【推荐1】It was decades ago now, but it’s still one of the most memorable conversations of my life. On a long, slow train heading north, with nothing to do but watch the rain, the man sitting opposite began trying to talk to me. Like most young women who have learned the hard way to be careful of strangers, I was unfriendly. But curiosity took over when he said that he was just bored, and liked talking. We chatted with each other for the rest of the journey and when the train finally pulled in, we didn’t change numbers.

However, I still think about it sometimes on long, boring journeys, before getting a phone out and scrolling silently like everyone else. It’s a rare person who can cheerfully break the social rule about not talking to strangers without any ill intention, but life would be more interesting if more of us knew how to do it.

And that’s why I can’t be as cynical as I probably should be about “Tube Chat” campaign launched to encourage Britons to talk to each other. All anyone is being asked to do is to start a conversation they wouldn’t otherwise have had- maybe with a friend from whom they’ve been apart or a neighbor they don’t know.

Obviously, it takes more than a bit of small talk over garden fences to unite strangers together. More people live alone than did so a generation ago. We socialize increasingly through screens, sending texts instead of bothering to call.

It’s true that the “Tube Chat” campaign of a few years back failed in its attempts to make Londoners talk to each other on public transport. But even city people who would normally die rather than make eye contact with strangers still happily gather in large numbers by the Thames for the New Year’s Eve fireworks. They would get a far better view at home on television-it’s not really about the fireworks, but about being part of something communal (公共的).

There’s no guarantee that this latest campaign to reconnect will succeed wherever others have failed. But if there is ever a moment to stop social disbelief, it may start a fire to warm a world that sometimes feels cold. Wherever my train friend is now, I hope he is still talking.

1. What can we infer from the author’s experience on the train?

A．Young women were frightened to talk with strangers.

B．People become indifferent and unfriendly to strangers

C．Small talks with strangers can add more interest to life.

D．The author regretted losing touch with her train friend.

2. What does the underlined word “cynical“ mean in paragraph 3?

A．Supportive.

B．Doubtful.

C．Confused.

D．Disappointed.

3. What does the example of Londoners gathering for the New Year’s Eve fireworks show?

A．“Tube Chat” failed in its attempts to unite strangers together.

B．It’s hard to break the social rule about not talking to strangers.

C．People have a wish to be socially connected by nature.

D．“Tube Chat” made a difference in reconnecting people.

4. Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?

A．Keep Our Desire to Connect.

B．A Memorable Train Talk.

C．Stop Social Disbelief.

D．Socialize with Our Friends.

【推荐2】Last night I was driving from Harrisburg to Lewisburg,a distance of about eighty miles.It was late.Several times I got stuck behind a slow-moving truck on a narrow road with a solid white line on my left,and I became increasingly impatient.

At one point along an open road,I came to a crossing with a traffic light.I was alone on the road by now,but as I drove near the light,it turned red and I made a stop.I looked left,right and behind me.Nothing.Not a car,no suggestion of car lamps,but there I sat,waiting for the light to change,the only human being for at least a mile in any direction.

I started wondering why I refused to run the light.I was not afraid of being caught,because there was clearly no policeman around,and there certainly would have been no danger in going through it.

Much later that night,the question of why I'd stopped for that light came back to me.I think I stopped because it's part of a contract we all have with each other.It's not only the law,but it's an agreement we have,and we trust each other to honor it: we don't go through red lights.

Trust is our first inclination（倾向）.Doubting others does not seem to be natural to us.The whole construction of our society depends on mutual（相互的）trust,not distrust.We do what we say we'll do,we show up when we say we'll show up;and we pay when we say we'll pay.We trust each other in these matters,and we're angry or disappointed with the person or organization that breaks the trust we have in them.

I was so proud of myself for stopping for the red light that night.

1. Why did the author get impatient while driving?

A．He was lonely on the road.	B．He was slowed down by a truck.
C．He got tired of driving too long.	D．He came across too many traffic lights.

2. What was the author's immediate action when the traffic light turned red?

A．Stopping still.	B．Driving through it.
C．Looking around for other cars.	D．Cheeking out for traffic police.

3. The event made the author strongly believe that          .

A．traffic rules may be unnecessary	B．doubting others is human nature
C．patience is important to drivers	D．a society needs mutual trust

4. Why was the author proud of himself?

A．He kept his promise.	B．He held back his anger.
C．He followed his inclination.	D．He made a right decision.

