We Regret to Inform You...
“We regret to inform you...” These are the words that every writer dreads receiving, but words every writer knows well. The response from a publisher comes back and the writer eagerly opens and reads it, their hearts sinking when they reach that final sentence. You may have spent years giving up your weekends and free time to write your life’s work, yet still this is often not enough. Everyone knows that success rarely happens overnight, but perhaps not many know that a lot of highly successful writers have previously faced rejection.
Take for example J. K. Rowling. When she received her first rejection letter, she decided that it meant she now had something in common with her favourite writers, and stuck it on her kitchen wall. Rowling had spent years surviving on little money, spending all her time writing. When she finally finished her first book, she received comments from publishers along the lines of “too difficult for children”, “too long”, “Children would not be interested in it”．Nevertheless, she persevered. “I wasn’t going to give up until every single publisher turned me down, but I often feared that would happen,” she later posted. After a total of twelve rejections, one publisher eventually agreed to print 500 copies of her first book, and as we know, Harry Potter became a global success, with over 400 million books sold and translated into more than seventy different languages.
All too often writers of great works have had to face criticism along with rejection. J. D. Salinger started writing short stories in high school, but later struggled to get his works published. “We feel that we don't know the central character well enough” was the criticism he received on his manuscript for The Catcher in the Rye. Despite rejections from several publishers, J. D. Salinger refused to give up. Even when serving in the US Army during the Second World War, he carried six chapters of The Catcher in the Rye with him and worked on the novel throughout his war service. When it was eventually published, the book became an immediate bestseller and went on to sell millions and millions of copies.
Perhaps the overall prize for perseverance should go to three sisters from Victorian England who dreamt of seeing their words in print. This, however, was a time when women were not encouraged to become writers. As the then Poet Laureate, Robert Southey, wrote to one of them：“Literature cannot be the business of a woman’s life, and it ought not to be.” Nevertheless, the sisters didn’t stop trying. Their response was to write a book of poems under male names. Even when the book sold only two copies, the sisters still didn’t give up. They started writing novels, and today Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and Anne Brontë’s Agnes Grey are regarded as classics of world literature. In fact, it is within the pages of Jane Eyre that we can find these words：“I honour endurance, perseverance, industry, talent; because these are the means by which men achieve great ends...”
So, it seems that talent alone isn’t enough to guarantee success. While a lot of hard work and a touch of luck play a part, perseverance is the key. Keep trying and eventually you will read the words “We are delighted to inform you...”
1. What’s mainly talked about in the passage?| A．Many famous writers have many regrets. | B．Success depends on talent. |
| C．Perseverance is the key to success. | D．Many famous writers have been treated unfairly. |
| A．To advise us to be patient. | B．To show the writer’s attitude towards success. |
| C．To introduce the following content. | D．To show the key to success. |
| A．She knew many famous writers had previously faced rejections. |
| B．She got frustrated by the first rejection letter and gave up. |
| C．Her first book of Harry Potter was published at her first attempt. |
| D．She revised her first book following the advice of publishers. |
| A．He had faced many rejections before his novel was published. |
| B．He once wanted to give up trying but later changed his mind. |
| C．He worked on his novel when serving in the army. |
| D．His novel was not popular when it was first published. |
| A．Intelligent and considerate. | B．Talented and strongminded. |
| C．Gentle and generous. | D．Wise and ambitious. |
7. 细读课文并找出心理描写的句子
(1)
(2)
CLIMATE CHANGE REQUIRES THE WORLD'S ATTENTION
We have known about climate change for decades. There is little doubt that Earth is getting warmer and warmer (see the graph). A warming ocean and atmosphere along with melting ice and rising sea levels provide evidence of a dramatic change in the global climate.
In 2013, a lot of people were shocked by a news photo of a dead polar bear that was found on Norway's Arctic island of Svalbard. According to the scientists who found its dead body, all that remained of the polar bear was “skin and bones”. An expert who has studied polar bears for many years said that from the position of its dead body, the bear appeared to have starved and died. Experts claimed that low seaice levels caused by climate change meant the bear could not hunt seals as before, so it had to travel greater distances in order to find food. This alarming case showed how the increase in temperature had an impact on Earth's ecology.
