Severe plantar fasciitis (足底筋膜炎) meant I’d been a full-time wheelchair user since I was 12. By the time I was 16, I just wanted my leg off. It took six years for the doctors to operate as they insisted on waiting until I was older and in a good enough place mentally. I held off until I finished my degree. Afterward, with an artificial leg fitted, the world felt like a different place. I’d not walked in years. Suddenly I was a lot taller and no longer in any pain.
When I was in a wheelchair I discovered a real love for sport. I started to compete in wheelchair racing, and soon found I was good at discus (铁饼) throwing. I started competing in Tough Mudder (an endurance event series), progressing from walking with crutches to blade (小腿假肢) running. I now compete in sports internationally and have won the silver medal for adaptive judo at the World Judo Games.
At the time of the surgery I worked as an accountant, but I soon realized I didn’t want to be sitting in an office all day as I’d been in a wheelchair for so long. Therefore, as soon as the revision surgery was complete, I handed in my notice.
My career took a different path after I was asked to be a guest presenter for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. Now I speak to schools, colleges and organizations about a wide range of subjects such as disability, discrimination, disability in sport, and perseverance. I share my own personal stories, whether that’s how I lost my leg and what I learned from it, my perseverance, and how I followed my dream.
Now most of my income comes from working as a motivational speaker, which I’ve been doing full time for a year. I love what I do, and if I continue to inspire others to do what they want to in life, then I’m happy.
1. How did the author probably feel after his leg was cut off?A.Anxious. | B.Relieved. | C.Hopeless. | D.Annoyed. |
A.The author’s passion for sports. |
B.Awards the author won playing sports. |
C.What sports the author is good at. |
D.How the author prepared for Tough Mudder. |
A.Quit the job. |
B.Asked for leave. |
C.Got promoted. |
D.Spread the news to others. |
A.It was his dream during childhood. |
B.He enjoys the fame it brings him. |
C.It brings him money and a sense of fulfillment. |
D.He wants more people to care about the disabled. |
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【推荐1】When Kyle Jauregui recently went to pick up his younger sister’s birthday cake, he was met with a bittersweet surprise.
On arriving at the baker’s, he learnt that Madison’s cake had already been paid for — by a complete stranger. It was a touching act of kindness, but, as it turned out, not a random one. The cake had been paid for by a lady known simply as “McKenna’s mum” — as part of a gesture she had been making for a while, and for a heartbreaking reason.
While Madison is set to celebrate turning 11, McKenna Jodell Fox would have turned ten on the same day. McKenna was only nine months old in 2008, when she was crushed by a falling TV set as her family prepared to move house.
It’s a painful occasion for her mum, but one she has transformed into something positive. The cake she bought was accompanied by a card which read as follows:
“Dear Birthday Girl Family,
In honour of my daughter’s 10th birthday I have chosen your birthday cake to pay for.
Each year I do this random act of kindness because I am unable to buy my daughter a cake of her own.
Today is her big double digit birthday. Please enjoy your day.”
By Kyle’s own admission, the whole family was left speechless. “We just want to say thank you to McKenna’s mom,” he wrote, “and wish McKenna a happy birthday. There’s still good in this world.”
1. Who died according to the passage?A.Kyle Jauregui. | B.Madison. |
C.McKenna Jodell Fox. | D.McKenna’s mum. |
A.It tasted bittersweet. |
B.It was paid by McKenna’s mum. |
C.It made the family heartbroken. |
D.It was free of charge. |
A.Warm-hearted and cheerful. | B.Strong-willed but depressed. |
C.Broken-hearted but generous. | D.Kind-hearted and positive. |
A.A Painful Accident | B.A Family Left Speechless |
C.One Birthday Cake for Two Girls | D.A World Full of Surprises |
【推荐2】My sister Jodie and I are always traveling for work.As jewelry designers, we need to go to a lot of shows.We can’t pack lightly and usually bring about four suitcases filled with our work.
Most of our stuff is made from heavy materials and metals.So part of the routine for us when we fly is getting stopped by security. Our jewelry sets off the alarms, and we’ve become accustomed to arriving early to go through private screenings. Most of the time, it’s not troublesome.
