My social media has been a hive of activities these last few weeks: the naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham is organizing a People’s Walk For Wildlife in London, and has asked me to recite ‘Anthropocene’. I call it a ‘poem’ but I’m not sure it is. I feel it would be good to say aloud, to a crowd. I’ve only written a few ‘poems’ in the past, none of which was memorable, but with this one the words spilled out and I kind of’ performed’ them, recorded and shared them on Twitter. Bare upon the earth, we were weightless... Will my generation see the rightful, rising? Lots of people liked it, including Chris. It’s always a surprise to me, that people appreciate what I say and how I share it.
These past weeks I’ve been helping raise awareness for the walk in London by doing videos and Tweeting lots. It’s an exciting prospect: hundreds, if not thousands of people marching on behalf of wildlife. I’m not worried about speaking. I actually find it easier if there are lots of people, because I don’t have to make eye contact and it’s much easier to blur them into a mass. Speaking to smaller groups, that’s a killer: you feel the heat of their gaze, every twitch, each sigh.
So I have an early flight to London with Mum in the morning. I feel bad for flying, we both do, knowing the damage emission do to our world. Ideally, we should be taking a boat and driving to London, or taking the train, but it’s beyond us financially right now, and I can’t get more time off school so soon without getting into trouble. The walk feels like important work, something we should do.
I’ve already got the poem locked in my head now. I know it off by heart. We want birdsong, abundant fluttering, humming, no more poison, destruction. I feel excited. Perhaps it is the right time for me. Tomorrow will be epic.
1. What will the writer do tomorrow according to the text?| A．He will organize an event in London. |
| B．He will recite one of his works in public. |
| C．He will have a nature walk with Chris. |
| D．He will post some poems on Twitter. |
| A．He will speak to a huge crowd. |
| B．He will become famous on Twitter. |
| C．He will share his favorite poems with others. |
| D．He will witness people gathering for nature. |
| A．Why he has to fly to London. | B．Why he doesn’t like taking flights. |
| C．What he wants to do in London. | D．What he contributes to his work. |
| A．He is a talented TV presenter. | B．He is a keen environmentalist. |
| C．He is a popular poet on Twitter. | D．He is a professional public speaker. |
相似题推荐
When we see something we don’t like, we wish it could be different -- we cry out for something better. That may be human nature, or perhaps it’s something that’s ingrained（根深蒂固的）in our culture.
The root of unhappiness is that we decided we didn’t like it in the first place. We’ve judged it as bad, rather than saying, “It’s not bad or good, as it just is.”
An example: in my recent post（帖子）, A Beautiful Method to Find Peace of Mind, quite a few commentators thought my outlook was negative, pessimistic, or fatalistic（听天由命的）... because I said you should expect people to mess up, expect things to go differently from what you planned. Above all, you should embrace that.
It’s too negative to expect something to go wrong, they said. However, I think it’s only negative if you see it as negative, or if you judge it as bad.
Instead, you could accept it as the way the world works -- as the way things actually are. And try to understand why they are that way.
Does it mean you can never change things? Not at all. But changing things is not because you can’t accept things as they are, but because you enjoy the process of change of learning and growing.
Can we make this world a better place? Again, that’s an assumption that it’s a bad place fight now. But instead, you could say the world is just what it is -- and that’s neither good nor bad. You can say that you’ll continue to try to do things to help others, to grow as a person, to make a difference in this world -- not because you’re such a bad person now, but because that’s the path you choose to take, because you enjoy that path.
As you catch yourself judging, and wishing for different -- try a different approach: accept, and understand. It might lead to some interesting results.
1. Which of the following statements is correct according to the author?
| A．We can never change things because we can’t accept them. |
| B．We shouldn’t try to do whatever we can to help others and make a difference. |
| C．It’s wrong of you to expect things to go differently. |
| D．There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. |
| A．The world is a good place for us to live in. |
| B．Unhappiness comes from what we want to be different. |
| C．You might as well accept the world as it is and try to embrace it. |
| D．Let’s make the world more beautiful. |
| A．A novel. | B．A news story. | C．A travel guide. | D．A magazine. |
【推荐2】Mouth open in wonder and horror, Laurent Pelletier stares at the bush cricket that has landed in front of him on the picnic table. “Can we eat it?” he asks his mum. “Can I take it as a travel companion?”
