When my best friend and I were teenagers, our favorite place to hang out was the Hallmark store. If we had money, we would choose a perfect card for each other and then share tears or smiles depending on what emotion the words expressed. In those coming years we developed a friendship built on sincere feelings and we often found comfort in the words of a Hallmark card. I think it is perhaps since those years that I have become a greeting card collector.
The other day, while cleaning out the storage in my home, I came across the bag where I have kept greeting cards. They are the lasting messages that speak the meanings of my life. I pulled out a foolish-looking card. It has a stick drawing on the front that seems to be my portrait(肖像画), I laughed as I realized this is exactly how my oldest daughter saw her mum. Opening it up I saw a hand-drawn heart with eyes and a big smile. On the other side are some words “You are the best mum in the world!” This may be one card that Hallmark cards cannot compete with for it is a treasure more precious than gold. I can’t go back to where I’ve been but, from time to time, I can be taken into a welcomed memory trip.
These are the Hallmark moments of our lives. Words from once upon a time inspire us to appreciate the people in our lives who mean so much. When we sometimes have doubts, or when the world treats us unfairly, the encouraging words are there in black and white, sometimes drawn in a homemade stick drawing with a heart-shaped smiling face standing out from the rest.
Life is a Hallmark card when you care enough to send the very best.
1. What influence does the Hallmark card have on the author?| A．Finding her real hobby. |
| B．Becoming a greeting card donor. |
| C．Getting real friendship and comfort. |
| D．Learning to share the experience of making cards. |
| A．she often remembers her past trip |
| B．those cards are very meaningful for her |
| C．her daughter’s words moved her deeply |
| D．drawing herself on the cards is very meaningful |
| A．Because they make her full of thanks. |
| B．Because they are written in different colors. |
| C．Because they can help her overcome doubts. |
| D．Because they always inform her of the card collector. |
| A．Words on the cards | B．Collecting greeting cards is a hobby. |
| C．Life is a Hallmark card | D．Memory in the childhood |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Many years ago, I went to watch a dance show with my five-year-old son Tim. The dance was presented by the San Francisco Ballet company.
I gave in to other people’s views and prevented his dream. Dance lessons were put on hold. I let him take baseball classes.
Finally, Tim got to have his dance lessons during high school. His goal was to try out for the school’s dance group which was well-known nationwide. The competition to join it was fierce (激烈的). Tim tried to spare time to practice dancing in an organization that welcomed male dancers. At last, his hard work paid off.
I was proud of my son’s talent. And I regretted that I hadn’t been open-minded and hadn’t supported his interest and dream earlier. After graduation, he asked whether he could continue learning to dance in college. I agreed without hesitation (犹豫). Years later, Tim became a famous dancer.
| A．Therefore, he left the dance group with sadness. |
| B．Tim was so attracted by the dancers’ performance. |
| C．Later, he even stood out in his school’s dance group. |
| D．So it’s okay to be different and never get discouraged. |
| E．However, he paid little attention to the coach’s guidance. |
| F．Tim was determined and seldom accepted others’ advice. |
| G．But there was no positive reaction from the people around him. |
【推荐2】Why Gratitude Is Significant
As far as I'm concerned, no matter what you’re going through, there is always a reason to be thankful. But not only that — being thankful might just be exactly what you need to do if you’re going through a tough time.
Researchers found that having a grateful attitude helps strengthen one’s immune system, lower blood pressure, improve sleep and motivate people to exercise regularly.
Having gone through a period of depression myself after cancer surgery 10 years ago, I can tell you this illness can be severe.
During that time I sought forms of treatment for depression, including professional counseling and exercise. One thing recommended to me by a counselor was keeping a gratitude journal.
| A．Every day, I would set down three things I was thankful for in life. |
| B．Now I realize depression does not go away by practicing a single exercise. |
| C．It itself carries a host of health benefits. |
| D．Being grateful accounts for your recovery. |
| E．Gratitude is good for your mind, body and soul. |
| F．Depression makes you feel as if you are dead inside. |
| G．For example, I would sincerely convey my gratitude loudly. |
【推荐3】How I failed my Oxford interview
As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew I’d made a mistake. “You think Jane Austen is… soft?” the man opposite me asked in disbelief. Then, he and his colleague took turns to challenge my claim, finishing each others sentences as they stressed that Austen’s novels were, in fact, savage.
