The other day, grandma got a phone call from a stranger who told her that she had won a prize, but she would need to send in some money in order to receive her winnings. Grandma immediately smelled a rat but played along.
She asked calmly for the name of the caller, the phone number and where to send her payment. He gave her some information and told grandma she would be receiving a phone call the next day and that a FedEx employee would come to her house to collect the money.
After the phone call grandma called the chief of police in her town and told him that she had got enough information to get them jailed. But the police chief told her there was nothing he could do and told grandma just to ignore these bad people who were trying to take advantage of an elderly person. Grandma wasn’t happy with this response. She decided to take matters into her own hands.
The next day, she got another call from the scammers(骗子), who told her to write out a check for several thousand dollars and wait at home for a FedEx employee to pick up the check late in the afternoon. True to their words, the FedEx employee arrived. Grandma was told that whatever he was picking up was to be sent away overnight and the payment, all based on weight, would be billed to the party that requested the pickup.
On hearing the information, a good idea hit grandma and then she took out a pack of junk.
“Can I send all this stuff?” Grandma asked.
“Sure, you can,” the employee said. “I’ll just need to get a big box.”
As the employee packed items into the box, grandma put inside a note saying “Go to hell!” in big letters with her name at the bottom. Grandma said, with a big smile, “I really appreciate your help.” When the FedEx truck drove away, grandma said she felt an unbelievable amount of joy. She never heard from the scammers again.
1. When did grandma recognize it was a scam?| A．When she was called to receive her winnings. |
| B．After she got full information about the stranger. |
| C．When a FedEx employee came to her house to collect the money. |
| D．After she had a talk with the policeman on the phone. |
| A．Her decision not to trouble others. |
| B．Her desire to show off her courage. |
| C．The response to her request from the police. |
| D．The encouragement from the FedEx employee. |
| A．Because she cleaned the house. |
| B．Because she would teach the scammer a lesson. |
| C．Because the FedEx employee warned her against bad people. |
| D．Because the FedEx employer packed items into the box. |
| A．Calm and unselfish. | B．Joyful and energetic. |
| C．Humorous and careful. | D．Smart and brave. |
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【推荐1】Recently we celebrated my grandmother’s 90th birthday. Family members traveled to my hometown to visit her. This was the first time in many years that I had seen so many of them. Though this was an opportunity to see family, many people did not make it. Honestly, living far from hometown, I had missed many family gatherings. But this one made me realize how much I was really missing.
It seemed strange when I was looking at the faces, realizing whom they were and greeting them with open arms. After chatting for a while, we caught up on each other’s news. Several relatives suggested having a family reunion soon if everyone wasn’t so busy. But my grandmother’s generation was much busier, yet still found time to gather. They understood the importance of visiting one another. They knew time is flying and that those you care about most won’t be here forever.
Today, we focus on our careers and raising our kids. Our extended family isn’t the center it once was. Besides, we keep in touch on social media. But what we really miss are the potato salad, the moments of laughter and sudden bursts of excitement when we hug someone we haven’t seen for over 10 years. Although the next get-together is always a year or so away, people aren’t goods and everyone has an expiration (到期) date.
I left my grandmother’s party with a much better sense of who I am and where I come from. I spent valuable time with people who contributed to who I am today. I had forgotten how much I love them and I was reminded how much I am loved.
1. How did the author feel about missing previous family gatherings? ________| A．Concerned. | B．Regretful. | C．Sad. | D．Annoyed. |
| A．They were irresponsible. | B．They took time seriously. |
| C．They stress the importance of family. | D．They visited family frequently. |
| A．Family reunions mean no fun. | B．We should see loved ones more before it’s too late. |
| C．People are always too busy to get together. | D．All goods have expiration dates. |
| A．To convince readers to meet friends. | B．To share an interesting family reunion. |
| C．To compare different generations’ values. | D．To stress the value of family gatherings. |
【推荐2】The painter Georgia O’Keeffe was born in Wisconsin in 1887 and grew up on her family’s farm. At seventeen she decided to be an artist and left the farm for schools in Chicago and New York, but she never lost her contact with the land. Like most painters,O’Keeffe painted the things that were most important to her, and nearly all her works are simplified portrayals (描绘) of nature.
O’Keeffe became famous when her paintings were discovered and exhibited in New York by the photographer Alfred Stieglitz, whom she married in 1924. During a visit to New Mexico in 1929, O’Keeffe was so moved by the bleak (荒凉的) landscape and broad skies of the western desert that she began to paint its images. Cows’ skulls and other bleached bones found in the desert figured prominently in her paintings. When her husband died in 1946, she moved to New Mexico permanently and used the horizon lines of the desert, colourful flowers, rocks, barren hills, and the sky as subjects for her paintings. Although O’Keeffe painted her best-known works in the 1920s,1930s and 1940s, she continued to produce tributes to the western desert until her death in 1986.
