1 . Pilates (普拉提), yoga and the running machine get all the attention when it comes to popular ways to keep fit. There is, however, a more humble exercise that might not be so attractive, but has all the benefits—walking.

Certified fitness professional Jolynn Jaekel explains, "What I love about walking is that anyone can do it at any age and any fitness level. Plus it is good for your heart, your head and your wallet.”

A recent report detailed the health benefits of walking. The report found that walking regularly to fulfill (执行,履行) the 150 minutes of moderate (适度的) physical exercise every week, recommended by the UK's chief medical officer, could save 37, 000 lives each year.

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California found that quick walking reduced the risk of heart disease more effectively than running. They observed participants aged between 18 and 80 over a six-year period and found that walking reduced the risk of heart disease by 9.3%, while running reduced it by 4. 5%. And there is even more good news: 30 minutes of quick walking over five days could help you sleep easily, according to research by Oregon State University. The study by the university showed that walking helped participants sleep better and feel more alert during the day.

The sooner you get started, the sooner you'll notice the differences in your mind and body. So, go out for your 30-minute walk in a nearby park or green space.

1. What does the underlined word "humble" probably mean in the first paragraph?

A．relaxing	B．plain
C．popular	D．active

2. What does Jolynn Jaekel think of walking?

A．It's loved by people of all ages.

B．It's much healthier than running.

C．It's becoming more and more popular.

D．It's a money-saving physical exercise.

3. What did scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory find?

A．Walking helps people with sleep problems.

B．Walking contributes to curing heart disease.

C．Walking is better than running in some cases.

D．Walking 150 minutes per week can save lives.

4. In which section of a newspaper can we read this text?

A．Lifestyle	B．Comment
C．Education	D．Science

2 . Many people have felt isolated and afraid during the pandemic this year, and the Weber family is no different. But 11-year-old Emerson Weber has a hobby that has turned into a remarkable antidote. Emerson writes letters — lots of letters. One day last spring, she even wrote to Doug, her mail carrier. “I want to thank you for taking my letters and delivering them,” she said. “You are very important to me.”

In no time at all, Emerson’s simple thank-you note was shared around the United States Postal Service (USPS). Many of the workers who read it wrote her back. Her father was so moved by the response that he took to Twitter to share his appreciation for the outpouring of love.

“Emerson, my 11-year-old, is on a bit of a wild ride with the USPS and our local mail carrier, Doug.” The next day after Emerson gave Doug the letter, a package arrived with two letters. Doug had shared Emerson’s letter with his supervisor, Sara, and they both wanted to share how touched they were.

The next week, they got a letter addressed to “Mr. and Mrs. Weber”. It seemed that Sara had shared Emerson’s note as a “Token of Thanks” in the internal USPS newsletter, and there were postal folks that wanted to thank her.

That day, the family saw Doug getting out of the truck with two BOXES of letters from around the country. These letters were so deeply human. They were filled with family, pets, hobbies, community, and an overwhelming sense of kindness.

But there was something more in these letters. People felt seen — some for the first time in a long time. “I work alone in a small rural post office ...” “My kids all live far away ...” “Not a lot of people think about how hard we work ...”

One wrote, “I can’t tell you how much it means to read your letter ...”

With dozens of new pen pals, Emerson did what she does best.

She wrote.

She acknowledged that there WERE a lot of letters, but she read them all.

“I’m not sharing this because I’m a proud dad,” her father wrote on Twitter. “I’m sharing it because it is relatively easy, if we take the time, to give others the one thing they need to be well — human connection. Emerson does this boldly. Her lesson to me was simple: It’s the small things that matter most.”

Send a letter. Make a call. Take a step of boldness. For yourself or for others.

1. Mr. Weber shared Emerson’s story on Twitter because ________.

A．he was moved by the readers’ response

B．he wanted more people to read the letter

C．he took great pride in being Emerson’s father

D．he was thankful to Doug for delivering letters

2. What do the letters in the passage symbolize?

A．A sense of community.

B．The company of family.

C．A bond between people.

D．The outpouring of courage.

3. Which of the following words can best describe Emerson?

A．Selfless and patient.	B．Smart and mature.
C．Determined and proud.	D．Loving and grateful.

3 . Rainforests are home to a rich variety of medicinal plants, food, birds and animals. Can you believe that a single bush（灌木丛）in the Amazon may have more species of ants than the whole of Britain! About 480 varieties of trees may be found in just one hectare of rainforest.

