If English means endless new words, difficult grammar and sometimes strange pronunciation, you are wrong. Haven't you noticed that you have become smarter since you started to learn a language?
According to a new study by a British university, learning a second language can lead to an increase in your brain power. Researchers found that learning other languages changes grey matter. This is the area of the brain which processes information. It is similar to the way that exercise builds muscles.
The study also found the effect is greater, the younger people learn a second language.
A team led by Dr Andrea Mechelli, from University College London, took a group of Britons who only spoke English. They were compared with a group of "early bilinguals" who had learnt a second language before the age of five, as well as a number of later learners.
Scans showed that grey matter density (密度) in the brain was greater in bilinguals than in people without a second language. But the longer a person waited before mastering a new language, the smaller the difference.
"Our findings suggest that the structure of the brain is changed by the experience of learning a second language," said the scientists.
It means that the change itself increases the ability to learn.
Professor Dylan Vaughan Jones of the University of Wales, has researched the link between bilingualism and maths skills. "Having two languages gives you two windows on the world and makes the brain more flexible (靈活的),"he said. "You are actually going beyond language and have a better understanding of different ideas."
The findings were matched in a study of native Italian speakers who had learned English as a second language between the ages of two and 34. Reading, writing, and comprehension were all tested. The results showed that the younger they started to learn, the better. "Studying a language means you get an entrance to another world," explained the scientists.
小題1:The main subject talked about in this passage is ______.
A．science on learning a second language
B．man’s ability of learning a second language
C．1anguage can help brain power
D．1anguage learning and maths study
小題2: In the second paragraph, the writer mentions “exercise” in order to ______.
A．say language is also a kind of physical labor
B．prove that one needs more practice when he (she) is learning a language
C．to show the importance of using the language when you learn the language
D．make people believe language learning helps grey matter work well
小題3:We may know from the scientific findings that ______.
A．the earlier you start to learn a second language, the higher the grey matter density is
B．there is no difference between a later second language learner and one who doesn't know a second language
C．the experience of learning a second language has bad effect on people's brain
D．the ability of learning a second language is changing all the time
小題4:The underlined word “bilingual'’ probably means ______.
A．a(chǎn) researcher on language learning
B．a(chǎn) person who is good at learning foreign languages
C．a(chǎn) person who can speak two languages
D．a(chǎn)n active language learner

小題1:C
小題1:D
小題1:A
小題1:C
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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

A student is learning to speak British English. He wonders(想知道): Can I communicate(交際) with Americans? Can they understand me? Learners of English often ask: What are the differences between British and American English? How important are these differences?
Certainly, there are some differences between British and American English. There are a few differences in grammar. For example, speakers of British English say “in hospital” and “Have you a pen?” Americans say “in the hospital” and “Do you have a pen?”.Pronunciation is sometimes different. Americans usually sound theirs in words like “bird” and “hurt”. Speakers of British English do not sound theirs in these words. There are differences between British and American English in spelling and vocabulary. For example, “colour” and “honour” are British, “color” and “honor” are American.
These differences in grammar, pronunciation, spelling and vocabulary are not important, however. For the most part, British and American English are the same language.
小題1:According to this passage, a student who is learning to speak American English might be afraid that __________.
A．British people cannot understand him
B．American people cannot understand him
C．the grammar is too hard for him
D．the spelling is too hard for him
小題2:American English and British English are different in __________.
A．spellingB．pronunciationC．grammarD．a(chǎn)ll of the above
小題3:What is NOT mentioned(提及) in the passage?
A．Whether there are differences between British English and American English.
B．Whether British English and American English are one language or two.
C．How the differences between British English and American English came about.
D．How important the differences are.
小題4:Most ______say “Do you have a watch?”
A．British peopleB．AmericansC．childrenD．teachers
小題5:According to this passage, British people and Americans have ______ difficulty in understanding each other.
A．littleB．muchC．someD．great

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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