【推荐3】When I was young, I wished for a good car and a big house. That was my idea of success. I took all the advanced classes and tried to do well in the exams with my mind set on going to a key school. I just knew that I would somehow become famous and be able to afford the car and the dream house. All the way through junior years, my mind was planning this beautiful future.

Then in the eleventh grade, many losses changed my mind. First, one of my friends died at 16. Soon after, my great-grandmother passed away, followed by my beloved fourth-grade teacher. These events left me not knowing what to do or where to go. Death had never touched me so closely.

After a long period of emptiness, it finally struck me: Life is not promised and neither is future success. Though I was attempting to achieve material success, I was not enjoying my daily life. I realized that finding inner peace, purpose and happiness will stick with me forever and that is real success.

Enjoying life’s precious quirks (偶发事件) makes an ordinary person more successful than a wealthy person who isn’t content and takes everything for granted. The summer before senior years, my attitude changed greatly. Instead of memorizing facts, I began learning skills. Instead of focusing on the future, I focused on today and the many blessings and successes that came with it.

I still get excellent grades, but now I devote weeks to studying instead of struggling for exams, and I think about the future with a deeper sense of meaning. For me, being successful means truly living life each day.

1. The reason why the author changed his idea of success is that ________.

A．he can’t afford his house

B．he lost a few beloved persons in a short time

C．he didn’t know what to do or where to go

D．his beloved teacher died

2. According to the author, which of the following is the real success for a person?

A．Being famous.	B．Material achievements.
C．Good car and big house.	D．Truly living life each day.

3. What does the author want to tell the readers?

A．His opinion about success.	B．The true meaning of studying.
C．How to achieve success.	D．The true meaning of life.

4. According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE?

A．The author didn’t want to take all the exams.

B．The author ’s teacher died before the death of his great-grandma.

C．The author didn’t do well in all the exams.

D．The author thinks that success is not promised.

【推荐2】When I re-entered the full-time work after a decade of running my own business, there was a   top thing I was looking forward to: to make friends with the colleagues once again. As a matter of fact, it wasn't until I entered the company that I realized making friends with colleagues wasn’t the first at all. It is developing interpersonal relationships at work that is vital, which can not only help overcome a range of problems at work but also promote productivity and the quality of work output.

Perhaps my expectations of lunches and chatting with friends were the memory of the last time I was in that kind of office environment. However, as I near the end of my fourth decade, I realize work can be fully functional and entirely satisfying without needing to be the best workmates with the people sitting next to you.

In an academic analysis just published in the very influential Journal of Management, researchers have developed the idea of "indifferent relationships", which is a simple term that summarizes the fact that relationships at work can be less close, unimportant and even replaceable.

Indifferent relationships are neither positive nor negative. The limited research conducted so far shows they're especially obvious among those who value independence over cooperation, and harmony over disharmony. Indifference is also the preferred choice among those who are socially lazy and regard maintaining relationships over the long term takes effort.

As mentioned above, indifferent relationships may not always be the most helpful way in solving problems at work. Even so, there are proven benefits on indifferent relationship. One of them is efficiency. Less time chatting and socializing means more time working and producing. Another is self-respect. As human beings, we tend to compare ourselves to each other. Apparently, we look down on acquaintances more than friends. In the process their strengths can raise the sense of self-worth. The third advantage is that the emotional neutrality of indifferent relationships has been found to improve critical thinking, enhance people’s attention to task solving, and make it easier to gain valuable information.

None of those benefits might be as fun as after-work socializing but, hey, I'll take it anyway.

1. What did the author realize when he re-entered the company?

A．Building interpersonal relationships was important.

B．Making new friends with workmates was not so easy as he had expected.

C．Developing positive interpersonal relationships helped him find his place.

D．Working in companies requires more interpersonal skills than self-employment.

2. Which one belongs to indifferent relationships at work according to the passage？

A．Being in conflict with workmates in the office.

B．Spending less time chatting and socializing in the office.

C．Having deep and meaningful conversations with colleagues.

D．Being the best mates with the people sitting next to you in the office.

3. What can be one of the benefits of the indifferent relationships?

A．They provide fun at work.

B．They improve work efficiency.

C．They help control emotions at work.

D．They help solve problems during work time.

4. What’s the author’s attitude towards indifferent relationships?

A．Cautious.	B．Doubtful.
C．Approving.	D．Indifferent.

