I settled into my seat on a plane to Cuba feeling frustrated. When I planned the trip, I had assumed that my Cuban partner and I would go to the field directly to collect water samples from rivers. That’s how I’d done fieldwork in Namibia and Bolivia. But not in Cuba, it seemed. Five days earlier, a Cuban scientist had emailed to inform me that we would only be meeting to talk about our planned project. Sampling would happen during a later trip.
At the airport, one of my partners greeted me. We drove to the research center where he worked, and then toured every lab in the building. I met scientists, technicians, students and even the cook. I was impressed that I was introduced to each person. The lack of hierarchy (等级制度) was unlike anything I had experienced before in academia (学术界).
The next day, we met again to brainstorm. Together, we looked at maps to plan how we were going to collect samples. Had it not been for the Cubans, I would have been unaware that the map I had left out some new reservoirs (水库) Local involvement and knowledge were key — making me wonder what I’d missed working without such a team in other places.
Six months later, I flew back to Cuba and this time, we headed to the field. I was impressed again by the lengths to which my Cuban partners went to ensure that all team members were treated equally. We drove around Cuba in bright yellow minibuses, and each minibus had a mix of members at all seniority levels. In the field, all members sweated together.
On the last night of the trip, we searched for a restaurant that could seat all 14 of us at one table. When a restaurant couldn’t accommodate the team without separating us, my partners insisted that we move on and find a place with a large enough table.
In 26 years as a professor, I have never been a fan of academia’s hierarchy. I want everyone working with me to feel as though they are part of a team. But my Cuban partners take teamwork to another level entirely. They make it clear that all team members are valued, that everyone is equal, and that true teamwork makes for better science.
1. Why did the author feel frustrated in paragraph 1?| A．He was asked to host a meeting in Cuba. |
| B．He was told to change his planned project. |
| C．He couldn’t do his work in his usual way in Cuba. |
| D．He spent a long time waiting for his plane to Cuba. |
| A．It was torn up. | B．It was outdated. |
| C．It was too old to read. | D．It was about another water area. |
| A．They drove minibuses to the field. | B．They were friendly to the author. |
| C．They worked in different groups. | D．They had dinner at one table. |
| A．A fruitful trip in Cuba | B．Impressed by a Cuban team |
| C．Respect seniors in the team. | D．You’ll never know until you try |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Whether you are young or young at heart, it is never too late to change, or take in some new and better practices into your daily life. Here are some wise lessons that I wish I knew when I was younger.
I used to be worried about what others thought of me. Finally, I came to realize that if you’re wasting too much time looking for respect from others, then you will not have time to finish all you desire. Everyone has an opinion, but in fact others’ opinions about you are based more on their history and perceptions(观念) than anything you’re actually doing. So depend on your own assessment(评估) of you rather than others’.
Enjoy every moment of today. Don’t wait to do or enjoy something. Don’t tell yourself you will do it tomorrow. If it is important to you, then do it today. Pay attention to what is happening now, the task at hand and to all of the choices you make today, big and small. Our future is set by what we decide and do today.
What happened yesterday is over. You can not change it, so let it go. Don’t waste your energy considering anger or unhappiness. It only stops you from moving forward in life.
Look for the good in people. Celebrate the happy moments, big and small. Search for the chances for growth. Give helpful encouragement rather than unwanted criticism(批评). Be helpful whenever possible.
In a word, life is serious but you can still be delighted and hopeful. Otherwise, what’s the point?
1. We shouldn’t worry too much about what others think of us because________.| A．our own assessment is enough |
| B．their opinions about us may be wrong |
| C．we are improving ourselves everyday |
| D．we don’t always need other people’s help |
| A．never forget our hard times |
| B．never look for respect from others |
| C．change our lifestyle from time to time |
| D．always complete important work in time |
| A．Try to help them. | B．Never criticize them. |
| C．Show thanks to them. | D．Make friends with them. |
| A．a clever teenager |
| B．a middle school student |
| C．an old man with rich experience of life |
| D．an expert on human relationships |
【推荐2】For the past year or so, my family and I have been enjoying the meal at 5 Guys Burgers and Fries. Consistently ranking among the top burger places by fans and publications alike, 5 Guys is growing like mad by offering delicious, affordable handmade patties (小馅饼) and a very generous part of fries.
While everything is delicious, it’s the fries that I want to talk about for a moment. Customers appreciate getting extra value for the same price. 5 Guys does such an amazing thing, such a cool little business trick, that I didn’t catch on until I really thought about it recently.