“I just mean …” I said in a bright voice, trying to keep the tone light, “that she’s not as biting as Virginia Woolf.”
The two professors this idea around, too, like a couple of cats toying with a frightened bird — giving specific examples of how Austen’s work was, on the contrary, more biting than Woolf’s. With no more defensive action to take. I simply smiled and said, “Let’s just agree to disagree, shall we?” And at that moment, my dreams of going to Oxford University disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Part of my problem was a lack of confidence. Even though I was a straight A student and had prepared for the interview to the best of my ability. I wasn’t a skilled debater. When faced with two experts who told me that I was wrong, instead of defending myself. I rolled over and accepted defeat.
To pass the interview, you need more than confidence, of course. You also need a burning passion for your subject, not just a keen interest. In other words, don’t put comments on your personal statement that you’re not prepared to back up in person.
So, months later, I already knew the contents of my thin envelop when it appeared on my doormat. Naturally, I felt a pang of disappointment. I had wanted to go to Oxford since I was 13. I used to look up images of my favorite college with the same eagerness of a bride-to-be browsing wedding dresses.
Ultimately, I didn’t have what it took — but, looking back, that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Instead of going to Oxford, I found a university that was a better fit for my interests. I loved my eclectic (兼收并蓄的) course, where I could write an essay comparing Jane Eyre to 50 Shades of Grey.
Failing my Oxford interview also provided a valuable life lesson. I’m not more confident in my opinions, more passionate when it comes to debate, and I try to back up my point with hard evidence. What’s more. I have never since ended a discussion by giving a foolish smile and saying, “Let’s just agree to disagree, shall we?”
1. The underlined word “savage” in the first paragraph most probably means________.| A．romantic | B．popular | C．merciless | D．adventurous |
| A．aggressiveness | B．weakness | C．peacefulness | D．intelligence |
| A．The author made a mistake when commenting on Jane Austen. |
| B．The author showed no respect for the professors. |
| C．Oxford’s rejection gave the author a chance to reflect on herself. |
| D．The professors advised the author to write an essay on Jane Eyre. |
| A．One’s confidence, passion and knowledge lead to success. |
| B．A student should choose a selective college which suits him or her. |
| C．The power to fight against the authority is the key to a better life. |
| D．“Let’s just agree to disagree” is useful to bring a battle to an end. |
【推荐1】The castle had two floors. We were ten years old and sat around the coffee table, drinking from coffee cups filled with water. We talked about our future good friends, girls' dress, make-ups and well-behaved classmates at our daily meeting. We promised each other that this was how our lives would be.
Then we got a little older. I was graduating from the eighth grade. This time we were in a real coffee shop. We were growing up, drinking hot chocolate instead of water, but our conversation hadn't changed. We were going to go to college together. Then we would open a business in the city. We promised each other this was how it would be.
My interests and areas of study have changed many times. I've become involved in many activities that have opened my eyes to new possibilities. My friends are part of my life. I would do anything for them. I know they would do the same for me. In the case of a broken heart, a silly argument, or a difficult test, I am always the first to help. Being there for my friends comes first no matter what else I have to do.
I'm growing up fast. Junior year has almost terminated. College is just around the corner, but our childish talks and plans don't seem so long ago. In fact, we're still having the same discussions. We probably won't go to the same college but would be in the same state. We will talk every day, meet on weekends and come home on holidays. This plan is just as good.
Now I am ready for college. I will meet new people, have new experiences in new surroundings and live on my own. But I will not leave my friends. I won't see them on weekends, but maybe on holidays. I will be making new ones at college. I hope I will become as close with them as I am with those old friends. Maybe if I'm lucky I will meet a few with whom I can sit and share a cup of coffee.
1. What did the author and her friends often talk about when they were ten years old?| A．Their rapid progress. | B．Their great imagination. |
| C．Their childish plans. | D．Their good living conditions. |
| A．She is looking forward to her future college life. |
| B．She plans to run a coffee bar when she begins to work. |
| C．She took part in many activities in order to make new friends. |
| D．She used to ask her friends to help with her difficult tests. |
| A．finished | B．collected | C．closed | D．formed |
| A．The author's relationship with her friends. |
| B．The author's achievements. |
| C．The author's ideas of friendship. |
| D．The author's experiences of her study. |
【推荐2】Too many people want others to be their friends, but they don’t give friendship back. That is why some friendships don’t last long. To have a friend, you must learn to be one. You must learn to treat your friend in the way you want your friend to treat you. Learning to be a good friend means learning three rules: be honest, be generous, be understanding.
