【推荐3】April Fools' Day is supposed to be a day to play jokes on others in hopes of getting a good laugh and making one feel like a fool.However，the April Fools' Day of 2019 was quite different for my mom and me.

That day my friend Jimmy and I were playing a game.I had dropped down from a bar (横木) many times in the past without ever having a problem，but that day the simple act of dropping to the ground became a nightmare (噩梦)．I broke my arm.

Jimmy's dad heard my crying and rushed out to see what was going on.When he saw the problem，he quickly put me into his truck and went inside to telephone my mom and let her know he would take me to the hospital.As that day was April Fools' Day，Mom was not buying it and really thought all this was a big joke.Mom was finally convinced by Jimmy's mom.When she saw me，she broke down in tears because she felt so bad－she simply believed that was just a big trick.

I guess one could compare this to the story The Boy Who Cried Wolf.Since I had played bad tricks before，it was no wonder that my mom didn't believe it.I as well as my mom was made to look like a fool that day.We both learned a valuable lesson.

1. What happened to the writer on the April Fools' Day of 2019?

A．He dreamed a terrible dream.

B．He was hurt by Jimmy.

C．He had an accident.

D．He fooled his mom with his friend.

2. Why did Jimmy's dad phone the writer's mom?

A．Because he wanted to play a joke on her.

B．Because he wanted her to go to the hospital to pay the money.

C．Because he wanted to see how deeply she loved her son.

D．Because he wanted to inform her of the accident.

3. What does the underlined sentence “Mom was not buying it” mean?

A．She didn't believe what Jimmy's dad said.

B．She would not like to pay the money.

C．She had no preparation for the bad news.

D．She thought her son deserved (应受) it.

4. Why did the writer mention the story The Boy Who Cried Wolf?

A．Because he thought it was his mom's fault.

B．Because he had a lesson like that.

C．Because he was proud of his story.

D．Because he felt he was luckier than that boy.

5. From the passage we can infer that ________．

A．the writer's mom didn't care much about him

B．the writer was a dishonest person

C．the writer won't play jokes as before

D．the writer will lose interest in games

【推荐1】People need to relax and enjoy themselves. One way they can have a good time is to watch a baseball game or another sports event. Even thousands of years ago, groups of people gathered to watch skilled athletes(运动员).

Over 2,000 years ago in Greece, some days in the year were festival days. These were holidays when people stopped their work and enjoyed themselves. During festivals, people liked to watch athletes take part in races and other games.

The most important festival was held every four years at the town of Olympia. It was held in honor of the Greek god Zeus. For five days, athletes from all corners of Greece took part in the Olympic Games.

At the Olympic Games, people could watch athletes run, jump and so on. They could also watch exciting races, which included a relay race between two teams in which a lighted torch(火炬) was passed from runner to runner.

The Olympic Games were thought to be so important that cities throughout Greece which were at war with one another had to stop fighting. During the time, people were allowed to travel to the Games safely.

Thousands of people came to the Olympic Games from cities in Greece and from its colonies(殖民地) in Africa, Asia, and Italy. They met as friends to cheer their favorite athletes and to enjoy themselves.

1. What did people do at the Olympic Games?

A．They fought for their freedom.	B．They just talked to friends.
C．They cheered good athletes.	D．They tried to find friends.

2. Where did people at the Olympic Games come from?

A．Greek cities.

B．Africa and Asia.

C．Italy.

D．All of the above.

3. If Greek cities then were fighting, people ______.

A．couldn’t go to other cities freely	B．could see what each other do
C．win the right to join in the Olympics.	D．respect the Greek god Zeus

4. The best title for the passage can be ______.

A．Greece at war	B．Together for the Olympic Games
C．Stop fighting	D．Greek people

【推荐2】Below is a list of the most interesting UK writing competitions.

Flash 500 Short Story Competition.

Stories between 1,000 and 3,000 words are required for this story competition. Those who think no story is complete without a proper bedroom scene will be pleased to learn that adult material is acceptable here ＂providing the content fits the story＂. The rest of you will be relieved to learn that adult content is not compulsory.

Prizes: £500, £200, £100.

