Mouse potatoes joined couch potatoes (who spend much time watching TV on the couch), google officially became a verb and drama queens (extremely emotional persons) finally found the attention when they crossed over from popular culture to mainstream English language.
The mouse potato, the himbo (attractive, empty-headed man) and drama queen were among 100 new words added to the 2006 update of America’s best-selling dictionary, the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary《韦氏大词典》. The Internet search engine Google also found its way into the dictionary for the first time as a verb, meaning to find information quickly on the worldwide web.
New words and phrases from the fields of science, technology, pop culture and industry are chosen each year by Merriam-Webster’s team of editors after months of looking through books, magazines and even food labels. “They are not tracking spoken language. They are looking for evidence that words have been used in the written English language,” said Arthur Bicknell, senior editor of Merriam-Webster.
Other words first coming into the dictionary this year were soul patch (a small growth of beard under a man’s lower lip), unibrow (two eyebrows joining together) and supersize － the fast food industry phrase for extra large meals.
The technology world contributed ringtones (changeable incoming cellphone call signals) and spyware (software installed in a computer to track a user’s activities) while biodiesel (生物柴油) and avian influenza(禽流感) came from the world of science.
America’s first dictionary － Noah Webster’s A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language － was published 200 years ago and also introduced some fresh words that have now become familiar. Those “new” words in 1806 included slang, surf, psychology, naturally and Americanize.
小题1:The mouse potato refers to ____________. | A．a mouse that lives by potatoes | | B．a person who spends much time on the computer | | C．a mouse that is shown on the screen of the computer | | D．a person who likes to eat mice and potatoes |
小题2:Which group of words and phrases is NOT the fresh words for the dictionary of this year? | A．mouse potatoes, google, supersize， drama queen. | | B．himbo, soul patch, unibrow, supersize. | | C．ringtones, spyware, biodiesel, avian influenza. | | D．couch potatoes, surf, psychology, Americanize. |
小题3:Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the text? | A．New words and phrases were introduced into the dictionary have close relationship with the time. | | B．New words and phrases chosen by the editors of the dictionary have been used in written English somewhere. | | C．Some words that are now familiar to us used to be fresh words collected in the dictionary. | | D．The Merriam-webster Collegiate Dictionary becomes the best-seller because 100 new words are added to it. |
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小题1:B
小题2:D
小题3:D |
文章讲述了语言的发展性，每年都会出现很多新词，丰富了语言的词汇库。
小题1:猜测词义题。由couch potatoes (who spend much time watching TV on the couch)推断而来，Mouse是与电脑有关的。
小题2:细节题。由第一段第一句可知couch potatoes不是新词，最后一段的Those “new” words in 1806 included slang, surf, psychology, naturally and Americanize.可知D项的几个词都不是新词。
小题3:推理题。文章中没有任何地方说明The Merriam-webster Collegiate Dictionary的受欢迎是因为有100个新词加进来。 |
核心考点
试题【Mouse potatoes joined couch potatoes (who spend much time watching TV on the cou】；主要考察你对
题材分类等知识点的理解。
[详细]举一反三
Schoolgirls have been wearing such short skirts at Paget High School in Branston that they"ve been ordered to wear trousers instead. All skirts will be banned from September. Tight-fitting trousers will also be forbidden and Muslim head-dresses will have to be “school blue’’ color.
Head teacher Don Smith said, "One of the big problems for us at the school has been the number of girls who have been wearing inappropriately short skirts. This has been an area of particular concern at a time when there has been a lot of material nationally about the sexualisation of young people.”
He also said, “ It will be impractical to police the length of girls" skirts. A blanket ban will be easier for staff to put into practice. We did not want to arrive at a situation where we were telling girls their skirts could only be a certain number of centimeters above or below the knee. Pupils", parents" and other teachers" opinions were sought before the uniform rules were changed.，，
The new clothing policy has been explained in a letter sent to parents of the school"s 1,000 pupils and will come into force after the summer holiday. Support will be given to parents unable to afford the new tie. The school also wants pupils to wear clip-on(夹式)ties instead of traditional neckties.
But the new uniform rules have not been well received by everyone. One parent, whose teenage daughter attends the school, said, “I completely agree some girls were wearing skirts that were too short. However, I think girls should be allowed to be feminine(女性化的).Other schools manage to let girls wear skirts while making sure they are not inappropriately dressed. I don"t see why Paget can"t do the same."
小题1:The girls at Paget High School are not allowed to wear skirts in that _______.| A．short skirts give people the impression of sexualisation | | B．short skirts are too expensive for parents to afford | | C．the headmaster doesn"t like girls wearing short skirts | | D．the girls wearing short skirts will be at the risk of being laughed at |
小题2:We can learn from the passage that _______ | A．the new uniform rules are well received by everyone | | B．no schools in Branston allow girls to wear short skirts | | C．parents unable to afford the new uniform will gain support | | D．the pupils" parents were informed of the new clothing policy |
小题3:What"s the attitude of Mr. Smith towards the new uniform rules?| A．Disagreeable. | B．Supportive. | C．Anxious. | D．Curious. |
小题4:What"s the best title for the passage?| A．New School Rules Set | B．Girls" Skirts Forbidden | | C．Traditional Neckties Gone | D．Different Opinions Voiced |
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The island Fiji has always been around me in my life. My parents met in Fiji when my father was a teacher as a Peace Corps volunteer and my mother a student. They taught me about its people, culture, foods and religious beliefs.
