1 . David and Judy are deskmates (同桌). Mr. Dean is their teacher.
“Kids, you and your deskmates have 20 minutes to find out how you’re different and how you’re the same.” says Mr. Dean.
Judy turns to David and says, “
“
“I have a cat,” says Judy. “I have a brother. What about you?”
“I have a sister.” David writes pets (宠物) and family under the different list.
“Not much time left. Work on your same list,” says Mr. Dean.
Judy and David ask each other more and more questions, but all the answers are different. “We are not the same at all,” says David. “
根据短文内容，从下面五个选项中选出能填入文中空缺处的最佳选项，使短文意思通顺、内容完整。
| A．I have two dogs, and you? |
| B．Well, we don’t look the same. |
| C．But I want to be your good friend. |
| D．Judy and David ask each other more questions. |
| E．Today, Mr. Dean asks his students to play a game. |
2 . Every mammal（哺乳动物）needs sleep, so do birds. But what about insects（昆虫）? Do they need sleep? Scientists have been trying to discover the truth about insects’ sleep behaviors for many years. Scientists first thought that insects didn’t need sleep. According to them, insects’ body structure is simple and their brain was also simple. Scientists said that some kinds of brain activities, like dreaming, were sleep behaviors. Insects don’t dream, so scientists said that they didn’t need sleep. They believed that insects rested, instead.
However, new studies have shown that some insects may sleep. There are four kinds of behaviors during sleep. First, sleeping people and animals don’t move much. Also, they have a position for sleeping; For example, they lie down. Besides, they don’t wake up easily when hearing noises or seeing light. Lastly, they are able to come out of sleep quickly if they are stimulated （刺激）.
Scientists have now seen some similar behaviors in fruit flies （果蝇）. For example, fruit flies become motionless every night for about seven hours. At these times, they don’t move a lot. They sit in a different way. The flies began to move around when louder noises are made. Scientists think that some insects may have their own special kinds of sleep.
1. Scientists say that insects didn’t need sleep at first because _________.| A．they like to have a rest | B．they never lie down |
| C．they are quiet at night | D．they don’t dream |
| A．They have a good place for sleeping. |
| B．They become quiet while sleeping. |
| C．They may not wake up when seeing lights. |
| D．They can wake up quickly when they are stimulated. |
| A．insects always move around | B．insects may sleep at night |
| C．insects are afraid of loud noise | D．insects have different behaviors |
| A．quiet | B．moved | C．awake | D．active |
| A．Why Do Insects Sleep | B．What behaviors Do Insects Have |
| C．How Do Insects Move | D．Whether Insects Need Sleep |
Book Fair! | May 6th & 7th 9:00 a.m.—5:30 p.m. Central Hall of City Library | |
| Come to get books at a great price and support a charity（慈善机构）. You’re welcomed to give away books for all ages. *Buy used books（including some best sellers）as follows. | ||
| Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff, US $2.99（used） Albie has always been an “almost”. He’s almost good at sports. He’s almost smart enough to pass his spelling test. He almost makes his parents proud. In fact, Albie has a long list of the things he’s not very good at. However, things begin to change when Albie gets a new babysitter, Calista. What will happen to this “almost” boy? |  | |
| This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki & Mariko Tamki, Canada $5. 83（used） Every summer, Rose goes with her mum and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. Rose’s friend Windy is always there, too. But this summer is different. Rose’s mum and dad keep fighting. Rose and Windy want to run away from it, but they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. It’s really a summer of sadness and growing up. |  | |
| The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm, US $1. 06（used） Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade. She misses her old best friend. She even misses her dearly dead goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up. He looks a lot like Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist who’s always been crazy about immortality（永生）. Could this strange boy really be Ellie’s grandpa? Has he finally found the secret to immortality with Ellie? |  | |
| A．are sold at the same price | B．are all second-hand books |
| C．were written by American writers | D．will be given away for free |
| A．Lisa Graff | B．Mariko Tamki | C．Jillian Tamaki | D．Jennifer L. Holm |
| A．she doesn’t have a holiday |
| B．she is looking forward to growing up |
| C．she can not meet her friend |
| D．the relationship between her parents goes bad |
| A．she wants her life to stay the same |
| B．her goldfish and her old friends died |
| C．her present life is out of order and terrible |
| D．the strange boy used to be her best friend |
| A．A guidebook | B．A novel | C．A magazine | D．A story book |
4 . Peter was nine years old. He had to go to school five days a week. It was Monday, and he didn’t feel well again. He always felt terrible on Monday mornings, because he didn’t like to go to school. It was difficult for him to go back to school on Mondays.
