江苏省石庄高级中学2005-2006学年度第二学期高二英语期末统考前模拟考试（二）
命题人：秦建华 难度系数：0.70
第I卷
第一部分 听力（共两节；满分30分）
第一节（共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分）
听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。听完每段对话后，你都有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段对话仅读一遍。
1. Where does the conversation most probably take place?
A. In a factory. B. In a hospital. C. In the man’s home.
2. When did the man visit the Yellow Stone Park?
A. This year. B. Last year. C. The year before last.
3. What can we learn from the conversation? A. The woman wants to clean the room.
B. Linda comes to help the man every day. C. The room hasn’t been cleaned since Linda came.
4. What do we know about the woman’s sister?
A. She looks like the woman. B. She is always in low spirits. C. She has a strong character.
5. What does the man ask the woman to do? A. To visit New York with him.
B. To tell him the places she has visited. C. To recommend some places he can visit.
听下面一段材料，回答第6 至 7 题。
6. What are the two speakers mainly talking about?
A. How to ease anxiety. B. How to make use of time. C. Where to get health services
7. Why does the man turn to the woman for advice? A. She works at the health services.
B. She had a similar experience before. C. She knows a lot about the man’s trouble.
听下面一段材料，回答第8 至 10 题。
8. Where does this conversation take place?
A. Over the telephone. B. In the woman’s home. C. At an insurance company.
9. Why does the man talk to the woman?
A. To make a damage report. B. To help her rebuild her house. C. To show honesty in his business.
10.How many points were destroyed by the storm? A. Three. B. Four. C. Five.
听下面一段材料，回答第11 至 13 题。
11. What is the woman studying now? A. History B. French. C. Computer.
12. How does the woman pay for college?
A. She has a scholarship. B. Her parents pay for it. C. She has a part-time job.
13. What do we know about the man?
A. He envies the woman. B. He has a full-time job. C. He likes hotel service.
听下面一段材料，回答第14 至16 题。
14. Why does the woman talk to the man?
A. To receive a good grade. B. To take an advanced course. C. To apply to graduate schools.
15. What does the man reply to the woman’s request? A. He doesn’t want to offer her the course.
B. He doesn’t think the course will interest her. C. He thinks the course will be too difficult for her.
16. What does the man promise to do in the end? A. Pick out some books for the woman.
B. Ask another professor for his opinion. C. Let the woman attend an easier course.
听下面一段材料，回答第17 至20 题。
17. When did drag racing start? A. In the early 1950s. B. In the late 1950s. C. In the early 1960s.
18. Why do drag race tracks have to be straight? A. The fast cars can’t make a sharp turn.
B. Each race lasts only about seven seconds. C. The cars might run into people in the street.
19. Why is sometimes impossible to see the racers?
A. The tracks are too straight. B. There is too much smoke. C. The racing cars go too fast.
20. What do we know about drag racing? A. It costs more money than other car races.
B. It has nothing in common with other car races.
C. It has changed from a teenage pastime to business.
第二部分 英语知识运用（共两节；满分45分）
第一节：单项填空（共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分）
从A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
21. .Heat capacity is _______ amount of energy _______ takes to _______ the temperature of a substance by one degree centigrade.
A. the; it; raise B. an; that; rise C. the; it; rise D. an; it; raise
22. I like ____ in the autumn when the weather is clear and bright.
A. this B. that C. it D. one
23. In the dark forests _____ , some large enough to hold several English towns.
A. stand many lakes B. lie many lakes C. many lakes lie D. many lakes stand
24. We hadn’t met for 20 years, but I recognized her ________ I saw her.
A. the moment B. for the moment
C. the moment when D. at the moment when
25. Information has been put forward ______ more middle school graduates will be admitted into universities.
A. which B. that C. when D. what
26. Janet spent 200 yuan on the shoes. But I paid .
A. as much twice B. twice as much C. as much as twice D. as twice much
27. Was it in 2000 he was still in middle school this boy became an expert at computer?
A. when; where B. that; where C. when; that D. that; that
28. By the year 1889, there were just 541 bison in the whole of North America.
A. leaving alive B. to leave alive C. to be left alive D. left alive
29. money, people usually tend to spend more than they have to.