Honesty is where a good friendship starts. Friends must be able to trust one another. If you do not tell the truth, people usually find out. If a friend finds out that you haven’t been honest, you may lose the friend’s trust. Good friends always count on one another to speak and act honestly.
Generosity means sharing and sharing makes a friendship grow. You do not have to give your lunch money or your clothes. Naturally you will want to share your ideas and feelings. These can be very valuable to friends. They tell your friends what is important to you. By sharing them, you help your friends know you better.
Sooner or later everyone needs understanding and help with a problem. Something may go wrong at school. Talking about the problem can make it easier to solve. Turning to a friend can be the first step in solving the problem. So to be a friend you must listen and understand. You must try to put yourself in your friend’s place so that you can understand the problem better.
No two friendships are ever exactly alike. But all true friendships have three things in common. If you want a good friendship, you must practise honesty, generosity and understanding.
1. Some friendships don’t last very long because__________.| A．some people receive friendship but do not give friendship back |
| B．there are too many people who want to make friends |
| C．those who give others friendship receive friendship from others |
| D．they don’t know friendship is something serious |
| A．Always tell your friends the truth. |
| B．Sharing your mind with your friends is of great value. |
| C．Discussing your problems with your friends often helps to solve the problem. |
| D．A friend who gives you his lunch money is a true friend. |
| A．Honesty is the best policy | B．A friend in need is a friend indeed |
| C．How to be friends | D．Three important points in life |
| A．指望，依赖 | B．认为 | C．重视 | D．数，点（数） |
【推荐3】There are times in life when we don’t have the energy to get through our problems.
We can’t find the strength to push ahead.
Author Parker J. Palmer in his book Let Your Life Speak shares about the time when he was struggling with depression(抑郁). He can still remember that some people who visited him tried to cheer him up.“It’s a beautiful day.
We are thankful to the friends, who sit with us in simple and healing(治愈的) ways. And we are thankful for the opportunity to be that friend, to offer our presence to those who are hurting, sick, struggling with depression and more. Sometimes we are unsure of what to do.
| A．But we can simply be present. |
| B．He would simply do this and say very little. |
| C．There will be times when you are in so much pain. |
| D．That’s when our friends step in and carry us through. |
| E．Why not go out to enjoy some sunshine and smell the flowers? |
| F．Do you suffer from depression every once in a while for no reason? |
| G．Then there were those who stood with him in simple and healing ways. |
【推荐1】It was the first day of Spring here but it didn't feel like it. The Coronavirus(冠状病毒) Pandemic was sweeping the globe and everywhere there were feelings of uncertainty, fear, loneliness and even despair. "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 furl her notice. People had made a run on the stores and large areas of the shelves were bare. On the news the numbers of sick and dead continued to rise. It felt like there was a weight on the souls of everyone in the world.
My own family was staying at home as much as possible and as I looked out 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 my face 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 now. 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 al 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 this crisis will pass as all the crisis before it have. 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 in all the days to come.
1. How did people feel in face of the epidemic?| A．Disappointed. | B．Confident. | C．Tense. | D．Doubtful. |
| A．Seeing someone delivering lunches from door to door |
| B．Staying together with his families in time of danger |
| C．Seeing a childhood television in time of danger |
| D．Standing by the window and look out into the street |
| A．in bad times we should watch mon TV programs |
| B．school lunches are not easy to forget for many people |
| C．we should prepare more lunches for school children |
| D．people look forward to helping hands in bad times |
| A．To express his expectation to end the epidemic soon |
| B．To encourage people to bring out their best in had times |
| C．To show that he is ready to help others in time of danger |
| D．To explain why we should have strong faith in ourselves |
【推荐2】The world is filled with smart, educated and gifted people. We meet them every day. A few days ago，my car was not running well. I pulled it into a garage and the young mechanic fixed it in just a few minutes. He knew what was wrong by simply listening to the engine sound. I was amazed. The sad truth is that great talent is not enough.
I am constantly shocked at how little talented people earn. I heard the other day that less than 5 percent of Americans earn more than $100,000 a year. A business consultant who specializes in the medical trade told me how many doctors and dentists struggle financially. It was this business consultant (顾问) who gave me the phrase, “They are one skill away from great wealth.”
