It was a rainy day. I had no desire to drive up the winding mountain road to my daughter Carolyn's house. But she had insisted that I come to see something at the top of the mountain.
So here I was, although unwilling to make the two-hour journey through fog and rain. After lunch, my daughter requested me to drive her to Barage. After a ten-minute drive, we parked the car and got out. We walked along a path that was thick with old pine needles. Huge black green evergreens towered over us. Gradually the peace and silence of the place began to fill my mind. Then we turned a comer and stopped--and I gasped in amazement.
From the top of the mountain to the slopes and valleys, were rivers of daffodils(水仙) in full bloom. A sea of amazing colors, like a carpet before us. It looked as though the sun had tipped over and spilled gold down the mountainside. At the center hung a waterfall of purple hyacinths. Here and there were breathtaking tulips(郁金香).
A lot of questions filled my mind. Who created such beauty? Why? How?
As we approached the home that stood in the center of the property, we saw a sign that read, "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking". The first answer was:"One Woman--Two Hands, Two Feet, and Very Little Brain." The second was: "One at a Time." The third: "Started in 1958."
I was so moved by what we had seen. "She changed the world," I said, not getting over the shock, "one bulb (球茎) at a time. She started almost 40 years ago, probably just the beginning of an idea, but she kept at it."
"Imagine," I added, "if I had a vision and worked at it, just a little bit every day, what might I have accomplished?"
Carolyn looked sideways at me, smiling. "Start tomorrow," she said. "Better yet, start today."
1. Why did the author decide to visit her daughter?| A．She didn't want to disappoint her. | B．She missed her very much. |
| C．She must pick her up. | D．She had an urge to look at the sea of flowers. |
| A．Famous waterfalls. | B．A kind of flower. |
| C．Mountain springs. | D．A name of a place. |
| A．Easier said than done. | B．Well begun, half done. |
| C．Little steps add up to big success. | D．Women can shake the world. |
| A．An amazing trip to Barage. | B．A moving story of a mother's love. |
| C．A valuable lesson from a woman. | D．A special sign on the way home. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Reasons Why Literature Is So Important?
Today, there are too many people who believe that literature is simply not important or undervalue its ability to stand the test of time and give us great knowledge. There is a stigma (耻辱) in society that implies one who is more drawn to science and math will somehow be more successful in life, and that one who is more excited about literature and other art forms will be bound to live a life of low-paid jobs and unsatisfying careers.
To me, however, literature serves as a gateway to learning of the past and increasing my knowledge and understanding of the world. Here are just a few reasons why literature is important.
Expanding horizons.
First and foremost, literature opens our eyes and makes us see more than just what the front door shows.
Appreciation of other cultures and beliefs.
Reading about history, anthropology (人类学) or religious studies provides a method of learning about cultures and beliefs other than our own. It allows us to understand and experience other living systems in other worlds.
All kinds of literature, poems, essays, novels, or short stories, help us address human nature and conditions that affect all people. We learn that imperfection is not always bad and that normal can be boring. We learn that life must be lived to the fullest. We need literature in order to connect with our own mankind.
| A．Addressing mankind. |
| B．Better writing skills. |
| C．Literature is important and necessary. |
| D．It helps us understand the wide world surrounding us. |
| E．Many of us learn what critical thinking (批判性思维) is in our language arts classes. |
| F．We get personal views and understanding into the minds from the inside looking out. |
| G．Somewhere along the line, the world has come to think that literature is insignificant. |
【推荐2】“Why?” It’s a simple question that people ask Angela Madeline frequently. After all, she began a journey that very few people would ever attempt: walk around the world alone.
The thought of Madeline’s journey did not start from a place of loss or personal crisis. She said, “I was searching for a deeper interaction with nature and people.” Walking would minimize her carbon footprint, plus the slow pace meant that she could fully immerse herself in nature, and gain insights into other cultures in a unique way.