In early 2022, Laurent’s parents decided to quit their jobs. They took their four children, Mia, Léo, Colin, and Laurent, travelled over 52, 000 miles and visited 13 countries. Over the months, the world constantly unveiled (显露) itself. The kids played pat-a-cake with uniformed schoolchildren in Botswana, and while in Tanzania they tried African traditional dances with locals and stayed on a banana farm. In Thailand, they touched an elephant, calling out in surprise at how rough it felt. Rarely did they talk about why they were abroad in the first place, with one exception. While travelling along a dusty Mongolian highway last summer, Laurent, who had seemed unaware of what was to come, asked, “What does it mean to be blind? How will I cross the street? Will I be able to drive a car?”
“It’s like when you have your eyes closed,” his mother said. “It won’t happen overnight, but slowly, over years. ”Being blind, she continued, didn’t mean the end of the world. Rather, the world would be different. Nothing would prevent them from doing most things, including skiing, swimming or even becoming scientists who worked on cures for their disease. Laurent nodded, then went back to making up his own games to pass the time.
The four kids will become blind, likely in adulthood. They have a disease called retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a group of related eye disorders that cause progressive eyesight loss. By far, it has no effective treatment, and it will gradually take away their eyesight. However, their parents still want their kids to lead full lives, whether they’re blind or not. The trip has reinforced (增强) what they believe all these years-the kids will find their way.
Each day, their parents watch the kids change, physically and emotionally. Laurent grows taller and needs more independence. Both Léo and Colin become more confident and outgoing, unafraid to engage with strangers. “Today, my eyesight is good and I’m going to make the most of it, ”says Mia. “Tomorrow, we will rise to the challenge. ”
1. According to the passage, what did the family experience on their trip?| A．They did the farm work. |
| B．They took elephant rides. |
| C．They completed zoo tours. |
| D．They enjoyed the folk dance. |
| A．Their kids’ health. |
| B．Their work challenges. |
| C．Their family dreams. |
| D．Their passion for nature. |
| A．Strong bodies. |
| B．Social skills. |
| C．Positive mindset. |
| D．Language ability. |
| A．Travelling is to seek for an interesting life. |
| B．Nothing is impossible to a determined heart. |
| C．One’s potential cannot always be underrated. |
| D．Treasure what you have and live life to the fullest. |
【推荐3】People are often surprised by my fear of blood and needles. Working in a public health unit, I probably have more daily interaction with syringes (注射器) than the average person. But the truth is, having my blood drawn scares me.
When I was 9, I had an extremely high temperature. A nurse rudely stuck the needle into my arm, causing a sharp pain. I avoided having blood taken from my body for the next years. A few months before I turned 30, my doctor ordered a blood test as part of my physical exam. I panicked. Sensing my fear, she gently suggested I see a psychiatrist (精神科医生). “Dr. M helped my other patients with the same fear,” she said.
When Dr. M called to set up an appointment, I hesitated. Talking about personal problems to a medically licensed stranger was uncommon in my family. “A psychiatrist?” Mother asked. “He’ll just put you on drugs. Can’t you get over this yourself?” I almost listened. But I went to Dr. M’s clinic finally. “Phobias (恐惧症) are pretty easy to treat,” he said. I wasn’t convinced of his words. But despite my doubts, I was running out of options.
We started with basic exposure treatment. I watched videos of blood being drawn every day. As I started to feel more at ease with needles, Dr. M suggested drawing blood. As he gently pressed the needle into my flesh, I felt dizzy and breathed deeply. After a few minutes, I looked at the needle. It wasn’t so bad. I didn’t pass out. “You’re doing well,” Dr. M said.