There is an old saying that goes, “JOB means ‘Just Over Broke (破产)’”. And unfortunately, I would say that the saying applies to millions of people. Because schools do not think financial intelligence is intelligence, most workers “live within their means”. They work and they pay the bills. Instead I recommend that young people seek work for what they will learn, more than what they will earn.
When I ask the classes I teach, “How many of you can cook a better hamburger than McDonald’s?” almost all the students raise their hands. I then ask, “So if most of you can cook a better hamburger, how come McDonald’s makes more money than you?” The answer is obvious: McDonald’s is excellent at business systems. The world is filled with talented poor people. They focus on perfecting their skills at building a better hamburger rather than the skills of selling and delivering the hamburger.
1. The author mentions the mechanic in the first paragraph to show that .| A．he is just one of the talented people |
| B．he is ready to help others |
| C．he has a sharp sense of hearing |
| D．he knows little about car repairing |
| A．spend more than they can afford |
| B．do in their own way |
| C．live in their own circle |
| D．live within what they earn |
| A．They don’t work hard enough. |
| B．They lack financial intelligence. |
| C．They don’t make full use of their talents. |
| D．They have no specialized skills. |
| A．how young people can find a satisfactory job |
| B．what schools should teach about finance |
| C．why so many talented people are poor |
| D．how McDonald’s makes much money |
I no longer consider myself the center of the universe. I show up. I listen. I try to laugh. I am a good friend to my husband. I have tried to make marriage vows (誓约) mean what they say. I am a good friend to my friends, and they to me. Without them, there would be nothing to say to you today.
So here's what I wanted to tell you today: get a life. A real life, not a desire of the next promotion (提升), the bigger paycheck, the larger house.
Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love，and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure(休闲) but work. Pick up the phone. Send an email. Write a letter. And realize that life is the best thing and that you have no business taking it for granted.
It is so easy to waste our lives，our days，our hours，and our minutes.
I learned to love the journey，not the destination. I learned to look at all the good in the world and tried to give some of it back because I believed in it，completely and totally. And I tried to do that，in part，by telling others what I had learned.
By telling them this：read in the backyard with the sun on your face. Learn to be happy. And think of life as a deadly illness，because if you do，you will live with joy and passion(激情) as it ought to be lived.
1. How did the author form her view of life?
| A．Through social experience. |
| B．By learning from her friends. |
| C．Through an unfortunate experience. |
| D．From her children and husband. |
| A．make a living rather than live a real life |
| B．work rather than enjoy life |
| C．waste a lot in life |
| D．forget the most important lesson in life |
| A．Do it well to serve others. |
| B．Earn enough money to make life better. |
| C．Try your best to get higher position and pay. |
| D．Don’t let it affect your real life. |
| A．the author is a success in personal life |
| B．the author doesn’t try her best to work well |
| C．the author spends all her time caring for her children |
| D．the author likes traveling very much |
【推荐1】Top Rome tours
Cinecittà World
Cinecittà World, located just on the outskirts of Rome, is an amusement park dedicated to all things about cinema. It also features roller coasters and live shows, interactive attractions and children’s play areas. Fast-pass tickets that let you skip the line are provided.
Price: $20.8 above the age of 18, $16 aged 14 to 18, free under the age of 14 and 50% of the total charged for fast pass.
Time: Every day from 10:00 to 17:00.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum (Foro Romano) was once the center of ancient Rome, with temples, courts, markets, and government buildings. Aside from a lesson in Roman history, visitors can get a great view of the Eternal City from the overlooking Palatine and Capitoline hills.
Price：$15 for an adult and children for free.
Time: Peak season 1 July-31 Oct: 10:00-17:00
Low season 1Nov-30 June: Mon-Sat 10:00-16:30, Sun 11:00-16:30
Ancient Appian
Never miss this family-friendly cycling journey along the ancient Appian Way, one of Rome’s very first paved roads. Riding an electric-powered bicycle, you’ll pass ornate mansions, centuries-old statues and tombs, catacombs, and an aqueduct from antiquity.
Price: $17 for each adult, $5 for each e-bike, and free for children with a parent.
Time: 10.00-18:00 Summer. 10:00-17:00 Winter.
Villa d’Este
The Villa d’Este in Tivoli, is one of the most remarkable and comprehensive illustrations of Renaissance culture at its most refined. Its innovative design along with the architectural components in the garden (fountains, ornamental basins, etc.) makes this a unique example of an Italian 16th-century garden.
