1 . 28-year-old Jermaine Scott set up in business as a barber in Madison, Tennessee, about a year ago. He gradually noted the kids were
He created “Barbershop Books Day” to help not only the kids, but also the parents. Madison has many low-income families and many are focused on just keeping their
Scott began his initiative (倡议) by
| A．adapted | B．reduced | C．glued | D．accustomed |
| A．safe | B．hard | C．possible | D．pleasant |
| A．advertisement | B．support | C．celebration | D．birth |
| A．satisfied | B．discounted | C．free | D．thorough |
| A．borrow | B．purchase | C．read | D．choose |
| A．hands | B．hair | C．shirt | D．lights |
| A．overlook | B．afford | C．believe | D．decline |
| A．arise | B．compensate | C．count | D．progress |
| A．checking on | B．checking over | C．checking in | D．checking out |
| A．contents | B．titles | C．orders | D．donations |
| A．wind | B．hold | C．sight | D．chance |
| A．expanding | B．applying | C．comparing | D．adding |
| A．agrees | B．intends | C．deserves | D．proves |
| A．typical | B．classic | C．positive | D．alternative |
| A．generally | B．certainly | C．accordingly | D．hopefully |
2 . The practice of drinking tea has a long history in China. According to a popular story, tea was discovered by Shennong in 2737 BC when a leaf from a nearby shrub (a low woody plant) fell into the water Shennong was boiling. Tea is deeply woven into the history and culture of China.
The Chinese have a saying: “Firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and tea are the seven necessities to begin a day.” Though tea is the last on the list, we still can see its importance in daily life. A simple meal in Chinese is Cu Cha Dan Fan, namely coarse (粗糙的) tea and tasteless dinner. Even a simple meal is finished off with tea.
For the Chinese, tea drinking and tasting are not parallel. Tea drinking can help keep up one's spirit while tea tasting has cultural meaning. Tea and tea sets should match surroundings such as the breeze, the bright moon, pines, bamboo and snow. All these show the goal of Chinese culture: the harmonious unity of human beings with nature.
Tea is compared to personal characters. Its flavour (味道) is pleasant, lowkey and lasting. A friendship between gentlemen is also like a cup of tea. With a cup of tea in hand, enjoying the green leaves in a white china cup, you will feel the peace. Fame, wealth and other earthly concerns are far away.
Similarly, teadrinking habits vary in different parts of China. Generally, flowering tea is popular in northern China; green tea is preferred in eastern China, and black tea is fit for people in Fujian and Guangdong. Green tea is the most popular type of tea consumed in China. Green tea usually loses its flavour within a year while the flavour of black tea can remain for several years. For this reason, black tea has long been an article of trade. It still accounts for over ninety percent of all tea sold in West. Tea is commonly available in Chinese restaurants and grocery shops worldwide.
1. Why does the writer use the Chinese saying in the second paragraph?| A．To show the history of tea. |
| B．To explain the Chinese saying. |
| C．To show the tea's role in Chinese culture. |
| D．To express the writer's love for tea. |
| A．Different. | B．Similar. |
| C．Ordinary. | D．Traditional. |
| A．It has health benefits. |
| B．It tastes better than other tea. |
| C．Its flavour is preferred by the West. |
| D．Its flavour can be kept for a long time. |
| A．Tea culture in China. |
| B．Tea and personal characters. |
| C．The popularity of tea drinking in China. |
| D．The development of tea drinking in China. |
3 . Tom could hardly wait for morning. Snow was falling quickly. By morning he expected that there would be enough snow to make a great snowman. Tom had never made a snowman before. He had just moved to Indiana from Alabama, where it hardly ever snowed.
The next morning, Tom's mother shook him gently. “No school today,” she said. “There is too much snow for the school bus to go through.”
Tom let out a loud cry. He jumped out of the bed and pulled on his snow clothes.
Tom's friends, Herb and Addie, were already outside. “Hey, Tom!” called Addie. “We are going to Warwick Hill in a little while. Do you want to come?”
“No, not now,” Tom answered. “I'm going to make a snowman.”
