【推荐2】Jeff was diagnosed in 2010 with multiple myeloma (多发性骨髓瘤). It is a disease that is usually noticed when grandpa falls and breaks his hip. The average patient is in his early 70s. But Jeff was only 50 when diagnosed.

“I wondered why me, as a young guy?” Jeff says. But his relative youth and good health has put him in a position to fight the disease in his way.

In January Jeff and his wife Ramona will join a team climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. It’s an adventure he’s dreamed about since the 4th grade.

Jeff will be one of four in the group who are myeloma patients not willing to be threatened by cancer. He and Ramona have raised nearly $18,000 toward their combined goal of $20,000.

Still, he’s confident that his earlier marathon training has prepared him to climb the highest free-standing mountain in the world. “I just have to deal with it and understand my limitations.” he says.

What Jeff sees is a clear future. “Having cancer narrows the focus about what we want to do and who we want to do it with.” he says. He and Ramona now ask themselves, “How do we go out and live the most fulfilling lives? Who are the most important people in our lives? What brings us joy?”

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is their next adventure, but Jeff knows it won’t be just a personal accomplishment. “I do these things for all the people who can’t.” he says.

Jeff is certain that his passion for hiking and adventure will take him to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and that his story will inspire those with multiple myeloma to keep sight of who they are beyond their diagnosis.

“It’s obvious to me,” he says, “that this is part of my fate.”
1. What’s the main purpose for Jeff and his wife to climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro?

A．To get enough physical training to be stronger.

B．To show love for climbing high mountains.

C．To express determination to overcome the disease.

D．To raise awareness and money for the organization.

2. What’s Jeff’s attitude towards his disease?

A．Worried

B．Optimistic

C．Favorable

D．Indifferent

3. What’s the best title for the text?

A．Part of fate.	B．Power of willingness.
C．Love for adventure.	D．An unusual disease.

【推荐3】Sunshine on a rainy day

Have you ever had a day when everything seemed to go wrong, and nothing seemed to go right? Not too long ago I was having one of those days. I was discouraged, weary, and sad. My focus was on me, me ,me. After all, no one else was experiencing the same trials as I was.

I expressed my downcast state to my mother, hoping for some pity. Instead, she said, “I hear that Jamie was having a difficult day too. Why don’t you make her some cookies and we’ll take them to her this afternoon?” I didn’t really want to, but decided that I didn’t want to go back to my other problems just yet. I made the cookies and arranged them on a little plate. Then I made a card with a sunflower on it and wrote a note of empathy.

That afternoon we dropped in my friend’s house. I went to the door and rang the bell. Soon, Jamie came to the door and looked at me in surprise for the unexpected visit. Before she could say anything I rushed, “I heard you were having a hard day and decided to bring you something. I hope your day goes better.” The look that came over Jamie’s face was one that I could never put into words. It was as if a darkened sky was suddenly lit with the golden rays of the sun; it was as if in that small act, her day was brightened.

I got back into the car and for some amazing reason, I felt a lot better myself. That day I experienced the truth that James Barrie attempted to describe. “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves.”

1. Why did the writer feel discouraged?

A．Because everything she did went wrong.	B．Because she had quarreled with her friends.
C．Because she always focused on herself.	D．Because she had some trials.

2. What was the mother’s react when the writer went to her for help?

A．She showed great pity.	B．She didn’t care at all.
C．She laughed about it.	D．She made a good suggestion.

3. Which of the following has the closest meaning of the underlined word “empathy”?

A．Message

B．Thanks

C．Comfort

D．Visit

4. Where do you think the “small act” as the writer said come from?

A．Hardship.

B．Care of others.

C．Cruelty

D．Worries from others.

【推荐1】My family and I never talked about school as the ticket to a future. I was in the classroom, but I wasn’t there to learn to write, read or even speak. When it was my turn to read, I wanted to hide. I was 13 years old, but I already hated being who I was.

