The Central Nervous System

The adult brain weighs about three pounds. This doesn’t seem like much, but it is one of the most important organs in the human body. The brain is made up of millions of nerve cells. These nerve cells tell the rest of the body what to do. Without a brain, we could not live. The spinal chord is connected to the brain. It runs from our neck down through our back. The spinal chord and the brain make up what is called the central nervous system. The brain is like the body’s computer. It controls body temperature and reminds us to breathe. The brain allows the body to have voluntary movement, thought, language, and reasoning. Different parts of the brain have different jobs. The brain tells us when we are hungry and thirsty. It also is responsible for memory and emotion. Our brain relies on food to give it energy. You need to eat healthy foods to keep your brain and the rest of your body working right. Healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, milk, and other dairy products are all important foods for us to eat. We also need to keep our brains active. Research has shown that the less active our brain is, the less we are able to remember and do. So keep thinking, moving, and doing. It’s great for your brain.

1. After reading the passage, what do you think would happen if your brain was injured?

A. It would immediately double in size.                      B. Our bodies might not be able to perform certain things.

C. The heart would begin to take over the body.   D. Doctors have not yet determined what happens in this case.

2. The main idea of this passage is ________.

A. to inform the reader about what happens when they are thinking

B. to inform the reader about the connection between the heart and brain

C. to inform the reader about how important healthy food is to the brain

D. to share general information about the brain and the spinal chord and how they work

3. The word "relies" in line 8 can be replaced by _______?

A. depends       B. requires                    C. moves                      D. works

4. The word "it" in line 1 refers to ________.A. brain     B. this              C. organ                       D. body

5. Which of the following statement is false?

A. Our brain needs to be fed.                             B. Inactivity is not good for our brain.

C. The whole brain has one function.                 D. The brain is a very important part of our body.

II. Multiple choice:

1.       The ..............system of the body lets us break down the food we eat and turns it into energy.

A. respiratory                     B. digestive                  C. circulatory               D. skeletal

2.       Therapies like acupuncture are believed to be effective..........to modern medicine.

A. devices                          B. precautions              C. capabilities              D. alternatives

3.       Daily exercise and weight control strongly influence your chances of staying.............

A. passive                          B. healthy                    C. active                       D. lazy

4.       The row of bones down the middle of a human's back is called the.......... 

A.brain                               B. skull                         C. skeleton                    D. spine

5.       Playing sports will............a lot of your energy.        

A. spend                            B. comsume                 C. have            D. waste

6.       To attend the concert, you need to book a .......... in advance.     

A. ticket                              B. fare                          C. fine                          D. place

7.       Mary has grown up and turned...........a beautiful girl.           

A. up                                  B. down                       C. into                           D. in

8.       Using acupuncture, doctors must know all.............. points.   

A. soreness                         B. pressure                    C. massage        D. section

9.       In under a minute, your ____ can pump blood to bring oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body.

A. brain                        B. heart            C. lungs                        D. vessels

10.   The human ____ system is a series of organs responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.

A. circulatory               B. digestive                  C. nervous                   D. respiratory

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.

Butterflies are among the most extensively studied insects – an estimated 90 percent of the world’s species have scientific names. As a consequence, they are perhaps the best group of insects for examining patterns of terrestrial biotic diversity and distribution. Butterflies also have a favorable image with the general public. Hence, they are an excellent group for communicating information on science and conservation issues such as diversity.

Perhaps the aspect of butterfly diversity that has received the most attention over the past century is the striking difference in species richness between tropical and temperate regions.

For example, in 1875 one biologist pointed out the diversity of butterflies in the Amazon when he mentioned that about 700 species were found within an hour’s walk, whereas the total number found on the British islands did not exceed 66, and the whole of Europe supported only 321. This early comparison of tropical and temperate butterfly richness has been well confirmed.

A general theory of diversity would have to predict not only this difference between temperate and tropical zones, but also patterns within each region, and how these patterns very among different animal and plant groups. However, for butterflies, variation of species richness within temperate or tropical regions, rather than between them, is poorly understood. Indeed, comparisons of numbers of species among the Amazon basin, tropical Asia, and Africa are still mostly “personal communication” citations, even for vertebrates. In other words, unlike comparison between temperate and tropical areas, these patterns are still in the documentation phase.

