Which came first, the chicken or the egg, the methane or the life on Mars; this is the
confounding questions of late...methane must mean bio material is degrading, or it simply means
we don't know anything for sure.
If you know we are a planet and the twinkling little lights in the sky are the same or similar
to the planet we live on, you would have to have had a lobotomy not to think it possible that life
could exist on a plant other than Earth.
Now, zoom to present day and all the scientific technological advances; we should be able
to determine if Mars was ever able to support life. The truth is, NASA has sent probes up, rovers,
spacecraft to circle the red planet and take pictures, spent millions of dollars to answer this very
question and as of yet there is no conclusive evidence to support the hypothesis that life did exist
on Mars.
If someone were to come to Earth after its terrain and atmosphere failed, don't you think
they could figure it out in about, oh...say five minutes. We the people of earth would have left stuff
there, like landfills, old buildings that surely would have survived storms, freezing temperatures,
sun storms, lava, and the hell that a natural living planet could produce. We still don't know for
sure who shot President Kennedy either.
The point is that until we get up there, dig deeper and get conclusive evidence, then the
answer to the 'Life on Mars' question has to be approached the Joe Friday way, "Just the facts..."
The truth is the facts would tell us and the fact that we don't have any solid facts yet, well that just
means Life on Mars shall remain a fiction until sometime in the future. No mystery, just no life
that's all. So all the bored people of this planet spend time turning tales and letting their over
active imaginations skew their practical senses. Go do something with your life and worry about
Mars when the little green men show up.
1、The passage is written comically, but what phrase refers to why the author believes
there is no proof of life on mars.
The methane or the life on mars
We should b able to determine whether Mars was ever able to support life
The truth is, the facts would ell us
...until we get up there, dig deeper and get conclusive evidence...
No mystery, just no life.
2、Which of the following statements best describes the author's attitude?
Actively supportive of space exploration
Positive that there is life on Mars
Sarcasm toward those who believe in life on Mars
Anti space exploration
Belief hat he knows how to find life on Mars.
Being-done-good-to is, I understand, much in vogue in the purlieus of Fifth Avenue where it
is practiced with skill and persistence by a large and needy cult of grateful recipients. Our Square
doesn't take to it. As recipients we are, I fear, grudgingly grateful. So when Miss Holland
transferred her enthusiasms and activities to our far-away corner of the world she met with a lack
of response which might have discouraged one with a less new and superior sense of duty to the
lower orders. She came to us through the Bonnie Lassie, guardian of the gateway from the upper
strata to our humbler domain, who - Pagan that she is! - indiscriminately accepts all things
beautiful simply for their beauty. Having arrived, Miss Holland proceeded to organize us with all
the energy of high-blooded sweet-and-twenty and all the imperiousness of confident wealth and
beauty.
3、This passage suggests which of the following about the Square?
It is an upper-class area comparable to Fifth Avenue.
It is an area of working class people who struggle to make ends meet.
It is an elite shopping district of New York.
It is a major tourist attraction.
It is situated in a prominent location in the midst of New York.
4、The word “imperiousness” in line 26 means
arrogance
vanity
pity
insecurity
philanthropy
5、How old does the author indicate Miss Holland is?
eighteen
nineteen
twenty
twenty-one
twenty-three
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on March 2, 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts to
Henrietta Seuss and Theodor P. Geisel. He also had two sisters. His father was a parks commander
in charge of Queen Victoria Park (Niagara Falls).
As a freshman member of the Dartmouth College class of 1925, he joined the Dartmouth
Jack-O-Lantern as his primary activity throughout college, eventually rising to the rank of
editor-in-chief. However, after Geisel was caught throwing a drinking party (and thereby violating
Prohibition), the school insisted that he resign from all extra-curricular activities. In order to
continue his work on the Jack-O-Lantern without the administration's knowledge, Geisel began
signing his work with the pen name "Seuss" (which was both his middle name and his mother's
maiden name). His first work signed as "Dr. Seuss" appeared after he graduated, six months into
his work for The Judge (a humor magazine). Alexander Liang, who served with Geisel on the staff
of the Jack-O- Lantern and was later a professor at Dartmouth, illustrated this point.
He entered Lincoln College, Oxford, intending to earn a doctorate in literature. At Oxford
he met Helen Palmer Geisel, married her in 1927, and went to the United States without earning
the degree. The "Dr." in his pen name is an acknowledgment of his father's unfulfilled hopes that
Seuss would earn a doctorate at Oxford.He began submitting humorous articles and illustrations to
Judge, The Saturday Evening Post, Life, Vanity Fair, and Liberty. He became nationally famous
from his advertisements for Flit, a common insecticide at the time. Geisel supported himself and
his wife through the Great Depression by drawing advertising for General Electric, NBC, Standard
Oil, and many other companies.