At the age of two, I made my first trip across the Pacific Ocean to Fiji. My mother and I made that trip unexpectedly because my grandma was ill and longed to see her American granddaughter. Although I have few memories of that first trip, I do remember grandma braiding(编辫子) my hair every day. The brush gliding through my hair is a feeling I will treasure forever because she passed away soon. I returned to America when I was five years old. This time I had a brother, Martin, who was two.
I resisted my third trip to Fiji when I was 15, being a teenager who did not want to spend the summer away from friends. It was this trip, however, that made me realize that Fiji is not just a place to visit but a part of who I am. The smells and sounds and sights came back to me, but the best part was getting to know my relatives.
Vishal was one cousin I quickly bonded with(与…合拍). Born two days before me, I had only known him through pictures before. Though raised oceans apart in different cultures, we talked and laughed about everything from American sports to Fijian dancing. I was able to form close ties with all my cousins, and when I talk about them now, it’s as if I have known them my whole life. Spending time with them helped me understand the traditions and values my mother grew up with. Hospitality (热情) and care and respect for family members are central values in Fijian culture.
I truly enjoyed learning about my roots during this trip. Fuji is just like a second home, and I will never forget the time I have spent there.
小题1:From the passage, we can learn that ______________________.
- the author’s parents had been classmatesbefore
- the author had lived in Fiji for aboutfive years
- the author had no memories of hergrandma
- people value family in Fijian culture
小题2:The author resisted her third trip to Fiji because______________________.
- she didn’t want to separate from herbrother
- she didn’t know her cousins there verywell
- she didn’t want to separate from herAmerican friends
- her grandma had passed away
小题3:Which of the following is TRUE about Vishal?
- He is younger than the author.
- The author had met him on her first tripto Fiji.
- He and the author had lots of commoninterests.
- He and the author held differentopinions about Fijian culture.
小题4:What’s the best title for the passage?| A． My Trips to Fiji | | B．Discovering My Fijian Origins | | C．My Understanding of Fijian Culture | | D．My Memories of Fiji |
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Long long ago, human beings used to walk barefoot. A king happened to travel 16 into the countryside. He was greatly troubled by the 17 roads where gravel(砾石) and broken stones pricked(使刺痛) and numbed(使麻木) his 18 . When he returned to his palace he issued an order that all the roads be 19 with cattle hide(牛皮). He thought it was beneficial not only to 20 but also to his people and hoped 21 would no longer be a painful thing
But 22 all the cattle in the kingdom were killed there 23 not be enough hide to get the work done. Evidently it was a stupid 24 . As it was an imperial order people could do nothing but shake their heads and 25 . At this juncture a clever servant in the palace 26 to make a suggestion. "Your Majesty, why don"t take an easier way? You don"t have to mobilize（调动）so many people, to have so many oxen killed, nor so much money 27 . What you have to do is simply to cover each of your feet with a piece of hide." Surprised and 28 , the king immediately changed his mind and adopted the 29 .
This is said to be the origin of using 30 to make shoes. Though it sounds 31 and strange, it inspires us to think. It is much easier to change oneself than to change the world. 32 it will be much better for one to change oneself before one 33 an attempt to change the outer world. Why don"t try to put yourself on the 34 of the person you deal with? You will find it easier to solve a problem 35 you change your way of thinking.
| 小题1: | | A．much | B．near | C．far | D．a lot |
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| 小题2: | | A．smooth | B．rough | C．long | D．busy |
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| 小题3: | | A．body | B．arms | C．feet | D．legs |
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| 小题4: | | A．crowded | B．filled | C．covered | D．put |
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| 小题5: | | A．others | B．himself | C．them | D．themselves |
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| 小题6: | | A．walking | B．swimming | C．singing | D．shopping |
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| 小题7: | | A．as well | B．even if | C．as long as | D．when |
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| 小题8: | | A．would | B．should | C．must | D．may |
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| 小题9: | | A．comment | B．chance | C．attempt | D．opinion |
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| 小题10: | | A．sigh | B．sign | C．cheer | D．weep |
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| 小题11: | | A．wanted | B．ventured | C．planned | D．hoped |
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| 小题12: | | A．wasted | B．borrowed | C．saved | D．loaned |
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| 小题13: | | A．moved | B．excited | C．pleased | D．bored |
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| 小题14: | | A．decision | B．plan | C．suggestion | D．measure |
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| 小题15: | | A．leather | B．silk | C．plastic | D．cloth |
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| 小题16: | | A．odd | B．funny | C．amusing | D．surprising |
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| 小题18: | | A．makes | B．tries | C．takes | D．gives |
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| 小题19: | | A．direction | B．situation | C．occasion | D．position |
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| 小题20: | | A．before | B．if | C．while | D．until |
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The Weekly Radio Concert
Date / Time: Sept. 5th, 2010 10:30 (Sun.)
