3 . One of my wonderful memories is about a Christmas gift. Unlike other gifts, it came without wrap (包装).

On September 11th, 1958, Mum gave birth to Richard. After she brought him home from hospital, she put him in my lap, saying, “I promised you a gift, and here it is.” What an honour! I turned four a month earlier and none of my friends had such a baby doll of their own. I played with it day and night. I sang to it. I told it stories. I told it over and over how much I loved it!

One morning, however, I found its bed empty. My doll was gone! I cried for it.Mum wept and told me that the poor little thing had been sent to a hospital. It had a fever. For several days, I heard Mum and Dad whispering such words as “hopeless”, “pitiful”, and “dying”, which sounded ominous.

Christmas was coming. “Don’t expect any presents this year,” Dad said, pointing at the socks I hung in the living room.“If your baby brother lives, that’ll be Christmas enough.” As he spoke, his eyes filled with tears. I’d never seen him cry before.

The phone rang early on Christmas morning. Dad jumped out of bed to answer it. From my bedroom I heard him say, “What? He’s all right?” He hung up and shouted upstairs. “The hospital said we can bring Richard home!”

“Thank God!” I heard Mum cry.

From the upstairs window, I watched my parents rush out to the car. I had never seen them so happy. And I was also full of joy. What a wonderful day! My baby doll would be home. I ran downstairs. My socks still hung there flat. But I knew they were not empty; they were filled with love!

1. What happened to the author on September 11th, 1958?

A．He got a baby brother.

B．He got a Christmas gift.

C．He became four years old.

D．He received a doll.

2. What does the underlined word “ominous” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Impossible.	B．Boring.
C．Difficult.	D．Fearful.

3. Which word can best describe the feeling of the father when Christmas was coming?

A．Excitement.	B．Happiness.
C．Sadness.	D．Disappointment.

4. What is the passage mainly about?

A．A sad Christmas day.

B．Life with a lovely baby.

C．A special Christmas gift.

D．Memories of a happy family.

4 . From learning about protecting wild animals and natural habitats to reading about the effects of recycling, books are perfect for showing people how to get involved. Here are four of such books.

Thank You, Earth

The author of this book, April Pulley Sayre, has authored many award -winning books, and this one is truly special. It’s written in a letter format (设计), thanking the earth for so many great natural moments and phenomena. You’ll find beautiful pictures in this book.

Save the Bees

Bethany Stahl has a whole series of “Save the ..” books, and they all have great lessons for readers. The illustrations are fun and colorful perfect for animal lovers who want to learn how to make a difference. On her website, she even has links to free books, which are a great resource for parents or teachers.

The Earth Book

Todd Parr has always done a lovely job. His distinct style shines through this book, giving readers real ideas they can try in their everyday life. It’s a good book for even the youngest environmentalists and perfect for families to read together.

Tall Tall Tree

Describing the wildlife that lives in Northern California’s redwood forests, it turns story time into a counting lesson as readers count all the creatures in the forests. Readers will also love reciting Tony Frederick’s playful rhyme all on their own and learning about the animals of the forest.

1. What makes the book Thank You, Earth different from others?

A．Its writing style.	B．Its special theme.
C．Its beautiful cover.	D．Its colorful illustrations.

2. On whose personal website are e-books available?

A．Todd Parr’s.	B．Bethany Stahl’s.
C．Tony Frederick’s.	D．April Pulley Sayre’s.

3. Which book best suits parents who want to share environmental problems with kids?

A．Thank You, Earth.	B．Save the Bees.
C．The Earth Book.	D．Tall Tall Tree.

5 . What is the most fun you can have in 21 hours and 23 minutes? On 15 October, 2003, Yang Liwei answered this question. His voyage in space took him 600, 000 kilometres in orbit, around the Earth 14 times, in just over 21 hours. It made him China’s first astronaut in space. He had worked towards this achievement for many years.

Born in 1965, Yang had wanted to fly since he was a young boy. His friends and teachers from Suizhong in north-east of Liaoning Province have all said that he loved science and technology from a young age. He always had a strong desire to learn how to fly. His dream was encouraged by his parents as well as his older sister and younger brother.

In 1983, he joined the army, and went to flight school. He graduated in 1987 and became a pilot. In 1998, he applied to be a member of Project 921, which is now called Shenzhou. He was one of the only 14 selected from 1, 500 candidates. The team spent the next five years being trained. They not only studied all the subjects required to be an astronaut, but also learnt survival skills and all about how spaceships and rockets are built. Yang scored among the very top in everything the group studied.

In September 2003, only three out of the 14 candidates were picked for the Chinese space adventure, and Yang was one of them. He took all kinds of tests to prove he was fit for this important task. Although Yang did not get the best scores on every single test, it was his high scores on the psychological tests that finally won him the status of China’s first astronaut. Yang was described by his superiors as hard-working and always in control of himself. Because of these qualities, they were optimistic he would be successful.

In the end, Yang was indeed a success. His name will go down in history with those of Yuri Gagarin and Alan Shepard. The people of China can be proud of Yang Liwei, and young people all over the world can look up to him as an example of a man who managed to live his dream.

