【推荐1】As each semester begins, my colleague greets his students wearing a jacket and tie.

“You make only one first impression, " he says. So, while the rest of the semester he teaches class in his usual, more casual clothes, the first week he presents a different image.

His thought is that students will remember their encounter positively and more readily think highly of him as the semester goes on because that favorable first impression has an influence on them. The big influence of first impressions is related to the halo effect, where the perception of the positive qualities in one thing or part gives rise to the perception of similar qualities in related things or in the whole.

Here is an example: You meet a friendly person at a party and later are asked to collect money for a worthy cause. You call that person because you think she will make a contribution. In reality, there is no connection between being pleasant and being generous. Yet the halo effect leads you to think that the two are related.

The halo effect is powerful, but is it questionable whether it matters much in long-term relationships, such as that between teachers and students? While dressing up may make students think the teacher must know his subject matter because he creates a professional first impression, the effect wears thin if the person turns out to be a poor teacher after all.

First impressions matter but they don't have the final word. Facts speak louder. If you had never seen or heard of Einstein, the first time you saw him your impression would most likely be negative. Now his face is connected with genius, not madness because he is the person who has come to define what genius is.

The problem is that few of us are Einstein and we often don't get the chance to change a negative first impression.

1. In the author's eyes, the halo effect_________.

A．is surprisingly powerful	B．may affect our judgment of others
C．matters more in the long run	D．makes some teachers irresponsible

2. The author uses the example of Einstein to show the importance of________.

A．appearance

B．impressions

C．truth

D．fairness

3. The author seems to advise readers________.

A．to mind their first impressions	B．not to judge a book by its cover
C．not to follow others’ judgment	D．to pay no attention to the halo effect

【推荐2】Having worked at a 7-Eleven store for two years, I thought I had become successful at what our manager calls “customer relations”. I firmly believed that a friendly smile and an automatic “sir”, “ma’ma”, and “thank you” would see me through any situation that might arise, from comforting impatient or unpleasant people to apologizing for giving out the wrong change. But the other night an old woman shattered my belief that a simple and plain response could smooth over the rough spots of dealing with all kinds of customers.

The moment she entered, the woman presented a sharp contrast to our shiny store with its bright lighting and neatly arranged shelves. Walking as if each step were painful, she slowly pushed open the glass door and hobbled (蹒跚) down the nearest aisle. She coughed dryly, wheezing (气喘吁吁) with each breath. On a forty-degree night, she was wearing only a faded dress, a thin sweater too small to button, and black slippers with the backs cut out to expose calloused (满是老茧的) heels. There were no stockings or socks on her blue-veined legs.

After wandering around the store for several minutes, the old woman stopped in front of the rows of canned vegetables. She picked up a can of corn and stared with a strange intensity at the label. At that point, I decided to be a good, polite employee and asked her if she needed help. As I stood close to her, my smile became harder to maintain; her red-rimmed eyes were partially closed by yellowish crusts (痂); her hands were covered with layer upon layer of dirt, and the stale (陈腐的) smell of sweat rose from clothes.   

“I need some food,” she muttered in reply to my bright “Can I help you?”

“Are you looking for corn, ma’am?”

“I need some food,” she repeated, “Any kind.”

“Well, the corn is ninety-five cents,” I said in my most helpful voice.

“I can’t pay,” she said.   

For a second, I was tempted to say, “Take the corn.” But the employee rules flooded into my mind: Remain polite, but do not let customers get the best of you. Let them know that you are in control. For a moment, I even entertained the idea that this was some sort of test, and that this woman was someone from the head office, testing my loyalty. I responded dutifully, “I’m sorry, but I can’t give away anything for free.”

The old woman’s face collapsed a bit more, and her hands trembled as she put the can back on the shelf. She shuffled (拖着脚走) past me toward the door, her torn and dirty clothing barely covering her bent back.   

