her handbag

C. was given ten pounds for her birthday

D. went shopping with husband

2. On the bus she ______.

[　　]

A. met an old lady she knew

B. sat down beside an old lady she didn’t know

C. sat down near the old lady who lived next door

D. met the old lady living next door

3. She found her pound notes were gone when ______.

[　　]

A. she got on the bus

B. she sat down

C. she saw in the old lady’s handbag the pound notes

D. she went shopping

4. She bought a beautiful hat with ______.

[　　]

A. the money of her own

B. the money her husband gave her for her birthday

C. the money of her husband’s own

D. the old lady’s money

5. Do you think that Mrs Smith was a thief?

[　　]

A. I’m not sure.　　　B. No.

C. Yes.　　　　　　　　D. No, but the old lady.

閱讀下列短文, 從所給的四個選項中, 選出最佳答案。

    Fire-officer Jack Forman was shocked when he arrived at a　　 Mildehall house fire last night to find the fire was at the home of　　 his son David.

　　     The fire was at Birchgrove street.　　 　　Fire-officer Forman said that action by neighbours had saved the　　 house.

　　     Mrs. Barbara Allsopp and mother of three, Mrs. Ann Everett, used　　 buckets of water to prevent the fire spreading.

　　     Mrs. Allsopp said, "We were filling buckets of water from a tap　　 (水龍頭) with a fire extinguisher (滅火器) hanging above it. But we　　 were so busy running backwards and forward with the water that we　　 didn't notice it."　　 In spite of their efforts, damage amounting to at least ￥300 was　　 caused. Part of the house structure was burned, bed and bedding　　 destroyed and other furniture badly damaged.

　　     The owners of the house, Mr. David Forman, 22, and his wife,　　 Lesley, 20, who have been married six months, were out babysitting.　　 　　

(1) Why was Jack Forman shocked when he arrived at the fire?

[　　]

A. Because the fire was at night. 　　

B. Because it was his son's home that was on fire. 　　

C. Because he was not able to save the house. 　　

D. Because he found people didn't use the extinguisher.

(2) Was the house saved?

[　　]

A. No, because the firemen arrived too late. 　　

B. Yes, because fire extinguisher was used. 　　

C. Yes, because neighbours helped to fight the fire. 　　

D. No, because the firemen pull it down. 　　

(3) Mrs. Allsopp and Mrs. Evertt didn't use the fire extinguisher　　 　　 because__________.

[　　]

A. they didn't know how it worked. 　　

B. they had no time to use it. 　　

C. they didn't want to use it. 　　

D. they didn't see it.　　

(4) Was the house badly damaged?

[　　]

A. No, because Mrs. Allsopp and Mrs. Everett put the fire out. 　　

B. Yes, although Mrs. Allsopp and Mrs. Everett put the fire out. 　　

C. No, only a bed was burned. 　　

D. Yes, it was almost burned out.　　

(5) Where were the owners of the house during the fire?

[　　]

A. They were sitting with their baby. 　　

B. They were in the house. 　　

C. They were not at home.　　

D. They were with their father.

    Read the following reviews for movies that are showing at the moment. And then answer questions.

   …………………………………………………………………………………

Happiness(Romance)★★★★

  　Happiness tells the story of two people(Lisa Turbot and Danny Roy)who work for different　advertising companies. They talk on the phone all the time and do not like each other. But then　they correspond by e-mail and fall in love. This movie will be very popular with teenagers and people who like romances. It also has beautiful music.

    …………………………………………………………………………………

I Scream(Thriller)★★

In I Scream，Paul(Colin Jacks)is a young man who joins a thriller club. Each of the members tries to frighten the others. Paul is told to stay in an old house for the night. Everyone who has tried to stay in the house before has died. This movie is very frightening but also quite silly. It does not make sense for Paul to stay in the house when things start to go wrong. Only for people who like thrillers.

    …………………………………………………………………………………

Paul’s Heroes(comedy)★★★

 This is a very funny war movie set in World War Two. Six soldiers (including Sammy Tur- blow) have to get to Italy to take secret messages to the American army there. During the movie，they dress up as women and fight with Italian workers. You can guess the ending，but it is great fun getting there.

