Have you ever wondered about people’s names? Where do they come from? What do they mean?
People’s first names, or given names, are chosen by their parents. Sometimes the name of a grandparent or other member of the family is used. Some parents choose the name of a well-known person. A boy could be named George Washington Smith; a girl could be named Helen Keller Jones.
Some people give their children names that mean good things. Clara means “bright”; Beatrice means “one who gives happiness”; Donald means “world ruler”; Leonard means “as brave as a lion”.
The earliest last names, or surnames, were taken from place names. A family with the name Brook or Brooks probably lived near a brook (小溪); someone who was called Longstreet probably lived on a long, paved road. The Greenwood family lived in or near a leafy forest.
Other early surnames came from people’s occupations. The most common occupational name is Smith, which means a person who makes things with iron or other metals. In the past, smiths were very important workers in every town and village. Some other occupational names are: Carter—a person who owned or drove a cart; Potter—a person who made pots and pans.
The ancestors of the Baker family probably baked bread for their neighbors in their native village. The Carpenter’s great-great-great-grandfather probably built houses and furniture.
Sometimes people were known for the color of their hair or skin, or their size, or their special abilities. When there were two men who were named John in the same village, the John with gray hair probably became John Gray. Or the John who was very tall could call himself John Tallman. John Fish was probably an excellent swimmer and John Lightfoot was probably a fast runner or a good dancer.
Some family names were made by adding something to the father’s name. English-speaking people added –s or –son. The Johnsons are descendants of John; the Roberts family’s ancestor was Robert. Irish and Scottish people added Mac or Mc or O. Perhaps all of the MacDonnells and the O’Donnells are descendants of the same Donnell.
1. Which of the following aspects do the surnames in the passage NOT cover?
| A．Places where people lived. | B．People’s characters. |
| C．Talents that people possessed. | D．People’s occupations. |
| A．owned or drove a cart | B．made things with metals |
| C．made kitchen tools or containers. | D．built houses and furniture. |
| A．Beatrice Smith | B．Leonard Carter |
| C．George Longstreet | D．Donald Greenwood |
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【推荐1】The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Major Cold, or da han in Chinese, is the last solar term in the annual solar calendar. Here are some things about Major Cold.
Cold currentDuring Major Cold, as the cold current moves southward, the weather is often cold to the extreme. Though the related data in China show that the lowest temperature in a year is usually recorded during the Major Cold period, it may not be as cold as Minor Cold in most areas on the whole since spring is approaching.
Dispelling (驱散) coldDuring Major Cold, the freezing weather has a big influence on Chinese people’s lives. Rather than take up outdoor activities, people tend to reduce movements and choose to stay at home to keep fit in various ways. For example, to stay warm, people in Beijing have a habit of eating dispelling cold cake, a kind of rice cake that is thought good to warm and nourish. Besides, in Chinese, “rice cake” has the same pronunciation with the words “higher in a new year”, which symbolizes good luck and continual promotion. For another example, residents in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province like to drink nourishing chicken soup during Major Cold.
The ending and the beginningMajor Cold often coincides with the end of the year, so the folk customs of this period have an added sense of farewell to the old and welcoming the new. With the traditional Spring Festival around the corner, people are busy making preparations for it, like stocking up delicacies, sweeping and decorating. The cheerfulness of the reunion adds warmth to the cold winter days.
1. What is the feature of Major Cold?| A．Lasting much longer than Minor Cold. |
| B．Being colder than Minor Cold on average. |
| C．Resulting from cold current moving southward. |
| D．Dropping to the lowest temperature of the year. |
| A．By eating specific food to keep warm. | B．By expressing new year’s resolution. |
| C．By doing exercise to keep healthy. | D．By decorating their houses to dispel cold. |
| A．Diet. | B．News. | C．Culture. | D．Art. |
【推荐2】You can tell a lot about a country by what's on its television sets. Britain's TV screens are completely steeped in class, and have long been so.