O’Keeffe is widely considered to have been a pioneering American modernist painter. While most early modern American artists were strongly influenced by European art, O’Keeffe’s position was more independent. She created her own vision and preferred to view her painting as a private effort. Almost from the beginning, her work was more identifiably (可识别地) American than other painters in its special treatment of colour,light,space and natural forms.
1. Alfred Stieglitz ________.| A．was a film director |
| B．married O’Keeffe in 1924 |
| C．died in 1986 |
| D．became famous when his paintings were exhibited in New York |
| A．A photographer’s relationship with a model. |
| B．A writer’s relationship with a publisher. |
| C．A student’s relationship with a book. |
| D．A carpenter’s relationship with a hammer. |
| A．Her life in the countryside. |
| B．Her life in the West. |
| C．The works of European artists. |
| D．The appearance of the natural landscape. |
| A．O’Keeffe was a different modern American painter |
| B．O’Keeffe was the best painter of her generation |
| C．O’Keeffe liked to paint what was familiar to her |
| D．O’Keeffe used colours and shapes that are too simple |
【推荐3】Shark attacks in the screen are amazing. That’s because your actual chances of ever being attacked by a shark are mere one in 11.5 million. That’s roughly the same as your chances of winning an Oscar, which makes shark attack survivor, Mike Coots both incredibly unlucky and lucky: When Mike was 18, he lost his leg to a shark bite.
“I was attacked by a tiger shark in late October 1997. It was near my home on the island of Kauai — a typical fall morning with friends. The waves were really good, so nothing was stopping us.” That is until a large shark came right up under Mike and sank his teeth into Mike’s lower leg. As he tried to free himself, the shark bit down harder, shaking its head back and forth and tossing Mike around like a rag doll. Mike followed his instinct (本能): He struck the shark in the face, again and again until the shark released him. As Mike swam back into shore, he realized his lower right leg was gone. Mike’s friends rushed to his aid, and sent him to the hospital.
As soon as Mike was well, he did what many of us might consider unthinkable: he started riding the waves again, in fact, his first time back was near the site of his attack. But Mike was unshaken. Instead, he was curious — why was he attacked? His curiosity led him to research sharks, and Mike did learn something that would change his life: Humans are far more dangerous to sharks than the other way around.
His situation as a shark survivor empowered him to give sharks a voice, Mike says. He began working with the Hawaii state authorities (当局) to help pass a ban (禁令) on shark-derived products. “I partnered with other like-minded shark attack survivors and marine biologists, and we headed to Washington to urge (敦促) senators to create a nationwide bit! protecting sharks.”
1. Why does the author show the chances of being attacked by sharks?| A．To inform readers of some related knowledge. |
| B．To attract people to watch shark attacks in the screen. |
| C．To stress Mike’s unusual experience of the shark attack. |
| D．To show everyone has the chance of winning an Oscar. |
| A．By hitting the shark hard continually. |
| B．By swimming desperately to the shore, |
| C．By screaming loudly for his friends’ help. |
| D．By shaking its head up and down to get away. |
| A．To overcome his fear of sharks. |
| B．To research on how sharks attack humans. |
| C．To find out the reason for his being attacked. |
| D．To prove humans are more dangerous than sharks. |
| A．He passed a ban on shark-derived products. |
| B．He created a nationwide bill in Washington. |
| C．He worked with the authorities to protect sharks. |
| D．He urged shark attack survivors to protect sharks. |
【推荐1】Getting a snow day off from school was a rare occurrence when I was a boy. A couple of inches on the roads wouldn’t do it. It really took an overwhelming winter storm to cancel school for everyone.
I can still remember those few special snow days that I got growing up. First, I would wait for the announcement to come over the radio. Having a snow day meant that I could watch all of Captain Kangaroo instead of leaving part way through to stand in the bitter cold outside and wait for the bus. I would go outside and play in the thick, wet, heavy snow. When I got too cold and wet, I would go inside, sit in my cozy chair by the wood stove and reread my favorite old books with my dog curling up on my chilly toes. In the afternoon I would sneak into the kitchen and see what Mom and Nana were cooking for dinner.
After dinner I would sit next to Mom on the couch, under a blanket, eating popcorn, and watching TV until bedtime. Then I would pull my sheet, blanket, and quilt up to my chin while my dog curled up on the bed by my feet. I would think back on the day with happiness before falling into a deep, peaceful sleep.
I think all of us should take a few snow days off in our lives, if not in our activities, then at least in our hearts. We should make time for the important things. Stop and see the beauty all around us, playing, reading, eating, laughing, and singing. Be thankful for this precious life and all the joys in it. We need to make time for loving instead of just making a living. May all your days feel like a Snow Day then, be they Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall.
