Matly Gregg, a 40-year-old former Apple engineer, needed a change in his life. So, he decided he would run across the country.
Gregg wants to run for office in 2022 in New Hampshire and hopes to get in touch with the “real America” by running 5,075 miles across the country before he does so. He is also trying to raise $ 1 million for Firefighter Cancer Support Network. “It’s a great conversation starter with complete strangers,” Gregg said. “I think we can raise $ 1 million, and I also think our firefighters are worth it, especially in light of what’s happening now in California.”
Gregg stated his run on November 6. So far, he has been averaging about 25 miles a day and has made stops in Santa Cruz and Salinas, California. “I’ve had this goal for a very long time, ever since the Terry Fox Story. That movie inspired me to start running as a kid, and running across the country. I always felt it would be something that would change my life.” Gregg said. “My family loves it. We’re all a little ambitious. My coworkers mostly think I’m crazy. My friends love that I’m taking a different path to my life knowing that I was very comfortable at Apple,” Gregg said. “But I see real places in this world where I can make a larger impact, and I need to get out there and learn more before I can help.”
Gregg recently purchased his childhood home on his 40th birthday — the house had been off the market for 20 years. “The idea that I’m running back to it keeps me motivated every day. My father passed away when I was young, and he built that house,” Gregg said. “I’ve only spent two days in it (I haven’t slept in it yet), and I can say nothing will make me more thrilled than the moment when I am to go back to it to explore.”
1. Why does Gregg want to run across the country?| A．To prove his ability. | B．To raise money. |
| C．To improve his health. | D．To meet strangers. |
| A．A movie. | B．A change. | C．A fire. | D．A feeling. |
| A．He begins his run al the speed of 25 miles. |
| B．He needs more help in the course of running. |
| C．His family members are in support of him. |
| D．He takes a different path to reach the destination. |
| A．Upset. | B．Exhausted. | C．Curious. | D．Excited. |
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【推荐1】It's not often to see a woman who’s seven months pregnant running a marathon. But Beatie Deutsch is anything but typical.
The 30-year-old mother of five is ranked as one of the top women marathon runners in the world and, as of today, has qualified for the 32nd Summer Olympics. What impresses people more deeply is that, unlike many Olympic hopefuls who have been training their whole lives, Deutsch only took up running four years ago.
Why did she train for a marathon? "I was really out of shape after having five kids," she said. "So I set the goal for myself of running a marathon and that helped me. I needed something to be motivated to get out there and train every day. I didn't ever expect it to take me to this."
The Israeli press has been tracking her with pride, calling her "Speedy Beatie". Hoping to add more purpose to her newfound fame, Deutsch uses her running as a way to raise money for a charity Beit Daniella. This nonprofit organization provides a recovery center for youths who are struggling with mental health issues.
That mission（使命）is helping fuel her Olympic dreams. At the Tiberias Marathon last month, Deutsch was the fastest woman in the race. This past September, she finished the Cape Town Marathon in two hours and thirty-six minutes. That's a few minutes shy of her personal best of two hours and twenty-nine minutes, a time that qualifies her for the Olympics. She will try to shave even more time off when she competes in the Rotterdam Marathon this April.
It's remarkable for someone who started her athletic career in her late 20s. "I always tell people to have big dreams, and set huge goals. Don't get caught up in the place where we are right now and have tunnel vision and are limited in what we see of ourselves," said Deutsch, who now travels the world as a motivational speaker.
1. What is the main reason for Deutsch's being impressive?| A．Her typical birth place. | B．Her five lovely children. |
| C．Her identity as a marathon runner | D．Her short time involved in running |
| A．Creative. | B．Caring. |
| C．Modest. | D．Adaptable. |
| A．Deutsch’s dream | B．Deutsch’s mission |
| C．Deutsch's achievement. | D．Deutsch's shy personality. |
| A．Life lies in movement. | B．Dream big and aim high |
| C．Interest is the best teacher. | D．Wealth is nothing without health. |
J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter book series, began writing at age 6. In her biography, she remembers with great fondness when her good friend, Sean, whom she met in secondary school, became the first person to encourage her and help build the confidence that one day she would be a very good writer.
“He was the first person with whom I really discussed my serious ambition to be a writer. He was also the only person who thought I was bound to be a success at it, which meant much more to me than I ever told him at the time.”
Despite many setbacks Rowling persevered in her writing, particularly fantasy stories. But it wasn’t until l990 that she first conceived the idea about Harry Potter. As she recalls, it was on a long train journey from London to Manchester that the idea of Harry Potter simply fell into my head. To my immense frustration (沮丧), I didn’t have a functioning pen with me, and I was too shy to ask anybody if I could borrow one. I think, now, that this was probably a good thing, because I simply sat and thought, for four (delayed train) hours, and all the details bubbled up in my brain, and this scrawny, black-haired, bespectacled boy who didn’t know he was a wizard became more and more real to me.”
