I had just won a bidding for a 1950s cookie tin full of memories at an estate sale. Delighted at my victory, I took the box and gave it a shake. The contents rattled. Inside were hundreds of buttons, pins, and other items, all glittering in the sunlight. As a girl, I'd always enjoyed digging through my mom's box, just as my daughters enjoyed looking through mine.
My eye caught the movement of a swing on the front porch of the house. An old woman watched the happenings in her yard. As I carried my purchases to my car, I stopped to chat with her. She told me she was selling almost all her possessions because she was moving to a nursing home.
Her eyes fell to the button box, and when she looked up, they were glistening with tears. I took the lid off the tin, and her rough hands lifted a handful of buttons and then slowly dropped them back into the container. Her fist closed around a delicate pearl button, now yellow with age. "It was from my first husband's uniform," she said. "It's one of the few things that remind me of him when he didn't return home alive." They had been married seven months before he left to serve his country in World War II.
As we sifted through the box together, we found hairpins ranging from black to brown to shades of gray and even white; a key to a music box that played a special love song; garter clips, wooden nickels, ruby buttons; all took her further down memory lane. I learned about her wedding, the birth of her children, and much more of the life she'd led for 89 years.
After our chat, I set the woman's box of memories down on the swing and slid my hands into hers. I knew we would talk again, when I went to visit her at her new home. And I knew that when l reached my own home, my heart would pull me to my sewing room, where I would rediscover my own lifetime of memories in my own button box.
1. How did the author feel when she got the tin?| A．Curious. | B．Regretful. |
| C．Joyful. | D．Embarrassed. |
| A．She was to sell her house and move to a new one. |
| B．She had to sell many things to make ends meet. |
| C．She didn't marry again after her husband died. |
| D．She was the former owner of the cookie tin. |
| A．Examined. | B．Picked. |
| C．Carried. | D．Decorated. |
| A．Antiques that add history to a place. |
| B．Memories of unpleasant experiences. |
| C．Objects that bring moments to mind. |
| D．Expressions of kindness from strangers. |
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【推荐1】When the young donkey Daisy May came to us, she was pregnant. With no donkey experience , I was unprepared for what might come next.
After some difficulty, Daisy's baby was born. I thought the poor thing was dead. I planned to put the loss behind us and make sure she never got pregnant again. Just then, I heard a little noise. I couldn't believe that baby was breathing and looking at me! We called him Samson, and of course I became his mother as much as Daisy was.
When Samson was nine months old, I had to separate Daisy and Samson for a few hours a day to wean （使断奶）him, but otherwise he went wherever she did. I think she would be lost without him. His donkey stepdad Bernard taught him to always be ready to have fun. They enjoy playing football together and going for a roll on a hot summer day.
I asked a worker to make a harness （马具）for my three little donkeys. When I brought it home I taught them one by one how to pull a cart. Samson watched and freely followed Daisy. When he was three, I put the harness on him and he knew exactly what to do.
That was 15 years ago. Now, the most exciting thing about Samson is that he has become a little renowned. People come from all over to see him perform. The neighbors bring their grandchildren, and my sons bring their friends.
Samson shakes hands, unties my shoe, picks up a hat and more. And when I ask him if he has any bad habits, he tries to pick my pocket! He surprisingly learned these tricks himself. I just ask him to do them and he understands.
The relationship I have with my "baby" Samson has been an amazing experience. Every day is a fun day with this superstar donkey.
1. Why was the author at a loss for what might happen next at first?| A．She wasn't ready to be a mother. |
| B．She never raised a donkey before. |
| C．The donkey was pregnant by accident. |
| D．The donkey gave birth to a dead baby. |
| A．He was surrounded by love. |
| B．He was separated from his family. |
| C．He was unwelcome to the neighbors. |
| D．He was skilled in entertaining people. |
| A．strange. | B．proud. | C．humorous. | D．famous. |
| A．friendly and courageous. | B．intelligent and lively. |
| C．carefree and creative. | D．patient and fortunate. |
【推荐2】Winter is on its way. Here in the New York area, we can expect a few perfect days of cold, clear air and snow that sparkles in the sun; but the season’s dominant notes will most likely be rain, overcast skies, bone-chilling winds, and more rain.
For all of us who have cherished our walks in the park and our socially-distanced conversations, the change in the weather feels like the final offense. The pandemic continues and now we won’t even be able to get outside.
