One day, a woman walked into a pet store to buy a bird for her Thanksgiving Day party. The guy said, “We only have one parrot. But I think you do not want it because it can talk…” The woman said happily, “That’s great. I’ve always wanted a talking bird.” So the guy said, “Since you are a nice lady, I’ll give it to you as a gift.”
And the lady went home and put the bird on her bed and walked out of the room. But as soon as she walked into the kitchen, the bird started to speak dirty words as loud as it could. The woman walked back into the room thinking, “I can’t have this at my party!” So she took the bird and put it in the fridge. A few hours later, while the woman was eating, she remembered that her bird was still in the fridge. Quickly, she opened the door and found it was shivering. Then she took out the bird at once. She said to the bird, “I’ll keep you out of there if you don’t use that language again. Do you agree with me?”
The bird nodded and asked, “Can I just ask a quick question?” The lady nodded and said, “Yes, you may.” The bird pointed at the turkey behind him and asked, “What did he do?”
1. The woman went into the pet store because ________.| A．there were lots of nice birds in it |
| B．she wanted to buy a bird to make a big meal |
| C．she wanted to buy a bird for Thanksgiving Day party |
| D．she wanted to buy a bird for his son’s birthday |
| A．发抖 | B．睡觉 | C．生气 | D．跳动 |
| A．how the turkey was put into the fridge. | B．why itself was in the fridge. |
| C．who could be in the fridge. | D．why the turkey was in the fridge. |
| A．she wanted to cook it on Thanksgiving Day | B．the bird spoke dirty words |
| C．the bird liked living in the cold place | D．she thought it’s the best place for it to live in |
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【推荐1】David and Alicia Tschirhart adored their Yellow Lab, Marley, but they never knew just how much, until that day back in 2014 when they were hiking with him in hills near their San Diego home.
“Alicia went off the path to grab a walking stick to help through the path,” David recalled. “And Marley all of a sudden darted (猛冲) from me and he started clawing the ground where Alicia was reaching for a walking stick. And I didn’t know what was happening. Alicia kind of fell back. When I looked more closely, I saw that it was a rattlesnake,” he told journalist Tracy Smith.
Rattlesnakes are common on these trails, which are very steep and miles from any hospital. And the Tschirharts didn’t have cellphones with them. For Alicia, who was four months pregnant, a snake bite could have been a disaster. Thankfully, 12-year-old Marley scared the snake away, and a few months later, the Tschirharts’ first daughter Maddie was born.
But by then, Marley had been diagnosed with cancer, and by Thanksgiving weekend 2014, it was clear the end was near. And their love for Marley was so strong that they couldn’t really let it go. So, the Tschirharts turned to ViaGen Pets, of Austin, Texas, a company that has cloned hundreds of pets for a multitude of grateful owners.
For as much as $50,000, the company will culture the cells, create embryos, implant them in a surrogate (代孕母亲), and deliver a clone of your loved one.
Marley’s clone, Ziggy, an energetic yellow ball. But to David and Alicia, he’s nothing less than Marley reborn. “He is exactly the twin of Marley,” said David. “So, he’s in, I guess, the same environment. So really, he’s become the same dog.”
And while pet cloning is still debatable, it can mean, for some at least, that with the right amount of love, science and money, you never really need to say goodbye.
1. Why did Marley suddenly behave that way during the hike?| A．It wanted to have some fun. | B．It wasn’t normal sometimes. |
| C．It detected danger for its owner. | D．It found a better stick for its owner. |
| A．The couple just have one daughter now. | B．The couple were very grateful to the dog. |
| C．The couple don’t like using a cellphone. | D．The couple were very careless sometimes. |
| A．Save it no matter how hard it is. | B．Find its surrogate for them to meet. |
| C．Let it die without suffering any pain. | D．Clone a dog through new technology. |
| A．They find it very satisfying to them. | B．They consider it a totally new dog. |
| C．They are quite concerned about it. | D．They don’t think it’s as good as Marley. |
【推荐2】In winter, intense cold in China’s Jilin Province can turn tripping water into ice within seconds. Yet, 63-year-old Ren Jianguo gets up early every day to spread corn on the riverbank to make sure thousands of migratory birds(候鸟) have food to go through the cold days.
