Unit1 Free Falling
1. What is the main subject introduced in paragraph one?
It is the description of the effect of saying farewell to his parents, friends and folks on the author.
2. How is the story organized?
The story is chronologically organized (following the time sequence in which the event unfolded itself).
3. How did Weckerly feel before the day of his departure?
He felt eager and excited to wait for the day to come.
4. How did his mood change when the day had really come?
At the very beginning he became sentimental about saying good-bye to many people around him. Facing the reality of becoming independent, he began to feel afraid and uncertain .
5. What do you think about the ending of the story?
It is very impressive. Weckerly ends the story with a metaphor which catches the essence of the particular moment accurately. He compares himself to a rookie skydiver preparing for his first plunge, which leads to possible outcomes: sheer excitement or eventual death. The last sentence "He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and jumps" symbolizes the fact that from that day on the author jumps into the future of being independent no matter how long and complicated the road to it is.
What is the effect of saying farewell and actual leaving on the author?
Whom did the author like to say good-bye to? What was the author's mood like before the day of departure and after?
How did his mother's mood change during his brunch with her?
What was the significance of the particular day to the author?
Suggested Summary
The time of saying good-bye and actual leaving makes a great impact on the author, which is fully demonstrated in the opening sentence. He gives a general description of how he feels on that particular day, during which his own mood changes from sheer excitement for the prospect of becoming independent and free to fear and uncertainty to a mixture of both. By his brunching with Mom and saying good-bye to her, he makes a very smooth depiction of the change of his mother's mood from being chatty and cheerful at the beginning to being quiet, even somber as the final moment comes. To bring the story to its climax, the author ends the story with a symbolic description. He compares himself to a rookie skydiver preparing for his first plunge that leads to possible outcomes: sheer excitement or eventual death. No matter what will happen, he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath and jumps into the future.
Unit2 The New Economics of Oil
1. Why won't oil prices rise at all over the long time?
Firstly, because producers need the cash from oil too much to let their supply be interrupted for long. Secondly, and more important, because demand growth can't push prices upward as long as it is balanced by supply growth.
2. Why can't the members of the OPEC raise oil prices?
Because if they do, non-OPEC sources will grab market share by developing fields where technology has made production affordable.
3. Why have most majors cut their costs on oil?
Because technology lets the companies maintain healthy earnings at steadily lower oil prices.
4. Who takes a lead in the oil companies?
Those that master technology and efficiency, such as Shell, Exxon, and British Petroleum.
Should we worry about the oil price?
What is the main reason for oil price to fall?
Is Rainwater's high-price theory right?
What influences oil industry profits most?
How will lower oil price influence the world economy?
Suggested Summary
The article aims at establishing the idea that oil price will not rise even as demand soars. To begin with, the author shows the increasing consumption of oil around the world and the impact of technology on oil industry. By giving several examples, he draws the conclusion that the need for cash and dependence on technology leads to the fact that oil prices will even fall. Furthermore, technological updating, slashing the costs of finding, producing, and refining oil, is also a reason to support the author's point. There is evidence that technology lets the world companies maintain healthy earnings at lower oil prices. In conclusion, cheap oil accelerates the world economy, and a downside price scenario is increasingly likely.
1. In the first year of peace, Lebanon's GDP soared by almost 40%. (C)
A. flew
B. hovered
C. increased
D. decreased
2. SAIC's previous skirmishes with investigators had attracted little attention. (D)
A. conflicts
B. struggles
C. skates
D. arguments
3. The boy grabbed hold of my bag and disappeared quickly into the crowd. (C)
A. seized
B. snapped
C. snatched
D. sneaked
4. Although Chicago has fared better than some cities, unemployment remains a problem. (A)
A. got on
B. charged
C. offered jobs
D. provided welfare
5. The dwarfs were devastated, because they could not figure out how to save Snow White this time. (D)
A. calculate
B. rate
C. consider
D. decide
6. His distrust of the power of critics made him ready to gibe at David Sylvester. (A)
A. laugh
B. ridicule
C. deride
D. taunt
7. Children are most vulnerable to abuse within their own home. (A)
A. unprotected
B. sensible
C. susceptible
D. harmful
8. Short of the President himself, probably no one could have put the American case more persuasively. (B)
A. Rather than
B. Other than
C. Less than
D. Short for
Unit7 Competition Is Destructive
1. Why is competition destructive according to the author? (para. 3)
According to the author, competition is destructive because it undermines self-esteem, poisons relationships and holds us back from doing our best.
2. What are the purposes of the games devised or collected by Orlick and others? (para. 6)
The idea of the games devised or collected by Orlick and others is for each person on the field to make a specified contribution to the goal, or for all the players to reach a certain score, or for everyone to work with their partners against a time limit.
3. What is the difference between teamwork and team competition? (para. 8)
The difference between teamwork and team competition is that in teamwork everyone on the field is working together for a common goal, while in team competition a given player works with and is encouraged to feel warmly toward only half of those present.