However, on our recent trip to a Paris trade show, we were stopped at security and asked to empty our bags.One of the agents walked over to another agent and they started whispering to each other.Both gentlemen came back, and one of them then told us that it seemed that we were carrying a very dangerous object.
My sister and I just said, “Huh?” Of course, we were a little concerned, thinking that maybe someone put something dangerous in one of our bags when we weren’t looking.
One of the agents then started to unpack our bags.I kept asking what he was looking for and then the object in question finally appeared.It was our Cosima necklace.It’s a piece of jewelry, with large, metal triangular spikes.
My sister and I looked at each other and breathed a huge sigh of relief.We started laughing and explained to the two male agents that it was just a necklace from our collection, not a weapon of mass destruction.They thought we were lying, and one agent kept repeating that he believed it was a weapon.
I tried to explain that we were jewelry designers going to a trade show, and this was simply a piece from our collection.But the agents didn’t buy it.Then a few women guards came over to assist.One of the women guards was holding an earring up to her ear and another was trying on a ring.Apparently, they liked our stuff.
It was only at this point that the male guards gave up.And I think they also got tired of listening to a bunch of women talk about jewelry.They let us through.
We took the names of the women agents and sent them a piece of jewelry when we got back to say thanks.
1. When the object in question finally appeared, the writer and her sister felt _______.A.anxious | B.relieved |
C.excited | D.frightened |
A.their suitcases were too heavy |
B.the agents wanted to play a joke on them |
C.they were suspected to carry dangerous objects |
D.the agents wanted to admire the jewelry inside the suitcases |
A.doubt | B.believe |
C.purchase | D.understand |
A.persuade them to buy her jewelry later |
B.get help from them next time |
C.show them her talent in designing jewelry |
D.show them her appreciation for their assistance |
【推荐3】I still can’t remember if I said goodbye to him.
That special day, I remember it so well. I got up as usual in the morning. Our dog, Gansett, was more than happy to give kisses. Giving him a pat, I pushed him aside, needing to get ready to go to school. As I stepped into the kitchen, Mom greeted me with a smile and I responded the same way. Quickly, I finished up my breakfast and then got ready fast with my school stuff. I dashed out of the door with Mom following, and after telling Gansett to stay inside, she gave up and let him come along. As we walked to the car, Mom opened the trunk for him to jump in, which he did with a huge grin on his furry face. I jumped in and shut my door, pulling my seatbelt across my body. We pulled out of the driveway, and fifteen minutes later, we were at the school. I jumped out of the car and ran inside, not even looking back.
Dad picked me up at the end of the day, and I knew almost immediately that something was wrong. He didn’t stay and chat with people like he had before, just telling me to get into the car. I was getting terrified. He sat me down, and with great gentleness told me that Gansett had died. I laughed in his face when he said that, because Gansett had been perfectly fine that morning.
Dad just kept staring at me, with an I-can’t-believe-it-happened-either look in his eyes. I realized that he wasn’t joking. I burst into tears, and cried for the rest of the day. I was later able to say goodbye to Gansett’s body, but not the three-year-old dog that I loved with all my heart.
I wish I could remember if I said goodbye to him that morning, but I can’t, and not knowing that will be always bothering me.
1. What can we learn about Gansett from Paragraph 2?A.He was very close to the author. |
B.He woke up the author every morning. |
C.He was unwilling to go to school with the author. |
D.He failed to get on well with the author’s mother. |
A.It was sorrowful. | B.It was frightening. |
C.It was hard to believe. | D.It came as a great shock. |
A.His deep love for his dog. | B.His strong wish for another dog. |
C.His regret about not saying goodbye. | D.His pride in having Gansett as his pet. |
【推荐1】On a recent trip to the island of Newfoundland, Canada, my husband asked our talkative cab driver what made him most proud to be a native.
“Our generosity and hospitality(好客),” he replied in a strong local accent. “If your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, someone will stop to help. People here are kind like that.” His answer rang in my mind during that ride with my husband and teenage kids, as we headed out to explore on the first day of our vacation.
Little did I know we were about to experience some of that remarkable Newfoundland kindness for ourselves. We met Alma that same morning at the start of a long hike. Our teenagers hurried ahead, and as we walked behind, admiring the scenery, two women in sunglasses and summer hiking equipment stopped. They’d heard us discussing different routes, and then asked if we’d like suggestions. They looked to be in their 40s, and were both enthusiastic to share their local expertise.