Herb shook his head. “It's not snowman snow. It's too dry and soft.” Herb pushed his gloves into the snow and picked some up. He blew on the snow and it flew away like dust.
Tom looked down at the ground. “Snow was snow,” he'd always thought. How was he supposed to know there were different kinds? “What kind of snow is this?” He asked.
“It's sledding (滑雪橇) snow!” laughed Addie. “That's why we are going to Warwick Hill. All the kids will be there, and you should come, too.” Addie held a sled out to Tom and said, “You can use this. We have got two more.”
Tom took the sled and smiled. After all, he had never been sledding before.
1. When Tom lets out a loud cry, he probably feels ________.| A．happy | B．mad |
| C．hurt | D．cold |
| A．feels very excited |
| B．thinks it impossible |
| C．wants to do it with him |
| D．teaches him to make it |
| A．Go sledding with his friends. |
| B．Go to school as usual. |
| C．Make a snowman. |
| D．Clean the snow. |
| A．it often snows in Alabama |
| B．there are different kinds of snow |
| C．Tom is good at making a snowman |
| D．Tom often goes sledding with his friends |
4 . Around the world, 62 million girls are not in school. The White House's Let Girls Learn effort aims to change that.
At 13, Hawa Abdulai Yorke left her family's home, in Ghana, Africa, to live with an aunt who promised to send her to school. Instead, the aunt put Yorke to work as her maid. Determined to go to school, Yorke returned home and began selling water in a nearby city to raise money for her education. She did that for three years. What hurt most was that her father had the money to pay the school fees. But he chose to spend the money on a motorcycle.
Yorke's story is familiar to girls growing up in Ghana. There, a girl's place is in the home. Educating girls is considered a waste of money.
"It happens more than it should, where parents have money to send their girls to school but choose not to," says Ryan Roach, a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, where nearly 55% of girls are not enrolled in secondary school. "Cultural beliefs say education is not a wise investment".
The White House's Let Girls Learn is working to change this view of girls' education, in Ghana and in countries worldwide. First Lady Michelle Obama says parents have to be persuaded that girls' education is a better investment than marriage or household labor. A World Bank study backs that up. It shows that for every year of secondary-school education, a girl's earning power increases by 18%.
Today, Let Girls Learn works in 13 countries, and there are plans to expand the program. Recently, Let Girls Learn hosted a 24-hour event at which girls in different parts of Ghana joined Peace Corps volunteers, tech experts, and university students to brainstorm creative solutions for the barriers to girls' education. Yorke's team came up with an idea for an app that sends a recorded message to parents' phones from a Ghanian celebrity about the benefits of girls attending school.
Yorke, now 22, is about to finish high school. Thanks to Let Girls Learn, she plans to attend college and study computer science. She says working alongside women college students at the Let Girls Learn event strengthened her determination. "I'm focused on my books," says Yorke. "I know if I study hard, I, too, can go to the university and live a happy life."
1. What was the attitude of Yorke's aunt towards girls attending school?| A．She was against it. |
| B．She had no idea of it. |
| C．She was in favor of it. |
| D．She considered it hard work. |
| A．they are too busy to go to school |
| B．their families are too poor to afford it |
| C．there are few secondary schools for girls |
| D．cultural beliefs prevent from attending school |
| A．It has spread all over the world. |
| B．It is a Ghana-based organization. |
| C．It aims to offer free education to girls. |
| D．It has got support from Michelle Obama. |
| A．To further her studies. |
| B．To join in Let Girls Learn. |
| C．To write some books for girls. |
| D．To get a computer-related job. |
5 . A Teacher’s Lifesaving Call
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Julia Koch began what was only her second year as a first grade teacher in a virtual classroom.
One September afternoon a few weeks into the school year, she received a call from Cynthia Phillips, who was having technical difficulties with her granddaughter’s tools for online learning.
Koch immediately knew something was wrong with Phillips. The two women had spoken numerous times before, but Koch had never heard the grandmother sound quite like this. Her words were so jumbled that Koch could barely understand her, though she was able to make out that Phillips had fallen four times that day.
