From a young age, Michael Platt loved two things: the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and cupcakes. He imagined ways he too could fight for justice. He memorized figures about income inequality and childhood hunger. But he also spent afternoons at his home computer, amazed by YouTube bakers who made perfect cupcakes.
When his parents gave him a pair of Toms shoes for Christmas three years ago, Michael saw a way to connect his twin passions. At age 11, he founded a bakery that operates on the Toms one-for-one model: For every cupcake, cake or cookie that Michael sells, he donates another to the homeless and hungry. Twice a month, he heads to locations to pass out goodies. Michael, now 13, said he especially enjoys handing out cupcakes to kids.
“I know I like cupcakes, but also cupcakes are part of a child’s childhood so they should get them,” said Michael, noting that he always eats one with whippedicing (打发的糖霜) on his birthday.
Michael calls his baking business Michaels Desserts. He left out the apostrophe (撇号) as a reminder that he is baking for others, not himself. “I always wanted to have a purpose for what I do.” he said. “It’s all about helping people--- not just having a purpose for yourself, but thinking about, ‘How does this touch other things? ”
When he started the bakery, he knew that he wanted his business to do more than make money. That’s why the intention of Michaels Desserts is fighting hunger and giving back, which Michael accomplishes through his giveaways. Michael hopes his cupcakes inspire others to work for social equality.
Sometimes, Michael admits, he grows tired of being in the kitchen. Then he remembers the homeless boy he met once while handing out cupcakes. A couple of days afterward, the boy’s father messaged Michael on Facebook to say that his son, encouraged by Michael’s example, now desired to become a baker.
“That inspired me,” Michael said. He smiled and looked down.
1. What inspired Michael’s method of helping the poor?| A．His admiration for Martin Luther King. |
| B．A Christmas gift his parents gave him. |
| C．A bakery that runs on a one-for-one model. |
| D．A baking program he watched on YouTube. |
| A．To attract more consumers. |
| B．To show its connection with Toms shoes. |
| C．To remind himself to always think about others. |
| D．To remind himself to have a life purpose. |
| A．Provide children with perfect cupcakes. |
| B．Inspire more people to love baking. |
| C．Help homeless people. |
| D．Feed hungry people. |
| A．Sympathetic and selfless. | B．Honest and outgoing. |
| C．Talented and modest. | D．Ambitious and diligent. |
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【推荐1】There was once a man who had a donkey and a beautiful lapdog. The donkey was kept in a barn and had plenty of corn and hay to eat. Indeed, he was just as lucky as any donkey could be. The little dog stayed in the house and was well liked by the master. He was always playing and jumping about in an funny way and was allowed to lie in his master’s lap(膝盖). Meanwhile, the donkey had plenty to do. He pulled wood all day long and had to take his turn at the mill during the night. He often complained about his problems, and it bored him to see the lapdog living such an easy life, while he had to work so hard. Finally he thought to himself that if he acted the same way as the lapdog to his master, he would be treated the same way. So, one day he ran out of his barn and went fast into the house, where he began to kick about in a very strange way. Then, swaying his tail and imitating the funny behavior of the pet lapdog, he knocked over the table where his master was eating. He also broke all the dishes into very small pieces and did not stop until he jumped onto his master, trying to lick and paw him with his rough feet.
Seeing their master in great danger, the servants thought it was time to help him. They beat the foolish donkey with sticks until he could not get up again. As he was about to die, he cried, “Why couldn’t I have remained satisfied the way I was? Why did I try to imitate a creature who was nothing but a lazy puppy after all?”
1. The underlined sentence in the first paragraph probably means ________.| A．the donkey was treated well by his master |
| B．the donkey was treated badly and cruelly |
| C．other donkeys were satisfied with their life |
| D．the donkey was not satisfied with his life |
| A．the dog turned around the mill |
| B．the donkey jumped in the house |
| C．the donkey imitated the dog |
| D．the dog accompanied the master |
| A．he had to do a lot of boring work |
| B．he envied the easy life the dog lived |
| C．he was often beaten by the servants |
| D．he was tied and couldn’t move freely |
【推荐2】A French tourist highly praised for rescuing a two-year-old girl in Manhattan said he didn’t think twice before diving into the freezing East River.