Then what is causing the increase in the global average surface temperature? Climate scientists often mention a key climate process called the “greenhouse effect”, which has two common meanings: the “natural” greenhouse effect and the “manmade” greenhouse effect. The “natural” greenhouse effect refers to the fact that heat from the sun enters the atmosphere and warms Earth's surface as shortwave radiation. The heat is released back into space at longer wave lengths. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as methane and carbon dioxide, trap some of the heat, keeping Earth's climate warm and habitable. Without this process, Earth could not sustain life. However, the “manmade” greenhouse effect has now become a big problem. When people produce huge amounts of extra greenhouse gases by burning fossil fuels, more heat energy is trapped in the atmosphere and causes Earth's surface temperature to rise quickly.
There is strong and comprehensive evidence that the rise in temperature has led to an increase in extreme weather and natural disasters worldwide, not only causing serious damage, but also costing human lives. Climate scientists have warned that if we do not take appropriate actions, this warming trend will probably continue and there will be a higher price to pay. In fact, news reports are frequently broadcast about extreme rainstorms and heatwaves causing deaths and economic losses.
Continued greenhouse gas emissions will result in further warming and longlasting changes to the global climate. This requires the attention of people all over the world. Governments need to consider making policies and taking appropriate actions and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We as individuals can also reduce our “carbon footprint” by restricting the amount of carbon dioxide our lifestyles produce. It is our responsibility to seize every opportunity to educate everyone about global warming, along with its causes and impacts, because this is the most serious issue affecting all of us on this planet. So what will you do to help?
1. What's the main idea of the text?| A．Some polar bears died of starvation. |
| B．What the greenhouse effect is. |
| C．Global warming has caused some disasters and we must pay attention to it. |
| D．How polar bears find food. |
| A. The effects of the rise in temperature. B. The causes of global warming. C. The solutions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. D. The evidence of dramatic climate change. |
③Part 3(Para.4)
3. What has caused the climate change of the Earth?
| A．The greenhouse effect. | B．The natural greenhouse effect. |
| C．The manmade greenhouse effect. | D．The melting ice and rising sea levels. |
| A．Bears can not hunt seals as before so they will die |
| B．Bears had to travel greater distances in order to find food |
| C．The impact caused by the increase in temperature on Earth's ecology |
| D．The impact caused by the increase in temperature on bears |
| A．We must get rid of the “greenhouse effect”． | B．We individuals can not change the situation. |
| C．Only governments need to take measures. | D．All people should take appropriate actions. |
| Climate change requires the world’s attention | The problem: Earth is getting |
| A case: A polar bear starved to | |
| The reason: The“ | |
| The evidence: More extreme weather and natural | |
| The conclusion: The global climate change requires the |
①．An expert who has studied polar bears for many years said that from the position of its dead body，the bear appeared to have starved and died.
[句式分析] 该句为复合句。who引导
[翻译]
②．Climate scientists often mention a key climate process called the “greenhouse effect”，which has two common meanings: the “natural” greenhouse effect and the “manmade” greenhouse effect.
[句式分析] 该句为复合句。called the “greenhouse effect”为过去分词短语作
[翻译]
③．There is strong and comprehensive evidence that the rise in temperature has led to an increase in extreme weather and natural disasters worldwide，not only causing serious damage，but also costing human lives.
[句式分析] 该句为复合句。that引导的是
[翻译]
A DAY IN THE CLOUDS
The air is thin and we have to rest several times on the short hike from camp. To our left, snowcovered mountains disappear into clouds that seem almost close enough to touch. On the plain in front of us, we can just make out a herd of graceful animals. This is why we’re here—to observe Tibetan antelopes.
Tibetan antelopes live on the plains of Tibet, Xinjiang, and Qinghai. Watching them move slowly across the green grass, I’m struck by their beauty. I’m also reminded of the danger they were in. They were hunted, illegally, for their valuable fur.
My guide is Zhaxi, a villager from Changtang. He works at the Changtang National Nature Reserve. The reserve is a shelter for the animals and plants of northwestern Tibet. To Zhaxi, the land is sacred and protecting the wildlife is a way of life. “We’re not trying to save the animals,” he says. “Actually, we’re trying to save ourselves.”
The 1980s and 1990s were bad times for the Tibetan antelope. The population dropped by more than 50 percent. Hunters were shooting antelopes to make profits. Their habitats were becoming smaller as new roads and railways were built.
In order to save this species from extinction, the Chinese government placed it under national protection. Zhaxi and other volunteers watched over the antelopes day and night to keep them safe from attacks. Bridges and gates were added to let the antelopes move easily and keep them safe from cars and trains.