In documenting geographical variation in butterfly diversity, some arbitrary, practical decisions are made. Diversity, number of species, and species richness are used synonymously; little is known about the evenness of butterfly distribution. The New World butterflies make up the preponderance of example because they are the most familiar species. It is hoped that by focusing on them, the errors generated by imperfect and incomplete taxonomy will be minimized.

Which of the following is NOT well understood by biologists?

A. European butterfly habitats

B. Differences in species richness between temperate and tropical regions

C. Differences in species richness within a temperate or a tropical region

D. Comparisons of behavior patterns of butterflies and certain animal groups

Read the followingpassage carefully and then choose the best answer to each question.

Butterflies are among the most extensively studied insects - an estimated 90 percent of the world's species have scientific names. As a consequence, they are perhaps the best group of insects for examining patterns of terrestrial biotic diversity and distribution. Butterflies also have a favorable image with the general public. Hence, they are an excellent group for communicating information on science and conservation issues such as diversity.

Perhaps the aspect of butterfly diversity that has received the most attention over the past century is the striking difference in species richness between tropical and temperate regions.

For example, in 1875 one biologist pointed out the diversity of butterflies in the Amazon when he mentioned that about 700 species were found within an hour's walk, whereas the total number found on the British islands did not exceed 66, and the whole of Europe supported only 321. This early comparison of tropical and temperate butterfly richness has been well confirmed.

A general theory of diversity would have to predict not only this difference between temperate and tropical zones, but also patterns within each region, and how these patterns vary among different animal and plant groups. However, for butterflies, variation of species richness within temperate or tropical regions, rather man between them, is poorly understood. Indeed, comparisons of numbers of species among the Amazon basin, tropical Asia, and Africa are still mostly "personal communication" citations, even for vertebrates, In other words, unlike comparison between temperate and tropical areas, these patterns are still in the documentation phase.

In documenting geographical variation in butterfly diversity, some arbitrary, practical decisions are made. Diversity, number of species, and species richness are used synonymously; little is known about the evenness of butterfly distribution. The New World butterflies make up the preponderance of examples because they are the most familiar species. It is hoped that by focusing on them, the errors generated by imperfect and incomplete taxonomy will be minimized.

Which of the following is NOT well understood by biologists? 

A. Differences in species richness between temperate and tropical regions 

B. Comparisons of behavior patterns of butterflies and certain animal groups 

C. European butterfly habitats 

D. Differences in species richness within a temperate or a tropical region

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 36 to 42.

Diversity is a hallmark of life, an intrinsic feature of living systems in the natural world. The demonstration and celebration of this diversity is an endless rite. Look at the popularity of museums, zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens. The odder the exhibit, the more different it is from the most common and familiar life forms around us, the more successful it is likely to be. Nature does not tire of providing oddities for people who look for them. Biologists have already formally classified 1.7 million species. As many as 30 to 40 million more may remain to be classified. (1)

Most people seem to take diversity for granted. If they think about it at all they assume it exists in endless supply. Nevertheless, diversity is endangered as never before in its history. Advocates of perpetual economic growth treat living species as expendable. As a result an extinction crisis of unprecedented magnitude is under way. Worse yet, when diversity needs help most, it is neglected and misunderstood by much of the scientific community that once championed it. (2)

Of the two great challenges to the legitimacy of this diversity, the familiar one comes primarily from economists. Their argument, associated with such names as Julian Simon, Malcolm McPherson and the late Herman Kahn, can be paraphrased: "First, if endangered species have a value as resources - which has been greatly exaggerated - then we should be able to quantify that value so that we can make unbiased, objective decisions about which species, if any, we should bother to save, and how much the effort is worth. Secondly, the global threat to the diversity of species, particularly in the tropics, has been overestimated. Thirdly, we have good substitutes for the species and ecosystems that are being lost, and these substitutes will nullify the damage caused by the extinctions". (3)

