【推荐2】For years I wanted a flower garden. But then we had Matthew. And Marvin. And the twins, Alisa and Alan. And then Helen. I was too busy raising them to grow a garden.

Money was limited, as well as time. Often when my children were little, one of them would want something that cost too much, and I’d have to say, “Do you see a money tree outside? Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know.”

Finally, all five got through high school and college and were off on their own. I started thinking again about having a garden. I wasn’t sure, though, I mean, gardens do cost money.

Then, one spring morning, on Mother’s Day, I was working in my kitchen. Suddenly, I realized that cars were tooting their horns as they drove by. I looked out of the window and there was a new tree, planted right in my yard. I thought it must be a weeping willow, because I saw things blowing around on all its branches.

There was a money tree in my yard !It was true! There were dollar bills, one hundred of them, taped all over that tree. There was also a note attached: “IOU eight hours of digging time. Love. Marvin.”

Marvin kept his promise, too. He dug up a nice ten-by-fifteen foot bed for me. And my other children bought me tools, ornaments, a trellis, a sunflower stepping stone and gardening books.

That was three years ago. My garden’s now very pretty, just like I wanted. When I go out and weed or tend my flowers, I don’t seem to miss my children as much as I once did. It feels like they are right there with me. I think about what my children did for me, and I get tears in my eyes every time.

I’m still not sure that money grows on trees. But I know love does!

1. The author wasn’t able to have a garden for many years because ______

A．there was no space for it in her house

B．her children didn’t like it in the house

C．she had no time for it with five children to raise

D．she couldn’t afford the time and money

2. The underlined sentence probably means ______

A．there are no money trees in the world

B．they can get money easily

C．it’s not easy to earn money

D．they can get some money by accident

3. The author doesn’t seem to miss her children as much as before because ______

A．the children have grown up and don’t need to be taken care of

B．she has devoted all her time to the garden

C．she is angry with her children

D．seeing the garden every day reminds her of all the children having done for her

4. The best title of the passage should be ______

A．My Money Tree	B．My Pretty Garden
C．The Gift on Mother’s Day	D．My Five Children

【推荐3】One day my wife and I went shopping at the shop. We took the car as we had a lot of things to buy because my brother and his family were going to spend the weekend with us. We stopped the car in front of the shop. An hour later we came back to the car with a lot of things. Then the trouble started. We couldn’t open the car door.“Oh dear,” said my wife. “What are we going to do?”“Let’s ask the policeman,” I said. The policeman was very kind and glad to help us. A few minutes later he got the door open. Just at that moment an angry man came up and shouted. “What are you doing with my car?” We looked at the number of the car and our faces turned very red.

1. The husband and wife went shopping _________.

A．in their car

B．by bus

C．on foot

D．It didn’t mentioned

2. __________ opened the car door in the end.

A．The policeman

B．The wife

C．The husband

D．The wife and the husband

3. The owner of the car was very angry ________.

A．to find his car opened by others	B．not to find his car
C．to see a policeman standing by his car	D．to see his car broken

4. They didn’t know it was a wrong car till ____________.

A．they saw a man coming	B．they heard the man’s shout
C．they saw a policeman coming	D．they saw the number of the car

【推荐1】When Hal Donaldson was 23, fresh out of college and found himself in India, where he was writing a book for a couple feeding hungry children. He was told that there was someone he had to interview. It was Mother Teresa. After their interview, Mother Teresa had a question for him:“What are you doing to help the poor?” He told her the truth that he wasn’t focused on helping others. With a smile on her face, Mother Teresa said, “Everyone can do something.”

Donaldson returned home from India with a changed perspective. He knew he needed to do something to help others. He packed up his car and hit the road. He traveled to eight cities in America and stayed on the streets for three nights in each of them. He spent that time talking with the people he came across and he listened to their stories. “My heart broke,” he says. “I knew I could no longer just live for myself. ”

Encouraged by Mother Teresa’s words and the stories he’d heard across America, Donaldson loaded a pick-up truck with $ 300 worth of groceries. He drove around Northern California handing them out to anyone in need. As word got around about his efforts, his operation grew bigger. Donaldson created the nonprofit organization, Convoy of Hope at the age of 27.