The measures were effective. The antelope population has recovered and in June 2015, the Tibetan antelope was removed from the endangered species list. The government, however, does not intend to stop the protection programmes, since the threats to the Tibetan antelope have not yet disappeared.
In the evening, I drink a cup of tea and watch the stars. I think about the antelopes and what Zhaxi told me. Much is being done to protect wildlife, but if we really want to save the planet, we must change our way of life. Only when we learn to exist in harmony with nature can we stop being a threat to wildlife and to our planet.
1. Match the main idea of each paragraph.| A. We should learn to live in harmony with nature. B. Measures were taken to save this species from extinction. C. Tibetan antelopes are in danger. D. The good effects the measures have had. E. The guide, Zhaxi, and the Changtang National Nature Reserve. F. The bad times for the Tibetan antelope. G. The reason why we visit Tibet. |
Para. 2
Para. 3
Para. 4
Para. 5
Para. 6
Para. 7
2. Why did the writer visit Tibet?
| A．To go camping alone. | B．To enjoy snowcovered mountains. |
| C．To watch Tibetan antelopes. | D．To meet a villager from Changtang. |
| A．For their valuable meat. | B．For their valuable fur. |
| C．For their habitats. | D．For their bones. |
| A．He is the writer’s close friend. | B．He is one of the local people. |
| C．He is a visitor from China. | D．He often hunts the wildlife. |
| A．They are very effective. | B．They should be stopped. |
| C．They are too hard to carry out. | D．They are not enough. |
| A．A report. | B．A travel journal. |
| C．An advertisement. | D．A short story. |
| antelopes | what I see and hear | Far away on the plain, I can |
| situation in the past | There were bad times in the 1980sand 1990s. The population dropped by more than 50%. Hunters shot them for | |
| the effect of the measures | The measures were |
(1) The air is thin and we have to rest several times on the short hike from camp.
(2) To our left, snowcovered mountains disappear into clouds that seem almost close enough to touch.
(3) On the plain in front of us, we can just make out a herd of graceful animals.
(4) Watching them move slowly across the green grass, I’m struck by their beauty.
9. 在课文中找出表示环境描写的句子。
(1)
(2)
4 . Young Chinese are increasingly making their voices heard and influencing world opinion as they take on more important roles in international organizations and global projects. At a ceremony in Beijing, singer and actor Karry Wang was made the National Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) by Erik Solheim, the organization’s executive director.
“The youth are no longer merely onlookers when it comes to environmental action, nor should they be. I will spare no effort to do everything I can to take care of our Earth, and I invite everyone to join me in generating a wave of positive action,” Wang said in his speech after the appointment. In 2016, Wang widely publicized the Wild for Life campaign, reaching 400 million viewers.
Beyond drawing attention to wildlife, he called on his followers to pledge to reduce their electronic waste through social media. Within 24 hours, his post was shared 1.67 million times and more than 400,000 followers signed the pledge. “Our actions will soon be the leverage to change the world.” Wang says, calling on the younger generation in China and around the world to raise their awareness of environmental issues.
Erik Solheim says, “It is inspiring to see the strong and determined voice of Chinese youth when it comes to the environment. When young people set their minds to change, it is incredible to see the great things that can be accomplished. We are very excited to work with Karry Wang to create even more awareness about the environmental problems and solutions.”
According to a UN report, young people’s participation will help achieve the sustainable development goals in the Asia-Pacific region set for 2030. Besides Wang, other UNEP Goodwill Ambassadors include actress Li Bingbing, Ellie Goulding and celebrities from all walks of life both from China and abroad.
1. What made Karry Wang the UNEP Goodwill Ambassador?| A．His drawing attention to wildlife. | B．Being a singer and an actor. |
| C．His appeal among teenagers. | D．His effort in reducing food waste. |
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
(Adapted)
Larry Belmont worked for a company that made robots. Recently it had begun experimenting with a household robot. It was going to be tested out by Larry’s wife, Claire.
Claire didn’t want the robot in her house, especially as her husband would be away on a business trip for three weeks, but Larry persuaded her that the robot wouldn’t harm her or allow her to be harmed. It would be a bonus. However, when she first saw the robot, she felt alarmed. His name was Tony. He seemed more like a human than a machine. He was tall and handsome with smooth hair and a deep voice, although his facial expression never changed.
