1 . People generally like to pick out the best-looking fruits and vegetables when shopping for produce (农产品), but Canadian supermarket chain Loblaws is attracting customers with badly-shaped and faulty produce at the price of 30% lower than normal-looking one.
A trial run of the ugly food line, named “Naturally Imperfect”, began with only apples and potatoes to choose from. Consumer demand has been so huge that Loblaws is going to introduce more ugly vegetables and fruits like onions and mushrooms.
All the produce that will be sold through Naturally Imperfect would otherwise have been used in juices, sauces, or soups, or have not been harvested at all. The director Dan Branson explained that this program benefited both food producers who would otherwise have to let abnormal produce go to waste, and consumers who could buy fresh produce at low prices. And he was right, given how popular the line has become.
“It really went well beyond our expectation,” Branson said. “I think it really spoke to the fact that Canadians are out there really looking for some options.”
Of course, Canadians know that beauty is more than skin deep, and they also recognize that they can get the same flavor and nutritional benefits in spite of appearances. The positive response to the initial offering of apples and potatoes showed the opportunity to expand the line and offer more options at a greater price to Canadian families.
“If you grow produce in your backyard, there will be a lot of produce that won’t look as pretty as what you will see in a grocery store”, said Branson. “And nature doesn’t grow everything perfectly. I’d like to think if somebody were to take a No Name Naturally Imperfect apple, put it right beside a No.1 apple, close his eyes and eat them, there would be no difference.”
1. Loblaws is different from other supermarkets in that ______.A.more fruits are offered at lower prices | B.normal-looking produce is forbidden there |
C.only apples and potatoes are sold every day | D.imperfect produce is sold at lower prices there |
A.prevents people from wasting their food | B.happens to be a win-win mode |
C.teaches food producers how to grow | D.enables consumers to eat more fresh produce |
A.Canadians are used to eating perfect produce. |
B.Smart consumers know the importance of ugly produce. |
C.Loblaws intends to improve customers’ quality of life. |
D.Customers’ support promotes the development of the ugly food line. |
A.Imperfect fruits are as tasty and nutritious as perfect ones. |
B.The world is usually full of imperfect things. |
C.We should eat imperfect apples with our eyes closed. |
D.The fruits grown by ourselves are more nutritious than those in the store. |
2 . I have dreamed of taking a trip to Hawaii since I graduated, but the best thing always needs waiting.
I took a trip with my friends to Haleakala National Park, which lies in Hawaii.
When we arrived at Haleakala National Park, we were advised to watch the early morning sunrise. I was lost in the sightseeing (观光) that afternoon, so I could hardly wait to see the sunrise. The next morning, we all got out of bed very early and got to the seaside at 3 o’clock. In the first half an hour, we imagined how wonderful it would be when the first light came out through the thick clouds and how soft it would be when the light touched our skin, so we waited and waited. However, another half an hour later, I gradually lost my patience since there was nothing but the chilly darkness, and I felt that I was frozen to death. (冻死) But my friends were still extremely cheerful.
Nearly another one hour later, “Amazing!” Judy burst out and we all shouted to welcome the light, which was really unbelievable. Until today, I dare say that it is the most impressive sunrise in my life. However, waiting in the morning darkness is also one memory I can’t forget forever.
Waiting sometimes is really a hard thing for most of us as it needs patience and strong-willed determination (决心) , but what about the result after that? It might turn out to be pleasing and unbelievable. So, it is really worth (值得的) waiting for the best.
1. What can we learn from the passage?A.he author’s friends and the author took a trip to China. |
B.Hawaii is a good place to enjoy the sunrise. |
C.Sometimes, it is worth waiting for the best. |
D.The author enjoyed the worst sunrise in his life. |
A.About 3 o’clock. | B.About 4 o’clock. |
C.About 5 o’clock. | D.About 6 o’clock. |
A.Total. | B.Cold. | C.Terrible. | D.Interesting. |
A.Excited all the time. | B.Afraid all the time. |
C.Firstly excited then afraid. | D.Firstly excited then impatient. |
3 . Thirteen-year-old Kaylee has a lot of friends — 532, actually, if you count up her online friends. And she spends a lot of time with them.
But is it possible that Kaylee’s online friendships could be making her lonely? That’s what some experts believe. Connecting online is a great way to stay in touch, they say. However, some experts worry that many kids are so busy connecting online that they might be missing out on true friendships.