Tuesday’s Daily News said 29-year who left the place quickly after the rescue last Saturday.
He lifted the little girl out of the water after she fell off the bank at the South Street Scaport museum. He handed the girl to her father, David Anderson, who had dived in after him.
“I didn’t think at all,” Duret told the Daily News. “It happened very fast. I reacted very fast.”
Duret, an engineer on vacation, was walking with his girlfriend along the pier(码头)when he saw something falling into the water .He thought it was a doll, but realized it was a child when he got close to the river. In a moment,he took off his coat and jumped into the water.
When he reached the girl, she appeared lifeless, he said. Fortunately, when she was out of the water, she opened her eyes.
Anderson said his daughter slipped off the bank when he was taking photos. An ambulance came later for her, said Duret, who was handed dry clothes from passers-by. Duret caught a train with his girlfriend shortly after.
The rescue happened on the day before he left for France. Duret said he didn’t realize his story of being a hero had greatly moved New York until he got home. “I don’t really think I’m a hero,” said Duret. “Anyone would do the same ting.”
1. Why was Duret in New York?| A．To meet his girlfriend | B．To work as an engineer | C．To visit the Andersons | D．To spend his holiday |
| A．He was interviewed by a newspaper | B．He disappeared from the place quickly |
| C．He went to the hospital in the ambulance | D．He asked his girlfriend for his dry clothes |
| A．A taxi driver | B．A passer-by | C．His girlfriend | D．David Anderson |
【推荐3】Last week my youngest son and I visited my father at his new home in Tucson Arizona. My earliest memories of my father are of a tall, handsome, successful man devoted to his work and family, but uncomfortable with his children. As a child I loved him, as a schoolgirl and young adult I feared him and felt bitter about him. He seemed unhappy with me unless I got straight A’s and unhappy with my boyfriends if their fathers were not as “successful” as he was. Whenever I went out with him on weekends, I used to struggle to think up things to say, feeling on guard.
On the first day of my visit, we went out with one of my father’s friends for lunch at an outdoor café. We walked along that afternoon, did some shopping, ate on the street table, and laughed over my son’s funny facial expressions. Gone were my father’s critical (挑剔的) air and strict rules. Who was this person I knew as my father, who seemed so friendly and interesting to be around? What had held him back before?
The next day, my dad pulled out his childhood pictures and told me quite a few stories about his own childhood. Although our times together became easier over the years, never felt closer to him at that moment. After so many years, I’m at last seeing another side of my father. And in doing so, I’m delighted with my new friend. My dad, in his new home in Arizona, is back to me from where he was.
1. In the writer’s earliest memories, how was her father?| A．Fat. | B．Successful. | C．Kind. |
| A．He did not love his children. |
| B．He expected his daughter got straight A’s. |
| C．Their fathers were not as “successful” as he was. |
| A．He seemed unhappy with her. |
| B．He became gentle and friendly. |
| C．He was still strict and critical. |
| A．Her father’s apologies. |
| B．Her father’s funny facial expressions. |
| C．Her father’s childhood pictures and stories. |
【推荐1】“Serena, don’t forget your promise to me that you will mow (割) Mrs Matin’s yard this weekend,” said Dad, “Don’t let me down.” Serena was the oldest child in the family, and one of her chores was to mow their yard. Mrs Martin, their elderly neighbor, was unable to take care of her yard, so Serena’s dad had volunteered Serena for this job. Since Mrs Martin’s yard was not very big, Serena knew the job would go quickly.
However, she still resented her dad’s promise.
“Why didn’t you ask me first?” Serena had complained.
“Did you ask me first when you volunteered me to be in the school festival last fall?” asked Serena’s father.