I still find it unpleasant getting blood drawn, but thanks to several months of treatment, I’m less scared. I hate to admit it, but Dr. M is right — phobias can be treated. Sometimes, we have to leave our comfort zone and face our fears. And this can lead to freedom in the end.
1. What caused the author’s phobia?| A．Her sensitivity to pains. |
| B．Her awful performance in study. |
| C．Her bad medical experience. |
| D．Her regular contact with syringes. |
| A．Conservative. | B．Disapproving. |
| C．Supportive. | D．Optimistic. |
| A．It cost the author a great deal of money. |
| B．It eased the author’s pain totally. |
| C．It centered on watching videos. |
| D．It was smoother than expected. |
| A．Bravery brings us a happier life |
| B．Walk toward what scares us |
| C．Ups and downs make one strong |
| D．Nurse our physical health carefully |
【推荐1】Football, to me, is more than just a game. I have probably learned more valuable lessons from it than from school.
When I joined the team freshman year, I didn’t realize what I was getting into. Even though I had been playing since fourth grade and knew it was hard work, nothing would prepare me for the effort I would put into football that year. We worked all summer in the weight room and ran on the track to get in physical and mental shape before the season.
See, football is more of a mental sport than anything else, so running on the track wasn’t only about getting in shape. We would push our minds by running as hard as we could even if we were going to pass out. At the beginning, I was immature and only thought of myself, sometimes even gave up when I was tired or hurt. Then after the third game I had a season-ending injury. Imagine working all summer and then only being able to play three games! I needed surgery on my arm and at least five months to recover.
Needless to say, I missed the rest of the season, but this actually helped me realize that since you never know when your last play will be, you should try your hardest in football and life.
After freshman year I decided that I would always give my best effort. Playing varsity football has taught me so much more than just what my assignments are on a particular play or how to block. I have learned to think about others first and realized how important working hard is. Being with all my friends, even sweating and bleeding with them, really made us bond as a group of hard-working young men who I know will succeed in life.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?| A．How the author dislikes the game of football. | B．When the author began to play football. |
| C．How the writer changed his attitude to football. | D．What sport the author likes best. |
| A．just a game | B．of a mental sport |
| C．hard to be out-of-date | D．not worth his effort |
| A．becoming healthy | B．designing the playground |
| C．losing weight | D．measuring the track |
| A．the author joined the football team with a clear aim |
| B．football only brought the author certain assignments |
| C．the author never lost heart when he met with difficulty |
| D．the author worked all summer to get ready for the season |
【推荐2】It was the first day of spring here but it didn't feel like it. The COVID-19 epidemic (流行病) was sweeping the globe and everywhere there were feelings of fear and loneliness. “Social Distancing” had become the new norm. Here the schools had been closed, the restaurant dining rooms had been shut, and people had been told to work from home whenever they could. Even the sheltered workshop where my oldest son worked had been closed until further notice. People had made a run on the stores and large areas of the shelves were bare. On the news the numbers of the sick and dead continued to rise. It felt like there was a weight on the souls of everyone in the world.
My family were staying at home as much as possible and as I looked out of my window I wondered how long this crisis would last. It was then, however, that I saw something that lifted that weight off of my soul, made me smile, and made my heart feel happy again. On the street below my house there was an old friend of mine from high school who was a teacher there. With him was my younger son's former aide from the high school as well. They were delivering the school lunches door to door to the hungry children who were stuck at home. Watching them made me think of something everyone's childhood television neighbor, Mr. Roger's once said: "In the bad times, always look for the helpers."
I have no doubt that this crisis will pass as all the crisis before. But it is our choice on whether it brings out the best in us or the worst in us. Let it bring out the best in you. Use it to strengthen your faith. Use it to free yourself from fear. Use it to grow kinder, more giving, and more loving. Become a helper to all those in need and you will be a happy person today and all the days to come.