Ren lives in Jilin City which is built on the banks of the Songhuajiang River. Over the past 26 years, he has been one of the many volunteers protecting migratory birds on the river’s Changbai Island. Local residents label him as “Uncle Bird”. Winter is the busiest time for Uncle Bird as it is the season when large amounts of migratory birds fly here to avoid the biting cold days in Siberia, Russia.
On the upper reaches of the Songhuajiang River is Northeast China’s largest artificial lake. The temperature of the water stays at around 4-10℃ all year round. This allows Changhai Island to welcome countless migratory birds.
“As long as they choose to stay in this city, there should be people to take care of them. When it becomes difficult to find food in winter, I call for donations or sometimes pay for the food myself to secure their survival during the winter,” Ren said.
Jilin City, which is part of the migratory passage of birds in East Asia, is one of the few warm wetlands in northern China suitable for migratory birds to rest. To improve the environment here, the Chinese government has invested about 26.6 billion yuan for water pollution control and prevention along the Songhuajiang River since 2006.
For Ren, a small house near the riverbank has almost become his “second home”, a place from which he can patrol(巡逻) along the banks, observe birds, educate the public about bird conservation and, after a long day of work, light a fire and enjoy a warm meal.
“I simply want this to be a warm and welcoming place for birds when they choose to stay here for a temporary rest,” he said.
1. What is the best title of this passage?| A．The Tale of “Uncle Bird” |
| B．The Environment of Changbai Island. |
| C．The Survival of Birds. |
| D．The Protection of Wetlands. |
| A．To keep himself from being bored. |
| B．To keep the birds from flying away. |
| C．To keep the birds from going hungry. |
| D．To keep the environment from being polluted. |
| A．To eat high-quality corns. |
| B．To see kind-hearted volunteers. |
| C．For a cleaner environment. |
| D．For a better temperature. |
| A．Boring. | B．Professional. |
| C．Dangerous. | D．Meaningful. |
【推荐3】More than 50 million people in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere follow pastoralism(游牧) as a way of life. The practice has survived for so long because it is designed to change with the environment. Pastoralists move with animals to find new lands and water, leaving behind eaten plants to regrow.
Mongolia is well known for its pastoralism. Agvaantogtokh and his family are herders(牧民). On horseback, he rides with nearly a thousand sheep and goats to help them find water. Sometimes, he and his wife, Nurmaa, stop to help struggling young ones, weak after a difficult winter.
For families like Agvaantogtokh’s, pastoralism is more than a profession. It is a cultural identity that connects generations. At its heart is the human connection to animals. While they consider the animals as their property, they also see them as living beings working alongside them.
Researchers say herders believe in “animal agency”. Agvaantogtokh lets his animals choose the food they eat and where they find water. To him, restricting an animal’s movement and asking it to eat the same thing each day is like putting a person in prison.
In Mongolia, weather extremes are a part of life. When Agvaantogtokh thinks about climate change, he is concerned about humans and animals. Continuous dry and warm weather affects Mongolia. Since 1940, the government says, average temperatures have risen 2.2 degrees Celsius. To keep their practice alive, pastoralists seek ways to modernize. In Mongolia, Lkhaebum recently began using a small vehicle to more easily search for horses. The family uses electricity and has other technologies including a TV and a washing machine. They also use a cellphone to follow the weather and access social media where herders share information.
One of the biggest threats to pastoralism comes from within. Nurmaa and Agvaantogtokh’s 18-year-old daughter studies medicine. Their son spoke about becoming a herder when he was a child, but not anymore. “I won’t regret anything if my child won’t be a herder,” Nurmaa said. “I would like them to do what they desire to do.”