She left her hometown of Bend, Oregon, on 2 May 2016 and headed into an adventure. Along the way, Madeline would suffer from heatstroke (中暑)in the Australian desert and hear gunshots while camping in Turkey. “Still,” she said, “I didn’t stop because I was more afraid of not following my heart than I was of losing everything I owned and loved.”
Apart from that, her slow pace allowed her to be drawn deeply into other cultures. She wandered the tiny seaside villages along Italy Tyrrhenian Sea, enjoying the lively atmosphere. In Vietnam, she was invited and offered food by an elderly woman to rest in her wooden shack at the peak for the night. She chose an experience of uncertainty and curiosity, in search of something she could never be certain to find: a sense of fulfillment and a deeper connection.
On 16 December 2022, Madeline’s pilgrimage (朝圣之旅)ended right where it started. For now, she’s working on a book, planning future journeys and creating more effective ways for women to find and express courage in their lives.
Whether a walk leads halfway around the world or just down the road, Madeline has shown the true worth of slowing down and giving more than we receive along the way.
1. Why did Madeline decide to start her journey?| A．To get closer to the world. | B．To reduce carbon footprint. |
| C．To get rid of personal crisis. | D．To slow down the pace of life. |
| A．She was about to give up. |
| B．She was helped by Italian locals. |
| C．She experienced various cultures. |
| D．She enjoyed Australian coastal scenery. |
| A．Cautious and gentle. | B．Tough and adventurous. |
| C．Ambitious and generous. | D．Open-minded and humorous. |
| A．A new way to slow down life. |
| B．A closer connection with the wild. |
| C．An unforgettable memory of a trip. |
| D．A woman walking around the world. |
【推荐3】My dog, Harvey, is always looking for something to do. He loves to fetch the ball, run after birds’ shadows and bite bones. If none of those are available, he’ll find something else to do. He’ll chew our shoes, dig holes in the garden or take toilet paper off the roll. This is the reason we gave him a middle name: Danger.
Harvey Danger is a metaphor(暗喻) for my mind. He is like an active and creative mind. My experience with having a creative mind is that if I don’t give it a task, something will turn on itself.
To be frank, several years ago, I didn’t think I was creative. I was just an ordinary human sticking to my daily routine. But things changed when I came across an article written by Brene Brown. She put forward a theory I had never heard of. “There’re no such beings as creative people or non-creative people. There’re only people who use their creativity and people who don’t,” Brown wrote. “Unused creativity is not benign. It can transform and turn into anger, sorrow, shame and depression. ”
I have a mind that is all of those things combined and, if it doesn't have anything to take its attention, it will go searching for things. It tends to do negative things or find things like worries or troubles to focus on. That doesn’t mean that those with creative minds need to be busily thinking all the time. What it means is that our minds need a task. It's about releasing our creative energy to keep our minds healthy.
Before I throw a ball to Harvey-because it’s not only good for both of us, but also good for the garden that I don’t want dug up-I’ll leave you with Brown’s wisdom. Just give the dog a job, and you’ll have a happier life.
1. Why was the author’s dog named Danger?| A．It warned people against possible dog bites. |
| B．He was born with an active and creative mind. |
| C．He would put things in a mess when free. |
| D．It showed the author’s creativity. |
| A．His dog’s positive behavior. |
| B．An article about daily routine. |
| C．Brene Brown’s theory about creativity. |
| D．His strong desire to fight negative feelings. |
| A．Attractive. | B．Abnormal. |
| C．Common. | D．Harmless. |
| A．Training dogs to help with housework. |
| B．Staying creative to add to our happiness. |
| C．Avoiding leaving a dog alone in the garden. |
| D．Keeping a creative mind healthy with tasks. |
【推荐1】Brilliant Spring Breaks
The bees are buzzing and flowers are blooming. Take a look at these destinations and grab a relaxing getaway while making the most of the UK countryside.
