上海高三语法填空练习

Grammar

Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.

(A)

Since early times, people (25) ______ (fascinate) by the idea of life existing somewhere else besides earth. Until recently, scientists believe that life on other planets was just a hopeful dream. But now they are beginning to locate places where life could form. In 1997, they saw other evidence of planets near other stars like the sun. But scientists now think that life could be even (26) ______ (near) in our own solar system.

One place scientists are studying closely is Europa, a moon of Jupiter. Space probe has provided evidence (27) ______ Europa has a large ocean under its surface. The probe has also made scientists think that under its surface is a rocky core (地核) (28) ______ (give) off volcanic heat. Water and heat from volcanic activity are two basic conditions (29) ______ (need) for life to form. A third is certain basic chemicals like carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. Scientists believe that there may be such lyi ng at the bottom of Europa’s ocean. They may already create life or may be about to. You may wonder (30) ______ light is also needed for life to form.

Until recently, scientists thought that light was essential. But now places have been found on earth, (31) ______ are in total blackness such as caves several miles beneath the surface. And bacteria, primitive forms of life, have been seen there. So the lack of light in Europa’s sub-surface ocean doesn’t automatically rule out life forming.

(B)

Conversation is an important part of life to everyone. However, some people are afraid of starting a casual conversation with a stranger (32) ______ ______ a fear of not having anything interesting to say. Fear of rejection is also a reason for keeping silent. Small talk in a conversation can serve as a way of warming up and getting to know each other. Most people, (33) ______ ______ ______ successful they are at work, will find the process of making small talk uncomfortable, even pointless. However, you (34) ______ (have) a pretty small world if you refuse to let others in. Starting off with (35) ______ usual comment or question will make others comfortable, and even just greeting them with a simple “hello” will often be enough.

(36) ______ you have made the first move, there is no turning back. You need to keep things going before you can gracefully say goodbye. Think about what you would like to share with a new friend and that is (37) ______ you can ask the other person about. Work, family, hobbies or interests are some general points of discussion. (38) ______ (keep) the ball rolling, you can show that you are really interested in what they are saying. Once you find common points of interest, things will definitely take off from there.

Small talk (39) ______ turn out to be a pleasant experience. The conversation should be brief and casual without turning into a long and boring discussion. Do not let yourself control the conversation. Let (40) ______ talk too. Stop worrying about how big of a fool you may appear to be. You may even find out later on that you have the “talent” of getting people to open up to you by engaging them in small talk.