That same year, her mother passed away after a ten-year battle with multiple sclerosis, which deeply affected her writing. She went on to marry and had a daughter, but separated from her husband shortly afterwards.
During this time, Rowling was diagnosed with clinical depression. Unemployed, she completed her first novel in area cafes, where she could get her daughter to fall asleep. After being rejected by l2 publishing houses, the first Harry Potter novel was sold to a small British publishing house.
Now with seven books that have sold nearly 400 million copies in 64 languages, J. K. Rowling is the highest earning novelist in history. And it all began with her commitment to writing that was fostered by the confidence of a friend !
1. Who believed J. K. Rowling was to be a good writer?
| A．Her friend Sean. | B．Her mother. | C．Her daughter. | D．Her husband. |
| A．at the age of 6 | B．on a train journey |
| C．after her mother’s death | D．in her secondary school |
| A．her train was delayed for four hours |
| B．she didn’t have a pen with her |
| C．her mind suddenly went blank |
| D．no one would offer her help |
| A．open-minded | B．warm-hearted | C．good-natured | D．strong-willed |
| A．hardship makes a good novelist |
| B．the courage to try is a special ability |
| C．you can have a wonderful idea everywhere |
| D．encouragement contributes to one’s success |
The car started to move very slowly. The man looked at the road and saw a curve(拐弯处) coming his way. Terrified, he started to pray, begging for his life. He had not come out of shock when, just before the car hit the curve, a hand suddenly appeared through the window and moved the wheel. The man, paralyzed with fear, watched how the hand appeared every time the car was drawing near a curve. Finally, although terrified, the man managed to open the door and jump out of the spooky(怪异的) car. Without looking back, the man ran through the storm all the way to the nearest town. In a state of complete horror, the man walked into a nearby bar and asked for two glasses of Scotch whisky.
Then, still shaking with fright, he started telling everybody in the bar about the horrible experience he just went through in the spooky car. Everyone in the bar listened in silence and became frightened, with hair standing on end, when they realized the man was telling the truth because he was crying and he was certainly not drunk!
About half an hour later, two other young men walked into the same bar and one said to the other,“Hey, there’s a stupid man who jumped into the car while we were pushing it!”
1. When the car was first drawing near a curve, the man .
| A．felt very curious | B．was extremely frightened |
| C．cried for help | D．remained as calm as possible |
| A．His reasonable behavior. | B．His vivid description. |
| C．His simple appearance. | D．His honest attitude. |
| A．it is unsafe for people to take a free ride |
| B．the man was telling a lie to his listeners |
| C．the car probably broke down on the way |
| D．the two young men were familiar with the man |
【推荐1】A man who lives alone in the Rocky Mountains has become a hero for climate scientists because of his unusual hobby. The man is called Billy Barr——he writes his name with small b’s——and for 50 years he has been the only person who kept living in Gothic, a small town in Colorado.
In the summer of 1973, Billy decided he wasn’t happy in the regular world, so he moved to Gothic, where he felt more relaxed. Every summer, scientists come to Gothic’s Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (生物实验室) ——or RMBL——for research. But in winter, Billy is alone. Having little to do, Billy started keeping records of snow levels, temperatures and animal sightings. For Billy this was fun. He has always liked numbers. So he continued keeping records——for 50 years.
Over time, he started working at the RMBL, looking after the place and keeping records. He made the laboratory his home, and became friends with the scientists. One day, Billy mentioned his hobby to a scientist, who asked to see his records and realized at once how important they were. Those records of fifty years show climate change and its effects very clearly: Winters are getting warmer, and the snow is disappearing earlier. Now Billy’s records have been used in many academic papers and there’s a short film about him called The Snow Guardian. He still keeps his records, but now he uses Excel and a website instead of notebooks.
Although he has other hobbies, like playing cricket and watching Bollywood movies, his records have made him famous among climate scientists. But why does he write his name with small b’s? Well, Billy said that it felt more comfortable. “I live a quiet little life,” he said. “And I enjoy it.”
1. Why did Billy move to Gothic?| A．He didn’t get along with his family. | B．The life there was relaxing. |
| C．He applied for a job there. | D．He dreamed of being a scientist. |
| A．To do his duty. | B．To make a living. |
| C．To fight against loneliness. | D．To study climate change. |
| A．Common. | B．Formal. | C．Useful. | D．Boring. |
| A．Nothing can stop us from realizing our dreams. |
| B．Success means getting personal needs satisfied. |
| C．Life is not perfect, but that’s what makes it interesting. |
| D．With love and patience, everyone can make a difference. |
【推荐2】Joey Hudicka began his business journey by creating a strategy game called Puckz when he was just 10 years old, by combining two of his favorite interests — strategy games like checkers, and sports like ice hockey. Seeing the amazing experiences unfold for her big brother, Heidi Hudicka set out to create her own first business, a fashion clothing line for her 18 dolls.