4. Why do most kinds of fun require competition? (para. 10, 11, 12)
First of all, people don't know any other way or people have never tasted the alternative.
Secondly, we overlook the psychological costs of competition: it causes self-doubt and feelings of self-worth become dependent on external sources of evaluation.
5. Who is to blame for competition?
It is the structure of the game itself that is to blame rather than the individuals, since it sets competition at the very beginning.
Directions: Use the questions given below as a guide to write a summary. You can refer to Task 1 and Task 2.
What kind of games does the author use to illustrate the points?
What's the significance of changing an "opponent" into a "partner"?
What's the difference between teamwork and team competition?
What are the possible reasons that a large number of people insist that we can't do without win/lose activities?
What is the real problem?
Suggested Summary
By using the game of musical chairs, the author illustrates that competition is destructive not only in our daily work but also in entertainments. It is important and possible to change the form of the game by way of turning an opponent into a partner: Everyone on the field can work together for a common goal (teamwork) instead of competing with each other (team competition). Cooperative games and sports provide satisfaction and challenge without competition. The reason that a large number of people insist that we can't do without win/lose activities are that they don't know any other way and that they overlook the psychological costs of competition and the toxic effect of competition on our relations. Competition is not conducive to trust and it may lead one to look at others through narrowed eyes and even invite outright aggression. We are inclined to blame individuals for all this, but it is the structure of the game itself which causes competition. To solve the problem of competition, we need to be teaching our children how to enjoy themselves without competition.
Identify one of the four choices A, B, C or D which best keeps the meaning of the underlined word or phrase.
1. She has been eliminated from the swimming race because she did not win any of the practice races. (C)
A. got out
B. taking away
C. got rid of
D. driving away
2. One of the major flaws in the existing system is that the prosecutor has immunity from law suits claiming malicious prosecution. (B)
A. useful
B. spiteful
C. harmless
D. cheerful
3. They define a good patient as one who accepts their statements and their actions uncritically and unquestioningly. (A)
A. characterize
B. confine
C. fix
D. limit
4. Roberts' poor physical condition combined with nagging injuries prevented him from playing more than 51 games in the past four seasons. (A)
A. troubling
B. following
C. complaining
D. accompanying
5. Constant correction by a teacher is often counterproductive, as the student may become afraid to speak at all. (C)
A. evil
B. not productive
C. unfavorable
D. hurting
6. For centuries we women have gloated over the one negative aspect of aging more evident in men than women: balding. (B)
A. praised
B. felt maliciously satisfied with
C. felt sorry for
D. expressed great pleasure of
7. In the conducive atmosphere around the fort, General Bradley immediately found out about the plot. (D)
A. good
B. suitable
C. fit
D. favorable
8. It's a story of a harmful dynamic between white prejudice and black autonomy.
(C)
A. state of movement
B. political force
C. competing or conflicting system
D. social system
9. Gandhi rejects outright claims made concerning the superior or inferior status of religions. (B)
A. ovreall
B. direct
C. obscure
D. ambiguous
10. My first boss was a really nasty person, who seemed to enjoy making life difficult for everyone. (C)
A. grave
B. sorrowful
C. ugly
D. pitiful
Unit8 Power to the People
1. What is the author's attitude towards alternative energy?
The writer believes that alternative energy will play more important roles in the future.
2. What advantages does PV have?
It has the simplest and most elegant technology to harness the power of the sun, being easy to install and requiring minimal maintenance.
3. What advantages does hydropower have?
It is a clean, renewable source of energy that offers cheap electricity.
4. What are the main disadvantages of wind power?
Noise, negative impacts on local tourism, potential disruption to wild life.
5. Why are fuel cells considered "zero emission" and preferred by some governments?
They release only water vapour into the atmosphere. They are economical and require little maintenance as well as no recharging.
Summarize the text.
What will be the main means to power our modern societies?
Why is it so urgent to find alternative energy?
What is the future of solar power, wind power and hydropower?
What are the final solutions to man's energy needs?
Suggested Summary
In the article "Power to the People", the author Mark Townsend states that solar power, wind turbines and other sources of clean power are now prepared to take the place of fossil fuels and become the main means to power our modern societies. He lists two reasons contributing to man's hot pursuit of alternative sources of energy. One is the environmental deficiencies of fossil fuels. Another is the crucial progress made by using new technology. According to the writer, a new generation of wafer-thin photovoltaic solar panels will lead to a great future of the solar energy. In addition, if the strength of rough seas can be brought under control, water power is likely to be another major renewable energy. Thirdly wind power can also benefit our life if we can eliminate the negative impacts on the environment. Finally, the author assumes that as an ideal clean energy, fuel cells will be the answer to the future energy needs.