   …………………………………………………………………………………

(Drama) ★★★★

    This is a very good drama with Jack Ross, who plays a hard―working truck driver. His wife becomes ill and he has to find a doctor who can help her. In his travels he meets Dr Lloyd(Phil  Driver) who has found the cure for the illness，but Jack Ross has only twelve hours to get the medicine back to his wife on the other side of America. This is an excellent movie，which is very exciting.    

60. Of which movie does the reviewer have the best opinion?

      A. No. 1          B. No. 2     C. No. 3    D. No. 4

61. The underlined word “correspond” can be replaced by ______ .

      A. communicate    B.   match    C. write     D. exchange

62. Which of the following is the best title for the fourth film? 

      A. A Hard-working Truck Driver         B. Medicine

      C. A Strange Illness                            D. Twelve Hours

63. According to the passage, which of the following statements is true?

         A. In Happiness, Lisa Turbot and Danny Roy like each other when they talk on the phone.

         B. Not all the movies mentioned in the passage are showing at the moment.

         C. Maybe the writer doesn’t like thrillers.

         D. Paul’s Heroes is a funny adventure movie set in the World War Two.

------ Don’t you go to school  ?  

-------_______.

       A. Yes, I’m going to    B. Yes, I study at home  

C. No, I work          D. No, to the cinema

The rising sea waters caused by global warming have inspired a Russian architect to design a hotel that could be built on water as well as land．The eco-friendly “Ark” could be constructed in just a few months anywhere in the world, the designer says．   
It’s called “The Ark”，but looks more like a ship sitting upside down on the water．A new design by Russian architect A1exander Remizov challenges the tradition of land-based hotel and would provide a shelter in the future—should the world face a modern-day flood as described in the Bible．
The building of the hotel could be fast and simple．“Prefabricated（預制裝配的）section could be put together in three to four months,” Remizov said． The versatile（萬能的）structure could be constructed in most corners of the earth, even in earthquake-prone areas．Constructing “The Ark"—which would include 14 000 square meters of living space???would cost roughly the same as building an energy-efficient house． The self-supporting structure would be built around a central post, connecting wind generators and heat pumps on its roof with the basement，where solar，wind，and thermal（熱量的）energy could be stored and turned into electricity． Remizov has designed the building without glass，choosing instead the lasting and self-cleaning foil（箔）that could defend itself against rough weather conditions．That foil would be fastened to metals，which would also collect rainwater．The building would also feature an indoor jungle, creating its microclimate．
【小題1】What’s the purpose of designing “The Ark,?” 

Recreational tree climbing is taking root in the ecotourism industry, and it's sending guys like Tim Kovar to far off reaches of the globe. Kovar, a tree-climbing instructor, recently returned to the U.S. from Brazil, where he spent time developing a tree-climbing operation thanks to the "slow travel" movement.
Slow travel, is like the slow food movement, the practice of giving fast food in favor of homegrown cooking—the kind that takes hours to prepare and enjoy. Likewise, slow travel urges visitors to experience a place's natural surroundings and learn about the ecology in a way not afforded by extreme games.
"Tree climbing is a slow activity," says Kovar. "It's not something you do quickly and then you're on to the next thing or event." There is no such thing as a quick climb, especially for beginners. This wasn't a race against the clock or the fellow climbers. In fact, tree climbing is unlikely to ever become a feature of the extreme games. Many climbers refuse competition. There has already been so much competition in the world.
"When you stand below the tree, it can be amazing," Rusel DeMaria says, looking affectionately up at Michael's Triumph, a 150-foot-tall tree. But reaching the treetop, he adds, is an entirely different feeling. Likewise, his wife, Viola Brumbaugh, kneels on the ground and asks Michael's Triumph for permission to climb. "It goes a lot smoother that way, "She says.
And climbing has been included into many educational programs. New Tribe offers guided climbs through its school, Tree Climbing Northwest, where "we teach enough tree biology and forest ecology to raise awareness in our students," says New Tribe present Sophis Sparks. "We know that the tree climbing experience deepens personal appreciation for trees. After climbing, people value trees more and are motivated to support preservation. This is not just to preserve their playground."
Perhaps that is why he struggles with the term "recreational tree climbing," saying, "I prefer to call it inspirational tree climbing."
【小題1】What do slow travel and the slow food movement have in common?