On the second morning, Tony brought her breakfast and then asked her whether she needed help dressing. She felt embarrassed and quickly told him to go. Now she was being looked after by a robot that looked so human, and it was disturbing.
One day, Claire mentioned that she didn’t think she was clever. Tony said that she must feel very unhappy to say that. Claire thought it was ridiculous that she was being offered sympathy by a robot, but she gradually admired his wisdom and integrity and began to trust him. He always treated her with dignity. She told him how she was unhappy that her home wasn’t elegant enough for Larry, who wanted to improve his social position with a bigger salary. She wasn’t like Gladys Claffern, one of the richest and most powerful women around.
As a favour, Tony promised to help Claire make herself more beautiful and her home more elegant. So Claire borrowed some library books for him to read, or rather, scan. She looked at his fingers with wonder as they turned each page. How absurd, she thought. He was just a machine.
Tony gave Claire a new hairstyle and improved her makeup. As he was not allowed to accompany her to the shops, he wrote out a list of things that he would need for his work on the house. Claire went downtown and bought these things. She had an appointment to paint her nails, then she went into an expensive clothes shop. The saleswoman there was rude to her, so she rang Tony and told him she was being treated badly. He spoke to the woman, who immediately changed her attitude. Claire thanked Tony, telling him that he was a “dear”. As she turned around, there stood Gladys Claffern. How awful to be discovered by her, Claire thought. By the look on her face, Claire knew that Gladys thought they were in a relationship. After all, she knew Claire’s husband’s name was Larry, not Tony. Although it was completely innocent, Claire felt guilty.
When Claire got home, she wept. Gladys was everything Claire wished to be. Tony told her she was being sensitive and was just as good as Gladys. He suggested that she invite Gladys and her friends to the house the night before he was to leave and Larry was to return. By that time, Tony expected that the house, which was being completely transformed, would be ready.
Tony worked steadily on the improvements. Claire tried to help by working on a light suspended from the ceiling, but she fell off the ladder. Even though Tony had been in the next room, he managed to catch her in time. As he held her, she felt the warmth of his body. She screamed, pushed him away, and ran to her room.
The night of the party arrived. The clock struck eight. The guests would be arriving soon, so Claire dismissed Tony for the rest of the night. At that moment, Tony took her in his arms, bringing his face close to hers. She heard him declare that he did not want to leave her the next day, and that he felt more than just the desire to please her. Then the front door bell rang.
1. What’s the text mainly about?| A．How to make a robot. |
| B．How a robot helps people. |
| C．What a robot can do. |
| D．A test on a household robot. |
| A. The night of the party. B. Claire’s attitude to the robot and her feeling at the sight of the robot. C. What Tony did for Claire. |
Part 2 (Paras.3－8)
Part 3 (Para.9)
3. What does Larry Belmont think of testing out the robot in his house?
| A．It is an extra benefit. | B．It is his responsibility. |
| C．It helps improve his house. | D．It can make Claire happy. |
| A．Proud. | B．Happy. |
| C．Guilty. | D．Embarrassed. |
| A．Because Claire wants to hold a party in her house. |
| B．Because Claire plans to give Larry a surprise. |
| C．Because Claire doesn’t think it good enough for Larry. |
| D．Because Claire intends to make the best of Tony. |
| A．Tony falls in love with Claire. |
| B．Tony will have a rest that night. |
| C．Tony will stay with Claire forever. |
| D．Tony，the robot needs to be improved. |
A household robot called Tony was to be tested out in Larry’s house. Though Claire, Larry’s wife, didn’t like
However, Tony gradually won Claire’s trust. He took good care of Claire and even managed to rescue her
(1)Claire didn’t want the robot in her house, especially as her husband would be away on a business trip for three weeks, but Larry persuaded her that the robot wouldn’t harm her or allow her to be harmed.
(2)Claire thought it was ridiculous that she was being offered sympathy by a robot, but she gradually admired his wisdom and integrity and began to trust him.
(3)She told him how she was unhappy that her home wasn’t elegant enough for Larry, who wanted to improve his social position with a bigger salary.
A SUCCESSFUL FAILURE
Perce Blackborow joined an expedition with Sir Ernest Shackleton to Antarctica on the ship Endurance in 1914.Shackleton was one of the most famous explorers of his day and it was considered a great honour to be part of his expeditions. Below are some of Blackborow’s diary entries.