It was seven o’clock, but he still stayed in bed. He wanted to find an excuse (借口). A headache? No. He had used the excuse many times. Then he remembered his teeth. One of his teeth was loose (松动的). Great! He started to groan (呻吟).
“What’s the matter?” his father asked him.
“I have a toothache.”
“Open your mouth and let me have a look.” said his father. “Oh, the tooth is loose. Lie down and have a rest. I’ll call the dentist.”
Peter was a little nervous (紧张的). “Why do you call the dentist?”
“I’ll ask him to pull (拔) the tooth out.”
“Don’t pull it out, please, Dad! I can go to school now.” With these words, Peter got out of the bed quickly.
根据短文内容，选择最佳答案。
1. How many days did Peter have to go to school a week?
| A．Six days. | B．Seven days. | C．Five days. | D．Five and a half days. |
| A．Because he was ill. | B．Because he didn’t like to go to school. |
| C．Because he didn’t eat breakfast. | D．Because he went to bed late. |
| A．A toothache. | B．A headache. | C．A cough. | D．A fever. |
| A．take Peter to the hospital | B．help Peter pull the tooth out |
| C．call a dentist | D．lie down to have a rest |
| A．Peter went to school on that Monday morning. |
| B．Peter didn’t pull the tooth out at last. |
| C．Peter’s father didn’t believe that Peter had a toothache. |
| D．Peter always had a headache on Monday mornings. |
| A. Mystery of the Space Do you want to be an astronaut in the future? If you do, our course is your best choice! Here you can explore the space and the unknown mystery behind it! B. Desserts around the World Do you have an interest in desserts? In the lesson, you will get to know more about the popular desserts around the world, such as the Chiffon Cake from America, the Croissant（羊角面包）from France and so on. Sometimes, you can even taste them! C. Singing Lessons for Beginners Do you enjoy music? Do you want to learn how to sing? Come and join us although you may know little about it. It’s a good place for you to learn and practice singing. D. Music World Can you sing and dance? You can have a great time in our music lessons. We have great teachers to help you become better at singing and dancing. We’ll also make a music video show together! E. Happy Basketball Do you like playing basketball? Welcome to join us! Mr. Zeng and Mr. Tang will not only teach us how to play well but also play a basketball match with us. F. A Trip to Beijing Opera Do you want to learn Beijing Opera? Join us in Room 302 every Wednesday! We’ll have teachers here to tell you some knowledge of it. They will also share their professional skills. G. Baking Desserts Are you good at cooking? Do you enjoy delicious desserts? Learn to make a cake and cookies in Room 401 every Thursday. |
How to Use a Modern Public Library
Has it been a while since your last visit to a public library? If so, you may be surprised to learn that libraries have changed for the better. It’s been years since they were dusty little rooms with books. They have changed themselves into places where you can develop your love of knowledge, meet interesting people, or find out how to start a business.
Check out a book. While libraries still loan out(出借) books, you’ll find it easier to get a copy of whatever you’re looking for with a cooperative network of area libraries. By such networks, libraries share their books with each other through the use of delivery vehicles. Once the book you’ve requested is delivered to the nearest branch (分店), they will inform you by e-mail, so you can pick it up.
Check out other things. The library is now a multimedia zone (多媒体区域), loaded with information in many formats (载体形式). You can borrow movies on DVDs, music on CDs and popular magazines. Some libraries even loan out toys and games. If a popular magazine you want isn’t offered and the library keeps a list of such requests, they may bring it in when enough interest is shown.