From laughing at poor people in reality shows to laughing at posh people in Downton Abbey, this is how Britain likes to unwind in the evening: by laughing at other classes, and laughing at people for laughing about class.
Like it or loathe it, many see the class system as a quite essential element of British life, together with our obsession for tea and cake and talking about the weather.
Whether you are a lord, a lady, or just the king of your own middle class kingdom, everyone in the UK fits into the class system. How the class system works is a hard question even for a British person to answer.
There are four main groups in the British class system: lower, working, middle and upper class. Although recently the BBC has tried to confuse everyone even more by adding three more categories.
The British are very aware of class; it is often said that we have an in-built 'class radar'; we pick up on subtle social clues which indicate which class a person comes from. Class is not just about your job, where you live and how much you earn. It's about who you are.
1. According to the passage ,what Britain are not likely to talk about?| A．Weather | B．Class |
| C．Jokes | D．Tea and cake |
| A．Five | B．Three |
| C．Seven | D．Four |
| A．Because many see the class system as a typical part of British life. |
| B．Because class is about who you are. |
| C．Because how the class system works is a hard question even for a British person to answer. |
| D．Because there are different groups in the British class system. |
【推荐3】Known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese Moon Festival is an important and favorite holiday for Chinese people around the world. The Chinese Moon Festival is a joyous time for family, friends, and couples to reunite under a full moon.
Moon Festival Legends
Known as Zhongqiu Jie in Chinese, the Moon Festival dates back over 3,000 years. Many legends have developed over the years. Most stories are based on the idea that the goddess Chang’e lives on the moon. One story suggests that the moon goddess was the wife of a legendary archer(弓箭手) who was ordered to shoot down all of the suns in the sky except one. After accomplishing the task, he was given an immortality(不死) pill as a reward. His wife found and took the pill instead, then later flew to the moon, where she lives now.
What to Expect During the Chinese Moon Festival
The Chinese Moon Festival is a time to take a needed break from work, reunite with family and friends, and pay respect to the full moon with poems and by eating mooncakes. Couples take full advantage of the Moon Festival as a romantic time to sit under a full moon while sharing cakes. Many shops and businesses may be closed in celebration of the holiday; transportation options may be full or limited.
1. The purpose of this article is ________.| A．to introduce the Chinese Moon Festival |
| B．to describe what to do on the Moon Festival |
| C．to imply that the Chinese like the Moon Festival |
| D．to show that the Moon Festival is the most important festival |
| A．To take a pill given to him as a reward. | B．To make only one sun stay in the sky. |
| C．To give his legendary wife a good lesson. | D．To show his wife how brave he was. |
| A．they all stay out all night to enjoy the full moon |
| B．they get together with their families and friends |
| C．they prefer to travel with their sweethearts |
| D．they like to go shopping |
【推荐1】Earthquakes are something that people fear. There are some places that have few or no earthquakes. Most places in the world, however, have them regularly ( 有规律地). Countries that have a lot of earthquakes are usually quite mountainous.
The most-talked-about earthquake in the United States was in San Francisco in 1906. Over 700 people died in it. The strongest one in North America was in 1964. It happened in Alaska.
Strong earthquakes are not always the ones that kill the most people. In 1755, one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded was felt in Portugal. Around 2，000 people died.
In 1923, a very strong earthquake hit Tokyo, the Yokohama area of Japan. A hundred and forty thousand people died. Most of them died in fires which followed the earthquake.
One of the worst earthquakes ever was in China in 1976. It killed a large number of people. The worst earthquake ever recorded was also in China, in which about 80，000 people were killed or injured. This earthquake happened in 2008.
Earthquakes worry people a lot. The reason is that we often do not know when they are coming.
People can't prepare for them.