EntryFee: £22.

The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition.

If you have an original idea, a fresh voice and a story children will love, you could be in luck because that’s just what the organizers of this annual contest are looking for. With a suggested minimum of 30,000 words, your story should be suitable for a worldwide audience of children/young adults somewhere between the ages of 7 and 18 years.

Prize:£10,000.

EntryFee: £15.

Bath Children’s Novel Award.

This international contest is for novels of any length. To enter, you email the first 3,000 words of your story followed by a one page summary. The longlist(入围名单) is chosen by a group of children and young adults. The shortlist（候选人名单）judge is Julia Churchill from literary agents A.M. Heath.

Prize:£2,000.

EntryFee: £7 each, £12 for two, £16 for three, £20 for four.

The Caledonia Novel Award.

This international contest from Edinburgh, which is open to unpublished and self-published novelists, is for stories of at least 50,000 words. To enter, you email the first 20 pages of your novel followed by a 200-word summary. The judge is Richard Pike from literary agents Curtis Brown.

Prize: £1,000.

EntryFee: £20.

1. What do we know about Flash 500 Short Story Competition?

A．Its deadline.

B．Its sponsor.

C．Its judges.

D．Its award.

2. Which competition is intended for beginners?

A．The Caledonia Novel Award.

B．Bath Children’s Novel Award.

C．Flash 500 Short Story Competition.

D．The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition.

3. What do Bath Children’s Novel Award and The Caledonia Novel Award have in common?

A．They have the same judge.	B．Anyone in the world can take part in.
C．They charge no entry fees.	D．They only accept long novels.

【推荐1】My wife Hilary and I were on the beach, with three of our children, taking pictures of shore birds near our home in Alaska when we saw a bear. The bear was thin and small, moving aimlessly.

Just a few minutes later, I heard my daughter shouting, “Dad! The bear is right behind us!" An aggressive bear will usually rush forward to frighten away its enemy but would suddenly stop at the last minute. This one was silent and its ears pinned back the sign of an animal that is going in for the kill. And it was a cold April day. The bear behaved abnormally, probably because of hunger.

I held my camera tripod(三脚架)in both hands to form a barrier as the bear rushed into me. Its huge head was level with my chest and shoulders, and the tripod stuck across its mouth. It bit down and I found myself supporting its weight. I knew 1 would not be able to hold it for long.

Even so, this was a fight I had to win: I was all that stood between the bear and my family, who would stand little chance of running faster than a brown bear.

The bear hit at the camera, cutting it off the tripod. I raised my left arm to protect my face; the beast held tightly on the tripod and pressed it into my side. My arm could not move, and I sensed that my bones were going to break.

Drawing back my free hand, I struck the bear as hard as I could for five to six times. The bear opened its mouth and I grasped its fur, trying to push it away. I was actually wrestling with the bear at this point. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the fight ended. The bear moved back towards-the forest,before returning for another attack the first time I felt panic.

Obviously satisfied that we caused no further threat, the bear moved off, destroying a fence as it went. My arm was injured, but the outcome for us could hardly have been better. I'm proud that my family remained clear-headed when panic could have led to a very different outcome.

1. How did the writer feel when faced with the brown bear?

A．Fearful but confident.	B．Nervous but brave.
C．Upset but determined.	D．Awful but hopeful.

2. The bear finally went away after it

A．got injured	B．felt safe
C．found some food	D．took away the camera

3. What does the author want to tell us?

A．We should keep calm when troubles come

B．We should rise to the challenge when faced with difficulties.

C．We should not risk ourselves in some dangerous areas.

D．We should learn to take advantage of anything at hand when in trouble.

【推荐3】I received my autoimmune disease diagnosis (自身免疫疾病诊断) in 2009, and for the first few months, I was in a very bad place. I was suffering from severe anxiety and panic attacks on a daily basis. I was no longer able to function as a “normal” person. During that time, all I could do at best was to move about the house trying to do some easy housework, and prepare meals.

After a few months on the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol, my intense tiredness improved and I slowly regained some energy. That is when I tried to follow my doctor's advice to exercise.

