I am a professor of clinical psychology. Some time ago, I got halfway through a day of teaching before a co-worker pointed out to me I was quite carelessly wearing a pair of different shoes, one red and one black. I felt so embarrassed and upset but I would have to go teach my course like this. When I noticed how much I wanted to disappear and avoid this situation, I was determined to face it instead. I walked into class and announced to the students that I was wearing two shoes from different pairs, and directed their attention to my feet. Everyone laughed and we went on with class. Years later, a student in that class told me that this was the moment she first thought that maybe, just maybe, she could be a professor, too.
I shared my mistake because I realized that trying hide it was interfering with my ability to concentrate my mind on my teaching — but I had no idea that it would also help shorten the psychological distance between my students and myself.
Many contexts may punish or shame people for making mistakes. Our efforts to avoid them result from our desires for success, and how others will respond to our mistakes. We might feel self-criticism and shame if we do make some.
However, mistake making is part of learning new things, and it can draw us closer to others. It opens up the possibility of accepting mistakes gladly, letting us be more open and engaged in what we are doing.
We can say words of kindness and self-compassion to ourselves: Mistakes are natural and human; we can be kind to ourselves for this error and still try to do better next time; noticing our own imperfections can help us to be kind to others when we notice they are imperfect, too. When we practice our mistakes in this way, they can become opportunities to open up to others, learn about ourselves, and connect even more with what matters to us.
1. How does the author develop paragraph 1?| A．By giving some examples. | B．By following time order. |
| C．By doing scientific experiments. | D．By sharing personal experience. |
| A．Shameful. | B．Unexpected. | C．Punishable. | D．Unaccepted. |
| A．Intentions to avoid mistakes. | B．Advantages of making mistakes. |
| C．Possibilities of making mistakes. | D．Efforts to avoid making mistakes. |
| A．They interfere with what we are doing. |
| B．They draw too much attention from us. |
| C．They are big opportunities to get us improved. |
| D．They make us feel irresponsible and defeated. |
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【推荐1】The new radio programme from Self-help expert Glennon Doyle unexpectedly disturbed me. In a session of We Can Do Hard Things, she focuses on boundaries and their importance to our mental happiness. I heartily agree with her, because saying a polite but firm “no” is one of the basics for a happy life. I was, however, interested when she raised the idea that perhaps, as well as learning when to confirm our boundaries, we also need to stretch them. When does a boundary become a cage that locks us away?
Isn’t it always the case that just as you think you’ve got an area of life nailed; somebody comes along to show you that that’s not the case? As I listened, I started to see boundaries that might cause more problems than they were solving.
There was the work boundary that said that unless a project fell exactly into my topics, I wouldn’t take it-which meant that I turned down work that was otherwise interesting and rewarding.
There was the boundary that said I wasn’t to buy anything until I’d reached my savings goal-which resulted in me having to restart my laptop 20 times a day.
And then there was a boundary around relationships that set out exactly how I should be treated and what I wanted in them. Helpful to some extent, it blocked me from allowing someone to express their love for me, even if it wasn’t quite what I had predicted.
Had I been doing boundaries wrong all the time? Did I need to figure them all out again? I’ve spent the past few weeks looking at the boundaries I’ve secretly put in place, and I’ve let myself lower some that have been my protection over the years. Then I’ve come to the conclusion that, when it comes to boundaries, I’m a beginner again, and that’s fine. In fact, being back at the beginning is a blessing because it means there are still lessons to be learned and adventures to be had and that is something for which I can only be grateful.
1. What has really interested the author in Glennon Doyle’s programme?| A．The importance of confirming our boundaries. |
| B．The benefits of boundaries to our happiness. |
| C．The urgency of maintaining our boundaries. |
| D．The necessity of reassessing our boundaries. |
| A．We should favour savings goals over boundaries. |
| B．Boundaries tend to keep us from potential friends |
| C．Boundaries are very likely to relieve boredom at work. |
| D．We should stick to boundaries despite inconvenience. |
| A．Relaxed. | B．Depressed. | C．Pressured. | D．Amused. |
| A．Just when you think you’ve got things sorted. | B．Just where you believe there’s no way out |
| C．How can we live a life without boundaries? | D．How do we become victims of boundaries? |
【推荐2】Climbing, I once thought, was a very manly activity, but as I found my way into this activity, I came to see that something quite different happens on the rock.