We listened eagerly, taking mental notes, until one of the women asked, “You have a car, right?” I explained that there were no cars available during our week on the island, so we had to rely on cabs instead.
“Oh no,” she said, “you need a car.” And then, as casually as if offering a piece of chewing gum (口香糖), she said, “Take mine!” My husband and I just smiled in disbelief, dumbfounded.
“Why not?” she insisted. “You need a car to get to know all these places.”
“But you don’t even know us,” I said.
“That doesn’t matter,” she continued with absolute determination.
Surprised, I looked over at her friend, who shrugged and said, “That’s Alma.”
Forty minutes of talking later, my family climbed into Alma’s car. We spent the rest of our vacation discovering different areas of this beautiful island. But it wasn’t the groups of whales we saw, or the vast areas of woodland, that made this place so memorable. Instead, it was the act of kindness from a complete stranger that made us realize how special Newfoundland really was.
Next year, there’s no doubt where we’ll be taking our summer vacation. Who knows what act of kindness we’ll meet then?
1. What did the cab driver take pride in as a native?A.Their kindness and enthusiasm. | B.Their cheap service and friendliness. |
C.Their unselfishness and determination. | D.Their rich experience and local knowledge. |
A.annoyed | B.satisfied | C.shocked | D.embarrassed |
A.The local culture of the island. | B.The answer from the cab driver. |
C.The beautiful scenery of the island. | D.The help from an enthusiastic stranger. |
A.She expects to visit Newfoundland again. |
B.She hasn’t decided where to go next year yet. |
C.She is looking forward to meeting Alma once more. |
D.She also wants to be kind to others during the vacation. |
When I was in primary school, I got into an argument with a boy in my class. I have forgotten what the argument was about, but I have never forgotten the lesson learned that day.
I was convinced that “I” was right and “he” was wrong — and he was just as convinced that “I” was wrong and “he” was right. The teacher decided to teach us a very important lesson. She brought us up to the front of the class and placed him on one side of her desk and me on the other.
In the middle of her desk was a large, round object. I could clearly see that it was black. She asked the boy what color the object was. “White,” he answered.
I couldn’t believe he said the object was white, for it was obviously black! Another argument started between my classmate anytime, this time about the color of the object.
The teacher told me to go to stand where the boy had been standing and told him to come to stand where I had been. We changed places, and now she asked me what the color of the object was. I had to answer, “White.” It was an object with two differently-colored sides, and from his viewpoint it was white. Only from my side was it black.
My teacher taught me a very important lesson that day: You must stand in the other persons’ shoes and look at the situation through their eyes in order to truly understand their perspective(观点).
1. What is the main idea of the text? (No more than 10 words)2. What is the meaning of the underlined words “was convinced” in Paragraph 2? (No more than 3 words)
3. What did the teacher ask the students while changing positions? (No more than 8 words)
4. Why are both of their answers right? (No more than 10 words)
5. What do you think of the teacher? And why? (No more than 20 words)
【推荐3】Have you ever been in a situation where a bad mood suddenly wraps itself around you and won’t let go? It’s kind of like being in the middle seat on a long flight, and you’re fighting for armrest (扶手) space with the person next to you.
I was reminded of this recently when my wife and I went to a rock concert that we’d been looking forward to all year. When the band came on, everyone, including me, jumped to our feet. But then, nobody sat down, and I couldn’t see the stage for the rest of the show. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed.
My wife could see the show fine, so she accepted it when I told her not to worry about me. But she was very sensitive. I knew that she could feel my displeasure, but I never want anyone else to feel uneasy just because I do. Moods are infectious, and I don’t want those I care for to get any of the fallout (后果) form whatever I may be dealing with. Still, I couldn’t force myself to have a good time. We got home and I was looking forward to sleeping off my disappointment, but it didn’t work. I felt sad the next day, and my disappointment didn’t go away for several days.
Looking back at the concert, it’s like I was a kid again and someone had taken Christmas away. Yes, I let the experience get to me, but I’m only human, and sometimes that is going to happen. However, I learned that when something like this happens, just remember that it doesn’t mean that you’re a bad person or broken. You just don’t like where you are at the moment, but the bad feelings will pass. So the next time you can’t rise to the occasion because a bad mood has you in its hold, give yourself a break. You can still learn something positive, even if it takes you a while to figure out what that is.