I clearly remember my first attempt. I was still weak, but somehow, I thought that if I could push through and pretend I had a normal life that things would get better. So, I went out and started running in the little neighborhood park. Unfortunately, I didn't last even five minutes and came back home, totally crashed. It took me several days to recover. After that first brush with exercise, I understood that I would have to start slow.

I began going on daily walks with my husband around the block. Slowly, we went further and further, and my strength came back progressively.

After walking, I started to attend yoga classes. I remember barely making it through my first class. My muscles were weak and trembling (颤抖) by the time I rolled up my mat. But I was also so happy to be able to get out of the house, mix with other people and have a social life!

After yoga, I ventured into activities a little bit more strenuous (费力的), but still gentle on the joints. I was going to the swimming pool to do laps and riding my bike. Recently, after almost four years on the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol, I was finally able to start exercising regularly with a personal trainer.

1. What may the author learn from her first attempt to exercise?

A．Darkest hour is just before the dawn.

B．Where there is will, there is a way.

C．More haste, less speed.

D．Practice makes perfect.

2. How did the author find her first yoga class?

A．Helpless but fun.	B．Tiring but rewarding.
C．Amusing but challenging.	D．Relaxing but disappointing.

3. What can we know from the author’s experience?

A．Exercising contributes to good health.

B．Mood plays a vital role in one’s recovery.

C．Doctor’s advice should be strictly followed.

D．Connecting with people makes little difference.

【推荐1】If you like traveling, these less known places in New York City (NYC) are sure to create good memories that last a lifetime.

The High Line Park

The High Line Park has been only recently developed, so it is one of NYC’s most beautiful places and one of the most unique (独特的) places you could ever hope to find. It is nothing like your city park. Instead of being a park of trees, grass, and benches, it is built entirely on the top of an old above ground railway line.

The Cloisters

The Cloister is a branch (分支) of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is located in northern Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park. It is filled with gardens and medieval (中世纪的) art and buildings. If you’re looking for a memorable experience, it is sure to be a good choice.

The Dream House

If you don’t like art museums or concert halls, you can choose the Dream House on Tribeca’s Church Street. It was created in 1993 by a married couple La Monte Young, a musician, and his wife Marian Zazeela. In the Dream House, every move that visitors make in the Dream House creates a different series of sounds. Meanwhile, fantastic pink lighting guides them through their journey.

Greenacre Park

If you have ever wished you could sit next to a surprising waterfall, you can go Greenacre Park. Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan on 5lst Street, this “pocket park” has a 25-foot waterfall, quiet greenery and benches.

1. What do we know about the High Line Park?

A．It is full of tall trees.	B．It hasn’t been finished.
C．It has so many works of art.	D．It is built on the top of a railway line.

2. What can you most possibly find in the Cloisters?

A．An old train.	B．Light of different colors.
C．The Middle Ages’ art.	D．A surprising waterfall.

3. Which place should you visit if you want to experience sound and light?

A．The High Line Park.	B．The Dream House.
C．The Cloisters.	D．Greenacre Park.

【推荐2】Canada is a bilingual country with "co-official" languages. English and French enjoy equal status as the official languages of the country. This means that the public has the right to communicate with and receive services from federal(联邦的)government institutions in either English or French. Federal government employees have the right to work in the official language of their choice in bilingual regions.

Like the United States, Canada started as a colony. Beginning in the 1500s, it was part of New France but later became a British colony after the Seven Years' War. As a result, the Canadian government officially recognized the languages of both colonizers: France and England. The Constitution(宪法)Act of 1867 legally accepts the use of both languages in federal courts. Years later, Canada strengthened its commitment to bilingualism when it passed the Official Languages Act of 1969, which restated the constitutional origins of its co-official languages and set out the protections afforded by its dual-language status.

Recognition of both English and French protects the rights of all Canadians. Among other benefits, the 1969 Act recognized that Canadian citizens should be able to access federal laws and government documents, whether their native language was French or English. The general law also requires that consumer products feature bilingual packaging throughout the country.

