第三部分：阅读理解(满分20分)

第一节(共10小题，每小题2分，满分20分)

阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项(A、B、C、D)中选出最佳选项

A

It gives me great pleasure today to say a few words in praise of a man we will all miss very much. To be honest, I can't imagine we will do without him when he's gone.[来源:Z§xx§k.Com]

Bill Masters almost single-handed built up our sales force in the Houston area and developed the market position that we enjoy today. In only six years, he has brought the firm from a very low fifth position in the area sales to the point where we now outsell all but one of our competitors. Not only have we got 37 per cent of the market under Bill's leadership; we are increasing our share with each passing month.

As you know, the company has moved Bill to northern California to work his sales magic in one of this company's most competitive(竞争的) areas. But we know that if anyone can do it, Bill Masters can, and I know you all join me in wishing him the best of luck in his new work.

41. The speech was made _______.

A. at a welcome meeting

B. at the opening of a new school term

C. when somebody was leaving

D. when they had a new manager

42. How long did Masters worked there?

A.37 years B. less than 5 years

C. about six years D. since he began to work

43. When Bill started to work in Houston area, he had _______to help him.

A. many people B. nobody

C. about 37 people D. very few people

44 Bill increased the company's sale _______.

A. by 37 per cent every month B. to the second largest in the area

C. to be the fifth largest in the area D. five times as much as before

B

One of the best-known American writers of children's books is Alfred Strong, or Doctor Strong, as he is better known to readers everywhere. Now, an art show called "Doctor Strong From Then to Now" is travelling around the United States. The pictures and drawings show the history of Doctor Strong.

Doctor Strong first became famous almost fifty years ago when his first children's book was published. Since then, he has written forty-five books that have sold more than one hundred million copies around the world.

Doctor Strong's books are known for their easy use of words and colorful, hand-drawn pictures. These drawings bring life to his imaginary creatures. The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and hundreds of others.

The San Diego Museum, in California, organized the art show. It included about three hundred Doctor Strong's original(最早的) drawings and some of his writings.

Most of Doctor Strong's books, although written in a funny way, have serious messages. For example, in Mc Elligot's Pool, he describes the danger of pollution. He discusses the arms race in T he Butter Battle Book, written in nineteen eighty-four.

Doctor Strong is almo st eighty-four years old now. He says he never planned to write stories just for children. He says he writes stories that interest people of all ages. He says he uses easy words so that everyone, even a child, can understand.