I don’t have any new solutions for the pandemic, I’m afraid, but take it from someone who grew up in northern England: Terrible weather does not mean you don’t get to socialize outdoors.
If a little thing like rain stopped British people from enjoying a day at the seaside or a hike in the hills, I might never have known the joys of the Yorkshire barbecue. It was sometimes my appointed role to hold an umbrella over the grill while my father tended to the sausages and burgers because a barbecue had been planned, and so a barbecue was going to take place.
The big secret about bad weather is that, certain dangerous storm conditions aside, it’s really bad only if you decide it’s bad. You may know the experience of being caught unprepared in heavy rain, starting to hurry toward shelter, then finally surrendering to the reality that you’ll be getting a soaking. Much of the discomfort of rain or cold temperatures arises not from the sensations themselves, but from a kind of internal struggle to avoid feeling them. The key to British enjoyment lies in not expecting your time outdoors to be especially warm or dry in the first place.
A friend of mine has treasured memories of her parents setting out a wonderful picnic spread just as the heavens opened, but deciding to let the kids go ahead and eat anyway, in a chaos of wet sandwiches and hysterical laughter. Whatever else this winter has in store, we might use it to create some similarly joyful and affection-filled memories, remembering always the words by the British writer Alfred Wainwright: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. ”
1. What do we know about the author?| A．He has got tired of the pandemic. |
| B．He is no stranger to terrible weather. |
| C．He hates the weather in the New York area. |
| D．He is expecting some perfect days of the winter. |
| A．Getting totally wet gives people bad feelings. |
| B．It takes a lot of trouble for people to seek shelter. |
| C．Bad weather can lead to dangerous storm conditions. |
| D．People don’t want to experience bad weather at heart. |
| A．To encourage people to face bad weather more positively. |
| B．To present a wonderful way of dealing with difficulties. |
| C．To explain why British people have a preference for picnic. |
| D．To show how to create memorable experiences with children. |
| A．Is Winter Coming? |
| B．Are You Prepared? |
| C．Brave the Bad Weather |
| D．Outdoor Activity Counts in Winter |
【推荐3】Bill Porter was born with cerebral palsy (脑瘫), which made it difficult for him to move his arms and legs and even speak. There was much prejudice against people in his situation. This is because few understood that a person only had limitations for certain activities, not for all of them. Only one person trusted him: his mother. She knew the boy was smart and interested in learning.
After entering adulthood, Bill didn’t want to give up his life to inactivity. He dreamed of being useful and successful. In fact, he loved sales, as he liked being in contact with others. Many people told him that becoming a salesman would be impossible in his condition. After several unsuccessful job searches, Bill applied for Watkins company. At first, he was rejected. When Bill proposed to run the route of least profit, the manager reconsidered and decided to hire him. Bill didn’t go well on the sales route. In the first few days, Bill had a lot of cold shoulder treatment, and he began to doubt whether he was really suitable for the job.
One day, Bill went to a park to enjoy the meal his mother had packed for him. It was a simple sandwich. However, there was something very special in it. It had two words written with ketchup (番茄酱): “patience” and “persistence”. Bill regained the excitement he had been losing door after door in the morning after seeing his mother’s message.
His efforts finally paid off. The door that once shut began to keep open to him. Some customers even became his friends. Bill Porter found his path to success, both financially and personally. In fact, he became Watkins’ top salesman in a short time.
Bill Porter worked for 40 years for that company and collected awards, medals, and even admirers. A local newspaper reported his story in 1995. TNT turned his story into a movie in 2002. He died at the age of 81, in 2013.
1. Why were people prejudiced against Bill?| A．He was badly disabled. | B．He was not intelligent. |
| C．He had little schooling. | D．He was poor-spirited. |
| A．The jokes of others. | B．The salary of salesmen. |
| C．The attitude of customers. | D．The rejection of the manager. |
| A．She was good at cooking. |
| B．She set an example for her son. |
| C．She encouraged Bill to do what he liked. |
| D．She hoped Bill would give up his dream. |
| A．Determined. | B．Energetic. |
| C．Warm-hearted. | D．Considerate. |
【推荐1】As I had grown up in Belgium, going to university in the UK made me feel lost and lonely. Although I was struggling, I felt unable to share how I was feeling with anyone and didn’t know where I could turn for support.