I had an English teacher, Mr. Creech, who knew I couldn’t read. In one of my first lessons the teacher said that anyone who had a reading age below six had to stand up. I felt so embarrassed. But at the same time, it made me realize that I needed to change the situation. I was determined it wouldn’t happen again. Later that day, Mr. Creech encouraged me and promised he would try his best to help me learn to read. From then on, I never gave up practicing reading.

Then when I was 41 years old, one day, I planned to fly back to Texas to visit my friends and family. On my way from the airport, I saw Mr. Creech buying himself a drink. I rushed over and reached into my pocket to pay for him. “Do I know you?” he asked. “Yes, sir, you do know me,” I answered excitedly. “My name is Anthony Hamilton. You taught me English.” The look on his face told me that he remembered the boy he’d once encouraged.

“I’m so glad I had a chance to see you,” I said. “And Mr. Creech, I have great news to share.” I told him I had learned to read. But that wasn’t all. I had become a published author and an active speaker. “The next time you get another Anthony Hamilton in your classroom, please encourage him to read as well,” I added.

The experts say what once worried me has a name: dyslexia (诵读困难). But I can tell you it was a lack of desire for education.

1. Why did the author want to hide?

A．Because he felt sorry for himself.	B．Because he hated being laughed at.
C．Because he couldn’t read at all.	D．Because he didn’t have a ticket.

2. Which of the following could best describe Mr. Creech?

A．Considerate and dutiful.	B．Demanding and enthusiastic.
C．Emotional and dedicated.	D．Friendly and ambitious.

3. Why couldn’t the author read before meeting Mr. Creech?

A．Because his reading age was not long enough.

B．Because his parents didn’t teach him how to read.

C．Because he was afraid of reading before the class.

D．Because he didn’t have inner driving force to learn to read.

4. What can we infer from the passage?

A．The author was grateful to Mr. Creech.

B．Dyslexia made the author unable to read.

C．The author had become an active speaker.

D．Mr. Creech taught two Anthony Hamiltons.

【推荐2】When I was a little girl, you and I loved decorating the living room and tree to make it look festive. We loved Christmas. After decorating, we would bake cakes. “Make enough mince pies (肉末馅饼), because Santa likes them,” you would tell me.

Christmas Eve came, I was totally excited at the thought of Santa coming. I’d get into my neatly made bed and fall asleep until Christmas morning.

I’d wake up and thrill at the sight before me. At the bottom of my bed would be loads of presents that Santa had brought during the night. I’d scream in delight, excitedly tearing the paper open. Running downstairs, I would discover there were also lots of presents around the Christmas tree.

Many years later, the tradition continued and we’d bake the mince pies and cakes. The only thing that stopped was the presents at the end of the bed I grew out of them.

One afternoon, we were making extra mince pies as usual when I casually commented that you really loved them, “Those extra mince pies were actually never for Santa, They were for you!” You never said a word a silly smile was your only reply.

Christmas changed in 1986,   when you suffered a serious brain haemorrhage ( 脑出血 ) . After suffering throughout Christmas, you passed away on the 29 December.

Only now am I starting to enjoy Christmas again, and while I don t do the baking any more, I do have mince pies in the house. I leave one out just for you, as if you were still a part of my Christmas. And I make sure I put up the decorations in memory of you, and us. At the end of the letter, thanks for the wonderful memories of Christmas, Mum.

1. Why was the author excited at Christmas Eve?

A．She would dream of Santa.

B．She would receive a lot of presents.

C．She would have enough mince pies.

D．She would decorate the Christmas tree.

2. What was different many years later?

A．Mum no longer baked the mince pies.

B．Santa no longer brought presents to the author.

C．The author was old enough not to receive presents.

D．The author got tired of the same presents every year.

3. Why didn’t Mum say a word when the author said the pie was for her?

A．The author told the truth.	B．Santa didn’t like mince pies.
C．She ate the extra mince pies.	D．The author couldn’t understand her yet.