But one day, Joey and Heidi met after school and experienced a real breakthrough. “I was telling Joey I was asking friends if they would like me to outsource (外包) the sewing of my designs to them, since it is not really my favorite part of that business, but none of my friends understood what I meant by outsourcing,” recalls Heidi.
“When Heidi told me what happened after school that day I was like, ‘Yeah! I have the same problem.’ Most kids just don’t understand when we talk about our business, or even why it is important to understand how businesses work,” says Joey. “And that’s when we decided to do something about it, to create a fun and engaging way to teach more kids about the power of their creativity through innovation and business.”
Joey and Heidi, along with their parents, founded Fizzee Labs, and began creating engaging learning resources such as Outta This World, a board game that activates your imagination by applying it to invent amazing new products or experiences, in a fast-paced, competitive format.
“Outta This World is a journey through the depths of outer space. You have brought very limited supplies with you on your mission, and you must creatively repurpose these supplies, transforming them into brand-new products or experiences that can be sold to the different civilizations you will meet along your journey, raising the funds you need to reach your destination!” describes Joey.
1. What motivated Heidi to start her first business?| A．Her brother’s previous success. | B．Her eagerness for fortune. |
| C．Her passion for strategy games. | D．Her parents’ suggestion and support. |
| A．To understand how businesses work. |
| B．To create a board game about outer space. |
| C．To outsource the sewing of their clothing line. |
| D．To teach kids about the power of creativity and business. |
| A．Addressing the business problems. |
| B．Raising funds for a space mission. |
| C．Developing interesting learning resources. |
| D．Encouraging imagination and inventiveness. |
| A．Two Great Teenagers Making History |
| B．A Strategy Board Game Popular with Teenagers |
| C．A Breakthrough in Teaching Kids about Business |
| D．An Innovative Way of Being Successful in Business |
【推荐3】Everyone tries their best in life, and sometimes a few kind words of encouragement can help people realize that their efforts are not in vain (徒劳). I remember a time when I was in fifth grade, and I was a very shy girl.
There was a drawing competition at my school that day. As everyone started to use their creative ideas to draw, I was only trying to think of something creative that could express my thoughts and emotions. Lost in my own world, I was brought back to reality when my art teacher called my name from behind. She came to me and encouraged me, saying, “Don’t overthink it, just put whatever comes to your mind on the canvas (画布). Do your best, and you will do well.”
Taking her words of wisdom to heart, I started my painting. Time flew by, and soon the bell rang, signaling the end of the time limit. We all turned in our canvases for inspection (检查). The next day, the winners of the competition were announced in front of the whole school. To my surprise, I heard my name being called second prize. It was a bolt from the blue for me, as I had never dared to dream of winning any prize.
Later on, I expressed my gratitude to my art teacher for her words of encouragement and for believing in me. That day, I became aware of my talent and started painting more whenever I had free time. Sometimes, I think that if it weren’t for her words of encouragement, I may have never discovered the talent I have.
Overall, this experience taught me the importance of encouraging others and how a few kind words can make a significant impact on someone’s life.
1. What was the author doing when called by the art teacher?| A．Organizing a drawing competition. | B．Trying to get some creative ideas. |
| C．Painting her work on her canvas. | D．Trying to get help from others. |
| A．Easy. | B．Interesting. | C．Challenging. | D．Encouraging. |
| A．Addiction. | B．Puzzlement. | C．Disappointment. | D．Surprise. |
| A．The power of encouragement can be huge. |
| B．The importance of art competitions is easy to see. |
| C．Overcoming shyness through painting is worth trying. |
| D．Discovering your great natural ability is the key to success. |
【推荐1】Kaitlin Riffel, a US girl, started her dream to end poverty (贫困) when she visited the Fresno Rescue Mission, a shelter (庇护所) for the homeless and those in need. There she realised there were many people in the world who didn’t have a home or food. And she knew there was something she had to do about that.
At age 8, she started raising money to build a playground. It took her sisters and her two years to raise $365. They started small but they knew they wanted to do something to make a difference. The amount jumped to $80,000 the following year after the girls teamed up with friends, and the playground was built in 2013. It encouraged Kaitlin to found Kids on a Mission, a kid-powered organisation that has helped hundreds of people living in poverty in the US and abroad.