31 Oct 1914
...Well, it so happened that one morning I bought a newspaper and read the advertisement about the Antarctic expedition.
An expedition to the South Pole with the great Sir Ernest Shackleton — this is the adventure that I have been dreaming of. And I was ready for it. At the age of 19, I am fit and full of vigour. However, when I applied to join the expedition, Shackleton turned me down because he thought I was too young and wasn’t qualified. But I was so enthusiastic about the idea of going along with them that I secretly went aboard his ship, the Endurance, and hid in a small cupboar. Unfortunately, three days after we set off I was discovered. Shackleton did not want to turn back so he offered me a job, but only after he promised me, “If anyone has to be eaten, then you will be the first!” He assigned me to be a steward, and I now serve meals for twentyeight men, three times a day.
How everyone will envy me when I come back and tell them about the amazing places I have been to!
21 Nov, 1915
The journey has not been easy. Endurance became stuck in the ice as we approached Antarctica. The ice froze around us and we were well and truly stuck! We saw the ship get crushed by the ice. And when the ship sank, our hearts sank with it.
Before we abandoned the ship, Shackleton calmly called us together and told us to rescue our most essential supplies — the small boats, our food, the cook stove, candles, clothes, and blankets.This was no time to panic. We were not allowed to take most of our personal belongings, and Shackleton himself threw away all his gold. But to our surprise, he allowed Hussey to keep his banjo. Hussey often plays it to keep our spirits up.
We are now camped on the ice and we have been managing to survive, but spring is coming, and the ice will soon begin to melt.
20 May 1916
We have been struggling for days, but things on Elephant Island are going from bad to worse. We are now crowded together under one of our boats on the rocky shore of this miserable place. Soon after we arrived, Shackleton left us to find help on South Georgia Island, 1,320 kilometres away — the voyage was too dangerous and difficult for all of us to make it in our small boats. If Shackleton fails, will we have any hope of rescue? No. No navy in the world ever stops at Elephant Island, and no one else knows that we are here.
I feel low. It’s cold and windy. The island has no plants. Sometimes we are able to catch a seal or a penguin to eat. Otherwise, there is no food. I try to think of happier things: decent food, warm and dry clothes, a cosy bedroom, sunny days, and my mother’s face ...However, these happy memories are soon interrupted by a sudden cold rush of air.
I shouted, “Shut the door!”
“Hold on now, Perce. Don’t you go turning into another Tom,” came the reply. “We’ve caught another penguin, so it’s penguin soup tonight!”
Bless Frank Wild, the kindest man there is after our leader, Ernest Shackleton. How could I become as selfish and badtempered as Thomas OrdeLees!
Without Frank and Ernest, we’d all be dead by now. Their genuine concern for others, their perseverance, and their resolve fill me with hope.
Perhaps there is a chance we will return home, after all.
1. What’s the main idea of the text?| A．Perce Blackborow admired Shackleton very much. |
| B．Shackleton took Perce Blackborow to the ship. |
| C．Perce Blackborow’s diary entries about the great expedition. |
| D．Perce Blackborow missed his mother very much. |
| A．How Shackleton and his crew members abandoned the ship Endurance. B．The crew members’ life on Elephant Island. C．How the author joined the Endurance expedition. |
②Diary 2
③Diary 3
3. Why did Shackleton turn me down?
| A．Because he thought I was too young and wasn’t well. |
| B．Because he thought I was too weak and wasn’t qualified. |
| C．Because he thought I was too young and wasn’t qualified. |
| D．Because he thought I was healthy enough but wasn’t qualified. |
| A．It was blown down by wind. |
| B．It was stuck in the ice. |
| C．It was knocked over by huge waves. |
| D．It hit the huge mountain of ice. |
| A．The courage and bravery of his own. |
| B．His being young and fit. |
| C．Ernest Shackleton’s experience of sailing. |
| D．Resolve of Frank Wild and Ernest Shackleton. |
| A．Because it was very valuable. |
| B．Because it took little space. |
| C．Because it would never sink. |
| D．Because it could cheer them up. |
| A．Selfish and badtempered. |
| B．Caring and strongwilled. |
| C．Creative and responsible. |
| D．Adventurous and adaptable. |
| A SUCCESSFUL FAILURE | Diary 1:The dream of going to Antarctica came true. | I happen to see an Though turned down, I Discovering I |
| Diary 2: The ship became stuck in the ice | The ship got crushed by the ice and began to After rescuing necessary supplies, we Shackleton allowed Hussey to keep his banjo he played to keep our | |
| Diary 2: Struggle for survival | Things on Elephant Island were going from bad to Shackleton Frank and Ernest’s |
9. Analyse and translate the sentences.
(1)Shackleton was one of the most famous explorers of his day and it was considered a great honour to be part of his expeditions.
