49. This passage is mainly about_________.
(A) the origin of an idiom
(B) the occurrence of an illusion
(C) the advancement of an astronomical activity
(D) the misconception of a common belief

45. What is the main idea of this passage? (A) Runners take part in the marathon race in the hope of experiencing thrilling adventure. (B) However challenging a marathon can be, runners will make it if they do not give up. (C) The Marathon of Sands race tests the limits of human endurance. (D) The Marathon of Sands causes the strong to stumble and the weak to quit.

46. Which of the following words is closest in meaning to the word "raw" in paragraph 3? (A)uncooked (B) inexperienced (C) naked (D) sore

47. Which of the following statements best describes the Marathon of Sands? (A) Running this race requires unparalleled determination and perseverance. (B) Taking part in this event helps runners understand the importance of good preparation. (C) This race was founded to punish the racers ignorant of the mighty power of nature. (D) This marathon race covers desert, thorny bushes, lakes and forests.

48. It can be inferred that the participants of the Marathon of Sands___________. (A) always come back for a second try to win a sense of accomplishment (B) will feel bored when running the race because viewers are not allowed to join the running (C) can rest at a beautiful oasis overnight for a good sleep and abundant supply of water (D) may learn to work through challenges in life and understand more about their limits as well

50. According to the passage, how many blue moons will we see from the year 2011 to 2020? (A) One. (B) Two. (C) Three. (D) Four.

51. According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE? (A)The ash clouds produced by volcanic eruption sometimes turn the moon blue. (B) People saw purple suns and red sunsets after the eruption of Mount St. Helens. (C) The wavelength of red light will be widened if the air is filled with large particles. (D) The Indonesian volcano Krakatora has erupted numerous times since 1883.

52. The phrase nin sync" in paragraph two is closest in meaning to _____________ (A) in conflict (B) in contact (C) in agreement (D) in negotiation

53. What is the theme that the passage carries? (A) The sixties generation think highly of music as a way to express love. (B) The symbols of peace in the sixties were flowers and living naturally. (C) The sixties generation changed the world for they influenced the way people think today. (D) Baby boomers made up a large portion of the population.

54. Baby boomers__________. (A) were bom during the sixties (B) had babies during the sixties (C) graduated from college in the early-sixties and became powerful in the political field (D) tried things in the sixties that had never been tried before

55. Which of the following is NOT what many people in the sixties were concerned about? (A)Animal rights (B) Equality between the two sexes (C) Peace and love (D) Environmental protection