1. Why didn't the author like the first day of spring?| A．He had to work at home instead of at office. |
| B．There wasn't social distance between each other. |
| C．There was an epidemic everywhere in the world. |
| D．His own company had been closed for a long time. |
| A．Disappointed. | B．Tense | C．Confident. | D．Cheerful. |
| A．Seeing someone delivering lunches from door to door. |
| B．Talking with his old friend in the street. |
| C．Watching a childhood television at home. |
| D．Staying together with his family. |
| A．It's not necessary for us to find helpers in bad times. |
| B．In good times we needn't do much to help others. |
| C．We should ask more people to help us in bad times. |
| D．We are supposed to help each other in bad times. |
【推荐3】My love for libraries blossomed when I joined the public library.
From the age of 8, I was allowed to walk from my home to the downtown library, housed above the police station.
Once the librarian gave me my first membership card, I could enjoy a range of books, which started with Little House in the Big Woods.
I was addicted instantly, and this love of libraries and reading would change my life, allowing me to one day create a safe space for high-school kids, too.
By the time I was in high school, I could read the authors that we were studying in class, including Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and Emily Bronte. During the summer months，I got caught up in Gone with the Wind and Anna Karenina.
When I studied English literature at university, I thought it was time to build my own library. For the next 40 years, I continued to collect books. Until one day, I realized that all my books had become a part of the house，like wallpaper.
Toward the end of my teaching career, I became a teacher-librarian at my old high school where I had first learned English literature. This position resumed（恢复）my love and appreciation for libraries. I never forgot how wonderful it was to be surrounded by books.
I had a generous budget for my classes, so I searched for novels that would interest my teenage audience and hopefully spark（激发）a love of books. Fantasy, science-fiction, graphic novels --- I bought almost any type of book that my students wanted to read.
I bought sofas and comfortable chairs，turning the library into an inclusive （包容的） public space, safe for everyone.
In doing so, I realized that the library isn't just a place to do research. They are, in fact, places that offer an opportunity to engage with the past, present and future. All that is required is a tiny bit of curiosity. Libraries are places that should be full of life. They help us adjust to the world and their doors must be kept open to everyone---for free！
1. What does the underlined word “blossomed” in the first sentence mean?| A．Shaped. | B．Produced. | C．Developed. | D．Appeared. |
| A．It is the only place for readers to do research. |
| B．It is a place for people to learn English literature. |
| C．It is a place for people to be more inclusive. |
| D．It is a place that offers an opportunity to be better selves. |
| A．More Than Just Books | B．Being Addicted to Books |
| C．Building an Inclusive Public Space | D．Buying Any Kind of Book |
When I think of the hardest moments of my life, ironically many have turned out to be blessings. The most severe one was being pretty much kicked out of my. PhD program at the University of Georgia in 2016.
The program in Georgia turned out not to be the right fit for me despite my best efforts. The whole year was riddled with exhaustion, insecurity, fear, and exclusion. I was in therapy myself for most of the year to cope, and the only thing that made it tolerable was a lot of support from my family and friends.
I was utterly devastated when I went back home; it felt like my career was over. Fast forward to today, however, and I can see that getting driven out of the Georgia program was one of the best things that ever happened to me. In 2017, when I transferred to a doctoral program in San Diego, I began to thrive and now my business is doing exceptionally well. I am deeply grateful I studied in San Diego and happy that I didn’t stay in Georgia. It was great that I was driven out! As the saying goes, “What seems like good or bad news now can turn out to be the opposite in the future.”
Ironically, the research and writing training from the University of Georgia significantly helped me develop my academic, professional, and personal writing. I worked hard in Georgia and it paid off: The learning and growth I experienced were incomparable.
As my personal example demonstrates, life is a total rollercoaster. Every now and then you are able to discover a new high, a ceiling-breaking moment, whereas in other moments you may feel like you’re falling deeper and deeper into hell. While these experiences can be incredibly tough, they present us with valuable opportunities to trust life and cultivate personal growth and learning.
