大学英语第一学期期末试卷

1 II．Reading Comprehension (30%)

Directions: There are 4 passages in this part. Each passage is followed by some questions or

unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D.

Choose the best answer to each question.

Passage One

Marek was a farmer who lived in a village far away. One day he became very ill and

everyone thought he would die. They sent for a doctor, who arrived two days later and examined

the sick man. The doctor asked for a pen and some paper to write down the name of the medicine,

but there was no pen or paper in the village, because no one could read or write.

The doctor picked up a piece of burnt wood from the fire. He wrote the name of the medicine

on the door of the house. “Get this medicine for him,” he said, “and he will soon get better.”

Marek’s family and friends did not know what to do. They could not read the strange writing.

Then the village baker had an idea. He took off the door of the house, put it on his cart, and drove

to the nearest town. He bought the medicine, and Marek was soon well again. He would not let

anyone wash the magic words from the door.

21. What was the educational background of the people in the village?

A. They were poorly educated. B. They were well educated.

C. They couldn’t read and write. D. They could only write their own names.

22. On what did the doctor write the name of the medicine?

A. Floor. B. A piece of burnt wood. C. A piece of paper. D. The door of the house.

23. What was it that made Marek well again?

A. The bread bake by the baker. B. The medicine prescribed by the doctor.

C. A piece of burnt wood. D. The magic of the words.

24. What is the meaning of “sent for” in the first paragraph?

A. They sent somebody to fetch a doctor for the farmer.

B. They sent somebody to see the doctor.

C. They sent somebody to accompany the doctor home.

D. They sent the farmer to see a doctor.

25. Why would not the farmer let anyone wash the words written by the doctor?

A. He liked the beautiful hand writing very much.

B. He believed that the magic words would save him when he fell ill again.

C. The doctor’s prescription saved his life.

D. The farmer wanted to learn the words.

Passage Two

Overhead bridges are found in many parts of Singapore (新加坡), especially in places where

traffic is very heavy and crossing the road is dangerous.

The purpose of these bridges is to enable pedestrians (行人) to cross roads safely. Overhead

bridges are used in very much the same way as zebra crossings. They are more efficient although

less convenient because people have to climb up a long flight of steps. This is inconvenient

especially to older people. When pedestrians use an overhead bridge, they do not hold up traffic.

However, when they cross a busy road using a zebra crossing, traffic is held up. This is why the

government has built many overhead bridges to help pedestrians and to keep traffic moving at the

same time.

The government of Singapore has spent large sums of money building these bridges. For

their own safety pedestrians should be encouraged to use them instead of risking their lives by 2 dashing across the road. Old people, however, may find it a little difficult climbing up and down

the steps, but it is still much safer than walking across the road with all the danger of moving

traffic.

Overhead bridges serve a very useful purpose. Pedestrians, both old and young, should make

it a habit to use them. This will prevent unnecessary accidents and loss of life.

26. What is the advantage of overhead bridges mentioned in this passage?

A. Taller vehicle can pass under them.

B. Pedestrians can climb up and have a view of the city.

C. They don’t hold up traffic and are safer for pedestrians.

D. They are easier and more convenient for the pedestrians.

27. Why were overhead bridges built in Singapore by its government?

A. Because they do not hold up traffic.

B. Because they provide an easy way for the drivers to cross the road.

C. Because they save money for the government.

D. Because they save time for the pedestrians.

28. Which of the following is true according to this passage?

A. Overhead bridges are found in places where traffic is heavy.

B. Overhead bridges are found in every part of Singapore.

C. Overhead bridges are found in many parts of the big cities in the world.

D. Overhead bridges are only found in the capital Singapore.

29. The expression “zebra crossings” in paragraph 2 means ____________.

A. a safe place where pedestrians use to walk across a road