A．provide people with more chances to play outside

B．bring a lot of pleasure to life

C．Deepens personal love between each other

D．Makes people realize they should protect trees

Imagine an eco-conscious city where rooftops have been transformed into fertile, green gardens. It's a place where every home is equipped with a system that recycles valuable water resources. In this town, protecting the planet is a way of life. That's how Abby Sharp, 14, Wyatt Peery, 13, and Tom Krajnak, 14, saw their city of tomorrow. The vision won the eighth-graders from Bexley, Ohio, first prize at the 2009 National Engineers Week Future City Competition.

The annual design competition challenges middle school students to use engineering to deal with issues that affect the earth. This year the competition focused on water conservation. Participants had to come up with ways to improve water use in the home. Kids from 38 middle schools across the country competed in the finals. The event took place from February 17-18 in Washington, D.C. More than 30,000 students entered the competition.

Abby, Wyatt and Tom call their winning city Novo Mondum. The name means "new world" in Latin. Novo Mondum sits on the coast of Iceland. The group chose the spot for its wealth of clean energy resources, such as geothermal（地熱的） energy and hydropower. Both sources use the power of nature to generate electricity. Geothermal energy draws heat from deep inside the Earth. Hydropower gets energy from flowing water. "Our city is very globally aware," Abby told TFK.

Students team up with a teacher and a volunteer engineer mentor（顧問）to develop their cities. Each group creates a fictional city on SimCity 4 Deluxe, a computer game that allows players to build virtual towns. Then they construct tabletop models of the cities and write essays describing their project. The models must be made using recycled materials and cost no more than $100 to build.

1. What’s the main feature of the city designed by the three winners?

2.It can be inferred that water conversation is __________.

3.According to the passage, Abby, Wyatt and Tom are _____.

A. ninth-graders from Bexley, Ohio.

B. second prize winners at the 2009 Future City Competition.

C. lucky to get the first prize at the 2009 Future City Competition.

D. eighth-graders from Washington, D.C.

4.The underlined word “hydropower” means ______________.

5. What’s the main idea of the last paragraph?

       Running like the wind, roaring （咆哮） like thunder, tigers have long been feared and respected as a king of the animal world．But last week a report said that there are no more than 30 wild tigers left in south China．

       This was the conclusion of a team of scientists from China's State Forestry Administration and the World Nature Fund．

       The South China tiger, also known as the Chinese tiger, is native to southern China．In the 1950's, there were over 4000 tigers found in mountain forests in the country．But due to the destruction of their natural habitat （棲息地） and uncontrolled hunting, it has been pushed on to the list of the world's top ten most endangered species．

       Sixty-six of the big cats can be found in the cages of a dozen zoos around China．But they are nothing like their wild cousins．They have lost their natural skills such as hunting and killing．If they were set free they could not look after themselves．

       "Breeding has damaged the quality of the species", said Pei Enle, deputy director of the Shanghai Zoo．

       To reintroduce the species into the wild, the country started a programme to send five to ten young tigers to South Africa．Four of them have already arrived．Progress has been made as two elder tigers have recovered some of their instincts（本能） and can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base．

       " South Africans are very experienced in reintroducing big animals to the wild．The country has very good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in", said Lu Jun, office director of the National Wildlife Research and Development Center．" We tried in Fujian Province, but it was not successful as there was not a complete eco-chain（生物鏈） and there was a lack of space．"

The tigers should return to China in 2007 when the reservations in Fujian are ready．

What is the main reason for the South China tiger becoming one of the world's top ten most endangered species?

       A．Because it has lost its natural instincts．

       B．Because there is not a complete eco-chain．

       C．Because there is no space for it．

       D．Because uncontrolled hunting has destroyed its natural living conditions．

How is the programme of sending several tigers to South Africa getting on?