The structure of the argument seems to me to be identical in form to that of an old joke from the American vaudeville circuit. One elderly lady complained to another about her recent vacation at a resort in the Catskill Mountains in New York State. "The food was terrible", she moaned. "Pure poison, I couldn't eat a bite. And the portions were so tiny!" (4)

Species may be valuable, but not especially so, and the threat to them has been exaggerated. But this does not matter anyway, say the economists, because we can replace any species that vanishes.(5)

It is not clear how much of an impact this argument has on the informed public, but it has certainly provoked an outcry among scientific conservationists. It has set the terms for, and dominated, most of the pro-diversity literature of the past few years, making it a literature of response, thus limiting its scope and creative force.

Question 38: Which does the author mean by saying "Most people seem to take diversity for granted"?

A. Many people appreciate diversity.

B. Most people think diversity is special.

C. Most people assume that diversity shouldn't be put in museum.

D. Many people do not realize the true value of diversity.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 36 to 42.

Diversity is a hallmark of life, an intrinsic feature of living systems in the natural world. The demonstration and celebration of this diversity is an endless rite. Look at the popularity of museums, zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens. The odder the exhibit, the more different it is from the most common and familiar life forms around us, the more successful it is likely to be. Nature does not tire of providing oddities for people who look for them. Biologists have already formally classified 1.7 million species. As many as 30 to 40 million more may remain to be classified. (1)

Most people seem to take diversity for granted. If they think about it at all they assume it exists in endless supply. Nevertheless, diversity is endangered as never before in its history. Advocates of perpetual economic growth treat living species as expendable. As a result an extinction crisis of unprecedented magnitude is under way. Worse yet, when diversity needs help most, it is neglected and misunderstood by much of the scientific community that once championed it. (2)

Of the two great challenges to the legitimacy of this diversity, the familiar one comes primarily from economists. Their argument, associated with such names as Julian Simon, Malcolm McPherson and the late Herman Kahn, can be paraphrased: "First, if endangered species have a value as resources - which has been greatly exaggerated - then we should be able to quantify that value so that we can make unbiased, objective decisions about which species, if any, we should bother to save, and how much the effort is worth. Secondly, the global threat to the diversity of species, particularly in the tropics, has been overestimated. Thirdly, we have good substitutes for the species and ecosystems that are being lost, and these substitutes will nullify the damage caused by the extinctions". (3)

The structure of the argument seems to me to be identical in form to that of an old joke from the American vaudeville circuit. One elderly lady complained to another about her recent vacation at a resort in the Catskill Mountains in New York State. "The food was terrible", she moaned. "Pure poison, I couldn't eat a bite. And the portions were so tiny!" (4)

Species may be valuable, but not especially so, and the threat to them has been exaggerated. But this does not matter anyway, say the economists, because we can replace any species that vanishes.(5)

It is not clear how much of an impact this argument has on the informed public, but it has certainly provoked an outcry among scientific conservationists. It has set the terms for, and dominated, most of the pro-diversity literature of the past few years, making it a literature of response, thus limiting its scope and creative force.

Question 40: Which statement represents the views of economists?

A. It is important to conserve endangered species.

B. Endangered species have no value in themselves.

C. Only some parts of the natural world are under threat.

D. New species could be introduced as necessary.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 36 to 42.

Diversity is a hallmark of life, an intrinsic feature of living systems in the natural world. The demonstration and celebration of this diversity is an endless rite. Look at the popularity of museums, zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens. The odder the exhibit, the more different it is from the most common and familiar life forms around us, the more successful it is likely to be. Nature does not tire of providing oddities for people who look for them. Biologists have already formally classified 1.7 million species. As many as 30 to 40 million more may remain to be classified. (1)

Most people seem to take diversity for granted. If they think about it at all they assume it exists in endless supply. Nevertheless, diversity is endangered as never before in its history. Advocates of perpetual economic growth treat living species as expendable. As a result an extinction crisis of unprecedented magnitude is under way. Worse yet, when diversity needs help most, it is neglected and misunderstood by much of the scientific community that once championed it. (2)

