Passage Four

Using less energy around the home is easier than you might think, saving you money while creating a heathier, more comfortable living space for you and your family. Changing a few old habits can make an impact on your energy bill, your comfort and the environment. Here are some handy tips to make your house more energy-efficient.Lower the heat If your home has adjustable central heating, lowering the room temperature even slightly can make a difference. You may not feel it, but your wallet will. It is even more advisable to control temperatures at different times of the day.

Hang clothes out to dry

If the weather allows it, head outside and dry your laundry on a clothesline. The sunlight will help eliminate bacteria and dust. While clothes dryers get the job done faster, they also use up energy. By hanging your clothes out you'll be cutting greenhouse gases by about three kilograms per load.

Take advantage of natural light

Installing large windows on the northern side of your house can help you make use of sunlight's natural warmth. To stay cool indoors on hot summer days, install blinds(百叶窗) to block the heavy sun. Put your desk near the window, then you don't need a lamp in the daytime.

Wrap(裹)your pipes

Be sure your hot--water pipes are properly wrapped. In an average home, heating water accounts for more than one--quarter of the energy bill. Why let warmth go to waste before it reaches you?

Choose the right size for appliances(家用电器)

When the time comes to replace appliances, select those that are both energy--efficient and of the appropriate size for your needs. Don't buy bigger ones just because you can.

What benefit may using less energy at home bring about?

59______

• A.Where are you going today
• B.That's not our bus
• C.I'll catch up on my reading to kill time
• D.There isn't a cloud in the sky
• E.Did you catch the news today
• F.How long have you been waiting
• G.Have a nice day
• H.Don't forget your book

60______

• A.Where are you going today
• B.That's not our bus
• C.I'll catch up on my reading to kill time
• D.There isn't a cloud in the sky
• E.Did you catch the news today
• F.How long have you been waiting
• G.Have a nice day
• H.Don't forget your book

你(Li Yuan)在英语学习中遇到了一些困难, 希望得到帮助。请给你的英国笔友(Jason)写封信, 内容包括：

·介绍你学习英语的经历;

·描述你在英语学习中遇到的困难;

·希望笔友给你一些建议。

58______

• A.Where are you going today
• B.That's not our bus
• C.I'll catch up on my reading to kill time
• D.There isn't a cloud in the sky
• E.Did you catch the news today
• F.How long have you been waiting
• G.Have a nice day
• H.Don't forget your book

57______

• A.Where are you going today
• B.That's not our bus
• C.I'll catch up on my reading to kill time
• D.There isn't a cloud in the sky
• E.Did you catch the news today
• F.How long have you been waiting
• G.Have a nice day
• H.Don't forget your book

Mary：We couldn't ask for a better day, could we?

John：I know. ____56____.I love this time of the year.

Mary：This bus seems to be running late, doesn't it? ____57____ ?

John：I've been here for at least ten minutes.

Mary：Ah, here comes a bus!

John：Oh good. Wait ! ____58____ .That bus goes downtown.

Mary：Well, it looks like we'11 be waiting a little longer. ____59____ , I guess.

John：Oh, I'm afraid you have no time for that. Here's our bus.

Mary：Oh great! I thought it would never come.

John：____60____ !

Mary：You too.

56______

• A.Where are you going today
• B.That's not our bus
• C.I'll catch up on my reading to kill time
• D.There isn't a cloud in the sky
• E.Did you catch the news today
• F.How long have you been waiting
• G.Have a nice day
• H.Don't forget your book

What is the reason for setting an official holiday for stepparents?

• A.Because they love their role as stepparents.
• B.Because they are often treated as heroes in the family.
• C.Because they deserve respect and honor as family members.
• D.Because they are often seen as the most loving family members.

Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word“inherent”in paragraph 2 ?

• A.Unbelievable.
• B.Tough.
• C.Lasting.
• D.Inevitable.

Passage Five

• As we recently discovered, there is a Stepmother's Day, though it is not on any official holiday calendar. So, it would be safe to assume that there is a similar day for stepdads, too.    Right? Well, it depends on what you read. A
• It's interesting to note that there is a National Grandparents' Day. President Jimmy Carter signed it into law in 1978. Law! While grandparents are undoubtedly special people in our children's lives, they are often seen as the most loving fami
• Are you with me? Follow me and get your voice heard. How cool it would be if we could make this happen!    What does the underlined word“that” in Paragraph 1 refer to?
• A.Father figures who are equally honored in the U.S.
• B.30 people who support Stepfather's Day on the Facebook page.
• C.3.3 million men who live with at least one stepchild in the world.
• D.11.1%of U.S. fathers who live with at least one stepchild in the U.S.

What did President Jimmy Carter sign into law in 1978 ?

• A.The National Grandparents' Day.
• B.The National Grandchildren's Day.
• C.The National Stepparents' Day.
• D.The National Stepchildren's Day.