1. According to Paragraph 1, how might you feel being in the middle seat on a long flight?A.In high spirits. | B.In awful mood. |
C.In excitement. | D.At ease. |
A.He was upset. | B.He was disappointed. |
C.He was thrilled. | D.He burst into anger. |
A.The author enjoyed himself at the latter part of the concert. |
B.The wife was not in the mood for the concert because of the author. |
C.The author got rid of his disappointment after a night’s sleep. |
D.The author cared about his wife’s mood and didn’t want to spoil it. |
A.Being emotional at times is acceptable. |
B.Christmas is important to the author. |
C.Being stuck in bad mood means you are a bad person. |
D.You can learn something positive from a bad experience immediately. |
【推荐1】I have dreamt of taking a trip to Hawaii since I graduated but the best thing always needs waiting. I took a trip with my friends to Haleakala National Park which lies in Hawaii.
When we arrived at Haleakala National Park we were suggested to watch the early morning sunrise. I was lost in the sightseeing that afternoon so I could hardly wait to meet the sunrise. In the next morning we all jumped out of the bed very early at 3 o'clock and walked to the rocks by the seaside. In the first half an hour we imagined how wonderful it would be when the first light came out through the thick clouds and how soft it would be when the light touched our skin so we waited and waited. However another half an hour later I gradually lost my patience since there was nothing but the chilly darkness and I felt that I was frozen to death. But my friends were still extremely cheerful.
Nearly another one hour later “Amazing!” a word burst out from Judy and we all shouted to welcome the light orange greatness which is really unbelievable. Until today I dare say that it is the most impressive(印象深刻的)sunrise in my life. However waiting in the morning darkness is also the one I can not wipe out forever.
Waiting sometimes is really a hard thing for most of us as it needs patience and strong-willed determination but what about the result after that? It might turn out to be pleasingly unbelievable and satisfied. So it is really worthwhile to wait for the best.
1. When did they see the first light of the sunrise?A.About 3 o'clock. | B.About 4 o'clock. |
C.Nearly 5 o'clock. | D.Nearly 6 o'clock. |
A.Total. | B.Cold. |
C.Terrible. | D.Interesting. |
A.Excited all the time. | B.Afraid all the time. |
C.Firstly excited then afraid. | D.Firstly excited then impatient. |
A.Sometimes it is worthwhile to wait for the best. |
B.Hawaii is a good place to enjoy the sunrise. |
C.I enjoyed the most flaming sunrise in my life. |
D.My friends and I took a trip to Hawaii. |
【推荐2】It was dark. As John was walking on his way home, he suddenly found an ugly old man staring at him.
The old man said, “Son, why don’t you get a book? It will keep you company.”
John noticed all the books the old man had were related to the super nature (超自然界). Trying to act bravely, he found one and the old man said, “That’s an interesting book. It’s $25.”
The old man kept staring at John, which almost frightened him. He quickly searched his pockets and found $25.
John quickly paid for it. Then the old man called out, “Whatever happens, don’t turn to the last page. Do remember, or you will regret it!”
Reaching home, John heard his parents talking about a strange old book seller that appeared only at night during a full moon and then disappeared. Nervously, he ran straight to his room.
At midnight, as he was sound asleep in bed, a blast (股) of cold wind blew in through the window and woke him up. He looked at his table and saw the book. For a while, he was frozen in fear, but he was so curious. Slowly he got out of bed and carefully picked up the book.
As he took a look at the last page, he cried out and fainted (晕倒).
This is what he read on the last page!
Retail (零售) Price: $10.99
Promotional (促销) Price: $2.99
1. How did John feel when he saw the old man?A.Frightened. | B.Regretful. |
C.Delighted. | D.Comfortable. |
A.He was interested in the super nature. |
B.He wanted to have a company. |
C.He wanted to help the old man. |
D.He tried to act to be brave. |
A.Immediately after he bought it. |
B.When he was talking with his parents. |
C.When he read to the last page of the book. |
D.After he was woken up at midnight. |
【推荐3】It was a painful time for me, for I suffered from an illness and might never be able to have a child. As my 40th birthday approached, I began, for the first time, to notice babies and their happy, smiling mothers wherever I went.
