阅读理解两则

(A)

Whats your dream vacation? Watching wildlife in Kenya? Boating down the Amazon? Sunbathing in Malaysia? New chances are opening up all the time to explore the world. So we visit travel agents, compare packages and prices, and pay our money.

We know what our vacation costs us. But do we know what it might cost someone else? Its true that many poorer countries now depend on tourism for foreign income. Unfortunately, though, tourism often harms the local people more than it helps them.

It might cost their homes and lands. In Myanmar, 5,200 people were forced to leave their homes among the pagodas(佛塔) in Bagan so that tourists could visit the pagodas.

Tourism might also cost the local people their livelihood and dignity. Local workers often find only menial(卑微的) jobs in the tourist industry. And most of the profits do not help the local economy. Instead, profits return to the tour operators in wealthier countries. When the Maasai people in Tanzania were driven from their lands, some moved to city slums. Others now make a little money selling souvenirs or posing for photos.

Problems like these were observed more than 20 years ago. But now some non-government organizations, tour operators and local governments are working together to begin correcting them. Tourists, too, are putting on the pressure.

The result is responsible tourism, or “ethical tourism”. Ethical tourism has people at its heart. New international agreements and codes of conduct can help protect the peoples lands, homes, economies and cultures. The beginnings are small, though, and the problems are complex.

But take heart. The good news is that everyone, including us, can play a part to help the local people in the places we visit. Tour operators and companies can help by making sure that local people work in good conditions and earn reasonable wages.

They can make it a point to use only locally owned hotels, restaurants and guide services. They can share profits fairly to help the local economy. And they can involve the local people in planning and managing tourism.

What can tourists do? First, we can ask tour companies to provide information about the conditions of local citizens. We can then make our choices and tell them why. And while were abroad, we can:

Buy local foods and products, not imported ones.

Pay a fair price for goods and services and not bargain for the cheapest price.

Avoid flaunting(炫耀；张扬) wealth.

Ask before taking photographs of people.

They are not just part of the landscape!

Lets enjoy our vacation and make sure others do, too.

1. What is probably the best title for the article? ____.

A. Tourism Causes Bad Effects

B. Tourism Calls for Good Behavior

C. Vacations Bring a Lot of Fun

D. Vacations Cost More Than You Think

2. Which of the following is not mentioned? ____.

A. Local people were well paid to leave their lands

B. Tourists may stay in hotels opened by local people

C. Local people are mainly provided with low-paying work

D. Tourists could bargain with local people for a reasonable price

3. The underlined phrase “take heart” means “____”.

A. pay attention B. take care

C. cheer up D. calm down

4. According to the passage, the writer thinks ____.

A. tourism is not a promising industry

B. dream vacations should be spent abroad

C. the problems caused by tourism are easy to settle

D. tourists should respect local customs and culture

(B)

Do you want to improve the way you study? Do you feel nervous before a test? Many students say that a lack of concentration (注意力) is their biggest problem. It seriously affects their ability to study, so do their test results.

If so, use these tips to help you.

Study Techniques

●You should always study in the same place. You shouldnt sit in a position that you use for another purpose. For example, when you sit on a sofa to study, your brain will think it is time to relax. Dont watch TV while you are studying. Experts warn that your concentration may be reduced by 50 percent if you attempt to study in this way. Always try to have a white wall in front of you, so there is nothing to distract (make less concentrated) you. Before sitting down to study, gather together all the equipment you need. Apart from your textbooks, pens, pencils and knives, make sure you have a dictionary. If your study desk or table is needed when you are not studying, store all your equipment in a box beside it.

●Your eyes will become tired if you try to read a text which is on a flat surface. Position your book at an angle of 30 degrees.

●Be realistic and dont try to complete too much in one study period. Finish one thing before beginning another. If you need a break, get up and walk around for a few minutes, but try not to telephone a friend or have something to eat.

Test-taking Skills

●All your hard work will be for nothing if you are too nervous to take your test. Getting plenty of rest is very important. This means do not study all night before your test!It is a better idea to have a long-term study plan. Try to make a timetable for your study which lasts for a few months.

●Exercise is a great way to reduce pressure. Doing some form of exercise every day will also improve your concentration. Eat healthy food too.

●When you arrive in the examination room, find your seat and sit down. Breathe slowly and deeply. Check the time on the clock during the test, but not too often. Above all, take no notice of everyone else and give the test paper your undivided attention.

1. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage? ____.

A. You should study in a different place every day, so you dont get bored

B. Your concentration will improve if you study and watch TV at the same time

C. Check the time during the exam at a certain time

D. Staying up all night and studying is tiring, but you will learn a lot using this method

2. What does the underlined word “it” refer to? ____.

A. Your study desk or table B. Your textbook

C. Your dictionary D. The equipment you need

3. What can be inferred from the passage? ____.

A. You shouldnt look at everyone else during the test

B. You will have enough energy to deal with your study and exams by eating healthy diet

C. Youll concentrate more if there is nothing to distract you

D. If you feel tired during study, you can walk around for a few minutes

Key(1)