TEXT E
First read the question. 51. Whats this passage about? A. An Egyptian architect says design can heal the sick. B. The contents of a science-fiction by an Egyptian writer. C. The development of bio-geometry in Egypt. D. The potential therapeutic effects of patterns. Now go though Text E quickly to answer question 51.
Cairo —— Imagine a world where the sick would be healed by geometrical shapes engraved on anything from jewellery to mobile phones. Science-fiction, you might think, but an eminent Egyptian architect says channeling energy through a prism of powerful patterns has powerful therapeutic effects. "It sounds strange, doesnt it, but by applying certain geometrical design to the sick, I have developed a way to enhance the bodys energy field," 54-year-old Ibrahim Karim told reporters. Karim, an architectural adviser to government ministries, became a household name in Egypt after appearing on a popular TV program in April. Since then, he says, he has been inundated by thousands of letters, faxes, e-mails, and telephone calls inquiring into his unusual line of research. Karim says he spent 25 years developing his "science" of "bio-geometry", which he traces to in ancient Egypt. "My work began as a way to cancel the potentially harmful effects of unchecked energy fields due to architectural design, but later expanded to cover almost spheres of life." By using a series of 500-odd symbols on plates about an inch (2.5) square, Karim claims to provide "complementary medicine" for a wide variety of ailments. "On all my decorative diagrams, or bio-signatures, each point corresponds to particular organs and will modify energy fields around them……like electricity runs through wires," he says. At their villa in the affluent Cairo suburb of Maadi, Karim and his wife Rawya run the Bio-geometrical Institute, giving lectures in the history of geometrical shapes and helping those who seek their assistance. His claims have attracted much interest in Egypt where alternative medicine in vogue using among the wealthy and trendy. But some scientists are skeptical and the Health Ministry had warned the public against using Karims designs for medical purposes. "If were going to use (Karims method) for medical purposes then it should be developed into an approved science first," former Health Minister Ibrahim Badran told a seminar. Like most who visit the center, Hesham Fattouh, a 24-year-old engineering student with a low platelet count, had some reservations about the healing power of shapes. But having already undergone a US 25,000 course of treatment in the United States and had his spleen removed to no avail, he decided to try Karims method. "When I met Ibrahim, he put a ring on my finger with a design print on it, then he gave me a medallion. At first I thought it was strange, but after all Id been thought, I was prepared to give it a go," he said. Overnight his platelet count went up to 35,000, claimed, and in four more days it soared to 250,000. Karim envisions a day when his bio-geometrical designs will be manufactured and sold or distributed worldwide. "These designs can be mass produced and printed on everything from gold to plastic and will be distributed to the world," he days. "Everybody should have the opportunity to wear my protective designs."
51. What's this passage about?
A) An Egyptian architect says design can heal the sick.
B) The contents of a science-fiction by an Egyptian writer.
C) The development of bio-geometry in Egypt.
D) The potential therapeutic effects of patterns.
TEXT F
First read the questions. 52. Which of the following statement is NOT true according to the text? A. Beethoven began to receive formal musical instruction at nine. B. His mothers death had great influence on him. C. "Choral", one of the most glorious symphonies, was dedicated to Napoleon. D. Bach had also deep influence on Beethoven. 53. When did Beethovens mother die? A. In 1787 B. In 1792 C. In 1779 D. In 1826 Now go through TEXT F quickly to answer question 52 and 53.
