Written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree is a children’s book that tells the story about a young boy and a tree in the forest. The story starts with the boy and the tree being the best of friends and having fun. As the boy grows older, he asks more from the tree, which willingly agrees until all that is left is a stump (树桩). In the end, the boy, now an old man, comes back to the tree and tells it that all he wants is a place to sit on, something that the tree eagerly provides.
In the book, each part of the story goes straight to the point without confusing readers. The book doesn’t include the events that happen to the boy in between. We see how the boy’s needs increase to a point that the tree finally gives its trunk as he grows. It makes the book easy to read and understand. The writing style may seem plain and boring at first but we need to keep in mind that it is a children’s book. If it weren’t that way, then it would be unattractive to its young readers.
The words used are very easy to understand. The phrase, “and the tree was happy”, is quite moved and shows the tree’s love for the boy. The use of the word “need” also shows readers the attitude of the boy. The change from “need” to “want” in the end also tells readers the changes that the boy goes through.
Though the book has been criticized as it can be understood in different ways, it is because of this that the book succeeds. Again the book is written for children. Different children have their own ways to understand the book and will consider it interesting.
1. What is the book mainly about?| A．A boy’s great love for a tree. |
| B．A boy’s relationship with a tree |
| C．A boy’s dependence on a forest. |
| D．A boy’s interesting life in a forest. |
| A．Its story is touching. |
| B．Its expressions are simple |
| C．Its writing style is humorous. |
| D．Its topics are varied. |
| A．The comments kids gave. |
| B．The writing style. |
| C．The pictures in it. |
| D．Different ways to understand it. |
| A．To comment on a book. |
| B．To introduce a writer. |
| C．To recommend a story. |
| D．To give readers a lesson. |
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【推荐1】Bookstores, like wines, have different notes, different flavors, each one distinct. There are the musty (有霉味的), peculiar ones with random piles and dusty rows, usually with both used and new books. There are the small stores charming and cozy. Then there’s the big-box with long, straight rows, bright and dustless, usually featuring a cafe and a kid’s section you can get lost in.
My love for bookstores is, without a doubt, partly nostalgic (怀旧的). I came of age in the late 1990s, when Amazon was mostly known as a river in South America, phones were not smart and bookstores were dotted around cities.
When my husband and I were dating, our go-to date was to get coffee and walk around bookstores together. It was the best. Wed move slowly, wandering through the religion section, the memoirs, fiction, poetry, history. I’d pick up a title I’d heard about and sit in the aisle reading a chapter. I’d find one I’d never heard of and scan the back cover. We’d sip our coffee and read each other interesting paragraphs from books we found.
I fell for bookstores and for my husband at the same time. So when stores began closing down all over America, we were both sorrowful. What were we supposed to do with a night out now?
In a recent very informal and unscientific poll (调查) of my friends, I found that many of us love and miss physical bookstores. Friends described the feeling of discovery and exploration, the calming serenity (宁静) of being surrounded by words and ideas. My wise friend Greg said, “Bookstores are like the best parties; You may discover a new friend or join an unexpected conversation with a simple turn of your head.”
I dream of an America with streets full of independent bookstores whose inventories (库存清单) contradict one another. But right now I’m in favor of any brick-and-mortar (实体的) book store, really. Any place that reminds us that the material world is beautiful and worth spending time in. Any place where we can learn how to exist together in communities full of words and ideas. Any place where we may discover something unpredictable and new. And if there’s coffee nearby, even better.
1. What do the underlined words in Paragraph 2 suggest about the late 1990s?| A．The information age finally began. | B．Smart phones were common in cities. |
| C．Physical bookstores were popular. | D．The Amazon River remained unpolluted. |
| A．She was particular about her books. | B．She favored books she hadn’t heard of. |
| C．She spent most of her time in bookstores. | D．She enjoyed drinking coffee while reading. |
| A．They are easily out-of-date. | B．They are a source of inspiration. |
| C．They are attractive to partygoers. | D．They are intended for conversations. |
| A．To share her affection for bookstores. |
| B．To introduce different types of bookstores. |
| C．To criticize the lack of public enthusiasm for reading. |
| D．To explore the reasons for the disappearance of bookstores. |
【推荐2】Our recommended list of environmental books covers a broad range of topics. These must-read environmental books are sure to spark the interest of the greenest books.