A. In the eyes of B. Regardless of C. In terms of D. In place of
30. — I really like the record you lent me last
week.
—
______.
— And thank you very much for letting me keep it so long.
A. I’m glad you like it
B. That’s
all right
C. Don't
mention it D.
I hope you like it
31. The square box has a door, there
are some buttons.
A. beside it B. beside which C. beside that D. beside what
32. You'd better carry a(n) tyre in the back of your car in case it breaks down on the way.
A. extra B. free C. convenient D. spare
33. Maybe it is time for the rest of society to the fact I may not be able to walk, there are many other great things I can do.
A. adjust to; that B. get used to; that while
C. adapt to; while D. go about; that while
34. At the 2003 Special Olympics in Ireland, more than 6,500 athletes from over 150 countries .
A. participated B. joined C. benefited D. relied
35.Selecting a digital camera for personal use is no easy task because technology ______so rapidly.
A. is changing B. has changed C. will have changed D. will change
第二节：完形填空（共20小题；每小题1.5分，满分30分）
阅读下面短文，从短文中所给各题的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
It was the last day of the final examination in a large eastern university. On the steps of one building, a group of students were talking about the exam that was going to begin in a few 36 .On their faces was confidence. This was their 37 exam—then on to graduation and jobs.
Some talked of jobs they already had, others talked of jobs they 38 get. With the certainty of four years of college, they felt 39 and able to take control of the world.
The coming exam, they knew, would be a（n） 40 task, as the professor had said they could bring 41 books or notes they wanted, requesting only that they did not 42 each other during the test.
43 they entered the classroom. The professor passed out the papers. And smiles 44 on the students’ faces as they found there were only five questions.
Three hours had passed 45 the professor began to collect papers. The students no longer looked confident. On their faces was a frightened expression. Papers in hand, no one spoke as the professor faced the class.
He looked at the 46 faces before him, and then asked: “How many completed all five questions?” 47 a hand was raised.
“How many answered four?” Still no hand.
“Three? Two?” The students moved restlessly in their seats.
“One, then? Certainly somebody finished 48 .” But the class remained silent.
The professor put down the papers. “That is exactly what I 49 ,” he said. “I just want you to know that, although you have completed four years of study, there are 50 many things about the 51 you don’t know. These questions you could not answer are relatively common in everyday 52 .” Then, smiling, he added, “You will all 53 this course, but remember—even though you are now college graduates, your education had just 54 .”
The years have weakened the name of the professor, but not the 55 he taught.
36. A. seconds B. minutes C. hours D. days
37. A. only B. first C. very D. last
38. A. would B. must C. had to D. used to
39. A. glad B. ready C. sorry D. nice
40. A. interesting B. necessary C. easy D. unusual
41. A. no B. either C. any D. some
42. A. listen to B. look at C. care for D. talk to
43. A. Hardly B. Happily C. Quickly D. Carefully
44. A. appeared B. changed C. failed D. stopped
45. A. then B. as C. before D. after
46. A. pleased B. worried C. surprised D. moved
47. A. Not B. Once C. Only D. Even
48. A. all B. none C. one D. it
49. A. wondered B. enjoyed C. hated D. expected
50. A. even B. already C. so D. still
51. A. exam B. subject C. question D. college
52. A. job B. class C. practice D. study
53. A. pass B. fail C. take D. start
54. A. begun B. completed C. failed D. succeeded
55. A. subject B. things C. words D. lessons
第三部分：阅读理解（共20小题，每题2分，满分40分）
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项。
A
The Daily Mail Offer Director's Chairs
TELEPHONE
YOUR
ORDER ON
01590 633620
For much of this century, the director's chair has been regarded as the most suitable chair for home and garden. Lightweight and easy to carry when folded, it is quite comfort- able and certainly has a special style of its own.
