2014年江苏省高考英语试题解析版

2014年江苏省高考英语试题（附解析）第一部分 听力（共两节，满分30分）做题时，先将答案标在试卷上。录音内容结束后，你将有两分钟的时间将试卷上的答案转涂到答题卡上。第一节（共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分）听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。听完每段对话后，你都有10称钟的时间来回答有关小题如阅读下一小题。每段对话仅读一遍。例：How much is the shirt?A. 19.15.B. 9.18.C. 9.15.答案是 C。1. What does the woman want to do?A. Find a place. B. Buy a map. C. Get an address.2. What will the man do for the woman?A. Repair her car.B. Give her a ride.C. Pick up her aunt.3. Who might Mr. Peterson be?A. A new professor.B. A department head.C. A company director.4. What does the man think of the book?A. Quite difficult.B. Very interesting.C. Too simple.5. What are the speakers talking about?A. Weather.B. Clothes.C. News.第二节（共15小题；每小题15分，满分225分） 听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。听每段对话或独白前，你将有时间阅读各个小题，每小题5秒钟；听完后，各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。听第6段材料，回答第6至7题。6. Why is Harry unwilling to join the woman?A. He has a pain in his knee. B. He wants to watch TV. C. He is too lazy.7. What will the woman probably do next?A. Stay at home. B. Take Harry to hospital. C. Do some exercise.听第7段材料，回答第8 、9题。8. When will the man be home from work?A. At 5:45. B. At 6:15. C. At 6:50.9. Where will the speakers go ?A. The Green House Cinema. B. The New State Cinema . C. The UME Cinema.听第 8段材料,回答第 10至 12题。10. How will the speaker go to New York?A. By air. B. By taxi. C. By bus.11. Why are the speakers making the trip?A. For business.B. For shopping.C. For holiday.12. What is the probable relationship between the speakers?A. Driver and passengerB. Husband and wife.C. Fellow workers.听第 9段材料,回答第 13至 16题。13. Where does this conversation probably take place?A. In a restaurant. B. In an office. C. In a classroom.14. What does John do now?A. Hes a trainer. B. Hes a tour guide. C. Hes a college student.15. How much can a new person earn for the first year?A. $10,500. B. $ 12,000. C. $ 15,000.16. How many people will the woman hire?A. Four. B. Three. C. Two.听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。17. How long has the speaker lived in a big city?A. One year.B. Ten years.C. Eighteen years.18. What is the speakers opinion on public transport?A. Its comfortable. B. Its time-saving. C. Its cheap.19. What is good about living in a small town?A. Its safer. B. Its healthier. C. Its more convenient.20. What kind of life does the speaker seem to like most?A. Busy. B. Colourful C. Quiet.第二部分 英语知识运用（共两节，满分35分）单项填空21. Lessons can be learned to face the future, history cannot be changed.A. thoughB. asC. sinceD. unless【考点】考察状语从句连词辨析【答案】A【解析】本题考察的是状语从句的连词辨析。Though尽管；as随着，因为；since自从，既然；unless除非，如果不；句意：尽管历史不能改变，但是为了面对未来我们还是要从历史中学会教训。根据句意可知上下文之间存在着转折关系，所以使用though表示让步和转折。故A正确。【举一反三】It was a nice meal, _a little expensive.A. though B. whether C. as D. since【答案】A【考点】考查连词。句意：那顿饭真美味，尽管有点贵。Though”尽管”，引导让步状语从句，该句使用了省略形式，补全为“though it was a little expensive”注意as也可以表示“尽管”，但as作此意时必须使用倒装结构。22.The book has helped me greatly in my daily communication, especially at work a good impression is a must.A. whichB. whenC. asD. where【考点】考察定语从句【答案】D【解析】本题定语从句的先行词是work，后面的定语从句a good impression is a must的句子结构很完整，所以使用关系副词在句中做状语，同时也引导起这个定语从句。