The indisputable giant of the early Romantic period of classical music was Ludwing van Beethoven. Beethovens life spanned the period of the late eighteenth century to the early nineteenth century, a time of political and social revolution in the Western world. Beethoven was the personification of the modern artist: he felt himself the equal of royalty, and this belief was echoed in his music. Of Flemish descent, Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany on December 16 or 17, 1770. His mother was a cook and his father a menial musician who was also drunkard. He started to receive formal musical instruction in 1779, and after only three years became deputy court organist and a member of the court orchestra. A year later his first composition was published. In 1787 he set out for Vienna to meet Mozart. Within two weeks of his arrival, his mother fell ill and he hurried back to Bonn. She died in the same year, and her death affected Beethoven very deeply. In 1792 he returned to Vienna, never to see Bonn again. Soon after, Beethoven made his entrance into the cultured middle class, and through his patron Count Waldstein, into the world of the nobility. He was in great demanded as a performer and a teacher. In spite of this success, however, Beethoven was known as an eccentric. He changed domiciles on the average of once a month, and he could not get along with his servant. Moreover, his personality was touched by paranoia —— he often felt harassed by unfounded suspicions. These emotions were intensified by his gradual loss of hearing. While Beethovens life was overridden with his deafness, this misery drove the man to despair, but not the composer. In the first two decades of the nineteenth century he composed a vast amount of music. He was under the patronage of Archduke Rudolph, Prince Joseph Max Lobkowitz and Prince Ferdinand Kinsky, all of whom guaranteed him an annual salary so he could devote his entire time to composing —— on the condition that he not leave Vienna. Beethoven was thus in the unheard of position of complete independence from any employment or commission. The musician and composer were no longer servants of the court; they were the equal of noblemen. This artistic freedom, however, did not free him from mundane problems. Often his patrons did not pay him on time, and the publishers of his compositions frequently sent his royalties late. Moreover, after the death of his brother Karl, he was appointed guardian of his nephew which brought him much vexation and grief. He had long and bitter quarrels with the boys mother whom he considered unfit to raise the child. In spite of the adversity in his personal life, Beethoven produced some of his greatest works during this time. Many of his piano sonatas were composed in these years, each of which he dedicated to patrons and friends. In these works he drew on forms used by earlier composers while exploring new depths of emotions. Sorrow, passion and fanfare were hallmarks of his music. Moreover, he was drawn to subjects of epic or heroic grandeur. The most glorious of his symphonies, the "Eroica", was originally dedicated to Napoleon. On hearing that he had crowned himself emperor, however, Beethoven changed the dedication to read, "To the memory of a great man." He was also a master of the fugue and canon, undoubtedly because of the influence of J.S. Bach. He said of the Baroque master: "He should not be called Bach ("brook" in German) but Meer (sea)." Toward the the end of Beethovens life, his deafness was total. One can only marvel at fact that he produced so much music which he never heard. His last symphony, the "Coral", reflects the strength of his spirit. In the last movement the chorus and soloists join the orchestra in a grand finale based on Schillers poem "Ode to Joy". When Beethoven conducted this work in Vienna he was totally deaf. After one particular passage there was thunderous applause. Unaware of the adulation, he continued conducting. One of the singers pulled his sleeve and pointed to the audience. He then turned and bowed. In 1826 Beethovens chronic poor health took a turn for the worse. He developed pleurisy, and later pneumonia. His last days were wracked with suffering until finally, on March 26, 1827, he died. The funeral of this musician giant was attended by twenty thousand people.
52. Which of the following statement is NOT true according to the text?
A) Beethoven began to receive formal musical instruction at nine.
B) His mother's death had great influence on him.
C) "Choral", one of the most glorious symphonies, was dedicated to Napoleon.
D) Bach had also deep influence on Beethoven.
53. When did Beethoven's mother die?
A) In 1787
B) In 1792
C) In 1779
D) In 1826
TEXT G
First read the question. 54. Who is Dolly? A. A scientist in Chicago. B. A member of the U.S. National Bioethics Advisory Committee. C. A Scottish researcher at Edinburghs Roslin Institute. D. The first animal cloned from the cells of an adult. Now go through TEXT G quickly to answer question 54.
From the slave drones of Huxleys Brave New World to the hollow-headed replicates of Helenes Time Enough for Love and the production-line Hitler of The Boys from Brazil, clones get a bad press. Yet, in the real world, we encounter clones al the time. Identical twins are genetic replicas of each other. And so, for that matter, are some oranges. All the worlds navel oranges come from a single cutting. But it is the laboratory-made clones that upset people. Chicagos Dr Richard Seed found that out when he proposed establishing a chain of fertility clinics that would clone man in His image, such man-made creation was merely our latest step towards becoming God. Howls of outrage echoed from Washington to China. It was the latest eruption in a debate that has been simmering ever since Scottish researchers at Edinburghs Roslin Institute announced the cloning of a lamb called Dolly. Scientists have been cloning frogs and mice since 1952, but Dolly was the first animal to be cloned from the cells of an adult, rather than an embryo or fetus. This was a necessary step in the institutes plan to mass-produce transgenic animals. These include cows and sheep that have been implanted with human genes for such medically useful items as ant thrombin III, an anti-cloning protein genes for heart patients, or Factor IX, a clotting protein for hemophiliacs. The proteins are discharged in their milk. The animals also