Trefeddian Hotel
At the Trefeddian Hotel you can expect a warm welcome whether you are booking a family holiday, or romantic escape. Our beautifully located coastal hotel in Mid-Wales has something for everyone to enjoy: all-around sea views, miles of golden sandy beaches and a heated indoor pool.
St Moritz Hotel & Garden Villas
Escape to our Miami inspired luxury hotel or coastal villas on the north Cornish coast. With our Shorecrest restaurant serving seasonal dishes with ingredients sourced from Cornwall’s markets; Cowshed spa; indoor and outdoor pools; a bunch of local attractions and surrounded by the sea, St Moritz Hotel is the place for relaxation and adventure.
Greenwood Grange
Welcome to a collection of 17 luxury, stone built, self-catering holiday cottages in Dorset. There’s so much to offer, whether it’s relaxing in your own private cottage (some have hot baths), swimming in the indoor pool, or playing the volleyball on the seashore, we’ve got it all—you can even pick your own fruit or vegetables from our kitchen garden. Contact us for more information.
Skye Shepherd Huts
Looking for a holiday offering peace and quiet? Choose Skye Shepherd Huts, with amazing wildlife, donkeys and hens for company. Set in a lovely traditional village by the sea, ideal for walkers, boating nearby and eagle-spotting. Pet friendly. Comfortable with beautiful views, but electricity and hot water are not ready for use.
1. Which destination best suits people who enjoy cooking?| A．Trefeddian Hotel. | B．Skye Shepherd Huts. |
| C．Greenwood Grange. | D．St Moritz Hotel & Garden Villas. |
| A．There is always bad smell. | B．It only admits pet owners. |
| C．Vehicles are banned except boats. | D．Hot showers are not accessible. |
| A．Ocean views. | B．Golden beaches. |
| C．Seasonal dishes. | D．Adventurous activities. |
One free teacher admission per 10 students.
Group rates apply to groups 15 or more.
Click HERE to make a reservation online today!
The Miami Planetarium(天文馆) opened its doors to the public on November 4, 1966 and has entertained and educated children of all ages about astronomy and the wonders of the night sky ever since. The planetarium houses a 65-foot diameter doomed projection screen with 231 seats.
At the heart of the Planetarium is a SPITZ “Space Transit Planetarium” star projector(放映机), which is capable of accurately reproducing the stars and planets as seen from anywhere on Earth at any time during the year. Shows daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Unlike any other in South Florida, the Planetarium is a unique setting for bringing the stars and planets indoors in animated live star shows and music filled laser light shows.
The Weintraub Observatory（天文台） houses two powerful telescopes. Observatory hours are from 8:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. Look through the telescope to view the planets, the four moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn and deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulas and double stars.
Deposit: A $ 75 deposit must be received 10 days ahead of the visit date to guarantee your visit.
Cancellation Policy：The museum requires 48 hours advance notice prior to any cancellation or other changes to a reservation. Without prior notification the original total will be expected upon arrival.
Payment Policy: The balance of the admission fee is due upon arrival at the museum on your visit day.
Upon arrival: The leading teacher should check in at the box office with payment for the correct head count of students and teachers. Visitors should remain on the bus until a museum interpreter show you around the museum.
Museum Etiquette: We ask that all groups remain together and orderly. Teachers are asked to help maintain order with their groups. We reserve the right to refuse service to any group or individual not obeying the museum policies.
Bus procedures: The museum will provide parking for buses in our parking lot. Upon arrival, bus drivers will be directed by the museum staff to the appropriate places to park. It is recommended that buses remain on the spots throughout the group’s entire museum visit.
For more information & reservations call: (305)646-4222.