6、According to biographical information, Dr. Seuss was named after who of the following?
His mother and his father.
His mother and his aunt.
His father and his grandfather
His uncles and his father
His mother and her father.
7、About how old was Dr Seuss when he began writing for audiences?
12
19
8
25
40
8、The reader might get the idea that Dr. Seuss was what kind of person?
Obedient
Arrogant
Mischievous
Angry
Apathetic
Saunderson was one of those men who firmly believed that he knew everything, and
exasperated people by telling them how to do things; and Denison, the supercargo of the Palestine,
hated him most fervently for the continual trouble he was giving to every one, and also because he
had brought a harmonium on board, and played dismal tunes on it every night and all day on
Sundays. But, as Saunderson was one of the partners in the firm who owned the Palestine,
Denison, and Packenham the skipper, had to suffer him in silence, and trust that something might
happen to him before long. What irritated Denison more than anything else was that Saunderson
frequently expressed the opinion that supercargoes were superfluous luxuries to owners, and that
such work "as they tried to do could well be done by the captains, provided the latter were
intelligent men."
9、Which of the following words best describes Saunderson?
Amiable
Courteous
Arrogant
Shy
Impetuous
10、Which of the following reasons was why Denison and Packenham put up with Saunderson?
He played the harmonium so well
He told wonderful stories
He was disabled and they felt sorry for him
He was a partner in the firm that owned the ship
He was blackmailing them
11、What is the name of the ship?
Patagonia
Palomino
Preston
Pharoah
Palestine
12、In the last sentence, to whom does "the latter" refer?
The supercargoes
The midshipmen
The captains
The first mates
The ship owners
It was nearly bed-time and when they awoke next morning land would be in sight. Dr.
Macphail lit his pipe and, leaning over the rail, searched the heavens for the Southern Cross. After
two years at the front and a wound that had taken longer to heal than it should, he was glad to
settle down quietly at Apia for twelve months at least, and he felt already better for the journey.
Since some of the passengers were leaving the ship next day at Pago-Pago they had had a little
dance that evening and in his ears hammered still the harsh notes of the mechanical piano. But the
deck was quiet at last. A little way off he saw his wife in a long chair talking with the Davidsons,
and he strolled over to her. When he sat down under the light and took off his hat you saw that he
had very red hair, with a bald patch on the crown, and the red, freckled skin which accompanies
red hair; he was a man of forty, thin, with a pinched face, precise and rather pedantic; and he
spoke with a Scots accent in a very low, quiet voice.
Between the Macphails and the Davidsons, who were missionaries, there had arisen the
intimacy of shipboard, which is due to propinquity rather than to any community of taste. Their
chief tie was the disapproval they shared of the men who spent their days and nights in the
smoking-room playing poker or bridge and drinking. Mrs. Macphail was not a little flattered to
think that she and her husband were the only people on board with whom the Davidsons were
willing to associate, and even the doctor, shy but no fool, half unconsciously acknowledged the
compliment. It was only because he was of an argumentative mind that in their cabin at night he
permitted himself to carp.
13、What, of the following, was still hammering harsh in his ears from the night before?
Women's shrill gossip
The claps of thunder from a storm
The harsh notes of the mechanical piano
The high pitched laughter of the crew
The voices of angry men arguing
14、Which of the following words was not used to describe Dr. Macphail?
Amiable
Red Haired
Pedantic
Freckled
Forty
15、What is the reason given for the McPhails and the Davidsons to have become good
friends?
They shared the same religious beliefs
They mutually disapproved of the men who played poker
They were from the same city
They had been friends for years
Their children had gone to the same school
16、Choose from the following the word that has the closest meaning to the word 'pedantic'
from the first paragraph.
Nervous
Sickly
Smug
Bored
Sad
"They are not trying to force the passage of the bridge! Everything is for the best!" shouted
Langdon.
"No, they dare not," shouted St. Clair in reply. "No column could live on that bridge in face of
our fire."
It seemed strange to Harry that the Northern troops made no attempt to cross. Why did all this
tremendous fire go on so long, and yet not a foe set foot upon the bridge? It seemed to him that it
had endured for hours. The sun was rising higher and higher and the day was growing hotter and
hotter. It lay with the North to make the first movement to cross Bull Run, and yet no attempt was
made.
Colonel Talbot came repeatedly along the line of the Invincibles, and Harry saw that he was
growing uneasy. Such a great volume of fire, without any effort to take advantage of it, made the
veteran suspicious.