句意：在日常交流中这本书书帮助了很多，尤其是在需要有良好印象的工作之中。AC两项都是关系代词在句中不能做状语，when的先行词通常都是指时间的名词。故D正确。【试题延伸】where引导定语从句时，是表示地点或者抽象意义“在方面”，本身在从句部分充当地点状语。并且有些时候一些词会很抽象的用作地点，比如，case，stage，position，state，activity,business,occasion,situation,point，work等,但也要视情况而定。【举一反三】Its helpful to put children in a situation they can see themselves differently.A. that B. when C. which D. where答案D考点考查定语从句。解析先行词是situation, 指物, 亦可指地点, 关系词在从句中做地点状语, 用关系副词where, 选D。把孩子放在他们能够另眼看自己的环境里是有益的。23.How much do you know about the Youth Olympic Games to be held in Nanjing?Well, the media_it in a variety of forms.A. coverB. will coverC. have coveredD. covered【考点】考察时态【答案】C【解析】句意：你对即将在南京举行的青奥会了解多少？很好，媒体以多种形式对青奥会举行了报道。根据本句中的well，可知后者对青奥会很了解。这主要是因为媒体多种形式的报道，本句使用现在完成时体现出过去所发生的事情对现在的影响。故C正确。【试题延伸】动词时态是高考的热点，英语的时态多，又很复杂，现在的高考不是纯粹考时态的问题，而是把它们放在一定的语言环境里，让考生根据特定的环境来确定答案。【举一反三】- Peter, do you know who_ my dictionary ?-Sorry , I dont know . I didnt do it .A. has taken away B. was taking awayC. had taken away D. is taking away【答案】A【解析】试题分析：句意：-皮特，你知道谁把我的字典拿走了吗？-对不起，我不知道，我没有拿。这里拿走发生在过去，强调对现在造成的影响，不知在什么地方，故用现在完成时。24. Tom always goes jogging in the morning and he usually does push-ups too to stay_.A. in placeB. in orderC. in shapeD. in fashion【考点】考察介词短语辨析【答案】C【解析】本题考察的是与介词in有关的短语辨析。in place有序，在适当的位置；in order井井有条；in shape健康的，状态良好的；in fashion流行的，时尚的；句意：为了保持健康，每天早晨Tom总去慢跑，也经常做引体向上。根据句意可知Tom锻炼的目的是为了保持健康。故C正确。25. Top graduates from universities are by major companies.A. chasedB. registeredC. offeredD. compensated【考点】考察动词词义辨析【答案】A【解析】本题考察的是动词词义辨析。Chase追求，追逐；register登记，注册；offer提供；compensate补偿，赔偿；句意：来自大学里的优秀毕业生收到大公司的追逐。本句表示大公司愿意接受大学的优秀毕业生。根据句意说明A正确。26.What a mess! You are always so lazy!Im not to blame, mum. I am_you have made me.A. howB. whatC. thatD. who【考点】考察名词性从句【答案】B【解析】本题考察的是名词性从句中的表语从句。表语从句通常都是放在系动词be的后面，说明主语的情况。本句中的what引导起宾语从句，并在宾语从句里放在made me的后面做宾语补足语。句意：真乱啊！你总说这么懒！我不应该受到责备。是你让我成为这样的。That在表语从句中不能做成分，how在句中做状语。Who指人，通常都做主语。故B正确。【举一反三】Why not try your luck downtown, Bob? Thatsthe best jobs are.A.whereB.whatC.whenD.why答案A考点本题考查名词性从句。解析句意为：为什么不到市中心商业区去碰碰运气呢, 鲍勃？那是最好的工作所在的地方。where “的地方”, 在此引导表语从句。27. She was put under house arrest two years ago but remained a powerful in last years election.A. symbolB. portraitC. identityD. statue【考点】考察名词词义辨析【答案】A【解析】本题考察的是名词的词义辨析。A象征；标志；符号；记号；代表人物；B肖像；identity身份；statue雕像，塑像；句意：虽然两年前就已遭软禁，她在去年的选举中仍然是势力强大的代表人物。故A正确。【举一反三】The speech from the new government is a _ that major changes are on the way.A. warningB. symbolC. goalD. signal【答案】D【解析】试题分析：句意：来自于新政府的讲话是一个信号，那就是主要的改革正在进行。Warning警告；symbol符号；goal目标；signal信号，选D。28. The idea happiness, , will not sit still for easy definition.A. to be rigidB. to be sureC. to be perfectD. to be fair【考点】考察形容词词义辨析。【答案】B【解析】本题考察的是形容词词义辨析。Rigid僵硬的，死板的；sure确信的，肯定的，有把握的；perfect完美一的；fair公平的；句意：“幸福，“可以肯定的是，不是个静态简单的定义。根据句意说明B项符合上下文串联。29. His lecture_, a lively question-and-answer session followed.A. being given B. having givenC. to be givenD. having been given【考点】考察非谓语动词用法【答案】D【解析】本题较难，a lively question-and-answer session followed是一个完整的句子，本题的两部分之间缺少连词，所以逗号前面的不能是句子，只能是一个独立主格结构。名词his lecture与动词give之间构成被动关系，所以使用过去分词表示被动，排除B项。A项表示正在进行，C项不定式表示将要进行。