Price：$57.53 an adult and free for child under the age of 10, with online ticket 20% off.
Time: Mon to Sat. 10:00-17:00 summer. 10:30-16:00 winter.
1. How much will be paid for a mother and a child of 6 to visit Cinecittà World with fast-pass tickets?| A．$36.4. | B．$54.6. | C．$20.8 | D．$31.2. |
| A．Learn some history of Rome. | B．Have some art lessons. |
| C．Eat some delicious food. | D．Watch some live shows. |
| A．Cinecittà World. | B．Roman Forum. | C．Ancient Appian. | D．Villa d’Este. |
【推荐2】English learners should not think that mistakes are bad. Alex Poole, a professor of English at Western Kentucky University, advises that language learners should instead see errors as signs of progress. One common problem is that English learners think too much about errors instead of communication. "The goal is to be able to communicate in practical terms. If you have an error, the only time you should worry about it is when it leads to misunderstanding," Poole said.
Poole said when speaking with a native English speaker, you can look for signs of confusion to detect errors. For example, when a person gives an unusual response to something you said, you can then ask them directly what the problem is. It also works if you ask a native speaker about the kinds of things that you say that could cause communication problems if you know him well.
When it comes to writing, Poole recommends thinking about errors in a different way. He suggests keeping a list of common errors. When English learners write something, instead of grammars, they should think about the big picture of what they are writing about. Then he advises thinking about how to put those ideas in order. After finishing it, you can go back and use your list to look for errors.
“My philosophy as a language learner has always been. .I'm going to monitor my errors, but I'm never going to be perfect, so that shouldn't bother me. But I should look for things which cause communication problems, and I just have to live with that."
You can read more about errors in Poole's new book Learning a Foreign Language-Understanding the Fundamentals of Linguistics. In the book, he also writes about study plans, progress and other issues in language learning.
1. English learners should worry about errors when________| A．they misuse practical terms. |
| B．they don't know native speakers. |
| C．mistakes become signs of slow progress. |
| D．errors cause communication breakdown. |
| A．Grammars. | B．Main ideas. |
| C．Details. | D．Word choice. |
| A．To introduce a book. | B．To explain basic rules. |
| C．To offer practical advice. | D．To recommend a professor. |
Big, furnished room in a house. It is 3 min walk from the house to Woodbine subway station. International female student only. NON-SMOKER ONLY. Single occupancy. Available from December 1. Rent is $900 and includes all utilities, high speed wireless internet and Netflix. We are open to short or long term tenants but ask for a minimum of a 6 month stay.
Call or text 416-833-2068. Thank you.
Room B
FEMALES ONLY, INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WELCOME! Looking for 1 female for large room, must be full time students. Share kitchen and bathroom with 1 other female tenant. No smoking, no room sharing. RENT: $900 per month. INTERNET: shared costs, will be around $20-$ 25/month. Available: From December 10th to January 20th.
Please contact me on 4129371232.
Room C
Fully furnished room in 2-bedroom rental apartment, ENTIRE APARTMENT IS SHARED WITH ONE PERSON ONLY. 4 mins walking to the bus stop. Bathroom shared with 1 person. Includes HIGH-SPEED WiFi. No partying/ No smoking pls. Available immediately from November 29th at 980$ per month or 40$ per day.
Please call 416-371-0937 for more details.
Room D
We have one private room available in a 3 bedroom detached house, from Dec lst. Rent includes all utilities and high speed Internet. Looking for an Indian girl (working/student). The room is for one person only, no sharing please. 12 mins walk or 3 mins bus ride to Yonge/Sheppard subway. No pets & No smoking please. Home-stay fee is $1250 and includes shared room(1 roommate),3 meals per day, WiFi, on site laundry, FREE tea 8 coffee.
If you are interested, please call 647-549-1545.
1. Lucy has $1000 and wants to rent a room for the whole December. She can call__________.| A．416-833-2068. | B．412-937-1232. |
| C．416-371-0937. | D．647-549-1545. |
| A．It is pet friendly. |
| B．It takes only 12 minutes to the subway by bus. |
| C．It costs no extra money on meals. |
| D．It is available before December. |
| A．Room sharing is welcome. | B．All of them are close to the bus stop. |
| C．Free Wi-Fi is available. | D．Smoking is not permitted. |