17、The primary purpose of the passage is to
describe the Battle of Bull Run
detail the horrors of war
depict the camaraderie of camp life
contrast the battle strategies of the North and the South
describe the South’s anticipation of the North’s foray to take the bridge
18、The last two paragraphs portray the Southern soldiers as
weary
outnumbered
determined
apprehensive
composed
Today, air pollution has become a distressing reality in most parts of the world. Ecologists never
tire to remind us about the need to maintain the delicate environmental balance between humans
and plants to ensure the healthy survival of the human species. Plants and trees, nature's natural
mechanism to purify the air that we breathe, have been successfully doing the job of
air-purification for us for the last thousands of years. Our symbiotic relationship with them
ensures that they cleanse our air of carbon dioxide, which they use for their survival, in exchange
for oxygen, which is a necessity for our survival.
19、The primary purpose of the passage is to
describe the exchange of gases between plants and humans
detail the process of respiration in humans
explain the importance of plants and trees to the air we breathe
point out the increasing threat of air pollution
predict the effects of deforestation
20、It may be implied from the passage that
carbon dioxide is the primary component of air pollution
plants and trees are rapidly being eliminated from the landscape
some parts of the world are more industrialized than others
without humans, plants and trees would not survive
without plants and trees to purify the air, we might be exposed to more air pollution
It is surprising that one of the most significant contributions to mankind should come from
the Austric/australoid races. Elsewhere their contribution has not been remarkable. However,
apparently a small genetic change is all that is necessary for this achievement. Similar races have
illustrated that this can happen elsewhere as well. An example of that is Angkor Vat of Cambodia
that illustrates technical mastery on an unprecedented scale, noted for its architectural and artistic
perfection, not to mention its sheer size; Angkor Vat is the most famous and no doubt the most
remarkable of all of ancient temples with extraordinary architectural and artistic innovations, one
of the grandest achievements of mankind.
21、Which of the following phrases is most likely an opinion rather than a statement
of fact?
“one of the most significant contributions” (lines 1-2)
“all that is necessary” (lines 7-8)
“this can happen elsewhere” (line 10)
“no doubt the most remarkable” (lines 17-18)
“one of the grandest achievements” (lines 21-22)
22、The speaker’s language emphasizes which of the following characteristics about
Angkor Vat?
brilliance
desolation
banality
majesty
radiance
Poor China is in a world of hurt these days with their pollution problems and water issues
and it just keeps getting worse with typhoon season, bird flu, and flooding. Additionally, they have
fires to worry about and dead zones void of sea life extending from their largest cities out some
200 miles.
It gets worse as the desert itself is expanding. Now climate researchers and global warming
alarmists say that as the tropics increase and the polar ice caps melt, the deserts will grow. In
China, they are growing indeed and consuming several miles each year as they march towards
major cities in China, actually threatening to completely over take them.
23、This passage is mainly concerned with
climate research
crises plaguing China
global warming and the melting of polar ice caps
pollution problems in China
the encroachment of the deserts on the major cities in China
One of the most interesting chapters in the history of drums is largely forgotten today - the
various duties performed by military drummers in the past.
In times of peace, it was the drummer's responsibility to beat the 'tattoo' at sunset in the town
streets - a signal to publicans to stop serving ale to soldiers and bid them drink up so they could
get back to camp in time for curfew.
Drummers also played a crucial role in introducing new blood into the army - in the town
square, the drummer would demonstrate his prowess on the side drum - literally 'drumming up'
new recruits. Many a young lad lived to rue the day he allowed himself to be seduced by the
glamour of the drum into believing the recruiting officer's promises.
24、The word “rue” in line 20 most nearly means
defy
mourn
regret
rejoice
repent
25、The main subject of the passage is
early army history
how soldiers spent their leisure time
how young men were recruited to the army
the history of drums
the role of military drummers
When my grandfather lived with us--this is a while back now, somewhere circa 1980--one
of his habits that I found to be rather eccentric was his daily routine of answering all his mail
personally. Even the junk mail.
Letters from Sears would receive a polite, hand-written note in return. "Dear Sirs: Thank you
for your kind offer dated Wednesday, April 24. Fortunately, our dishwasher is in excellent
condition and is serving our needs quite adequately. However, should we find ourselves in need of
such an appliance in the future, we will be sure to consider your fine products."
Needless to say, my grandfather was on every mailing list in the country. He passed away over
twenty years ago, and mail still shows up for him from time to time at the family household.
I like to think of these straggling missives as more personal, somehow, than the junk mail I get
myself. I think of some hopeful soul somewhere wondering why they never hear from him
anymore, sending out one more letter or catalog on the off chance that they might be able to spark
up that old dialog again.
