1 . It was a normal morning in March. Sondra Artis had just
As heading towards the school, Sondra noticed a burning smell. She
Sondra pulled into a parking lot and turned to face the 20 students on
“I told the kids that, ‘You know, we
The students hurried to the
Seconds after they all
The bus can be
“Sondra is a very good bus driver，”said a student. “She
| A．sent away | B．turned down | C．seen off | D．picked up |
| A．repaired | B．wiped | C．tapped | D．opened |
| A．steam | B．smoke | C．fog | D．dust |
| A．wrong | B．lucky | C．necessary | D．urgent |
| A．anger | B．curiosity | C．embarrassment | D．worry |
| A．duty | B．guard | C．board | D．vacation |
| A．advantages | B．drills | C．signals | D．secrets |
| A．met | B．separated | C．promised | D．practiced |
| A．early | B．amazing | C．real | D．new |
| A．exits | B．teacher | C．windows | D．lifesaver |
| A．excited | B．tired | C．scared | D．optimistic |
| A．hurriedly | B．safely | C．firstly | D．actively |
| A．hid | B．landed | C．sat | D．escaped |
| A．scene | B．school | C．park | D．destination |
| A．searching | B．studying | C．thanking | D．counting |
| A．replaced | B．exchanged | C．burnt | D．controlled |
| A．eager | B．famous | C．grateful | D．qualified |
| A．student | B．leader | C．driver | D．hero |
| A．rewarded | B．excused | C．apologized | D．forgiven |
| A．offers | B．deserves | C．demands | D．establishes |
2 . The past few years have been difficult for 13-year-old Adeola Abraham. In 2020, the teen was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, and he survived a successful bone marrow transplant (骨髓移植) and rounds of chemotherapy (化疗). Thankfully, Adeola is now out of the hospital. During his recovery, he found out that he had qualified for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ask for a dream wish from Make-A-Wish Mississippi. While many teens would choose a memorable Disney trip, meet a favorite figure or get a PlayStation, Abraham instead chose to feed the homeless in his local community.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is famous for brightening the lives of children suffering from critical illnesses by meeting their wishes. A wish typically falls into three categories: a wish to have something, go somewhere or meet someone. Abraham’s charitable wish to give came as a surprise to the organization. Linda Sermons, a Make-A-Wish Mississippi representative, said that Abraham’s generous wish was the first of its kind in the organization’s 35-year history. She was impressed with the teen’s maturity and sense of sympathy.
Make-A-Wish Mississippi approved of the teen’s wish in a big way. They created a service named after the teen, called Abraham’s Table, which would provide free meals to the homeless every month for the next year. Local businesses generously donated food and supplies, and receivers gathered in Jackson’s Poindexter Park for the meals. Abraham and his proud mom personally attended and handed out the food. Abraham’s Table fed more than 80 people at its first event. Abraham said it warmed his heart when the receivers came back to thank him for the meal he provided.
Abraham now wants to inspire other teens to get more involved in local charities. He also wants to continue his mission of helping others by starting his own nonprofit that helps those experiencing food insecurity.
1. What made Abraham a remarkable boy?| A．His exceptional choice for a dream wish. | B．His great sufferings from a critical disease. |
| C．His special qualifications for a dream wish. | D．His successful survival from a blood disorder. |
| A．Eighty people or so benefited from Abraharn’s Table. |
| B．Abraham’s act of kindness received positive reaction. |
| C．The organization provided financial help for the homeless. |
| D．The local businesses were greatly appreciated by the receivers. |
| A．Energetic and determined. | B．Mature and intelligent. |
| C．Sympathetic and selfless. | D．Generous and cautious. |
| A．Hard work always pays off. | B．It’s a blessing to be a giver. |
| C．Actions speak louder than words. | D．Miracles often occur in bad luck. |
3 . The Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
While most parks tend to draw families in the summer and fall, there are also ideal spots for adventurous winter trips.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The country’s oldest and best-known national park takes on an almost otherworldly atmosphere in winter: the air filled with rolling steam, the strong colors of hot springs, the surrounding white landscapes, let alone the impressive wildlife during this time, like bison, wolves, and playful red foxes. Just book a guided hiking tour to get a ranger’s perspective on the park and local people.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
With its giant red rocks and unique trees, you’ll feel like stepping onto a foreign planet as you spend hours hiking the Panorama Loop or Maze Loop. The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, featuring virtually zero light pollution and the country’s best views of a starry sky.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
A significantly lower number of visitors in winter means you can take in unblocked views of the South Rim, and get to see the rare beauty of the Grand Canyon dusted with snow. For those adventurous and daring, it is recommended to hike the Bright Angel Trail and take the chance to see the canyon’s wintertime wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and bald eagles.