4. What’s the author s purpose of writing the passage?

A．To remember her mother.	B．To express thanks to Santa.
C．To reflect on the past old days.	D．To record memories of Christmas.

【推荐3】Not only kids of Tiger Moms go to Harvard.

Dawn Loggins of Lawndale，N.C.is on her way to Harvard，one of the eight world­famous universities in the eastern US.Nobody encouraged her to study or paid for her special classes.This girl created her own future.

The teen was abandoned by her family last summer，when her parents and two sisters moved to Tennessee.She found herself homeless and had to spend the night on friend's sofas.

The school bus driver learned about Dawn's situation and invited Dawn to move in with her family.Soon，Dawn had a job at Burns High School.She worked from 6 a．m.to 7：40 a．m.before the first school bell rang.She swept floors and picked up trash again in the afternoons，before diving into her studies in the evenings.

Dawn's hard work paid off.She finished school with a 3.9 GPA and scored 2，110 on the SAT.

“There were times when I felt like it would be easiest if I gave up，”the 18­year­old said.“But it was never in me to give up，because I realized that I was never going to be successful unless I got an education.”

Even before Dawn's family left her，she led a difficult life.Her family was poor and cups of noodles were often the only food.Dawn“studied by candlelight”because her parents couldn't afford to pay the electricity bill(电费)．

Dawn has now reconnected with her family.They are proud of her accomplishments(成就)and are attending her high school graduation.

1. Why didn't Dawn give up her studies?

A．To reconnect with her family.

B．To thank those who had helped her.

C．To get an education to be successful.

D．To realize her dream of going to Harvard.

2. Who helped Dawn when she found herself homeless?

A．Her teachers.	B．Her neighbors.
C．A Tiger Mom.	D．A school bus driver.

3. What does the underlined word“abandoned”mean in Chinese?

A．宠爱	B．抛弃
C．鼓励	D．虐待

4. Which of the following words describes Dawn?

A．Open-­minded.	B．Good-­natured.
C．Strong-­willed.	D．Warm-­hearted

5. What is the best title for the text?

A．Another Harvard girl

B．A girl in candlelight

C．From homeless to Harvard

D．The role of Tiger Moms

【推荐1】A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa awarded to persons wishing to travel to one or many of the countries that make of the 26 European country Schengen Area. It grants (授予) each holder entry to all the countries in the area on a single visa. Several new Schengen visa application rules came into force in all countries on February 2, 2020. Check out some of the major changes:

Increased visa fees

The Schengen visa fee has increased from 60 euros to 80 for adults, while children aged between 6 and 12 now need to pay 40 euros instead of 35.

The rise in fees is to increase staff numbers, ensure stronger security screenings, and upgrade IT equipment and software, according to the European Commission.

Electronic application form

The application process has been greatly simplified. Schengen member   states now accept electronic applications, and the application form can be signed and submitted electronically.

Longer application submission periods

Schengen visa applicants used to apply as early as three months ahead of their trip. Today applications can be submitted up to six months in advance.

Benefits for frequent travelers

Those who have previously visited the Schengen Area and have a positive visa history will be granted the opportunity to get a multiple-entry visa valid for up to five years. That is, people who have lawfully used their previous visas, have a good economic standing in their home countries, and intend to leave the area before their Schengen visa expires (过期) will now have the chance to get a visa for up to five years with multiple entries.

1. If a couple with a seven-year-old kid apply for Schengen visas, how much should they pay under the new rules?

A．45 euros.

B．80 euros.

C．155 euros.

D．200 euros.

2. When applying for a Schengen visa now, you can .

A．upgrade your computer software

B．hand in an electronic application form

C．get all your materials ready before February 2

D．turn in your application 9 months in advance

3. To frequent travelers to the Schengen Area, the new rules are more .

A．specific

B．complicated

C．favourable

D．rigid

【推荐2】Imagine taking to the skies, spreading your arms out and soaring（翱翔）through the clouds. Flying is indeed possible-in your dreams. But no one can control what happens in dreams, right? Wrong.