1. In the Miami Planetarium, visitors can _________.
| A．look through the telescope to view the Mars at 11 p.m. |
| B．enjoy the roller coaster on the weekend. |
| C．watch animated live star shows on December 1 |
| D．watch animated live star shows on December 25 |
| A．$230 | B．$250 | C．$150 | D．$200 |
| A．pay the total admission fees in advance. |
| B．pay some of the admission fees in advance. |
| C．rent the bus owned by the planetarium |
| D．book the visit five days before the visit date |
| A．the Miami Planetarium has a history of over 60 years |
| B．the Miami Planetarium is very popular among moviegoers |
| C．the Miami planetarium is located in North Florida. |
| D．the Weintraub Observatory is not open to visitors during the day. |
【推荐3】If you plan to visit China in summer, would you like to try the following unique experiences that are only available in summer?
Beijing
Jinshanling, Beijing is the best place to enjoy a sunset from the Great Wall in summer. It is an unrepaired and quite well-preserved section of the Great Wall. As time goes by, you’ll see golden sunlight and green trees at the beginning, then the glow from the sunset dyes the sky purple and the moon rises slowly in the distance. The Great Wall is just like a huge dragon that has fallen asleep quietly.
Enjoy a picnic dinner and drink a toast to this summer experience of a lifetime!
Xi’an
Admire the proudly unflinching, life-sized Terracotta Army, which was built 2, 200 years ago.
Discover more information about the first emperor of China that you won’t be able to find in a history book. Visit a traditional eave and make your own terracotta warrior together with your host to discover the secrets of ancient technology.
Yangshuo
Embark on a comfortable star-rated boat trip and enjoy the 4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. With clear water and green peaks along the two banks, just immerse yourself in the Chinese landscape painting. Besides seeing all the highlights of the Li River, you can also relax in the outdoor riverside garden with a cup of tea. Slow your pace and enjoy the moment.
1. What are travelers expected to do at Jinshanling?| A．Admire the well-repaired Great Wall. |
| B．Help preserve the Great Wall. |
| C．Enjoy the unforgettable sunset view. |
| D．Compare the Great Wall to a dragon. |
| A．It is open in summer. |
| B．It offers delicious lunch. |
| C．It helps you understand ancient technology. |
| D．It offers eaves to live in. |
| A．Beijing attractions. | B．Xi’an attractions. | C．Guilin attractions. | D．Yangshuo attractions. |
A
A cancer-stricken British teenager said on Thursday she had been moved by messages of support from around the world after writing an online “Bucket List” of things she wanted to do before dying.
Alice Pyne, 15, created an Internet blog in which she described her fight against a cancer of the white blood cells. “I’ve been fighting cancer for almost four years and now I know that the cancer is gaining on me and it doesn’t look like I’m going to win this one,” she wrote.
For her list, at the site www. alicepyne. blogspot. com, she has included making everyone sign up to be a bone marrow donor (骨髓捐赠者), swimming with sharks, meeting boy band Take That and getting a purple iPad computer.
Messages of support and offers of help quickly flooded her webpage and it became one of the most talked about subjects on Twitter.
“Oh dear! And I thought that I was just doing a little blog for a few friends!” she wrote after her site attracted huge attention. “Thank you so much for all your lovely messages to me.”
Alice, who lives with her family in the northwest English town of Ulverston, said the manager of Take That had arranged for her to see the band after reading her blog. A group of local lawmakers have also made efforts with the Anthony blood cancer charity to encourage people to join its stem cell (干细胞) projects.
1. What happened after Alice Pyne wrote her “Bucket List”?| A．People around the world sent messages to support her. |
| B．People sent gifts to her from all over the world. |
| C．A lot of people offered to donate bone marrow to her. |
| D．The media called on people to help her. |
| A．She is unaware of her own condition. |
| B．She is very sad to know that she will die. |
| C．She is calm to know that death is approaching. |
| D．She is still quite confident in fighting against cancer. |
| A．To ask people to donate bone marrow. |
| B．To get a cool computer. |
| C．To swim with sharks. |
| D．To meet a boy. |
【推荐2】Some of my earliest memories involve sitting with my dad in his study every night when he came home from the office. I'd watch as he put his personal items away：his watch, wallet, comb and car keys. Every night, he would smile, hand me the comb and say：" Help Daddy clean it, OK?" I'd excitedly turn the tap on, then brush the comb with a used toothbrush as hard as I could. Then I’d proudly return the comb to Dad. He would smile at me, and place it on top of his wallet.