Join reading groups. Libraries will often hold reading-group meetings aimed to various age groups. Perhaps you’d like to learn a language or improve your English, the library may organize a language group you could join. If you have difficulties reading, ask about special reading opportunities. Your library might be able to help you. And you might find it relaxing to bring your small kid to a half-hour Story Time while you sit quietly in a corner with a good book.
Start a business using the help of your local library. If you want to have a business of your own, your local library can become a launch (发起) space for it. In library books and computers, you can find information on starting a business. Many libraries will help you with locally supplied information about business management shared through chambers of commerce (商会会议厅) and government agencies, and they will offer printing, faxing and database services you need.
1. Public libraries can help the readers to ________.| A．sell their books on the Internet | B．hold a business meeting in their local library |
| C．get a needed book from a library branch nearby | D．make their books through the use of delivery vehicles |
| A．Computer games and cars. | B．Favorite music and arts. | C．Popular magazines and movies. | D．Kid’s toys and paintings. |
| A．the kid to learn a new language | B．the parent to enjoy quiet reading |
| C．the kid to learn some reading skills | D．the parent to meet their best friends |
| A．To tell us the importance of public libraries. | B．To encourage people to work in public libraries. |
| C．To share different opinions on operate public libraries. | D．To introduce the improved services of public libraries. |
7 . Finding Beauty Within
a hummingbird
A dear friend sent me a letter and handmade card in the mail today. On the outside of the card was a cutout picture of a hummingbird in mid-flight. With its wings, it flew deep into a flower. Below it was a quote (引述) by Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky: “The world will be saved by beauty.” I smiled with both my face and heart when I saw it.
Looking at it reminded me of all the beauty in this world. I thought about the beautiful green forested mountains of my home. I thought of the fields of summer wildflowers blessing the world with their colors. I thought of the blue oceans that stretched from horizon (地平线) to horizon. I thought of the sunsets in the desert with their deep, rich reds and glorious (灿烂的) golds. I thought of all kinds of animals: green hummingbirds, white polar bears, red birds and gray wolves. I thought of the silver moon smiling down from the sky surrounded by a sea of stars.
Yet, I knew that it wasn’t the beauty of any of those things that would save the world. It was instead the beauty of human souls (内心,心灵) filled with light and love. It was these souls so full of love for each other and for this world that would save our planet. It was this love working through people that would make this world truly beautiful.
My friend who sent me the card is one of these people. She, her husband and her family are going through so many struggles right now. Still, she continues to share her love and make this world a better place every single day. She continues to work to save our home by giving it the beauty of her soul. She continues to shine her light with her life. May we all do the same.
1. After getting the card, the author ________.| A．couldn’t understand the quote on it | B．was reminded of all the beauty in the world |
| C．also wrote a letter and sent a card to his/her friend | D．called his/her friend right away to express his/her thanks |
| A．Fighting against difficulties in life. | B．Seeing the natural beauty around us. |
| C．Filling the world with light and love. | D．Building relationships among people. |
| A．The author’s friend loves all kinds of animals. | B．The author’s friend often shares beautiful things with him/her. |
| C．The author believed that any beautiful things would save the world. | D．The author received a card with a picture of a hummingbird from his/her friend. |
The 8th Inter-School Musical Show! The school is hosting the 8th Inter-School Musical Show for Grades 9-Grades 11 on December 19 at Harrington Center, Bank Road at 9: 00 am. All students are welcome to try out for the show at the audition (试演), which will be held on December 8 at 9:00 am in the school’s Central Hall. For further details, please contact Mr. Black, the secretary of the Music Club. North Hill Field Day! Grades 7-Grades 9: 9:30 -11:30 am Grades 10-Grades 12: 1:40-3:40 pm Dear parents, On Friday, December 11, we will hold our North Hill Field Day. It will be a day of laughs and lots of fun. Be sure to tell your children to bring cameras and take pictures. The purpose of the day is for our school to get together for an enjoyable two-hour activity. There won’t be any competitions among the students. The real reward will be happiness and the feeling of participation (参与). |
| A．North Hill. | B．Harrington Center. | C．The Music Club. | D．The school’s Central Hall. |
| A．December 8 | B．December 9 | C．December 11 | D．December 19 |
| A．Cameras. | B．Sunglasses. | C．Notebooks. | D．Lunches. |
9 . Handwriting Brings Benefits
In a digital age, we almost never write things by hand. However, many studies have shown that this act has many benefits.