Ever wondered how one person could save the planet from the effects of climate change?
A British-made computer game on trial release on Monday creates different ways of doing just that．
“Fate of the World”puts the Earth’s future in players’ hands, placing them in charge of an international environmental body which could save the world from the effects of rising greenhouse gas emissions（排放）or let it destroyed by more emissions．
Through different scenes, players can explore options such as geoengineering（地球工程） and alternative energy sources to save the planet from rising temperatures, decreasing natural resources and a growing population over the next 200 years．
An improved version of the game will be followed by a three-month feedback period from players, with final release due in February next year．
Created by Oxford-based games developer Red Redemption, the game is different from other mainstream action games mainly by using data from real climate models and advice from scientists and economists．
“Science data is often inaccessible and we are trying to put players in a position of power and connected with the issues,” Gobion Rowlands, Red Redemption’s founder and chairman said．
This year, a series of apparent errors in climate science and the failure of UN talks to reach an international deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions appeared to weaken the public’s interest in climate change．
However, games centered on sustainability（持續(xù)性）and human rights have been growing in popularity and are welcomed by green groups as a way of raising awareness．
Using climate change as inspiration for entertainment shows the issue has affected global culture, which can only be a good thing．Friends of the Earth’s head of climate Mike Childs said.“We need creative industries to work with these big issues as the results can be extremely powerful and can help us to understand what a sustainable future looks and feels like,”he added．
小題1:“Fate of the World” in the passage refers to                      ．
A．a(chǎn) book on computer gamesB．a(chǎn) company developing computer games
C．a(chǎn) computer game on climate changeD．a(chǎn) player in charge of computer games
小題2:What makes the climate computer game different from the other games?
A．It uses data from real climate models and advice from experts．
B．It is the only computer game about climate．
C．It can save the planet from the effect of climate change．
D．It aims to affect the global culture．
小題3:It can be concluded from the passage that                        ．
A．games on sustainability and human rights are very popular among young players
B．the game increases players’ awareness of environmental protection
C．only computer experts can play the new climate computer game
D．a(chǎn)fter a three-month feedback period from players, the new game is on sale now
小題4:Which of the following can NOT the players experience while playing the new game?
A．Challenging the climate change in an unreal world
B．Understanding what a sustainable future looks and feels like
C．Enjoying the power to decide the earth’s fate
D．Predicting what will happen in 200 years
小題5:In which column of a newspaper can you probably read this article?
A．Weather & ClimateB．Science & Technology
C．Life & EntertainmentD．Sports & Culture

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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

In many parts of the world，cars play an important role in daily life and many societies would not exist without them. So the idea that in 20 years’ time, no one will own cars may be hard to believe. But this is the prediction made by a team of transport researchers who are taken seriously, not only by government but also by car manufacturers.
The Human Science and Advanced Technology Institute at Loughborough in the UK is part of an international research program. The team there believes that by 2020 all cars will be computerized, which will mean much saving，no accidents and better use of roads. The super-intelligent car of the 21st century will drive itself, and it will not be owned by one individual. Instead, we will have a choice of cars and change them as frequently as we change our clothing.
According to Dr. David Davis，who leads the research team, these predictions are based on the rising cost of the car culture, which had blocked up our cities, polluted our air, and caused more deaths than both world wars put together.
Davis says cars will be fitted with some intelligent devices to regulate the distance between one car and another. The car will automatically speed up, or slow down, to match the speed of the car in front. Computers are much safer drivers than people, so cars in a road train will be able to drive much closer together than cars driven by people. By 2010, Dr. David Davis believes, car technology will give motorists a clear view of the road, whatever the weather conditions, by projecting an image of the road ahead on to the car’s windscreen. And by 2020, cars will travel in convoy linked to each other electronically. Cars will be connected by an electronic tow bar to the car in front to form “road-trains”. “The front vehicle in such a train burns the normal amount.” says Davis. “But all the others in the train would bum about ten percent 0f the normal amount, and so produce about ten percent of the pollution.”
小題1: We know from the passage that governments and car manufacturers        .
   A. do not believe the prediction that no one will own cars by 2020
   B. are devoted to the technological revolution in car industry
C. consider the predictions seriously
   D. have put the super-intelligent car into mass production
小題2: Which of the following will be the characteristic of the cars of 2020?
   A. The car will speed up out of control．
   B. We will own as many cars as we want．
C. All cars will be driven by computers．
D. Cars will produce more pollution than present ones．
小題3:The leader of the research team believes that the present car culture will change because        .
A. cars play a very important role in daily life
B. many societies would stop functioning without cars
C. cars should not be owned by one individual
D. it causes many deaths to human society
小題4:The expression closest in meaning to the phrase “in convoy” in the last paragraph is        .
A. in line         B. sidelong
C. side by side     D. shoulder to shoulder
小題5: What will happen if cars are joined to each other electronically in 2020？
A. Motorists will get a clear view of the road．
B. The weather condition will not have effect on motorists．
C. There will be less pollution caused by car．
D. All trains will burn less fuel than present．
 