The work overseas started when Kaitlin, then 13, visited El Salvador in Central America. People there didn’t have enough food and many families lived in shelters made of cardboards and some newspapers. Some people even drank dirty water. Kids on a Mission mainly provides clean drinking water for people living in poverty. Children and adult volunteers dig wells and also provide food and clothes.
Kids on a Mission is ready to give children larger leadership roles within the organisation now that Kaitlin, at age 16 now, is a junior in high school. She may not play as big of a role in the organisation if she moves away for college. She understands that by giving and having a huge heart, she’s not only changing the hearts of people in this society, but also changing the world.
1. What made Kaitlin decide to set up Kids on a Mission?| A．Her visit to a shelter. |
| B．Her volunteering experience. |
| C．Her sisters’ encouragements. |
| D．A project of her high school. |
| A．It helped to build a playground. |
| B．It rescued many children in 2013. |
| C．It aims to help the poor. |
| D．It is a training organisation. |
| A．Brave. | B．Creative. |
| C．Warm-hearted. | D．Hard-working. |
| A．Kids on a Mission |
| B．A Poor Girl Full of Dreams |
| C．From Poverty to Charity |
| D．Small Good into Greatness |
【推荐2】Last year,Li Minhua,who is in her early 40s, began helping seniors in Beijing with her shower assistance service,with many of her clients treating Li as their own daughter. A few years ago, she noticed just how desperate her mother was for a shower after her parent was involved in an accident.“She had to lie in bed, unable to move around for six months, and I didn’t want to take any risks in giving her a shower,”she said. Li was hampered in efforts to help her mother due to a lack of special equipment and professional assistance, which prompted her to research ways to help seniors take showers.
After learning about Japanese professional shower assistance procedures and standards, Li bought two water pumps and inflatable bathtubs(浴缸) when she set up her own business in March last year. This equipment enables the elderly to lie down comfortably during a bath, as most of them are unable to stand or sit up.“The key is reducing the distance as much as possible in which those taking a shower have to move,“Li said.
The first time Li helped bathe a senior made her determined to persevere with her business.“The client was an 85-year-old man who had lost the ability to communicate,”she said. Li’s initial embarrassment gave way to a sense of achievement and pleasure after the man was bathed and scrubbed.“You could tell from his look that he was relieved and happy,”she said. The experience gave Li a new understanding of aging.“I really feel that the elderly with disabilities need care and attention from more people. They also need a decent life,”she said.
Li has recruited(招募)six members to her team， which has served more than 300 households with elderly family members who have difficulty taking a shower. About 80 percent of Li’s clients now take a shower at least once a month thanks to her service.
1. What does the underlined word“hampered”probably mean in Paragraph 1?| A．Inspired. | B．Required. | C．Prevented. | D．Nursed. |
| A．They are light to carry. | B．They own multiple functions. |
| C．They are cheap to buy. | D．They are comfortable to lie in. |
| A．Embarrassed. | B．Delighted. | C．Concerned. | D．Upset. |
| A．Life. | B．Medicine. | C．Business. | D．Entertainment. |
【推荐3】It was a hot day in late summer. I was a young dad working in a local lumber mill(伐木场).It was dangerous, back-breaking work that paid very little. In the year I had worked there, only four other people hadn’t been replaced with new faces. Those of us who stayed did so only because there was no other work to find to support our families.
One day, we were working hard. Suddenly, a voice called out, “Hey! A deer!” A lost little deer had wandered through the open doors and was now cowering(畏缩) in between the huge piles of lumber. All of us stopped working and went to look for her as she ran about crazily looking for a way out.
Now most people in the town where I live hunt deer in the fall but also treat them with great kindness the rest of the year. Some will even buy many bags of corn to help feed them during the tough winter months. It was no surprise then all of us were soon quickly working together to free this little deer. By blocking off all the other routes we were able to guide her desperate search back to the open doors. We watched as she ran out of the building and back into the woods. Then we walked back to work. I noticed something, though. On every face there was a joyful smile. It was as if this one single act of kindness had energized us again and reminded us of what life is all about.
Committing acts of kindness shows us the power that we have. They also bring us closer to love. Fill your day and your life with acts of kindness then Let them light up your life Let them lead you to love.
1. Why didn’t the author quit his job in the lumber mill?| A．He was well paid. | B．His work was easy. |
| C．He had a family to support. | D．He enjoyed working there. |
| A．It was killed. | B．It went crazy. |
| C．It was fed with some food. | D．It returned to the woods. |
| A．Brave and generous. | B．Strong and humorous. |
| C．Creative and confident. | D．Kind-hearted and hard-working. |
| A．Acts of kindness. | B．Days. | C．Life. | D．Love. |
| A．To show his deep love for deer. | B．To encourage people to protect deer. |
| C．To stress the importance of being kind. | D．To describe his life in the lumber mill. |