       A．Its effect still remains to be seen．

       B．Two tigers can already compete with their wild cousins．

       C．Some of the tigers are already on the road to recovering their natural skills．

       D．The tigers should be able to recover their instincts completely by 2007．

By saying " but they are nothing like their wild cousins", the writer means that ______．

       A．they are no longer feared by other wild animals

       B．they don't know how to hunt or kill

       C．a(chǎn) complete change has resulted in the species because of breeding

       D．to reintroduce them into the wild has become an urgent task

What is the purpose of sending young tigers to South Africa?

       A．To help the tigers recover their ability to live in the wild．

       B．To provide them with a better environment．

       C．To get the tigers to go on a tour．

       D．To find a complete eco-chain for them．

Which one is not the reason for South Africa being chosen as the training place?

       A．Because the tigers can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base．

       B．Because South Africans are skilled at dealing with the tigers．

       C．Because there is a complete eco-chain and enough space there．

       D．Because the country has good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in．

       Running like the wind, roaring （咆哮） like thunder, tigers have long been feared and respected as a king of the animal world．But last week a report said that there are no more than 30 wild tigers left in south China．

This was the conclusion of a team of scientists from China's State Forestry Administration and the World Nature Fund．

The South China tiger, also known as the Chinese tiger, is native to southern China．In the 1950's, there were over 4000 tigers found in mountain forests in the country．But due to the destruction of their natural habitat （棲息地） and uncontrolled hunting, it has been pushed on to the list of the world's top ten most endangered species．

Sixty-six of the big cats can be found in the cages of a dozen zoos around China．But they are nothing like their wild cousins．They have lost their natural skills such as hunting and killing．If they were set free they could not look after themselves．

"Breeding has damaged the quality of the species", said Pei Enle, deputy director of the Shanghai Zoo．

To reintroduce the species into the wild, the country started a programme to send five to ten young tigers to South Africa．Four of them have already arrived．Progress has been made as two elder tigers have recovered some of their instincts（本能） and can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base．

" South Africans are very experienced in reintroducing big animals to the wild．The country has very good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in", said Lu Jun, office director of the National Wildlife Research and Development Center．" We tried in Fujian Province, but it was not successful as there was not a complete eco-chain（生物鏈） and there was a lack of space．"

The tigers should return to China in 2007 when the reservations in Fujian are ready．

1.What is the main reason for the South China tiger becoming one of the world's top ten most endangered species?

2.How is the programme of sending several tigers to South Africa getting on?

3.By saying " but they are nothing like their wild cousins", the writer means that ______．

4.What is the purpose of sending young tigers to South Africa?

5.Which one is not the reason for South Africa being chosen as the training place?

Running like the wind, roaring like thunder, tigers have long been feared and respected as a king of the animal world．But last week a report said that there are no more than 30 wild tigers left in south China．

    This was the conclusion of a team of scientists from China's State Forestry Administration and the World Nature Fund．

    The South China tiger, also known as the Chinese tiger, is native to southern China．In the 1950's, there were over 4000 tigers found in mountain forests in the country．But due to the destruction of their natural habitat and uncontrolled hunting, it has been pushed on to the list of the world's top ten most endangered species．

    Sixty-six of the big cats can be found in the cages of a dozen zoos around China．But they are nothing like their wild cousins．They have lost their natural skills such as hunting and killing．If they were set free they could not look after themselves．

    "Breeding has damaged the quality of the species", said Pei Enle, deputy director of the Shanghai Zoo．

    To reintroduce the species into the wild, the country started a programme to send five to ten young tigers to South Africa．Four of them have already arrived．Progress has been made as two elder tigers have recovered some of their instincts（本能）and can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base．

    " South Africans are very experienced in reintroducing big animals to the wild．The country has very good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in", said Lu Jun, office director of the National Wildlife Research and Development Center．" We tried in Fujian Province, but it was not successful as there was not a complete eco-chain（生物鏈） and there was a lack of space．"

The tigers should return to China in 2007 when the reservations in Fujian are ready．

1．What is the main reason for the South China tiger becoming one of the world's top ten most endangered species?