include donor organ pigs whose tissues are compatible with human tissue. To many non-scientists, Dollys cloning raised the specter of human cloning. The Pope promptly called for a worldwide ban on human cloning. The U.S. National Bioethics Advisory Committee also recommended a ban —— for safety reasons, such as the risk to clone children from cancer-causing mutations in government-funded research on human cloning and put a bill before Congress proposing to outlaw such research for five years. A U.S. opinion poll found 90 percent opposition to human cloning. By the end of 1997, the 40-nation Council of Europe had imposed the first legal binding international ban on human cloning. Cloning had also been criticized for its effects on the experimental animals. At birth, lambs and calves cloned from embryos can be twice the usual size, creating considerable stress on the surrogate mother. Transgenic animals can experience unpleasant in their growth rates, physical condition or behavior. The "Beltsville pig", for instance, was created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at Beltsville, Maryland, to produce human growth hormone. The pig grew all right, but suffered severely from bone and joint problems. There is also the question of premature ageing. Do cloned animals wear out faster? Genes trend to accumulate wear and tear with age. This may mean that 18-month-old Dolly really had the genes and physiology of an eight-year-old. If so, will she age and die faster than her non-cloned pals? The scientists are watching closely. Right now, cloning research is continuing at speed. Researchers know how to grow human tissue cloned from aborted fetuses, keeping it alive in laboratories as a potentially inexhaustible source of replacement tissue to graft onto sick people. One U.S. company, Reprogenesis, claims to have induced the growth of nipples on breast tissue. It aims to make silicon implants obsolete within five years. Some gene therapy researchers are even predicting that, within 10 to 20 years, the biggest taboo for genetic researchers——permanent alternation of human gene line —— will be an accepted medical practice. "Gremlin intervention" is already used on mice to alter genes in the sperm and egg cells. It is dome by implanting cloned tissue in the developing embryo. For all frenzied activity and gung-ho talk, it may be some time before we see the promise of the new techniques. And those hordes of identical people swarming across the continents? They are unlikely to happen. Right now, the techniques are still very costly and very inefficient. Noting that Dolly was the only one of 277 cloned eggs to survive, Jim Mc Whir of the Roslin Institute says that, for now, human cloning "is completely impracticable, especially considering that its much pleasanter making children in the classical way". And, even if it does become less costly and more efficient in future, who could really want to change that?
54. Who is Dolly?
A) A scientist in Chicago.
B) A member of the U.S. National Bioethics Advisory Committee.
C) A Scottish researcher at Edinburgh's Roslin Institute.
D) The first animal cloned from the cells of an adult.
First read the question. 51. Whats this passage about? A. An Egyptian architect says design can heal the sick. B. The contents of a science-fiction by an Egyptian writer. C. The development of bio-geometry in Egypt. D. The potential therapeutic effects of patterns. Now go though Text E quickly to answer question 51.
Cairo —— Imagine a world where the sick would be healed by geometrical shapes engraved on anything from jewellery to mobile phones. Science-fiction, you might think, but an eminent Egyptian architect says channeling energy through a prism of powerful patterns has powerful therapeutic effects. "It sounds strange, doesnt it, but by applying certain geometrical design to the sick, I have developed a way to enhance the bodys energy field," 54-year-old Ibrahim Karim told reporters. Karim, an architectural adviser to government ministries, became a household name in Egypt after appearing on a popular TV program in April. Since then, he says, he has been inundated by thousands of letters, faxes, e-mails, and telephone calls inquiring into his unusual line of research. Karim says he spent 25 years developing his "science" of "bio-geometry", which he traces to in ancient Egypt. "My work began as a way to cancel the potentially harmful effects of unchecked energy fields due to architectural design, but later expanded to cover almost spheres of life." By using a series of 500-odd symbols on plates about an inch (2.5) square, Karim claims to provide "complementary medicine" for a wide variety of ailments. "On all my decorative diagrams, or bio-signatures, each point corresponds to particular organs and will modify energy fields around them……like electricity runs through wires," he says. At their villa in the affluent Cairo suburb of Maadi, Karim and his wife Rawya run the Bio-geometrical Institute, giving lectures in the history of geometrical shapes and helping those who seek their assistance. His claims have attracted much interest in Egypt where alternative medicine in vogue using among the wealthy and trendy. But some scientists are skeptical and the Health Ministry had warned the public against using Karims designs for medical purposes. "If were going to use (Karims method) for medical purposes then it should be developed into an approved science first," former Health Minister Ibrahim Badran told a seminar. Like most who visit the center, Hesham Fattouh, a 24-year-old engineering student with a low platelet count, had some reservations about the healing power of shapes. But having already undergone a US 25,000 course of treatment in the United States and had his spleen removed to no avail, he decided to try Karims method. "When I met Ibrahim, he put a ring on my finger with a design print on it, then he gave me a medallion. At first I thought it was strange, but after all Id been thought, I was prepared to give it a go," he said. Overnight his platelet count went up to 35,000, claimed, and in four more days it soared to 250,000. Karim envisions a day when his bio-geometrical designs will be manufactured and sold or distributed worldwide. "These designs can be mass produced and printed on everything from gold to plastic and will be distributed to the world," he days. "Everybody should have the opportunity to wear my protective designs."
