B

Now machines are widely used all over the world. Why are machines so important and necessary(必要的)for us? Because they can help us to do things better and faster.

A washing machine helps us to wash clothes fast. A printing machine helps us to print a lot of books, newspapers, magazines and many other things fast. Bikes, cars, trains and planes are all machines. They help us to travel faster than on foot.

The computer is a wonderful machine. It was invented not long ago. It not only stores(贮存) information (信息)but also stores numbers millions of times as fast as a scientist does.

Let’s study hard and try to use all kinds of machines to build China into a modern country.

46. Machines can help us to do things better and faster, so they _______.

A. are difficult to make B. are expensive

C. are important but not necessary D. are very helpful

47. We have to travel on foot without _______.

A. bikes B. machines C. planes D. trains

48. Computers can store information and numbers _______ a scientist does.

A. a little faster than B. as fast as

C. much faster than D. much more slowly than

49. If we want to build China into a modern country, we must _______.

A. study hard B. try to use all kinds of machines

C. invent many machines D. A, B and C

50. A printing machine can help us _______.

A. print a lot of books B. read more books

C. invent many machines D. wash clothes fast

C

In many western schools, sports day is a big event. Children take part in competitive( 竞争性的 ) sports, trying to break school records and take the first place.

Sports days, or sports meets, are usually held in the warmer seasons, either at the beginning or the end of the school year. They are also called field days.

Primary school sports days are fun. They usually have activities such as the egg-and-spoon race and the sack race. Other events include the skipping race (跳绳) and the three-legged race. In middle and high schools, sports days include many of the common track and field events( 田径项目 ). They are more serious and competitive than primary school ones.

Students’ parents and other relatives also come to the school on sports days. They watch children play. Many schools in the West have “mothers and fathers” races for parents to take part in!

Although sports days are exciting, they also have some problems. According to some reports in the US, sports days have become too competitive to be good for students. Some parents put too much pressure ( 压力 ) on the children. Some schools don’t have “mothers and fathers” races any more as there is much fighting and cheating.

51. What do children try to do when they take part in sports meets?

_________________________________________

52. When are sports days usually held in the school years?

_________________________________________

53. What are primary school and middle school sports days like?

_________________________________________

54. Who would come to the school to watch children play on sports days?

__________________________________________