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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

In today's world of cell phones, mini laptops and MP3 players, most people have at least one time-telling tool with them. Since these devices are so common, is time running out for the 500-year-old watch? According to some consumers, yes. New Jersey teenager Charlie Wollman says a watch is "an extra piece of equipment with no necessary function." Many young adults agree ─ and use their cell phones to tell time. Louis Galie, a senior vice president at Timex, said that fewer young people wear watches today than five years ago. As a result, some people claim that the watch industry is at a crossroads.
However, watchmakers optimistically say that watches regain popularity when consumers reach their 20s and 30s. By then, they are willing to spend money on a quality timepiece that doesn't just keep good time. Fifty years ago, watchmakers boasted(自夸) about their products' accuracy. But in recent years, the watch industry has transformed itself into an accessory(附件，配件) business. And for many today, the image(外形) a watch communicates has become more important than the time it tells.
"Complications" ─ features that go beyond simple timekeeping ─ are an important part of a watch's image. Today's watches offer a host of features that suit almost any personality. These features include altitude trackers(追蹤器), compasses(指南針), lunar calendars, USB drives, and even devices that measure the effectiveness of golf swings!
Creativity is also a key element in today's watches. For example, Japanese watchmaker Tokyoflash makes watches that don't even look like watches. The company's popular Shinshoku model uses different color lights to tell the time. It looks more like a futuristic bracelet(手鐲) than a watch. Another Japanese watchmaker, EleeNo, makes a "handless" watch. Using a ring of circles to keep time, this watch makes an excellent conversation piece.
Whether a watch communicates fashion sense, creative flair or a love of sports, consumers want their timepieces to stand out. Nowadays, everyone has the same kind of gadget in their bags, so people want to make a statement with what's on their wrists(手腕). Will this interest in wrist fashion last? Only time will tell!
小題1:Why aren’t watches popular with young people as before?
A．Because watches cannot keep good time as cell phones, mini laptops and MP3 players.
B．Because watches are featured by the disadvantages of simple function
C．Because watches are too expensive to afford.
D．Because watches don’t have beautiful appearance as other modern time telling tools.
小題2: What does the underlined sentence in Paragraph 1 mean?
A．Watching-making is facing a survival crisis challenge.
B．Watching-making is faced with the developing opportunity.
C．Watching-making becomes the sun rising industry.
D．Watching-making has a specific development target.
小題3: It can be implied that ____________________.
A．people will gradually lose interest in watches as they grow older
B．watchmakers hardly change the development strategy for watches
C．today’s watches are better than those in the past in quality
D．customers used to be more concerned with the quality of a watch than with its image.
小題4:The following qualities can make a watch popular EXCEPT _________.
A．multifunctionB．a(chǎn)ccuracyC．nice designD．low price
小題5:What’s the best title of the passage?
A．Watches and TeenagersB．The History of Watches
C．The Accuracy of WatchesD．Watches Tell More Than Time