Like wild swimming, rock climbing involves you into the landscape. On the rock, I am fully focused. Eyes pay close attention, ears are alert, and hands move across the surface. Unlike walking, where I could happily wander about absent-mindedly, in climbing, attentive observation is essential.
As an arts student studying English literature, I discovered a new type of reading from outdoor climbing. Going out on to the crags (悬崖), I saw how you could learn to read the rocks and develop a vocabulary of physical movements. Good climbers knew how to adjust their bodies on to the stone. Watching them, I wanted to possess that skillful “language”.
My progress happened when I worked for the Caingorms National Park Authority.Guiding my explorations into this strange new landscape was Nan Shepherd, a lady too. Unlike the goal-directed mindset of many mountaineers, she is not concerned with peaks or personal achievement. Shepherd sees the mountain as a total environment and she celebrates the Caingorms as a place alive with plants, rocks, animals and elements. Through her generous spirit and my own curiosity, I saw that rock climbing need not be a process of testing oneself against anything. Rather, the intensity of focus could develop a person into another way of being.
Spending so much time in high and st ony places has transformed my view on the world and our place in it. I have come into physical contact with processes that go way beyond the everyday. Working with gravity, geology (地质学), rhythms of weather and deep time, I gain an actual relationship with the earth. This bond lies at the heart of my passion for rock climbing. I return to the rocks, because this is where I feel in contact with our land.
1. What does the writer find important in climbing?| A．Balance. | B．Concentration. |
| C．Determination. | D．Perseverance. |
| A．Climbing goes together with nature. |
| B．Every mountain top is within reach. |
| C．The best climber is the one having fun. |
| D．You can not achieve high unless you change. |
| A．Time. | B．Transformation. | C．The world. | D．My view. |
| A．It challenges her to compete with men. |
| B．It allows her a unique attitude toward rock. |
| C．It teaches her how to possess a new language. |
| D．It makes her feel connected with the earth. |
【推荐3】When I created a hiking course for my students, I added some tasks in it, such as writing, creating artwork, and presentations. In my mind, they would be impressed by nature and had a lot to share. But when we had the first trip, it was not what I had hoped for. My students weren’t into it. I went home feeling defeated.
Then I realized what my teens wanted was space to explore, observe, and enjoy. I needed to let go. So, I abandoned the tasks and gave my students freedom to hike and wander through the woods. Surprisingly, I witnessed more joy from them in return.
Living in northern Michigan sometimes meant we went outside in -10℃ weather, so I got a little pushback. But once I gave my students more freedom, something magical happened. They threw snowballs, searched for fallen bird feathers, observed changing leaves, and watched a frozen lake. One day when they were making land art with some rocks and fallen leaves, a random man appeared with a flute (长笛) and played music. My students gathered around him and listened. After the song was over, they clapped for him.
It turns out we did a version of forest bathing — spending time in nature to absorb our senses and be fully present. The teens didn’t need serious lesson plans or fancy art supplies. All they needed was simply being in nature. Nature gave them space to forget all their daily worries and just be kids again.
Does this mean that nature is a cure for all mental problems in the world? No. I’d never claim for it to be. But I will say that I’ve seen nature helps many, including myself. It boosts our mental health and overall state of mind. If you are having a hard time, just find a place where life feels less complicated and go.
1. How did the students think of the tasks?| A．They showed little interest in the tasks. |
| B．They thought the tasks too challenging. |
| C．They found the tasks were impressive and helpful. |
| D．They realized the tasks enabled them to be creative. |
| A．were pushed back by temperature | B．advocated people to protect nature |
| C．learned to play music in the woods | D．enjoyed nature to the fullest extent |
| A．Teens need freedom to explore the world. |
| B．Forest bathing rids us of mental problems. |
| C．Plan carefully before setting foot in nature. |
| D．Being out in nature is really mind-refreshing. |
【推荐1】When I think of the word perfect, I think of something few can achieve, like high beauty standards, Helen, the super-smart girl in my class, or anything I can compare myself to. For weeks, I have been noticing this girl who is in a few of my middle school classes. She has fabulous long dark hair, big eyes, and the most beautiful face. She always wears the prettiest outfits and seems to be the most popular girl in school, at least in my eyes. It seems like she has a perfect life.
