【2011·西南師大附中第六次月考】A

When I was a child, I often dreamed of the time when I could leave home and escape to the city. We lived on a farm. In the winter especially, we were quite far away from the outside world. As soon as I left school, I packed my bags and moved to the capital. However, I soon discovered that my life has its problems too.

One big disadvantage is money. It costs so much to go out, not to mention basics like food and housing. Another disadvantage is pollution. I suffer from asthma (哮喘), and the air is so serious polluted that I am afraid to go outside. Then there is the problem of traveling round. Although I have a car, I seldom use it because of the traffic jams. One choice is to go by bicycle, but that can be quite dangerous.

Of course there are advantages. First, there is so much to do in the city, whatever your tastes in culture or entertainment (娛樂活動). Besides, there are wonderful jobs and greater chances of moving to a more important job or position. Finally, if you like shopping, the variety of goods is very surprising — and , what is more, shops are often only a short walk away.

Is life better then, in the city? Perhaps it is, when you are in your teens (十幾歲) or twenties. However, as you get older, and especially if you have small children, the peace of the countryside may seem preferable. I certainly hope to move back there soon.

45. What was the writer always thinking about when he was a child?

A. Staying on the farm.                             B. Leaving home for the city.

C. Moving to the countryside.                      D. Running away from the school.

46. Which of the following is true about the writer?

A. He lives in the city now.                        B. He is in good health.

C. He prefers driving a car.                        D. He is very old now.  

47. In the passage, the writer tries to __________.

A. persuade the reader to live in the city         B. describe his life in the countryside

C. show an interest in the outside world       D. express his opinions about the way of life

48. How is the passage mainly developed?

A. By inferring.                                       B. By listing examples.       

C. By comparing.                                  D. By giving explanations.

根據對話內容，從對話后的選項中選出能填入空白處的最佳選項，選項中有兩項為多余選項。

M: _____, Julie?

W: I can’t wait to see Canada, Jack. We can’t agree on how to make the journey. My husband insists on flying, but I want to sail. ____.

M: _____ How many planes fly across the Atlantic every day?

W: I have no idea. Hundreds, I suppose.

M: And how often do you hear of crash? Once or twice a year?

W: Yes, but ____.

M: Look, there are more people killed in the road accidents everyday than in air crashes every year.

W: ____ Ships may not travel fast but at least you can relax.

M: OK, hoof luck with your trip.

I would like to travel by ship.

Planes make me nervous.

I’d still prefer to go by sea.

Are you looking forward to your trip to Canada?

What are you frightened of ?

There is nothing to be frightened of.

Planes fly so high and so fast that one would be enough.

Taking the train is a wonderful way to see America. In the 19th century, train routes appeared from coast to coast, carrying both people and goods Today, a long-distance Amtrak train trip is a different way to experience the United States.

The long-distance Amtrak trains have lots of room. Coach seats have lots of leg room and wide aisles(走廊),sightseeing lounges(休閑室) have large windows, and sleeping areas can provide a good night’s rest. On a train trip, there’s time to talk, play cards or board games, and read to one another. On a car trip, parents have to drive while on a train, parents can sit back and watch the scenery go by. Unlike an airplane, traveling by train is not the quickest way to arrive at your destination; the train is the destination in itself.

Amtrak manages long-distance trains that run through the United States. Routes have different names, such as Empire Builder, California Zephyr, Sunset Limited and Southwest Chief. The long-distance trains have double-decker cars(Superliners), sightseeing lounges, and a real dining car. On shorter trains, such as from New York to Washington. DC, the cars are single level and only have a snack bar. In the Superliner trains, the sightseeing lounge is lined with windows on the second level while on the lower level a snack bar and tables can be found. In the evening, videos are shown in the lounge car—either entertaining movies or documentaries.

Tip: As delays are common on Amtrak trains, always call the station before you go there. Otherwise, you may be cooling your heels(腳后跟) for hours.

What’s the advantage of seeing America by train?

  A. There are more services on the train than any other

  B. Traveling by train is the quickest way to reach your destination.

  C. Traveling by train gives people more time to see and do things.

  D. The trains like Amtrak allow people to enjoy the journey cheaply.

Which of the following can be found on short-distance Amtrak trains?

  A. Sleeping areas.    B. Snack bars.     C. Sightseeing lounges.  D. Coach seats.

What does the underlined sentence in the last paragraph mean?

  A. You will have to wait.

  B. You make your heel cool.

  C.You will have no place to stand on the train.

  D. Your feet will be hurt on the train.

Which of the following about Superliners is true?

  A. There are lines of windows on the lower level.

  B. The snack bar is on the higher level.

  C.A sightseeing lounge is on the upper level.

  D. Both levels are equipped with videos.