Our chairs have an unusually supportive, one--piece seat and back, which makes them look smarter than most, and a co-ordinating hardwood frame. Available in A (green seat with green frame) B (natural coloured seat with stained wood frame) they are on offer for only ￡24.95 each, or buy two of the same colour for ￡44.90 and save ￡5.
You can telephone your order, giving your Mastercard / Visa number on 01590 638620 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
Please allow up to 14 days for delivery from receipt of order. Price will be paid back if Item is returned within 14 days of receipt.
| Post to Daily Mail director's Chairs Offer L 2259. Betton Road West, Longhborough, Leics LE 11 5XL. Please send me: ____ Director's chair(s) 1,2259/J15 at ￡24.95 each ×____ 2 Director's chairs L2259/S262 at ￡44.90 Colour(s): A____; B____ Name ____ (Please include title and initials) Address ____ Postcode ____ I enclose a crossed cheque payable to Daily Mail Offers for ￡____ or debit my Mastercard / Visa account by ￡ ____ Card No. Expiry date Tel No ■If you do not wish to receive detail of other offers or services, please tick this box. |
56. This material is __.
A. a piece of news B. an advertisement C. a notice D. a postcard
57. A man bought two chairs Type A and Type B. How much did he have to pay?
A. ￡49.90 B. ￡29.95 C. ￡44.90 D. ￡89.80
58. Which of the following is all the information the Daily Mail Director's Chairs Offer requires?
A. Address, cheque, type of chairs, profession.
B. Colour of chair, your telephone number, postcode, age.
C. Your telephone number, postcode, address, cheque payable, name.
D. Name, job, number of chairs, address.
59. A man ordered a chair from the Daily Mail Offer and he received it, but he was not satisfied with it. What would be the best way to solve the problem according to the text?
A. The company would send someone to fix it.
B. The chair couldn't be returned after having been sold.
C. He could do nothing but use it.
D. He could return the chair to the company within 14 days.
B
If women are mercilessly exploited(剥削) year after year, they have only themselves to blame. Because they tremble at the thought of being seen in public in clothes that are out of fashion, they are always taken advantage of by the designers and the big stores. Clothes which have been worn only a few times have to be put aside because of the change of fashion.
Changing fashions are nothing more than the intentional creation of waste. Many women spend large sums of money each year to replace clothes that have hardly been worn. Women who cannot afford to throw away clothing in this way, waste hours of their time changing their old-fashioned dresses. Skirts are lengthened or shortened; neck-lines are lowered or raised, and so on.
No one can claim that the fashion industry contributes anything really important to society. Fashion designers are rarely concerned with necessary things like warmth, comfort and durability (耐用). They are only interested in outward appearance and they take advantage of the fact that women will put up with any amount of discomfort, as long as they look right. There can hardly be a man who hasn't at some time in his life smiled at the sight of a woman shaking in a thin dress on a winter day, or picking her way through deep snow in high heeled shoes.
When comparing men and women in the matter of fashion, the conclusions to be drawn are obvious. Do the constantly changing fashions of women's clothes, one wonders, reflect basic qualities of inconstancy and instability? Men are too clever to let themselves be cheated by fashion designers. Do their unchanging styles of dress reflect basic qualities of stability and reliability(稳定耐用)? That is for you to decide.
60. Designers and big stores always make money_________.
A. by mercilessly exploiting women workers in the clothing industry
B. because they are capable of predicting new fashions
C. by constantly changing the fashions in women's clothing
D. because they attach great importance to quality in women's clothing
61. To the writer, the fact that women change their old-fashioned dresses is seen as ___________.
A. a waste of money B. a waste of time
C. an expression of taste D. an expression of creativity
62. New fashions in clothing are created for ___________.
A. the commercial exploitation of women
B. the women's strength of character
C. basic qualities of inconstancy and instability
D. an important contribution to society
63. By saying "the conclusions to be drawn are obvious" ( Line One to Line Two, Paragraph Four), the writer means that ___________.
