Sirine Jahangir has been singing, writing and performing music since she was a little girl. She lost all her vision in one eye by the time she turned 5, so now the teen uses her gift “as a way to —not escape, but to help me through.” Not only did her passion get her through some difficult times, but when she was 14 it also brought her to the “Britain’s Got Talent” stage, where she impressed everyone with her performance.
Sirine has a rare condition that left her completely blind by the time she was 10 years old. While her parents and doctors have tried to find treatments for her, there isn’t much they can do. So her parents focused on helping her adjust to her new life, which was when her dad said she was first introduced to music. “I remember one day, we were driving in the car. This is about when she was getting to the stage where she couldn’t look out the window anymore to see things, and I didn’t know what to do. I just put the music on really loud. She started singing in the car, and she was so happy. And then she just found happiness every time I put it on,” her father said.
It didn’t take long for them to realize Sirine has tremendous talent. When she appeared on “Britain’s Got Talent”, she told everyone just how much her passion means to her. “I guess music is my vision,” she said. “That’s just what I live by, and music is my thing.” Then she headed over to the piano, where she played the piano and sang beautifully enough to bring the audience to tears! Unsurprisingly to everyone but Sirine, all four judges voted her into the next round of the competition!
Afterward, she said, “I can’t even say it’s a dream come true, because I didn’t even dream of it at any point... I never thought that would be realistic in my life.”
1. What helped Sirine get through her difficult times?A.Britain’s Got Talent. | B.Her passion for music. |
C.Support from her parents and doctors. | D.Encouragement from four judges. |
A.Sirine displayed all her passion on stage. | B.Sirine lost her sight totally at the age of five. |
C.Her parents focused on treatments all the way. | D.Sirine was not surprised at the judges’ decision. |
A.Music. | B.Clothes. | C.Talent. | D.Microphone. |
A.Never give up your dream. | B.Music lights up the world. |
C.True happiness lies in competition. | D.Life can be too good to be true. |
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【推荐1】It’s 1:30 am in Kenya’s populated north, and 50 people are lying on their backs on the shore of a dried-up river, staring up at the night sky. These stargazers have travelled 250 miles to Samburu to witness the Perseid meteor shower(英仙座流星雨). They are not disappointed: Every few minutes, arrows of light shoot across the sky like silent fireworks.
The Star Safari is organised by a Kenyan astronomer, Susan Murabana, who has brought a 50 kg,170 cm-long telescope to allow the group to view Mars and deep-sky objects. But here in Samburu, where light pollution is minimal, the Perseid meteors—visible with the naked eye (裸眼)—steal the show.
Every two months, Murabana and her husband load their telescope on to the roof of their 4×4 and set off to rural communities, where they give up to 300 children a chance to view the planets and learn about constellations (星座) and the basics of astrophysics. They primarily targets schools in remote areas because of her mission to give girls an opportunity that she wishes had been available to her.
“When I started this work, I didn’t see people who looked like me. I was a lone ranger and I wanted to change that.” says Murabana.
“There is a common misconception in Kenya that astronomy in general is hard, boring, and only for boys,” she adds. “I’d like to teach young girls that astronomy is neither of these things and that they, too, can become astronomers,” says Murabana.
Murabana’s passion for astronomy began in her early 20s when her uncle invited her to join a similar outreach session organized by the Cosmos Education. “That was a gamechanger. If an outreach group had come to me when I was a young teenager, my attitude towards a career in astronomy would have been positive. I ended up studying sociology and economics, but maybe I would have desired to be an astronomer,” she says.
Inspired by the Cosmos Education, Murabana completed an online master’s degree in astronomy with the James Cook University in 201l and set up her own outreach programme. She looked to Dr Mae Jemison, the first black woman in space, as a role model. “I hope that one day, through this work, I will spark a chain reaction that leads to the first African woman in space.”
1. What do the underlined words “steal the show” in paragraph 2 mean?A.Ruin the effort. | B.Face the challenge. |
C.Attract more attention. | D.Keep the promise. |
A.To help them out of poverty. | B.To inspire their love of astronomy. |
C.To look for assistants for her work. | D.To give them an edge over boys in studies. |
A.She enjoyed playing games. |
B.She longed to be an astronomer. |
C.She is an initiator of Cosmos Education. |
D.She regretted not taking astronomy earlier. |
A.The birth of a Kenyan woman astronomer. |
B.The prejudice against girls in rural Kenyan. |
C.The Kenyan astronomer bringing astronomy to the people. |
D.The Kenyan stargazers watching the Perseid meteors shower. |
【推荐2】On July 28, I retired from my position. After teaching for many years, I looked forward to kayaking (划独木舟) with my grandsons, seeing friends and traveling for leisure with my husband. But my body had other plans for me. A broken spine (脊椎) in my back took me down a path that upended my plans.
I have long had back pain. However, I pushed through the pain to do my work, which worsened my condition. Doctors urged an operation when increased disability meant I could not sit, stand or walk for a long time. But I wanted to see whether physical therapy (治疗) could create an easier option.