1. Earthquakes happen _______．| A．in all the places in the world |
| B．only in the countries that have a lot of mountains |
| C．regularly in most places in the world |
| D．only in a few places along the mountains |
| A．4; Alaska. | B．2008; China. |
| C．1923; Japan. | D．1976; China. |
| A．How do earthquakes worry people? |
| B．What will people do to prepare for earthquakes? |
| C．How can we save people when earthquakes happen? |
| D．How do earthquakes happen? |
【推荐2】On December 26, 2004, an earthquake along the Indian Ocean caused a huge tsunami(海啸)that killed thousands of people in Asia and East Africa. However, wildlife officials at Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park reported there had not been many animal deaths.
Some researchers believe the animals at the park were able to sense the earthquake and moved to higher ground before the earthquake hit. Animals have good senses that help protect themselves from being hunted by their natural enemies. It is thought that their senses might also help them sense the coming disasters. Several countries have done research on the prediction(预测)of earthquakes by animals. There are two theories(理论)about how animals may be able to sense earthquakes. One theory is that animals sense the earth’s shake. The other is that they can sense changes in the air. However, so far there has been no strong evidence about how animals may be able to sense earthquakes.
Other researchers are skeptical(怀疑)about using animals for earthquake predictions. The United States Geological Survey(USGS)officially states, “Changes in animal behaviors cannot be used to predict earthquakes. A connection between a specific behavior of an animal and an earthquake has not been made. Because of their fine senses, animals can often feel the earthquake at its earliest stages before the humans. That’s why people say that the animal knew the earthquake was coming. But animals can also change their behaviors for many other reasons. If an earthquake can shake millions of people, it is likely that a few of their pets will, by chance, be acting strangely before the earthquake.”
Although scientists disagree on whether animal behaviors can be used to predict earthquakes, they all agree that it is possible for animals to sense changes in the environment before humans. Researchers around the world are continuing to study the connection between animal behaviors and earthquakes. It is hoped that these studies will help to predict earthquakes.
1. What can we know about animals’ senses in paragraph 2?| A．They are not helpful. | B．They can change the environment. |
| C．They can protect animals in some ways. | D．They can prevent animals acting strangely |
| A．Animals change behaviors for many reasons. |
| B．Animal behaviors can predict earthquakes. |
| C．Animal behaviors are closely related to earthquakes. |
| D．Our pets can’t sense earthquakes |
| A．Disappointed | B．Hopeful | C．Uninterested | D．Skeptical |
| A．How Earthquakes Cause Tsunami | B．Why Animals Change Behaviors |
| C．Can Animals Predict Earthquakes? | D．What Functions Animals’ Senses Have |
【推荐3】Like most people, you’re probably social distancing to stop the epidemic (疫情). While you’re stuck at home, you may feel lonely and want some friends. Fortunately, it might be easier than you think to meet new people.
Since most socializing has gone digital, social media can be a great way to connect with others while stopping the spread of the virus. On Facebook, add people from the “people you may know” section or people who comment on mutual (共同的) friends’ posts. If someone approves your friend request or follows you back, they may be open to a friendship.
If you find someone you’re interested in friending, send them a brief, friendly message to say “hello”. For instance, if you’re messaging someone on social media, say, “Hey! I’m also a friend of Andy’s and have seen you commenting on his posts a lot. I’m trying to make some new friends to chat with now that we’re all social distancing. Is that something you’d be interested in?”
You likely have some extra time on your hands, so use it to get to know people. Message your new friends frequently to build a relationship. Ask them questions, tell them some facts about yourself, and send funny stories. You could also talk about a shared interest. When you both feel ready, set up a video chat so you can meet without being in the same room. Treat your video call like a real face-to-face meeting so it feels normal. If you’d normally go out for a drink, it’s suggested that you each enjoy a beer or glass of wine.
After you’ve been chatting with someone for a while, you might think you’re ready to meet them. However, it’s strongly recommended that you avoid meetups till the end of the epidemic.