One day, I was in language arts talking to my teacher about one of the upcoming tests, when I saw the girl staring at me. I immediately felt nervous, thinking, “Why is she looking at me? Did I do something wrong? Is my hair messed up?” When the class was dismissed and everyone rushed to their next class, Helen caught up to me and said, “I just thought you should know, I think you are really pretty.” I replied doubtfully, “Oh my god, thank you!” I then watched her as she walked away and thought, “She thinks I am pretty?”
The whole day, I thought about one thing: Why does she think that? After thinking about that topic in my head through each second of the day, I came to learn one big lesson. I learned that everyone has their own insecurities even though it may not seem like it on the outside. In this case, I was thinking that she was everything I wanted to be and she thought the same of me. Neither of us are perfect. We are just us and that’s OK. We are all that perfect person we have been comparing ourselves to in our own special way. It is our choice to either accept that and love ourselves or keep torturing (折磨) ourselves with cruel comparisons. When I really look at myself, not from my point of view but a fresh one, I do see everything I want to be. I see a beautiful, smart, kind girl who is unique. I think that being able to fully love yourself is the true meaning of the word perfect.
1. What does the underlined word “fabulous” in paragraph 1 probably mean?| A．Messy. | B．Ugly. |
| C．Wonderful. | D．Ordinary. |
| A．She wanted to challenge her. | B．She found her hair messed up. |
| C．She thought the author was beautiful. | D．She wanted to make friends with her. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Sorrowful. |
| C．Satisfied. | D．Excited. |
| A．Practice makes perfect. | B．Everyone is perfect in any aspects. |
| C．Beauty means perfect sometimes. | D．Full love for yourself just means perfect. |
【推荐2】In my senior year of high school, Mike and I were lined up in front of a small group of students made up mainly of the leaders of the senior classes. Our teacher said to us," The two of you will never amount to anything."
There was some snickering (窃笑)from some of the seniors as the teacher continued,"From now on,I am not going to waste any more time on either of you. I am only going to spend my time with these class leaders. You two are the class downs with bad grades, and you will never amount to anything. Now get out of here. "
That teacher did Mike and me the biggest favor of all. While what she said was true in many ways and her words hurt us deeply, her words also inspired both of us to work even harder. They carried us through college and into our own businesses.
A few years ago, Mike and I attended our high school reunion.It was nice to visit with people with whom we had spent three years during a period of time when none of us really knew who we were. It was also interesting to see that most of the so-called senior leaders had not become successful in the years after high school.
I tell this story because Mike and I were not academic whiz kids. We were neither financial experts nor athletic stars. For the most part, we were slow-to-average learners and students. In my opinion,we were not as naturally gifted as our fathers. Yet it was our teacher's stinging words and the snickering from our classmates that gave us the strength to move forward, to learn from our mistakes and to keep doing in both good times and bad times.
Just because you didn't do well in school, were not popular, bad in math, or have other reasons to underestimate yourself-none of them count in the long run. They only count if you think they count.
For those who're considering beginning your own financial fast track, you may have some doubts about your abilities. Trust that you have everything you need right now to be successful financially. All it takes to bring out your natural God-given gifts is your desire, determination and a deep faith that you have a genius and a gift that is unique.
1. What did Mike and I think of the teacher's words?| A．Her stinging words inspired them. |
| B．Her inspiring words hurt them deeply. |
| C．Her encouraging words helped them through bad times. |
| D．Her bitter words discouraged them from working harder. |
| A．their former classmates didn't recognize him |
| B．it was boring to see their formers classmates |
| C．most of the class clowns turned out successful |
| D．most of the senior leaders didn't become successful |
| A．know-nothing | B．slow |
| C．stupid | D．genius |
| A．Those who have faith in themselves |
| B．Those who did not do well in school |
| C．Those who have natural God-given gifts |
| D．Those who are doubtful about their abilities |
【推荐3】There are times when I leave for my running-group sessions with little enthusiasm. It might be because I’m tired, or stressed, or don’t want to leave something else. But I’m the coach, so I can’t choose to give it a miss.