(2)However，when I applied to join the expedition，Shackleton turned me down because he thought I was too young and wasn’t qualified.
(3)How everyone will envy me when I come back and tell them about the amazing places I have been to!
(4)Soon after we arrived，Shackleton left us to find help on South Georgia Island，1，320 kilometres away—the voyage was too dangerous and difficult for all of us to make it in our small boats.
“WELCOME，XIE LEI！”BUSINESS STUDENT BUILDING BRIDGES
Six months ago,19yearold Xie Lei said goodbye to her family and friends and boarded① a plane for London. It was the first time that she had left China.“I was very excited but also quite nervous. I didn't know what to expect, ” Xie Lei recalled.
Xie Lei is studying for a business qualification at a university in China and has come to our university on a yearlong exchange programme. “I chose the exchange programme because I wanted to learn about global business and improve my English. My ambition is to set up a business in China after graduation, ” she explained.
At first, Xie Lei had to adapt to life in a different country. “You have to get used to a whole new life, ” she said. “I had to learn how to use public transport and how to ask for things I didn't know the English names for. When I got lost, I had to ask passersby for help, but people here speak fast and use words I'm not familiar with. I ask them to repeat themselves a lot!”
Although some foreign students live in campus accommodation, Xie Lei chose to live with a host family, who can help with her adaptation to the new culture.“When I miss home, I feel comforted to have a second family,” Xie Lei said. “When there's something I don't know or understand, I can ask them. They are also keen to learn about China. Laura, the daughter of my host family, wants to study in China in the future. We take turns to cook each evening. They really love my stirfried tomatoes and eggs! Laura says she always feels hungry when she smells it, so I taught her how to cook it, too.”
Another challenge for Xie Lei is the academic requirements. The first time that she had to write an essay, her tutor explained that she must acknowledge what other people had said if she cited their ideas, but that he mainly wanted to know what she thought! Xie Lei was confused because she thought she knew less than other people. Her tutor advised her to read lots of information in order to form a wise opinion of her own.
Xie Lei also found many courses included students' participation in class as part of the final result. Students need to generate ideas, offer examples, apply concepts, and raise questions, as well as give presentations. At first, Xie Lei had no idea what she should say, but what surprised her was that she found herself speaking up in class after just a few weeks. “My presentation on traditional Chinese art was a great success, which boosted my confidence,” she said. “I'll use these skills back home for presentations. They'll help me build a strong business in the future.”
Now halfway through her exchange year, Xie Lei feels much more at home in the UK. What seemed strange before now appears quite normal to her. “Engaging in British culture has helped,” she said. “As well as studying hard, I've been involved in social activities. British people are fascinated by our culture and eager to learn more about it, so I'm keen to share my culture with them. While I'm learning about business, I'm also acting as a cultural messenger building a bridge between us.”
We will follow Xie Lei's progress in later editions, but for now, we wish her all the best.
1. What does the text talk about?2. What's the purpose of the text?
3. Xie Lei was very nervous when she left for London because .
| A．she was too young |
| B．she was a shy girl |
| C．she didn't know what to expect |
| D．she didn't know where to go |
| A．Her classmates and tutors. |
| B．Her tutors and her family. |
| C．A host family and her family. |
| D．Her tutors and host family. |
| A．idioms are not so difficult to understand |
| B．all students need one year to prepare their majors |
| C．foreign tutors admire the autonomous learners |
| D．it is impossible that you read it from China Daily |
| A．Her study in the UK. |
| B．Her return to China. |
| C．Her other challenges in the UK. |
| D．Her achievements in the UK. |
Leaving for London | Xie Lei wants to learn about global business and improve her English. Her |
Living in London | The challenge is how to |
Studying in London | Another challenge is to get used to the academic requirements, such as how to give |
At present | She feels much more |
①Although some foreign students live in campus accommodation, Xie Lei chose to live with a host family, who can help with her adaptation to the new culture.
②The first time that she had to write an essay, her tutor explained that she must acknowledge what other people had said if she cited their ideas, but that he mainly wanted to know what she thought!