“Well, no, I didn’t ask you first, but you would have done those things anyway. You’re always willing to help.”
“I try when I can,” Dad answered.
“Serena, we have known Mrs Martin for a very long time. She has often helped our family. Now we can do something for her. Besides, the feeling you get from helping someone makes you wonder who is really helping whom.”
“I don’t know, Dad,” said Serena. “The only feeling I get from mowing our yard is tired.”
“Just you wait and see,” said Dad.
After breakfast, Serena made her way to Mrs Martin’s yard. She was good at her job and soon had Mrs Martin’s yard looking tidy. Mrs Martin came outside with a big glass of orange juice and offered it to her. Serena stopped her work and gratefully enjoyed the drink, while Mrs.Martin talked to her about all of the flowers in her yard. Seeing the joy in Mrs Martin’s eyes, Serena began to understand how much the yard meant to Mrs. Martin.
After finishing her drink, Serena returned to work with a new attitude. A warm feeling began to spread through her body. Her dad was right. It was hard to tell who was helping whom!
1. The underlined word “resented” (Paragraph 2) means___________.| A．understood | B．welcomed |
| C．broke | D．disliked |
| A．Through Dad’s words. | B．Through Serena’s actions. |
| C．Through Mrs Martin’s behaviour. | D．Through the author’s statement. |
| A．Annoyed. | B．Surprised. |
| C．Guilty. | D．Pleased. |
| A．Serena likes the job of mowing her family’s yard. |
| B．Mrs. Martin and Serena did the work together. |
| C．Mrs Martin shared her love for the yard with Serena. |
| D．Dad volunteered himself to take part in the school festival. |
【推荐2】My name is Caroline and I work as a doctor in a children’s hospital. I must share a heart-warming experience I enjoyed last week.
Last Friday there was a big party at the hospital. Most of the doctors and nurses would be there, but of course some of us had to stay to look after the children. I felt a little sad because I was not free to go to the party. I enjoyed dancing very much. While my friends were getting ready to go to the party, I felt very sorry for myself.
At ten o’clock, I went to see each child one after another and said good night to them. Then I came to a little boy called Jimmy. Jimmy was only 10 years old, but he already talked like an adult. Poor Jimmy was badly ill. In fact, he was getting weaker day by day. However, he was always thinking about others. We all liked the little boy very much.
When I came up to his bed, I noticed a piece of cake on the table beside his bed. When I was thinking why the cake was there, he said, “I’m very sorry that you have to miss the dance because of us. But we are going to have a party for you. Have you seen the cake? I saved it from my supper today, so It’s quite fresh.” I thanked him. “I’d dance with you myself if I was able to get up,” he added. His words warmed my heart.
Suddenly the hospital party seemed very far away and not at all important to me.
1. Caroline works in ________.| A．a bank | B．an office | C．a school | D．a hospital |
| A．sad | B．lucky | C．happy | D．surprised |
| A．he was a little boy | B．he often gave doctors cakes |
| C．he got weaker day by day | D．he always thought about others |
| A．Jimmy was not badly ill | B．Jimmy warmed Caroline’s heart |
| C．Jimmy danced with Caroline | D．the hospital party was far away |
【推荐3】A beautiful and very successful actress was the star of a new musical show. Her home was in the country, but she didn’t want to have to go back there every night, so she rented (租用) an expensive flat in the centre of the city, bought some beautiful furniture (家具) and hired a man to paint the rooms in new colours.
It was very difficult to get tickets for her show because everybody wanted to see it, so she decided to give the painter two of the best seats. She hoped that this would make him work better and more willingly for her. He took the tickets without saying anything, and she heard no more about them until the end of the month, when she got the painter’s bill. At the bottom of it were the words “Four hours watching Miss Hall sing and dance,£3,” with this note： “After 5 p.m. I get fifteen shillings an hour instead of ten shillings.”