Things were getting harder and harder, and one day I was on my way back to university when I had a sudden thought that ending my life would be a way out. I was in my own world when a lady standing nearby came up for me and said: “Are you waiting for a train? Are you OK?”
Although I didn’t say much back to her, the little conversation was all it took to interrupt my thoughts of ending life. I got the next train back to university. The small talk was a wake-up call and made me realize it’s OK to reach out for help. I spoke to my university and they provided me with a teacher to help. I also shared my feelings with my loved ones. By seeking some timely and useful help and being honest about what I was feeling, I created a strong support network that I could lean on when I needed to.
When I started working at Network Rail in 2012, I heard that Samaritans provided training for staff working in the rail industry on identifying and helping people who may be vulnerable. Instantly, I knew I had to sign up. I wanted to turn my experience into something useful and positive, and to equip myself to help others who might be feeling like I did back then. The training was fantastic and interestingly shone a light on the fact that everyone has the skills to save a life.
So, if you ever notice someone who you think might be struggling, try talking to them. You already have everything you need to save a life. Take it from me, starting a conversation can be all that it takes.
1. How did the author feel when studying in the UK?| A．Unadaptable. | B．Generous. | C．Worthwhile. | D．Appealing. |
| A．He benefited little from the conversation with a lady. |
| B．He learned to bravely go to others for assistance. |
| C．He helped the mentor to create a network. |
| D．He still dealt with problems on his own. |
| A．Bad-tempered. | B．Easy-going. | C．Warm-hearted. | D．Easily-broken. |
| A．It’s rewarding to help others in need. |
| B．Helping others needs no skills at all. |
| C．A small talk can make a big difference. |
| D．Where there is a will, there is a way. |
【推荐2】A little boy went to a telephone booth (电话亭) at the cash counter of a store and made a phone call. The store owner looked at him and listened to the conversation.
Boy: “Lady, can you give me the job of cutting your lawn (草坪)?”
Woman (at the other end of the phone line): “No, thank you. I already have someone to cut my lawn.”
Boy: “Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price the person who cuts your lawn now.”
Woman: “I’m very satisfied with the person who cuts my lawn.”
Boy (with more perseverance 执着) : “Lady, I’ll even sweep the floor and the stairs of your house for free.”
Woman: “No, thank you.”
With a smile on his face, the little boy hung up the phone. The store owner, who was listening to all this, walked over to the boy.
Store owner: “Son... I like your attitude (态度). I like that positive (积极的) spirit and would like to offer you a job.”
Boy: “No, thanks.”
Store owner: “But you were really asking for one.”
Boy: “No, Sir. I was just checking my performance (表现) at the job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady I was talking to.”
1. In fact, how many people are mentioned (提及) in the story?| A．2 | B．3 | C．4 | D．5 |
| A．he wanted her to let him continue his job |
| B．he thought that the lady was too poor |
| C．the lady thought the money she paid the boy was too much |
| D．he wanted to know if he did his job well enough and couldn’t be replaced (取代) by others. |
| A．The boy was angry with the lady. |
| B．The store owner wasn’t kind-hearted. |
| C．The lady wanted to find another person to do the boy’s job. |
| D．The boy was happy to know that the lady was satisfied with his performance. |
| A．Asking for a job | B．Self-appraisal (自我测评) |
| C．The lady and the boy | D．The boy and the store owner |
【推荐3】In many respects one could call John Beltzer the world's most successful songwriter. Every song that he writes is guaranteed to be a real hit not on the popularity charts, but in a child’s heart. The reason for this is that every song that Beltzer writes is for a seriously ill child. The songs never fail to make the children smile and to raise their spirits. They also play them over and over. This means more by far to Beltzer than being ranked high on the popularity charts.
Thirty-eight year old Beltzer is the founder and president of Songs of Love, a nonprofit group. This group combines the volunteer efforts of musicians, songwriters, singers, and studio technicians to create unique, happy songs that reflect a child's personality.
Beltzer believes that music is very healing. When an adult listens to a favorite song, it makes him feel good: thus when a little child listens to a song written just for him, the result is very uplifting. Since its founding in 1996, Songs of Love has been responsible for the composition, taping and sending more than 780 songs to children in life-threatening conditions, all for free.