26、The author’s tone in this passage might best be described as
ambivalent
authoritative
instructional
irritated
nostalgic
Now Blacky the Crow finds it no easy matter to pick up a living when snow covers the
Green Meadows and the Green Forest, and ice binds the Big River and the Smiling Pool. He has to
use his sharp eyes for all they are worth in order to find enough to fill his stomach, and he will eat
anything in the way of food that he can swallow. Often he travels long distances looking for food,
but at night he always comes back to the same place in the Green Forest, to sleep in company with
others of his family.
Blacky dearly loves company, particularly at night. Now about the time jolly, round, red Mr.
Sun is beginning to think about his bed behind the Purple Hills, you will find Blacky heading for a
certain part of the Green Forest where he knows he will have neighbors of his own kind. Peter
Rabbit says that it is because Blacky's conscience troubles him so that he doesn't dare sleep alone.
Sammy Jay thinks Blacky just doesn't like the dark, but Happy Jack Squirrel says that Blacky
hasn't any conscience. You can believe just which you please, though I suspect that neither of them
really knows.
27、Blacky the Crow finds it no easy matter to “pick up a living” in which time of
the year?
Winter
Late spring
Early summer
Early autumn
Early spring
28、Which of the following animals are not mentioned in this passage?
Happy Jack Squirrel
Ping the Duck
Peter Rabbit
Sammy Jay
Blacky the Crow
There is nothing we can do to stop natural methane sources. On the industrial side, however,
there are a lot of areas that can be addressed. The production of methane through our actions is
primarily through natural gas, petroleum, agricultural, coal mining, waste water reclaiming and
landfill systems. All produce methane to a certain degree, some on a very large scale.
Modifying our behavior on methane production is actually a win-win situation. Unlike carbon
dioxide, methane can be used as an energy source in and of itself. The technology is complex and
the gas can be unstable, but we have certainly accomplished far more difficult tasks. The bigger
point is that we don't have to stop any activity that produces methane, just modify such activities
to make use of the methane.
Global warming is a controversial topic. There is little doubt it is occurring. The real question is
what it will mean as temperatures increase. Nobody really seems to know. What is clear is our
current climatic situation is fairly calm. If you agree, why risk moving to a more chaotic one?
29、The tone of the passage is one of
resignation
cynicism
optimism
idealism
despair
30、What is the main idea of this passage?
Since methane is produced in nature, there is nothing we can do to control its production
or its impact on global warming.
By working to modify the industrial production of methane, we could also be creating
a valuable energy source.
The issue of global warming is one of uncertainty.
There is no reason for people to be alarmed at this point, given that we have not reached
a critical point.
Methane is produced both naturally and through human industrial processes.
31、The tone of the second paragraph is one of
resignation
cynicism
optimism
idealism
despair
The giant squid has been the subject of tall tales for centuries. Until recently, however, these
tales were dismissed as fiction. The only information we have on them comes from finding pieces
of their bodies in the stomachs of sperm whales, or those that have been washed up on shore.
Another area where their existence is apparent is on the skin of sperm whales where giant sucker
scars can be seen after what must be epic battles between the two huge creatures. Giant squid can
grow to the size of a school bus or bigger. They are carnivorous and have a long, torpedo shaped
body. At one end, surrounding a beak-like mouth strong enough to cut through steel cable, are five
pairs of arms. One pair, thinner and longer than the rest, is used to catch food and bring it to the
mouth. Just past the mouth are the eyes, eyes that are the largest in the animal kingdom, getting as
big as eighteen inches across. They are nearly impossible to photograph alive because they live in
such deep waters.
32、The passage suggests that the greatest enemy of the giant squid is
(they have no enemies)
man
octopi
ships
the sperm whale
33、The most complete information we have on the giant squid would most likely come
from
dead ones that have washed ashore
examination of sucker scars on whales
photographs
sightings by sailors
the contents in a whale’s stomach
34、All of the following parts of the giant squid’s anatomy are mentioned in the passage
EXCEPT
arms
beak
eyes
legs
suckers
There was a woman who was beautiful, who started with all the advantages, yet she had
no luck. She married for love, and the love turned to dust. She had bonny children, yet she felt
they had been thrust upon her, and she could not love them. They looked at her coldly, as if they
were finding fault with her. And hurriedly she felt she must cover up some fault in herself. Yet
what it was that she must cover up she never knew. Nevertheless, when her children were present,
she always felt the centre of her heart go hard. This troubled her, and in her manner she was all the
more gentle and anxious for her children, as if she loved them very much. Only she herself knew
that at the center of her heart was a hard little place that could not feel love, no, not for anybody.
Everybody else said of her: "She is such a good mother. She adores her children." Only she herself,
and her children themselves, knew it was not so. They read it in each other's eyes.
There were a boy and two little girls. They lived in a pleasant house, with a garden, and they
had discreet servants, and felt themselves superior to anyone in the neighborhood.