Identify one of the four choices A, B, C or D which best keeps the meaning of the underlined word or phrase.
1. At the press conference, they were scrambling to give the impression that the situation was in control. (B)
A. searching
B. struggling
C. crowding
D. exciting
2. Written off again and again, he has proved phenomenal in resilience and political craftiness. (C)
A. notable
B. tangible
C. extraordinary
D. sensible
3. This news has sent a wave of panic through the world which to me seems way out of proportion. (A)
A. far
B. mean
C. simply
D. away
4. Downtown business owners say they want the city's homeless shelter moved to a less conspicuous location. (D)
A. confronted
B. fantastic
C. confident
D. noticeable
5. Over the past year, Linux has made significant inroads into embedded designs requiring rich, high performance networking. (C)
A. made money
B. made achievements
C. made advances
D. made progress
6. The important thing is to harness growth to self-knowledge, a ready acceptance of change, swift-moving business practice and sound judgment. (B)
A. make use
B. control
C. produce
D. escape
7. We are the ones willing and able to run an obstacle course filled with hurdles that we must complete before anyone else. (A)
A. barriers
B. bless
C. reports
D. handouts
8. I haven't been able to orient my ideas to the new conditions since I worked abroad three months. (B)
A. change
B. adjust
C. direct
D. organize
9. The company office was inundated with telegrams of congratulations on the tenth anniversary of its foundation. (B)
A. overjoyed
B. flooded
C. crowded
D. satisfied
10. He had drawn a contradictory conclusion in his thesis because he pinned his
faith on an absurdity. (D)
A. decided
B. practiced
C. depended
D. placed
Unit11 London Bridge Is Falling Down
Answer the following questions briefly according to the text.
1. Why the Millennium Bridge was shut down soon after it had opened to the public?
Feedback
Because it kept vibrating when people walked on it.
2. What happened to the Internet?
The Internet became paralyzed due to many attacks made by anonymous hackers.
3. Why was the Steamboat Act not established until 1838?
This was due to two major causes. First, people did not figure out what caused the explosion of the steamboat until 1837. Second, the government did not attach enough importance to the problem.
4. What does the congressman mean by saying "Let the Government attend to its own business, and let the people attend to theirs."?
The congressman means it is the people's duty but not the government's to set standards for producing, maintaining and inspecting steam boilers.
5. What's the author's opinion of the high-tech crises?
Though the high-tech crises are inevitable, humans will always look for ways to tackle them and will never give up exploring into the unknown fields of science.
Summarize the text.
What have gone wrong with some new high-tech innovations?
What is the writer's opinion of these high-tech crises?
Why does the writer review the establishment of the Steamboat Act?
How do people deal with technical trouble now?
Will people continue to make attempts at new technologies in the future?
Suggested Summary
By highlighting two technological crises, i.e. the swaying Millennium Bridge and the crippling Internet, the writer successfully draws the readers' attention to the somewhat embarrassing problems with some new high-tech innovations. The writer argues that these crises are inevitable because the innovations lead us into the unexplored world of science. With a look back on the establishment of the
Steamboat Act, the writer indicates that the improvement of any high-tech innovation will go through a long and slow process. Fortunately, we are now able to respond more quickly to the danger of new technologies, and have become increasingly skilled in controlling the crises. In the end, the writer claims with confidence that humans are certain to defeat any catastrophe, and will never stop exploring the unknown technical world.
Identify one of the four choices A, B, C or D which best keeps the meaning of the underlined word or phrase.
1. Instead, he concentrates on how he helped raise Clinton from the dead after the debacle of the 1994 congressional elections. (C)
A. dispute
B. triumph
C. catastrophe
D. deception
2. She is running-running away from a shaking house and a row of wobbling green trees. (B)
A. swerving
B. swaying
C. steering
D. striding
3. A total of 252 imported pests have been spotted, of which 174 could wreak havoc on forests. (A)
A. inflict
B. inflate
C. prevent
D. relieve
4. But no evidence suggests that she courted danger for her children as she encouraged their freedom. (B)
A. ignored
B. provoked
C. flattered
D. avoided
5. The report explains the gruesome results the weapons will have on human beings. (D)
A. serious
B. furious
C. pleasing
D. shocking
6. Residents are bracing themselves for further carnage caused by the typhoon. (B)
A. cargo
B. damage
C. suicide
D. assassination
7. The biggest threats to children's health lurk in the very places that should be the safest-at home, in school and the community. (D)
A. flee
B. lure
C. sneak
D. hide
8. Vigilance against collateral environmental damage is crucial to sustainable growth nowadays. (D)
A. neglect
B. suspicion
C. indignation
D. caution
9. Racism has many forms. It does not solely manifest itself against one particular race. (C)
A. testify
B. verify
C. show
D. conceal
10. The child has a very responsive nature and will soon become fond of you. (A)
A. sensitive
B. silent
C. introvert
D. lively。