1. What made the author delighted according to the text?| A．Encountering rare occurrences. | B．Getting a snow day off. |
| C．Staying at home. | D．Delivering announcements. |
| A．He played with snow in the yard. | B．He watched cartoons all day long. |
| C．He tried cooking in the company of friends. | D．He reviewed the happy moments of the day. |
| A．Positive. | B．Determined. | C．Lazy. | D．Naughty. |
| A．My Winter Holidays | B．The Approach of Winter |
| C．The Significance of Family | D．The Value of Appreciating Life |
【推荐2】With a satisfied smile, Keisha finished the last sentence of her English essay about one of her heroes, Rosa Parks, an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
“Keisha,” her mother shouted from downstairs. “It’s almost 4:15.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t be late.” Keisha pulled down a storybook from her bookshelf, as she always read to the nursing home’s residents. And on an impulse (一时心血来潮), she added her English notebook as well.
As Keisha came running in the door, the manager told her, “We have a new resident this week, Mrs. Ruby Watson. She’s still adjusting to her new surroundings. You’ll find her in Room 28. And by the way, Keisha, good luck.”
Keisha walked down the hallway at a quick pace. As she entered Room 28, she met two sharp brown eyes staring at her doubtfully.
“I’m Keisha Jackson, a volunteer,” Keisha explained. “I come here to help pass the time with residents, or read to them, or...” Keisha started stammering (结巴) as Mrs. Watson continued to stare at her.
“I didn’t request anyone to keep me company,” Mrs. Watson interrupted. “I’m alone most of the time, and that’s how I prefer it.”
“I’ve brought along some funny stories,” Keisha said hesitantly.
“I’m not in the mood for funny stories,” Mrs. Watson replied angrily, “What else do you have?”
Nervously, Keisha opened her notebook to her essay. She read the title aloud, “Rosa Parks: A Woman of Courage and Conviction (信念).” She glanced at Mrs. Watson to see how she might react, but to her surprise, Mrs. Watson’s face relaxed and her eyes shone. (para. 10)
“Read to me about Rosa,” Mrs. Watson said.
Keisha read how Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in 1955 inspired the protest that became a turning point in the struggle for civil rights.
“I walked with Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King,” Mrs. Watson said with pride, “That was the greatest moment of my life because...” She paused.
“Because... you were a woman of courage and conviction too.”
Sitting up straighter, Mrs. Watson said, “Yes, I was and I still am. Thank you for reminding me, Keisha. Next Thursday, I will tell you my story.”
1. Why did the manager wish Keisha good luck before she visited Mrs. Watson?| A．Mrs. Watson could be difficult. | B．Mrs. Watson was in poor health. |
| C．Keisha was feeling nervous. | D．Keisha was a shy person. |
| A．amused | B．puzzled | C．annoyed | D．interested |
| A．It aroused her curiosity in volunteer work. |
| B．It built up her expectation for more visitors. |
| C．It awoke her pride in her struggle for civil rights. |
| D．It changed her attitude to the Civil Rights Movement. |
| A．a girl enjoys learning about her heroes. |
| B．a girl helps someone feel appreciated. |
| C．a woman overcomes hardship by herself. |
| D．a woman gathers the courage for life. |
【推荐3】Wanda Smith always wanted to be a school teacher but sometimes meeting life’s demanding realities could mean a dream delayed. A mother of three, Smith also cared for her mom. While shouldering her family responsibilities, she took jobs as bus monitor and custodian (管理员) for Brenham Independent School District in Texas. The hours were tiring, but rather than let her dream die, at age 37, with the support and encouragement of her husband, she added night classes to her schedule. Nine years on, she finally graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University. She was a certified teacher at last.
Smith’s story came full circle when she was hired as a first-grade teacher back at Brenham Elementary School. “When I stand in front of my classroom, I am living my dream.” Smith said during a TODAY show. During the pandemic, as some of her students struggled to meet the demands of distance learning, Smith stepped up to the challenge. Noting that many of the kids she teaches came from single-parent families, she began delivering packets of schoolwork to them at home. It’s no wonder Smith’s kids loved her. In a special surprise ceremony, they shouted their praise and held up big colorful signs declaring their devotion.
The feeling was repeated by Brenham’s mayor, Milton Tate Jr., who officially declared May 4, 2021 as “Be the Best You Can Be” Wanda Smith Day. The phrase was also carved on a schoolyard bench, and in addition, a scholarship for up-and-coming teachers at Sam Houston State University has been established in her name.
Smith’s life is an example as well as an inspiration. By always trying to be the best she could be, with hard work and the strong will, she graduated from cleaning classrooms to leading classrooms.
1. What prevented Smith from achieving her dream at a younger age?| A．Special academic requirements. | B．Her strong love for mother. |
| C．The lack of family support. | D．Her heavy family burden. |
| A．Concerned. | B．Doubtful. | C．Respectful. | D．Negative. |
| A．A scholarship was created in her honor. |
| B．Her name was carved on schoolyard benches. |
| C．Colorful signs were held by her students. |
| D．A day was celebrated nationwide in her name. |
| A．To stress the importance of setting up a life dream. |
| B．To suggest lifelong learning by introducing Smith’s story, |
| C．To illustrate how Smith’s experience inspired the people around. |
| D．To show how Smith achieved her best with heart and devotion. |