Dreams in which you are aware that you are dreaming and can control what happens are called lucid dreams（清醒梦）. These dreams are most common during the stage of sleep known as rapid eye movement（REM）sleep.

Lucid dreaming has been referenced throughout history. It’s mentioned in Greek philosopher Aristotle’s writing, as well as in Egyptian hieroglyphics（象形文字）and in the oral traditions of Australian aborigines. However, it wasn’t until 1975 that British psychologist Keith Hearne was credited as the first person to produce scientific proof that lucid dreams occur. Since then, we have learned much more about this phenomenon.

According to a study published in the journal Consciousness and Cognition, 55 percent of people have had a lucid dream at least once in their lifetime, while 23 percent experience lucid dreams once a month or more. Though these numbers show that the majority of people don’t have lucid dreams regularly, scientists are developing new technology for those who want to have this experience. For example, Curzio Vasapollo invented a device called ZMax, a headband that can monitor eye movements, body movements and heart rate to help people have a lucid dream.

But why would someone want to have lucid dreams? As it turns out, lucid dreaming can have many benefits. Alix Generous, a young woman suffering from autism（自闭症）, said in her TED talk：“I love lucid dreaming because it allows me to be free，without judgment of social and physical consequences.” Also, learning how to have lucid dreams may help those who suffer from nightmares. Through being able to control their actions, they may be able to overcome the cause of their fear.

Lucid dreams may encourage creativity as well. According to the website Notes Read, those who experience this dream state will find access to “an unbelievable fund of knowledge and inspiration”. For example, British American filmmaker Christopher Nolan took inspiration from his own lucid dreams when he wrote the 2010 sci-fi movie Inception. Maybe one day, everyone can indulge in（沉浸在）lucid dreams.

1. What can we know about lucid dreaming?

A．It’s likely to cause nightmares.

B．Most people experience lucid dreams.

C．It usually happens during REM sleep.

D．We can sleepwalk when lucid dreaming.

2. From which source can you find scientific proof of lucid dreaming?

A．Aristotle’s writing.	B．Egyptian hieroglyphics.
C．Keith Hearne’s research.	D．Australian aborigines’ oral traditions.

3. A device called ZMax was invented to help people who want ________.

A．to prevent nightmares	B．to do some literary writing
C．to experience a lucid dream	D．to have sweet dreams regularly

4. How does lucid dreaming benefit people?

A．It can be a source of creativity.	B．It is an effective cure for autism.
C．It helps people adjust their heart rate.	D．It enables people to become confident.

5. What is the main purpose of the passage?

A．To demonstrate new technologies to treat sleep disorder.

B．To give a general introduction of lucid dreaming.

C．To describe an experiment about lucid dreaming.

D．To present a way to deal with lucid dreaming.

【推荐3】THEN WE CAME TO THE END
Joshua Ferris

The first novel by American author Joshua Ferris was so different, because it is written in the second on; the group of odd office colleagues talk and act as a collective. It must have been hard to maintain, but Ferris does a great job. It is really a good novel set in boring office environments.

THE GRAPES OF WRATH
John Steinbeck

Obviously a classic and still popular, the themes of this novel are timeless and echo just us strongly today. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows a family of “Okies” — poor migrant farmers from Oklahoma — as they head west seeking work.

PROPERTY
Lionel Shriver

Short stories from one of our best contemporary writers. Exploring the theme of possessions and ownership from many angles, this is certainly one for Marie Kondo fans. I have long been interested in what it is about things that can hook some people. The drive to possess items that serve no obvious purpose is most appealing to me. Fine, if an item is something given to you by someone special. But if you take a look around you, some things are probably simply useless and unmemorable. Shriver’s book explores it better.

