Now, I’ve talked much about education. I’ve talked about teacher’s responsibility for inspiring students and pushing you to learn. I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you act correctly, and you get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the TV. I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards.
But at the end of the day, we can have the most committed teachers, the most supportive parents, the best schools in the world and none of it will make a difference, none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities, unless you show up to those schools, unless you pay attention to those teachers, unless you listen to your parents and grandparents and other adults and put in (投入) the hard work that leads us to succeed. That’s what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education.
I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself. Every single one of you has something that you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide.
And no matter what you want to do with your life. I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You cannot drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to train for it and work for it and learn for it.
That’s okay. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who’ve had the most failures. J. K. Rowling’s who wrote Harry Potter- her first Harry Potter book was rejected 12 times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. He lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, “I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that’s why I succeed.”
And even when you’re struggling, even when you’re discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you, don’t ever give up on yourself, because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.
1. The passage is probably a ________.| A．travel journal | B．science fiction |
| C．speech manuscript | D．fairy tale |
| A．devoted | B．confused | C．frightened | D．embarrassed |
| A．Speak often, ask seldom. |
| B．Spare the rod, spoil the child. |
| C．Never put off until tomorrow what may be done today in our daily life. |
| D．Move ahead and fulfill our own educational responsibilities by studying hard. |
| A．Keep on going and never give up. |
| B．Action speaks louder than words. |
| C．Nobody knows his own advantages. |
| D．Love of and devotion to one’s country is the most significant. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】It is often said that a person’s high school years are some of the most important they will experience, and are often seen as a critical and life-shaping time. During this period in their life people often begin to discover what is meaningful to them and how they plan to continue living their life. My volunteer experience at St. Clare’s Hospital has helped me form this positive experience during my high school years; through valuable lessons I have learned life skills and have begun to shape my values and mind-set. In the course of my volunteering at the hospital I have discovered how to interact with others, learned to respect diversity, realized the importance of service, and gained perspective. When I first began volunteering, I was very nervous about meeting new people and being pushed outside of my comfort zone. I am learning to introduce myself to new volunteers, go out of my way to make patients feel welcome, and overall how to extend a hand of friendship to others. Not only does this skill apply to my personal life, but will also be extremely helpful in my academic life and the “real world.”
I think one of the most significant values I have gained through my experience at St. Clare’s Hospital is the importance of service. Service, involves making a difference in the lives of others and contributing to the community. Each time I end my volunteer shift, I feel better and as if I have done something worthwhile. This feeling has fueled me to continue volunteering, and has now become something I see as irreplaceable. In the past I have been frustrated by my situation, and was discouraged because I felt I might not make a significant difference due to my young age. However, I am relieved of this because I feel that through the hospital volunteer program I can try to do my part and help others.
I genuinely think that without my volunteer experience at St. Clare’s Hospital, I may have been a different person, lacking these skills and ideals. I have matured and gained valuable skills, as well as learned important lessons about life. Many people my age do not have an experience similar to this, where they are in an environment based only upon healing and helping others, and I think they have truly missed out. I will continue on this path of service throughout my life, and I know that because of my volunteer experience I have benefited, and that these benefits will carry on as I develop and become an adult.
1. According to the passage, why is a person’s high school years important?| A．Because people do volunteer work during this time. |
| B．Because it is a time to interact with others. |
| C．Because during this period, people begin to shape their lives. |
| D．Because it is a time to discover the meaning of volunteering. |
| A．I realized the importance of service. |
| B．Each time I end my volunteer job, I feel better. |
| C．Service is something irreplaceable. |
| D．I am relieved of frustration. |
| A．During the author’s high school years he formed the positive experience. |
| B．When the author first began volunteering, he was excited to meet new people. |
| C．The author became lacking skills and ideals after volunteering at St. Clare’s Hospital. |
| D．Many high school students are in an environment based only upon healing and helping others. |
| A．Hesitating. |
| B．Lonely. |
| C．Generous. |
| D．Unconfident. |
| A．High school years are the most important period. |
| B．He missed the experience during his high school years. |
| C．He has benefited from his volunteer experience at St. Clare’s Hospital. |
| D．He was pushed outside of his comfort zone when working at St. Clare’s Hospital. |
【推荐2】Occasionally, life can be impossibly difficult, and it can be hard to keep going. But you always have a choice.