    A．Because it has lost its natural instincts．        B．Because there is not a complete eco-chain．

    C．Because there is no space for it．                 D．Because uncontrolled hunting has destroyed its natural living conditions．

2．How is the programme of sending several tigers to South Africa getting on?

    A．Its effect still remains to be seen．

    B．Two tigers can already compete with their wild cousins．

    C．Some of the tigers are already on the road to recovering their natural skills．

    D．The tigers should be able to recover their instincts completely by 2007．

3．By saying " but they are nothing like their wild cousins", the writer means that ______．

    A．they are no longer feared by other wild animals

    B．they don't know how to hunt or kill

    C．a(chǎn) complete change has resulted in the species because of breeding

    D．to reintroduce them into the wild has become an urgent task

4．What is the purpose of sending young tigers to South Africa?

    A．To help the tigers recover their ability to live in the wild．

    B．To provide them with a better environment．

    C．To get the tigers to go on a tour．

    D．To find a complete eco-chain for them．

5．Which one is not the reason for South Africa being chosen as the training place?

    A．Because the tigers can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base．

    B．Because South Africans are skilled at dealing with the tigers．

    C．Because there is a complete eco-chain and enough space there．

    D．Because the country has good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in． 

       Running like the wind, roaring （咆哮） like thunder, tigers have long been feared and respected as a king of the animal world．But last week a report said that there are no more than 30 wild tigers left in south China．
This was the conclusion of a team of scientists from China's State Forestry Administration and the World Nature Fund．
The South China tiger, also known as the Chinese tiger, is native to southern China．In the 1950's, there were over 4000 tigers found in mountain forests in the country．But due to the destruction of their natural habitat （棲息地） and uncontrolled hunting, it has been pushed on to the list of the world's top ten most endangered species．
Sixty-six of the big cats can be found in the cages of a dozen zoos around China．But they are nothing like their wild cousins．They have lost their natural skills such as hunting and killing．If they were set free they could not look after themselves．
"Breeding has damaged the quality of the species", said Pei Enle, deputy director of the Shanghai Zoo．
To reintroduce the species into the wild, the country started a programme to send five to ten young tigers to South Africa．Four of them have already arrived．Progress has been made as two elder tigers have recovered some of their instincts（本能） and can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base．
" South Africans are very experienced in reintroducing big animals to the wild．The country has very good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in", said Lu Jun, office director of the National Wildlife Research and Development Center．" We tried in Fujian Province, but it was not successful as there was not a complete eco-chain（生物鏈） and there was a lack of space．"
The tigers should return to China in 2007 when the reservations in Fujian are ready．
【小題1】What is the main reason for the South China tiger becoming one of the world's top ten most endangered species?

Today’s drivers may feel shocked by the high price of petrol when they drive to the gas station. However, the car industry has the technology to solve the problem. It’s the hybrid car（混合動力汽車）.

   What is a hybrid car? Any car that uses two or more sources of power is a hybrid car. Most hybrid cars on the road right now are petrol-electric hybrids. The petrol-electric hybrid car is just what it sounds like — a cross between a petrol-powered car and an electric car.

    A gas-powered car has a fuel tank（油箱）, which supplies petrol to the engine. An electric car, on the other hand, has a set of batteries that provides electricity for the car.

    To be useful to you or me, a car should be able to run at least 300 miles (483 km) before refueling, be capable of(能夠) being refueled quickly and easily and fast enough to keep up with the other traffic on the road.

    A petrol car meets these requirements（要求）but produces a large amount of pollution. An electric car, however, produces almost no pollution, but can only go 50 to 100 miles (80 to 161 km) between recharging(充電). And the problem has been that the electric car is very slow and inconvenient to recharge.

    A petrol-electric car combines the advantages of the two power sources into one system that uses both gas power and electric power. Some experts believe that the hybrid car is “the next generation of smart cars”. A hybrid car can go up to 50% further than a traditional car can on the same amount of gas! It saves driver’s money on gas and cuts air pollution!

What do the underlined words “the problem” in Paragraph 1 refer to?

A. The price of petrol goes up and down.     B. The gas-powered car is sold at a high price.

C. The gas-powered car causes air pollution.   D. The price of petrol keeps going up.

How many sources of power do most hybrid cars use?