It was yet another cold, dark, wet evening and I wasn’t feeling the love as I gathered all the necessary equipment. No one in their right mind will come out in this weather, I thought. But when I turned into the car park, my headlights picked out runners making a dash through the rain to our meeting point, where others were already working out to stay warm, with chat, laughter and hugs. They, too, I realized, might be tired, stressed or busy. But, unlike me, they had a choice about whether to come running or stay at home. And that makes their decision to come---and to keep on coming---more encouraging. Then, I went home from the run feeling better than when I’d arrived.
I believe one of the strongest motivations(激励；动机) behind these runners’ decisions to come along is being part of a group. Belonging to a running community makes running greater than running itself. It’s no longer just a workout; it’s a get-together with friends, a laugh and a shared experience. It provides a chance to share your success and disappointments, to be congratulated and comforted, and, just as important, to congratulate and comfort others.
Research has long shown the possibility of staying motivated is higher when exercise takes place in a group. The reasons are many. A study at the University of Southern California found people enjoy physical activity more when they are with others and are more likely to keep it up over the long term. And research by Strava in 2017 found running in a group made runners go faster and further. Using data from 90 million runs taking place all over the world, Strava found that the average pace of runs taking place in a group was seven seconds per mile quicker than solo runs, and the distance covered was an average of 1.3 miles further.
I joke about people being more motivated to come to my running sessions by the tea and biscuits afterwards than by the running itself. It might be true, but it doesn’t matter. Those laughter-filled minutes are every bit as important as the running in between.
1. What can we infer from the first paragraph?| A．The coach was always enthusiastic. |
| B．The coach was never discouraged. |
| C．The coach was sometimes unwilling. |
| D．The coach was often worn out. |
| A．It needs a coach who can offer help. |
| B．It frees runners from boring daily work. |
| C．It helps members to beat their records. |
| D．It creates space for their communication. |
| A．taking a typical example | B．performing an experiment |
| C．listing accurate data | D．sharing his experiences |
| A．attract more runners from other groups |
| B．build up some strength before running |
| C．make his running group stand out of all |
| D．add more life to their running experience |
【推荐1】Impressed by high-tech trains
One of the great things about living in China is how convenient it is to travel to different places, either within a city or across the whole country.
China is especially famous for its high-speed trains, which are among the most advanced(先进的) in the world.
Being from the UK, I’d never been on a bullet train(动车) before I came to China, as my country has no high-speed rail service.
And as a fan of technology, I was excited to take a high-seed train in China for myself.
The first time I took a bullet train was when I traveled from Beijing to Yueyang in Hunan province for Spring Festival.
After I passed through security(安检), I stepped onto the train, which looked like something from the future.
On UK trains, there isn’t much room to move about in your seat. This is why I was surprised by all the space that passengers on Chinese trains have, even in second class.
Once the journey began, it was strange to hear about five different movies being played through people’s phones and computers.
In the UK, most people don’t even answer phone calls on a train, as they don’t want to disturb(打扰) other passengers.
But at least I had a chance to practice my Chinese listening skills during that trains ride to Yueyang, I supposed.
Back home, trains are famous for being late or even canceled. And if a train does show up, it’s almost impossible to find a seat on it during rush hour.
Some stations don’t even have security, meaning you can just get on and off any train you like, and buy your ticket once you’re on there.
In China, however, things are a lot more efficient(高效的).
And because everyone has their own seat, there’s no need to rush once your train arrives.
Indeed, once your journey begins, you can just sit back and enjoy the beautiful views through the window.
I arrived in Yueyang safely and on time.
And as I left the station, I couldn’t help but think that this simple train journey summed up the talent, intelligence, hard work and efficiency of Chinese people.