Moments after she left, I rushed out of the door with the can of corn, but she was nowhere in sight. For the rest of my shift, the image of the woman haunted (萦绕) me. I had been young, healthy and proud. She had been old, sick and desperate. Wishing with all my heart that I had acted like a human being rather than a robot, I was saddened to realize how weak a hold we have on our better instincts.

1. How did the writer feel about his job at 7-Eleven before the old woman came?

A．He was quite satisfied with his service manner.

B．He found room for improvement in developing customer relations.

C．He considered himself successful in dealing with all interpersonal relations.

D．He thought himself experienced after working in the store for two years.

2. The detailed account of the old woman is intended to show ________.

A．how she presented a sharp contrast to the other customers

B．how sick, poor and desperate for help she was

C．how she surprised the writer with her unusual appearance

D．how inappropriate it was for her to enter a place like this

3. What’s the meaning of the phrase “get the best of” according to the passage?

A．To make the most of.	B．To bring out the best of.
C．To win an advantage over.	D．To bring into full play.

4. Which of the following can be the best title of the passage?

A．What If.

B．How Come.

C．If Only.

D．Never Ever.

【推荐1】We all know that money can’t buy happiness. No matter how much we earn, or how nice our clothing or cars or toys are, none of it will make us happier.     1     And the sad thing is that it could take us decades of pursuing wealth and luxury (奢侈) items before we realize this.

So what will bring us happiness?     2     These three things have been proven by surveys of hundreds of thousands of people about what they have, what their lives are like, and how happy they are.

    3     We have a human need to be close to other human beings. Having good, supportive friendships, a strong marriage or close and loving relationships with our family members will make us much more likely to be happy. So take time to stay with your loved ones, to tell them what they mean to you, to listen to them.

Positive thinking can lead to happiness too. In fact, optimism and self-confidence are some of the indicators (迹象) of people who lead happy lives. So remember to get into the habit of squashing (排除) all negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones.    4    

The state we enter when we are completely focused on the work or task before us will almost undoubtedly lead to happiness. People find greatest enjoyment not when they are doing mindless work, but when they are absorbed in a mindful challenge.    5     Turn off the TV, get outside and do something that truly attract you.

You’ve been given the Three Secrets to Happiness. Don’t waste them.

A．Instead of “I can’t” think “I can”.

B．You will have good relationships with peoples around you.

C．But many times we act as if we’d be happier with a bit more money.

D．Luckily, it’s three things that don’t cost a thing.

E．Find work and hobbies that you’re passionate about seriously.

F．The first thing is good relationships.

G．Most people value their personal happiness above money.

【推荐2】I went up to my mother's bedroom after her death and found a box full of papers. Inside was a letter. “Dearest Andrew,” it began, “there was never a right time to tell you.”

Along with the letter was my adoption paperwork—“Parents: unknown”—and two newspapers. The first described a newborn baby, wrapped in a pink blanket, discovered on a doorstep by a paperboy. The second was from a year later, reporting that the baby was still in a children’s home, yet to be adopted.

It was a shock. My childhood was happy; my adoptive father died when I was eight, but my mother made sure I couldn’t have had a more loving home. I didn’t do anything about trying to find out my birth parents for 15 years. However, there were so many questions. Why did my mother abandon me? Did she get into trouble? I didn’t feel angry with her for leaving me, but I wanted to know more about the circumstances surrounding my birth.

I started to research my history and went on local television news. Amazingly, a man called Ronnie got in touch with the TV station, saying I reminded him of his father, Angus. We met up and I was surprised to see a man 20 years my senior. We arranged a DNA test. The results were positive—Ronnie was my half-brother.

Ronnie told me that my father would have been 60 when I was born. He died before I started my search. My father was having an affair with a young woman during the year of my birth, but she is now married with her own family and I should respect her privacy. I would like my questions answered, but not at the expense of her happiness. “Abandoned” is such a sensitive word, but I don’t feel any sadness or rejection, because I don’t know the circumstances of my birth. Instead, I feel unique.