Of the two great challenges to the legitimacy of this diversity, the familiar one comes primarily from economists. Their argument, associated with such names as Julian Simon, Malcolm McPherson and the late Herman Kahn, can be paraphrased: "First, if endangered species have a value as resources - which has been greatly exaggerated - then we should be able to quantify that value so that we can make unbiased, objective decisions about which species, if any, we should bother to save, and how much the effort is worth. Secondly, the global threat to the diversity of species, particularly in the tropics, has been overestimated. Thirdly, we have good substitutes for the species and ecosystems that are being lost, and these substitutes will nullify the damage caused by the extinctions". (3)

The structure of the argument seems to me to be identical in form to that of an old joke from the American vaudeville circuit. One elderly lady complained to another about her recent vacation at a resort in the Catskill Mountains in New York State. "The food was terrible", she moaned. "Pure poison, I couldn't eat a bite. And the portions were so tiny!" (4)

Species may be valuable, but not especially so, and the threat to them has been exaggerated. But this does not matter anyway, say the economists, because we can replace any species that vanishes.(5)

It is not clear how much of an impact this argument has on the informed public, but it has certainly provoked an outcry among scientific conservationists. It has set the terms for, and dominated, most of the pro-diversity literature of the past few years, making it a literature of response, thus limiting its scope and creative force.

Question 37: Which feature of the natural world do people find especially fascinating?

A. its great variety

B. its ancient forms

C. its strange ritual

D. its unclassified species

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 36 to 42.

Diversity is a hallmark of life, an intrinsic feature of living systems in the natural world. The demonstration and celebration of this diversity is an endless rite. Look at the popularity of museums, zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens. The odder the exhibit, the more different it is from the most common and familiar life forms around us, the more successful it is likely to be. Nature does not tire of providing oddities for people who look for them. Biologists have already formally classified 1.7 million species. As many as 30 to 40 million more may remain to be classified. (1)

Most people seem to take diversity for granted. If they think about it at all they assume it exists in endless supply. Nevertheless, diversity is endangered as never before in its history. Advocates of perpetual economic growth treat living species as expendable. As a result an extinction crisis of unprecedented magnitude is under way. Worse yet, when diversity needs help most, it is neglected and misunderstood by much of the scientific community that once championed it. (2)

Of the two great challenges to the legitimacy of this diversity, the familiar one comes primarily from economists. Their argument, associated with such names as Julian Simon, Malcolm McPherson and the late Herman Kahn, can be paraphrased: "First, if endangered species have a value as resources - which has been greatly exaggerated - then we should be able to quantify that value so that we can make unbiased, objective decisions about which species, if any, we should bother to save, and how much the effort is worth. Secondly, the global threat to the diversity of species, particularly in the tropics, has been overestimated. Thirdly, we have good substitutes for the species and ecosystems that are being lost, and these substitutes will nullify the damage caused by the extinctions". (3)

The structure of the argument seems to me to be identical in form to that of an old joke from the American vaudeville circuit. One elderly lady complained to another about her recent vacation at a resort in the Catskill Mountains in New York State. "The food was terrible", she moaned. "Pure poison, I couldn't eat a bite. And the portions were so tiny!" (4)

Species may be valuable, but not especially so, and the threat to them has been exaggerated. But this does not matter anyway, say the economists, because we can replace any species that vanishes.(5)

It is not clear how much of an impact this argument has on the informed public, but it has certainly provoked an outcry among scientific conservationists. It has set the terms for, and dominated, most of the pro-diversity literature of the past few years, making it a literature of response, thus limiting its scope and creative force.

Question 39: Which adjective best describes the writer's attitude towards the community?

A. respectful

B. supportive

C. critical

D. uncomprehending

I. Reading comprehension:

The Central Nervous System

The adult brain weighs about three pounds. This doesn’t seem like much, but it is one of the most important organs in the human body. The brain is made up of millions of nerve cells. These nerve cells tell the rest of the body what to do. Without a brain, we could not live. The spinal chord is connected to the brain. It runs from our neck down through our back. The spinal chord and the brain make up what is called the central nervous system. The brain is like the body’s computer. It controls body temperature and reminds us to breathe. The brain allows the body to have voluntary movement, thought, language, and reasoning. Different parts of the brain have different jobs. The brain tells us when we are hungry and thirsty. It also is responsible for memory and emotion. Our brain relies on food to give it energy. You need to eat healthy foods to keep your brain and the rest of your body working right. Healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, milk, and other dairy products are all important foods for us to eat. We also need to keep our brains active. Research has shown that the less active our brain is, the less we are able to remember and do. So keep thinking, moving, and doing. It’s great for your brain.

