Passage Four
When Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer in rural Illinois, he and a certain judge in town once got to bantering with one another about horse trading. The upshot of the discussion was that they agreed that the next morning, at nine o'clock, they would meet in front of the general store and make a trade.
Each would bring a horse, unseen by anyone up to that hour. If either backed out of the deal, he would forfeit $25. The money from each man was held by the local banker.
The next morning, at the appointed hour, the Judge, came up the dirt road, leading the sorriest looking specimen of a horse ever seen in those parts of Illinois. The large crowd viewing the spectacle burst out laughing, already knowing that Abe Lincoln was bound to get the worst of the deal. A poorer horse just couldn't exist anywhere and still be walking.
In a few minutes,however,Mr.Lincoln was seen approaching the general store carrying something quite large and bulky on his shoulders. As he drew nearer, the crowd saw what it was, and great shouts and laughter broke out. The shouts and laughter soon broke into a thunderous roar when Mr. Lincoln, looking carefully and seriously over the Judge's animal, set down his sawhorse (锯木架), and exclaimed, "Well, Judge, this is the first time I ever got the worst of it in a horse trade. "
48. This passage concerns__________.
A. the life of Abe Lincoln
B. a horse trade made by Abe Lincoln
C. a gambling in Illinois
D. Abe Lincoln's philosophy
49. It is evident that neither Lincoln nor the Judge was__________.
A. serious about their agreement
B. a native of Illinois
C. very knowledgeable about horses
D. in the mood for jokes
50. This passage attempts to arouse__________.
A. outrage
B. tears
C. sympathy
D. laughter
51. A person who banters is__________.
A. singing
B. insulting
C. joking
D. deceiving
Passage Five
Shoes are outer coverings for the foot. They have soles, and most have heels. The upper part of most shoes extend no higher than the ankle. Boots are footwear that reach beyond the ankle. People wear shoes to protect their feet from harsh weather, sharp objects, and uncomfortable surfaces. Shoes are also an important part of people's clothing. As a result, fashion often determines the style of shoes that individuals wear. The desire to be fashionable has led to many unusual shoe styles. In the 1300's,many European men wore shoes called crackowes, which had an extremely long toe. From the 1300's to the 1700's, some European women wore shoes with really thick soles causing walking to be virtually impossible without support. Shoes once worn in the Orient were connected to a stilt(高跷) as high as six inches.
Traditionally, most shoes are made of leather. But many other materials are now used. Including canvas, velvet, and synthetic substances such as plastics. Footwear materials and style vary somewhat,depending on climate, custom, or other differences. Farmers in Netherlands often wear heavy wooden shoes that protect their feet from the damp environment while Japanese wear shoes outside their home but prefer soft slippers at home. In fact, people in some regions often wear foot coverings other than shoes. Some wear sandals during the hot summer and switch to warm boots for the cold winter.
52. What is the main topic of the passage?
A. The history of the shoes.
B. Shoes around the world.
C. The definition of shoes.
D. Shoes and fashion.
53. What can be inferred from the passage about different types of shoes?
A. Boots are defined to be higher than shoes.
B. People in the 1300's to 1700's like to wear uncomfortable shoes.
C. People in Japan do not like to wear shoes.
D. History has proven that the best shoes are made of leather.
54. According to the passage, what is the main reason for people to wear shoes?
A. To look fashionable.
B. To feel comfortable.
C. Because everyone else wears them.
D. To protect their feet.
55. What is a type of shoes that is mentioned in the passage?
A. Slippers.
B. Sandals.
C. Soles.
D. Crackowes.
V. Daily Conversation (15 points)
Directions: Pick out five appropriate expressions from the eight choices below and complete the following dialogue by blackening the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet.
A. Where have you been
B. What do you do
C. An interesting place
D. a part-time job
E. And what do you do
F. been there
G. That sounds interesting
H. Which restaurant
Jason: Where do you work, Andrea?
Andrea: I work for Thomas Cook Travel.
Jason: Oh, really? 56 there?
Andrea: I'm a guide. I take people on tours to countries in South America, like Peru.
Jason : 57 !
Andrea: Yes, it's a great job. I love it.58?
Jason: I'm a student, and I have 59, too.
Andrea: Oh? Where do you work?
Jason: In a fast-food restaurant.
Andrea : 60?
Jason : Hamburger Heaven.
VI. Writing (25 points)
Directions: For this part, you are supposed to write a letter in English in 100-120 words based on the following situation. Remember to write it clearly.
61.你(Li Yuan)的一个朋友准备出院，写封信表示宽慰，并鼓励他/她。其内容如下：
(1)如何得知的消息;
(2)对他/她的出院表示高兴;
(3)提供帮助。