New brain research, led by researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, proves the same: choosing handwriting over using a keyboard results in better learning and memory.
“When you write your shopping list or lecture notes by hand, you simply remember the content (内容) better afterwards,” said Audrey van der Meer, author of the study.
The study used some equipment to record brain wave (波) activity. The participants (参与者) included 12 young adults and 12 children. This is the first time that children have participated in such a study. Each subject was asked to write by hand and type on a keyboard while wearing a hood (风帽) with over 250 electrodes (电极). The sensors (传感器) in the electrodes are very sensitive and pick up the electrical activity that takes place in the brain. Each examination took 45 minutes per person.
The results showed that the brain in both young adults and children is much more active when writing by hand than when typing on a keyboard. According to Van der Meer, plenty of senses are activated by pressing a pen on paper, seeing the letters written and hearing the sound made while writing. These sense experiences build touch between different parts of the brain, opening the brain up for learning.
Vander Meer believes that the outcomes stress the importance of children being challenged to draw and write at an early age, especially at school. “Learning to write by hand is a bit slower process, but it’s important for children to go through the tiring phrase of learning to write by hand,” she said.
The hand movements used to form the shapes of letters are beneficial in several ways. “If you use a keyboard, you use the same movement for each letter. Writing by hand requires control of your fine motor (精细动作) skills and senses. It’s important to put the brain in a learning state as often as possible,” Van der Meer added. For example, you might use a keyboard to write an essay, but you should take notes by hand during a lecture.
1. What do we know about the study?| A．The study involved 250 participants altogether. | B．Typing on a keyboard helps you remember a lot of things. |
| C．All the participants have to take a 45-minute examination. | D．Learning to write by hand is a bit difficult but it is a fast process. |
| A．Writing by hand is easier on the brain. | B．More senses are made active when writing by hand. |
| C．Writing by hand requires the same skills and senses. | D．Typing on a keyboard doesn't put the brain in a learning state. |
| A．It allows people to write better essays. | B．It increases people’s interest in learning. |
| C．It helps people develop fine motor skills. | D．It allows children to become more patient. |
10 . 10 years ago, my parents bought a small house in the countryside, which they used for holidays. After I was born they started to go to the holiday house more. We used to drive 2 hours to get to the peace and quiet of our lovely house every Friday evening.
During the week my parents worked in London. My two brothers and I went to expensive private schools and we were all very busy. We hardly saw each other. We had several babysitters (临时保姆) as my parents had to work long hours. The only time we could be together was the weekend, and that was my happiest time. However, every Sunday morning was torture because we had to leave the house then. We all hated the idea of leaving our village friends and the beautiful countryside.
Last year my dad had had enough. He sold our big house near London and my parents gave up their jobs and long working hours. They bought a smaller car. We are now living in our holiday house—two adults, three kids and a dog. My parents got jobs that allow them to work from home. We never have babysitters.
The best change for me is that now I go with my brothers to a small local (当地的) school. After school we get on our bikes and ride around to see friends. My life is just so different. We feel calm (平静的) and happy. We have fewer things but for me it seems like we have so much more. I am so glad we have changed our way of life.
1. How did the writer’s family use to go to the holiday house?| A．By bus. | B．By bike. | C．By train. | D．By car. |
| A．折磨 | B．机遇 | C．风险 | D．纪念 |
| A．The writer got a new dog. | B．The writer’s brothers went to school. |
| C．The writer’s dad sold their big house. | D．The writer’s mom bought a larger car. |
| A．They just have one babysitter. | B．The writer goes to a private school. |
| C．There are more things in their house. | D．The writer’s parents work from home. |
| A．My Life in London | B．The Happiest Family Time |
| C．A Great Change in My Life | D．Changes in the Countryside |