A. women's inconstancy in their choice of clothing is often laughed at
B. women are better able to put up with discomfort
C. men are also exploited greatly by fashion designers
D. men are more reasonable in the matter of fashion
C
One would have to be a fool to overlook the importance of using positive thinking for you rather than snowing negative thinking to work against you. In recent years, research in psychopharmacology(精神药理学) has proved what many people have known over the centuries: a positive attitude is good for you, good for your health, good for your wealth, good for everything.
Researchers have found that a positive attitude produces a specific chemical reaction which makes people feel better, while negative thinking results in a reduction of hormone(荷尔蒙) and shuts down the immune system. This leads to illness and depression. Positive thoughts will make you feel better. Even if you must begin by forcing yourself to be positive, it will become contagious and the positive thoughts will produce nice little chemicals and good feelings which will reinforce the positive thoughts.
For example, if you force yourself to smile or laugh, even when you "don't feel like smiling or laughing, if you keep at it for a few minutes, you will soon feel like it. Feelings can make thoughts alive, and thoughts can do it, too. Control your thoughts and you can control your feelings. Positive thinking is important in all aspects of our lives. There is probably no single factor more important in determining your success in achieving your career purposes than your own attitude.
It's often been said that in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. And in the office of militant(好战的) negativism, the positive workers shine like gold. You cannot control external events, but you can learn to control your reaction to those events and thereby have a positive attitude and be happy. This important key to success is totally within your control. Use it.
64. We can infer from the passage that .
A. positive thinking can cure you of your diseases
B. positive thinking can easily be generated by anyone
C. a reduction of hormone may cause you to be depressed
D. a specific chemical reaction is the cause of negative thinking
65. According to the passage, which of the following is true?
A. Feeling and thoughts can react to each other.
B. It's easier to control thoughts than to control feelings.
C. Your success depends wholly on your attitude.
D. Keeping smiling will surely make you successful.
66. Just like a one-eyed man in the land of the blind, you should .
A. take positive attitude in the office of militant negativism
B. be kind in your office
C. pay no attention to what is going on around you
D. control your feeling to what is happening to you
67. The best title to the passage is .
A. Thinking Benefits People B. Why Should People Think
C. Positive Thinking and Negative Thinking D. Thinking: The Important Way
D
As in the field of space travel, so in the undersea exploration (探险) new technologies continue to appear. They share a number of similarities with each other----as well as some important differences.
Manned submersibles (潜水器) like spaceships, must maintain living conditions in an unnatural environment. But while a spaceship must simply be sealed (密封)against the vacuum (真空) of space, a submersible must be able to bear extreme pressure if it is not to break up in deep water.
In exploring space, unmanned vehicles were employed before astronauts. In the undersea exploration, on the other hand, men paved the way, and only recently have unmanned remote operated vehicles (ROVs) been put to use.
One reason for this is that communicating with vehicles in orbit is much easier than talking to those underwater. A vacuum is an ideal medium for radio communications, but underwater communications are limited to much slower sound waves. Thus, most undersea vehicles, particularly ROVs ,operate at the end of long ropes.
For a similar reason, knowing where you are undersea is much more difficult than in space. A spaceship's position can be located by following its radio signal, or by using telescopes and radars. For an undersea vehicle, however, a special network of sonar (声纳) devices must be laid out in advance on the ocean floor in the area of a dive to locate the vehicle's position.
Though undersea exploration is mort challenging than outer space in a number of respects, it has a distinct advantage: Going to the ocean depths doesn't require the power necessary to escape Earth's gravity. Thus, it remains far less expensive.
68. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?