Here’s what they do: When you order some fries from the counter, the server takes their little paper fries bucket, fills it up, and then puts it in a paper bag. Then they take an even bigger scoop (勺) of fries and put it into the bag, on top of the regular order. I always think, and my kids always say, “I can’t believe how many extra fries we get!”
And then it finally dawned on me. We don’t really get any extra fries at all, do we? The genius of this little show is that for all purposes, it looks and feels like we get extra fries, but the truth is that they planned on giving that amount of fries out anyway, and budget for that. But they package it in such a clever way that you think you’re getting this great deal, this something for nothing.
People love getting a deal. We love saving money. And we like to think we’re that special customer worthy of the extra fries. Does it cost 5 Guys anything extra? No way. Does it build goodwill? You bet.
1. According to Paragraph 1, the author likes 5 Guys because ______.| A．it grows very fast | B．it offers excellent food |
| C．it ranks among the top | D．it is popular among publications |
| A．5 Guys’s delicious fries. | B．5 Guys’s attractive price. |
| C．5 Guys’s way of doing business. | D．5 Guys’s large number of customers. |
| A．The fries outside the fries bucket. | B．The little paper fries bucket. |
| C．The even bigger scoop. | D．The good design of the bag. |
| A．psychology | B．chemistry | C．biology | D．physics |
【推荐3】Sometimes I really doubt whether there is love between my parents. Every day they are very busy trying to make money for my schooling.
One day, my mother was sewing a quilt. I silently sat beside her.
“Mum, is there love between you and Dad?” I asked in a very low voice.
With surprise in her eyes, she stopped her work for a while. Then she said, “Susan, look at this thread. It can hardly be seen, but it’s really there. It makes the quilt strong. If life is a quilt, love should be a thread. Love is inside.”
I couldn’t understand her until the next spring. At that time, my father suddenly got sick seriously. My mother had to stay with him in the hospital for a month.
After they were back, my mother helped my father walk slowly on the country road every day. They were so kind to each other and it seemed they were the happiest couple.
After two months my father still couldn’t walk by himself.
“Dad, how are you feeling now?” I asked him one day.
“Susan, don’t worry about me.” he said. “I just like walking with your mum. I like this kind of life.” Reading his eyes, I knew he loves my mother deeply.
Now I understand that love is just a thread in the quilt of our life. Love is inside, making life strong and warm.
1. Why are Susan’s parents busy trying to make money?| A．To send Susan to school. | B．To get to see the doctor. |
| C．To buy a strong quilt. | D．To show their love. |
| A．while her mother was sewing a quilt | B．before her father was in hospital |
| C．when she was sitting beside her mother | D．after her father was seriously sick |
| A．Susan’s father is very lazy. | B．Susan’s mother is a nurse. |
| C．Susan’s parents love each other. | D．Susan doesn’t like her father. |
| A．How to Make a Quilt Strong | B．Love is Just a Thread |
| C．Walking on the Country Road | D．A Seriously Sick Father |
【推荐1】While I was teaching in China, I became interested in acupuncture (针灸). It was after returning from China and witnessing how successful it had been that I reached the decision to become an acupuncturist myself. I was lucky to discover that the town where I lived had a famous college of traditional acupuncture.
Alternative medicine such as acupuncture is particularly important for me because I firmly believe that it works on the level of body, mind and spirit. This is very different from Western medicine which is supposed to work only on the body. When a person is ill, it is believed that there’s something in their life that is putting their energy levels out of balance. What alternative therapies (疗法) try do to is kelp to gradually push that energy back into balance. The result is that any disease present might naturally disappear as it cannot survive when energies are balanced.
I’ve treated a wide range of people for various conditions, for example people suffering from stress and anxiety. To acquire a qualification in acupuncture, I took a course that lasted three years. I had to go to the college about one weekend in three. I also had a large amount of homework and practical work to do, which I did two or three evenings a week. This involved locating pints on different people. As you can imagine, this isn’t straightforward as people are of different sizes and have differently shaped bodies.
In the future I hope to set up an alternative health clinic which will involve myself as an acupuncturist but perhaps other people as well. I’d like to work with people who provide treatments such as rubbing (按摩) and pressing people’s feet in a special way to help them relax and feel well. I’d like to set it up somewhere in the countryside, where people could feel free from the stress of life.