Their work is aimed at feeding children, women’s empowerment and helping farmers. Nowadays, their work has been vital. Donaldson says. “We’d set a goal of delivering 10 million meals. We were really astonished by the response. Now, we’ve passed out 200 million meals. ”

The response from people helped by Convoy of Hope is powerful. But what means to Donaldson most is the response from people who joined their operation, driven by their need to help others. “People said they didn’t know what to do, but then they heard about us,” he says. “We underestimate what we can accomplish. It can transform lives. ”

1. How did Donaldson feel after interviewing Mother Teresa?

A．Interested.	B．Excited.
C．Surprised.	D．Inspired.

2. What does the underlined phrase “a changed perspective” in Paragraph 2 refer to?

A．His attitude towards helping people.

B．His courage to create an organization.

C．His desire to live a healthy life.

D．His doubt about his action.

3. What is the purpose of Convoy of Hope?

A．To call for attention to equal rights.

B．To help the disadvantaged in society.

C．To praise those who help others.

D．To raise employment of all walks of life.

4. What does Donaldson value most according to the text?

A．People’s eagerness to help others.

B．People’s attitude towards their own life.

C．People’s response after joining the organization.

D．People’s efforts to deliver the meals to the needy.

【推荐1】Chinese Emoji(表情符号) Circles Globe

“Funny”, a made-in-China emoji, seems to have recently moved beyond China. Now, it is more than an emoji, but a cultural expansion.

● Reaching Global Markets

A series of “funny” emoji-based bolsters(抱枕) have attracted the attention of Japanese customers. Even if one bolster is more than three times as expensive as in China, it doesn’t kill their desires to buy it. One Japanese customer Miki said, “They are just so cute and I bought three bolsters at one time for my family. And every time I see them, my mood just brightens suddenly.”

A Japanese netizen Kiro Kara said, “I think the emoji implies very complicated meanings. My dad will send it when he doesn’t agree with someone but he has to say something and behave politely.”

● Addition to Domestic Social Media

Compared with Japanese impressions of the “funny” emoji, Chinese netizens prefer to use the emoji to tease one another on social media.

One commonly seen online comment is, “We strongly suggest stopping the usage of the emoji. Because every time other people send me the emoji, I feel very uncomfortable and consider myself as a fool.”

Regarded as the most popular emoji, the “funny” emoji has received much attention since its release in 2013. In fact, the “funny” emoji is the updated version of its original one; “funny” has a smiley mouth, two eyebrows and a naughty look. All these characteristics present users a sense of satire(讽刺).

● In Everyday UseAbroad

It’s not the first time the Chinese emoji takes the world stage. Earlier this year, one emoji from the Chinese basketball celebrity Yao Ming has been spread through the Middle East region. In a city in southern Egypt, Yao’s smiling emoji has appeared frequently in local traffic signs to remind people the road ahead is one-way. Many locals do not know Yao Ming but are familiar with his emoji and nickname “Chinese Funny Face”.

As a new online language, emojis have become a necessary part of people’s daily life, helping people express their views in a more vivid and precise way. Also, it can help foreigners learn about Chinese culture. But how to properly use “the fifth innovation in China” without hurting others and turn them into commercial advantages still need answers.

1. Why do the bolsters attract Miki’s attention?

A．They are inexpensive.

B．They help reach an agreement.

C．They help brighten the mood.

D．They are helpful to express desire.

2. According to the passage, which of the following is the latest “funny” emoji?

A．	B．
C．	D．

3. Emojis are so popular worldwide mainly because people use them to _______.

A．express their views more vividly

B．present their sense of satire directly

C．imply very complicated meanings properly

D．tease one another on social media purposely

【推荐2】Police Officer Tidwell left the station just after 8 a.m. on Sunday June 4. He had spent a boring night on duty and was looking forward to his day of rest. By habit he took a short-cut down the path behind Dugby Hall road and after a minute or two he saw a man climbing down a drainpipe (雨水管)from an open bedroom window of Number 29. In silence, Tidwell crept into the garden. The man reached the ground and was dusting himself down when he felt his arm caught.

“It's 8:15 on a Sunday morning,” said the officer, "and this sort of thing seems an unlikely adventure at such a time. Would you mind explaining?"

The man was obviously scared but tried to keep calm. He said, "I know what you are thinking, officer, but it isn't true. This is a funny mistake.”

“It's part of my job to take an interest in unusual events. I think you've just left this house in a manner other than the customary one. That may be quite innocent, but I'd like to make sure." Tidwell took out his notebook and a pen. “Name, address and occupation and then, please, tell me your story..."

