C

Hi! I’m Harry. Life used to be kind of difficult for me. The muscles(肌肉) in my arms and legs are weak. I have to be in a wheelchair all day. I can’t use my legs at all, and I’m not too great with my hands. If I drop something it stays dropped until someone picks it up for me. I can’t open doors or switch lights on and off. Carrying everything I need for school is a problem too.

Now things are easier. I have a helping hand. Pete is a golden dog that has been trained to help kids like me. Pete was at dog training school for two years to learn how to do different tasks. I had to be trained too. I had to learn how to give Pete instructions and how to take care of him.

When Pete is working he doesn’t play around. My friends know they are not to pet him or call him when he is working. He can pull my wheelchair and pick up things I drop. Pete carries my books and lunch on his back. He pushes the button on the school lift and opens some kinds of doors. He even knows how to switch lights on.

But best of all, Pete is here when I need a friend.

53. According to the passage, who is Harry’s helping hand?

A. Pete B. His teacher. C. His brother D. His parent

54. Why is Harry kept in a wheelchair all day?

A. Because his legs are broken.

B. Because his leg muscles are weak.

C. Because he is too lazy.

D. Because he likes it.

55. According to the passage, which of the following about Pete is not true?

A. Pete can clean Harry’s room. B. Pete can switch lights on.

C. Pete can pull Harry’s wheelchair. D. Pete can push the button on the school lift.

56. What does the writer mean by saying “Pete is here when I need a friend.”?

A. Pete is only a helpful tool for him.

B. Pete is with him all the time.

C. Pete is a funny dog to make him happy.

D. Pete is not only a helping hand but also his good friend.

D

In the US, the most popular way to welcome the new year is with a big party. Some parties are at private homes. But in recent years, it has become more and more common for Americans to go to a hotel or eating-place on the night of December 31st. There, they can eat a big dinner, drink champagne, and dance to orchestra music.

Most New Year’s parties are usually noisy. People shout and sing. And often, gu ests blow on small noisemakers when the new year arrives at midnight. This tradition of noise making is believed to start centuries ago. People thought that loud sounds would drive away the bad spirits of the old year.

The biggest, noisiest New Year’s party in the US takes place in Times Square in New York. Thousands of people gather(聚集) there. Some of them ring bells and set fireworks. Others blow whistles of car horns(喇叭). And at twelve o’clock, they begin to cheer as an electric sign in the shape of a red apple lights up on top of a tall building.

The Times Square celebration includes another well-known American tradition. Since 1929, the band of musician Guy Lombardo has given a concert on New Year’s Eve. Guy Lombardo died in 1977. But, Bill Lombardo, has kept the tradition alive with a band concert at a New York city hotel. When the crowds in Times Square start cheering the arrival of the new year, television camer as show the band playing the song Auld Lang Syne.

57. The most usual way to welcome the new year in the US is ________.

A. to go shopping B. to meet friends C. to travel abroad D. to hold a big party

58. The biggest New Year’s party in the US is __________.

A. in Central Park B. in Hollywood C. in Times Square D. in Disneyland

59. In the past, some American people made big noise when the new year arrived ________

A. to express their friendship B. to drive away the bad spirits

C. to make others more excited D. to give best wishes to each other

60. In 1929 a concert on New Year’s Eve was given by _________.

A. the band of Guy Lombardo B. the band of Bill Lombardo

C. the band of Johann Strauss D. the band of Elvis Aaron Presley