1. The author decides to learn acupuncture .| A．when he was teaching in China |
| B．when he was studying in college |
| C．after he came back to his mother country |
| D．after he discovered an acupuncture school |
| A．It prevents disease. |
| B．It treats people as a whole. |
| C．It has an immediate effect. |
| D．It helps improve people’s lives. |
| A．time-consuming and challenging |
| B．learner-centered and effective |
| C．difficult but interesting |
| D．painful but helpful |
| A．Other acupuncturists. |
| B．Other alternative therapists. |
| C．Other doctors who use Western medicine. |
| D．Other people who want to escape fro stress. |
【推荐2】The cold northern wind here in the streets of Petersburg strengthens my nerves and fills me with delight. I cannot think of the Pole as cold and empty; in my imagination it is a region of beauty and delight. Who knows what strange landscapes and creatures we may find there? I shall satisfy my curiosity with the sight of an unknown part of the world, and walk where no man has before. Thinking of it, I feel the same joy a child feels when he sails his little boat on a voyage of discovery up his native river.
This voyage was the favorite dream of my early years. My education was neglected, yet I was passionately fond of reading. Uncle Thomas’s library contained only books about exploration, which I read day and night. Finally, my thoughts comes to the idea of making a voyage of discovery.
Six years have passed since I decided on the present voyage. I can, even now, remember the hour when I committed myself to this great enterprise. I began by making my body used to hardship. I went on whale hunting voyages to the North Sea; I voluntarily endured cold, hunger, thirst, and lack of sleep. I often worked harder than the common sailors during the day. Then, at nights, I studied mathematics, the theory of medicine, and sciences of practical importance for a sea-going adventurer. Twice I took jobs as an officer on a Greenland whaling ship. I felt a little proud when my captain asked me to remain with the ship, so valuable did he consider my services. And now, do I not deserve to achieve some great task? My life might have been passed in ease and comfort, but I preferred glory to every pleasure that wealth placed in my path.
1. What does the author think of the Pole?| A．It reminds him of his childhood. |
| B．It must be a region full of surprises. |
| C．It would fulfil his dream to be an adventurer. |
| D．It’s too cold a destination with almost nothing. |
| A．physically prepared by experiencing great suffering |
| B．spiritually prepared by gaining captain’s recognition |
| C．academically prepared by reading books on exploration |
| D．financially prepared by serving on a whale hunting ship |
| A．curiosity | B．fancy | C．perseverance | D．pride |
【推荐3】Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson went camping in a mountainous area. They were lying in the open air under the stars. Sherlock Holmes looked up at the stars and whispered, “Watson, when you look at that beautiful sky, what do you think of?” Watson replied, “I think of how short life is and how long the universe has lasted.” “No, no, Watson!” Holmes said. “What do you think of?” Watson tried again. “I think of how small I am and how vast the sky is.” “Try again, Watson!” said Holmes. Watson tried a third time. “I think of how cold the universe is and how warm people can be in their beds.” Holmes said. “Watson, you fool! You should be thinking that someone has stolen our tent!”
1. What did Sherlock Holmes and Watson really want to do in the mountainous area?| A．Searching for something. |
| B．Looking at the stars. |
| C．Camping. |
| D．Searching for thieves. |
| A．a joke made by a famous detective and his friend. |
| B．a dialogue between Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. |
| C．a misunderstanding between Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. |
| D．a story told by two famous detectives. |
| A．Doctor Watson was quite honest. |
| B．Sherlock Holmes was cleverer than Doctor Watson. |
| C．Doctor Watson was cleverer than Sherlock Holmes. |
| D．Doctor Watson thought in an ordinary way while Sherlock Holmes in a funny way. |
When Dan Shaw gets up from the sofa in his home, Cuddles is never far away. When he wants to go outside, he doesn’t take Cuddles out for walk—Cuddles takes him for a walk. Cuddles is clearly no ordinary family pet. It is a two-foot-high miniature horse and serves as the guiding eyes of Shaw, who is blind.
When Shaw lost his sight, his wife suggested he apply for a guide dog. Shaw, an animal lover, said he couldn’t bear to part with a dog (which usually lives about eight to ten years) and get used to a new one, perhaps several times in his life.
Then Shaw heard of a program about the tiny guide horses. He learned that the horse possess many qualities that make them an excellent choice for guiding people. They are clean friendly, smart and have great memories. They can be trained to remain calm in noisy and crowded places. Best of all, they live for 25-25years, which would enable Shaw to have the same guide companion for most or all of his life.
Shaw immediately applied to be and was accepted as the first person to receive a guide horse. The instant he met Cuddles, he knew he was making the right choice. Then he began his training.