A. Two.             B. Three.            C. Four.         D. It depends.

The author thinks that electric cars _____.

A. are smart vehicles     B. are popular vehicle  C. are not practical  D. are not slow

Some experts believe that the hybrid car will have a large market in future because _____.

A. it is just powered by renewable energy   B. it saves money and is eco-friendly

C. it goes further than a traditional car      D. it is safe, cheap and produces no air pollution

Running like the wind, roaring like thunder, tigers have long been feared and respected as a king of the animal world．But last week a report said that there are no more than 30 wild tigers left in south China．

    This was the conclusion of a team of scientists from China's State Forestry Administration and the World Nature Fund．

    The South China tiger, also known as the Chinese tiger, is native to southern China．In the 1950's, there were over 4000 tigers found in mountain forests in the country．But due to the destruction of their natural habitat and uncontrolled hunting, it has been pushed on to the list of the world's top ten most endangered species．

    Sixty-six of the big cats can be found in the cages of a dozen zoos around China．But they are nothing like their wild cousins．They have lost their natural skills such as hunting and killing．If they were set free they could not look after themselves．

    "Breeding has damaged the quality of the species", said Pei Enle, deputy director of the Shanghai Zoo．

    To reintroduce the species into the wild, the country started a programme to send five to ten young tigers to South Africa．Four of them have already arrived．Progress has been made as two elder tigers have recovered some of their instincts（本能）and can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base．

    " South Africans are very experienced in reintroducing big animals to the wild．The country has very good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in", said Lu Jun, office director of the National Wildlife Research and Development Center．" We tried in Fujian Province, but it was not successful as there was not a complete eco-chain（生物鏈） and there was a lack of space．"

The tigers should return to China in 2007 when the reservations in Fujian are ready．

1．What is the main reason for the South China tiger becoming one of the world's top ten most endangered species?

    A．Because it has lost its natural instincts．  B．Because there is not a complete eco-chain．

    C．Because there is no space for it．   D．Because uncontrolled hunting has destroyed its natural living conditions．

2．How is the programme of sending several tigers to South Africa getting on?

    A．Its effect still remains to be seen．

    B．Two tigers can already compete with their wild cousins．

    C．Some of the tigers are already on the road to recovering their natural skills．

    D．The tigers should be able to recover their instincts completely by 2007．

3．By saying " but they are nothing like their wild cousins", the writer means that ______．

    A．they are no longer feared by other wild animals

    B．they don't know how to hunt or kill

    C．a(chǎn) complete change has resulted in the species because of breeding

    D．to reintroduce them into the wild has become an urgent task

4．What is the purpose of sending young tigers to South Africa?

    A．To help the tigers recover their ability to live in the wild．

    B．To provide them with a better environment．

    C．To get the tigers to go on a tour．

    D．To find a complete eco-chain for them．

5．Which one is not the reason for South Africa being chosen as the training place?

    A．Because the tigers can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base．

    B．Because South Africans are skilled at dealing with the tigers．

    C．Because there is a complete eco-chain and enough space there．

    D．Because the country has good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in． 

Recreational tree climbing is taking root in the ecotourism industry, and it's sending guys like Tim Kovar to far off reaches of the globe. Kovar, a tree-climbing instructor, recently returned to the U.S. from Brazil, where he spent time developing a tree-climbing operation thanks to the "slow travel" movement.

   Slow travel, is like the slow food movement, the practice of giving fast food in favor of homegrown cooking—the kind that takes hours to prepare and enjoy. Likewise, slow travel urges visitors to experience a place's natural surroundings and learn about the ecology in a way not afforded by extreme games.

   "Tree climbing is a slow activity," says Kovar. "It's not something you do quickly and then you're on to the next thing or event." There is no such thing as a quick climb, especially for beginners. This wasn't a race against the clock or the fellow climbers. In fact, tree climbing is unlikely to ever become a feature of the extreme games. Many climbers refuse competition. There has already been so much competition in the world.