Unmarried with no children of his own, Beltzer had never thought much about writing songs for children. He says that one day while he was walking down the street the idea came to him and he instantly felt that he could make a success of it. He went home and called St Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He told them he wanted to write songs for seriously ill children, and wrote six songs in four days. Upon receiving the songs, the hospital called him with high praise. Soon after that the mother of a little girl with cancer called him to thank him and then the little girl herself did so. At that point he knew that this was his “calling”.
As is true with most charitable ventures, Songs of Love is almost always in need of money. To help in this respect, Beltzer has moved back home to live with his retired parents, who also help support his work. His long-term goal is to offer Songs of Love to patients of all ages, including nursing home residents and the mentally ill. Among other efforts to raise money, Beltzer sells CDs and tapes, expecting much bigger sales. Meanwhile, Beltzer himself continues to be the most productive writer in Songs of Love, making sure that all requests for songs written for critically ill children will be met.
1. Why is John Beltzer, to some extent, called the world's most successful songwriter?| A．Every song he composes tends to be a hit. |
| B．All songs are played over and over again. |
| C．His songs are intended specially for those unlucky children. |
| D．He as well as his songs always enjoys a grand popularity. |
| A．Satisfactory. | B．Adequate. |
| C．Inspirational. | D．Appropriate. |
| A．Beltzer had had the idea of writing songs for seriously ill children long before actually doing so. |
| B．The hospital in Tennessee didn't respond to Beltzer's request immediately and positively. |
| C．Song writing is the only source of income for Songs of Love. |
| D．Running charitable activities makes Beltzer's finance really tight. |
| A．Social and intelligent. | B．Compassionate and considerate. |
| C．Conventional and patient. | D．Confident and ambitious. |
Gates said in an interview with the social networking and news website Reddit: “I am in the camp that is concerned about super intelligence. First the machines will do a lot of jobs for us and not be super intelligent．That should be positive if we manage well. A few decades after that though the intelligence is strong enough to be a concern.”
Well, maybe I don’t have to worry about my computer and kitchen equipment yet. After I use them I can always pull the plug. But in the future, machines might find a way to prevent us from switching them off. There’s a terrible thought!
Maybe the problem with computers too clever for us is not that they are evil like some we’ve seen in sci-fi movies. What could put us in danger is that they might be too efficient. That’s what philosopher Nick Bostrom from Oxford University believes. He says that machines are indifferent (漠然) to humans and in pursuit of their own goals，the destruction of people might be just additional damage. Bostrom gives us an example: A machine which might have as its only goal to produce as many paperclips as possible might look at human bodies as extra material for paperclips and go after you. Because it is, well, a machine, it would not take pity on you.
It’s a good thing that American writer Isaac Asimov thought about how far robots can go and left us his three rules of robotics. They state that a robot may not hurt a human being or allow the human being to come to harm.
I’m glad my machines at home are “dumb”. All my cleaner wants to take over is the carpet in my living room. Let’s hope they don’t create an appliance which wants to take over the world!
1. The author quoted Bill Gates’ words in Paragraph 2 in order to make the text ________.
| A．better-known | B．more persuasive |
| C．better-organized | D．more interesting |
| A．it is much cleverer than us |
| B．it would take over the world |
| C．it would see us just as material |
| D．it has the strong feeling of destroying us |
| A．Optimistic | B．Sympathy | C．Disappointed | D．Regretful |
| A．The benefits of future robots. |
| B．The new applications of robots. |
| C．The concern for super intelligence. |
| D．The popularity of robots in the future. |
【推荐2】In a new study published on the Journal of Auian Biology, researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico tracked the behavior of house finches(雀) on the main campus of the university, in Mexico City.
The team created an artificial nest lining(内衬), which includes feathers, cotton, hair and cigarette ends. Then, after the birds 'eggs had hatched, they replaced the original lining with the new one, to make sure the nests were pest free. The researchers then added live ticks to the mix, while dead ticks were added to other linings.
It seems that urban house finches use more cigarette ends to line their nests when they've been invaded by ticks. And, those whose nests were given live ticks increased their cigarette end weight by about 40 percent more than those where dead ticks had been used, according to New Scientist. The technique is likely a form of self-medication, the experts explain, as it's thought that the chemicals in cigarette ends can help to keep off the pests.
While this behavior may have its benefits, the researchers say it's also possible that the use of cigarette ends in the nests could have negative effects. "It is a matter of concern that cigarette ends, being poisonous, are part of house finch nests in Mexico City," the authors explain in the paper," but we have not come across evidence of long-term costs of using this material."