都符合语义，D项having been done在做状语的时候相当于done。本句的独立主格结构His lecture having been given相当于After his lecture had been given。句意：他的演讲结束后，将是一个现场问答部分。故D正确。【举一反三】Bats are surprsingly long-lived creatures, some a life span of around 20 years.A.having B had C. have D. to have【答案】A【考点】考查独立主格结构。【解析】句意为“令人惊讶的是，蝙蝠是长寿的动物，有些能活20年左右。”had和have是谓语动词形式，题中没有连词，无法并存两个句子。to have表将来；having表伴随，因此，选A。30.Dad, I dont think Oliver the right sort of person for the job.I see. Ill go right away and .A. pay him back B. pay him offC. put him awayD. put him off【考点】考察动词短语辨析【答案】B【解析】本题考察的是动词pay及put的短语辨析。Pay back偿还；报复；报答；偿付；pay off付清；（付清工资后）解雇；（努力）得到回报；put away收拾，整理，放在一边，不管不顾；put off推迟；句意：爸爸，我认为Oliver并不是这份工作的合适人选。我明白的，我马上就去付清他的工资，解雇他。根据句意本句中的pay off表示（付清工资后）解雇。故B正确。【举一反三】28. The athletes years of hard training when she finally won the Olympic gold medal.A. went on B. got through C. paid off D. ended up【答案】C【考点】考点本题考查动词词组。【解析】pay off 有很多含义：1 付清某人的工资并解雇他 偿清欠款等等 2. 对某人或某事进行报复 3.使人得益，有报偿 4.贿赂31. It was sad to me that they, so poor themselves, bring me food.A. mightB. wouldC. shouldD. could【考点】考察情态动词词义辨析【答案】C【解析】本题考察的是情态动词的特殊意义。Might也许；would会，过去常常做某事；should应该，竟然；could能够；句意：让我难过的是，如此贫穷的他们竟然给我带来了食物。根据句意可知本句中的should表示“竟然”。故C正确。【试题延伸】在平时的学习中既要注意情态动词的基本含义，也要注意情态动词的特殊意义，如must偏偏，非得；should竟然；mustnt禁止，千万不能；等等。情态动词Shall用于所有人称，表示命令，警告，允诺；以及法律规定中要做的事情。【举一反三】Its hard to believe that Jack _ have fought with the policeman. Yes. If one _ ask for trouble, it cant be helped.A. would; will B. must; may C. should; must D. need; dare【答案解析】C考查情态动词。句意：难以置信，杰克竟然与警察打了一架。是的。如果一个人非要找麻烦，实在没法子。句中should表示“竟然”，must表示“硬要，非要”。32. I cant meet you on Sunday. Ill be occupied.A. alsoB. justC. neverthelessD. otherwise【考点】考察副词词义辨析【答案】D【解析】本题考察的是副词词义辨析。Also也；just只不过，仅仅；nevertheless然而，不过；otherwise要不然；另外；句意：星期天我不能去接你了，另外我还会很忙。根据句意可知本句中的otherwise表示另外，另外方面。故D正确。【举一反三】Student loan is supposed to provide financial support for people who would _ not be able to go to college.A. otherwise B. meanwhile C. therefore D. nevertheless【答案】A试题分析：考查副词。therefore“因此”；meanwhile“同时”；otherwise“否则”；nevertheless“仍然，尽管，不过如此”。句意：助学贷款应当提供经济资助给上不起大学的那些人。故A正确。33. Legend has it that the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival is to the soul of Qu Yuan.A. rememberB. remindC. recoverD. recall【考点】考察动词词义辨析【答案】D【解析】本题考察的是以字母r开始的动词词义辨析。Remember记得；remind提醒，使想起；recover康复；recall回忆；句意：相传端午节是为了让我们想起屈原的精神。B项应该使用remind sb of sth使某人想起某事。根据句意说明D正确。34. Good families are much to all their members, but to none.A. somethingB. anythingC. everythingD. nothing【考点】考察代词词义辨析【答案】C【解析】本题考察的是代词词义辨析。Something某些事情，重要人物；anything任何事情，一些事情；everything一切；nothing没有东西；没有事情；无关紧要的东西；句意：优秀的家庭对她的成员们来说意味着许多，但并不是一切。根据句意可知本句使用everything一切符合上下文含义。故C正确。【举一反三】Try to be independent, for your parents cant do _for you all your life.A. something B. nothing C. everything D. anything【答案】C试题分析：A一些事情；B没有事情；C所有事情。D任何事情；本句中的everything与not连用，表示部分否定。Not与both, every, each等连用时，表示部分否定。D项的anything与not连用表示全部否定。句义：努力地要独立，因为你的父母亲不可能为你做所有的事情。故C正确。35.! Somebody has left the lab door open.Dont look at me.A. Dear meB. Hi, thereC. Thank goodness D. Come on【考点】考察交际用语【答案】A【解析】本题考察的是交际用语。Dear me天哪！（表示惊讶）Hi，there嗨，你好；Thank goodness谢天谢地；Come on加油；得了吧！句意：天哪！有人让实验室的门开着。不要看着我！