1. In the article, “Miss Hall” was the name of ________.| A．a place where people sang and danced | B．an unmarried woman |
| C．a hall | D．a street |
| A．near the city | B．near her home |
| C．in the middle of the city | D．by the side of the country road |
| A．be pleased | B．ask less money for his work |
| C．charge more money for his work | D．say a good word for her musical show |
| A．sold them for £3 | B．went to watch the musical show |
| C．paid £3 for them | D．was very thankful to her |
【推荐1】I am Duncan Bannatyne. I am a successful businessman with a chain of health clubs and hotels. I also appears on the BBC series Dragons Den, where I judge new business ideas. The only thing I enjoyed at school was maths. I had the ability to add up, but my maths teacher didn’t have much time for me because I couldn’t write down how I got the answers. I hated things like English-I slightly had difficulty in reading. I was hopeless at sport, too. I could see that the kids who went to high school had better toys than me so I made up my mind to do as well as I could, so that I could pass the exam and get into the best school. I worked very hard, and then I made it. I was the only one in the family who did, so my parents were so proud of me.
I started delivering newspapers when my mother said I couldn’t have an ice cream because we were too poor. When I went to the newsagent’s, the owner told me that there was no need for a delivery boy. I said that my mother would like her paper delivered. But he told me, “That’s one person. I need 100.” At last, I knocked on 150 doors. When the ice cream van came around again, I had enough money to buy ice creams for my whole family.
When I left school, I didn’t use my business skills for fifteen years. I was in the Navy and then worked as a garage mechanic. It was always in my mind, though. When I was twenty-nine, I was on a beach in the Channel Islands with my girlfriend and we decided to go back to the mainland and make money. Believe it or not, my first company was Duncan’s Super Ices which expanded from a single ice cream van to a large group of ice cream vans.
1. What can we know about Duncan from paragraph 1?| A．He did well in reading. | B．He was good at maths and sport. |
| C．He was admitted to the best high school. | D．His parents were not satisfied with his performance. |
| A．To buy ice creams. | B．To set up his first company. |
| C．To get some working experience. | D．To improve his calculating skills. |
| A．Wanting ice creams. | B．Wanting better toys. |
| C．Helping his mother. | D．Making money. |
| A．Duncan made a fortune in the Channel Islands. |
| B．Duncan attended Dragons Den to make himself well-known. |
| C．Duncan didn’t start a business until he went back to the mainland. |
| D．Duncan persuaded over 150 households to have their newspapers delivered. |
【推荐2】Up to the age of ten, I did not mind at all the fact that my elder sister was different. The child psychologist had termed it as “Asperger Syndrome”, a disease that affects how a person socializes with others.
It was only at the age of ten that I started to become aware of my social life and self-image that I had carefully shaped. My sister, on the other hand, was socially awkward. She would mumble (咕哝) to herself and repeat the words she had just said under her breath. She, however, was academically capable, and hence we attended the same primary school. Despite this, I never, ever acknowledged in public that she was my sister.
Being in primary six, about to graduate, my sister and her classmates had to put up a performance, whether in a group, or individually. Due to her inability to integrate, my sister was the only one left without a group. “I’ll sing,” my sister told my parents, somewhat confidently. Hearing that, I was taken aback. How could my sister sing in front of the school? She would embarrass me, one way or another. “No!” I remember protesting. My parents shot me a look.
No one knows she is your sister. It is fine, you do not need to tell anyone. I remember telling myself these exact lines as I sat in the hall, waiting for the performances to start. The curtains parted to reveal the only solo (独唱) — my sister. It took about a whole minute for her to state her name and class and by that time, whispers were heard in the audience.
“Why is she taking so long?” people around me asked. I shifted nervously in my seat. Finally, my sister started to sing. I was prepared for the worst. She opened her mouth, and I was transfixed — she sang effortlessly. Her voice rang through the hall, beautiful in its power. I listened ever so carefully to the words that she had composed all by herself.
Guilt and shame filled my heart. Although she knew that I was embarrassed by her and was unwilling to attend her concert, my sister had forgiven me; she had never taken anything that I had done to her to heart. It was then that I resolved to love her unconditionally.