One night, I came to a cafe to kill the boring time. An elegantly dressed, sightly older woman was seated next to me.
“Would you like to see a picture of my daughter?” she asked me, handing me a photo of a smiling Chinese girl. The child was about seven years old and was wearing a Snow White costume. That's Melanie, now in the first grade," she said. I could hear the motherly pride in her voice. “She's pretty,” I said. "I love her costume." The woman explained that she felt strongly about teaching her daughter about Chinese customs and maintaining ties to her shoes. “What made you decide to adopt her?" I asked. "I didn't want work to be my whole life," she said.
I'm not sure if she saw the tears in my eyes as I replied, I don't either, but I'm afraid it's too late." I was 51 when I adopted Melanie, she said. "And it's the most rewarding, exciting thing I've ever done."
When my husband and I returned from China with our nine-month-old daughter, Madeline, in November 2017, Jill was one of the first people I e-mailed. I did it!" I wrote. “I’m a mother and she's beautiful"
“Congratulations,” she wrote back. We recently reconnected on Facebook, and I told her, “You changed my life.”
1. What can be inferred from Paragraph 1?A.The author regretted her marrying too early. |
B.The author was recovering from a serious disease. |
C.The author didn't have a child of her own due to some illness. |
D.The author had been eager to be a happy mother for a long time. |
A.Elegant and generous. | B.Caring and considerate. |
C.Friendly and determined. | D.Practical and independent. |
A.She wouldn't devote her whole life simply to work. |
B.She appreciated the picture drawn by Melanie. |
C.Her husband was against her adopting. |
D.Her dream was eventually realized in the company of Jill. |
A.To stress the influence of the kindness. |
B.To show us the hidden beauty in our world. |
C.To call on us to adopt more homeless children. |
D.To share her meaningful adoption story with us. |
【推荐1】It is true that summer is hot. But here is something to make your day easier. Are you prepared? Meet the new AirFreez— an alternative to traditional Air Conditioners that cools you just the same!
How does it work?
It is surprisingly easy to set up! You just need to plug it into a socket(插座)OR any USB port (it uses so little energy that it can even run off of a phone or laptop battery).
Once you have done that, simply fill it with 20oz/0. 6L of cold tap water.
Now just press the power button and the instant cool air is here!
What is so special about this little box?
It is no larger than a lunchbox. It can be powered by a pocket solar panel(电池板)or battery pack and you probably have the world's first and most portable AC unit.
Bad sleepers are putting the AirFreez next to their beds at night. The relaxing blow of cool, clean air, the comforting soft night light and the quiet create the perfect sleeping conditions!
The price is just amazing. Most AC units cost at least $ 300+ AND you have to pay more to cover the expensive electricity bills each month. AirFreez costs less than $ 100 (actually $ 53 if you buy more than one here).
Top Tips:
●To make your air even cooler—add a bottle of cold tap water from your refrigerator or even ice!
●For a beautiful relaxing atmosphere—add a few drops of fragrant oils to the water!
1. Which is necessary to get AirFreez to work?A.A socket. | B.A phone battery. |
C.A laptop and hot waten | D.Cold water and power supply. |
A.$106, | B.$ 200. |
C.$ 300. | D.$ 600. |
A.By adding ice into the machine. |
B.By putting it closer to one's bed. |
C.By filling the machine with tap water. |
D.By adding a few drops of special oils. |
【推荐2】Americans are proud of their variety and individuality, yet they love and respect few things more than a uniform, whether it is the uniform of an elevator operator or the uniform of a five-star general. Why are uniforms so popular in the United States?
Among the arguments for uniforms, one of the first is that in the eyes of most people they look more professional than civilian (平民的) clothes. People have become used to expecting superb quality from a man who wears a uniform. The television repairman who wears a uniform is likely to inspire more trust than one who appears in civilian clothes. Faith in the skill of a garage mechanic is increased by a uniform. What easier way is there for a nurse, a policeman, a barber, or a waiter to lose professional identity than to step out of uniform?
Uniforms also have many practical benefits. They save on other clothes. They save on bills for washing. They are tax-deductible (可减税的). They are often more comfortable and stay in good condition for a longer time than civilian clothes.