According to the researchers, a thorough evaluation will be necessary to determine the real effects of using cigarette ends, whether they are positive or not. But they explain, the findings do suggest that the cigarette ends are linked to the presence of ticks and likely play a role in keeping them away.
1. What does the underlined phrase" the mix" in paragraph 2 refer to?| A．The former nests. | B．The artificial lining. |
| C．The cigarette ends. | D．The original lining. |
| A．The findings of the experiment. | B．The application of the research findings. |
| C．The theory related to the recent research. | D．The reasons for house finches using cigarette ends. |
| A．Eat them out. | B．Dust them off. |
| C．Build firmer nests. | D．Use more cigarette ends. |
| A．Skeptical. | B．Conservative. | C．Objective. | D．Tolerant. |
【推荐3】The Lion King was one of Disney’s most successful movies. The movie was so well-loved by audience everywhere, that Disney executive Michael Eisner, began thinking it would make a successful stage play as well. When he told co-worker Thomas Schumacher to start planning, Schumacher was stunned. He felt the project was impossible. But Eisner insisted. He said that all they needed was a “brilliant idea”.
After many months, Schumacher found his brilliant idea. “ The answer,” he recalls, “ was, in fact, quite simple –Julie Taymor,” a woman who has been creating magical theater for many years.
Taymor accepted the challenge, putting all her years of theatrical experience into creating a new concept for The Lion King. When she began to address the question of how to bring the animal characters to life, she knew she did not want to hide the actors inside big animal suits. She wanted the audience to see the actors’ faces and bodies, which would represent the animal’s human qualities. So she designed costumes that revealed the actor within.
Not every good idea works out, so even the most creative person must be willing to let go of an idea and look for a better one. For example, the mask for Mufasa, the lion king, went through many changes. At one point, Taymor’s co-designer, Michael Curry, created a large mask that the actor would lift on and off. But it looked awkward, so Curry went back to the drawing board and came up with a better idea.
Creative ideas are not always complex. Sometimes, the simplest idea is the most powerful. Taymor calls these simple, but powerful ideas “true theatre”. For example, ribbons can show someone’s tears, and blue silk can show water.
Many people helped make The Lion King a success. It was a team effort in every sense of the word, yet each person added his or her personal touch to make the production memorable.
The creative work of the entire team pays off every night. People are thrilled by this imaginative journey to Africa. After the glorious opening, the amazing sights continue. The audience sees frightening hyenas, an elephant graveyard, an eye-popping stampede—everything, in fact, that was in the movie, but different enough to be a whole new event. By the end of the show, many in the audience find it hard to remember that The Lion King was ever a movie.
1. Michael Eisner thought that the movie The Lion King could become a successful stage play because_______.| A．he has a brilliant idea | B．all his co-workers are creative |
| C．the movie was a great hit | D．it was one of Disney’s movies |
| A．provide animal suits to create real stage effects |
| B．motivate audience to approach characters onstage. |
| C．design costumes to hide the actors inside. |
| D．display human qualities of the animal characters |
| A．put every good idea into practice |
| B．made a lot of changes to seek a better design |
| C．found his creative ideas failing all the time |
| D．had created a mask which proved a success |
| A．The design of complex plot | B．the cooperation of the entire team |
| C．the choices of better ideas | D．the power of simple ideas |
| A．as successful as the movie | B．far less satisfactory than the movie |
| C．completely different from the movie | D．even more impressive than the movie |
【推荐1】The doorbell rang, and a few minutes later, to her complete astonishment, Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy walk into the room. He hurriedly began to ask how she was, and she answered with cold politeness. He sat down for a few minutes, and then getting up, walked around the room. Elizabeth was surprised but said nothing.
After a silence of several minutes, he came towards her and said. “I have struggled with my feelings, but without success. You must allow me to tell you how much I admire and love you.”
Elizabeth, who was unable to believe what she heard, stared, blushed, and was silent. Her silence encouraged him to speak and tell her about his strong feelings for her. He spoke well, but unfortunately, he did not speak only of his love for her, he also made it very clear that he did not consider that her family was good enough for him. He explained that it was only because she herself was so unusual that he had decided to ask her to marry him.