1. How did the author feel about his sister’s difference before 10?| A．He hardly accepted it. | B．He didn’t care about it. |
| C．He was extremely awkward. | D．He was determined to help. |
| A．To challenge his parents. | B．To follow other students. |
| C．To keep his sister’s image. | D．To protect his self-respect. |
| A．She always got full marks in primary school. |
| B．She refused to form a group with other students. |
| C．She gave an excellent performance before graduation. |
| D．She delivered an inspiring speech in front of the school. |
| A．Take nothing to heart. | B．Love without condition. |
| C．Stick to one’s own choice. | D．Learn from anyone around. |
【推荐3】A famous foreign company in China wanted to employ a secretary for its public relation department.
A beautiful girl with a master degree became a winning candidate （候选人） through the competition. At its last stage she faced an oral test together with another girl who was her equal not only in good looks but also in education standard, The girl we talk about was confident in herself and successful in the oral test It seemed that she would get the chance. The examiner told her on behalf of（代表） the company that she could come to office of the company next Monday as a new employee. At last he asked her, “Have you anything else to say?” Shocked by the unexpected question, the beautiful girl was quite at a loss, saying with hesitation, “I have to talk with my parents before I give an answer.” Surprised, the examiner said calmly, “In that case, let’s wait till you are ready.”
The next day the girl came to tell that her parents agreed to her beginning work next Monday. But the examiner said regretfully, “Sorry, the job position is filled by another suitable candidate. You had better have a try in another place.” The beautiful girl was surprised. She asked for an explanation and was told, “What is needed here is a person who knows her own mind.”
That was how a good opportunity slipped away right under the nose of a beautiful girl.
1. It can be inferred from the passage that ______.| A．the other girl who failed at the last oral test was most likely to get the job. |
| B．other girls chosen in next test held the company. |
| C．the company lost its best employee. |
| D．the examiner was surprised at his first choice. |
| A．One’s beautiful looks. | B．One’s independence. |
| C．One’s young age. | D．One’s knowledge. |
| A．She knew what to do. |
| B．She hadn’t expected the examiner would ask such a question. |
| C．She couldn’t answer the question. |
| D．Her parents would scold（责备） her if she agreed without their permission. |
| A．Make your Decision Quickly | B．Seize your Chance in Time |
| C．Have your Own Judgment | D．Hesitation Leads to Failure |
【推荐1】Crackle is a website that lets you stream free movies and watch free TV shows on your computer, phone, and tablet. Although you'll need to sit through a few commercial breaks during the movies and shows, an awesome selection of programming, as well as a decent video quality, will have you coming back again and again.
View Crackle's Free Movies
Movies at Crackle are organized into types to help you find thrillers, comedies, action movies, Crackle original movies, dramas, crime movies, horror films, and more. You can sort the free movies alphabetically or by recently added so you can check back as often as you want to see what they've been including in their free selection.
Crackle regularly has around 100 free, full-length movies that you watch any time you want. New movies are constantly being added and retired from Crackle, so you'll always find something new to watch.
View Crackle's Free TV Shows
Like the movies section, the TV shows you can find here include many types of programs and original Crackle series that you can't find anywhere else. Crackle keeps videos during a particular time and then removes them. This means if you watch part of a movie one day, it's quite possible that it could be gone the next before you can finish it.
How to Stream Crackle Movies & TV Shows
Crackle works on lots of devices. You can follow the links above to see the movies and TV shows on your computer, but there's also a Crackle movie app so that you can stream the videos on your phone or tablet. You can download the Crackle mobile app on iOS devices, Android phones and tablets, and other devices.