1. What contributes to the survival of pastoralism?| A．Huge pastoralist populations. | B．Adaptation to the environment. |
| C．Herders’ desire to travel to new places. | D．Slow development of modernization. |
| A．The distinct identity of animals. | B．A poorly-paid profession. |
| C．An out-of-date lifestyle. | D．The bond between man and animals. |
| A．Animals’ living in cages. | B．Animals’ eating the same thing. |
| C．Animals’ struggling in shelters. | D．Animals’ moving around freely. |
| A．Modern technology. | B．No government support. |
| C．Young people’s disinterest in it. | D．Lack of information exchange. |
【推荐1】A qualified doctor who rarely practised but instead devoted his life to writing once said, “Medicine is my lawful wife and literature is my lover.” Russian writer Anton Pavlovich Chekhov was a great playwright (剧作家) and one of the masters of the modern short story.
When Chekhov entered the Medical School of Moscow University in 1879, he started to publish hundreds of comic short stories to support his family. After he graduated, he wrote regularly for a local daily newspaper.
As a writer he was extremely fast — often produced a short story in an hour or less. Chekhov's medical and science experience can be seen through the indifference many of his characters show to tragic events. In 1892, he became a full-time writer and published some of his most memorable stories.
Chekhov often wrote about the sufferings of civilians in small towns of Russia. Tragic events controlled his characters who were filled with feelings of hopelessness and despair.
It is often said that nothing happens in Chekhov's stories and plays. He made up for this with his exciting technique for developing drama within his characters. Chekhov's works combined the calm attitude of a scientist and doctor with the sensitivity of an artist.
Some of Chekhov's works were translated into Chinese as early as the 1940s. One of his famous stories, The Man in a Case, about a school teacher's extraordinarily orderly life was selected as a text for Chinese senior students.
1. Anton Pavlovich Chekhov .| A．had a lawful lover | B．was an illegal writer |
| C．used to be a lawyer | D．was a capable doctor |
| A．became a full-time writer | B．studied medicine in Moscow University |
| C．practiced medicine in his hometown | D．published his most memorable stories |
| A．Sensitive. | B．Calm. | C．Quick-minded. | D．Warm-hearted. |
a. became a full-time writer
b. started to publish comic short stories
c. wrote regularly for a local daily newspaper
d. entered the Medical School of Moscow University
| A．d b c a | B．c a b d | C．d a b c | D．d b a c |
【推荐2】I personally think trains are exciting and romantic. I must admit that trains are not important means of transportation in the US, but I do have some experiences with them.
When I was a child, growing up in a small town with very little entertainment, we used to go to the station to watch the passenger trains coming in. There was something exciting about the steaming, roaring string of trains coming into view around the mountains, slowly growing larger and louder and finally after their stop crowds of strangers spilling （漏出）onto the platform.
I took my first train trip when I was ten years old. I went with my elder sister to visit our cousins six hundred miles away. The train — so loud and violent on the outside — was gentle and rocking inside. We were very excited, and as that was also our first time away from our parents, we felt somewhat frightened too. However, because I had expected so much, I was a little disappointed when I was finally one of the passengers I had watched for so long.
As a college student, I used to ride an overnight train to my roommate's hometown. We could never afford a sleeper, so we played cards, sang, ate, read and talked until we finally fell uncomfortably asleep in the straight-backed seats.
My idea that trains are romantic may come from the fact that my husband and I took the train on our honeymoon, spending extra money to eat in the dining car, and looking out of the window as the desert scenery slid past.
Now, when I make a trip, I always fly or drive, and trains are not a very important part of my life. Still, every time I hear the train whistle far away on a quiet night, I can always feel the impulse in my heart to pack my bags and jump on board, entering a unique world of motions, sounds, sights and experiences which just aren't matched in the dull environment of an airplane.