1. In September 2003, how many people were picked for the Chinese space adventure besides Yang Liwei?

A．3.	B．2.
C．14.	D．1, 500.

2. Which of the following is the RIGHT order?
a. He became a pilot.
b. He was chosen as a member of Project 921.
c. He joined the army.
d. He was picked for the Chinese space adventure.

A．a-c-d-b.

B．b-a-c-d.

C．c-a-b-d.

D．c-a-b-d.

3. Which of the following is NOT true according to the text?

A．Yang Liwei got the best scores on every single test.

B．Yang Liwei spent 21 hours and 23 minutes on the space journey.

C．Yang Liwei had been trained for five years before he was picked for the Chinese space adventure.

D．Yang Liwei made his first voyage in space at the age of 38.

6 . My family and I never talked about school as the ticket to the future. I was in the classroom, but I wasn’t there to learn how to write, read or even ________. When it was my turn to read, I wanted to ________. I was 13 years old, but I already ________ being who I was.

I had an English teacher, Mr. Creech, who knew I couldn’t read. And he found it ________ to make my secret known to others. He ________ me and said, “Anthony, why don’t you read the next paragraph?” I didn’t even know what the paragraph was. I ________ to read what was in front of me, but the only sound of my voice immediately resulted in laughter. From then on, I never gave up practicing reading.

Now I am 41 years old. One day, I planned to ________ back to Texas to visit my family and friends. On my way from the airport, I saw Mr. Creech ________ himself a drink. I rushed over and reached into my ________ to pay for him. “Do I know you?” he asked. “Yes, sir, you do know me,” I answered excitedly. “My name is Anthony Hamilton. You taught me English.” The look on his face told me that he remembered the ________ he’d once shamed. “I’m so ________ that I had a chance to see you again,” I said. “And Mr. Creech, I have great news to share.” I had learned to ________. But that wasn’t all. I had become a published ________ and an active speaker. “The next time you get another Anthony Hamilton in your ________, please encourage him to read as well,” I said.

The experts say what once worried me has a name: dyslexia (诵读困难). But I can tell you it was a lack (缺乏) of ________ for education.

1.

A．listen

B．paint

C．act

D．speak

2.

A．hide

B．jump

C．sleep

D．succeed

3.

A．enjoyed

B．hated

C．considered

D．denied

4.

A．important

B．necessary

C．strange

D．unwise

5.

A．paid attention to

B．looked after

C．looked down upon

D．turned to

6.

A．tried

B．managed

C．liked

D．failed

7.

A．drive

B．walk

C．fly

D．ride

8.

A．making

B．sending

C．fetching

D．buying

9.

A．machine

B．pocket

C．clothes

D．arms

10.

A．baby

B．boy

C．woman

D．man

11.

A．upset

B．regretful

C．glad

D．proud

12.

A．write

B．work

C．read

D．teach

13.

A．doctor

B．assistant

C．teacher

D．author

14.

A．company

B．factory

C．classroom

D．house

15.

A．excuse

B．desire

C．help

D．ability

7 . If you have ever lost touch with old school friends, you may find yourself wanting to make contact again. Some teens find that certain school friends are worth keeping contact with and want to keep the friendship going strong.

Hang out at the same places

One way you can get together with old friends from your school is to go to the same places that they go to. If you still go to school together, you probably know where everyone goes on the weekends. If you are able to go there too, you may find that your relationships with your old school friends start up again.

Sports teams

If you are athletic and your former friends are too, joining school sports teams is a great way to catch up with old friends. This doesn’t mean that you should join a sport which you do not like just so you can see your old friends. However, if you like sports, wish to join a team and your former friends are on that team, and then playing the team sports is a great way to get to know them again.

Take part in school clubs

There are often a lot of school clubs in which teens participate. Depending on your interests and your former friends’ interests, you may just find a club at school. Sharing a common interest such as a club activity will help you to have something in common and something to talk about.

1. You can get together with old friends by         .

A．joining the dance clubs

B．having dinner with them

C．going to the places where they go

D．going shopping with them every day

2. From the third paragraph we can learn that         .

A．playing sports helps you get your old friends again

B．you have to play a sport to make more friends

C．team sports are interesting activities at school

D．you have to play the sport your friends like

3. Why did the writer write this text?

A．To tell a hobby.

B．To share same interests.

C．To join clubs.

D．To contact old friends.

8 . In England recently three foreign gentlemen came to a bus stop and waited. About five minutes later, the bus they wanted came along. They were just going to get on the bus when suddenly there was a loud noise behind them. People rushed onto the bus and tried to push them out of the way. Someone shouted at them.The bus conductor came rushing down the stairs to see what all the trouble was about. The three foreigners seem all at sea and looked embarrassed (窘迫的). No one had told them about the British custom (习惯) of lining up for a bus that the first person who arrives at the bus stop is the first person to get on the bus.