Although they lived in style, they felt always an anxiety in the house. There was never
enough money. The mother had a small income, and the father had a small income, but not nearly
enough for the social position which they had to keep up. The father went into town to some office.
But though he had good prospects, these prospects never materialized. There was always the
grinding sense of the shortage of money, though the style was always kept up.
At last the mother said: "I will see if I can't make something." But she did not know where
to begin. She racked her brains, and tried this thing and the other, but could not find anything
successful. The failure made deep lines come into her face. Her children were growing up, they
would have to go to school. There must be more money, there must be more money. The father,
who was always very handsome and expensive in his tastes, seemed as if he never would be able
to do anything worth doing. And the mother, who had a great belief in herself, did not.
35、Why could the woman not love her children?
They were disabled and too much work
They reminded her of her husband
They were thrust upon her
They were unruly and impossible
They were her nephews and she didn't want to take care of them
36、What was at the center of the woman’s heart?
A warm place with loving warmth
A hard little place that couldn't love anything
A small place to love only her children
A hard place she was learning to soften
A cold, hateful place full of rage
37、What made deep lines come into the mother’s face?
The hard work her children did for her
The lack of servants
The fact that she kept failing at finding something to do to make money
The fact that she didn't love her husband
It was too hard to be the best in the neighborhood
In all the trade of the city you might not find such another quaint business firm as Solomon
John and Billy Wigg. The senior partner was a gentle old giant; the junior a brisk and shaggy little
dog. It was Solomon John’s business to stand on a roaring corner and sell papers; it was Billy
Wigg’s business to take care of him while he did it, for he was blind. It was our business - Dr.
Harvey’s and mine - to pay for our papers and pass on, but we seldom strictly minded it. Instead,
we would stop to talk to Solomon John to the detriment of trade, and to be patronized by Billy
Wigg, who was much puffed up with self- importance, conceiving himself to be principal owner
of the earth and sole proprietor of Solomon John. In the half of which he was correct.
38、Choose from the following a word that has a similar meaning to the word 'quaint'
in the first sentence.
Stupid
Annoying
Amusing
Disgusting
Dishonorable
Many people look forward to retirement most of their working lives. They dream of the
day when they can live life on their own terms. Sleeping until noon; fishing on weekdays; and
tossing the alarm clock in the garbage. Thoughts like these seem like paradise when slaving away
in an office or cubical year after year. A funny thing happens to a lot of people, though, when the
long awaited event draws near. Doubts and fears about retirement begin to creep in and suddenly
those dreamed-of carefree days are clouded with worry about what retirement life will really be
like. It is really pretty common for people to develop fears of retirement. After all it is a huge
change of lifestyle after being in the workforce for decades. What are some things that those
approaching retirement commonly worry about? Here are a few of them and some advice for
alleviating some of the fear. Money is probably the biggest concern. "Have I saved enough?" "Will
my savings and investments last the rest of my life?" "Is my pension safe?" While no one can
predict the future with certainty, one can prepare financially for retirement to the best of one's
ability with the help of a retirement planner. A retirement planner looks at each individual's
financial picture and lays out a plan of savings and investments suited just for him. The sooner a
person starts planning for retirement, the easier it will be on his budget, but it is never too late to
start.
39、Choose from the following the best title for this passage.
Gone Fishing
Years in a Cubicle
Toss That Alarm Clock
Life on Your Own Terms
Retirement Planning
There are a number of ways to maximize what you’re doing to generate new clients. With
a slight twist on your procedures pick up new donors, while keeping your expenses down. Trade
shows are a great way to network with other businesses in your niche but with a little preparation
you can pick up new donors as well. When attending national or local trade shows prepare your
information about your non-profit company. Include your website and a place to collect
information from the crowd. Giving out your website is always a great idea but a very passive way
to get people involved. With the amount of information these people will be getting at the trade
shows the chances diminish that they will search you out later on. Take the lead and sign them up
to your newsletters. If you keep them up to date with your work and spread the excitement your
chances of getting them involved will increase. Company Newsletters. This can be interpreted
two ways. Your own companies newsletters and other companies as well. Keep your donors up to
date with your progress and remember to stress the emotional tone. Inform your donors how their
money is being spent and how the recipient’s life has changed because of this. Pass on the energy
and excitement of your mission and how because of the donations from your sponsor people lives
have been changed. The second part of newsletters is asking your donors who own their own
businesses or have access to a contact person for their businesses newsletters to include a small ad
for you. Include your website address, email and phone number. If you have any types of
promotion make sure to mention that to entice new potential donors to visit you soon. Email
Campaigns allow you to email all your members with a new campaign and request special
donations towards it. Ask your donors to spread this email to several of their friends. Include a
place on the email for these new recruits to opt in for future news. You may even want to tie this in
with a contest. For each new donor that signs on and makes a deposit take their sponsors name and
enter them into a draw. Try and find someway to motivate current donors to not only continue
contributing but to pass your information to others.
