II 閱讀（共兩節，滿分50分）
第一節 閱讀理解（共20小題；每小題2分，滿分40分）
閱讀下列短文，從每題所給的A、B、C和D項中，選出最佳選項，并在答題卡上將該項涂黑。
A
It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month. The crops were dying. Cows had stopped giving milk. The streams were long gone back into the earth. If we didn’t see some rain soon we would lose everything.
I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my six-year old son, Billy, walking toward the woods. He was obviously walking with a great effort... trying to be as still as possible. Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house.
Moments later, however, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful long step toward the woods. This activity went on for over an hour: walking cautiously to the woods, then running back to the house. Finally, my curiosity got the best of me. I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey.
He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked; being very careful not to spill(濺出) the water he held in them. Branches and thorns slapped his little face but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much greater purpose. As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing site.
Several large deer appeared threatening in front of him. But Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. And I saw a baby deer laying on the ground, obviously suffering from heavy loss of water and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap(舔) up the water cupped in my beautiful boy’s hand.
I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save a life. As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, they were suddenly joined by other drops... and more drops... and more. I looked up at the sky. It was as if God, Himself, was weeping with pride.
26. What can be learned from Paragraph 1?
A. The writer lived in the hottest place.
B. It wouldn’t rain during the dry season.
C. All the crops in the area were dead.
D. People were in great need of rain.
27. Billy walked carefully to the woods because ______.
A. he was not old enough to walk freely
B. he didn’t want to be followed by his mother
C. he tried not to spill the water in his hands
D. he wanted to attract his mother’s attention
28. Why did the writer almost scream for Billy to get away?
A. Because she saw the most amazing site in the woods
B. Because those large deer appeared dangerous
C. Because she saw a baby deer laying on the ground
D. Because the deer suffered from heavy loss of water
29. After learning about the truth, the author felt _______.
A. curious and confused B. scared and excited
C. moved and curious D. proud and moved
30. Which of the following is the best title for the passage?
A. The Water of Life B. Importance of Water
C. How to Save Animals D. Animals in Danger

B
Group buying is one of the fastest growing trends in South Africa today. Industry leaders are confident the growth potential remains strong since group buying is location-specific(區域性的). Start-up costs are low and profit room remains high, so many sites continue to receive invested money despite widespread criticism and Facebook’s decision to phase out of the deals business due to privacy concerns.
In the early stages of all industries, some companies fail because they cannot compete with stronger companies in difficult economic conditions. To deal with difficult conditions, an alarming number of businesses are developing group buying websites in places like China and India, so the increase of group buying in South Africa is nothing more than a natural progression into the international mainstream.
The group buying concept is fairly new and consumers have accepted this concept because they can now make full use of the rich information available on the Internet. Group buying is convenient and easy so it works. Anyone can view a site, join a mailing list, subscribe to RSS or print out a coupon(優惠券). The current group buying structure offered by the industry leaders works although there are still challenges to overcome.
Perhaps, the future of group buying is tied to the joining together of social media and mobile devices. Mobile devices are with us wherever we go and almost everyone is using some type of social media site like Facebook or Twitter to stay informed. Using GPS and social media technology to provide real time location-specific promotions would be beneficial to every consumer looking for the best deals in town.
Pause for a moment and think about it! What is better than signing on to your phone while having fun in town and you receive a real time information that your favorite shop across the street is offering a killer deal？
The future of the group buying in South Africa is bright and we can expect to see more advanced approaches to this concept in the future. In addition to the technological advances consumers will see the range of promotions expand to include new products and services.
31. What does the underlined phrase “phase out of” mean in the passage?
A. Gradually stop. B. Gradually increase.
C. Begin to develop. D. Continue to enlarge.
32. The author sets China and India as examples to show that _________.
A. China and India are powerful countries
B. China and India are in difficult economic conditions
C. group buying is successful worldwide
D. group buying is an international trend
33. Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A. People have accepted group buying because it’s a new concept.
B. Social media and mobile devices have been joined together for group buying.
C. GPS and social media technology will be helpful in group buying.
D. Shops usually offer a killer deal when their customers are having fun.
34. The author’s attitude towards the future of group buying is __________.
A. pessimistic B. optimistic C. objective D. subjective
35. What does the passage mainly tell us?
A. The history of group buying.
B. Group buying in South Africa.
C. Growing trends in South Africa.
D. The group buying concept.
來源:可可英語 http://www.ccdyzl.cn/gaokao/201504/372245.shtml