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