The Canadian federal government is committed to advancing the equality of status and use of the English and French languages, within Canadian society. However, the reality is that some Canadians speak English, and of course, some Canadians speak the other language entirely.

Although the federal government theoretically guarantees bilingual services in all areas, there are many regions of Canada where English is the clear majority language, so the local government does not always seek services in French in those regions. Canadians use the phrase "where numbers warrant" to determine whether a local population's language usage requires bilingual services from the federal government.

While many Canadians are bilingual, they are not only speaking English or French. Statistics Canada finds that more than 200 languages that were not English or French, were reported as a language spoken by its people. About two-thirds of the respondents who spoke one of these languages also spoke either English or French.

1. The acceptance of two official languages in Canada is due to______________.

A．the language-using tradition caused by Canada's colonial history

B．the convenience for business dealings by using two languages in the country

C．the welcome attitude toward immigrates from all over the world.

D．the mastery of two languages of Canadians because of school education

2. In reality whether bilingual service provided by the federal government is necessary in different districts is decided by_____________.

A．the legal order from the federal government

B．the popularity of the language in the world

C．the number of schools teaching the language

D．the number of local people using the language

3. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

A．English has gained superior legal position to French because of bigger number of users in Canada.

B．The legal court usage of French and English was established in Canada in 1969.

C．Both French and English should be used on products in Canada according to federal law.

D．Canadian people speak either French or English in social communication.

4. What is the main idea of the passage?

A．The advantages of using multiple languages in Canada.

B．The history and current situation of two languages used in Canada.

C．The disadvantaged status of the French language used in Canada.

D．Canadians' advancement in balancing two languages in business world.

【推荐3】Many of us know about Russia’s Lake Baikal from our textbook, or by listening to Chinese singer Li Jian’s hit song, Lie Baikal. But over the years, the world’s deepest freshwater lake has been in the spotlight for an extreme sport.

Each March, about 150 people from around the world sign up for the Baikal Ice Marathon. The 26-mile（41, 84 kilometers）journey starts on the lake’s eastern shore. In March, the ice is a meter thick and iron-hard. Runners cross this frozen surface, finishing on the western side of the lake.

It’s believed that Lake Baikal’s beauty is incomparable. Known as the “blue eye of Siberia”, Lake Baikal has particularly clear waters. This means that its ice is almost perfectly transparent（透明的）. Seen from above, a runner on the ice looks as if he or she were jogging through space.

The scenery might be beautiful, but strong winds blast（侵袭）acorns the lake and forcible can occur within half an hour. Runners say the cold climate is what draws them and that running in such condition is a test of their limits.

“When you are in such an environment, you don’t have cars around and don’t have the noise around. I think these extreme races push you to be alone” Alicia Badalona, a 64-year-old runner from the US said.

The place offers some strange and unique characteristics for this marathon The finishing line is visible（可见的）from the start, but the endless while offers no progress markers. Tourists crowding the ice are mostly addicted to snapping sallies（自拍）and just ignore the runners.

For runners, the absence of spectators（观众）makes the race more challenging, because it’s lonely. They must fight with themselves. “You are alone on Baikal. It is your race. You are alone with yourself. All you need to do is to defeat yourself.” Veronique Messina. a French runner, told the Telegraph.

1. What has kept lake Baikal being a focus over the years？

A．A famous Chinese singer.	B．A popular song in Russian.
C．The Baikal ice marathon.	D．The coldness of Lake Baikal.

2. What does the underlined word “This” in paragraph 3 refer to？

A．The fact that the waters of Lake Baikal are clear.

B．The belief that Lake Baikal is known for its waters.

C．The reason why Lake Baikal is popular with runners.

D．The popularity that clear waters in Lake Baikal enjoy.

3. Why do runners sign up for the Baikal Ice Marathon？

A．They prefer to get close to nature.

B．They like competition with others.

C．They want to draw much attention.

D．They intend to test their own limits.

4. Why is Veronique Messina mentioned at last?

A．To prove the power of the runners for the Baikal Ice Marathon.

B．To show that runners must fight against themselves in the Marathon.

C．To explain that independence is important for marathon runners.

D．To indieato the necessity of paying attention co marathon runners.