【推荐3】There has been a lot of publicity recently surrounding 5G, the next generation of wireless technology for the world. But what is this technology and how might it change our lives?

5G stands for fifth generation, meaning the next step in the progression of technology to replace the current 4G system. 4G was the replacement for 3G, which came after 2G, and so on. Earlier "G" systems were designed to improve mobile communication operations. Each new technology brought major improvements in speed and greatly increased network capacity（容量）. The new 5G system promises more of the same. However, technology experts say there is a major way that 5G is different than the earlier systems. It will move well beyond mobile network technology to affect many more devices and industries than other "G" versions.

Wireless industry groups say 5G will help fuel future "smart cities" by connecting sensor（传感器） networks. 5G is also expected to connect self-driving cars and support new technologies involving virtual reality. Higher 5G speeds could also permit doctors to commonly perform remote medical operations. Factories and businesses could use 5G technology to increase automation and improve the collection of information.

Every coin has two sides.   Much of the data could contain private details about individuals, businesses or government organizations. The increased data flow would give internet attackers a lot more possibilities to steal and misuse data. In addition, the wider use of a 5G wireless network means any breakdown of the system would have more widespread and severe results. Such difficulties could affect public safety as well as world economic activity.

1. What is the significant difference between 5G and the early “G” systems?

A．It will affect more devices and industries.

B．It will change the way people communicate.

C．It will reform the pattern of information system.

D．It will improve internet speed and network capacity.

2. What can we learn about "smart cities" from the passage?

A．Smart city is a city full of intelligent people.

B．Now many smart cities have been built all over the world.

C．As long as there is a wireless network, you can build a smart city.

D．The development of 5G accelerates the construction of smart cities.

3. Why can 5G allow doctors to perform long-range medical operations?

A．Because of the low cost of 5G.

B．Because of the wide range of 5G.

C．Because of the high speed of 5G.

D．Because of the ability of 5G to collect information.

4. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．Possible risks of 5G technology.

B．The advantages of 5G technology.

C．The influence of 5G technology on the world.

D．The importance of information security in the 5G era.

【推荐1】Researchers recently discovered some unusual behavior in chimps living in the forests of West Africa. An adult male in the wild would pick up a rock, throw it at a tree while yelling and then run away. Although researchers aren't certain why, they make a guess: The chimps seem to prefer trees that create longer-lasting sounds when struck.

A team of researchers from Germany first discovered this behavior three years ago. Because the actions appeared to be localized, the researchers suggested the purpose was a local tradition and was likely part of some sort of ritual(仪式), Phys. org reports. But they weren't sure what purpose the ritual served.

So the group desired to carry out more experiments to determine why the chimps were so interested in throwing rocks at trees. This time around, they went to the same areas but set up microphones to capture(捕捉) the sounds of the stones as they were thrown.

Researchers analyzed all the recordings and found that the chimps tended to prefer throwing rocks at trees that made lower, longer-lasting sounds. Often these were trees that had exposed roots.

In their findings, published in Biology Letters, the researchers write that “low-frequency sounds travel further in the environment and are better suited for long-distance communication”.

If chimps tried to communicate. it would be more effective for them to strike the trees or choose the ones that made the loudest noises when struck. Because the researchers saw chimps stick to the same trees and never choose new ones, the location could be a factor. Researcher Ammie Kalan tells Science that maybe the locations of the trees have something to do with nearby resources like food and water, and that the sound is a signal to others where to find them.

1. How did the researchers feel about the chimps behavior from the first two paragraphs?

A．Doubtful

B．Excited

C．Disappointed

D．Frightened.

2. What did the researchers do during their experiments?

A．They tried to make long-lasting sounds.

B．They recorded the sounds from the stricken（受...侵袭的） trees.

C．They designed various sounds for the chimps.

D．They collected different sounds of the chimps.

3. What does Ammie Kalan think of the chimps' behavior?

A．It is a good way of seeking food.	B．It is a means of communication.
C．It is a natural response to food.	D．It is a symbol of their growth.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．How the chimps produce sounds.

B．The chimps’ habit of throwing rocks.

C．Why the chimps like to throw rocks at trees.

D．Chimps often throw rocks at different kinds of trees.