Silent Spring
Written by Rachel Carson, Silent Spring highlights the effects of pesticides (杀虫剂) on the environment, especially DDT, which was a very popular insecticide until it was finally banned in 1972. The book eventually led to a change in the United States’ pesticide policy and contributed to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference.
This book collects 11 speeches made by climate activist Greta Thunberg, highlighting the issue of climate change and its impact on future generations. Greta Thunberg was 15 when she started the School Strike for Climate, also known as Fridays for Future. She inspired protests worldwide.
The Uninhabitable Earth
This book by David Wallace Wells examines the disasters that have already occurred and looks ahead to the year 2100 and what climate change will do if we continue on our current path. Its opening line is incredibly telling: “It is worse, much worse, than you think.”
The End of Nature
Published in 1989, the book describes the relationship between nature and humans. It expresses the idea that nature was previously independent of humans but has now been affected by them in every way. According to author Bill McKibben, the idea of wilderness is lost, and nature is no longer complete.
1. Which book brought the environment to the government’s attention?| A．Silent Spring. | B．The End of Nature. |
| C．The Uninhabitable Earth. | D．No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference. |
| A．Curiosity. | B．Concern. | C．Annoyance. | D．Disappointment. |
| A．Nature will not exist any longer. | B．Wild animals are disappearing fast. |
| C．Human activities are destroying nature. | D．Climate change affects future generations. |
【推荐3】Top recommendations for fans of non-fiction
Alfie And Me
Carl Safina
In this diary, ecologist Carl Safina has documented his journey raising and freeing a baby owl (猫头鹰). He and his wife came across the small animal when it was sick and dying. They never expected the healing journey to extend their way. Carl talks about the remarkable impact the owl Alfie, had on their lives and how their bond led to a fresh perspective on everyday life.
The Flower Hunter
Lucy Hunter
This book explores how anyone can take advantage of the landscape as a way to create their own flowery work. It teaches readers how to capture the natural beauty. It also encourages them to appreciate their surroundings and to use their imagination for craft and creativity.
Colour Confidence
Jessica Sowerby
“Colour Confidence” is for people who don’t know how to make colour look nice in their homes. This book shows them how to find their perfect home colour tone. It ensures that readers know how to make their personalities shine through it. There are also tips on how colour can influence your mood or the place.
The Strength Of Love
Kate Garraway
If you want to tackle the day with assurance, read this book about self-confidence by Kate Garraway. In this handbook, she shares tips on how to deal with grief and loss. There’s also advice on how to maximize self-love and happiness. With this, she hopes to prove love is the most powerful medicine of all.
1. What can we know from Alfie And Me?| A．Carl Safina captured Alfie on a trip. | B．Alfie improved Carl’s living conditions. |
| C．The Safinas saved Alfie just for fun. | D．They enjoyed each other’s company. |
| A．Carl Safina’s. | B．Lucy Hunter’s. | C．Jessica Sowerby’s. | D．Kate Garraway’s. |
| A．They give instructions. | B．They are inspiring. |
| C．They are non-fiction. | D．They concern nature. |
【推荐1】About a quarter of the world drives on the left, and the countries that do so are mostly old British colonies (殖民地) like Australia, and Ireland. But Thailand, Indonesia and Japan have also developed this habit.
This strange phenomenon puzzles the rest of the world; however, there is a perfectly good reason. Up to the late 1700s, everybody travelled on the left side of the road because it was the sensible option for violent, feudal societies of mostly right-handed people. Soldiers with their swords under their right arms naturally passed on each other’s right, and if you passed a stranger on the road, you walked on the left to ensure that your protective sword arm was between you and him.
Revolutionary France, however, got rid of this practice as part of its sweeping social rethink, and thanks to Napoleon, this change was carried out all over continental Europe. Since he was left-handed, his armies had to march on the right so he could keep his sword arm between him and any opponent. From then on, any country colonized by the French took to driving on the right.
After the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), the US became independent and decided to make traffic drive on the right in order to cut all remaining links to its British colonial past. Once America became the center of the car industry, if you wanted a good reliable vehicle, you bought an American car with right-hand drive. From then on, many countries changed out of necessity.
Today, the EU would like Britain to fall into line with the rest of Europe, but this would cost billions of pounds to change everything round. The last European country to convert to driving on the right was Sweden in 1967. This ironically caused a reduction in car accidents because everyone drove carefully while getting used to the new system.