Rainforests are the lungs of the planet-storing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and producing a significant amount of the world's oxygen. Rainforests have their own perfect system for ensuring their own survival; the tall trees make a canopy（树冠层）of branches and leaves which protect themselves, smaller plants, and the forest animals from heavy rain, intense dry heat from the sun and strong winds.

Amazingly, the trees grow in such a way that their leaves and branches, although close together, never actually touch those of another tree. Scientists think this is the plants' way to prevent the spread of any tree diseases and make life more difficult for leaf-eating insects like caterpillars. To survive in the forest, animals must climb, jump or fly across the gaps. The ground floor of the forest is not all tangled leaves and bushes, like in films, but is actually fairly clear. It is where dead leaves turn into food for the trees and other forest life.

They are not called rainforests for nothing! Rainforests can generate 75%of their own rain. At least 80 inches of rain a year is normal-and in some areas there may be as much as 430 inches of rain annually. This is real rain-your umbrella may protect you in a shower, but it won't keep you dry if there is a full rainstorm. In just two hours, streams can rise ten to twenty feet. The humidity（湿气）of large rainforests contributes to the formation of rainclouds that may travel to other countries in need of rain.

1. What can we learn about rainforests from the first paragraph?

A．They produce oxygen.	B．They cover a vast area.
C．They are well managed.	D．They are rich in wildlife.

2. Which of the following contributes most to the survival of rainforests?

A．Heavy rains	B．Big trees.
C．Small plants.	D．Forest animals.

3. Why do the leaves and branches of different trees avoid touching each other?

A．For more sunlight.	B．For more growing space.
C．For self-protection.	D．For the detection of insects.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Life-Giving Rainforests	B．The Law of the Jungle
C．Animals in the Amazon	D．Weather in Rainforests

4 . “They tell me that you’d like to make a statue(塑像) of me-is that correct, Miss Vinnie Ream?”

The deep, gentle voice helped calm the nervous girl. Asking a favor of the President of the United States was no casual matter, especially for a seventeen-year-old girl.

“Yes, sir,” she replied, her dark eyes meeting his. “I wouldn’t have duo ask you, but my teacher, Mr. Mills, says I am ready. I plan to make it in an admirable manner. “

President Lincoln smiled. “Painters, sculptors-they’ve all tried to make the best of this ordinary face, but I’m afraid there’s not much hope. What did you have in mind, Miss Ream? A bust(半身像)?”

Before Vinnie could say yes, the President hurried on, a shade of apology in his voice.

“Of course-I shouldn’t have asked. A full-length pose would be much too big a project for a young woman your size. “

Vinnie’s face turned red. She realized she looked like a child, with her tiny figure. “Small does not mean weak, sir,” she defended herself. “I was born in the country of Wisconsin. I’ve driven teams of horses and carried water. Making a full-length clay(粘土) figure would not exhaust my strength-and that is what I intend to do!”

The President’s eyes, brightened at her show of spirit. “Sorry, madam, I have underestimated you as I didn’t know your background.”

But his smile faded as he rubbed his beard with bony fingers, in thought. “Miss Ream,” he sighed, “I’d like to let you do it, but as you know, we are in the middle of a war. How could I possibly take the time to pose for a sculpture now? I hardly have a minute to myself.”

Vinnie glanced around and noted the size of his office. “I work quickly,” she said. Her voice was soft but confident as she pointed to the corner near the windows. “If I were to bring my clay here and work for three hours every afternoon, I could complete most of the project while you are at your desk.”

The President seemed to consider her idea seriously. He got up and shook Vinnie’s hand warmly, “I’ve heard that you are a talented young woman, and I have found you charming and intelligent as well. I cannot make my decision immediately, but you will hear from me soon.”

The very next day, Vinnie received an invitation from the President.

1. What gave Vinnie confidence to make her request of President Lincoln?

A．Her aggressive personality.

B．Mr. Mills’s encouraging remark.

C．President Lincoln’s gentle voice.

D．Her interest in a challenging job.

2. How did President Lincoln first respond to Vinnie’s request?

A．Pleased.

B．Thrilled.

C．Regretful.

D．Doubtful.

3. Vinnie confirmed her ability to make a full-length statue by highlighting ______.

A．her experience from other projects

B．her innocent childhood in the country

C．the heavy labor she had done before

D．the skill she picked up in Wisconsin

4. Vinnie wanted to choose the corner near the windows to ______.

A．achieve effects of natural lighting

B．keep all her tools within easy reach

C．observe the President at a right angle

D．avoid disturbing the president’s work

5. What message does the story convey?

A．A strong-willed soul can reach his goal.

B．Experience helps to promote excellence.

C．Ups and downs make one strong.