不是我干的。根据句意可知前者对于实验室的门还开着很惊讶。故选择A项。第二节 完形填空（共20小题，每小题1分，满分20分）Dale Carnegie rose from the unknown of a Missouri farm to international fame because he found a way to fill a universal human need.It was a need that he first 36 back in 1906 when young Dale was a junior at StateTeachers College in Warrensburg. To get an 37 he was struggling against many difficulties. His family was poor. His Dad couldnt afford the 38 at college, so Dale had to ride horseback 12 miles to attend classes. Study had to be done 39 his farm-work routines. He withdrew from many school activities 40 he didnt have the time or the 41 .He had only one good suit. He tried 42 the football team, but the coach turned him down for being too 43 During this period Dale was slowly 44 an inferiority complex (自卑感), which his mother knew could 45 him from achieving his real potential. She 46 that Dale join the debating team, believing that 47 in speaking could give him the confidence and recognition that he needed.Dale took his mothers advice, tried desperately and after several attempts 48 made it. This proved to be a 49 point in his life. Speaking before groups did help him gain the 50 he needed. By the time Dale was a senior, he had won every top honor in 51 .Now other students were coming to him for coaching and they, 52 , were winning contests.Out of this early struggle to 53 his feelings of inferiority. Dale came to understand that the ability to 54 an idea to an audience builds a persons confidence. And, 55 it. Dale knew he could do anything he wanted to doand so could others.36.A. admitted B. filled C. supplied D. recognized37.A. assignment B. education C. advantage D. instruction38.A. training B. board C. teaching D. equipment39.A. between B. during C. over D. through40.A. while B. when C. because D. though41.A. permits B. interest C. talent D. clothes42.A.on B. for C. in D. with43.A. light B. flexible C. optimistic D. outgoing44.A. gaining B. achieving C. developing D. obtaining45.A. prevent B. protect C. save D. free51.A. horse-riding B. football C. speech D. farming52.A. in return B. in brief C. in turn D. in fact53.A. convey B. overcome C. understand D. build54.A. express B. stress C. contribute D. repeat55.A. besides B. beyond C. like D. with46.A. suggested B. demanded C. required D. insisted47.A. presence B. practice C. patience D. potential48.A. hopefully B. certainly C. finally D. naturally49.A. key B. breaking C. basic D. turning50.A. progress B. experience C. competence D. confidence【考点】考察人生哲理类完型填空【文章大意】人生中最重要的是要拥有自己。有了自信，我们就可以做到我们想做的任何事情。本文以大师戴尔卡耐基的成功故事告诉我们信心的重要性。36.【答案】D【试题解析】考察动词词义辨析。A承认；B填充，装满；C提供；D认识到；认出；戴尔卡耐基从密苏里的一个默默无闻的农场里走出来成为一名国际大师，是因为他找到一个方法来满足人们共同的需要。这个需要是1906年他在StateTeachers College学习的时候意识到的。本句是一个强调句型,强调的是recognize的宾语need。37. 【答案】B【试题解析】考察名词词义辨析及上下文串联。A任务；工作；B教育；C优势；D指导；为了得到教育，戴尔卡耐基与很多困难在做斗争。根据下文叙述可知他为了求得教育，他克服了很多困难。38. 【答案】B【试题解析】考察名词辨析及语境理解。A培训；B寄宿膳食；C教育；D设备；他的父亲没有钱付他的大学寄宿膳食的钱，他不得不骑马12英里去上学。39. 【答案】A【试题解析】考察介词辨析。A在之间；B在期间；C超过；越过；C通过；他的很多学习都是在农场到学校途中进行的，因为他在上学的路上要花很多时间。40. 【答案】C【试题解析】考察连词辨析及上下文串联。A当时；然而，尽管；B当时；C因为；D尽管；因为他没有时间也没有衣服，所以他没有参加各种学校的活动。上下文之间存在着因果关系，所以使用because。41. 【答案】D【试题解析】考察名词辨析及上下文串联。