In 2012, I got a call from my family saying that my father’s cancer had fiercely progressed. He died only six months later. My father was a complete inspiration to me. He was always so strong that I honestly thought he would come back to life. I couldn’t believe I would never again hug him.
Shortly after that, my oldest sister complained of a backache. The doctors discovered that she had highly advanced cancer in her bones and that there was nothing they could do. She died a month later. She was my favorite person in the whole world. I never thought I would have to live without her. I was overcome by the shock and extreme heartbreak. Then, something was wrong with my knees and I ended up in the hospital myself.
I remember lying in the hospital bed, looking up at the ceiling and seeing my sister’s beautiful face. I realized that night that I had a choice. I could end my life or I could live it. I looked in my sister’s eyes and decided not to go with her just yet. I decided to stay and complete my journey here. I also decided that I would live the life that I absolutely longed for.
I now live in an adorable cottage with an amazing boyfriend. I spend quality time with the rest of my precious family and cherish every moment I have with them. I connect with my heart often to ensure that I am following my joy. I love myself more deeply every day. Not a day goes by when I don’t miss my father’s huge character or my beloved sister’s gentle eyes, but I know that I will be with them one day. What I have now is so precious that I must grasp the joy in every moment I can.
You choose life every day. But do you choose the life that you love every day?
1. What did the author once suffer from?| A．A heart attack. | B．A backache. |
| C．A knee problem. | D．A bone cancer. |
| A．By your career. | B．By your attitude. |
| C．By your health. | D．By your family. |
| A．Lonely but ambitious. | B．Miserable but easy-going. |
| C．Hopeless but humorous. | D．Unlucky but positive. |
| A．Escape the Fate | B．Love Your Life |
| C．Make a Living | D．Remember Every Moment |
The word “motivation” comes from the Latin term motivus, “a moving cause”. It is described as the force that drives us to pursue a goal, including the desire to continue pursuing meaning, purpose, and a life worth living. It fuels competition and boosts social connection. Its absence can lead to mental illnesses such as depression.
People often have multiple motives for engaging in any one behaviour. Motivation might be extrinsic. That means a person is inspired by outside forces—other people or rewards. Anything promised for completing the task or received as a result of completing the task are extrinsic motivators. Extrinsic motivation can increase motivation in the short term, but over time it may gradually decrease.
Motivation can also be intrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes purely from within, with no expected reward, deadline, or outside pressure. For example, people who are intrinsically motivated to run do so because they love the feeling of running itself. Compared to extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation tends to push people more forcefully, and the achievements are more satisfying, since it is integrated into identity and serves as a continuous source of motivation.
To understand motivation, Abraham Maslow introduced the concept of hierarchy of needs (需求层次) in 1943. According to Maslow, humans are intrinsically motivated to meet physical needs, the most fundamental ones such as needs for food. Then they gradually satisfy several levels of needs from safety, to higher-order needs for love, belonging, and self-respect, and finally move to ward expressing their full potential—self-actualization, the desire to become the most that one can be.
Although the generality of Maslow’s theory has been challenged, many believe it reveals fundamental truths about human motivation. No matter where motivation begins, there are always ways to increase it — whether that be your own motivation or someone else’s. Sometimes you might feel completely unmotivated — and that’s OK. In that situation, allow yourself to feel the discomfort, hear the negative self-talk, and then take action anyway.
1. What is motivation?2. Why is intrinsic motivation more powerful?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
▷According to Maslow, we are motivated by different levels of needs, starting at the lowest and the most basic level known as self-actualization needs.
4. In what way(s) do you think you can get motivated? (In about 40 words)
【推荐1】Personal Robot
Make your parents and teachers happy!
Are you having problems finishing your homework on time? Do you avoid tidying your room until your mom shouts at you? You don’t need to worry if you buy a Mr. Helping Hand personal robot. Mr. H can be programmed to organize your homework. Your own personal robot will follow you around, putting away books and objects that you have left on the floor or bed.
Mr. H also has these features (特点)：
• weighs only 500 grams
• includes long-lasting batteries(电池)
• comes with a 5-year guarantee
• remembers simple instructions
Originally (最初) sold for $499
NOW ONLY $ 299
WATCH CONTROL
This is a watch that James Bond would be proud to wear!
This is NOT a watch for ordinary people!
Your electronic PENGO WATCH CONTROL
• acts as a remote control for TVs and videos.