1. Why are people being kept separate from others?| A．They feel very lonely and want to make friends. |
| B．They have been diagnosed with a deadly disease. |
| C．They are trying to block the spread of epidemic. |
| D．They are killing time indoors as a new way of life. |
| A．The ways to find new friends while staying at home. |
| B．The tips to keep track of acquaintances online. |
| C．Tips and warnings to have an outdoor date online. |
| D．The ways and skills to find and use social media. |
| A．To make both you and your newly-found friend relaxed. |
| B．To keep safe from any possibilities of infecting the disease. |
| C．To show that you are quite serious to prepare a video call. |
| D．To make your new friend learn more about your hobbies. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Agreeable. | C．Negative. | D．Doubtful. |
【推荐1】Some people have a very poor sense of direction.Unluckily，I am one of them.I have visited a place many times but I may still get lost there the next time.
When I was a little girl，I never dared to ask strangers the way.And so I used to walk around in circles and hope that by chance I would get to the place I was going to.
Now，I am no longer too shy to ask people for directions，but I often receive helpless or even wrong information.So I try to avoid giving people wrong directions.If anyone ever asks me the way somewhere，I would say，“Sorry，I am a stranger here.”
Once on my way to work I was stopped by a man.He asked me if I could tell him the way to the Friendship Building.I gave him my usual reply.But just as I walked on only a few steps，I realized that he had asked the way to my office building.However，I had no time to turn back and look for him.I was rushing to meet with someone at my office and I didn't want to keep him waiting.
When I just got to my office，the secretary(秘书) showed in the man who had asked me for directions.Imagine how embarrassed I was and how surprised he was when we saw each other at the first sight!
1. The writer always refuses to give people directions because ________．| A．she's a stranger to the city |
| B．she doesn't know the people |
| C．she has no time to help others |
| D．she's afraid of giving wrong directions |
| A．sell her something | B．ask her the time |
| C．make friends with her | D．ask for the direction |
| A．lives | B．studies |
| C．works | D．teaches |
| A．尴尬的 | B．困惑的 |
| C．激动的 | D．拮据的 |
| A．The writer is too shy to give others directions. |
| B．The writer has a very poor sense of direction. |
| C．The writer never got lost when she was young. |
| D．The man was quite nervous when he saw the writer. |
【推荐2】Welcome to Iceland! We hope that your trip will be pleasant and that __________will help you during your stay. It includes very important information you might find useful for your travel and we hope you will enjoy it.
Iceland is becoming a very popular place to visit all year round and we are not surprised. The country with its spectacular, unspoiled, fragile and raw nature, hot springs, icebergs and waterfall is a feast for the eyes during both summer and winter. Our history and culture is young compared to most other countries. We speak our own language, Icelandic, which due to the country's isolation in the past, has been very well preserved.
Driving in Iceland can be a bit different from many other countries. We do have a number of gravel roads, single lane bridges, narrow roads, rough mountain roads with unbridged rivers, animal stock near or on the road and weather conditions can change quickly. Therefore driving in Iceland needs your full care and attention because we want you to return safe and happy.
We kindly ask you to help us improve our quality by giving us feedback on how we are doing and what we can do better. No less importantly, we ask you to help us preserve the Icelandic nature which can be very fragile. Off-road driving is strictly forbidden and please do not litter.
In case of trouble, an accident or a breakdown, please don't hesitate to contact our emergency phone numbers 840-6010 for south and west Iceland, or 840-6000 for north and east Iceland or by visiting one of our many locations around the country and we will do our very best to help you to safely continue your journey.
We trust that your travel in Iceland will be comfortable and pleasant, and we wish you a very good time here.
