Generations of Americans have been brought up to believe that a good breakfast is one life’s essentials. Eating breakfast at the start of the day, we have all been told, and told again, is as necessary as putting gasoline in the family car before starting a trip.
But for many people the thought of food first thing in the morning is by no means a pleasure. So despite all the efforts, they still take no breakfast. Between 1977 and 1983, the latest year for which figures are available, the number of people who didn’t have breakfast, increased by 33 percent.
For those who feel pain of guilt about not eating breakfast, however, there is some good news. Several studies in the last few years indicate that, for adults especially, there may be nothing wrong with omitting breakfast. “Going without breakfast does not affect performance,” said Arrold E. Bender, former professor of the nutrition at Queen Elizabeth College in London, “nor does giving people breakfast improve performance.”
Scientific evidence linking breakfast to better health or better performance is surprisingly inadequate, and most of the recent work involves children, not adults, “The literature”, says one researcher, Dr. Erresto at the University of Texas, “is poor”.
71. The latest year for which figures could be obtained is _______.
A. the year the author wrote the article B. 1977
C. any year between 1997 and 1983 D. 1983
72. For those who do not take breakfast, the good news is that _______.
several studies have been done in the past few years
the omission of breakfast does no harm to one’s health
adults have especially made studies in this field
eating little in the morning is good for health
73. “…nor does giving people breakfast improve performance” means ______.
anyone without breakfast does improve his performance
not giving people breakfast improve performance
having breakfast does not improve performance, either
people having breakfast do improve their performance
74. The word “literature” in the last sentence refers to _______.
A. stories, poems, plays, etc. B. written works on a particular subject
C. any printed material D. the modern literature of America
75. What is implied but NOT stated by the author is that _______.
breakfast does not affect performance
Dr. Erresto is engaged in research work at an institution of higher learning
not eating breakfast might affect the health of children
Professor Bender once taught college courses in nutrition in London
Passage Four
About 35% of all high school graduates in America continue their education in an institution of higher learning. The word college is used to refer to either a college or a university. These institutions offer four-year programs that lead to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor Science (B.S.) degree. Some students attend a junior college (providing only a two-year program) for one to two years before entering a four-year college as a sophomore (二年级生) or junior (三年级生).
It is generally easier to be accepted at a state university than at a private one. Most private schools require strict entrance examinations and a high grade point average (GPA), as well as specific college prep classes in high school. Private schools cost considerably more than state colleges and famous private schools are very expensive. Poorer students can sometimes attend, however, by earning scholarships. Some college graduates go on to earn advanced masters or doctoral degrees in grad (graduate) school. Occupations in certain fields such as law or medicine require such advanced studies.
Since college costs are very high, most students work at part-time jobs. Some have full-time jobs and go to school part-time. Often some will take five or more years to complete a four-year program because of money / job demands on their time.
While the college and work demands take up the great part of a student’s time, most still enjoy social activities. Sports, dances, clubs, movies, and plays are all very popular. However, gathering together for long, philosophical talks at a favorite meeting place on or near the university is probably the most popular activity.
76. College education is _______ in America.
A. quite common B. very rare
C. something difficult D. almost impossible
77. Which of the following is NOT required for entering most private schools.
A. entrance examinations B. taking part in many activities
C. GPA D. college prep classes
78. How can poor students attend private schools?
A. Only by working at part-time jobs. B. Only by working at full-time jobs.
C. Only by earning scholarships. D. All of above.
79. The American college students like to _______ most of all.
A. discuss problems on philosophy B. play balls
C. earn enough money D. go to the cinemas or theatres
80. The best title for this passage is _______.
A. Part-time jobs B. American college
C. Popular activity D. A new system
Ⅴ. Writing (20 points)
Directions:
For this part, you are allowed 20 minutes to write a composition of about 80 words according to the following topic.
金钱是一切吗?(Is Money Everything?)