③At first, Xie Lei had no idea what she should say, but what surprised her was that she found herself speaking up in class after just a few weeks.
ENDURANCE
THE STORY OF ERNEST SHACKLETON, HERO OF THE ANTARCTIC
The story began in 1914, with an advertisement in a British newspaper: “Men wanted for a hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful.”
The man who had placed the advertisement was the explorer, Ernest Shackleton. He planned to cross Antarctica from the Weddell Sea to the Ross Sea via the South Pole, something no one had ever done before. More than 5,000 men applied to join the expedition. Only twenty-eight were chosen.
Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, left England on 8 August 1914 and it reached the Weddell Sea in December, the Antarctic summer. But the weather was exceptionally bad and on 17 January 1915, the Endurance got stuck in ice. Unable to move, Shackleton and his men had to wait for eight months in complete darkness and freezing cold.
Finally spring came, but it brought disaster. As the ice melted, the ship broke in half. The crew had to abandon ship and camp on the ice for two months. When the Endurance finally sank on 21 November 1915, Shackleton and his men tried to survive by floating on the ice. Eventually the ice melted and Shackleton put his men into three small lifeboats and headed for the nearest land.
After five days at sea, they reached Elephant Island. The men were cold, exhausted, and weak from the journey and the lack of food. There was no chance of rescue in this remote place, so Shackleton decided to continue to South Georgia. He knew there was a Norwegian whaling station there, where he could get help, but it was a journey of 1,300 kilometres. Leaving the others on Elephant Island, Shackleton chose five men to accompany him to South Georgia in a tiny, seven-metre-long lifeboat.
After fifteen exhausting days with winds of sixty kilometres an hour and waves of up to fifteen metres high, they arrived in South Georgia. The weather was so bad that they couldn’t land for two days. Even when they landed, their journey wasn’t over. The whaling station was sixty kilometers away on the other side of the mountainous island. No one had ever crossed South Georgia on foot before.
The men marched continuously for 36 hours. They had no tent and could not stop to rest for more than a few minutes—if they fell asleep they would die of the cold. Starved and frozen, they finally reached the station.
On 30 August 1916, two years after the expedition began, they returned to Elephant Island in a small boat provided by the Chilean government. The other twenty-three men were still waiting. Miraculously, not one person had died.
Shackleton even returned to Antarctica. In 1921, he set out again to sail round the continent, but died during the journey in 1922. He was buried in South Georgia, remembered by history as a man who showed exceptional leadership and unbelievable endurance.
·Personal Touch
1. If you had the opportunity, would you try an expedition like the one led by Ernest Shackleton? Why or why not?
Digging In
·Comprehension
Answer the questions.
2. Who was Ernest Shackleton?
3. Why did Shackleton and his men have to wait for eight months in 1915?
4. How long did it take Shackleton and his men to finish the expedition?
5. How many people died during the expedition?
6. Fill in the blanks in the table.
Qualities of Ernest Shackleton | Facts |
A persistent explorer | •It took Shackleton and his men about four months to reach the Weddell Sea. •They got stuck in ice and waited for about •They abandoned ship and camped •It took them five days to reach Elephant Island. •It took them •They marched continuously for |
A(n) | •Shackleton found no chance of •He knew it was a journey of •He chose five men to |
A trustworthy man | •When Shackleton returned with his men in a boat provided by the Chilean government, the other twenty-three men were still waiting on Elephant Island. |
Answer the questions.
7. Why is Shackleton looked up to as a hero despite his failure to reach the South Pole?
8. Which proverb(s) below can be used to describe Shackleton’s adventures? Why?
A. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
B. Better safe than sorry.
C. The early bird catches the worm.
D. Don’t cry over spilled milk.
E. No pain, no gain.
F. Actions speak louder than words.
Wednesday, 21 June
Today was my first day back in San Francisco after camping in the Redwood Forest and visiting the wine country of Napa Valley. I have to admit that it definitely feels good to be back in the city again. And what a city—a city that was able to rebuild itself after the earthquake that occurred in 1906. There are so many beautiful old buildings—many siting on top of big hills, offering great views of the city, the ocean, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
My hotel is near downtown, in the Mission District, one of the oldest parts of the city. Many of the people living here are from Mexico or Central America. This district used to be a poor area of town, but is now a centre for art, music, and food. In fact, an art movement called the “Mission School” started here. It’s influenced by graffiti art and comic art. I walked around looking at the street art for a few hours. It was quite modern and lively. Afterwards, I ate some delicious Mexican-Chinese noodles from a food truck. A real mix of cultures here!