1. From the passage we can know that Andrew         .

A．was wrapped in a blanket when found

B．was brought up in a children’s home

C．served as a paperboy when his mother died

D．was abandoned by his birth parents a year after birth

2. What contributed to Andrew’s looking for his birth parents?

A．Anger.	B．Curiosity.
C．Bitter childhood.	D．Present poor life.

3. What can we know about Andrew and Ronnie from the passage?

A．Neither has seen Angus.	B．Neither is the son of Angus.
C．Both have the same father.	D．Both are at the same age.

4. Why did the author give up searching for his birth mother?

A．He hated her because she abandoned him on a doorstep.

B．He didn’t have evidence due to his father’s death.

C．He felt it lucky enough to find his birth father.

D．He didn’t want to put her into trouble.

5. Which of the following words can best describe the author’s attitude towards his adoptive mother?

A．Dissatisfied.	B．Forgiving.
C．Grateful.	D．Concerned.

【推荐3】Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is America’s fifth largest city. Once a major American colonial city, it is the home of America’s first library, its first hospital, and its first zoo. Now it is also the first US city to be named a World Heritage City. On November 6, 2015, Philadelphia joined more than 260 other cities that have been recognized for their influence on the world. These cities include Paris, France, Florence, Italy, and Cairo, Egypt.

“Today marks the start of a new and exciting chapter in the history of Philadelphia,” remarked Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter when the announcement was made. “As a World Heritage City, Philadelphia is being officially recognized on the global stage for its wealth of contributions to the world.

To be named a World Heritage City, a city must be home to a UNESCO World Heritage site. UNESCO World Heritage sites are selected for their universal value and significance. For Philadelphia, the site is Independence Hall.

Independence Hall is where two of the most important documents in US history—the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution—were adopted. The Declaration of Independence, approved on July 4, 1776, united the 13 former British colonies and declared them independent from British rule. The US Constitution, signed in 1787, established the American democratic system of government. A democracy is a system of government in which the people elect their leaders. The Constitution later spelled out the basic freedoms American citizens have.

Philadelphia Deputy Mayor Alan Greenberger says the city’s selection as a World Heritage City also reflects its educational, cultural, and economic achievements. The city is home to dozens of colleges and universities, and many museums, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “Philadelphia has rightfully earned its place as one of the greatest cities in the world.” Greenberger says.

1. We can learn from Paragraph 1 that Philadelphia ________.

A．as contributed a lot to the global economy

B．has been famous as a World Heritage City

C．has the best American hospital

D．is known for many America’s firsts

2. In Paragraph 2, Michael Nutter is talking about _________.

A．the World Heritage City

B．the history of Philadelphia

C．the significance of the city’s selection

D．the contributions of the city

3. What opinion does Alan Greenberger hold?

A．The city really deserves the honor.

B．The honor will bring the city a better future.

C．It won’t be long before the city takes off.

D．It’s easy for the city to win the honor.

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

A．Philadelphia Makes a Difference

B．Philadelphia Makes History

C．Philadelphia Develops a Lot

D．Philadelphia Wins Global Respect

【推荐1】My husband came across the program from my father-in-law’s high school graduation, 90 years ago. It was the class of 1928 and their class motto (格言) was “Build for character, not for fame.”

I’m pretty sure society has done a full reverse on that one.

These days, we have people who are famous for simply being famous. They haven’t done anything particularly impressive, but they do take great selfies.

We are all obsessed with fame these days, mainly thanks to social media. All we want is for people to follow us, friend us, like us, or share our posts. We are nearly desperate for fame.

“Build for character, not for fame,” is based on the assumption that one is looking up and ahead. That’s an encouraging idea, especially today, when most of us have our heads down, looking at the screens of our smartphones. Looking ahead and building for character takes thought and intentionality (意向性).

One can be intentional in building for fame as well, but fame often relies heavily on the right timing and connections, as well as the creation of a base of fans and supporters.

Character isn’t subject to the ideas of others. Character is built with self-discipline (自律), and a willingness to learn from difficulties. Character grows internally (内在地) and needs no applause.