Could this be true? During your parents’ childhoods, connecting with friends usually meant spending time with them in the flesh. Kids played Scrabble around a table, not Words with Friends on their phones. When friends missed each other, they picked up the telephone. Friends might even write letters to each other.
Today, most communication takes place online. A typical teen sends 2,000 texts a month and spends more than 44 hours per week in front of a screen. Much of this time is spent on social media platforms (平台).
In fact, in many ways, online communication can make friendships stronger. “There’s definitely a positive influence. Kids can stay in constant contact, which means they can share more of their feelings with each other,” says Katie Davis, co-author of The App Generation.
Other experts, however, warn that too much online communication can get in the way of forming deep friendships. “If we are constantly checking in with our virtual (虚拟的) worlds, we will have little time for our real-world friendships,” says Larry Rosen, a professor at California State University. Rosen also worries that today’s kids might mistake the “friends” on the social media for true friends in life. However, in tough times, you don’t need someone to like your picture or share your blogs. You need someone who will keep your secrets and hold your hand. You would like to talk face to face.
1. What is the purpose of the first paragraph?A.To summarize the text. | B.To tell about true friends. |
C.To bring up a discussion. | D.To encourage online friendship. |
A.In any case. | B.In person. | C.In this way. | D.In advance. |
A.Worried. | B.Unconcerned. | C.Confused. | D.Positive. |
A.It`s wise to turn to friends online. |
B.It`s easier to develop friendships in reality. |
C.Teenagers need to focus on real-world friendships. |
D.Social media help people stay closely connected. |
4 . It’s school time again! You’re probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad that summer is over. Some kids feel nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and even a new school. Luckily, these “new” worries only stick around for a little while. Let’s find out more about going to a new school.
Most teachers kick off the new school year by introducing themselves and talking about all the stuff you’ll be doing that year. Some teachers give students a chance to tell something about themselves to the rest of the class, too. When teachers do the talking on the first day, they often go over classroom rules and school rules so you’ll know what’s allowed and what’s not. Please pay close attention.
You might already know a lot of people in your classes on the first day, but it’s a great day to make a new friend, so try to say hello to kids you know and new ones that you don’t. Make the first move and you’ll be glad you did, and so will your new friend!
Seeing friends you haven’t seen for some time can make the first day a good one. You can make the day feel special by wearing clothes that you really like. Maybe you got a great T-shirt on one of your vacations, or a pair of sneakers (运动鞋). It also can make you feel good to be prepared and have all the things you need, such as pencils, folders, and whatever else you’ll be needing. But make sure that you pack them the night before in case you don’t have time in the morning.
1. The underlined phrase “kick off” in the second paragraph probably means “________”.A.start | B.study | C.find | D.learn |
A.what to know about a new school | B.how to prepare for a new school |
C.what to do on your first day of school | D.how to spend your first day of school |
A.introduce yourself | B.learn about the school rules |
C.make new friends | D.go over your lessons |
A.nervous | B.mad | C.happy | D.upset |
5 . When I was a boy growing up in New Jersey in the 1960s, we had a milkman delivering milk to our doorstep. His name was Mr. Basille. He wore a white cap and drove a white truck. As a 5-year-old boy, I couldn’t take my eyes off the coin changer fixed to his belt. He noticed this one day during a delivery and gave me a quarter out of his coin changer.
Of course, he delivered more than milk. There was cheese, eggs and so on. If we needed to change our order, my mother would pen a note — “Please add a bottle of buttermilk next delivery” — and place it in the box along with the empty bottles. And then, the buttermilk would magically (魔术般) appear.
All of this was about more than convenience. There existed a close relationship between families and their milkmen. Mr. Basille even had a key to our house, for those times when it was so cold outside that we put the box indoors, so that the milk wouldn’t freeze. And I remember Mr. Basille from time to time taking a break at our kitchen table, having a cup of tea and telling stories about his delivery.
There is sadly no home milk delivery today. Big companies allowed the production of cheaper milk, thus making it difficult for milkmen to compete. Besides, milk is for sale everywhere, and it may just not have been practical to have a delivery service.
Recently, an old milk box in the countryside I saw brought back my childhood memories. I took it home and planted it on the back porch (门廊) . Every so often my son’s friends will ask what it is. So I start telling stories of my boyhood, and of the milkman who brought us friendship along with his milk.