A允许，许可证；B兴趣；C才干；D服装；因为他没有时间也没有衣服，所以他没有参加各种学校的活动。ABC三项与句意不相符。42. 【答案】B【试题解析】考察固定搭配。Try on试穿；try for申请；他申请参加足球队，但是教练拒绝了他，说他太体重太轻了。43. 【答案】A【试题解析】考察形容词辨析。A轻的；淡的；B灵活的；C乐观的；D外向的；BCD三项和教练拒绝队员没有联系，如果队员过于瘦弱，不适合足球这项剧烈运动，教练的拒绝是有理由的。44. 【答案】C【试题解析】考察动词词义辨析。A赢得；B实现；C形成，发展；D获得；在这段时间里，卡耐基慢蛮难第形成了一种自卑感。通常都使用develop表示养成，形成一种性格。故C正确。45. 【答案】A【试题解析】考察动词词义辨析及语境理解。A阻止；B保护；C挽救；D使免受；他妈妈知道这种自卑感会阻止他发展自身的潜力。本句中的prevent sb from doing sth阻止某人做某事，这个结构符合上下文含义。46. 【答案】A【试题解析】考察动词词义辨析及语法。A建议；B要求；C请求；D坚持要求，坚持认为；他的妈妈建议他参加辩论队，认为辩论队里的演讲的练习会给与他所需要的认可和信心。根据句意说明A项正确，而且在join前面省略了should，这是一个虚拟语气。47. 【答案】B【试题解析】考察名词词义辨析及上下文串联。A出席；B练习；C耐心；D潜力；他的妈妈建议他参加辩论队，认为辩论队里的演讲的练习会给与他所需要的认可和信心。故B正确。48. 【答案】C【试题解析】考察副词词义辨析及上下文串联。A有希望地；B当然；C最后；D自然地；卡耐基采纳了妈妈的建议，多次努力以后，最后终于成功了。根据after several attempts可知C项正确。49. 【答案】D【试题解析】考察词义辨析。A关键的；B破坏的；C基本的；D转折的；turning point转折点。这件事情证明是他人生的转折点。从此他走了上成功之路。50. 【答案】D【试题解析】考察名词词义辨析及上下文串联。A进步；B经历，经验；C能力，技能；D自信；在很多人面前发表演讲帮助他得到了他所需要的信心。之前他曾经一度很自卑，现在演讲让他重新获得自信。51. 【答案】C【试题解析】考察上下文串联。A骑马；B足球；C演讲；D农艺；到他大四的时候，他赢得了演讲方面所有的最高荣誉。有很多学生都来向他寻求指导，接着在他的指导之下，他们也相继赢得了比赛。52. 【答案】C【试题解析】考察介词短语辨析及上下文串联。A作为回报；B简洁地；C依次，轮流；D实际上；有很多学生都来向他寻求指导，接着在他的指导之下，他们也相继赢得了比赛。In turn表示那些学生也相继成功了。53. 【答案】B【试题解析】考察动词词义辨析及上下文串联。A传达；B克服；C理解；D建设；在之前克服自卑的斗争中，卡耐基逐渐理解向听众表达观点能够增强一个人的信心。54. 【答案】A【试题解析】考察动词词义辨析及语境理解。A表达；B使承受；C贡献，导致；D重复；卡耐基逐渐理解向听众表达观点能够增强一个人的信心。故A正确。55. 【答案】D【试题解析】考察介词辨析。With it中的it是指耐心，有了耐心，他可以做他想做的一切。【长难句解析】1.It was a need that he first recognized back in 1906 when young Dale was a junior at StateTeachers College in Warrensburg.【翻译】在1906年他在StateTeachers College学习的时候意识到这个人们存在着这个需要的。【分析】本句中有一个强调句型，强调的是动词recognize的宾语a need。句中的when引导的是一个时间状语从句when young Dale was a junior at State Teachers College in Warrensburg.2. Speaking before groups did help him gain the confidence he needed.【翻译】在一群人前面演讲的确能让他赢得他需要的信心。【分析】本句中有三点需要注意，首先Speaking before groups这个动名词短语在句中充当主语；另外句中的did help使用了“did+动词原形”是对过去发生的事情的强调；最后本句中含有一个定语从句he needed修饰先行词the confidence。第三部分 阅读理解(共15小题；每小题2分，满分30分)阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中,选出最佳选项。并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑ANever before had a kitchen so much of a HistoryIt tells of Freedom, Success, and of the Architecture of big American cities. Because that is where it started: in the second half of the 19th century!Welcome to a new Era of Kitchen Interior DesignBack then, a Generation of successful American Entrepreneurs dreamt of a new style of Architecture to express their personal wealth. This dream was realized by young architects such as Daniel Burnham and Stanford White.They all had studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. And they created a new style for Architecture and Interior Design, named after the famous French Art Institute: Beaux Arts.SieMatic BcauxArts Breaks and CreatesIn fact it was not a new style at all, but a composition of styles from different periods and cultures. Many world-famous structures such as the Chicago Art Institute and the Statue of Liberty account for it. But what does that have to do with your kitchen? Just as much as you want it to. Because in the same way that the anti-conventional architects back then took the freedom to combine