Fame depends on people looking at you, while character is who you are when no one is looking.

Fame often comes with jealousy (嫉妒); a feeling that time is running out or that someone better than you is coming to steal your fans.

Character is marked by feeling content and being generous. There is satisfaction that comes with the reward of achievements, but at the same time, good character willingly holds the door open for others who are also hoping to achieve.

This commencement (毕业典礼) season, speakers will tell new graduates to get out there and build a better world.

The best way to build a better world is to build character, the kind that runs deep and can carry you through life’s storms.

Build character with courage, justice (公正) and strength. Build character by respecting yourself and respecting others. Build character with kindness, hope and love. Build for character and you will build a better world.

1. The underlined phrase “has done a full reverse on” in Paragraph 2 probably means ______.

A．has taken full advantage of

B．has done the complete opposite to

C．has made a good practice of

D．has paid a lot of attention to

2. People’s desire for fame has a lot to do with ______.

A．the rise of social media

B．the impact of well-known stars

C．their intention to make a difference

D．their satisfaction with their achievements

3. In the author’s opinion, “building for character” requires people to ______.

A．mind their behavior when being looked at

B．connect with others at the right time

C．look ahead and gladly accept other people’s advice

D．behave themselves and readily learn from hardships

4. Why does the author value “building for character”?

A．It inspires people to achieve more.

B．It honors her family’s memory.

C．It enables us to build a better world.

D．It helps us gain respect from other people.

【推荐3】There are times when I set off for my running-group sessions with little enthusiasm. It might be because I’m tired, or stressed, or have had to unwillingly tear myself away from something else. I’m the coach, so I can’t choose to give it a miss.

It was yet another cold, dark, wet evening and I wasn’t feeling the love as I gathered all the necessary outfits-head torch, reflective waterproof jacket, hat and gloves. No one in their right mind will come out in this weather, I thought. But when I turned into the car park, my headlights picked out runners making a dash through the rain to our meeting point, where others were already working out to stay warm, with chat, laughter and hugs. They, too, I realized, might be tired, stressed or busy. But, unlike me, they had a choice about whether to come running or stay at home. And that makes their decision to come--and to keep on coming-all the more uplifting. As on so many other occasions, I went home from the run feeling better than when I’d arrived.

I believe one of the strongest motivations behind these runners’ decisions to come along is being part of a group. Belonging to a running community makes running greater than the sum of its parts. It’s no longer just a workout; it’s a catch-up with friends, a laugh and a shared experience. It provides a space to share your running triumphs and disappointments, to be congratulated and comforted, and, just as important, to congratulate and comfort others.

Research has long shown the likelihood of staying motivated is higher when exercise takes place in a group. The reasons are many. A study at the University of Southern California found people enjoy physical activity more when they are with others and are more likely to keep it up over the long term. There’s also an element of social facilitation-an “I’m not going to let XX beat me” attitude that drives you to push harder and produces a greater sense of achievement. And research by Strava in 2017 found running in a group made runners go faster and further. Using data from 90 million runs taking place all over the world, Strava found that the average pace of runs taking place in a group was seven seconds per mile quicker than solo runs, and the distance covered was an average of 1.3 miles further.

I joke about people being more motivated to come to my running sessions by the tea and biscuits afterwards than by the running itself. There’s probably some truth in that, but it doesn’t matter. Those laughter- and chatter-filled minutes are every bit as important as the running in between.

1. The author sometimes feels to go coaching the running group.

A．reluctant

B．content

C．excited

D．frustrated

2. Why is being part of a group most motivational?

A．It involves a coach offering assistance.

B．It creates space to socialize with others.

C．It inspires members to beat their records.

D．It frees runners from boring daily routines.

3. That being in a group promotes performance is proven by .

A．citing a typical example	B．listing accurate statistics
C．performing an experiment	D．sharing his own experiences

4. Tea and biscuits in running sessions are meant to .

A．attract more runners from other groups

B．build up some strength before running

C．make his running group stand out of all

D．add more life to their running experience