1. What was the author’s first impression of high-speed trains in China?| A．Tidy. | B．Safe. | C．Crowded. | D．Advanced. |
| A．There was not enough space for him on the train. |
| B．passengers on the train made too much noise. |
| C．the service on the train was terrible. |
| D．the internet connection was very poor. |
| A．are often late or canceled | B．have fewer security measures |
| C．are more efficient and convenient | D．are cheaper and more comfortable |
【推荐2】Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended the British throne at 25, has passed away at the age of 96.
On Sept. 8, the official Twitter account belonging to the royal family confirmed the news, writing, “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.”
The news comes hours after Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Sept. 8, sharing that doctors were “concerned” with the Queen’s health and recommended she “remain under medical supervision.”
While Her Majesty stayed busy with a variety of royal engagements even in the final years of her life, some royal watchers grew concerned about her heath after the Queen started using a cane and was briefly hospitalized in October 2021 for an undisclosed ailment.
In February, the fears grew stronger after she tested positive for COVID-19, just weeks after she celebrated 70 years on the British throne to become the longest-reigning monarch in British history. However, the Queen would make a rare appearance a little over three months later in May at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
But after the first day of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, the Palace shared at the time that she experienced “some discomfort,” leading her to miss the National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral on June 3.
Back in 1952, Elizabeth became queen upon the death of her father, King George VI. In 2015, she surpassed the previous longest-reigning British monarch, her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, and also became the longest-serving female head of state in world history.
Her extraordinary reign included countless overseas visits with world leaders, but the Queen always viewed public and voluntary service as one of the most important elements of her work.
According to the Palace, Elizabeth had links — as President or Royal Patron — with over 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organizations.
“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service,” Elizabeth shared on her 21st birthday, back when she was still known as Princess Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was married to the late Prince Philip for 73 years before he passed away in April 2021 at the age of 99.
At the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, a card was seen atop of the late royal’s coffin. The note, written on the Queen’s stationery and placed alongside flowers, appeared to read in part, “I love you”.
The Queen carried out all of her duties while raising four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. During her incredible life, she would also welcome eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren to the Royal Family.
At the time of Philip’s passing, Prince Harry reflected on his grandparents’ incredible love story.
“The two of them together were just the most adorable couple,” he shared. “I don’t know if anyone’s ever described them as adorable but, to me, knowing the cheekiness of him and knowing that behind what the world sees you have two individuals who were very much in love, and both at a very young age, dedicated both of their lives to service. The places these two travelled, the things they saw, the experiences they went through. That is an incredible bond between two people.”
1. What is the best title of this article?| A．The love story between Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip |
| B．The Queen’s legacy would live on |
| C．Long live the Queen |
| D．Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96. |
| A．The Queen has become the longest reigning monarch in British history. |
| B．The Queen was forced to miss several events in the final stage of her life due to some health issues. |
| C．The Queen reigns longer than her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria and even longer than any other leader in the world. |
| D．The Queen is always dedicated to public and voluntary service, even at the end of her days. |
| A．The Queen and her husband both dedicated their lives to service. |
| B．The Queen and her husband forms a special bond and shared a lot of common experiences. |
| C．The Queen and her husband’s love story has become an exemplar for the whole royal family. |
| D．The only person who understands Prince Philip is the Queen. |
【推荐3】My name is Allison, an American boy. During my sophomore year of high school, I participated in an exchange program where a Spanish student came to live in my home for a few weeks and then I went to live in her house in Spain.
After the initial excitement of being in a new place wore off, some of the cultural differences began to affect me, causing me to feel anxious and homesick.
One night, I asked what we were going to eat. Since I didn’t know the Spanish word “conejo” they used, the entire family started acting like rabbits at the dinner table in an effort to help me understand its meaning.
Some of the new and unusual foods I first had in Spain caused me much stress.
| A．I was shocked at why they did so. |
| B．Both of us like the program very much. |
| C．But I missed them very much when l left Spain. |
| D．And I thought I would never set foot on the land any more. |
| E．The most difficult challenge I faced was the food and meal time. |
| F．I was a little nervous but mostly excited about the coming experience. |
| G．What made culture shock difficult to deal with was the language barrier. |