Koch called her principal, Charlie Lovelady, who assured her that he would call and check on Phillips himself.
Just like Koch, Lovelady could barely understand Phillips. He suspected she might be having a stroke—he recognized the signs from when his own father had suffered one. Lovelady was able to make out the word “kids” and immediately became concerned that Phillips’s two grandchildren, aged six and eight, were probably home alone with her—she is their primary guardian—and scared. Lovelady asked his office manager to send an ambulance to the grandmother’s home. Then Lovelady called two deans in the school district, to tell them what was going on, both of whom dropped everything and drove to the family’s home.
When they pulled up less than ten minutes later, the EMTs(急救人员)were treating Phillips while the two girls, looking visibly shaken, were outside with a neighbor.
The quick response from Koch and Lovelady saved Phillips’s life. She arrived at the hospital in time to get treatment and before chronic damage occurred.
“If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here,” said Phillips from her hospital bed about a month after her stroke.
Thanks to an extended stay in the hospital, she has regained most of the movement throughout her body except for one hand and a portion of her mouth, which affects her speech.
1. When did the story happen?| A．When Koch was in her first grade. |
| B．When the grandchildren were having online classes. |
| C．When Lovelady was with his own father. |
| D．When the EMTs were giving medical help to Phillips. |
| A．Because Phillips’s voice sounded strange. |
| B．Because Phillips had seldom called Koch. |
| C．Because Phillips spoke a strange language. |
| D．Because Koch could not hear very clearly. |
| A．By calling the hospital for advice. |
| B．By visiting Phillips in person. |
| C．By recognizing the signs he knew. |
| D．By asking the office workers for help. |
| A．minor. | B．unknown. | C．obvious. | D．serious. |
| A．She could not move about properly. |
| B．She could not speak clearly. |
| C．She could not have meals properly. |
| D．She could not use her hands as before. |
6 . Ian Mercer doesn’t set an alarm clock. The former Microsoft senior manager doesn’t check the weather, either. He doesn’t turn on lights, water the yard, or adjust the thermostat ( 恒温器 ). He doesn’t open the curtains, answer the phone, or call his children for dinner. There’s something unique about Ian’s home. He has programmed it to do all these things for him.
Ian doesn’t live in a typical home or have a typical lifestyle. He spent over a decade designing the systems that feature in his unique home. He bought a home automation software package and then improved it.
Now there are 79 sensors and monitors, and 48 light switches in his home. Lights turn on automatically in rooms with people in them. Even being out, Ian can also control his home remotely using voice commands or his phone in any location. That is only the beginning of what this home has been programmed to do.
It connects with online calendars, caller ID, online weather services, online address books, and email, among other things, to get Ian through his day. For example, if there is a meeting in Ian’s calendar, it will wake him up, open his bedroom curtains, start and set his shower to his desired temperature. It also informs Ian about traffic conditions.
There is plenty more this home has been programmed to do. It keeps him updated on his favourite sports teams and scores. It even monitors online activity to check that Ian’s children are doing their homework. The “dinner’s ready” command stops operation of their computers and TVs. This is easier than asking his children to shut them down.
Ian’s home is unique. Most homes are not this smart, but soon more homes will be technologically advanced.
1. What makes Ian’s home unique?| A．Having more furniture than usual. |
| B．Being programmed with smart software. |
| C．Creating a traditional atmosphere for Ian. |
| D．Working automatically without Ian’s order. |
| A．He invented the home automation software. |
| B．He devoted years to improving the systems. |
| C．He is seeking to control his home remotely. |
| D．He failed to monitor his children’s homework. |
| A．Smart homes are future trends. |
| B．Ian’s home is far from satisfaction. |
| C．Technology of the smart home is too expensive. |
| D．Homes smarter than Ian’s can be found everywhere. |
7 . “I was really scared at first, then it was kind of fun. Then, when more earthquakes happened, I didn’t think it would ever stop. I wanted to sleep with my Mom and Dad. I only felt safe in a room with a table to hide under,” said San Jose, age 9. Your child may appear to be acting well immediately following an earthquake and then suddenly turn shocked over a small aftershock ( 余震 ) two months later. Children react a little slowly to shocks, so it may be months before any of these feelings are expressed to others. The following are common behaviours, which can be seen in children after an earthquake. Along with them, there are some suggestions for ways that you can support them.