1. What was the author’s most severe moment of his life?(No more than 8 words)2. What’s the meaning of the underlined phrase in paragraph 2? (No more than 3 words)
3. What message does the author want to convey with his personal experience in the 3rd paragraph? (No more than 15 words)
4. Why did the author thank the University of Georgia? (No more than 10 words)
5. What will you do if you are in a dark moment? Please explain. (No more than 20 words)
【推荐2】Mr. Fuadi, from Indonesia’s Aceh province, fled the Boxing Day tsunami that destroyed several countries bordering the Indian Ocean in 2004. He then moved to Sendai, in Japan, where he escaped unharmed from another huge earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Some people compare him to Tsutomu Yamaguchi, who lived through both of the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
A doctoral engineering student, Mr. Fuadi was living in Simpang Mesra village, part of the Banda Aceh urban region, when a 9.1-magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra island, followed by a series of giant waves that engulfed everything. “We were at my house when the quake happened,” the 39-year-old recalled. “Me, my wife and my two children escaped from the tsunami by riding a motorcycle.”
Shortly after that disaster, which killed 168,000 people, Mr. Fuadi and his family moved to Sendai, where he received a scholarship to complete his doctorate at Sendai’s Tohoku University. On March 11, 2011, he was attending a course in a three-story university building when the 9-magnitude earthquake hit, causing a tsunami that ruined the north-east coast of Japan’s main Honshu island. Fortunately, there was no significant damage to the building. The three-story dormitory building where his family lived was also undamaged. But he still feared a killer wave. “The shake was very strong and similar to the earthquake in Aceh,” Mr. Fuadi said.
“I thought a tsunami was on the way. Actually, I’m more scared of tsunamis than earthquakes.” In Sendai, though, he was safe, because the campus is 12 miles from the coast. “I feel as if my family and I are being chased by tsunamis from Aceh to Japan,” he said. “Despite what has happened, my family and I are still happy to be alive,” Mr. Fuadi said. “After all, not many people have the good luck to survive two of the biggest natural disasters recorded in history.”
1. What do Mr. Fuadi and Tsutomu Yamaguchi have in common?| A．They both felt the power of nature. | B．They both survived great disasters. |
| C．They both went through wars. | D．They both studied in a foreign country. |
| A．He fled away by riding a motorcycle. | B．He hid himself in the dormitory building. |
| C．His school is far away from the coast. | D．His experience made him well prepared. |
| A．Thankful. | B．Ashamed. | C．Disappointed. | D．Proud. |
| A．Don’t trip twice over the same rock. | B．Chance favors the prepared mind. |
| C．Luck is loaned, not owned. | D．Lightning can strike twice. |
【推荐3】When your dream is to become a footballer, nothing should get in your way —even if you have no feet.
Gabriel Muniz, an 1l–year-old Brazil kid, was born without feet. Although his family thought he would have serious difficulties living a normal life, he started walking before he was one year old. His mother would go after him, expecting him to keep falling, but he never fell. It took him a while to make the jump from walking to playing football, but he did make it. And, in fact, there’s nothing he loves more than playing football. In his school, the skillful youngster is not only the best player in his school team but also the captain of his gym team.
He knows that his disability means he’ll never be able to play for a professional football team. So Gabriel is hoping that football will one day become a Paralympics(残疾人奥运会)sport. He proved to everyone there he could go head to head with any other boy. Watching him play is unbelievable. He’s fast and he’s got a big bag of tricks – he’s very skilled and he does everything he can to copy his hero, Messi so much that he was invited to go to Spain to meet his hero Messi and show his talent in the Barcelona Football Club. His coach says he is proving the disability only exists(存在)inside our heads and he is challenging the social rules.
1. What’s the meaning of “make it” in para. 2?| A．finish doing sth. | B．quit doing sth. |
| C．fail in doing sth. | D．succeed in doing sth. |
| A．thinks others laugh at him | B．is a skillful football player |
| C．prefers playing for a club | D．is a professional football player |
| A．Strong-willed and enthusiastic. | B．Devoted and kind-hearted. |
| C．Talented and patient. | D．Intelligent and considerate. |