D．Devotion requires enthusiasm.

5 . Liz Woodward worked as a waitress at the Route 130 diner in Delran, New Jersey. One Thursday morning around 5:30 am, she was serving two firefighters, Young and Hullings. Quite _______ she heard that they had been up all night putting out a _______warehouse fire, which took 12 hours to get under control.

Touched, Liz decided to honor these two heroes by picking up their _______ and writing them a heartfelt message of gratitude. It _______ "Your breakfast is on me today-thank you for all that you do. Fueled by fire and driven by_______, what an example you are! Get some rest. "

This simple act of kindness meant so much to the_______ firefighters. The firefighters _______ and thanked her before leaving the restaurant.

To return the young lady's kindness, upon his arrival home, Hullings posted a Facebook update _______ his friends to go eat at the diner, which was quickly _______ more than 3,000 times.

________, it was not until afterwards that they realized Liz was really the one that could use the help. When they found out that Liz was trying to ________ money for her paralyzed father to get a wheelchair-accessible van, Young posted with a ________ to a Go Fund Me page for Liz's dad, and the support ________.

The total donations reached $60,000 and went beyond Liz's wildest dreams. She had never expected that her small gesture would be paid in such a/an ________ way. "I'm truly blessed that those two walked through the doors today and ________ for the opportunity to be a part of something so positive and inspiring." Liz Woodward said on Facebook.

1.

A．in private

B．by accident

C．in public

D．on purpose

2.

A．potential

B．slight

C．rare

D．fierce

3.

A．money

B．uniforms

C．check

D．breakfast

4.

A．replied

B．went

C．indicated

D．read

5.

A．concern

B．courage

C．confidence

D．curiosity

6.

A．exhausted

B．brave

C．modest

D．anxious

7.

A．ended up

B．sat up

C．teared up

D．showed up

8.

A．helping

B．forcing

C．reminding

D．urging

9.

A．shared

B．collected

C．examined

D．removed

10.

A．Thus

B．Instead

C．However

D．Besides

11.

A．raise

B．donate

C．change

D．count

12.

A．picture

B．link

C．note

D．click

13.

A．doubled

B．rolled in

C．declined

D．spread out

14.

A．generous

B．conventional

C．extreme

D．rapid

15.

A．greedy

B．eager

C．prepared

D．grateful

6 . Climate change has been blamed for killer hurricanes，sea level rise，and drought，but a new report suggests the effects of climate change might hit the world's coffee supply. Up to 70 percent of the world's coffee supply could be threatened over the next 66 years，according to a new study by researchers at England's Royal Botanic Gardens.

Nearly 100 percent of the world's Arabica coffee growing regions could become unsuitable for the plant by 2080，according to the study. Beans from Arabica coffee plants account for about 70 percent of the world's coffee，but the plant also has to be grown under strict weather conditions: they grow well at temperatures between 64 and 70 degrees Celsius，and are highly influenced by frost or temperatures higher than 73 degrees Celsius.

With temperatures estimated to increase by between 1.8 and 4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century，the fragile plant might become increasingly expensive and difficult to grow，especially in places such as Ethiopia and Kenya. In that worst case，nearly all of the world's native Arabica coffee would die out. Under more conservative(保守的) estimates，about 65 percent of the regions used to grow the coffee would become unsuitable for it. The   evidence from coffee farmers and coffee growing regions around the world is that they are already suffering from the influences of increased warming.

Some farmers would likely be able to move their operations to other areas or would be able to overcome climate change with artificial cooling techniques，but wild Arabica is generally considered to be much more suitable for making high－quality coffee.

If Arabica becomes impossible to raise in its native areas，it could do serious damage to the economies of the mainly third－world countries in which it grows. Coffee is the world's most popular drink and is the second most traded product in the world，behind oil.

1. What can be learned from Paragraph 2 and Paragraph 3?

A．According to the study，by 2080 nowhere can be suitable for Arabica coffee growing.

B．65 percent of the world's coffee gets raw materials from Arabica coffee plants.

C．Arabica coffee plants will grow well at temperatures lower than 60 degrees Celsius.

D．Coffee farmers are the biggest victims of climate change.

2. In order to solve the problem of Arabica coffee plants，some farmers________．

A．would make efforts to produce high－quality coffee

B．would bring in artificial cooling techniques

C．would tend to move to some warm places

D．would grow more wild Arabica

3. What is the result if Arabica coffee has less production?

A．Coffee will replace oil to be the first most－traded commodity.

B．Coffee is likely to become less popular than before.

C．Some countries will suffer great economic losses.

D．Farmers will plant other crops instead of coffee.