After an earthquake, a child may refuse to talk with others.
Suggestions: Try to get your children to do such activities as drawing or playing with pets together. Talk about what you are feeling or how you might feel in their situation.
Some children may be angry after an earthquake.
Suggestions: The behaviour results from their feeling helpless or hurt inside. It is a try for them to feel stronger. Do not blame the child in front of others. Talk to them about your experiences with loss and anger.
Some children may become depressed after an earthquake.
Suggestions: Their eating or sleeping habits may change. Their behaviour may be less active. Depression can even happen many months after the earthquake. It is very important to address the children’s needs in time, like some food, clothes and friends. Don’t talk about shocking news with them.
Actions speak louder than words to children, so share your tears, anger, and helplessness openly with them.
1. The intended readers of this passage are most probably________.| A．parents | B．government officials | C．children | D．earthquake rescuers |
| A．children will experience different mental states during and after an earthquake |
| B．children will experience fears and loneliness during and after an earthquake |
| C．human beings are powerless and hopeless during and after an earthquake |
| D．any child is childish facing bad lucks, even during and after an earthquake |
| A．they will feel stronger |
| B．they like to do so |
| C．they feel helpless or hurt inside |
| D．parents blame them in public |
8 . The Adventures of Amilya Rose: The Lie
By Chavonne D. Stewart, Jasmine Mills, published in 2014
Enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.It is the first book in a surprising series of children’s books. That’s fun and exciting and teaches kids valuable lessons.
Chester and Gus
By Cammie McGoven, published in 2017
Chester has always wanted to become a service dog. When he fails his certification test, though, it seems that dream might never come true－until a family adopts him to be a companion for their ten-year-old son, Gus. But Gus acts so differently from anyone Chester has ever met. He never wants to pet Chester. Chester’s not sure how to help Gus, but he’s determined to figure it out and show he’s the right dog for the job.
Invisible Emmie
By Terri Libenson, published in 2017
The novel tells the story of two totally different little girls in a class — quiet, shy and artistic Emmie and popular, outgoing, athletic Katie — and how their lives unexpectedly connected one day, when an embarrassing note falls into the wrong hands. Emmie eventually learns to speak up for herself, realizing that being social isn’t as impossible as she thought.
Ocean Meets Sky
By Terry Fan, Eric Fan, published in 2018
“Young readers will be attracted.”— The Washington Post.
Finn lives by the sea and the sea lives by him. Every time he looks out of his window, it’s a constant reminder of the stories that his grandfather told him about the place where the ocean meets the sky. Finn’s grandfather has gone but Finn knows the perfect way to honor him. He’ll build his own ship and sail out to find this magical place himself! And when he arrives, maybe he’ll find something he didn’t know he was looking for.
1. What can we know about The Adventures of Amilya Rose: The Lie?| A．It’s the first children’s book in 2015. |
| B．It’s only for children’s fun. |
| C．It may be gained for free. |
| D．It’s mainly about teachers’ lessons. |
| A．The Adventures of Amilya Rose: The Lie | B．Ocean Meets Sky |
| C．Invisible Emmie | D．Chester and Gus |
| A．Chavonne D. Stewart and Jasmine Mills | B．Cammie McGovern |
| C．Terry Fan and Eric Fan | D．Terri Libenon |
9 . Every night, unemployed men gather in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York. Many of them are homeless. All of them are hungry. At around 9∶30, Munoz’s truck arrives, filled with hot food. For many years, Munoz and his family have been feeding those in need seven nights a week, 365 days a year.
Munoz was born in Colombia and his father died in an accident when he was young. When his mother found it difficult to support the family, she came to New York, finding work as a nurse. As immigrants, they often suffered starvation. Later, he found a job as a bus driver.