1. Why did the author feel a little disappointed during the first train trip?| A．Because the train was loud and violent. | B．Because she finally became a passenger. |
| C．Because she had a high expectation. | D．Because she missed his parents. |
| A．the author's childhood memory of trains was frightening and disappointing |
| B．the author no longer makes a trip by train now as a result of its dull environment |
| C．the author didn't fall asleep until she found straight-backed seats with her roommate |
| D．the author thought trains romantic mainly because of the pleasant moment with her husband |
| A．Eager. | B．Embarrassed. | C．Romantic. | D．Disappointed. |
| A．My Love of Trains | B．Watching Trains Coming |
| C．My Memory of Trips | D．Trains: My Best Choice |
【推荐3】In the 1880s, Mark Twain established and operated his own publishing firm. He also became interested in various investments, especially an elaborate typesetting machine. He lost almost $200,000 in investments in the machine between 1881 and 1894. Also, his publishing company declared bankruptcy (破产) in April 1894. Thus, in January 1895, Mark Twain found himself publicly shamed by his inability to pay his debts.
Mark Twain eventually recovered from his financial difficulties, through his continued writing and a successful lecture tour in 1895 and 1896. During this much-publicized tour, Twain lectured in such places as India, South Africa and Australia. By the time he returned, he had become an international hero. Twain enjoyed this attention, and his habits of smoking cigars or a pipe and wearing unconventional white suits contributed to his showy image. He also made use of his position as a public figure to criticize the US foreign policy.
Although he was recovering from his financial problems by 1898, Mark Twain had begun to experience tragedy in his personal life. Suzy, his oldest daughter, died of meningitis (脑膜炎) in 1896, while her parents and sister Clara were abroad. In 1903, Mark Twain sold the beloved house in Hartford, which had become too closely associated with Suzy’s death. His wife, Olivia, who had developed a heart condition, died on June 5, 1904. His youngest daughter, Jean, died on Dec. 24, 1909.
1. Which is not the reason why Mark Twain found himself in debt?| A．Because he devoted all his energy to his writings. |
| B．Because his publishing firm bankruptcy. |
| C．He lost almost $ 200 000 in investments in the machine between 1881 and 1894. |
| D．Because he lost a large quantity of money in various investments. |
| A．By borrowing money from the bank. |
| B．By investing in foreign countries. |
| C．By writing articles and a successful lecture tour. |
| D．By printing his own articles and selling them for money. |
| A．hated smoking cigars |
| B．liked wearing black clothes |
| C．hated the US foreign policy at that time |
| D．hated giving lectures in the foreign countries |
【推荐1】Maggie, a girl of thirteen years old, lived on the west coast of the United States. She had never experienced an earthquake before; she only prepared for it. As long as she could remember, preparing for an earthquake was common at her school. Her family had made plans as well in case of a natural disaster.
One day, Maggie arrived home from school at the usual time. However, it was not the same as usual. She was home alone. Her mom would be driving home on the busy freeway and her dad was to arrive at the airport. He was coming home from a two-week business trip.
After finishing her homework, Maggie felt a little hungry, so she went to the kitchen to find something to eat. Just then she felt a shake, then the violent shaking. Maggie quickly ran under the large table in the dining room. The sounds of breaking glass and the crashing of many things were deafening, and Maggie hugged herself in fear.
After what seemed like a very long time, the earthquake appeared to be over. Maggie could hear the sound of water rushing below her in the basement. And there was the smell of natural gas in the air. Maggie knew where the main water valve (阀门) was and how to turn it off. Dad had ever shown her before.
Slowly and carefully she came out from under the table. The once tidy home was then almost unrecognizable. Walls had fallen down and many things in the room were in a mess. As Maggie approached the open basement door, she could see the steps. Carefully she made her way down into the dark basement.
While placing her feet firmly on the floor, Maggie felt a sudden pain as a large wood hit her head and shoulder. She fell unconscious onto a pile of boxes. An hour later, she woke up and found her parents beside her. She was happy that she was still alive!