40、According to this writer, giving out your website is which of the following?
A waste of time
Expensive
Passive
Difficult
Insecure
41、What, from the following list, is a motivational technique the author suggests?
Free gifts
Discounts
Hot dogs and Balloons
A dollar per sign-up
Drawings
42、Choose from the following the word that could replace 'niche' from line 8.
Expertise
Knowledge
Field
Array
Friends
You see, years ago, we had Mythology, and its teaching companion Parables, to guide us
through transitional, volatile times. Myths and Parables were guideposts; signs along the path that
helped explain aspects of our human plight and imminent challenges. Myths and Parables were
teaching tools, designed to advance us as a race, as a nation or as an individual, into and through
the next stage of our evolution. Myths and Parables were the Sine Qua Non of Ancient Times, in
terms of information processing and personal growth, because basically, no one knew how to read.
Since very few people enjoyed that privilege there had to be a way to pass on important
information. Myths and parables were accessible to everybody. Handed down through the ages,
they were passed on to generation after generation, cutting across cultural and ethnic boundaries,
and historical periods. Myths, as guideposts and parables as models, have always been there for us
and are still in evidence today. We just do not pay attention to them as we used to.
43、The author of this passage suggests that
in ancient times, myths and parables served a purpose which they can no longer fulfill
today
myths and parables are merely stories designed to entertain
myths and parables were only useful to those who could read
the answers to our quandaries are there if we would see them
today, there are no guideposts for us to follow; the answers must come from within
44、The author describes either myths or parables as all of the following EXCEPT
entertainment
guideposts
information processors
models
teaching tools
C. M. Coolidge, known for his "poker playing dogs," was a brilliant man with innovative ideas
and an entrepreneurial instinct about art. Born in a small town in upstate New York to Quaker
parents, he did not receive a formal college education, but did take some college business classes
later in his life. By the time he was 18 or 19, he took a few lessons in portrait painting, along with
a course in bookkeeping a few years later. His love for reading resulted in a solid self-education.
At the age of 19, he started doing cartoons for newspapers in surrounding neighborhoods. A few
years later, while living in Rochester, NY, he wrote and illustrated a weekly newspaper column.
45、The passage suggests which of the following about C. M. Coolidge?
As an artist, he was largely self-taught.
He is best known for his newspaper cartoons.
He was a traditionalist in selecting subjects for his paintings.
His first love was writing.
His parents did not feel he was smart enough to go to college.
46、According to the passage, Coolidge received education from all of the following
EXCEPT
a course in bookkeeping
college business classes
correspondence courses
lessons in portrait painting
reading
Answers:
1. The answer is
...until we get up there, dig deeper and get conclusive evidence...
Explanation:
A does not refer to any proof. B is his opinion that we should be able to find the proof. C is
another opinion that the facts would tell us. D is correct because he clearly states that we won't
know until we dig deeper and find the evidence. E is another opinion.
2. The answer is
Sarcasm toward those who believe in life on Mars
Explanation:
C is correct, as he makes fun of those who thin we have evidence of life on Mars. A,B,D, and E
are incorrect because the author positively discusses exploration, but he does not discuss his
own knowledge of it, nor of a belief that there truly is life on Mars.
3. The answer is
It is an area of working class people who struggle to make ends meet.
Explanation:
The author indicates that rich people come to the Square to perform charitable works. He
refers to the Square as their "faraway corner of the world." So, Choices (A), (C), (D), and (E)
cannot be the correct answers. The author refers to the people there as the recipients of
"good" works and charity. He refers to them as the "lower orders." Choice (B) is the correct
answer.
4. The answer is
arrogance
Explanation:
The word "imperiousness" refers to the arrogant air that Miss Holland carried because of her
wealth. The word "confident" supports this definition. The correct answer is Choice (A).
5. The answer is
twenty
Explanation:
The answer is in line 25, "high-blooded sweet-and-twenty."
6. The answer is
His mother and his father.
Explanation:
B, C, D, and E are incorrect as stated in the first sentence, his name reflects his father’s first
and last and his mother’s last. A, therefore, is correct as his mother’s last name was Seuss
and his father’s name was Theodore Geisel.
7. The answer is
19
Explanation:
A, C, D, and E are incorrect because the passage states that he began writing for a publication
in college. B is correct, as 19 would be a college age when he would have begun writing for the
Jack-O-lantern
8. The answer is
Mischievous
Explanation:
A is incorrect because it states that he was disciplined in college for a wrong doing. B, D, and
E are incorrect because there is no indication of these traits in the passage. C is correct as Dr.