1. Mr. Basille gave the boy a quarter out of his coin changer to __________.A.show his magical power | B.pay for the delivery |
C.satisfy his curiosity | D.please his mother |
A.He wanted to have tea there. | B.He was a respectable person. |
C.He was treated as a family member. | D.He was fully trusted by the family. |
A.Nobody wants to be a milkman now. | B.It has been driven out of the market. |
C.Its service is getting poor. | D.It is not allowed by law. |
A.He missed the good old days. | B.He wanted to tell interesting stories. |
C.He needed it for his milk bottles. | D.He planted flowers in it. |
6 . Harper Lee (1926—2016) was an American novelist widely known for To Kill a Mockingbird (published in 1960), which won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize and has become a classic of modern American literature. The 1962 film adaptation starring Gregory Peck won three Academy Awards.
For decades, the book was Lee’s only major work of published fiction, but it was hugely influential for generations of U.S. readers. It has sold more than 10 million copies, and is one of the most widely taught novels in the U.S. schools. In 2007 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to literature.
Lee wanted to live a simple life and was never comfortable with the attention the novel won her, and she practically disappeared from public life after it appeared. The world, however, continued waiting for a new novel from her, and on occasion she suggested that she was working on another story.
In 2015, a book did come out. Go Set a Watchman was more of a first draft, featuring Scout, the young girl who was the main character of To Kill a Mockingbird. Go Set a Watchman tells a story of Scout as adult.
Though Lee moved to New York in 1949, she spent many years guarding her privacy (隐私) in Monroeville, which served as the clear inspiration for the setting in To Kill a Mockingbird.
In 2007, Lee suffered a stroke (中风), but recovered and later settled in Monroeville permanently to care for her sister, Alice, who died in 2014. She was said to eat breakfast every morning at the same fast-food spot, and was friendly with her neighbors. The countless Americans knew her only through her works, and they will undoubtedly miss her.
1. What can be learned about Harper Lee from the first two paragraphs?A.She was regarded as the greatest writer in America. |
B.She made great contributions to American literature. |
C.She once starred in a film adapted from her own novel. |
D.She is the most popular writer in American schools in history. |
A.She tried to get out of criticism. |
B.She wanted to write another novel. |
C.She suffered a stroke and was in recovery. |
D.She felt uneasy about her novel’s influence. |
A.It is based on her own life story. | B.It is adapted into a famous film. |
C.It won her lots of honors and awards. | D.It continues the story of her earlier novel. |
A.Influential but simple. | B.Ill-tempered but productive. |
C.Caring but stubborn. | D.Inspiring but struggling. |
7 . My husband, our children and I have had wonderful camping experiences over the past ten years.
Some of our
Another time, we rented a boat in Vallecito Lake. The sky was clear when we
Now, every year when my husband pulls our camper out of the garage, we are filled with a sense of
A.ideas | B.jokes | C.memories | D.discoveries |
A.camped | B.drove | C.walked | D.cycled |
A.annoyed | B.surprised | C.disappointed | D.worried |
A.unhurt | B.unfortunate | C.uncomfortable | D.unafraid |
A.due to | B.instead of | C.apart from | D.as for |
A.worked | B.happened | C.mattered | D.changed |
A.signed up | B.calmed down | C.checked out | D.headed off |
A.arranged | B.interrupted | C.completed | D.recorded |
A.wind | B.noise | C.temperature | D.speed |
A.find | B.hide | C.start | D.fix |
A.luck | B.answer | C.wonder | D.signal |
A.patiently | B.tirelessly | C.doubtfully | D.helplessly |
A.sorry | B.brave | C.safe | D.right |
A.relief | B.duty | C.pride | D.excitement |
A.failure | B.adventure | C.performance | D.conflict |
8 . The Honors Program in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (HPBMB) is offered to mature high school seniors with strong academic ability and achievement who seek careers in biological or biomedical science. Students can earn both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) in approximately 6 years.
Applicants to the Honors Program in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology must be in their last year of high school.
Undergraduates will have the opportunity to work with top-level research scientists in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and also in clinical laboratories with scientists that are associated with the department. They will conduct intensive laboratory work in the areas of biochemistry, molecular biology or nutritional biochemistry starting in the summer before their first fall semester starts. By spring of their junior year;students will prepare an undergraduate thesis as preparation for their entry into graduate school. At that time, they will start taking graduate courses and continue to do research with a graduate faculty member.