51. What's this passage about?
A) An Egyptian architect says design can heal the sick.
B) The contents of a science-fiction by an Egyptian writer.
C) The development of bio-geometry in Egypt.
D) The potential therapeutic effects of patterns.
TEXT F
First read the questions. 52. Which of the following statement is NOT true according to the text? A. Beethoven began to receive formal musical instruction at nine. B. His mothers death had great influence on him. C. "Choral", one of the most glorious symphonies, was dedicated to Napoleon. D. Bach had also deep influence on Beethoven. 53. When did Beethovens mother die? A. In 1787 B. In 1792 C. In 1779 D. In 1826 Now go through TEXT F quickly to answer question 52 and 53.
The indisputable giant of the early Romantic period of classical music was Ludwing van Beethoven. Beethovens life spanned the period of the late eighteenth century to the early nineteenth century, a time of political and social revolution in the Western world. Beethoven was the personification of the modern artist: he felt himself the equal of royalty, and this belief was echoed in his music. Of Flemish descent, Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany on December 16 or 17, 1770. His mother was a cook and his father a menial musician who was also drunkard. He started to receive formal musical instruction in 1779, and after only three years became deputy court organist and a member of the court orchestra. A year later his first composition was published. In 1787 he set out for Vienna to meet Mozart. Within two weeks of his arrival, his mother fell ill and he hurried back to Bonn. She died in the same year, and her death affected Beethoven very deeply. In 1792 he returned to Vienna, never to see Bonn again. Soon after, Beethoven made his entrance into the cultured middle class, and through his patron Count Waldstein, into the world of the nobility. He was in great demanded as a performer and a teacher. In spite of this success, however, Beethoven was known as an eccentric. He changed domiciles on the average of once a month, and he could not get along with his servant. Moreover, his personality was touched by paranoia —— he often felt harassed by unfounded suspicions. These emotions were intensified by his gradual loss of hearing. While Beethovens life was overridden with his deafness, this misery drove the man to despair, but not the composer. In the first two decades of the nineteenth century he composed a vast amount of music. He was under the patronage of Archduke Rudolph, Prince Joseph Max Lobkowitz and Prince Ferdinand Kinsky, all of whom guaranteed him an annual salary so he could devote his entire time to composing —— on the condition that he not leave Vienna. Beethoven was thus in the unheard of position of complete independence from any employment or commission. The musician and composer were no longer servants of the court; they were the equal of noblemen. This artistic freedom, however, did not free him from mundane problems. Often his patrons did not pay him on time, and the publishers of his compositions frequently sent his royalties late. Moreover, after the death of his brother Karl, he was appointed guardian of his nephew which brought him much vexation and grief. He had long and bitter quarrels with the boys mother whom he considered unfit to raise the child. In spite of the adversity in his personal life, Beethoven produced some of his greatest works during this time. Many of his piano sonatas were composed in these years, each of which he dedicated to patrons and friends. In these works he drew on forms used by earlier composers while exploring new depths of emotions. Sorrow, passion and fanfare were hallmarks of his music. Moreover, he was drawn to subjects of epic or heroic grandeur. The most glorious of his symphonies, the "Eroica", was originally dedicated to Napoleon. On hearing that he had crowned himself emperor, however, Beethoven changed the dedication to read, "To the memory of a great man." He was also a master of the fugue and canon, undoubtedly because of the influence of J.S. Bach. He said of the Baroque master: "He should not be called Bach ("brook" in German) but Meer (sea)." Toward the the end of Beethovens life, his deafness was total. One can only marvel at fact that he produced so much music which he never heard. His last symphony, the "Coral", reflects the strength of his spirit. In the last movement the chorus and soloists join the orchestra in a grand finale based on Schillers poem "Ode to Joy". When Beethoven conducted this work in Vienna he was totally deaf. After one particular passage there was thunderous applause. Unaware of the adulation, he continued conducting. One of the singers pulled his sleeve and pointed to the audience. He then turned and bowed. In 1826 Beethovens chronic poor health took a turn for the worse. He developed pleurisy, and later pneumonia. His last days were wracked with suffering until finally, on March 26, 1827, he died. The funeral of this musician giant was attended by twenty thousand people.
