?III. Reading Comprehension

Section A?

Directions: For each blank in the following passage there are four words or phrases marked A, B, C and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context.

The part of the environmental movement that draws my firm’s attention is the design of buildings. Today, thousands of people come to __50___ building conferences, and the idea that buildings can be good for people and the environment will be increasingly __51___ in years to come. Back in 1984 we discovered that most manufactured products for decoration weren’t designed for __52___ use. The “energy-efficient” sealed commercial buildings constructed after the 1970s energy crisis __53___indoor air quality problems caused by materials such as paint, wall covering and carpet. So for 20 years, we’ve been looking for ways to make these materials __54___for people and the planet.

Home builders can now use materials, such as green paints, that release significantly __55___amounts of chemical compounds, which people believe don’t __56___ the quality of the air. __57___ , our basic design strategy is focused not simply on being “l(fā)ess bad” but on creating __58___ healthful materials that can be either safely returned to the soil or __59___ by industry again and again. For example, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer has already __60___a carpet that is fully and safely recyclable.

Look at it this way: no one __61___ to create a building that destroy the planet. But our current industrial systems are basically causing these conditions, whether we like it or not. So __62___of simply trying to reduce the damage, we are __63___a positive approach. We’re giving people high-quality, healthful products and an opportunity to make choices that have a__64___ effect on the world. It is not just the building industry, either. Entire cities are taking these environmentally positive approaches to design, planning and building. ?

Section B

Directions: Read the following three passages. Each passage is followed by several questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the one that fits best according to the information given in the passage you have just read.?

(A)

Please alert the media: Something that makes sense is happening in Washington, D.C. Public school kids surrounded by museums and monuments are putting the ready-made learning tools to use — and actually learning.

A trip to see painter Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series at the Phillips Collection is one of almost 200 outings that Wheelock will organize this year through the nonprofit group Live It Learn It. “For many kids, school is disconnected,” says one of four full-time staffers and tour leaders. “With the program, they see how what they are learning is connected to their communities.”

Seven years ago, Wheelock traded in a job as a lawyer for one as a four-grade teacher. When he learned that D.C.’s public schools rank behind those of other cities in many measures, he knew he had to do something different. He took his class to Capitol Hill for a lesson on the three branches of government — and saw his students’ enthusiasm skyrocket.

Growing up in D.C. with a public school teacher for a mother and a National Gallery of art curator for a father was ideal for jump-starting his vision. With seed money from a local couple, Wheelock developed detailed lesson plans for trips to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washing Monument. The group also has classes for trips to the Anacostia River, boat rides to historical forts, and visits to the planetarium. Word spread, and now fourth, fifth, sixth graders from the neediest public schools in the District participate.

“I’m not brave enough to take my class to a museum for over an hour!” says teacher Cathy McCoy, gesturing toward her students. “But look: With Live It Learn It, what the kids learn today they’ll remember for a lifetime.”

65. Matthew Wheelock once had an occupation as a ______.

A. teacher B. printer C. leader D. lawyer

66. The underlined word “something” in paragraph 1 refers to “Public school kids in Washington D.C. ______”.

A. like to have school disconnected

B. are warmly welcomed by museums and monuments.

C. are making learning tools ready.

D. are learning by going to different communities

67. Matthew Wheelock started the new change for the reason that ______.

A. he saw his students’ enthusiasm skyrocket

B. more graders from the neediest public schools wanted to participate

C. D.C.’s public schools ranked behind in many measures

D. a local couple sponsored him a sum of seed money

68. What will the lessons be like with Live It Learn It in Cathy McCoy’s opinion?

A. Eye-catching. B. Challenging. C. Forgettable. D. Impressive. ?

(B)

The Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, are back in action, taking on the evil Decepticons. The Autobots and Decepticons become involved in a dangerous space race. The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft on the Moon and must race against the Decepticons to find its secrets, which could turn the tide in the Transformers’ final battle. Shockwave, a longtime “Transformers” character, rules Cybertron while the Autobots and Decepticons battle it out on Earth.

In part II, the battle between the good and evil forces of the Wizarding world evolves into an all-out war. This final adventure continues Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s attempt to find and destroy Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes. Harry Potter is called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice to bring an end to his nemesis.

Winnie the Pooh is a 2011 American traditionally animated feature film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Based upon the characters of the children’s books Winnie-the-Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne and Return to the Hundred Acre Wood by David Benedictus, the film features two previously unadapted stories from the original books.

In the movie, Owl sends the whole gang to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary bad character, and it turns out to be a very busy day for Winnie the Pooh who simply set out to find some honey.

69. Which of the following is not the genre of Transformers: Dark of the Moon?

A. Action. B. Sequel. C. 3D. D. Fantasy.

70. According to the Movie Express above, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II is mainly about ______.

A. a journey of Harry, Ron, and Hermione

B. high risks of the final adventure

C. an all-out war between good and evil forces

D. a fear of Lord Voldemort

71. Who might be most interested in the Movie Express of Winnie the Pooh?

A. Would-be parents. B. Families with children.

C. Writers of children’s books. D. Honey lovers.?