1. What does the underlined word “deafening” in Paragraph 3 mean?| A．Very loud. | B．Quite familiar. | C．Very distant. | D．Quite strange. |
| A．She was the only child in her family. |
| B．She was not afraid at all during the earthquake. |
| C．She was hurt when tuning off the water valve. |
| D．She had experienced an earthquake before. |
| A．A story of a girl in an earthquake. |
| B．The importance of preparing for an earthquake. |
| C．The ways to escape from an earthquake. |
| D．The danger of an earthquake. |
【推荐2】Lisa never had the chance to know her father. He and her mother divorced（离婚） when she was just a young child. Even though he didn’t move far, he never came to visit his children.
Lisa often wondered about her father. What did he looked like and what he was doing. All she knew was his name: Jeff White.
After Lisa grew up, she became a nurse at a hospital, where she would help provide medicine and comfort for patients in their final days. A few weeks ago, she received a new patient whose name was Jeff White.
When Jeff came into his room, Lisa asked him if he had any children. Jeff told her that he had two daughters, Lisa and Elly. Lisa couldn’t hold her tears back. She told him, “ I am Lisa, your daughter.”
Jeff embraced her, saying that he was not a good father. And the daughter held his hand and kissed him. Then Jeff began to sing This Magic Moment.
Jeff could have just weeks left to live, so Lisa wanted to make the most of the time she had with him. Lisa also brought her kids to the hospital to meet their grandfather. The kid made cards for him with the words, “ I love you.”
Forgiveness is also a kind of love.
1. what happened to Lisa when she was young?| A．Her father lost his job. |
| B．Her mother died. |
| C．Her family moved to another country. |
| D．Her father left the family. |
| A．Her father’s looks | B．Her father’s name |
| C．Her father’s hobby | D．Her father’s job |
| A．医生 | B．病人 |
| C．家属 | D．手术 |
| A．Lisa has a brother. |
| B．Lisa hates his father. |
| C．Lisa has a sister. |
| D．Lisa’s father hates her daughter. |
【推荐3】Pete Sparks was a sensitive boy. So sensitive that even his hair was ticklish (怕痒的). You only had to touch his hair a little bit and he would start laughing. When this ticklish laughter started, no one could make him stop.
Pete tried everything to control his ticklishness, but nothing worked. So he began to feel sad for being different.
One day in the street, he met a special clown. The clown was very old and could hardly walk, but when he saw Pete in tears, he went to cheer him up. It didn’t take long to make Pete laugh. Later Pete told him about his ticklish problem, and he asked the clown how such an old man could carry on being a clown. “I have no one to take my place, ”said the clown. “I have a very serious job to do. ”Pete looked at him, surprised. “Come, I’ll show you, ”said the clown. So the clown took Pete to many hospitals full of children who were sick. As soon as they saw the clown, their faces changed completely and lit up with a smile. The short time spent with the clown changed everything for them. That day was even more special, because in every show Pete’s laughter would end up with the kids lying on the floor, dying with laughter. When the visit came to an end, the old clown said to Pete, “Now do you see why I can’t retire, even at my age?”
That was how Pete became a clown, and took the special old man’s place. From that day on, the fact that Pete was different actually made him happy, thanks to his special gift .
1. Pete wanted to change because he wanted to_______.| A．make a difference | B．just be a normal boy |
| C．make everyone happy | D．just be a special clown |
| A．treat his ticklishness | B．encourage him to be a clown |
| C．show him the meaning of his job | D．know whether Pete had told a lie |
| A．He was a sensitive man. | B．He liked his job as a clown. |
| C．He was unable to make Pete laugh. | D．He knew how to control his ticklishness. |
| A．Practice makes perfect. | B．Everyone is born useful. |
| C．Well begun is half done. | D．Where there is life, there is hope. |