52. Which of the following statement is NOT true according to the text?
A) Beethoven began to receive formal musical instruction at nine.
B) His mother's death had great influence on him.
C) "Choral", one of the most glorious symphonies, was dedicated to Napoleon.
D) Bach had also deep influence on Beethoven.
53. When did Beethoven's mother die?
A) In 1787
B) In 1792
C) In 1779
D) In 1826
TEXT G
First read the question. 54. Who is Dolly? A. A scientist in Chicago. B. A member of the U.S. National Bioethics Advisory Committee. C. A Scottish researcher at Edinburghs Roslin Institute. D. The first animal cloned from the cells of an adult. Now go through TEXT G quickly to answer question 54.
From the slave drones of Huxleys Brave New World to the hollow-headed replicates of Helenes Time Enough for Love and the production-line Hitler of The Boys from Brazil, clones get a bad press. Yet, in the real world, we encounter clones al the time. Identical twins are genetic replicas of each other. And so, for that matter, are some oranges. All the worlds navel oranges come from a single cutting. But it is the laboratory-made clones that upset people. Chicagos Dr Richard Seed found that out when he proposed establishing a chain of fertility clinics that would clone man in His image, such man-made creation was merely our latest step towards becoming God. Howls of outrage echoed from Washington to China. It was the latest eruption in a debate that has been simmering ever since Scottish researchers at Edinburghs Roslin Institute announced the cloning of a lamb called Dolly. Scientists have been cloning frogs and mice since 1952, but Dolly was the first animal to be cloned from the cells of an adult, rather than an embryo or fetus. This was a necessary step in the institutes plan to mass-produce transgenic animals. These include cows and sheep that have been implanted with human genes for such medically useful items as ant thrombin III, an anti-cloning protein genes for heart patients, or Factor IX, a clotting protein for hemophiliacs. The proteins are discharged in their milk. The animals also include donor organ pigs whose tissues are compatible with human tissue. To many non-scientists, Dollys cloning raised the specter of human cloning. The Pope promptly called for a worldwide ban on human cloning. The U.S. National Bioethics Advisory Committee also recommended a ban —— for safety reasons, such as the risk to clone children from cancer-causing mutations in government-funded research on human cloning and put a bill before Congress proposing to outlaw such research for five years. A U.S. opinion poll found 90 percent opposition to human cloning. By the end of 1997, the 40-nation Council of Europe had imposed the first legal binding international ban on human cloning. Cloning had also been criticized for its effects on the experimental animals. At birth, lambs and calves cloned from embryos can be twice the usual size, creating considerable stress on the surrogate mother. Transgenic animals can experience unpleasant in their growth rates, physical condition or behavior. The "Beltsville pig", for instance, was created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at Beltsville, Maryland, to produce human growth hormone. The pig grew all right, but suffered severely from bone and joint problems. There is also the question of premature ageing. Do cloned animals wear out faster? Genes trend to accumulate wear and tear with age. This may mean that 18-month-old Dolly really had the genes and physiology of an eight-year-old. If so, will she age and die faster than her non-cloned pals? The scientists are watching closely. Right now, cloning research is continuing at speed. Researchers know how to grow human tissue cloned from aborted fetuses, keeping it alive in laboratories as a potentially inexhaustible source of replacement tissue to graft onto sick people. One U.S. company, Reprogenesis, claims to have induced the growth of nipples on breast tissue. It aims to make silicon implants obsolete within five years. Some gene therapy researchers are even predicting that, within 10 to 20 years, the biggest taboo for genetic researchers——permanent alternation of human gene line —— will be an accepted medical practice. "Gremlin intervention" is already used on mice to alter genes in the sperm and egg cells. It is dome by implanting cloned tissue in the developing embryo. For all frenzied activity and gung-ho talk, it may be some time before we see the promise of the new techniques. And those hordes of identical people swarming across the continents? They are unlikely to happen. Right now, the techniques are still very costly and very inefficient. Noting that Dolly was the only one of 277 cloned eggs to survive, Jim Mc Whir of the Roslin Institute says that, for now, human cloning "is completely impracticable, especially considering that its much pleasanter making children in the classical way". And, even if it does become less costly and more efficient in future, who could really want to change that?
54. Who is Dolly?
A) A scientist in Chicago.
B) A member of the U.S. National Bioethics Advisory Committee.
C) A Scottish researcher at Edinburgh's Roslin Institute.
D) The first animal cloned from the cells of an adult.