"When you stand below the tree, it can be amazing," Rusel DeMaria says, looking affectionately up at Michael's Triumph, a 150-foot-tall tree. But reaching the treetop, he adds, is an entirely different feeling. Likewise, his wife, Viola Brumbaugh, kneels on the ground and asks Michael's Triumph for permission to climb. "It goes a lot smoother that way, "She says.

And climbing has been included into many educational programs. New Tribe offers guided climbs through its school, Tree Climbing Northwest, where "we teach enough tree biology and forest ecology to raise awareness in our students," says New Tribe present Sophis Sparks. "We know that the tree climbing experience deepens personal appreciation for trees. After climbing, people value trees more and are motivated to support preservation. This is not just to preserve their playground."

   Perhaps that is why he struggles with the term "recreational tree climbing," saying, "I prefer to call it inspirational tree climbing."

1.What do slow travel and the slow food movement have in common?

A. They take people a long time.   B. They are related to the eco-tourism industry.

C. They advocate protecting nature. D. They cost people little money

2.What do we know about tree climbing from the passage?

A. People compete to see who can climb to the top first.

B. It favors the experience of enjoying nature.

C. It is a kind of extreme sport and needs a lot of effort.

D. People view it as a challenge to climb the tallest tree in a forest.

3.Brumbaugh kneels on the ground before climbing trees to ___________________.

A. beg for the safety of climbing   B. Expect to climb faster than her husband

C. Show respect for the tree        D. ask for permission of her husband

4.Sophia Sparks prefers the term "inspirational tree climbing" because it ____________.

A. provide people with more chances to play outside

B. bring a lot of pleasure to life

C. Deepens personal love between each other

D. Makes people realize they should protect trees

5.What's the best title for the passage?

A. Tree-climbing travelling      B. Slow travel movements

C. Dangers of climbing         D. Respect for nature

Travelling around the world with children is difficult enough, but attempting it without using motorized transport is even more of challenge. But Dario Schworer, a 42-year-old climatologist and mountain guide, and his 33-year-old wife Sabine are on a journey to do just that.

The Swiss couple want to travel across the world’s oceans and climb the highest mountain on every continent to promote Earth-friendly ways of life.

“We are collecting good examples of dealing with climate change and living in harmony with nature and we want to spread such ideas,” Schworer said. “We want to help people affected by global warming and to inspire children for the future.”

Recently after having spent three months teaching children in the Everest region, the couple want to show it is possible to travel through as the world’s climate zones using just human-power and forces of nature.

In the 47 countries they have visited so far they have collected 22 tons of trash, taught people in Ecuador how the sun’s rays can be used to clean water and inspired a person in Chile to build a house on water with recycled plastic bottles as a foundation. They have also collected trash in the mountains of Nepal with school children.

So far they have communicated with 45,000 children from South America, Australia and Asia, giving presentations about the importance of recycling and using alternative energy like solar and wind power.

“We need to motivate children,” said Sabine.

When they began their adventure in 2003 they had no children of their own. But since then two has become five: daughter Sabine is now five years old, Andri was born in Chile and baby Noe was born in Australia.

Initially the couple thought they would complete their travels in four years, but now, seven years later, they believe it could take seven more.

“Since our belief is the need to respect nature, we travel only when conditions are good,” Schworer said.

1.Why do the Swiss couple travel around the world?

A．To inspire their children for the future.

B．To prove a travel without motorized transport.

C．To explore the secret of global warming.

D．To promote Earth-friendly ways of life.

2.They did a lot during the travel except ________.

A．build a house with recycled plastic bottles

B．collect rubbish and waste

C．communicate with local children

D．show people how to use energy

3.What’s the meaning of the underlined word “Initially”?

A．In the end         B．In a way           C．At the beginning    D．On the whole

4.The best title of the passage can be ________.