7 . Who would have thought that potato fries could unite an entire country? Well，that seems to be the case in Belgium where there is currently a movement to have Belgian potato fries officially recognized as cultural heritage.

The fries are served in a paper cone(圆锥体) from a “fritkot”，which is a shack(小屋) or a food truck. Across Belgium，there are at least 5，000 fritkots which is 10 times more common than McDonald's restaurants in the United States.

The movement for the fries to be declared official cultural heritage was started by UNAFRI，also known as the national association of fritkot owners. They claim that their establishments represent Belgium very well. “A cone of potato chips is Belgium in miniature(微模型). What's amazing is that this way of thinking is the same，in spite of differences among communities and regions，” added spokesman Bernard Lefevre.

Tourists can even be seen to line up with locals in Brussels to buy a cone of fries from well－known fritkots such as Frit Flagey and Maison Antoine. “Before I came here，the only thing I knew about Belgium was that they liked their fries，” said Rachael Webb，a tourist from Ottowa，Canada.

In order to be recognized by UNESCO，it has to be formally supported by the Belgian government of culture.

As of right now，UNESCO has a list of 314 items of “cultural heritage” that they say is worthy enough to be preserved. Items on the list include Turkish coffee and the old native singing of the Central African Republic.

Potatoes reached Belgium in the 16th century，but it wasn't until the 19th century that they were cut up into fries and sold as a meal.

1. It is considered that potato fries could unite Belgium because they________．

A．represent Belgian history	B．are enjoyed by many Belgians
C．make a huge profit each year	D．are recognized by foreigners

2. The movement to have potato fries declared cultural heritage was started by________．

A．the Belgian government	B．many Belgian communities
C．a Belgian industry	D．a Belgian cultural association

3. From the passage，we can know that Maison Antoine________．

A．is a popular Belgian tourist destination	B．is very welcome among Canadians
C．is a famous restaurant in Belgium	D．is a big international company

4. It can be inferred from the passage that foods and drinks________．

A．are thought to be a symbol of national achievement

B．are regarded as a culture by many people

C．express ideas of a particular period

D．record the traditions of a region

8 . I’m someone who never went to university but always thought about it. The only way I _______was listening to my children talk about their class and all the interesting things they were_______. University was just a life-long _______of mine. I just turned sixty-four years old in September. I still thought about that old dream _______one day when there was an Advanced-Age _______at the local university. I decided to _______.

The day finally arrived-my first day of school. As I _______there, my mind was filled with _______thoughts, “What am I doing? I’m not smart enough to go to university. The _______will laugh when they see me in class. I probably won’t live long enough to get a ________. Maybe I should just turn the car around and go home.”

Then, ________, I saw it! A large billboard on the side of the road with a picture of Kermit the Frog. I ________a little and read the words next to his picture. “Live your dreams.” Was Kermit speaking me? I didn’t turn the car around.

I drove a little ________on up the highway and there was another ________. This one had a picture of Albert Einstein with his tongue ________out. A line read, “As a student, he was no Einstein.” And there was a word in red, “Confidence”. A new attitude was ________inside me.

I was now ________the gate of the university and there ________still another billboard. This one showed a photograph of a proud ________in a cap and gown. Under the picture was her ________， Nola Otis, aged 95. Oldest University Graduate. Below it was the words, “Live Life”. At that moment, my outlook changed completely.

1.

A．attended

B．acquired

C．consulted

D．contained

2.

A．learning

B．taking

C．teaching

D．using

3.

A．goal

B．idea

C．advice

D．dream

4.

A．since

B．before

C．until

D．after

5.

A．program

B．system

C．theme

D．process

6.

A．sign up

B．turn up

C．keep up

D．make up

7.

A．walked

B．stepped

C．ran

D．drove

8.

A．negative

B．attractive

C．active

D．optimistic

9.

A．tutors

B．kids

C．professors

D．fellows

10.

A．degree

B．praise

C．skill

D．reputation

11.

A．finally

B．immediately

C．suddenly

D．exactly

12.

A．sped up

B．slowed down

C．cut down

D．went up

13.

A．higher

B．further

C．closer

D．lower

14.

A．billboard

B．picture

C．portrait

D．cartoon

15.

A．breaking

B．giving

C．pulling

D．sticking

16.

A．forming

B．arriving

C．building

D．making

17.

A．approaching

B．arriving

C．squeezing

D．staying

18.

A．stood

B．lived

C．lay

D．sat

19.

A．man

B．teenager

C．woman

D．youth

20.