Indeed, hard work with a great physical therapist has let me improve my mobility, sitting and standing. But X-rays told a different story. My spine was unstable and bending. After careful consideration and a second opinion from another professional, I agreed to surgery yet in the near term. Needless to say, the past months have been tough and the way ahead will be even tougher. Kayaking with my grandsons in the peacefulness of the lake is all out of reach, for now.
When I met my physical therapist for the first time, I was a mess. He listened to me outline my history with tears and then calmly said, “You have to make friends with your body.” I have repeated that line to myself daily and worked to embrace my body. I have focused on gratitude. I’m grateful that I do not have a fatal disease. I’m grateful that the body I have remains alert to the world, loved by family and friends. I’m grateful that I am still myself.
I don’t know exactly how the future will play out. The surgeon assures me that I should be able to get in my kayak by summer. But I may have to make friends with a different body, one that is mine regardless of the shape.
1. Why did the author’s condition become worse?A.She disliked physical therapy. |
B.She hurt her back when kayaking. |
C.She still worked despite back pain. |
D.She was unwilling to have an operation. |
A.She forgot to kayak with her grandsons. |
B.She decided to accept an operation right away. |
C.She completely recovered after physical therapy. |
D.She asked another doctor for advice on the operation. |
A.Her wish to enjoy retirement life. |
B.Her physical therapist’s advice. |
C.Her worsening physical condition. |
D.Her love for her family and friends. |
A.Learning to accept my body |
B.Enjoying my retirement life |
C.Fighting against my back pain |
D.Being grateful for what I have |
【推荐3】A couple of years ago I graduated from art school. After graduation I was unsure of what to do with my degree. I had majored in illustration (插画专业) and loved it, but didn’t really feel interested in doing illustrations for any companies. This left me with few options other than freelance (自由职业的) jobs and taking care of kids for others.
I spent two years working as a baby-sitter, doing freelance illustrations on the side. It just wasn’t quite enough to pay rent, but I loved it, so I worked well over 50 hours a week, trying to keep up with both.
Just under a year ago I went to a friend’s wedding. I couldn’t think of a gift for them and really didn’t have a lot of money to spare, so I used my talents to create a portrait (肖像) for them. It wasn’t much, but I hoped it would be a good gift. When I handed the portrait to them and they unwrapped it, the looks on their faces were something I did not expect. There were joyful tears in their eyes as they cried, “That’s us! This is so beautiful!”
It’s funny because when I was in art school portraits were always my least favourite assignment. I hated drawing people and was always so much more interested in drawing little furry creatures. Once I saw the looks on my friends’ faces after giving them their portrait, it was all over. I suddenly loved portraits and wanted to do more.
I now take portraits to every wedding I go to and have given them as gifts to the families I baby-sit for. Every time the reaction makes all of the hard work and time I put into them so worth it. I’ve just started offering couple, family and pet portraits as an item on my Etsy shop.
1. What did the author choose to do after graduation?
A.She worked for a long-term employer. |
B.She married and looked after her baby. |
C.She pursued further studies in her major. |
D.She worked as an illustrator as a side job. |
A.She was eager to show off her talent. |
B.She couldn’t afford an expensive gift. |
C.Her friends didn’t take wedding photos. |
D.She wanted to satisfy her friends’ request. |
A.Embarrassed. | B.Motivated. | C.Overjoyed. | D.Depressed. |
A.She earned more money to support her talent. |
B.She has begun to create her career as an illustrator. |
C.She turned to illustrations for pets other than humans. |
D.She no longer needs to go to the families she baby-sat for. |
【推荐1】Rain or shine, Tsering Chopa treks for long hours to deliver mail. For 18 years, the Tibetan mailman has been a vital link between the remote town and the rest of the world.
At 5,373 meters above sea level, Pumachangthang in Nakarze county of the Tibet autonomous region is China’s highest township. The oxygen level is less than 40 percent, the annual average temperature -7°C and the average life expectancy only 49.5 years. The area of the township is about 1,500 square kilometers. The distance from the county town is some 70 km and a single trip to all the six villages can be as long as 160 km.
In 2005, Tsering Chopa became the first mailman of his hometown. In nearly two decades since his first mission, he has delivered over a million newspapers, more than 20,000 letters and 10,000-plus parcels in Pumachangthang, and has never been accused of failing or mixing up mail.
One night, a local resident Nyima Tsering’s daughter had fainted and desperately needed help. Knowing that, the mailman arranged for a car right away and sent her to the county hospital. He also gave some cash to the family for the girl’s treatment. Nyima Tsering’s daughter recovered soon, and Tsering Chopa became an idol in the village.
The busiest time for Tsering Chopa is between July and August each year, when students are waiting for their admission letters from various universities. He recalls once he had to deliver mail to one student whose family had already moved away. He had to ask neighbors several times to find the new address. It was summer and the usual road to the village was blocked because of rain. He trekked for more than 20 km and struggled with shortness of breath all the way to finally deliver the letter.