“Charlie Crane, lorry driver, from Nottingham, 51 Breton Street. My story...”

"Yes. What were you doing like a fly on that wall, Mr. Crane?”

“Well, I had a breakdown yesterday and had to stay the night here. Bed and breakfast. The land-lady's name is Mrs. Fern. She gave me breakfast at seven, and I was out of he: mthe right way and down at the lorry by half past seven. Only when I felt around for a cigarette did I realize I'd left $80 in my envelope under the pillow here at number 29. I always put it un er my pillow at night. It's a habit I've got into. I even do it at home...

“I see. Why didn't you miss it when you went to pay Mrs.... What's her name?”

“I'd paid her last night. You've got to pay when you take the room, see? So I came rushing back, but it's Sunday, and she'd gone back to bed, and could I wake her? I rang the bell and banged on the front door for ten minutes before I came round here to the back and spotted my bedroom window still open. Up I went, then, up this pipe. It's a trick I learned in the army. She didn't make the bed、and money was still there. You know the rest, I hope you believe it because... ”

"Mr. Crane, whatever are you doing here? I thought you'd gone an hour ago." It was Mrs.   Fem, speaking from the kitchen at the corner of the house.

1. Why was Tidwell walking along the path behind Dugby Hall road?

A．He usually discovered something suspicious along that way.

B．He knew he would get home quicker that way.

C．He chose to go that way by chance.

D．He had an appointment with a man at number 29 there.

2. The police officer questioned the man because .

A．the man had fallen and needed attention

B．he thought he knew him

C．he had seen him do a strange thing

D．the man had tried to escape from a window

3. Crane stayed the night at number 29 because .

A．he had lost his way in the dark

B．he had suddenly fallen ill that night

C．Nottingham was too far for him to drive that night

D．there was something wrong with his lorry

4. Why didn't the man realize he had left his money at the landlady's earlier?

A．Because he had no occasion to remember the money thing.

B．Because he had put the money under the pillow.

C．Because he trusted the landlady.

D．Because he was in such a hurry that morning.

5. In the end, Officer Tidwell would probably .

A．take Crane back to his office

B．accuse Crane of misbehaving

C．force Crane to pay Mrs. Fem some money

D．just let Crane go

【推荐1】Eric Davis got interested in firefighting when he was in the army. And while much of his job today is related to EMS(emergency medical services)，his first love is fighting fires. "I enjoy the job and working with people. I enjoy firefighting.” he says.

Davis studied in a firefighting school for about three months and took part in classroom work，physical exercise，and hands-on training such as fighting live fires in buildings filled with straw.

Davis says the blindfold(蒙眼的)training prepared him for real fires. "By the time we get to a fire，if it’s going pretty good，the whole house will be filled with smoke. And anytime you get near the fire, you won’t be able to see at all. Zero visibility(能见性)is the same as darkness. The blindfold training works.”

Davis believes his most important duty is making sure he’s prepared for any situation he might come across. To keep physically fit，he runs several times a week and works out. He takes classes to keep up his skills and trains regularly by fighting practice fires. Sometimes this includes cutting holes in roofs, which helps allow smoke to pass out and improves visibility for firefighters inside the building.

Firefighting means plenty of risks. Besides，Davis says·"You have to be willing to help any person you come across.” If someone is trapped，Davis or another firefighter will put himself at risk to get the person out. Davis says he is not afraid when he’s fighting a fire. He does what’s needed.

1. What is David’s main duty at present?

A．Providing emergency medical care.	B．Fighting fires in tall buildings.
C．Giving firefighters training.	D．Saving people trapped in fires.

2. Where did David learn firefighting?

A．In the army.	B．In the hospital.}
C．In the classroom.	D．In a professional school.

3. Why were learners trained blindfold?

A．To experience how the blind feel.	B．To protect their eyes from the smoke.
C．To recreate a real fire situation.	D．To prepare for firefighting at night.

4. What can we infer about Davis?

A．He was once an army man.

B．He tries his best to be a good firefighter.

C．He helps improve the working conditions.

D．He is worried about the safety of firefighters.

【推荐2】The holidays are a time to give. These charities一and many more一are looking for voluteers and donations.