elements from different historical eras, today, you too can break the conventional rules of style and create something new: your own personal composition of your kitchen. For that, SieMatic BeauxArts offers unique opportunities: A broad range of seemingly conflicting features that you combine to a harmonious design of your own. You can choose from menu of various forms, appealing colors, and precious materials, to create an environment that is much more than just a kitchen: a reflection of your personality.56.Why did the BeauxArts style attract American entrepreneurs?A. It helped display their money status.B. It was created by famous architects.C. It was named after a famous institute.D. It represented the 19th century urban culture.57.What is unique of SieMatic BeauxArts?A.Its designs are anti-conventional.B.Its designs come from famous structures.C.Its customers can enjoy their own composition.D.Its customers can choose from various new styles.【考点】考察社会生活类阅读56. 【答案】A【试题解析】推理题。根据Back then, a Generation of successful American Entrepreneurs dreamt of a new style of Architecture to express their personal wealth可知这种风格能够表现他们的私人财富，也就是说能够显示他们有钱。故A正确。57. 【答案】C【试题解析】推理题。根据you too can break the conventional rules of style and create something new: your own personal composition of your kitchen. For that, SieMatic BeauxArts offers unique opportunities: A broad range of seemingly conflicting features that you combine to a harmonious design of your own.可知SieMatic BeauxArts让顾客有机会显示自己的构思。故C正确。BHowever wealthy we may be, we can never find enough hours in the day to do everything we want. Economics deals with this problem through the concept of opportunity cost, which simply refers to whether someones time or money could be better spent on something else.Every hour of our time has a value. For every hour we work at one job we could quite easily be doing another, or be sleeping or watching a film. Each of these options has a different opportunity costnamely, what they cost us in missed opportunities.Say you intend to watch a football match but the tickets are expensive and it will take you a couple of hours to get to and from the stadium. Why not, you might reason, watch the game from home and use the leftover money and time to have dinner with friends? Thisthe alternative use of your cash and timeis the opportunity cost.For economists, every decision is made by knowledge of what one must forgoin terms of money and enjoymentin order to take it up. By knowing precisely what you are receiving and what you are missing out on, you ought to be able to make better-informed, more reasonable decisions. Consider that most famous economic rule of all: theres no such thing as a free lunch. Even if someone offers to take you out to lunch for free, the time you will spend in the restaurant still costs you something in terms of forgone opportunities.Some people find the idea of opportunity cost extremely discouraging: imagine spending your entire life calculating whether your time would be better spent elsewhere doing something more profitable or enjoyable. Yet, in a sense its human nature to do precisely thatwe as