单选题 Mankind's fascination with gold is as old as civilization itself. The ancient Egyptians esteemed gold, which had religious significance to them, and King Tutankhamun was buried in a solid-gold coffin 3300 years ago. The wandering Israelites worshipped a golden calf and the legendary King Midas asked that everything he touched be turned into gold. Not only is gold beautiful, but it is virtually indestructible. It will not rust or corrode; gold coins and products fabricated from the metal have survived undamaged for centuries. Gold is extremely easy to work with; one ounce, which is about the size a cube of sugar, can be beaten into a sheet nearly 100 square feet in size, and becomes so thin that light passes through it , an ounce of gold can also be stretched into a wire 50 miles long. Gold conducts electricity better than any other substance except copper and silver, and it is particularly important in the modern electronics industry. People have always longed to possess gold. Unfortunately, this longing has also brought out the worst in the human character. The Spanish conquistadors robbed palaces, temples, and graves and killed thousands of Indians in their ruthless search for gold. Often the only rule in young California during the days of the gold rush was exercised by the mob with a rope. Even today, the economic running of South Africa's gold mines depends largely on the employment of black laborers who are paid about-40 a month, plus room and board and who must work in conditions that can only be described as cruel. About 400 miners are killed in mine accidents in South Africa each year, or one for every two tons of gold produced. Great Britain was the first country to adopt the gold standard, when the Master of the Mint, Sir Isaac Newton. established a fixed price for gold in 1717. But until the big discoveries of gold in the last half of the nineteenth century-starting in California in 1848 and later in Australia and South Africa-there simply wasn't enough gold around for all the trading nations to link their currencies to the precious metal. Historically, the desire to hoard gold at home has been primarily an occupation of the working and peasant classes, I who have no faith in paper money. George Bernard Shaw defended their instincts eloquently:" You have to choose between trusting to the natural stability of gold and the natural stability of the honesty and intelligence of the members of the government," he said, "and with due respect to these gentlemen, I advise you.., to vote for gold."

单选题Our reporter has just called to say that rescue teams will ______ to bring out the trapped miners.

单选题Questions 14 to 17 are based on the following passage. At the end of the passage, you will be given 20 seconds to answer the questions. Now, listen to the passage.

单选题 Questions 25 and 26 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the news.

单选题{{I}}{{B}} Questions 29 and 30 are based on the following news. At the end of the news item, you will be given 10 seconds to answer the questions. Now listen to the news.{{/I}}{{/B}}

单选题These varied racial groups have learned to live together in peace and ______ , setting an example well worth following.[A] harmony[B] grace[C] rhythm[D] relief

单选题______ we first heard of the man referred to as a journalist. A. That was from Scott B. It was from Scott that C. It was Scott whom D. It was Scott that

单选题He led an attack on what ______ his own castle, and blew it up with dynamite!A. ought to beB. ought to have beenC. should beD. seems to be

单选题How many students were trapped in the flooded cavern?

单选题The house had many _________ with her dead husband for her to be happy in it.

单选题From ancient times, the valley of the Nile has been made ______ by the river floods.A. famousB. desertedC. attractiveD. fertile

单选题What is the growing danger in air travel according to this passage?

单选题It is no good ______ to come now. He is busy at the moment to deal with other urgent things.

单选题It was ______ we had hoped.A. more a success thanB. a success more thanC. as much of a success asD. a success as much as