Munoz began his meal program “An Angel in Queens” in the summer of 2009. At first，Munoz prepared 20 homecooked meals daily. Numbers have gradually increased over the years. Now he serves 140 meals a night. Munoz gets up around 5∶00 a. m. to drive his bus route. When he gets home around 5∶30 p. m.—often stopping to pick up food donations—he helps pack up meals before heading out to “his corner” in Jackson Heights. He never fails to come. “If I don’t go, I’m going to feel bad,” he says. “I know they’re going to be waiting for me.”
Munoz says that the food costs about $400 to $450 a week; he and his family are funding the operation through their savings.
Asked why he spends so much time helping people, he says, “When I see these guys on the street, it’s like seeing me 20 years ago when I came to this city. Now I have a stable job, my mom, my family, a house...But these guys don’t. I hope they can at least have a meal to eat.”
1. Why did Munoz’s mother leave Colombia for New York?| A．She was born in New York. |
| B．Munoz’s father worked in New York. |
| C．She was not used to the life in Colombia. |
| D．She couldn’t support her family in Colombia. |
| A．He refuses to accept food donations. |
| B．He gradually increases his meal programs in size. |
| C．He drives his bus route in Jackson Heights every night. |
| D．He gives homemade meals to those in need once a week. |
| A．He has a large fortune. |
| B．He has enough spare time. |
| C．He does it in memory of his father. |
| D．He once suffered the same hardship. |
| A．God helps those who help themselves. |
| B．There are many hungry people in New York. |
| C．A bus driver delivers free homecooked meals. |
| D．Munoz’s meal program will be promoted in Colombia. |
10 . 
More and more birds are flying to settle at Qinghai Lake, one of the highest inland lakes in China, thanks to the protection efforts of local governments. Covering an area of over 4, 000 square kilometers, Qinghai Lake is also the country’s biggest salt-water lake. Located in Northwest China’s Qinghai Province, the lake is famous for the two islands at its northwest point—Cormorant Island and Egg Island. The two islands have plenty of floating grass and various schools of fish, offering rich food sources for birds. The islands have become a paradise for different kinds of groups of birds and have been called “Bird Islands”.
Each March and April, when ice and snow covering the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau starts to melt, over 20 kinds of birds fly to the Bird Islands to lay eggs. During the months, flocks of birds cover the whole sky over the islands and birds eggs can be found everywhere. Visitors can hear the singing of birds from miles away. These have become a world famous symbol of the lake.
To protect this paradise for birds and support calls for ecological protection, China set up the Qinghai Lake Natural Protection Zone at the end of 1997. Meanwhile, the State has pointed out the Bird Islands and Spring Bay of the Qinghai Lake as central protection zones.
Inspection officials and management employees often patrol the lake, improving local residents’ knowledge of related laws and spreading knowledge about animal protection to visitors. They are making great efforts to call on people to love and protect the birds. At the same time, they have built special fences around the island area to prevent wolves, foxes and other carnivorous animals, as well as illegal hunters from breaking up the birds’ nest-building, egg-laying and breeding. As a result, more and more birds are coming to the islands for sheltering and breeding.
1. Why are more and more birds coming to the biggest salt-water lake in the Great Northwest?| A．Because it is getting warmer and warmer. |
| B．Because it is being reformed. |
| C．Because environments there are getting more and more agreeable for them to live in. |
| D．Because the people there are becoming richer and richer. |
| A．floating fish and various grass |
| B．floating grass and different kinds of fish |
| C．salt water and plenty of grains |
| D．corn from the local farmers |
| A．The ice and snow covering the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau doesn’t change into water, unless more than 20 kinds of birds come to the Bird Islands. |
| B．Flocks of birds fly up to the whole sky over islands to lay eggs. |
| C．Visitors can listen to the singing of birds from miles away, but they couldn’t see any bird. |
| D．“The ice on the Plateau begins to change into water” means spring is coming. |
| A．let the farmers there know the animal protection law |
| B．tell the farmers there some knowledge about animal protection |
| C．call on people to love and protect the birds |
| D．all of the above |