A. New techniques are continually developed and new machines invented for undersea exploration.
B. If not well built, a submersible is most likely to get crushed in deep water.
C. A submersible, when manned, looks very much like a spaceship.
D. In certain respects, undersea exploration is often faced with the same problems as space travel is.
69. The sonar devices must be placed __.
A. from time to time
B. after the undersea vehicle dives
C. at the time when the undersea vehicle is diving
D. before the undersea vehicle dives
70. Ocean exploration is not so expensive as space travel mainly because __.
A. it is not affected by Earth's gravity
B. most undersea vehicles operate at the end of long ropes
C. ROVs have been put to use
D. there is no need for submersibles to get away from Earth's gravity
71. We can know the position of the spaceship by __.
A. laying out the sonar devices in advance
B. following its radio signal
C. following its orbit
D. detecting its heat sent out
E
United States President George W. Bush is expected to issue a directive in the next few weeks. It will give the US Air force a green light for the development of space weapons, US media reported last week.
This would potentially trigger a new global arms race, some experts have warned.
To keep that from happening, last Wednesday the White House explained that it was not considering putting weapons in space. It said it was making a shift in US space policy to allow for protection of satellites.
But some defense analysts and arms control advocates argue that the policy will pave the way for the US to put both defensive and offensive weapons in space.
"No one should be fooled," said Theresa Hitches, an American weapons expert.
The US is now restricted by a 1996 directive signed by President Bill Clinton. Plans for space weapons were vetoed by the Clinton cabinet. The directive emphasized the peaceful use of space, in agreement with almost unanimous(一致的) global opinion.
The US military has placed importance on space and has sent up numerous satellites for troop communications and to provide intelligence and data to guide bombs to their targets.
The US Air force wants to develop space-based weapons that could strike targets any where in the world within 90 minutes of receiving the order to open fire.
These new weapons under development cover a wide range. They include hunter-killer satellites(杀手卫星) and orbiting weapons(沿轨道运行的武器系统). And they use lasers, radio waves, or even dense metal tubes, known as "Rods from God", dropped from space to do the damage.
There are many barriers to the setting up of this kind of program, experts say.
First is the cost. It is estimated that the budget may be US $ 220 billion to US $1 trillion. The technical difficulties of developing reliable space weapons are also a problem. And, the move will draw strong criticism from around the world. Experts worry about triggering a space arms race.
72. The news report mainly deals with ______.
A. US Military Plans.
B. The Global Arms Race
C. A Comparison between Two presidents.
D. President George W. Bush and the World Peace
73. Which of the following statements are mentioned in the passage above?
a. President George W. Bush supports space weapon development.
b. The US space weapon project is very costly.
c. The American space-based weapons to be developed will be able to target any place on the earth.
d. The US military has few difficulties with the development of space weapons.
e. The space weapon program will threaten world peace.
f. Clinton government was poorer than Bush government.