A．motto

B．hobby

C．age

D．name

9 . Growing up in Puerto Rico, our family was no different from so many others. My parents got married after my father came back when the war ended. Both of my parents were struggling with the hard economic realities of the time. But somehow, they found time to cherish those cultural values that shaped our everyday life.

In our daily life, we celebrated together with our friends or family members every birthday, every graduation, and all holidays with music and dancing, and typical foods. When we visited our family in the countryside—a trip that took about two hours in a car, with five children fighting as to who would get a window or the front seat —we would break into song, and somehow the trip would turn into one full of happiness and fun. We would sing not only interesting children’s songs but also beautiful love songs — songs about the love of our country though we didn’t understand the meaning of the words many times.

I came to Philadelphia for the first time in 1973 to do a residency(实习) in family medicine. I remember the many hours of work. I was facing issues of life and death and suffering the clearly social unfairness and issues of poverty and race. These were all worsened by my feeling of cultural differences.

An important turning point in my life happened one Saturday night when I attended a concert of Puerto Rico singer and composer Antonio Caban Vale. The music showed my familiar rhythms, and the words spoke to my heart. I had found a space to express, celebrate, and share my culture in Philadelphia. Therefore, I believe diversity is seen as an advantage and not as a disadvantage. As a Puerto Rican, I am a mixture of races and I believe in my strength because of this.

1. What do we know about the author’s family?

A．They lived a well-off life.

B．They suffered a lot from war.

C．They were tired of family activities.

D．They took cultural values seriously.

2. Why does the author mention the trip in Paragraph 2?

A．To prove her pride in her culture.

B．To show fun brought by her culture.

C．To express her love for the country.

D．To show the fight between her siblings.

3. What added to the author’s depressing life in Philadelphia?

A．Dangers as a doctor.	B．Prejudice from the rich.
C．Cultural shock.	D．Low payment.

4. What did the concert make the author aware of?

A．The excitement of the rhythms.

B．The value of the lyrics.

C．The advantage of cultural diversity.

D．The strength of believing in oneself.

10 . “I don't feel right about this,” I said to one of my cousins in a low voice. She nodded in_______. Not wanting to be the first to touch the food, I waited for one of the older adults to start.
Thanksgiving usually meant_______and full stomachs, however, this year was_______. My family sat around the dinner table_______at our feast. Everyone had a full plate, everyone except for Grandma. The treatment for throat cancer would_______one of her great pleasures, eating. This was the first of many food-focused_______to come. I could not imagine what it would be like to never taste_______food again. My cousin Molly broke the_______with a raise of her glass, “To Nat.” We all followed her lead. “Your_______ and strength encourage us all,” she continued. Grandma smiled, holding back her tears with great ________. “Thank you. Please, please eat.” And with that, we all began to eat. Conversation broke________around the room while Grandma laughed and talked with us all. Cancer would take away her ability to eat, but not the gift of being the best hostess. The evening went on as________Thanksgivings do. By the time the night was over, I felt ________to my family than ever before. I learned that we gather together on holidays not to eat rich feast, but to ________ and share with one another. We________my Grandmother’s courage, but we all learned a lesson in grace. In the years following, my Grandma________to create meals for family events. She told me once with a laugh, “I may not be able to eat, but I can________taste things.” With a________heart, Grandma prepared what she could not have for the only purpose of making us________. She inspired me to learn to cook and helped me find the________to make everything come together: love.1.

A．disappointment

B．surprise

C．satisfaction

D．agreement

2.

A．songs

B．laughter

C．thoughts

D．understanding

3.

A．popular

B．different

C．familiar

D．similar

4.

A．aiming

B．staring

C．joking

D．nodding

5.

A．take away

B．take in

C．take up

D．take down

6.

A．plans

B．dinners

C．holidays

D．activities

7.

A．cheap

B．beautiful

C．delicious

D．terrible

8.

A．record

B．rule

C．dark

D．silence

9.

A．wish

B．concern

C．courage

D．confidence

10.

A．efforts

B．effects

C．relief

D．patience

11.

A．into

B．up

C．down

D．out

12.

A．necessary

B．basic

C．normal

D．certain

13.

A．farther

B．closer

C．happier

D．stranger

14.

A．apologize

B．promise

C．forgive

D．support

15.

A．remembered

B．mentioned

C．followed

D．celebrated

16.

A．continued

B．decided

C．hated

D．started

17.

A．still

B．ever

C．just

D．even

18.

A．careless

B．frightening

C．pitiful

D．selfless

19.

A．sad

B．happy

C．surprised

D．lovely

20.

A．sign

B．skill

C．attitude

D．secret