Through training ,Shaw and Cuddles learned to find way on busy streets, step over curbs (便道沿儿) and find elevator buttons. Cuddles even demonstrated (显示)its ability to step in front of Shaw and block him, to prevent him from walking into a dangerous situation. The little horse also expertly led Shaw through busy shopping malls. They got along without any difficulties. Now Shaw is confident that Cuddles will change his life for the better.
1. What’s the meaning of the underlined word “miniature” in Paragraph 1?(No more than 2 words)2. Why didn’t Shaw want to choose a dog as his guide? (No more than 15 words)
3. What does Paragraph 3 mainly tell us? (No more than 10 words)
4. How does Shaw feel about his future life with the help of Cuddles? (No more than 10 words)
5. What animal would you like to keep as a pet at home? Please give your reasons. (No more than 20 words)
【推荐2】A Florida teen is gaining national attention with her graduation speech and a basket of strawberries. “Care for some strawberries?” Brenda said at her graduation from Mulberry High School. After jokingly admitting there might not be enough, she went on, “These are no ordinary strawberries.” She held up a series of strawberries, revealing what each represents: sweat, dirt aches, and pains — they’re her motivators.
Brenda described herself as the daughter of two tireless farmers who immigrated (移民) from Mexico and spent most of their days working in fields of strawberries, blueberries, and cucumbers. “My motivation has been rooted in my immigrant culture.” Because of this, she chose to focus on that in her address. “Many students used to be ashamed of their upbringing but today, we’re proud of what makes us.”
She explained how she grew up under poor conditions. “I’m motivated by my parents’ hands that lose feeling from farm work. Despite the hot sun and body pains, they back me up heart and soul in my education, which weighs more strongly with me than anything else. I must work hard and succeed.” Brenda’s heading to Stanford University this fall. She also credited some of her outstanding achievements to her teacher Higgins, who helps immigrant students and the poor.
Her speech has been viewed by thousands online. “Hearing it touched other people’s hearts who said they understood my message, I’m struck the same,” Brenda said later. The principal of Mulberry High School, Michael Young, was one member of the audience getting emotional “The speech was very powerful-her fruit did help paint a good picture of things she wanted to convey,” Young said.
As for her message to young people struggling, Brenda said, “Past circumstances aren’t in charge of your future. If you’re from a poor family, use every resource and try to better yourself. You’re the author of your story.”
1. Why did Brenda bring strawberries to her graduation?| A．To share her home-grown fruit. |
| B．To better explain her speech’s topic. |
| C．To show hardship her parents faced. |
| D．To stress the importance of motivators. |
| A．Her native culture. | B．Her life experience. |
| C．Support from her parents. | D．Help from her teacher. |
| A．Your life is what you make it. |
| B．Every cloud has a silver lining. |
| C．Everyone deserves a good life story. |
| D．Resources in hand decide your future. |
【推荐3】It was June a few years ago right around the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
A few weeks earlier, the first fireflies (萤火虫) had appeared blinking (眨眼) their lights on and off in the woods around my house. What a joy it was seeing them again. Their little flickers (闪烁) of light made me smile with delight.
As the daylight was starting to fade. I saw out my window some of the neighborhood children attempting to catch the slow moving lightening insects. One of the girls went inside and came back with a clear glass bottle. After chasing a few without success, she finally caught a firefly inside it. All the other children gathered around to watch it flickering its light on and off inside the bottle. Soon darkness started to fall and the girl’s mom walked over to them and told them it was time to set the firefly free. One of the girls protested, but the mom explained that the firefly would die if left in the bottle. Then she said something that still stays in my heart to this day, “It is time to let this little guy go so it can share its light with the rest of the world!”
I think we may share our light with the rest of the world, We may give our love to others. We may keep shining. I remember when I was a child we all used to sing the song, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine!” But as adults we find it hard to do so. We stay at the darkness too much and hide our light in fear. Don’t hide your light. Don’t keep it in a bottle. Share your flickers, no matter how small they may be. Let the love inside you out. Let the light within you drive the darkness away.
1. Why did the author feel happy according to paragraph 1?| A．He could find it became warmer and everything came to life. |
| B．He could see fireflies came back and blinked their lights. |
| C．He could walk outside in the light of fireflies. |
| D．He could have the longest day of the year. |
| A．Keep it in the container. | B．Let it free in no time. |
| C．Feed it with leaves. | D．Kill it with water. |
| A．Kind. | B．Calm. | C．Demanding. | D．Casual. |
| A．To show us his innocent years. |
| B．To warn us not to hurt insects. |
| C．To tell his childhood in summer. |
| D．To express his thought of sharing love. |