World Wildlife Found

The World Wildlife Fund is helping to protect endangered species through the Symbolic Species Adoption program. Those who “adopt’’an animal will receive an adoption certificate and a photo of their species. Anyone can support endangered species year round by buying WWF apparel (服装）.worldwildlife.org/givng

DoSomething.org

This month, Dosomething. org launched their holiday campaign，“ Grandparents Gone Wired. The goal of the campaign is to make it easier for senior citizens to keep in touch with their loved ones using the Internet. Teens can volunteer to help seniors in their community. Volunteers are able to win prizes and scholarships, dosomething. org/grandparents

Coins for Change

Disney’s Club Penguin, a virtual gaining site for kids, launched its annual Coins for Change campaign this month. From Dec. 15 to Dec. 27，Club Penguin players can donate virtual coins to real-world causes. If players reach the donation goal, Club Penguin will donate $2 million to charity projects. clubpenguin. com.

Toys for Tots

Each year, the U. S. Marine Corps Toys Program collects new, unwrapped toys for the holidays. Communities across the nation host Toys for Tots drives around the holiday season. The toys collected are given as gifts to needy children so they can experience the joy of Christmas. toyfortots. org

American Red Cross

All you need is a pen and a piece of paper. The American Red Cross Holiday Mail Heroes Program is collecting handwritten card to send to members of the U. S. Armed Forces during the holidays. The charity has also set up a Holiday Giving Catalog where you can buy personal gifts, such as babysitting lessons. redcross. org

The Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drive

The Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drive is a non-profit organization sponsored by ABC’s Good Morning America and Burlington Coat Factory. During the holiday season Burlington stores collect gently worn coats. The donated coats are given to people in need to keep warm during the winter. oneivarmcoat. org

1. David, 8, is fond of playing virtual games. Which charity should he attend?

A．Coins for Change.	B．Toys for Tots.
C．DoSomething, org.	D．American Red Cross.

2. Handwritten cards for members of the U. S. Armed Forces are collected by

A．Disney’s Club Penguin

B．the Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drive

C．the U. S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program

D．the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes Program

3. From the passage we can lean that_______ .

A．Club Penguin donates $2 million to charity projects yearly

B．old toys collected are given to needy children as gifts

C．teens can help seniors contact their family members online

D．whoever donates warm coats is likely to win scholarships

4. Where can most probably the text be taken from?

A．A magazine.	B．A bulletin board.
C．The Internet.	D．A newspaper.

【推荐3】Chinese painting, also known as the traditional national painting, one of the traditional paintings with a long history, has its unique and independent system. Using brushes, ink, and Chinese pigments (天然颜料), a painting is drawn on a special kind of paper (Xuan paper) or silk. The traditional subjects are figures, landscapes, flowers and birds.

In comparison with Western painting, Chinese painting has its own artistic characteristics. After a careful study of the object, a painter can discover the rules of its structure, and then produce it by the mind’s eye. It is not merely a simple copy, but it combines the object with the artistic concept of the producer, turning a natural image into an “artistic image”. The object can show the artist’s feelings and personality to achieve the effect of “being alike not only in spirit, but also in appearance”. Not all the objects are to be drawn on the paper, and much space is left for the imagination. The use of lines is important in Chinese painting. Clear, swift, sharp and changeable lines are combined with the push, point and press of the brush and ink to show the quality of the object and variations of tone (色调). Ancient Chinese artists listed 18 different ways of drawing lines with the brush in figure painting. Different ways of creating lines are used when painting a landscape, flowers and birds, clouds, and bamboos.

Traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy are different branches of art stemming (起源) from the same origin. They use the same kind of tools and all the lines used in painting are variations of the points and lines of calligraphy. Though they are different artistic forms, they are closely linked in terms of their expression of thoughts and feelings. They influence each other to create another artistic feature.

1. Which of the following words can describe the common subjects of traditional Chinese     painting?

A．Valuable.	B．Independent.
C．Special.	D．Natural.

2. The writer believes that a traditional Chinese painter’s picture ________.

A．reflects social problems of his times	B．describes mainly a natural image
C．expresses his thoughts	D．tells a true story

3. It can be inferred that a traditional Chinese painter spent much time ________.

A．traveling	B．learning to draw lines
C．reading	D．studying calligraphy before drawing

4. What do painting and calligraphy have in common?

A．Using the similar techniques.	B．Starting from the same period.
C．Belonging to the same artistic form.	D．Covering the same themes.