【推荐2】Branksome Hall
Class Size: 12 to 22
Grades: JK to Gr. 12
Gender(性别): All girls
Living: day, Boarding(提供住宿的）

Founded in 1903, Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only all-girls, all-years International Baccalaureate (IB）World School. From the earliest grades, students learn to become leaders and to understand the value of serving the community. Discover Branksome hall’s programs at www.brunksome.on.ca.

Stanstead College
Class Size: 13
Grades: Gr. 7 to Gr.12
Gender: Open to both sexes
Living: Boarding

Stanstead College is a private boarding school for boys and girls in Grades 7 through 12. It is an English school that embraces (包含) French in and out of the classroom. It is also uniquely placed to open doors to top universities and colleges in the United States, Canada and around the world.

Oakwood Academy
Class Size: 1 to 4
Grades: JK to Gr. 12.
Gender: Open to both sexes
Living: Day

Oakwood Academy is a private school for students who require an individualized education plan and small class size to meet their unique learning styles. Direct Instruction is used to teach academics in small groups and a meaningful curriculum (课程) allows students to truly learn.

TEAM School
Class Size: 8 to 12
Grades: Gr. 1 to Gr.12
Gender: Open to both sexes
Living: Day

TEAM School provides an academic program for students in Grades 1 through 12. Students from ages 6 to 14 benefit from small class sizes (8 students) and an individualized academic program to provide an educational upgrading.

1. Which of the following is a single-gender school？

A．TEAM School.	B．Branksome Hall.
C．Stanstead College.	D．Oakwood Academy.

2. How is Stanstead College different from the others？

A．It is for preschoolers.

B．It involves two languages in class.

C．It is characterized by small class sizes.

D．It provides places for students to stay overnight.

3. What can we learn from Oakwood Academy?

A．It has a small class size.	B．It’s a boarding school.
C．It offers job opportunities.	D．It has its own website.

4. Which of the following is TRUE about TEAM School?

A．There are at least 12 students in a class.

B．It is just open to children of school age.

C．Students can. learn how to work together as a team there.

D．Most of its students enter top universities after graduating.

5. What do Oakwood Academy and TEAM School both value?

A．Personalized ways of studying.

B．A sense of serving the community.

C．Preparing students for top universities.

D．Designing meaningful lessons for students.

【推荐3】Light pollution is blocking a starry view of the night sky for more than half of people across England, a research has found.

Fifty-seven percent of stargazers(观星者) struggled to see more than 10 stars, while just 2% of participants said they experienced a truly dark sky making them be able to count more than 30 according to the research by the Campaign to Protect Rural England(CPRE). People in the countryside were encouraged to count how many stars they could see with eyes within   the constellation(星座) of Orion, which is visible only in the winter months.

Campaigners said the results of the star count, supported by the British Astronomical Association ,showed the problem of light pollution and how it affected one of the countryside's most magical sights-a dark, starry night sky. They said the results of the research to map England's night skies suggested more could be done by the government, local councils and the general public to reduce the negative effects of artificial light from streets and buildings.

Emma Marrington, dark skies campaigner at the CPRE, said “We're hugely grateful to the people who took the time to get out and take part in our star count. But it's deeply disappointing that the vast majority were unable to experience the natural wonder of a truly dark sky blanketed with stars. Without any action, our night sky will continue to be lost under a covering of artificial light, ruining the health of the natural world.”

She added: “The star count results show just how far-reaching the light from street lights and buildings can be seen. Light doesn't respect boundaries, and careless use can see it spread for miles from cities.”

She suggested better-designed lighting, street light dimming systems and part-night lighting where some street lights are turned off during the small hours should provide an opportunity to limit the damage caused by light pollution, reduce carbon emissions and save money.

1. What is the effect of the light pollution in England?

A．Leading the stars to disappear.	B．Making the countryside dark.
C．Making the environment terrible.	D．Preventing the people seeing stars.

2. What does the light pollution result from?

A．More and more buildings.	B．The overuse of artificial light.
C．Less and less outdoor activities.	D．The spread of light in the countryside.

3. What does the underlined word “dimming” in the last paragraph mean?

A．falling suddenly	B．strengthening slowly
C．becoming less bright	D．getting weak and disappearing finally

4. How does Emma feel about the stargazers 'efforts?

A．Appreciative.	B．Surprised.
C．Disappointed.	D．Regretful.