THE LOVE THAT I HAVE
James Maloney

This absorbing story is about Margot Baumann, who takes a job in a mail-room in what, as later becomes clear, is a concentration camp. The amazing thing is the perspective it gives of German life during World War Ⅱ. Of course not all Germans, probably the large majority, had any real idea of what was going on. Within Margot’s immediate circle you see the reactions among the German population to the rise and fall of their beloved — or hated-Fuhrer (元首). And nation.

1. For whom is this text mainly intended?

A．Novelists.	B．Book addicts.
C．Editors.	D．Story tellers.

2. Who may be liked by Marie Kondo fans?

A．Joshua Ferris.	B．John Steinbeck.
C．Lionel Shriver.	D．James Maloney

3. What is special about THE LOVE THAT I HAVE?

A．It follows a family of “Okies”.

B．It is set in boring office environments.

C．It tells stories about a contemporary writer.

D．It explores the rise and fall of a nation in the world.

【推荐1】A Japanese company has ordered all of its 2,700 employees to get identical (一模一样的) hairstyles. For men, the preferred cut is short on the sides and back but longer on top. For women, the company prefers a bob with a longer fringe (刘海) that can be swept to one side. This unusual request is its effort to help the country save energy.

The spokeswoman for the Tokyo-based construction firm Maeda Corporation Chizuru Inoue explained, “Our company is eager to protect the environment and we encourage our staff to carry out many environment-friendly actions.”

She added, “We are not sure of the data yet, but we believe if people have short hair, they do not need to use their hair driers for so long and they will use less water. If all our employees do this, then we may save a lot of power.” Some staff are confused about which style they must have and have been asking which salons (美容院) give the best cut.

The energy-saving move is part of a national campaign to reduce energy consumption (消耗) following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Japan has been struggling to produce enough electricity since the tsunami（海啸） ended production at the Fukushima plants. The disaster resulted in a review of the country’s energy policy that now means less than a quarter of its remaining nuclear plants are in use. The government has talked about a move away from nuclear energy towards more sustainable (能持续的) technologies. Many government departments have taken measures to save power, including a reduced use of air conditioning in offices and schools. Many employees cannot turn down the air conditioner below 27 degrees in the hottest summer months.

1. The company gave the order of hairstyles to       .

A．keep the company offices clean	B．show a good image of the business
C．make the staff look tidy and pretty	D．help reduce energy consumption

2. After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan       .

A．is building more nuclear plants	B．has to rethink its energy policy
C．limits people’s daily energy use	D．decides to close old nuclear plants

3. It can be inferred from the text that       .

A．nuclear power forms 1/4 of Japan’s energy	B．nuclear plants will soon disappear in Japan
C．the company is not alone in saving energy	D．other companies have copied the “hairstyle order”

4. What would be the best title for the text?

A．Sustainable power is welcome in Japan	B．Nuclear disaster brings bad results
C．Short hairstyles may help save energy	D．Japan is lacking in energy

【推荐2】As the Camp Fire continued, killing at least 85 people and displacing thousands more in Northern California, Madison waited there.

Gaylord, the Anatolian shepherd mix’s owner, was not able to get to her home in Paradise, when the fire began to spread, meaning Madison was left behind. For weeks, all Gaylord could do was pray for Madison’s safety, according to California-based animal rescue organization Paw Print Rescue.

Sullivan, a volunteer with the organization, had already helped locate Madison’s brother Miguel in a different city. But Madison was even more difficult to find. Sullivan spotted Madison a few times in a canyon (峡谷), apparently guarding his land, and put out fresh food and water regularly in hopes that the dog would turn up, according to a Facebook post by Sullivan. She even placed an article of clothing that smelled like Gaylord near the home “to keep Madison’s hope alive until his people could return,” Sullivan wrote.