• gives you a daily weather forecast.
• reminds you when to hand in your homework.
• sets off a silent warning alarm when parents or teachers are near.
Besides, your PENGO WATCH CONTROL will always tell you the time accurately!
Originally sold for $199
NOW ONLY $ 99
For further information, click here.
1. With help from a Mr. H, you can ________.| A．stop using batteries |
| B．finish your homework on time |
| C．remember your teacher’s instructions |
| D．get your room tidied on your way home |
| A．$499 | B．$299 | C．$199 | D．$99 |
| A．repair your TV | B．organize your homework |
| C．be a James Bond | D．know what the weather is like |
| A．On a notice board | B．In a company brochure |
| C．On a teenage website | D．In a college newspaper |
【推荐2】Job Opportunities
Cranbrook Education Campus works to help young people become fulfilled, confident and motivated citizens. We are in need of:
KS2 Primary Teacher
We are looking for an individual who shares our passion and is prepared to support our students. If successful, you will be given opportunities to develop your career as an outstanding teacher. If you have completed your teacher training, we would welcome an application from you.
The closing date for the post is March 27.
Early Years Teacher
We are looking for someone who has the good humour and patience needed to make sure that all children feel valued. He should be able to create an exciting and engaging learning environment. Excellent organizational skills are needed.
The closing date for the post is March 28.
Mealtime Assistant
We are looking for an assistant to support our children during the lunch break. A friendly personality with an organized approach is essential. Responsibilities include supervising(监督) children, helping younger children to eat, setting up the room, and basic cleaning.
The closing date for the post is March 25.
Upper Primary Leader
We are looking for a leader who has the energy and creativity to lead our grade 4-6. You will demonstrate leadership in all activities, developing their learning through focused teaching and the development of productive relationships. The successful candidate will be placed on our Leadership Program.
The closing date for the post is March 29.
1. Which of the following is a must for the KS2 Primary Teacher?| A．Experience in teaching. | B．Excellence in organizational skills. |
| C．Completion of teacher training. | D．Evidence of being an outstanding teacher. |
| A．Help children feel valued. | B．Do the cleaning after lunch. |
| C．Prepare lunch for children. | D．Develop productive relationships. |
| A．March 29. | B．March 27. |
| C．March 28. | D．March 25. |
【推荐3】The Dead Sea might be the most famous salty body in the world, but it’s by no means the only one. Here, we uncover some other salt lakes around the world.
Salt Sea
The most famous of the lot—the Salt Sea—is a natural place to start. It’s technically not a sea at all, but a land salt lake. Its waters are mainly drawn from the Jordan River, and the high salinity (盐度) means no life can survive here, so don’t expect any colorful fish. However, much amusement results from the sea’s buoyancy (浮力): bring some reading material to the waters and lie back. Nature will do the rest.
Lake Assal
Surrounded by black volcano rocks, Lake Assal takes the title of being the lowest point in Africa. Vast salt fields mark its edges; the lake has long been at the center of the area’s salt trade, on which the region’s African locals still rely. Though the area might not be suitable to live in, the waters are rich in minerals and related to health benefits.
Don Juan Pond
Don Juan Pond might not win any prizes for its beauty—at four inches deep, it’s little more than a pond, but worth visiting. Its salinity content of almost 40 percent makes it one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, meaning it doesn’t freeze even when Antarctic temperatures drop to -50℃. And with suggestions that water in a similar form could exist on Mars, there’s more than one reason for scientists to study this fascinating dry, cold environment.
Great Salt Lake
The biggest salt lake in the western hemisphere (半球) and the one that gave Salt Lake City its name, the Great Salt Lake finds its home in northern Utah. What makes the lake well-known is not only the lake’s blue and green waters and white-sand beaches, but Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island State Park both offer super hiking and biking trails, and great long views.
1. What can you do in the Salt Sea?| A．Appreciate some colorful fishes. | B．Experience floating on the water. |
| C．Enjoy fascinating natural views. | D．Witness the eruption of volcanoes. |
| A．It’s known for being the world’s lowest point. |
| B．It plays a significant role in local economy. |
| C．It’s one of the saltiest water bodies on Earth. |
| D．It attracts scientists to study its environment. |
| A．Salt Sea. | B．Lake Assal. |
| C．Don Juan Pond. | D．Great Salt Lake. |