In spite of her powerful dislike for him, Elizabeth at first felt sorry that she was going to cause Darcy pain. Then, as he continued to insult her family, she began to feel angry. When he at last finished speaking, she said, “I believe that in a situation like this, the lady is supposed to thank the gentleman. Unfortunately, I have no desire to thank you, as I have never wanted your good opinion. I am sorry to have to cause you pain. However, I never meant to do so, and I am sure you will soon forget me.”
1. Why did Mr. Darcy come to her house?| A．He came to ask how she was. |
| B．He wanted to walk around the room |
| C．He wanted to find her family was good |
| D．He came to tell Elizabeth he loved her. |
| A．She really didn’t like Darcy . |
| B．She was shy. |
| C．She couldn’t believe what she heard. |
| D．She wanted to cause Darcy pain. |
| A．She expected Darcy to forget her. |
| B．She didn’t want to thank Darcy for his visit. |
| C．She felt sorry to cause Darcy pain. |
| D．She rejected his feeling. |
【推荐2】Alibaba, Bank of China and Huawei—these are the dream employers for Chinese students, according to a new survey.
“The survey of more than 55,000 students, conducted by the research firm Universum, has found that roughly a quarter want to work for an international company, while only 9％ want to work for a start-up. Five percent want to start their own business.”
The students said that work-1ife balance was the most important career goal, followed by job stability. When it comes to desirable companies, Bank of China has been named the top choice by business students for seven consecutive years, and the gigantic state-owned firm shows no signs of giving up its lead.
William Wu, the China country manager for Universum, said that banking remains an attractive industry for young Chinese. “China’s government is now emphasizing the revolution of the finance industry, which leaves the younger generation with the impression that although banking is a traditional industry, there are still a lot of development opportunities.” Wu said.
E-commerce giant Alibaba (BABA, Tech30) improved six places from 2014, ranking second among business students. Alibaba’s rise shouldn’t come as much of a surprise—the company held a record-breaking $25 billion IPO in September.
Among engineering students, Alibaba was once again a bridesmaid. Instead, Huawei—a telecoms infrastructure firm that now makes consumer products-took the top spot.
“Both of these companies are pioneers in terms of local companies going international.” said Wu. “It shows that… an international development strategy has a positive influence among Chinese young talents.” Tech companies ruled the rankings for humanities students, with Alibaba—which was ninth in 2014 一 landing at the top. Last year, Apple was the Number l choice of Chinese students.
1. What’s the percentage of the surveyed students who want to join a company set up recently？| A．Five percent. |
| B．Twenty-five percent. |
| C．Nine percent. |
| D．Twenty percent. |
| A．Work-life balance. |
| B．Job stability. |
| C．Alibaba. |
| D．Their own business. |
| A．is rooted only in China |
| B．makes consumer products |
| C．goes international |
| D．just aims at the foreign market |
| A．What companies students want to work for. |
| B．Why students have to go to university. |
| C．How a company can develop well. |
| D．Where students’ success lies in. |
Once during a conversation with Tom Brokaw, who wrote the best- selling hook The Greatest Generation, I told him, "You left out my parents." They didn’t go off to war, but they belonged to the Greatest Generation. They, too, were part of the foundation that made America truly great. They kept the home fires burning.
Our mother gloried in being a housewife and mother. Having been a teacher in her early adult years, when education was more important than anything else, she gave up her job to raise a family .She was an excellent cook, but she had to cook on a wood stove. There was no refrigerator, nothing electric. But nobody was ever better at making do. In addition to all the household chores and responsibilities, she went to the fields every day to help produce a crop to pay the rent and to provide for the family. She and my dad worked hard to save every penny possible.
They saved ever7 penny to buy a farm late in life. They also saved enough money to live out their respective live with home care without taking up residency in a nursing home. They were fiercely independent. If you had suggested they accept a government transfer payment, they would have spit in your eye.
1. Which of the following is the best title for the passage?
| A．Mother played a great pan in the family. |
| B．Mother died at the age of 98 years old. |
| C．Mother was buried by the side of father. |
| D．Mother survived father by many years. |
| A．parent | B．Centenarian |
| C．hero | D．entirety |
| A．He is one of the author's parents' friends. |
| B．He likes talking with the author's parents. |
| C．He takes up a position as a writer. |
| D．He is good at managing a home. |
| A．Brave and hardworking. |
| B．Modest and warmhearted. |
| C．Economical and independent. |
| D．Respective and satisfied. |
