At a time of enormous needs in Haiti and elsewhere, when so many Americans are trying to help Haitians by sending everything from text messages to shoes, the Salwens offer an example of a family that came together to make a difference — for themselves as much as the people they were trying to help. In a column a week ago, it described neurological (神经生物学的)evidence from brain scans that unselfishness lights up parts of the brain normally associated with more primary satisfaction. The Salwens’ experience confirms the selfish pleasures of selflessness.

Mr. Salwen and his wife, Joan, had always assumed that their kids would be better off in a bigger house. But after they downsized, there was much less space to retreat to, so the family members spent more time around each other. A smaller house unexpectedly turned out to be a more family-friendlyhouse.

25. What does the underlined word “inequity” most probably mean in Paragraph 3?

A. Unfairness. B. Satisfaction.

C. Reasonable statement D. Personal attitude.

26. What does the underlined sentence “Never suggest a grand gesture to an idealistic teenager.” means? ______

A. Don’t respond to a child's demands firmly without consideration.

B. Unless a child is realistic, never give an answer immediately.

C. Give an answer if the child is reasonable.

D. Never give a quick answer to an idealistic teenager.

27. What can we learn from the last paragraph?

A. The Salwens regretted selling their house.

B. The relationship between the family members of the Salwens is much closer.

C. Small houses can bring happiness.

D. The Salwens intend to buy another big house.

28. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Mercedes Coupe is only an ordinary car which is quite cheap.

B. Unselfishness has nothing to do with people’s primary satisfaction.

C. Hannah asked her parents to do something charitable and they sold their house.

D. The writer’s children asked him to sell their house.

C

In modern society there is a great deal of argument about competition. Some value it highly, believing that it is responsible for social progress and prosperity (繁荣). Others say that competition is bad; that itsets one person against another; that it leads to unfriendly relationship between people.

I have taught many children who held the belief that their self-worth relied on how well they performed at tennis and other skills. For them, playing well and winning are often life-and-death affairs. In their single-minded pursuit (追求) of success, the development of many other human qualities is sadly forgotten.

Such a loss would be a measure of their worth. Clearly, this belief is the same as that of true competitors who try to prove themselves. Both are based on the mistaken belief that one’s self-respect relies on how well one performs in comparison with others. Both are afraid of not being valued. Only as this basic and often troublesome fear beginsto dissolve(缓解)can we discover a new meaning in competition.

29.What does this passage mainly talk about?

A.Competition helps to set up self – respect.

B.Competition is harmful to personal quality development.

C.Failures are necessary experiences in competition

D.Opinions about competition are different among people.

30.Why do some people favor competition according to the passage?

A.It improves personal abilities. B.It builds up a sense of duty.

C.It pushes society forward. D.It encourages individual efforts.

31.The underlined phrase “the most vocal” in Paragraph 3 means ___________.

A.those who try their best to win

B.those who value competition most highly

C.those who are against competition most strongly.

D. those who rely on others most for success

32.Which point of view may the author agree to?

A.Fear of failure should be removed in competition.

B.Competition should be encouraged.