1. Which of the following statements might be most suitable for the blank in Paragraph 1?| A．this newspaper article |
| B．this police travel guides |
| C．the traffic regulations |
| D．this brochure of our agency |
| A．Travelling in Iceland is only popular in summer and winter. |
| B．A traveler can both have hot and cold experiences in Iceland. |
| C．The country is not visited by people very often because of its special language. |
| D．Travelers are not advised to drive on narrow roads when travelling in Iceland. |
| A．He can have his car repaired. | B．He can call 840-6010 for help. |
| C．He can push his car off the road. | D．He can drive in the other direction. |
【推荐3】Too many people want others to be their friends, but they don’t give friendship back. That is why some friendships don’t last very long. To have a friend, you must learn to treat your friend the way you want your friend to treat you. Learning to be a good friend means learning three rules: be honest; be generous；be understanding.
Honesty is where a good friendship starts. Friends must trust one another. If you don’t tell the truth, people usually find out. If a friend finds out that you haven’t been honest, you may lose your friend’s trust. Good friends always count on one another to speak and act honestly.
Generosity means sharing and sharing makes a friendship grow. You don’t have to give your lunch money or your clothes, or enjoy, like our hobbies and your interests. Naturally you will want to share your ideas and feelings. These can be very valuable to a friend. They tell your friend what is important to you. By sharing them you help your friend know you better.
Sooner or later everyone needs understanding and help with a problem. Something may go wrong at school. Talking about the problem can make it easier to solve . Turning to a friend can be a first step in solving the problem. So to be a friend you must listen and understand. You must try to put yourself in your friend’s place so you can understand the problem better.
No two friendships are ever exactly alike. But all true friendships have three things in common. If you plan to keep your friendships, you must practice honesty. Generosity and understanding.
1. Some friendships don’t last very long because .| A．they don’t know friendship is something serious |
| B．there are too many people who want to make friends |
| C．those who give others friendships receive friendships from others |
| D．those who never give others friendships receive no friendship from others |
| A．something countable | B．the base of a friendship |
| C．as important as money | D．more important than anything else |
| A．Always tell your friend the truth. |
| B．Sharing your mind with your friend is of great value. |
| C．A friend who gives you his lunch money is a true friend. |
| D．Discussing your problems with your friend often helps to solve the problem. |
| A．Share your ideas and feelings with your friend. |
| B．Give your lunch money or your clothes to your friend. |
| C．Don’t tell the truth to your friend. |
| D．Ask your friend for everything. |
【推荐1】One Story
One Story is a non-profit organization supported by readers like you and organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts, Amazon, and the New York State Council on the Arts.
What kinds of stories is One Story looking for?
One Story wants literary fiction between 3,000 and 8,000 words. They can be any style and on any subjects as long as they are good. More importantly, we are looking for stories that make readers feel satisfied.
Does One Story pay?
Yes. One Story pays $500.
Does One Story accept previously published material?
No. However, if a story has been published in print outside of North America, it will be considered. Stories previously published online—on blogs, personal websites, or online literary magazines—will not be accepted.
Will you send me comments on my story?
No. One Story receives close to 100 submissions each week. Please understand that we do not have time to comment on individual stories.
Do you consider translations?
Yes. Please include the name of the original author and language, as well as the name of the translator on the first page of your submission.
How do I submit my work to One Story?
If you want to participate, you can use our automated system to send us your work. It will securely send your editors your story and email you a confirmation that it has been received. To use the automated system, you need to have a One Story account.