1. After reading the passage, what do you think would happen if your brain was injured?

A. It would immediately double in size.                      B. Our bodies might not be able to perform certain things.

C. The heart would begin to take over the body.   D. Doctors have not yet determined what happens in this case.

2. The main idea of this passage is ________.

A. to inform the reader about what happens when they are thinking

B. to inform the reader about the connection between the heart and brain

C. to inform the reader about how important healthy food is to the brain

D. to share general information about the brain and the spinal chord and how they work

3. The word "relies" in line 8 can be replaced by _______?

A. depends      B. requires                   C. moves                     D. works

4. The word "it" in line 1 refers to ________.A. brain            B. this              C. organ                       D. body

5. Which of the following statement is false?

A. Our brain needs to be fed.                          B. Inactivity is not good for our brain.

C. The whole brain has one function.              D. The brain is a very important part of our body.

II. Multiple choice:

1.      The ..............system of the body lets us break down the food we eat and turns it into energy.

A. respiratory                     B. digestive                  C. circulatory               D. skeletal

2.      Therapies like acupuncture are believed to be effective..........to modern medicine.

A. devices                          B. precautions              C. capabilities              D. alternatives

3.      Daily exercise and weight control strongly influence your chances of staying.............

A. passive                          B. healthy                    C. active                      D. lazy

4.      The row of bones down the middle of a human's back is called the.......... 

A.brain                              B. skull                        C. skeleton                   D. spine

5.      Playing sports will............a lot of your energy.     

A. spend                            B. comsume                 C. have                        D. waste

6.      To attend the concert, you need to book a .......... in advance.     

A. ticket                             B. fare                         C. fine                         D. place

7.      Mary has grown up and turned...........a beautiful girl.                  

A. up                                 B. down                       C. into                          D. in

8.      Using acupuncture, doctors must know all.............. points.   

A. soreness                        B. pressure                   C. massage      D. section

9.      In under a minute, your ____ can pump blood to bring oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body.

A. brain                       B. heart                        C. lungs                       D. vessels

10.  The human ____ system is a series of organs responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.

A. circulatory               B. digestive                  C. nervous                   D. respiratory

III. Give the correct form of the words in brackets:

1. The ..... system of the body is made up of our bones. It supports our body and protects our organs ( skeleton )

2. Food is broken by the ..................... system and turned into energy ( digest )

3. Acupunture is one of the oldest ..................... treatments in the world ( medicine )

4. The recipe for this dish .................. in Japan a long time ago ( origin )

5. The practice of acupunture involves placing hair-thin needles in ................ pressure points throughout the body ( vary )

6.                        , there were 365 acupoints, but this has increased to more than 2000 nowadays ( origin )

7. People who are taking blood related medicine should not have the .............. ( treat )

VI.Closest meaning

1. Acupuncture originated in China and has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years.

            A. began                      B. created                    C. developed               D. introduced

2. There is no evidence at this time that acupuncture can treat cancer itself.

            A. clue                         B. data                         C. proof                       D. sign

3. Acupuncture can treat from simple to complicated ailments.

            A. acupoints                B. diseases                   C. points                      D. treatments

4. Some people believe that acupuncture can be a cure of cancer.

            A. allergy                     B. practice                   C. therapy                    D. hygiene

5. Acupuncture can ease nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

            A. increase                   B. prevent                    C. reduce                     D. spoil

6. Are there any alternatives that might provide better options for gay people?

            A. choices                    B. decisions                 C. judgements              D. votes

7. The old blood cells are broken down by the spleen and eliminated from the body.

            A. cut out                     B. exhaled                   C. removed                  D. held