About two years later, Dad left his sales job and started his own business. I started primary school. That was when things started to change. Dad's business wasn't doing so well, and our stable life started getting shaky. He didn't come home as much as he used to. And when he did come home, it was always late and I'd already be in bed. I started to get mad. Why didn't he listen to Mum and just stick to his old job? Over the years, I stopped waiting for him to come home.
Now 28, I've graduated from college and got a job. Dad's business has also started to get back on track. Yet the uncomfortable silence between Dad and me persisted.
Yesterday, Dad came home early. As usual, I helped him carry his bags into his study. When I turned to leave ,he said ：" Hey, would you like to help me clean my comb?" I looked at him a while, then took the comb. After cleaning, I passed it back to Dad. He looked at it and smiled. But this time, I noticed something different. My dad has aged. He has wrinkles next to his eyes, yet his smile is still as heartwarming as before, the smile of a father who just wants a good life for his family. Dad carefully placed his comb on top of his wallet. After so many years,I guess some things never change. And for that, I'm glad.
1. What was the author asked to do by the father when young?| A．Brushing his comb. | B．Cleaning his toothbrush. |
| C．Chatting with him in his study. | D．Greeting him at the door. |
| A．He was laid off by his former company. |
| B．He desired to struggle for a big fortunate. |
| C．He wanted to fulfill a good life for his family. |
| D．He followed his wife's advice and tried new. |
| A．The father's new business wasn't going so smoothly. |
| B．The father came home rarely or very late. |
| C．The tough primary school and little time with the dad. |
| D．The misunderstanding of the author and less communication between them. |
| A．Generous and humorous. | B．Modest and conventional. |
| C．Struggling and devoted. | D．Ambitious and strict. |
【推荐3】When Gitanjali Rao shared how she likes “finding solutions to real problems”, it was hard to imagine this dynamic 11-year-old girl could settle a problem that has escaped scientists for years.
In just three months, Rao came up with a device that can replace the costly and lengthy tests nowadays used to reliably determine lead (铅) levels in our fresh water. Inspired by a case of water pollution from 2014 to 2015, Rao designed a new testing system that resulted in her being named America’s Top Young Scientist for 2017.
Rao had been following the water problem for about two years. She was amazed by the number of people affected by lead pollution in water and wanted to do something to change this. Rao spent months trying to convince local high schools and colleges to give her lab time to continue her experiment. At home, Rao worked on her project in the “science room” she asked her parents to create for her. Rao has created a device that uses three parts: a cartridge, a Bluetooth reader and an app. To put it simply, the cartridge contain carbon nanotubes (纳米管) that react to lead. This reaction is then registered by the Bluetooth reader, which sends a signal to a mobile app that can tell you immediately if your water is safe to drink.
Rao appropriately named the device Tethys after the Greek goddess of fresh water, and is hoping to make a little improvement to get the device on the market. While we may not be aware of any lead pollution present in our aging pipelines, lead poisoning can cause delays in physical and mental development. With Rao believing that the “purpose of science is to make a difference’’, her incredible invention could make a difference to millions of people in the United States.
1. What do we know about Rao’s device?| A．It’s cheap and quick. | B．It’s cheap and inaccurate. |
| C．It’s expensive and reliable. | D．It’s portable and time-consuming. |
| A．Sending immediate signals. | B．Recording the reaction results. |
| C．Detecting the presence of lead. | D．Showing the water quality results. |
| A．It will lead Rao to make a fortune. |
| B．It will help millions of Americans drink safe water. |
| C．It will promote the development of science in America. |
| D．It will soon settle the lead-polluted problem thoroughly. |
