第一部分:阅读判断 (第1~10题,每题1分)
Lacking in Self-Esteem (自尊)? Good for you!
According to psychological and educational theories, self-esteem is essential for a successful life. Generations of children, especially minority kids, have been educated according to the theory that they lack self-esteem, and that this deficiency is central to any problems they may have in making their way in the world.
Well, guess what? A new research has found that self-esteem can be just as high among grade D students and drunk drivers as it is among Nobel Prize winners and former presidents. In fact, people with high self-esteem can engage in far more anti-social behavior than those with low self-esteem. "We used to believe that high self-esteem would cause all sorts of positive consequences and that if we raised self-esteem, people would do better in life," a researcher said. "Mostly, the data have failed to support that." Racists, street thugs (恶棍) and school bullies (恶霸) all have high scores on the self-esteem tests. And you can see why. If you think you're highly gifted, you're particularly offended if other people don't treat you that way. So you hit out or commit crimes to defend your pride. After all, who are they to suggest that you could be doing something wrong? What do they know?
Self-esteem can also be an educational concern. College teachers are constantly complaining about the high self-esteem of their students. When every grade in the school is assessed so as to make the kid feel good rather than to give an accurate measure of his work, the kid can develop self-esteem dangerously unrelated to the truth. When he's told he is getting a C grade in college, he can then get deeply offended or extremely angry. Weak professors give in to the pressure—hence, grade inflation, which results in their students' vague touch with reality.
第二部分:阅读选择 (第11~15题,每题2分)
Organic Farming
During thousands of years of human civilization, the raising of animals and growing of plants have always been organic. Chemicals for farming first came up at the turn of the 20th century. Widespread use of chemicals began after World War Ⅱ. In the 1950s and 60s farmers started using chemical fertilizers and pesticides (杀虫剂). Recently, however, more and more farmers have been returning to organic farming.
In organic farming, farm products are produced in more natural ways. Crops, meat and other food are produced without chemicals. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and growth hormones (激素) are forbidden. Farmers enrich the soil with natural fertilizers. They pull out weed by hand. Hay and straw are put between the rows of plants to stop weeding. They rely on the natural enemies of pests to control pests. Animals are fed organically and can eat grass outdoors. Cows, for example, are kept in pastures (草场) and fields. Vegetables and fruit are also produced with organic methods.
Organic farming enjoys many advantages. For example, crop rotation can preserve the good qualities of soils. The growing of different crops can keep soils healthy and fertile. Organic farming is healthier for farm workers, and there are fewer remains of chemicals in food. In the long run, organic farms save energy and protect the environment. It can slow down global warming and reduce the pollution of ground water.
Meanwhile, there are some disadvantages. Organic food is more expensive. Organic products may cost up to 40% more. Production costs are higher as farmers need more workers, and the land output is much less. Marketing and distribution is not efficient because organic food is provided in smaller amount. Crop illness may happen very often. Besides, organic farming cannot produce enough food for the world's population to survive. This could lead to starvation in countries that can produce enough food today.
第三部分:概括段落大意 & 补全句子 (16~25题,每题1分)
Health Benefits of Honey with Milk
①Take a glass of honey with milk before you set out for your day in the morning, and you are guaranteed enough energy to get through the morning rush. Milk provides you the proteins required while honey helps you get the energy by breaking down these proteins. No wonder this drink is meant for all ages alike.
②Milk is known for providing calcium (钙), which, in right levels, helps in preventing bone diseases as we age. Research has indicated that honey does a good job of carrying nutrients (营养成分) in the food through the blood to various parts of the body. In particular, honey helps in the absorption of calcium, the vital part of milk.
③If you ask doctors or your grandmother for a solution to your sleeplessness, you are bound to get the same answer—a glass of warm milk with honey. It is best known to induce sleep. So take it regularly if you have sleeping problems.
④Milk and honey not only help in preventing aging by keeping the skin glowing, but also improve your body as a whole as they contain antioxidants (抗氧化物). These help keep the body young and flexible. For a very long time, this has been an open secret in keeping your body look and feel young.
⑤Both milk and honey are known to ward off harmful bacteria in our body, but their combined strength is more effective in achieving this effect. Cough and cold can be prevented by taking this drink regularly. It also aids in digestion and treating bowel disorders.
Task 1 (16~20) 段落标题选择
Task 2 (21~25) 补全句子