A．A Swiss family’ journey across the world

B．An eco-friendly adventure across the world

C．We have a long way to make a good travel

D．Nature needs respecting and protecting

Running like the wind, roaring （咆哮） like thunder, tigers have long been feared and respected as a king of the animal world．But last week a report said that there are no more than 30 wild tigers left in south China．

         This was the conclusion of a team of scientists from China's State Forestry Administration and the World Nature Fund．

         The South China tiger, also known as the Chinese tiger, is native to southern China．In the 1950's, there were over 4000 tigers found in mountain forests in the country．But due to the destruction of their natural habitat （棲息地） and uncontrolled hunting, it has been pushed on to the list of the world's top ten most endangered species．

         Sixty-six of the big cats can be found in the cages of a dozen zoos around China．But they are nothing like their wild cousins．They have lost their natural skills such as hunting and killing．If they were set free they could not look after themselves．

         "Breeding has damaged the quality of the species", said Pei Enle, deputy director of the Shanghai Zoo．

         To reintroduce the species into the wild, the country started a programme to send five to ten young tigers to South Africa．Four of them have already arrived．Progress has been made as two elder tigers have recovered some of their instincts（本能） and can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base．

         " South Africans are very experienced in reintroducing big animals to the wild．The country has very good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in", said Lu Jun, office director of the National Wildlife Research and Development Center．" We tried in Fujian Province, but it was not successful as there was not a complete eco-chain（生物鏈） and there was a lack of space．"

The tigers should return to China in 2007 when the reservations in Fujian are ready．

1.What is the main reason for the South China tiger becoming one of the world's top ten most endangered species?

A．Because it has lost its natural instincts．

B．Because there is not a complete eco-chain．

C．Because there is no space for it．

D．Because uncontrolled hunting has destroyed its natural living conditions．

2.How is the programme of sending several tigers to South Africa getting on?

A．Its effect still remains to be seen．

B．Two tigers can already compete with their wild cousins．

C．Some of the tigers are already on the road to recovering their natural skills．

D．The tigers should be able to recover their instincts completely by 2007．

3.By saying " but they are nothing like their wild cousins", the writer means that ______．

A．they are no longer feared by other wild animals

B．they don't know how to hunt or kill

C．a(chǎn) complete change has resulted in the species because of breeding

D．to reintroduce them into the wild has become an urgent task

4.What is the purpose of sending young tigers to South Africa?

A．To help the tigers recover their ability to live in the wild．

B．To provide them with a better environment．

C．To get the tigers to go on a tour．

D．To find a complete eco-chain for them．

5.Which one is not the reason for South Africa being chosen as the training place?

A．Because the tigers can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base．

B．Because South Africans are skilled at dealing with the tigers．

C．Because there is a complete eco-chain and enough space there．

D．Because the country has good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in．

With eco-tourism on the rise, eco-hotels are fast becoming the darling of the travel industry. These days, however, staying at an eco-hotel doesn’t necessarily mean vacationing in a tree house in the Costa Rican jungle, although that is certainly a choice.

The majority of eco-hotels fall into one of several categories: hotels and resorts that conserve ecologically important habitats; “green” hotels that reduce, recycle, minimize waste, and protect water; sustainable hotels that harvest food from gardens on the hotel property or get part or all of their power from renewable energy; hotels that encourage community involvement such as guests taking part in trail clearing; and hotels that offer some form of environmental education to their guests.

As such, eco-hotels are a various group. Stylish urban hotels like the Willard Inter-Continental Washington focus on energy conservation whereas the Rosario Resort & Spa on Orcas Island in Washington State offers a wildly popular “green” vacation package where guests can “take a hike, clear a trail”.

No matter what you call them, eco-hotel, eco-lodge, eco-resort, or green hotel, they’re all part of the “greening” of the tourism industry.

Part of what drives this greening of the hotel industry is no doubt competition. Going green is yet another way to distinguish a hotel from the mass of other excellent hotels that consumers have to choose from. But for many hotels, it’s also part of their philosophy. With the concept of “going green” firmly rooted in consumers’ minds, eco-hotels have taken it to the next level, and whether or not money is the driving factor behind the greening of the hotel industry doesn’t matter so much as it’s good for the planet.

1.The underlined part in the first paragraph means _______.

2. According to the passage, which of the following can match the idea of eco-hotel?

3. From the passage, we know the Rosario Resort & Spa is a kind of hotel that _______.

4. From the last paragraph, we can learn that _______.

5. People who choose to stay at eco-hotels _______.