When the evacuation (疏散) order was lifted last week and Gaylord went back to her home—which had been ruined by the fire—her prayers were answered: Madison was there, seemingly protecting what little remained of his family’s home. “Well, I’m so happy to report that Gaylord was allowed to return to her home today and THERE MADISON WAS!!!! He had stayed to protect what was left of his home, and never gave up on his people!” Sullivan wrote in the comment on her Facebook post. “I’m so happy I’m crying as I write this! He didn’t give up through the storms or the fire!” she added.

Soon afterward, Madison was reunited with Miguel for the first time since the fire broke out. An emotional Gaylord said in an interview with the network that she was overcome with joy to see Madison waiting for her. She also expressed how grateful she was to Sullivan. Gaylord said fighting through tears, “You could never ask for better animals. He is the best dog.”

1. What did Madison do during the Camp Fire?

A．He rescued Sullivan.

B．He waited for Gaylord.

C．He stayed with Miguel.

D．He ran away from Paradise.

2. Why did Sullivan place an article of clothing smelling like Gaylord near the home?

A．To keep Madison warm.

B．To get Madison to turn up.

C．To help Madison remember his owner.

D．To encourage Madison not to give up.

3. Where was Madison finally found?

A．In a different city.	B．In a canyon.
C．At a camp.	D．At his home.

4. What quality is emphasized in this story?

A．Patience.	B．Unity.
C．Devotion.	D．Wisdom.

【推荐3】I started to learn English when I was in elementary school. Together with my two friends, I had English classes with a private teacher. I lacked motivation and I learned very little. This stage was insignificant and could just as well have not happened at all.
I began to learn English in earnest when I went to high school. I was in the same class with Michael, but in different groups. I was in a group for students who were to learn English from scratch, and he was in a group for those who had already known some English. Very soon, my teacher noticed that my English was improving rapidly and he told me to join the group for the advanced learners. This was the worst thing that could have happened to me. My new teacher, who was Irish, didn’t speak Polish so I couldn’t understand her and I never knew what I was supposed to do. I was completely at a loss. My English didn’t improve at all. As a result, at the end of that year I was sent back to the group for beginners.
My stay with the advanced group made me realize what kind of learning strategies I should use in the future. I discovered that I cannot pick up a new language directly from foreigners. I started to learn hard again.
I translated into Polish all new words that appeared in my course-book. Before a test I would memorize dozens of words with their Polish equivalents (对等物). However, later I would never revise those words so I would soon forget most of them.
I knew that I should improve my learning techniques and I decided to ask for help those who had the best results in our class, that is Michael. That wasn’t easy because in the second grade, they seemed to look down on girls. So after a few attempts to approach them I decided to give up. For two years I learned English using the method described above. My English was improving but I was still forgetting new words. Finally, in the fourth grade I got closer to Michael, who started to show me how to learn English more efficiently, which was a breakthrough in the whole process of my learning English.
Michael encouraged me to read books in English with monolingual dictionaries. Several months later, I began to write e-mail messages in English.
I have been using these techniques for four years, and in my opinion, I have achieved pretty good results.
1. Which of the author’s English learning experiences was not worthy of notice?

A．In elementary school.

B．The first year in high school.

C．The second and third years in high school.

D．The fourth year in high school.

2. Of the following experiences, which one made the greatest suffering to the author?

A．She shared a private English teacher with his two friends.

B．She was moved to the advanced group in the first high school year.

C．She was sent back to the group for beginners.

D．She got Michael to help her in English.

3. What did the author learn from her study in the advanced group?

A．She could not learn a new language quite well.

B．Learning strategies are not important.

C．The Irish teacher is not suitable for her.

D．She had to ask for help those who had the best results in her class.

4. What is the most important thing in the author’s process of English learning?

A．Michael began to teach her an efficient way of learning English.

B．She tried to read books in English.

C．She tried to use monolingual dictionaries.

D．She tried to write e-mail messages in English.