Primary among the arguments against uniforms is their lack of variety and the consequent loss of individuality experienced by people who must wear them. Though there are many types of uniforms, the wearer of any particular type is generally stuck with it, without change, until retirement. When people look alike, they often think, speak, and act similarly, on the job at least.
Uniforms also give rise to some practical problems. Though they are long-lasting, often their initial expense is greater than the cost of civilian clothes. Some uniforms are also expensive to maintain, requiring professional dry cleaning rather than the home laundering possible with many types of civilian clothes.
1. How does the writer begin the passage?A.By making a comparison. | B.By describing a scene. |
C.By raising a question. | D.By presenting a reason. |
A.suggests quality work | B.shows his social position |
C.appears to be more practical | D.looks fresher and more attractive |
A.People pay less tax for uniforms. |
B.It is easier to wash and keep uniforms. |
C.Uniforms last longer than civilian clothes. |
D.People who wear a uniform can gain more trust. |
【推荐3】(You may read the questions first.)
Below is a selection about some Guinness World Records.
Top 6 Unusual Guinness World Records
Fastest 100 m running on all fours
The 2008 Guinness World Records Day was, according to GWR, their biggest day of record-breaking ever, with more than 290,000 people taking put in record attempts in 15 different countries. Kenichi Ito’s record attempt was port of this special day. He is just another example of Japanese with “super powers”. His “super power” is to run with great speed on all fours. Kenichi Ito ran 100 m on all fours in 18.58 seconds. The Japanese set this record at Setagaya Kuritsu Sogo Undojyo, Tokyo, in 2008.
Most people inside a soap bubble
The Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, California celebrated this year the 15th anniversary of the Bubble (泡泡) Festival. A bubble’s math principles and science were presented and demonstrated at the three-week-long exhibition. The intriguing Bubble Show was also part of the program. Fan Yang and Deni Yang impressed the audience with their awesome skills for bubble making. The Yang family cooperated with the Discovery Science Center to set a new Guinness World Record for most people inside a soap bubble and they succeeded.
The family that has been working with soap bubbles for 27 years created a huge soap bubble and got 118 people inside it. The record was set on. April 4, 2011.
Longest ears on a dog
A bloodhound from Illinois has the longest ears ever measured a dog. The right ear is 13.75 inches long and the left one 13.5 inches. The dog named Tigger earned this title in 2004 and is owned by Christina and Bryan Flessner.
Mr. Jeffries is the previous record holder of this title. Each of his ears measured approximately 11.5 inches long. His grandfather used to hold this amazing world record, but when he died Mr. Jeffries look over.
Most living generations
Did you ever wonder what is the Guinness World Record for most living generation in one family? Seven is the answer.
The ultimate authority on record-breaking mentions on the website that the youngest great-great- great-great grandparent of this family was Augusta Bung “aged 109 years 97 days, followed by her daughter aged 89, her granddaughter aged 70, her great grand-daughter aged 52, her great-great grand-daughter aged 33 and her great-great-great granddaughter aged 15 on the birth of her great-great-great-great grandson on January 21, 1989”.
Most T-shirts worn at once
Believe it or not, there is a record also for this category. Krunoslav Budiseli set a new world record on May 22, 2010 for wearing 245 T-shirts at the same time. The nun from Croatia was officially recognized as the new record bolder by Guinness World Records after he managed to put on 245 different T-shirts in less than two hours. The T-shirts weighted 68 kg and Budiseli said he began struggling around T-shirt No. 120. He dethroned the Swedish Guinness record holder who wore 238 T-shirts.
1. Why is Kenichi Ito described as a man with a “super power”?A.He set a good example to all Japanese. |
B.He made record attempts in 15 different countries. |
C.He set a new record for “Fastest 100 m running on all fours”. |
D.He participated in the 2008 Guinness World Records Day activities. |
A.the owner of the dog with the longest ears |
B.the grandfather of the dog with the longest ears |
C.the present holder of the record for “Longest ears on a dog” |
D.the former holder of the record for “longest ears on a dog” |
A.68 | B.120 |
C.238 | D.245 |
A.The record for “Most people inside a soap bubble”. |
B.The record for “Most living generations”. |
C.The record for “Most T-shirts worn at once”. |
D.The record for “Heaviest pumpkin”. |