Learning the language of a country isn’t enough. If you want to have a pleasant visit, find out as much as possible about the manners and customs of your host country. You will probably be surprised just how different they can be from your own. A visitor to India would do well to remember that people there consider it impolite to use the left hand for passing food at table. The left hand is supposed to be used for washing yourself. Also in India,you might see a man shaking his head at another to show that he doesn’t agree. But in many parts of India, a shake of the head means agreement. Nodding (点头) your head when you are given a drink in Bulgaria will most probably leave you thirsty.

In that country, you shake your head to mean “yes”— a nod means “no”. At a meal in countries on the Arabic Peninsula, you will find that your glass is repeatedly refilled as soon as you drink up. If you think that you have had enough, you should take the cup or glasses in your hand and give it a little shake from side to side or place your hand over the top.

In Europe, it is quite usual to cross your legs when you are sitting talking to someone even at an important meeting. Doing this in Thailand,however,could bring about trouble. Also, you should try to avoid (避免) touching the head of an adult—it’s just not done in Thailand.

1. According to the article, if you want to have a pleasant journey in a foreign country, you should        .

A．learn the language of the country

B．understand the manners and customs of the country

C．have enough time and money

D．make friends with the people there

2. In India,it is considered impolite        .

A．to use the right hand for passing food at table

B．to pass food with the left hand

C．to eat food with your hands

D．to help yourself at table

3. To cross one’s legs at an important meeting in Europe is        .

A．a common habit

B．an important manner

C．a serious trouble

D．a bad manner

4. The best title for this article is        .

A．People’s Everyday Life

B．Mind Your Manners

C．Shaking and Nodding Your Head

D．Taking a Bus in England

9 . Most birds are afraid of humans, but this kind of bird is quite different. It is trying to tell you something. It flies just in sight, leading you to follow.

The bird seems to be able to smell wax from a long distance away. It often guides humans and other animals to bee hives. The humans then drive the bees and take the honey, allowing the bird to get to the leftovers. This habit of guiding gives this special bird its common name of honeyguide, or honey bird.

The honeyguide does not actually like honey, but it does like the wax in the bees’ honeycomb. The little bird cannot reach this wax, which is deep inside the bees’ nest. So, when it finds a nest, it looks for someone to help it. The honeyguide gives a loud call that attracts the attention of both passing animals such as ratels, and human beings. There is a sense of urgency in the call, almost as if the bird is saying Hurry up. Come quick. Follow me.

If you follow a honeyguide to a nest, the bird will wait patiently in a tree nearby, waiting for you to pull apart the beehive and harvesting the honey. Once you are finished, it will be the bird’s turn — not for the honey, but to eat the larvae and rich wax that is part of the bird’s diet.

Tribesmen in Africa are very grateful to the honeyguide for leading them to good sources of honey, but they are also afraid of the little bird. They believe that if they do not open a bees nest and leave some honeycomb for the honeyguide the next time the bird cries to them through the forest it will lead them to a lion or a snake as revenge.

Due to ongoing habitat loss, this amazing honey bird is evaluated as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

1. The honeyguide waits patiently nearby in order to _______.

A．eat some wax

B．get some honey

C．find another person

D．find another nest

2. The honey bird has the ability to _______.

A．climb to the nest

B．take honey from the beehives

C．smell honey in the distance

D．smell wax in the distance

3. The whole passage is mainly about _______.

A．how people get delicious honey

B．how a bird helps people and other animals get honey

C．how a bird takes revenge on humans

D．how tribesmen protect themselves from the bird

10 . A wolf in danger

What is happening to the timber wolf today?

Native Americans and early settlers often went to sleep to the sound of a lonely Lullaby (催眠曲). It was the song of the wolf howling in a distant forest. There were many wolves then. One kind was the North American timber wolf.

Wolves are important to the balance of nature because they eat sick and weak animals. In Colorado, people tried to help deer by shooting wolves. But then there were so many deer that many of them starved to death.

The timber wolf is on the endangered special list. Animals on this list are in danger of disappearing from the earth. People drove the wolves away by cutting down the forests to build houses, towns, and highways. Timber wolves are now found only in Canada, Alaska, Michigan, and Minnesota.

This special animal may soon disappear from our forests forever. Then, its lonely howl will never be heard again.

1. Animals that are in danger of disappearing from the earth are called a _______ species.

A．endangered

B．living

C．alive

D．lived

2. Wolves help the balance of nature because they _______.

A．are an endangered species

B．eat sick and weak animals

C．no longer live in forests

D．help the farmers

3. At one time, the timber wolf was found _______.

A．in many parts of North America

B．only in Colorado and Canada

C．in towns and cities in Alaska

D．in many parts of Africa

4. Which of the following happened first? _______

A．People built towns and highways.

B．The timber wolf was driven away from its home.

C．People cut down the forests.

D．Timber wolves are endangered species.

5. When people in Colorado shot the wolves, they made a mistake because _______.

A．the wolves kept down the number of deer

B．wolves never attacked other animals

C．the wolves were starving and would have died anyway

D．they kept the balance of nature