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
Surprise! Not all wintertime national park trips need to involve snow. Virgin Islands National Park is most famous for its white-sand beaches. You can also hike inland to visit old sugar plantations, or venture out to the water to swim along with sea turtles and manta rays. You will definitely enjoy a different winter here.
1. Which park will one choose if he/she is interested in stars?| A．Yellowstone National Park. | B．Joshua Tree National Park. |
| C．Grand Canyon National Park. | D．Virgin Islands National Park. |
| A．We can have a poor view of the South Rim there. | B．It lies in an area with rolling steam and hot springs. |
| C．There is a slight decline in visitor numbers in winter. | D．The Bright Angel Trail is challenging in cold weather. |
| A．Hiking. | B．Skiing. | C．Swimming. | D．Hunting. |
4 . During this pandemic period, I have been trying to learn new skills and fun activities. However, after I
I find it is
Right now, I’m learning to be
| A．waited | B．passed | C．turned | D．wasted |
| A．travel | B．drive | C．play | D．learn |
| A．position | B．school | C．Job | D．course |
| A．mention | B．quiz | C．measure | D．accompany |
| A．paid off | B．took off | C．got over | D．gave away |
| A．suggests | B．promises | C．requires | D．agrees |
| A．changes | B．conditions | C．directions | D．rules |
| A．exciting | B．scary | C．easy | D．interesting |
| A．drivers | B．teenagers | C．trainees | D．passengers |
| A．free | B．busy | C．empty | D．remote |
| A．protect | B．repair | C．start | D．cool |
| A．brake | B．rest | C．whistle | D．call |
| A．slightly | B．suddenly | C．quickly | D．correctly |
| A．manage | B．accept | C．remember | D．understand |
| A．curious | B．nervous | C．tired | D．confused |
| A．patience | B．practice | C．accumulation | D．belief |
| A．proud | B．afraid | C．aware | D．fond |
| A．program | B．business | C．task | D．responsibility |
| A．hurt | B．caught | C．burnt | D．punished |
| A．on the way | B．in the classroom | C．on the Internet | D．behind the wheel |
5 . After his father was rushed to the hospital, Yanatha Desouvre began to panic. So he did the one thing he knew would calm himself: He wrote. Over the next few weeks, Desouvre filled several notebooks, writing about his worry as well as his happy memories with his dad. “Writing allowed me to face my fear,” says Desouvre, “My pen was a tool to process the pain.”
He is in good company. An extensive body of research shows benefits to writing about a traumatic (创伤) experience in a manner that psychologists refer to as “expressive writing.”James Pennebaker, a psychology professor, says that studies have looked at the potential benefits of expressive writing and found that it can strengthen the immune system, including for people with illnesses such as cancer, depression, and PTSD(创伤后应激障碍). It can also help reduce chronic pain(慢性痛), and improve mood, sleep, and memory. And it may even help reduce symptoms of depression and PTSD.
Expressive writing works because it allows you to make meaning out of a painful experience, experts say. It can be a powerful coping tool for many, in large part because it helps reduce the secrecy people often feel about a trauma, as well as their reluctance to face emotions. The mere act of labeling a feeling—of putting words to an emotion—can hold back the neural activity in the threat area of the brain. Writing can increase someone’s acceptance of their experience, and acceptance is calming.
Recognizing that something is bothering you is an important first step. Translating that experience into language forces you to organize your thoughts. And creating a narrative gives you a sense of control.
1. Why is Desouvre’s story mentioned in Paragraph 1?| A．To bring up the topic. |
| B．To make a comparison. |
| C．To tell readers a real story. |
| D．To explore the key to writing. |
| A．The results traumatic experience causes. |
| B．The benefits that expressive writing brings. |
| C．The symptoms traumatic experience shows. |
| D．The ways expressive writing strengthens immunity. |
| A．It contributes to better writing. |
| B．It lets us know how people obtain pain. |
| C．It can help face miserable experience. |
| D．It has been used widely in the daily life. |
| A．A text book. |
| B．A news report. |
| C．A writing guide. |
| D．A medical magazine. |
6 . Matt Haig, the best-selling author of the novel “The Midnight”, recommends some books that offer wisdom or comfort in difficult times.
