II. Grammar and Vocabulary
Section A
Directions: After reading the passages below, fill in the blanks to make the passages coherent and
grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of
the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.
(A)
About dancing bears
Young bears are captured in the wild, separated from their mothers, and taught by a trainer to
become dancing bears in conditions of unimaginable cruelty.
The young animals are forced on to sheets of really hot metal and, (25) ______ (escape) the pain,
the bears alternate lifting up one paw (爪子) and then another while music is played. The process
is repeated again and again (26) ______ the animals automatically begin to raise their paws – to
“dance” – in fear of the pain, even when there are no metal sheets.
As the bears get older, the trainers keep them under control by imposing pain. They do this by
putting rings through the bears’ highly sensitive noses and jaws. The pitiful truth is (27) ______
they are not put to sleep for this painful process. Chains (28) ______ (attach) to the rings so the
trainers can control the animals, (29) ______ weigh up to 350 kilograms, with only a slight pull on
the chains.
The bears’ nails are cut several times a year and their teeth broken or removed in order that they
cannot get their trainers (30) ______ (injure). The bears also suffer with an inadequate diet usually
(31) ______ (consist) of white bread, sugar and cheap fruit juices. All these cause the bears
serious physical health problems (32) ______ ______ many of them display strange behavior such
as swaying (摇摆) and pacing as they cannot follow natural behavioral patterns and instincts.
(B)
The Power of Good
It was Mother’s Day morning last year and I was shopping at our local supermarket with my
five-year-old son, Tenyson. As we were leaving, we realised that only minutes (33) ______ (early)
an elderly woman had fallen and hurt (34) ______ badly. She was embarrassed and clearly in
shock. Fortunately, her husband was with her and many people had stopped to help out. Walking
towards the scene, Tenyson became very upset about (35) ______ had happened to the elderly
couple. He said to me, “(36) ______ (fall) over in front of everyone isn’t much fun.”
Near the entrance of the supermarket, a charity group had set up a stall selling flowers. Tenyson
suggested that we should buy the lady a flower. “It will make her feel better,” he said. I was
amazed that he would have this sweet idea, so I asked the flower seller if I (37) _____ buy a
flower for the elderly lady because my son wanted to give it to her to cheer her up. “Just take it,”
she replied. “I can’t take your money for such wonderful gesture.”
By then a nurse (38) ______ (arrive), and was attending to the woman. As we walked up to her,
Tenyson became frightened by all the blood and medical equipment. Instead I gave (39) ______
flower to the woman’s husband. The old man thanked us both, then bent down and gave it to his
wife, telling her who it was (40) ______. Despite being badly hurt and shaken, the old lady looked
up at Tenyson with love in her eyes and gave him a little smile.
Section B
Directions: Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be
used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.
A. alternative B. appeal C. benefit D. differ E. energizing F. fascinated
G. marine H. naturalist I. preserve J. specializing K. unspoiled
Ecotours are unique adventures that join nature and sightseeing into one exciting package.
Learning about the environment and the world around us is the 41 of an ecotour because you get
to experience the natural world firsthand. A great way for students studying biology and
environmental sciences to experience 42 life and nature is to take your own ecotour! Orlando
airboat rides can give you an experience to remember and can be a fun and 43 way to learn more
about the Florida environment.
Ecotours involve travelling to a natural environment where you are guided by a(n) 44
helping you learn about the surrounding environment and extend your environmental education.
This can include learning how the plants and animals on your Orlando airboat rides 45 from each
other, or you can be simply becoming more aware of preservation efforts towards the Everglades,
the largest wetland in North America.
Orlando airboat rides can help you learn about Florida history, observe alligators (短吻鳄) and
other wildlife, and experience the 46 nature of the muddy wilderness. Taking an ecotour can help
you become more aware of your environment and further instruct you on the impact we have on
the environment. Our goal is to help you understand the Everglades and how important it is to 47
the wetland.
Wild Florida provides the perfect opportunity for a school trip that satisfies those 48 with learning
more about environmental sciences, or to those just curious about the Everglades. Hands-on and
active learning on an airboat ride is often a more exciting and adventurous 49 to sitting in a
classroom, so why not plan your ecotrip with Wild Florida?
Wild Florida is reputable for 50 in creating an exciting and unique ecotour that’s fun for everyone
in your family! You will be flying through the muddy Everglades in our airboat rides while
observing and learning about alligators, bald birds, the history of the Everglades, and so much
more. Book your Orlando airboat rides today by calling us at 407-901-2563 to experience a
one-of-a-kind ecotour that you won’t soon forget.
III. Reading Comprehension
Section A
Directions: For each blank in the following passage there are four words or phrases marked A, B,
C and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context.
Over the last 15 years, digital communication has brought in more changes than the printing press
did in 1570. And those most likely to use them in this world are teenagers, whose brains appear to
have an extraordinary volume to adapt to the world around them, according to Dr Jay Giedd, a(n)
51
brain expert.
We are now discovering that, as a species, our brains during the teenage years are still flexible and
capable of 52 . Having a more flexible brain, 53 , means that certain parts of it, such as desire
control and the ability to make long-term decisions, haven’t developed yet, which may also
explain why we spend a(n) 54 period living under the protection of our parents rather than leaving
home at the age of 12 or 13. This also means that the teenage brain can adapt to new technology,