1. Why did people travel on the left before the late 18th century?| A．They were required to do so. |
| B．They were mostly left-landed. |
| C．It was easier to cross the street. |
| D．They could feel safer from attacks. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Indifferent. | C．Doubtful. | D．Disapproving. |
| A．the connection with France was broken |
| B．the US was no longer ruled by the UK |
| C．the American Revolution War had ended |
| D．America was the center of the car industry |
| A．It would cost too much to change. |
| B．Its increasing traffic accidents. |
| C．Its influence on the colonies |
| D．Its fast-developing car industry. |
【推荐2】There are thousands of websites out there designed specifically for learning new skills, and to help students with exams.
Goconqr
What makes this website unique is the mind map. When you create a map, it allows you to see how things are connected. This helps with both memorization and understanding. The website also has a lot of other helpful features like flashcards, a note-taking platform, study planner, and a way to track how much you’re learning.
Evernote
Studying can cover several different platforms, but with Evernote, all of your notes, information and research can be together in one place. This website can sync (同步) your information across computers and phones, share with other users, and create all from one central platform. Evernote can be used in a lot of ways like keeping your information in order and organizing notes.
Study blue
Study blue connects students through similar learning goals and subjects, allowing them to share flashcards, study guides and more. Study blue can even connect students in specific classes, letting them message each other. The website also has a library, class-based study guides and a real-time self-assessing score that tracks your progress on a subject. With free mobile apps, Study blue can be taken on the go.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is another amazing option for those who want to learn more outside the classroom. This free resource presents you with class options. You can find information on basic geometry, electrical engineering, organic chemistry, microeconomics, personal finance and more.
1. Which website can help students remember things?| A．Khan Academy. | B．Study blue. | C．Goconqr. | D．Evernote. |
| A．Khan Academy. | B．Study blue. | C．Goconqr. | D．Evernote. |
| A．It can create a mind map. | B．It can be taken everywhere. |
| C．It can make information organized. | D．It can offer different courses. |
【推荐3】Sundays in New York can be very pleasant. That's not to say that Sundays in other American cities are not pleasant, but New Yorkers feel that their Sundays are special.
Since Saturday nights are traditionally party nights, Sunday morning are traditionally morning of rest, which means having a long sleep. We call it sleeping in or sleeping late, and staying in bed until 9, 10 or even 11 o'clock is not unusual. Then jump out of bed, hastily pull on clothes, run to the nearest corner newsstand, buy the New York Times or Daily News(or both), return home, put some classical music or popular singer on the record player, take off your clothes and climb right back into bed to leisurely read the paper.
One of the nicest traditions is breakfast in bed. The Times and News are very fat newspapers on Sundays so there is a lot to read while one drinks orange juice and coffee, lying in bed.
If the weather is bad you might immediately turn to the Entertainment Section of the paper to see what movies are on. Sunday afternoons are a popular time for seeing a film, but movies are expensive in New York (as much as $5.00) so choosing takes time and care. Read the movie reviews to discover what the critics think. No one wants to make an expensive mistake…nor does anyone want to stand in line a long time which is very possible if the movie is new and gets good reviews. So if you're not sure about a movie look at the museum listings to see what exhibitions are in town. Some museums are free, others are not.
But if the weather is good you might glance through the section which lists outdoor activities. Almost every Sunday in the springtime residential neighborhoods request permission from the Police Department to close off streets for “street fairs”. There will be food for sale made by local residents or restaurants; handicrafts for sale; music provided by a local band (often high school kids); and perhaps dancing. If the fair is in Little Italy you can expect to find tasty Italian food. If the fair is in China-town you can expect to find egg rolls, music played on the erhu and dragon dances.
1. On Sundays New Yorkers usually get up at ________.| A．5-6 o'clock | B．7-9 o'clock |
| C．9-11 o'clock | D．11-13 o'clock |
| A．with a lot of flesh | B．large |
| C．big | D．heavy |
| A．to buy the New York Times or Daily News (or both). |
| B．to put some classical music or popular singer on the record player. |
| C．to climb right back into bed to read the paper. |
| D．to take off clothes to go to bed again. |
| A．in the early morning | B．in the late morning |
| C．in the afternoon | D．in the evening |
| A．to taste Italian food | B．to eat egg rolls |
| C．to listen to music played on the erhu | D．to watch dragon dances |