Seuss threw a party with alcohol during prohibition and had to be disciplined, which can be
construed as being mischievous.
9. The answer is
Arrogant
Explanation:
C, arrogant, best describes someone who “knows everything and exasperates others by telling
how to do things," making it the correct choice. B, D, and A don’t refer to someone who is a
know-it-all and Is always telling others how to do things. E doesn’t have a similar meaning,
either, making it an incorrect choice.
10. The answer is
He was a partner in the firm that owned the ship
Explanation:
A is incorrect because the passage clearly implies that they hate his harmonium. B, C, and E
were never mentioned and are not the correct choices. D, that he was a partner of the firm that
owns the ship is clearly stated in the passage and is the correct answer.
11. The answer is
Palestine
Explanation:
A, B, C, and D are incorrect – the passage refers to the ship by name, Palestine, several times.
Therefore, E, Palestine, is the correct choice.
12. The answer is
The captains
Explanation:
A, B, D and E are incorrect choices because the "latter" are not these men to whom the writer
is referring. The correct choice is C, the captains, because, in the sentence, the supercargoes
are mentioned first, and the captains are mentioned second - latter means the most recently
mentioned, which in this case, was the captains.
13. The answer is
The harsh notes of the mechanical piano
Explanation:
A, B, D, and E are not mentioned in this story and are incorrect answers. C is what he could he
still hear from the night before and is the correct answer.
14. The answer is
Amiable
Explanation:
The author uses B, C, D and E to describe Dr. McPhail and are incorrect choices. A, amiable,
is not a word the author used to describe him and is the correct answer.
15. The answer is
They mutually disapproved of the men who played poker
Explanation:
A was not mentioned as a reason for their friendship and is incorrect. C and E were not
mentioned either and are incorrect. D cannot be correct because it states that they had met
aboard ship. B is the correct answer as the it states that their chief tie was the disapproval they
shared of the men who spent their days and nights in the smoking-room playing poker
16. The answer is
Smug
Explanation:
A, B, D and E do not convey the meaning of the word 'pedantic' and are incorrect choices. In
this case, the author's use of the word pedantic refers to the character's high opinion of himself
as a well-educated, better-than-most kind of person. C is the best choice from this selection.
17. The answer is
describe the South’s anticipation of the North’s foray to take the bridge
Explanation:
The passage describes the Southern soldiers waiting on one side of a bridge over Bull Run
while the Northern soldiers begin to attack from the other side. Choice (E) is the correct
answer.
18. The answer is
apprehensive
Explanation:
In the last two paragraphs, the author describes the suspicion and uneasiness that the soldiers
are feeling because the Union has not attempted to take the bridge. Choice (D) is the correct
answer.
19. The answer is
explain the importance of plants and trees to the air we breathe
Explanation:
Choice (A) is an idea that supports the main idea in Choice (C). The passage points out the
role that trees play in maintaining our air supply and how we rely upon trees to regulate the air
we breathe. Deforestation is not discussed. Choice (B) is touched upon but not described in
detail. Choice (D) is merely the introduction to the topic.
20. The answer is
without plants and trees to purify the air, we might be exposed to more air pollution
Explanation:
The passage starts out by stating that air pollution threatens most parts of the world, and then
goes on to describe the importance of trees and plants in purifying our air. It further states that
we have a “symbiotic” relationship with plants and trees, meaning that there is mutual benefit
and the relationship is necessary for survival. However, we are not as necessary to the
survival of plants and trees as they are to us.
21. The answer is
“no doubt the most remarkable” (lines 17-18)
Explanation:
To state that something, without a doubt, is the most remarkable has to be an opinion since it
cannot be proven and others may hold a different viewpoint.
22. The answer is
majesty
Explanation:
The author’s use of words such as “technical mastery on an unprecedented scale,”
“architectural and artistic perfection,” “most remarkable,” “sheer size,” and “extraordinary”
conjure up an image of something “majestic.”
23. The answer is
the encroachment of the deserts on the major cities in China
Explanation:
The passage discusses how the desert regions in China are expanding and threatening to take
over the major cities. Choice (C) is mentioned as contributing to the problem.
24. The answer is
regret
Explanation:
The context of the passage suggests that many a young lad lived to “regret” responding to the
call of the drum and entering the army.
25. The answer is
the role of military drummers
Explanation:
The first paragraph introduces the theme of the passage – the military drummer. This is a
chapter in the history of drums. The history of drums is not the main theme. Choices (B) and
(C) are secondary topics. Choice (A) is not applicable.