1. One Story judges works mainly according to __________.| A．readers’ views on them | B．the number of their words |
| C．whether they are translated works | D．where and how they are published |
| A．They should expect no profits or comments. |
| B．They should apply for an account in advance. |
| C．They should provide detailed personal information. |
| D．They should have experience of publishing works. |
| A．One Story prefers publications online to those in print. |
| B．One Story provides timely feedback on individual stories. |
| C．One Story aims at making money for readers and organizations. |
| D．Once you submit your work automatically, you’ll receive a confirmation email. |
【推荐2】ACTIVITY SCHEDULE FOR THE COMING WEEK
MONDAY 25th | A SHORT TOUR OF BRIGHTON TO HELP ORIENTATE NEW STUDENTS TO THE LOCAL AREA. Meet outside the school at 13:20. | WELCOME NEW STUDENTS We have 8 new students this week, so come along to the Clifftonville inn on George Street at 8:30 to give them a warm welcome. |
TUESDAY 26th | PARTY PREPARATIONS | CALLING ALL STUDENTS TO COME BACK TO SCHOOL AT 7:00 TO HELP Making costumes and decorations for the party on Thursday The more people that come, the better the party will be. |
THURSDAY 28th | FANCY DRESS HALLOWEEN PARTY | COME ALONG AND CELEBRATE THIS CREEPY FESTIVAL WITH MUSIC, FOOD AND SPOOKY DECORATIONS… |
FRIDAY 29th | FOOTBALL MATCH AT 16:00 AT HOVE PARK If you would like to pay, sign on the board. | FREE TIME |
SATURDAY 30th TRIPS BY TRAIN | LONDON AND HALLOWEEN SPECIAL Includes a trip to the London Dungeons, Camden Lock market, the infamous Clink Prison and Chessington theme park for their Halloween evening, plus much more…£21. | LEWES BONFIRE NIGHT AND SUSSEX COUNTRYSIDE TOUR This mid week tour leaves Brighton at 13:30 and includes an afternoon visit to the famous Seven Sisters, Beachy Head, and cider tasting at Middle Farm. A stop will be made at a country pub for dinner before we move on to Lewes for their annual bonfire parade and fireworks… Only £10 |
1. We can infer that the school in the text is nearest to _______.
| A．London | B．Sussex |
| C．Lewes | D．Brighton |
| A．for a gathering to start a short tour |
| B．to prepare for the party |
| C．to give the new students a warm welcome |
| D．to celebrate the fancy dress Halloween party |
a. Seven Sisters b. Middle Farm c. a country pub
d. Brighton e. Beachy Head
| A．daebc | B．adecb |
| C．daceb | D．adebc |
【推荐3】The popular streaming service Netflix announced plans to exclude (排除) tobacco use from any of its new shows and movies that target younger audiences, specifically those below the age of 15. According to media reports, the decision comes from pressure from Truth Initiative, a large non-profit organization aiming to get rid of tobacco and make its use “a thing of the past”.
Smoking is a bad habit and no parents want their kids to start smoking. As such, excluding the vice (坏习惯) from television shows and movies young people watch makes good sense. I’ll acknowledge that Netflix’s decision to exclude smoking is a good one — but it’s a wildly inconsistent standard. What about other vices? For example, the use of bad language?
As parents of three young boys, my wife and I are trying to expose our children to good things. We want to encourage them to grow up to become responsible men who see the value and potential in every person. We want to see them avoid the landmines that so often entrap young people today.
Sadly, typical television shows and movies contain material that’s the exact opposite of that. It’s often said that companies only produce what people will consume — and there’s some truth in such a claim. But the organization I work for has long had an online site that helps parents know about what's in a movie, show or music album. We don’t tell you whether you should watch or listen — we simply let you know what it’s about — and let you decide. It’s our most popular site, attracting millions of visits each month.
Netflix might be surprised how many new customers they would win if they started producing content that parents actually want instead of themes that regularly stand in opposition to the values of the millions of moms and dads like me who want to see our kids accomplish more in life rather than simply avoiding the smoking habit.
1. Why did Netflix plan to cut smoking from youth-targeted content?| A．Because of appeals from parents. |
| B．Because of the influence of media reports. |
| C．Because of requests from young audiences. |
| D．Because of pressure from a tobacco control organization. |
| A．Bad habits. | B．Comfort zones. |
| C．Unrealistic dreams | D．Improper friendships. |
| A．It teaches parenting skills. |
| B．It promotes youth programs. |
| C．It advertises movies and shows. |
| D．It serves as an entertainment guide. |
| A．It is helpless. |
| B．It is far from enough. |
| C．It is against popular values. |
| D．It is a warning to tobacco makers. |