Venue(地点）: Shanghai Concert Hall
Ticket Price (RMB): 50, 40, 30 yuan
Ticket State: On Sale Now
Booking Office: No. 272 Fengxian Road
Booking Hotline: 62172426, 62173055
Conductor: Chen Shouchang
Programme
1. Jasmine (Jiangsu folk song) Arranged by Chen Dan
2. Under the Silver Light (Xinjiang folk song) Arranged by Yang Hua
3. Wish good luck (Tibetan folk song) Arranged by Shu Yong Gang
4. Arirang Theme and Variations (North Korean folk song) Arranged by John Barnes Jones
5. No.5 Wind Suite (Various countries Dance) Arranged by Alfred Reed
Ⅰ. Square dance (USA)
Ⅱ. Sarabande (France)
Ⅲ. Yamabushi Kagura (Japan)
Ⅳ. Hora (Israel / Romania)
6. Red River Valley (American / Canadian folk song) Arranged by J. D. Proyhal
JAZZ STARS — Cantaloup Island
Date / Time: Sept. 8th, 2010 19:30 (Wed.)
Venue: Shanghai Concert Hall
Ticket Price (RMB): 80, 50 yuan
Ticket State: On Sale Now
Booking Office: No. 272 Fengxian Road
Booking Hotline: 62172426, 62173055
Performance: Shanghai Jazz Orchestra
小题1:You can get the tickets for the two concerts ______.| A．in about one week | B．at reduced prices | | C．through the Internet | D．by calling |
小题2:Which of the following will be arranged by John Barnes Jones?| A．A Jiangsu folk song. | B．A Xinjiang folk song. | | C．A foreign folk song. | D．A Tibetan folk song. |
小题3:Sophie decides to buy two tickets for the second concert at a lower price. How much will she pay?| A．60 yuan. | B．80 yuan. | C．100 yuan. | D．160 yuan. |
小题4:Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?| A．The two concerts will start in the evening. | | B．The two concerts will be held in different places. | | C．Bob, a pop music lover, may go to the first concert. | | D．Sam, a jazz music lover, may go to the second concert. |
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One minute means a lot in one"s life.
During his college years, Roger 36 a summer in an Idaho logging camp. When the boss had to leave for a few days, he 37 Rogers in charge.
“ 38 if the men refuse to follow my orders?" Rogers asked. He thought of Tony, an immigrant worker who troubled all day, giving the other men a 39 time.
‘‘Fire them,” the boss said. Then, as if 40 Rogers" mind, he added,“I suppose you think you are going to fire Tony if you get the 41 . I"d feel 42 about that. I have been logging for 40 years. Tony is the most__43 worker I"ve ever had. I know he is a troublemaker and that he__44 everybody and everything. But he comes in first and leaves last. There has not been an 45 for eight years on the hill where he works.”
Rogers_ 46 the next day. He went to Tony and spoke to him."Tony, do you know I’m in charge here today?" Tony grunted（嘟囔）.“Iwas going to fire you the first time we tangled（纠缠）,but I want you to know I’m not,”he told Tony,_ 47 what the boss had said.
When Rogers finished,Tony_48 the spadeful of sand he had held and tears streamed__49 his face.
That day Tony worked harder than ever before.
Twelve years later Rogers met Tony again who was now the 50 for railroad construction for one of the largest logging companies in the West. Rogers asked him how he came to California and happened to have such 51 .
Tony replied, "If it not be for the one 52 you talk to me back in Idaho, I kill somebody someday. One minute 53 my whole life."
Effective managers know the 54 0f taking a moment to point out what a worker is doing well. But what a 55 a minute of yes can make in any relationship!
| 小题1: | | A．wasted | B．spent | C．trained | D．traveled |
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| 小题2: | | A．took | B．provided | C．put | D．designed |
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| 小题4: | | A．ridiculous | B．surprising | C．happy | D．hard |
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| 小题5: | | A．recognizing | B．having | C．bearing | D．reading |
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| 小题6: | | A．chance | B．order | C．support | D．evidence |
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| 小题7: | | A．proudly | B．badly | C．uglily | D．well |
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| 小题8: | | A．quarrelsome | B．elegant | C．reliable | D．silent |
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| 小题9: | | A．respects | B．protects | C．hurts | D．hates |
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| 小题10: | | A．accident | B．anecdote | C．opportunity | D．argument |
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| 小题11: | | A．turned up | B．set out | C．joined up | D．took over |
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| 小题12: | | A．lying | B．adding | C．smiling | D．replying |
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| 小题13: | | A．threw | B．dropped | C．carried | D．lifted |
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| 小题15: | | A．boss | B．worker | C．engine-driver | D．immigrant |
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| 小题16: | | A．railroad | B．companies | C．life | D．success |
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| 小题17: | | A．word | B．thing | C．minute | D．lesson |
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| 小题18: | | A．save | B．change | C．colour | D．lose |
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| 小题19: | | A．importance | B．method | C．result | D．influence |
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| 小题20: | | A．choice | B．decision | C．difference | D．conclusion |
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