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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

A scientist who developed a way to calculate how much water is used in the production of anything from a cup of coffee to a hamburger was awarded the 2008 Stockholm Water Prize.
Professor John Anthony Allan of the University of London in Britain won the award for introducing the idea of “virtual water (虛擬水)”, a calculation method that has changed the nature of trade policy and research.
Allan has written seven books and published more than 100 papers.
The Stockholm International Water Institute said this idea is now embedded (埋藏) in the production of foods and industrial products. The institute said Allan’s work had made a big effect on global trade policy and research, especially in water-scarce (缺水的) regions.
“The improved understanding of trade and water management issues on local, regional and global scales are of the highest value for the successful and sustainable (可持續(xù)的) use of water resources,” it said.
“People do not only use water when they drink it or take a shower,” the institute said. “Behind the morning cup of coffee, there are 140 liters of water that was used to grow, produce, package and ship the beans.” That is about as much water as a person in England uses on average for all daily drinking and household needs.
“For a single hamburger, about 2,400 liters of water are needed. In the USA, the average person uses nearly 7,000 liters of virtual water every day.” It said that was more than three times the average use of a Chinese person.
小題1:Allan was awarded the prize because _______.
A．he wrote seven books on trade policy
B．he published more than 100 papers on water management
C．he found a new kind of water in water-scarce areas
D．he came up with the idea of virtual water
小題2:Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A．The average American uses about 7,000 liters of water a day.
B．The average Chinese uses nearly 2,300 liters of virtual water a day.
C．An Englishman usually drinks about 140 liters of coffee a day.
D．A hamburger usually contains about 2,400 liters of water.
小題3:What do we learn about John Anthony Allan from the passage?
A. He won the 2008 Nobel Prize.        B. He has written over 100 books.
C. He works at the University of London.        D. He lives in the USA.
小題4:What effect does the idea of virtual water have?
A．It helps us realize the importance of trade.
B．It helps people do successful business.
C．It helps us make use of water scientifically.
D．It tells us how much water we use a day.

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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

Just as the world’s most respected scientific bodies have confirmed that the world is getting hotter, they have also stated that there is strong evidence that humans are driving the warming． Countless recent reports from the world’s leading scientific bodies have said the same thing． For example, a 2010 summary of climate science by the Royal Society stated that: “There is strong evidence that the warming of the Earth over the last half-century has been caused largely by human activity．”
The idea that humans could change the planet’s climate may be counter-intuitive（與直覺不符的）, but the basic science is well understood． Each year, human activity causes billions of tons of greenhouse gases to be released（釋放）into the atmosphere． As scientists have known for years, these gases hold heat that would otherwise escape to space, wrapping the planet in an invisible blanket．
Of course, the planet’s climate has always been changing thanks to “natural” factors（因素） such as changes in solar or volcanic（火山的）activity, or cycles relating the Earth’s going around the sun． According to the scientific literature, however, the warming recorded to date matches the pattern of warming we would expect from a build-up of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere – not the warming we would expect from other possible causes．
Even if scientists did discover another reasonable explanation for the warming observed so far, that would beg a difficult question． As Robert Henson puts it in The Rough Guide to Climate Change: “If some newly discovered factor can account for the climate change, then why aren’t carbon dioxide（二氧化碳）and the other greenhouse gases producing the warming that basic physics tells us they should be?”
The only way to prove with 100% certainty that humans are responsible for global warming would be to run an experiment with two identical Earths – one with human influence and one without． That obviously isn’t possible, and so most scientists are careful not to state human influence as an absolute certainty．
小題1:In most scientists’ opinion, the global warming is mainly caused by      ．
A．solar activityB．volcanic activity
C．the Earth’s going around the sunD．human activity
小題2:The text is developed by      ．
A．giving typical examplesB．following the order of space
C．a(chǎn)nalysing a theory and arguing itD．comparing and finding differences
小題3:The underline word “identical” means      ．
A．totally differentB．exactly the same
C．extremely importantD．relatively independent