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Rilke (1929). This is the ultimate comfort read. The book is what the title suggests: letters from an older poet to a younger one. The great thing about Rilke’s advice is that it acknowledges the darkness and suffering of existence, yet manages despite that—or maybe even because of that—to inspire.
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön(1996). I read this book during the first lockdown, and it was the perfect read for uncertain times. Chödrön is a Buddhist, but the advice and philosophy in these relatively few pages speaks universally. It’s a great book about embracing life in its totality, about seeing hope and suffering as part of a whole.
The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne(1928). The Winnie-the-Pooh stories really speak to people going through tough times. In many ways, each of the characters reflects a different mental state: Eeyore is depressed, Tigger is hyper-active, Piglet is anxious, and Pooh reflects a hope and optimism much needed in recovery. I reread this book when I was ill with a panic disorder, and it soothed me.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott (1994). In my opinion, this is the greatest book about writing ever written. But like Rilke, Lamott is offering far more than writing advice. She is offering wisdom on life and how to embrace its imperfect nature.
1. Which book came out first?| A．Bird by Bird. |
| B．The Midnight. |
| C．Letters to a Young Poet. |
| D．The House at Pooh Corner. |
| A．The tough times are everywhere. |
| B．Life consists of hope and suffering. |
| C．People have a variety of mental states. |
| D．The undesirable things of life can be ignored. |
| A．All contain inspiring advice. |
| B．They are based on true facts. |
| C．Matt Haig instructed their novelists. |
| D．Writing will be improved by reading them. |
Still Alice In this film, we can catch a glimpse of a family’s relationships, fears, concerns and struggles. Alice, the film’s main character, copes bravely with Alzheimer’s disease: she’s the perfect example of an iron-willed woman. Julianne Moore’s amazing performance adds extra charm to this character. Not surprisingly, Julianne Moore won the 2015 Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role. |
Coco Before Chanel The movie is about a strong woman who was not afraid to defy(挑战)society and its conservative and old-fashioned morals. Some say it’s a dull and monotonous(老套的)movie, but it would be more accurate to say that it’s simply an unhurried one — a technique that makes it all the more fascinating. Audrey Tautou is graceful in the role of Chanel. |
Mona Lisa Smile This movie teaches you about dignity, courage and persistence, and the central theme is learning to have a mind of your own. Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts) is a recent UCLA graduate hired to teach art history at the famous all-female Wellesley College, in 1953. Determined to confront the outdated morals of society, Katherine inspires her traditional students including Betty and Joan to challenge the lives they are expected to lead. |
Elizabeth This is a wonderful film about Elizabeth I, who was faced with the difficult task of becoming a wise and strong monarch(君主). Cate Blanchett is amazing in the role of the queen—majestic, powerful, and strong-willed—who opens a “golden age” in the history of England. Suspense, passion, betrayal, adventure—all these things are combined in this thrilling and epic movie with perfect scenes, gorgeous costumes and shocking performances by the actors. |
| A．They’re strong-willed and brave. |
| B．They’re great professional women. |
| C．They suffer from serious illnesses. |
| D．They are always challenging traditional virtues. |
| A．is mainly set in Wellesley College |
| B．is especially popular with traditional students |
| C．is a film whose theme is learning to think independently |
| D．is a dull but unhurried movie |
| A．Julianne Moore | B．Audrey Tautou |
| C．Julia Roberts | D．Cate Blanchett |
8 . Like the rest of us, scientists have long suspected the healing capacity (修复能力) of a good hug. Unlike the rest of us, they’ve gone about trying to prove it.
“Laboratory studies suggest that things like hugs help us feel safer. They can also make us less sensitive to physical pain and less reactive when we’re faced with threatening experiences,” says Michael Murphy. He is a research professor in the department of psychological sciences at Texas Tech University. “This lab work has shown that hugs and other touch behavior are related to stress. The more stress we have, the more our heart rates and blood pressure go up. At this time, hugs and other forms of personal touch may give off all sorts of feel-good chemicals, so that stress can be reduced.”
