When neither of these methods removed the static noise ,I would sit helplessly and  wait for the noise to go away.At last I ended up hitting the set with my fist,and it stopped working altogether .My trip to the repair shop cost me $62, and the set is working well now,but I keep expecting more trouble.

21.Why did the author say he was fooled into buying the TV set?

A.He got an older model than he had expected.

B.He couldn’t return it when it was broken.

C.He could have bought it at a lower price.

D.He failed to find any movie shows on it.

22.Which of the following can best replace the phrase”signed off”in Paragraph 1?

A.ended all their programs

B.provided fewer channels

C.changed to commercials

D.showed all-night movies

23.How did the author finally get his TV set working again?

A. By shaking and hitting it.

B. By turning it on and off.

C. By switching channels.

D. By having it repaired.

24. How does the anthor sound when telling the story ?

   A. Curious

   B. Anxious

   C. Cautious

   D. Humorous

B

  Your house may have an effect on your figure . Experts say the way you design your home could play a role in whether you pack on the pounds or keep them off . You can make your environment work for you instead of against you . Here are some ways to turn your home into part of diet plan.

  Open the curtains and turn up the lights . Dark environments are more likely to encourage overeating , for people are often less self-conscious（难为情）when they’re in poorly lit places-and so more likely to eat lots of food . If your home doesn’t have enough window light , get more lamps and flood the place with brightness.

  Mind the colors . Research suggests warm colors fuel our appetites . In one study , people who ate meals in a blue room consumed 33 percent less than those in a yellow or red room . Warm colors like yellow make food appear more appetizing , while cold colors make us feel less hungry . So when it’s time to repaint , go blue.

    Don’t forget the clock-or the radio. People who eat slowly tend to consume about 70 fewer calories（卡路里） per meal than those who rush through their meals. Begin keeping track of the time, and try to make dinner last at least 30 minutes, And while you’re at it, actually sit down to eat. If you need some help slowing down , turn on relaxing music. It makes you less likely to rush through a meal.

    Downsize the dishes, Big serving bowls and plates can easily make us fat. We eat about 22 percent more when using a 12-inch plate instead of a 10-inch plate. When we choose a large spoon over a smaller one ,total intake（摄入） jumps by 14 percent. And we’ll pour about 30 percent more liquid into a short, wide glass than a tall, skinny glass.

25.The text is especially helpful for those who care about_______.

    A. their home comforts

   B. their body shape

    C. house buying

    D. healthy diets

26.A home environment in blue can help people_________.

    A.digest food better

    B.reduce food intake

    C.burn more calories

    D.regain their appetites

27.What are people advised to do at mealtimes?

    A.Eat quickly.

    B.Play fast music.

    C.Use smaller spoons.

    D.Turn down the lights.

28.What can be a suitable title for the test?

    A.Is Your House Making You Fat?

    B.Ways of Serving Dinner

    C.Effects of Self-Consciousness

    D.Is Your Home Environment Relaxing?

C

    More student than ever cefore are taking a gap-year (间隔年)before going to university.It used to be called the “year off” between school and university.The gap-year phenomenon originated(起源) with the months left over to Oxbridge applicants between entrance exams in November and the start of the next academic year.
    This year, 25,310 students who have accepted places in higher education  institutions  have put off their entry until next year, according to statistics on university entrance provided by University and College Admissions Service(UCAS).

    That is a record 14.7% increase in the number of students taking a gap year. Tony Higgins from UCAS said that the statistics are good news for everyone in higher education. “Students who take a well-planned year out are more likely to be satisfied with, and complete, their chosen course. Students who take a gap year are often more mature and responsible,” he said.

    But not everyone is happy. Owain James, the president of the National Union of Students(NUS), argued that the increase is evidence of student hardship – young people are being forced into earning money before finishing their education. “New students are now aware that they are likely to leave university up to ￡15,000 in debt. It is not surprising that more and More students are taking a gap year to earn money to support their study for the degree.NUS statistics show that over 40%  of students  are  forced to work during term time and the figure increases to 90% during  vacation periods,”he said.

29. What do we learn about the gap year from the text?

  A. It is flexible in leng