The recent surge in oil prices to
roughly $55 a barrel teaches some useful lessons. One is that surprises happen.
A year ago futures contracts predicted today’s price would be $25. A second is
that the economy has grown less vulnerable to oil "shocks". Compared with 1973,
we now use almost 50 percent less energy for each dollar of output. New
industries (software, theme parks) need less than the old (steel, chemicals).
But the largest lesson is depressingly familiar. Americans won’t think
realistically about oil. We consider cheap fuel a birthright, and when we don’t
get it, we whine—rather than ask why or what we should do. If prices rise, we blame a conspiracy of greedy oil companies, OPEC or someone. The reality is usually messier. Energy economist Philip Verleger Jr. attributes the present price ru A. George Bush’ s B. john Kerry’s C. neither George Bush’s nor John Kerry’s D. both George Bush’s and John Kerry’s [单项选择]He ______that a combination of recent oil discoveries and the advance of new technology will lead to a decline in the price of crude oil.
A. predicts B. compels C. arranges D. disputes [单项选择]Text 3
A recent study demonstrated how powerful a few words can be: Forty competitive tennis players were shown digital images of balls coming their way. Just before each ball appeared, the players saw or heard comments like "Good shot" or "Bad shot. " The reaction times of players hearing negative remarks were measurably slower. And these were athletes who trained frequently to play a consistent game and not make unforced errors.
What is the explanation Negative feedback weakens anyone’s belief in his or her ability to succeed. But if you can hold on to a winning attitude, you’ll make a greater effort and also create positive drive. Confident people inspire others; opportunities seem to come their way more often. They become magnets for success.
Learn the importance of giving yourself pep talks, and keep the voice in your head positive. The best athletes’ success is rarely due to raw talent alone. It’s because they’re simply better prepared. They stay focused, they’re willing to
A. excellent performance often goes with well-trained players B. excellent performance often goes with positive comments C. high-tech methods help players avoid unforced errors D. high-tech methods increase players’ competitiveness [单项选择]Text 2
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