“There’s a lot that we still need to learn, and there’s a lot we don’t know,” Murphy says. “However, what seems to be rising up is that hugs, as well as other forms of loving and gentle touch, are really powerful. They remind people that they’ re cared about and that they have someone in their corner.”
We expect touch. When we were born, we were placed in our mothers’ arms almost immediately. In that first year of our life, we spend a lot of time being held by other people. And as we grow up, we seek out hugs and touch as a way of connection. I think what we have lost in the past few years are these really easy opportunities to be reminded of connection.”
While he was at Carnegie Mellon, Murphy was the lead author of a hug-centered 2018 article in the scientific journal PLOS One. In a series of interviews with 404 adults over a two-week period, the researchers found that receiving a hug is associated with the attenuation of negative emotions that occur on days with interpersonal conflicts. That is to say, generally, hugs help to reduce the negative impacts that personal conflicts may cause in our daily lives.
1. What can we infer about hugs from the laboratory studies?| A．They show people’s good social relationships. |
| B．They can cure us of our mental disease. |
| C．They can put much pressure on people. |
| D．They make us feel calm and at ease. |
| A．To recall childhood memories. |
| B．To keep connected with others. |
| C．To solve relationship problems. |
| D．To express their social politeness. |
| A．Expression. | B．Influence. |
| C．Suffering. | D．Reduction. |
| A．The Power of Hugs |
| B．How to Reduce Stress |
| C．How to Care for Others |
| D．The Importance of Interpersonal Relations |
9 . City's icons celebrate milestones
Happy birthday to these big apple attractions
150TH
The Met isn’t the only New York City institution celebrating an anniversary in 2020 - 2021.
130TH
April 2021 marks the 130th year of Carnegie Hall, the prestigious landmark that has delighted audiences with performers from around the world, including Frank Sinatra, the Beatles and Gustav Mahler.
125TH
Another NYC mainstay with a recent anniversary is the New York Public Library. Established in 1895, the main branch in midtown Manhattan, with its entrance famously flanked by lion statues named Patience and Fortitude, is a must-visit landmark that turned 125 in May 2020.
90TH
Almost a hundred years ago, competing skyscrapers shot into the atmosphere in a race to become the world's tallest building. At 1 ,046 feet, the Chrysler Building — which celebrated its 90th anniversary in May 2020 - was the first to hold the title, but only briefly.
90 TH
One year after the Chrysler Building was built, the Empire State Building was completed, topping off at 1,250 feet (or 1,454 if you count the antennae and spire) and remained the world's tallest building for a respectable 40 years. The iconic skyscraper — synonymous with the Big Apple itself — turns 90 in May 2021.
1. What is Carnegie Hall usually used for?| A．Reading. | B．Exhibition. | C．Performance. | D．Overlooking. |
| A．It was founded in 1895. |
| B．April 2021 marks its 125th year. |
| C．It has become the world's tallest building. |
| D．It was completed after the Chrysler Building was built. |
| A．The Met. |
| B．The Empire State Building. |
| C．The New York Public Library. |
| D．The Chrysler Building. |
10 . Joella and Joanna are 20-year-old twins. On April 6, Joella
When Joanna made the difficult decision to shave her head to make her
The
Joella later
| A．landed | B．found | C．announced | D．focused |
| A．absorbs | B．affects | C．cleans | D．thickens |
| A．regretfully | B．painfully | C．hesitantly | D．bravely |
| A．Duc to | B．According to | C．Regardless of | D．Rather than |
| A．lift | B．give | C．shake | D．hold |
| A．letter | B．video | C．interview | D．hospital |
| A．special | B．hard | C．important | D．happy |
| A．head . | B．hair | C．sister | D．mother |
| A．treatments | B．achievements | C．feelings | D．movements |
| A．called | B．supported | C．promised | D．accompanied |
| A．go through with | B．come up with | C．get down to | D．go in for |
| A．case | B．aspect | C．life | D．campaign |
| A．love | B．envy | C．pity | D．appreciate |
| A．amusing | B．exciting | C．amazing | D．touching |
| A．noticed | B．answered | C．collected | D．viewed |
| A．visits | B．suggestions | C．presents | D．comments |
| A．user | B．customer | C．patient | D．doctor |
| A．sent | B．took | C．shared | D．compared |
| A．nervous | B．happy | C．shy | D．embarrassed |
| A．signed | B．mentioned | C．captioned | D．described |