1. What can be learned about Crackle from the first paragraph?| A．It inserts several advertisements during films. |
| B．It attracts more viewers due to its web design. |
| C．It charges viewers fees to enjoy all its programs. |
| D．It requires viewers to download programs to watch. |
| A．They are all produced by Crackle. | B．They are classified by time. |
| C．They are easy to find and appreciate. | D．They are kept on Crackle all the time. |
| A．An announcement. | B．An advertisement. |
| C．An art works review. | D．An official report. |
【推荐2】“I was really scared at first, then it was kind of fun. Then, when more earthquakes happened, I didn’t think it would ever stop. I wanted to sleep with my Mom and Dad. I only felt safe in a room with a table to hide under,” said San Jose, age 9. Your child may appear to be acting well immediately following an earthquake and then suddenly turn shocked over a small aftershock ( 余震 ) two months later. Children react a little slowly to shocks, so it may be months before any of these feelings are expressed to others. The following are common behaviours, which can be seen in children after an earthquake. Along with them, there are some suggestions for ways that you can support them.
After an earthquake, a child may refuse to talk with others.
Suggestions: Try to get your children to do such activities as drawing or playing with pets together. Talk about what you are feeling or how you might feel in their situation.
Some children may be angry after an earthquake.
Suggestions: The behaviour results from their feeling helpless or hurt inside. It is a try for them to feel stronger. Do not blame the child in front of others. Talk to them about your experiences with loss and anger.
Some children may become depressed after an earthquake.
Suggestions: Their eating or sleeping habits may change. Their behaviour may be less active. Depression can even happen many months after the earthquake. It is very important to address the children’s needs in time, like some food, clothes and friends. Don’t talk about shocking news with them.
Actions speak louder than words to children, so share your tears, anger, and helplessness openly with them.
1. The intended readers of this passage are most probably________.| A．parents | B．government officials | C．children | D．earthquake rescuers |
| A．children will experience different mental states during and after an earthquake |
| B．children will experience fears and loneliness during and after an earthquake |
| C．human beings are powerless and hopeless during and after an earthquake |
| D．any child is childish facing bad lucks, even during and after an earthquake |
| A．they will feel stronger |
| B．they like to do so |
| C．they feel helpless or hurt inside |
| D．parents blame them in public |
Wichita State University seeks a full-time, 9-month assistant professor, beginning in August. Applicants are required to have a degree in dance area, teaching experience at a professional or college level, ability to direct and teach stage movement. The salary depends on qualifications and experience.
For complete information visit http://finearts.wichita.edu.
Full Professor in Theatre and Dance
The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of California at San Diego (http： ∥www. theatre, ucsd.edu) is seeking an experienced theatre artist in lighting design. Applicants must work for us for at least one year. Significant professional experience is required. This position is expected to teach at both graduate and undergraduate levels.
A review of applications will start on June 1st. Application deadline: September 1st.
Technical Director in Performing and Fine Arts
DeSales University’s Performing and Fine Arts Department seeks a highly skilled, professional technical director. The position is a 10-month staff position with the possibility of summer employment with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. Professional experience is required; MFA is preferred.
Please email materials to john. bell desales.edu. Screening of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Assistant Director-Media Resources Center
Maryland Institute College of Art is seeking an assistant director of Media Resources Center in the Academic Affairs Division.
Qualifications for the position include a degree in Art History or related fields with knowledge of art and design history, library experience, excellent interpersonal communication skills and familiarity with photoshop and scanning.
A review of applications will begin immediately; job announcements will remain open until the position is filled. Applicants are required to work for us at least 11 months and can send emails to jobs mica.edu. The salary differs depending on your experience. Please include your desired salary in your application letter.
1. If an applicant has 9.5-month free time, he or she can pay close attention to the ad of ________.| A．Assistant Professor in Musical Theatre Dance |
| B．Full Professor in Theatre and Dance |
| C．Technical Director in Performing and Fine Arts |
| D．Assistant Director Media Resources Center |
| A．Wichita State University | B．the University of California |
| C．Maryland Institute College of Art | D．DeSales University |
| A．all the job announcements will remain open until the positions are filled |
| B．all the jobs mentioned above promise a good salary |
| C．all the reviews of applications will begin immediately |
| D．all the jobs mentioned in the text require experience |