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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

Nuclear radiation （核輻射）has a certain mystery, partly because it cannot be detected （探測）by human senses. It can’t be seen or heard, or touched or tasted, even though it may be all around us. There are other things like that. For example, radio waves are all around us but we can’t detect them or sense them without a radio receiver. Similarly, we can’t sense radioactivity without a radiation detector. But unlike common radio waves, nuclear radiation is not harmless to human beings and other living things.
At very high levels, radiation can kill an animal or human being at once by killing plenty of cells in important organs(器官). Even the lowest levels can do serious damage. There is no level of radiation that is completely safe. If the radiation does not hit anything important, the damage may not be serious. This is the case when only a few cells are hit, and when they are killed at once. Your body will replace the dead cells with healthy ones. But if the few cells are only damaged, and if they reproduce themselves, you may be in trouble. They reproduce themselves in an unusual way. They can grow into cancer. Sometimes this does not show up for many years.
This is another reason for some of the mystery about nuclear radiation. Serious damage can be done without the knowledge of the person at the time that damage has occurred. A person can be irradiated(放射治療) and feel fine, then die of cancer five, ten, or twenty years later as a result. A child can be born weak or easy to get serious illness as a result of radiation absorbed by its grandparents.
小題1:According to the passage, the danger of nuclear power lies in       .
A．nuclear mysteryB．radiation detection
C．radiation levelD．nuclear radiation
小題2:Radiation can lead to serious trouble even at the lowest level        .   
A．when it kills a few cells
B．because the killed cells can’t be replaced
C．if it damages a few cells
D．unless the damaged cells can reproduce themselves
小題3:What does the author want to tell us?
A．Radiation can hurt us.B．Radiation is a subject scientists work on.
C．Radiation is a mystery.D．Radiation is the source of cancer.

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科目：高中英語 來源：不詳 題型：閱讀理解

Psychologists tell us that there are four basic stages that human beings pass through when they enter and live in a new culture．This process begins with the “honeymoon stage”．This is the period of time when we first arrive in which everything about the new culture is strange and exciting．We may be suffering from “jet lag” but we are thrilled to be in the new environment, seeing new sights, hearing new sounds and language, eating new kinds of food．This stage can last for quite a long time because we feel we are involved in some kind of great adventure．
Unfortunately, the second stage can be more difficult．After we have settled down into our new life, we can become very tired and begin to miss our homeland and our family, friends, pets．All the little problems in life seem to be much bigger and more disturbing when you face them in a foreign culture．This period of cultural adjustment can be very difficult and lead to rejecting or pulling away from the new culture．
The third stage is called the “adjustment stage”．This is when you begin to realize that things are not so bad in the host culture．Your sense of humour usually becomes stronger and you realize that you are becoming stronger by learning to take care of yourself in the new place．Things are still difficult, but you are now a survivor!
The fourth stage can be called “at ease at last”．Now you feel quite comfortable in your new surroundings．You can cope（deal） with most problems that occur．You may still have problems with the language, but you know you are strong enough to deal with them．
小題1:This passage mainly talks about ________．
A．culture and foreign language learningB．a(chǎn)dventures in a foreign land
C．getting used to a new cultureD．the interaction of different cultures
小題2:Which of the following best describes the first stage?
A．Lonely and depressedB．Bored and homesick
C．Happy and excitedD．Angry and frustrated
小題3:According to the passage, people are most likely to return to their own culture at the ________stage．
A．1stB．2ndC．third D．fourth
小題4:It can be concluded from the passage that ________．
A．people feel better in their own culture
B．it is not easy to adapt to a new culture
C．culture shock doesn’t occur at the beginning
D．it is human nature to long for adventures

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