In 2019, Tsering Chopa received the China Youth May Fourth Medal. “It is an acknowledgment of what I do and a token of encouragement as well,” he says. “And I want to help more people living in remote areas. I want to bring the world closer to them and take them closer to the world.”
1. What does the data in paragraph 2 imply?A.The achievements Tsering Chopa has gotten as a postman. |
B.The disasters Tsering Chopa experienced in his childhood. |
C.The contributions Tsering Chopa has made for his hometown. |
D.The challenges for Tsering Chopa to deliver mail in Pumachangthang. |
A.By donating a car to her family. | B.By making her hospitalized in time. |
C.By lending money to her family. | D.By performing an operation for her. |
A.Selfless and determined. | B.Brave and confident. |
C.Optimistic and humorous. | D.Creative and generous. |
A.To win respect and admiration form the villagers. |
B.To improve the living conditions of his hometown. |
C.To further link his hometown to the rest of the world. |
D.To encourage more poor students to go to universities. |
【推荐2】An author with cerebral palsy(脑瘫) who fulfilled his dream of writing a children’s book said he hoped it could help young people “be themselves”.
Gavin Clift on wrote Max and the Magic Wish, about a boy with cerebral palsy who wishes to be like other children before starting school.
Clifton wanted to convey the message that it is OK for children to be different. Clifton was expected to never walk, talk or go to mainstream school due to his condition. Clifton now walks and drives and can speak through a specialist machine.
He said he wanted to show others what people with disabilities can do, “The person you become is the most important thing because you learn to adapt your life in your own way. And I want to show children and others with disabilities that being yourself is always the best that they should do. It has always been a dream of mine to write a children’s book and if I can educate more people and inspire them whilst making a difference to their lives, I would be so happy. It would be my biggest achievement yet.”
Clifton said he wanted it to go against “keyboard warriors” searching for people with disabilities on social media. “I have suffered abuse from keyboard warriors myself but the best advice I can give is to never bite back and let go of all the horrible comments and let them go over your head.”
The author’s father Martin Clifton said, “The doctor said he would never walk or talk because of his cerebral pals y that affects one side of his body. I am so proud of him.”
Illustrator and publisher of Clifton’s book, Clare Thomas, said working with him was “an absolute honour”. She said, “He doesn’t let anything stand in his way.”
1. How is the third paragraph developed?A.By describing a process. | B.By analyzing causes. |
C.By giving an example. | D.By following time order. |
A.The motivation behind Clifton’s writing a book. |
B.The reason for Gavin Clifton’s recovery. |
C.The main character of Gavin Clifton’s book. |
D.The cause of Gavin Clifton’s illness. |
A.He asks friends for help. | B.He ignores their evil words. |
C.He bites back keyboard warriors. | D.He accepts the horrible comments. |
A.Because Gavin Clifton enjoyed a high social status. |
B.Because Gavin Clift on was a man with disabilities. |
C.Because Gavin Clifton brought much confidence to Clare Thomas. |
D.Because Gavin Clift impressed Clare Thomas with his perseverance. |
【推荐3】I was given the book Running on Faith written by Jason Lester as a birthday gift last month. After I started reading, I really couldn’t keep my eyes off it. It is always inspiring to read a story of someone who has gone through obstacles to reach his goals.
Jason Lester is a disabled extreme athlete. When he was twelve years old, a fast car ran a red light and hit him. Then he was sent into the hospital with twenty broken bones and a seriously injured arm. Jason had always wanted to become a famous baseball player, but at that time that dream was gone.
However, Jason loved sports and he still wanted to be a good athlete. He began running and taking part in duathlons(铁人两项比赛) in high school. Years later in 2004, he decided to start training for the Ironman, and has competed in many extreme races since then. In 2008, Jason became the first disabled athlete to complete the Ultraman (320 miles of biking, swimming and running), and it led him to an ESPY Award for Best Male Athlete with a Disability in 2009.
If you are in a bad situation and don’t know what to do now, Running on Faith is a good book for you. If you love running and want to reach some race goals, this book is good for you, too. Anyway, this book is worth reading for everyone who loves reading and wants to turn dreams into reality.
1. What does the underlined word "obstacles" in Paragraph 1 mean?A.Difficulties. | B.Worries. |
C.Arrangements. | D.Experiences. |
A.He ran a red light and got injured. |
B.He was seriously hurt in the accident. |
C.He decided to play baseball after the accident. |
D.He lost the courage to be an extreme athlete. |
A.To show how dreams can come true. |
B.To explore the way to be a good athlete. |
C.To recommend reading Running on Faith. |
D.To explain why Running on Faith is popular. |
A.Always prepare for the rainy day. |
B.Mental strength is the key to success. |
C.A thousand-mile journey begins with the first step. |
D.Good habits formed at youth make all the difference. |