【推荐1】Scientists have long known a reliable way to lose weight in lab animals; Cut the amount of calories(卡路里) by 10 percent to 40 percent. A new study suggests that in young and middle-aged adults, taking in 300 caloric less every day can also have a big influence on their body weight and health.

In the new study published this month in the Lancet, researchers looked at a group of 143 healthy men and women aging from 21 to 50. They could eat the foods they wanted as long as they cut about 12 percent of their total calories, or roughly 300 calories a day.

The group saw their health improve. For example, their blood pressure fell, and they had better blood sugar control.

“The benefits came from the fact that they lost about 16 pounds over the two years of the study,” said William Kraus, the lead author of the study and a professor of medicine at Duke University.

“We were surprised by these changes,” he added. “In a disease population, there aren't five drugs in combination(组合) that would get such a big improvement.”

Calories cut may be useful for better health and weight loss, said Frank Hu, the chairman of the nutrition department at the Harvard School of Public Health. But he questioned whether caloric cut would be possible for most people since we are living in an environment with so many energy-rich, nutrient-poor foods that are cheap, and heavily advertised.

He suggested, however, that some people might find calorie cut possible if they combined it with other popular diets like the Mediterranean diet.

Dr. Kraus said, “It’s not that hard to cut as little as 300 calories a day from their diets. It just takes an after-dinner snack.”

1. How much calories does a middle-aged adult usually take in each day?

A．About 300.

B．About 750.

C．About 2,500.

D．About3,000.

2. What led to the health benefits in the new study according to William Kraus?

A．The combination of five drugs.	B．The weight loss.
C．The energy-rich snacks.	D．The delicious foods.

3. What is Frank Hu’s attitude toward the advice in the new study?

A．Doubtful.

B．Favorable.

C．Uncaring.

D．Curious.

4. What can be the suitable title for the text?

A．Hot Debate on Different Weight-losing Diets

B．New Health Guidelines Published for the Adults

C．The Easiest Way to Stay Fit and Healthy Ever Found

D．Cutting 300 Calories a Day to Stay Healthy Every Day

【推荐2】I walked to Mrs. Windsor’s house and waited outside. She was working with another student, and I was not supposed to bother them by ringing the bell. I stood against the wall and daydreamed what I’d rather be doing. I had been tutored enough to read, understand, and even write some musical compositions, but I just didn’t have a gift for it. Mrs. Windsor had offered to give me the lessons for free, so I felt my duty to try.
The door opened and Wendy Barton came out. I walked in, sat down on the piano bench and began to sort through my sheet music. Today Mrs. Windsor introduced her niece Pasha to teach me. With a smile, Pasha sat beside me on the piano bench, opened my sheet music to the beginning page and asked me to play. I arranged my fingers on the keys. Then I frowned(皱眉) and concentrated to make the notes on the page match the finger movements. I had to admit I was a rather mechanical (呆板的) pianist.
After about a page or two, Pasha gently put her hand on top of mine as if to calm my fingers. There was a long pause. “What are you hearing in the music?” I looked at her rather strangely and admitted I didn’t know what she meant. “Like a story. Here, let me try and you listen,” Pasha advised.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting her fingers dance lightly over the keys. Then, she began to play. “See, it begins here beside some kind of river. Hear the water flowing beside you?”
Her fingers rose and fell gently on the keys. “Now the princess appears and she’s picking flowers from the water’s edge.” A happy piece of music filled the air in time to Pasha’s dancing fingers. “Oh, but she slips!” The music changed. “And our princess is being carried off by the fast-flowing stream. Quickly, the princess’ horse sees her plight (困境) and races to the river’s edge where he swims out to let her catch hold of him. Luckily, they make it to the bank.” Pasha said.
I played many pieces of music that afternoon, finding the stories in the music and learning that sometimes it takes a friend to pull you out of the river onto dry land again.
1. By describing herself as a mechanical pianist, the author meant ________.

A．she could remember the notes in a short time

B．she was playing the piano without emotion

C．her fingers couldn’t move freely

D．it had been a long time since she played last time

2. Which of the following can best describe Pasha?

A．Creative.

B．Honest.

C．Humorous.

D．Brave.

3. Pasha’s magic of playing the piano lies in that she ________.

A．imagined herself as a princess

B．knew its original background story

C．had a strong desire to make a friend

D．combined the music with a story

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．A Friend Forever

B．Never Give up

C．A Piano Lesson

D．My Favorite Piece of Music