To be considered students must:
• have a combined SAT I score of 1400(combined Math and Critical Reading scores)
• meet the SAT II score requirement of at least 600 in Math, and one science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
• have completed eight semesters of English and mathematics and two semesters each of Biology and Chemistry by the time they graduate from high school
• complete all components of your Common Application for undergraduate admission by November 1 of your senior year
• complete a supplemental application form for the Honors Program in Bio chemistry & Molecular Biology
• include a counselor recommendation, three letters of recommendation from teachers in support, of your application to the Honors Program and a personal statement
Send all Dual Admission Honors Program application materials to:
Dual Admission Honors Programs
Office of Admission
University of Miami
P. O. Box 248025
Coral Gables, FL 33124-4616
Fax number: (513)529-7592 (513)529-1950
For more information on the HPBMB, contact:
Dr. Thomas K. Harris
Director, Undergraduate and Medical Education
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Office: Gautier Building, Room 111
Phone: 305-243-3358
•E-Mail: tkharris@miami.edu
1. We can learn from the passage that________.A.First- year students in a high school can apply for the program |
B.It’s possible for graduates to obtain both a bachelor's degree and a doctor's degree |
C.Graduates are promised a chance to work with top biomedical scientists |
D.A thesis is not necessary if an undergraduate want to go to graduate school |
A.A combined SAT I score of 1400 |
B.SAT II scores of at least 600 in Math and one science |
C.Three letters of recommendation from his teachers. |
D.A letter of recommendation from the principal. |
A.To tell students how to learn well in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. |
B.To introduce a very famous university, the University of Miami. |
C.To attract excellent high school graduates to apply for the Honors Program. |
D.To give information on how to contact Director of the Honors Program. |
9 . What's your feeling when you step into senior high school? It is a completely new experience, but you shouldn't worry. We've got some tips to help you.
※You're not alone.
Remember that everybody else in your grade is in the same boat. You may not notice it, but they’re just as nervous as you are.
Moving up to senior high school is an opportunity, not a problem. Things are different, and all you need to do is to be polite and learn the new rules.
※The teachers will help you.
If you don't know what to do or are worried about something, then ask for help. Teachers are probably the best people to turn to because they have experience in helping new students. Pay attention to what your teachers say.
※Everybody changes.
There are lots of differences between junior high school and senior high school. You will have your lessons with different teachers in different schools. You will have homework for different subjects on different days, so make sure you get organised.
※Other points.
If you' ve got an elder brother or sister at senior high school, then ask them for hints.
Remember that things will become much better if you just act naturally.
Going to bed early makes a difference. You'll also find it easier to get up in the morning!
1. The author says"You're not alone.” because other students ________.A.feel the same as you do. |
B.will help you if possible. |
C.will learn the new rules with you. |
D.are polite and friendly. |
A.It is a difficult problem. |
B.It sounds simple. |
C.It's worrying. |
D.It's a good chance. |
A.Don't be shy. |
B.Just act naturally. |
C.Change yourself. |
D.Pay attention to what your classmates say. |
A.To tell students about a new experience. |
B.To tell students how to make full use of time. |
C.To tell students that teachers are the best helpers. |
D.To help students that are going to senior high school. |
10 . Many people believe that you lose the ability to learn new languages as you get older. Language experts, however, will tell you that you’re never too old to learn a new language. As you get older, it can be more difficult to learn a new language, though.
Children and adults learn new languages in different ways. For children, language is their life. They study for thousands of hours every year, because they need to learn languages to become part of their communities. Adults, on the other hand, are already part of a language community. Learning a new language means becoming part of another language community, and adults rarely get the chance to practice as much as young children do.
Moreover, children learning a new language are expected to make mistakes. This gives them freedom when learning to be daring and confident. Adults, however, often feel pressured to be perfect when learning a new language. This can discourage many people and make it even harder to learn a new language.
When young children learn a new language, they come to see all kinds of languages as a “normal” part of society. This mindset(思维模式) helps them embrace learning a new language without feeling like they’re doing something unusual or “too hard”.
So if you want to learn a new language, go for it! It’s never too late to learn a new language. If you’re older, it may take more work, but it can be done. If you’re a young child, though, now it is the time to step out and learn a new language!
1. By saying “language is their life” in Paragraph 2, the author means that children ________.A.can’t live without language | B.lead a happy life every day |
C.practice a new language a lot | D.are taken good care of by adults |
A.They often feel pressured. | B.They usually have too many interests. |
C.They think making mistakes is natural. | D.They always make all kinds of mistakes. |
A.The behavior they have. | B.The learning attitudes. |
C.The future plans they have made. | D.The materials they are using. |
A.can never be learned by the old people |
B.can be learned by the old people easily |
C.can be understood only by the old people |
D.can be learned by both the old and the young |