A. b,d,e,f B. a,c,d,f C. b,c,d,e D. a,b,c,e
74. After reading this passage, it can be inferred that _________.
A. George W. Bush's directive to be issued will be against global opinions.
B. The White House is right in explaining that US new space policy aims to protect satellites.
C. US government has little difficulty in developing new weapons.
D. President George W. Bush and Bill Clinton share a lot in common.
75. The author's attitude towards the upcoming space weapon development is ________.
A. supportive and optimistic B. critical and worried
C. excited and content D. indifferent but a little encouraged
第II卷(非选择题 共45分)
第四部分：写作(共两节，满分35分)
第一节：短文改错(共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分)
此题要求改正所给短文中的错误。对标有题号的每一行作出判断：如无错误；在该行右边横线上划一个勾(√)；如有错误(每行只有一个错误)，则按下列情况改正：
此行多一个词：把多余的词用斜线(＼)划掉，在该行右边横线上写出该词，并也用斜线划掉。
此行缺一个词：在缺词处加一个漏字符号∧)，在该行右边横线上写出该加的词。
此行错一个词：在错的词下划一横线，在该行右边横线上写出改正后的词。
注意：原行没有错的不要改。
It was a long time since we last saw each other .You can 76 _______
hardly imagine how I miss you . How are you getting with 77 _______
your first job ? I remember you once tell me you were eager 78 ________
to graduation and become an English teacher. Now you must 79 ________
have many first hand experience . How do you find your English 80 ________
teaching? Is teaching kids English as interested as you expected 81 ________
in college ? And do your student enjoy your classroom teaching? 82 ________
Anyway, I believe you must be very popular with the kids, for 83 ________
you are a born teacher. Hope you great success in your work! 84 _________
why not to give me a call or come for a get-together this weekend? 85 _________
第二节 书面表达(满分25分)
周笔畅宣布退出“超女”演唱会巡演，重返校园。有些学生认为她应该回校读书，有些学生则不以为然。如果你是她，你会选择退出还是留下?请根据以下表格的内容，以Wise Choice为题，为《英语广场》杂志写一篇120字左右的英语短文。
| 看 法 | 理 由 |
| 应该回校读书 | 1．演出花费太多的时间和精力 2．不能集中精力学习 3．对未来自身的发展不利 |
| 应该参加演出 | 1．演出提供了一个展示才华的舞台 2．丰富演出经验，有利于将来的音乐生涯 3．不应使歌迷们失望 |
| 你的观点 | 请自由发挥 |
注意：
1．行文应连贯，内容应完整；2．题目和开头语已经给出；3．词数120左右。
Wise Choice
After the singing competition "Super Girls' Voice", Zhou Bichang declared that she would quit the "Super Girls" tour and would go back to school studying. Some students think her choice is wise...
参考答案
1—5 BACBC 6—10 ABBAC 11—15CACBC 16—20BAABC
21--25 ACBAB 26—30BCDCA 31--35 BDBAA
36--40 BDABC 41-45 CDBAC 46-50 BACDD 51-55 BCAAD
56--59 BACD 60-63CBAD 64-67 CAAC 68-71 CDDB 72--75 ADAB
76．was→is 。It is + 一段时间+ since +… , 且从句用一般过去时。
77．getting后加on／along 。是一固定词组。
78．tell→told 。表示过去的情况，用一般过去时。
79．graduation →graduate 。be eager to do sth 。
80．many→much 。experience作“经历”是不可数名词,故用much来修饰。
81．interested→interesting 。表示“有趣的”用“interesting”。
82．student→students 。不止一个学生，所以用复数。
83．√ 。
84．hope→wish 。hope不能接双宾语，故用wish 。
85．去掉to 。why not 后接动词原形。
After the singing competition "Super Girls' Voice", Zhou Bichang declared that she would quit the "Super Girls' tour and would go back to school studying. Some students think her choice is wise. They think the tour takes up too much time and energy. As she is still a student who should concentrate on her study at present, taking part in the concerts is not good for her further progress.
On the other hand, the others think it is unwise for her to quit the tour. They think that the performances offer a wonderful stage to her to show her singing talents in public. Taking part in the tour can also make her gain more musical experience, which will contribute a lot to her future musical career. What's more, she should think more of her fans, not only of herself. She should not let her fans disappointed.
In my opinion, I think that if I were her, I would choose to quit the tour. Anyway, learning at school is more important to one's life experience. With more knowledge, Zhou will surely be more successful, which means a brighter future for her.
附：听力录音文字材料
(Text 1) W: When do you think that I can go home, Dr. Smith? M: Well, you came in on Monday and today is Friday. I'd say that you could probably leave tomorrow, but I don’t want you to go back to work for several weeks.
(Text 2) W: Did you go to Yellowstone Hark for vacation last year? M: I couldn’t make it last December. But I finally went there three months later. I plan to visit it again next year.