26. The answer is
nostalgic
Explanation:
The author is reminiscing about a time when her grandfather was alive and his practice of
personally answering all his mail. Although she may have found the practice “eccentric” at the
time, she finds herself thinking about it and the positive effect it may have had on someone
(last paragraph).
27. The answer is
Winter
Explanation:
B, C, D, and E are incorrect answers because they do not reflect the season that would have
snow covering the Green Meadows or ice binding up the Big River. A is correct as those are
the signs of winter.
28. The answer is
Ping the Duck
Explanation:
B is the correct answer, as a duck is not mentioned. A, C, D, and E are each discussed in this
passage and are incorrect answers.
29. The answer is
optimism
Explanation:
The author describes the possibility of finding positive uses for methane. Choices (A), (B), and
(E) are negative, so they are not the answers. Since his suggestions are within the realm of
possibility, they are not idealistic, thereby ruling out Choice (D). Choice (C) is the best answer.
30.The answer is
By working to modify the industrial production of methane, we could also be creating a
valuable energy source.
Explanation:
Choices (A), (C), (D), and (E) are supporting ideas stated by the author in the passage. The
author states in the introductory sentence of the second paragraph that "modifying our
behavior on methane production is actually a win-win situation." He goes on to state that the
"methane can be used as an energy source in and of itself."
31. The answer is
optimism
Explanation:
The author sees a win-win situation. He writes that we have accomplished far more difficult
tasks.
32. The answer is
the sperm whale
Explanation:
The only encounters mentioned in the passage are between giant squid and sperm whales,
with the giant squid being eaten by the whale in some cases.
33. The answer is
dead ones that have washed ashore
Explanation:
Choices (B) and (E) would only be parts of a squid. Photographs cannot be taken because of
the depth in which they live. There is no mention of sailors, only tall tales. There is the
possibility that the ones that the author refers to as washed up on shore might be whole.
34. The answer is
legs
Explanation:
There is no mention of the giant squid having “legs.”
35. The answer is
They were thrust upon her
Explanation:
A, B, D and E are incorrect answers, as they do not reflect what the author wrote about the
woman’s children. C is the correct choice, taken from the third sentence.
36. The answer is
A hard little place that couldn't love anything
Explanation:
A, C, D and E are incorrect because none of these are the phrase used in the passage to
describe the center of her heart. B is correct as cited directly from the passage.
37. The answer is
The fact that she kept failing at finding something to do to make money
Explanation:
A, B, D, and E are not mentioned as the reason lines developed in her face and are incorrect
choices. C is the correct choice, as she wanted to make things to sell but she kept failing at it,
which caused worry, which caused lines.
38. The answer is
Amusing
Explanation:
Because the piece appears to take a positive approach to the man and his dog, A, B, D, and E
are incorrect choices because they would elicit negative responses from the reader. C is the
best choice as one of the meanings for 'quaint' is humorous, which portrays a positive aspect
of the characters he is describing.
39. The answer is
Retirement Planning
Explanation:
A, B, C and D are mentioned, but are not the main idea of the passage and are incorrect
answers. E is the main idea of the passage and is the answer that makes the most sense.
40. The answer is
Passive
Explanation:
A, B, D and E are incorrect, as the author states that giving out your website is a great idea. C
is correct, because the author states that even though it’s a great idea, it’s passive.
41. The answer is
Drawings
Explanation:
A, B, C and D are not suggestions made by this author and are incorrect answers. The author
suggests creating a drawing of some kind, which makes E the correct answer.
42. The answer is
Field
Explanation:
A, B, D and E are incorrect choices because they do not convey the meaning of 'niche.' C is
the best choice, as niche means a situation best suited to a person's abilities, which, in the
case, is 'field.'
43. The answer is
the answers to our quandaries are there if we would see them
Explanation:
In lines 28-32, the author states that myths and parables, as guideposts and models, are still
here today. It’s just that we do not pay attention to them.
44. The answer is
entertainment
Explanation:
Myths or parables are mentioned as guideposts in line 5, as information processors in line 14,
as models in line 25, and as teaching tools in line 8. It is not indicated in the passage that they
were used for entertainment.
45. The answer is
As an artist, he was largely self-taught.
Explanation:
The passage states that Coolidge did not receive a formal college education (lines 7-8) and
only took a few lessons in portrait painting (lines 10-11). Lines 1-2 state that he is known for his
poker playing dogs, not newspaper cartoons, and poker playing dogs would not be a traditional
subject in art. The passage mentions "his love for reading," but does not state that he loved to
write. The author describes Coolidge as a brilliant man, so it cannot be inferred that his parents
did not think he was smart.
46. The answer is
correspondence courses
Explanation:
Correspondence courses, or courses by mail, are not mentioned anywhere in the passage.