23. From the above passage, we can infer that .

A. the writer is serious about the medical content in the newsletter B. both online and printed newsletters will be given out weekly C. the writer will confirm email addresses to make sure of safety D. the newsletter is expected to help find cures for some diseases

B

Scientists have found evidence of a giant planet far out in our solar system. In a statement, the California Institute of Technology—Caltech—said this planet travels in a strange orbit in the distant solar system.

The discovery was made by two researchers at Caltech: Konstantin Batygin and Mike Brown. They used mathematical modeling and computer simulations (模拟)to find the planet. So far, there have not been any direct observations of the planet.

“My jaw (下巴)hit the floor,” said astronomer Mike Brown when he realized there might be a ninth planet.

The scientists said it would take the planet 10,000 to 20,000 years just to make one full orbit around the sun. The new planet which is called “Planet Nine” has a mass about 10 times the size of the earth. If they are right, the newly found planet will be the ninth planet in our solar system.

It is believed that the planet orbits, or travels, around the sun from a great distance. The planet Neptune’s (海王星)average distance to the sun is about 4.5 billion kilometers. But “Planet Nine” could be 20 times farther away from the sun than that.

While they did not get a picture of “Planet Nine” yet, the scientists say they are using the biggest—and the best—telescopes on earth to try to find “Planet Nine” .They want to find out more about its orbit and its impact on the outer part of our solar system.

Brown and Batygin reported their findings in the Astronomical Journal. They say that this new planet is so large that there should be no doubt that it is a true planet.

Robert Massey is with the Royal Astronomical Society in London. He said that planet had been predicted before, and then was not found. But he said the work of these researchers was definitely worth following up.

24. “Planet Nine” is thought to exist because .

A. scientists have got a picture of it B. astronomers once discovered it in space

C. scientists have discovered it by using a simulating method D. researchers have found it by using telescopes

25. The author refers to Neptune in the text to . A. prove there are many planets in the solar system B. prove “Planet Nine” is too far from the sun C. suggest it is hard for “Planet Nine” to orbit D. imply “Planet Nine” is larger than Neptune 26. What is the best title for the text? A. Have the Scientists Discovered a New Planet? B. Is the Ninth Planet Far From the Solar System? C. Is There a Ninth Planet in Our Solar System? D. Has Any Evidence Been Found for the Ninth Planet?

C

Navarathri, which is celebrated throughout India, falls in September or October. On the first three days, people pray(祈祷) to the goddess Durga, the protector who destroys all evil (邪恶). The next three days they pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Then, also for three days, they look to Saraswathi, the goddess of wisdom knowledge. The tenth and final day of the festival is for the goddess Durga. On this day many years ago, Durga killed the evil buffalo-headed monster (怪物), Mahishasura.

My daughter and I took out the models of the gods and goddesses that we had stored away last

year. Soon the room was littered with all kinds of dolls. We usually buy at least one new doll every year. On the tenth day, the dolls are carefully put away. If a doll is too damaged to be shown, it is never thrown away. Instead, it is put deep into the seas.

In our hallway six long wooden steps are set up. First, we spread a thick white cloth (布)over the steps. Now it’s time to put the dolls on the steps carefully. Every year, the gollu is different. Sometimes —as the collection grows—there is no space to fit all of the dolls on the steps. Smaller dolls can also be placed on the floor.

Every night there are prayers，music, dancing, and a large meal for many people. In northern India, the children sing songs while doing the dandiya raas, a traditional

dance. Every dancer also has two wooden sticks — called dandiya — that he or she uses to make a sound in time to the lovely music.

Dancing the dandiya raas helps people think of the true meaning of Navarathri—togetherness, laughter, and fun!

27. According to Paragraph 1, Navarathri . A. is just celebrated in Northern India B. usually takes place in the winter C. is in memory of Durga D. lasts for about ten days

28. How do Indians deal with the dolls used at Navarathri? A. They always take good care of the dolls. B. They usually throw away the broken dolls. C. They have to buy many new dolls every year. D. They keep the dolls in the hallway for a month.

29. The underlined words “the gollu” in Paragraph 3 probably mean . A. the collection of Indian songs B. the number of wooden steps C. the showing of the dolls D. the color of the cloth

30. What is mainly described in the text? A. Some traditional dances. B. Three goddesses in India. C. The history of Navarathri. D. A popular festival in India.

第二节（共5个小题，每小题2分，满分10分）

根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。

Reasons to Consider Learning a Second Language

In our current society, having the ability to understand a second language is becoming increasingly valuable. 31 . So take a look at why this is such a valuable skill to have.

You will be more competitive in the job market.

Businesses are always looking for people who are bilingual to be translators and to communicate with non-English speaker. Bilingual employees get paid 5%-20% more

than people who only sneak one language. 32 You can get credit for it during college.

If you study another language at a university, you will get credit (学分) toward graduating. You can start from the very beginning and learn a brand-new language or continue on from what you were studying in high school. Be aware, however, that college classes can move quickly and are considered to be difficult at times. 33 . You can study abroad in a wider range of countries.

Studying abroad is an amazing experience that everyone should take advantage of. About 79% of Americans believe that students should seize the opportunity to spend a semester in another country. 34 Learning another language can help expand the number of countries you can choose from.

Learning a language is a big commitment and is not easy by any means. If you don’t have the time to learn a language in school, there are still many, way to become proficient in another language. One program to look into is Livemocha which is a free online program where you can learn a foreign language. 35 There are many other countries and written resources to consider as well.

A. This is only one suggestion. B. So only take what you can handle.

C. Many people learn a language in order to get high marks. D. There are a wide range of countries that you can choose from.

E. You can even go for a major in a language if you get far enough along. F. Being able to communicate in more than one language can open countless doors. G. Having knowledge of a second language can make you stand out in the job market. 第三部分：语言运用（共两节，满分45分）

第一节 完形填空（共20个小题，每小题1.5分，满分30分）

阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

During my week-long trip to Aruba with my husband, we spent our time relaxing under a tree and swimming at the beach. We didn’t take any photos 36 we had visited the island many times before. On our way to the airport, we joked that other than our 37 skin we had no proof that we had 38 there.

As we stood in the check-in line, we 39 a family who had been on our plane ride down the week before. This day, 40 , they all had swollen eyes. On the plane, we 41 directly behind them. We learned the father had been 42 in an accident on the island,