(Text 3) Your room is in such a state! When was the last time you tided it? M: It was when Linda came over last month. She has been so helpful that I simply can’t do without her.
(Text 4) M: Your sister is quite different from you in character. W: Many people share your opinion. M: You always delight in dealing with problems, while your sister doesn’t.
(Test 5) M: I’d like to visit New York this summer holiday. Have you ever been there? W: Several times. M: Would you recommend some places I can visit? W: Sure. The Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, the Museum of Modern Art…
(Text 6) M: I'm very worried about our final exam next week. For one thing, I can't sleep. W: Yeah. I went through the same thing last year. M: That's why I'm asking you about it. Do you have any suggestions? W: Well, last year the university offered a stress management course at about this time. Have you been in touch with the service? M: No. I have no time. W: Funny, isn't it? Just when students need help most we can't afford the time to get it. You'd better call the health services tomorrow. They open at 9:00 a.m. Well, have a good night's sleep. M: That's easier said than done.
(Text 7)
M: Hello, Mrs. Miles. I'm from Sun Insurance. I'm visiting quite a few homes in this area actually. The storm did a lot of damage. W: Well, you've been quick. I only phoned two days ago. M: I know. Well, let's start here at the front, shall we? Uh, you've got a lot of tiles missing off the roof. W: Yes. The chimney was damaged as well. M: Oh, yes. Some of the bricks have blown off. Anything else? W: Urn, you can see the bedroom window on the left was destroyed. I've just put some boards over it. M: OK. Let’s walk round to the back. W: Here we are. M: Goodness, that tree’s fallen down right onto the fence! W: Yes. It’s a real pity. That was a lovely tree. The shed roof was damaged too, I'm afraid. M: I see. I've got all that. I'll write up my report and we'll let you have a check as soon as possible.
(Text 8)
W: What do you want to do once you graduate?
M: Uh ... I think I’d like to work for a hotel or travel service in this area. How about you? W: Well, when I first started college, I wanted to study French, but I realized I might have a hard time finding a job using the language, so I changed my major to computer science. With the right skills, landing a job in the computer industry shouldn’t be as difficult M: So, do you have a part-time job to support yourself through school? W: Well, fortunately for me, I received a four-year scholarship. M: That’s great. W: Yeah. How about you? Are you working your way through school? M: Yeah. I work three times a week as a cook at a restaurant. W: How do you like your job? M: It's OK. The other workers are friendly, and the pay isn't bad.
(Text 9) W: Prof. Donner, are you giving your advanced geology course again next term?
M: Yes. I'm planning on it. W: I wonder if I could join it. I know it's a graduate course and I'm only a junior but ... M: Aren't you a bit young? I've allowed qualified seniors to take the course and they usually have a hard time keeping up. W: I know, but the geology of the American west is my favorite area of interest and I've done a lot of reading in the field. Last term I took Prof Burman's course and I didn't find it challenging enough. M: I see. You certainly aren't one of those students who are out for easy grades. W: I should say not. I really want to learn something. M: Well, I'll speak to Prof. Burman. If he thinks you're ready, I’ll let you take the course. W: Oh, thanks. That’s really nice of you.
(Text 10) You’ve probably seen false cars racing on TV or the movies, but have you ever seen a drag race? Drag racing started in the United States in 1953. The first drag tracks were built by those who were worried about teenagers who were racing their cars on public streets. A track is a straight course about 1,200 feet long. The track has to be straight because the cars go so fast that they can't possibly take a corner. Each race lasts only about seven seconds! The cars used in drag racing don't have much in common with other racing cars. In the front is something that looks like a bicycle wheel. Huge, fat tires are at the back. The powerful engine is usually in front of the driver. During a race there is sometimes so much smoke from the engines that it's hard to see the racers. The fans say the best races are those where the cars go so fast that they can't see them at all! There are professional drag races now. A good drag racer can earn as much as 65,000 a year.