In the afternoon, I headed to a local museum that showed the historical changes in California. I learnt that America got California from Mexico in 1848. In the same year, gold was discovered near San Francisco, which started a gold rush. Over 300,000 people came from all over the world to seek their fortune, and San Francisco quickly became a big city. Many Chinese arrived during this period. To earn a living, some opened up shops and restaurants in Chinatown. Many others found jobs on farms, joined the gold rush, or went to build the railway that joined California to the eastern region of the country. The museum did a really good job of showing how America was built by immigrants from different countries and cultures. When these immigrants left their countries, they carried a bit of home in their hearts, and built a new home here.
This evening, I went to Chinatown. There were so many cafés and restaurants to choose from. I selected a Cantonese restaurant that served its food on beautiful china plates. What great food! That’s enough for today. Tomorrow evening, I’m going to a jazz bar in the Richmond Distinct. Can’t wait!
1. Which flag is American flag?
A． | B． |
C． | D． |
| A．In the North. | B．In the South. |
| C．In the East. | D．In the West. |
A． | B． |
C． | D． |
| A. What I saw and experienced in the Mission District. B. My good feeling and my strongest impressions of San Francisco back there. C. Ending my day in Chinatown and my next day’s plan. D. My earning about the history of San Francisco from a local museum. |
5. All the following are mentioned except in Para. One .
| A．The author’s feeling. | B．An historical accident of San Francisco. |
| C．Many old buildings. | D．The Statue of Liberty. |
| A．An art movement called the “Mission School” started here. | B．It was a classical but lively district. |
| C．Many residents here are from Mexico or Central America. | D．It is a place where cultures mix. |
| A．In 1848. | B．In 1849. | C．In 1850 | D．Not mentioned in the passage. |
| A．Two. | B．Three. | C．Four. | D．Five. |
Before coming to San Francisco | |
In the morning | walked around |
In the afternoon | headed to a |
In the evening | went to Chinatown and ate |
tomorrow | go to |
教材对接高考：续写微技能——事物描写
10. 写出句中含有描写性的词汇
(1)There are so many beautiful old buildings—many sitting on top of big hills offering great views of the city，the ocean, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
(2)My hotel is near downtown, in the Mission District, one of the oldest parts of the city.
(3) This district used to be a poor area of town, but is now a center for art, music, and food.
(4) It was quite modern and lively .
11. 在课文中的句子里面找出描写性的词
(1) In the afternoon, I headed to a local museum that showed the historical changes in California.
(2)There were so many good cafés and restaurants to choose from.
WORKING OUT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO
As an adult, one of the first questions you are asked when meeting someone new is, “What do you do?” This is because your career is a very important part of who you are. The career you have defines your life, and so taking time to think about it is an essential exercise for young people.
The best time to start thinking about possible careers is while you are still at school, before you make any choices about your further education. This, however, is not always easy. Some people know what they want to do from a young age, but many others just have a few ideas bouncing around in their heads.
One of the most effective ways to get some insight on a possible career path is to complete a “career aptitude test”. The results of the test will tell you about your strengths and interests, and some tests also suggest careers that you may be suited to. Having this information will provide you with a better chance of finding a job you like. There are many free tests online, so give one a try. Getting a head start in considering your future career may help you for the rest of your life. You don’t want to look back in years to come and say, “I wish I had thought more about what I really wanted to do.”
There are many different kinds of career aptitude tests. Some ask questions about your personal interests and attitudes. Others focus more on asking you to rate different kinds of work scenarios， like working as a librarian or a lawyer. Of course, while completing these sorts of tests, it is very important to be honest—and don’t worry—there are no right or wrong answers.
| Career Aptitude Test example Page 1 of 10 | |
 How do you feel about the work tasks below? | |
1 | ○○○○○Assemble a chest of drawers |
2 | ○○○○○Drive an ambulance |
3 | ○○○○○Help develop a cure for breast cancer |
4 | ○○○○○Analyse the elements hydrogen and radium |
5 | ○○○○○Design a new range of wrist accessories |
6 | ○○○○○Design clothes for brides and bridegrooms |
7 | ○○○○○Teach children geometry |
8 | ○○○○○Help and advise people in serious debt |
9 | ○○○○○Manage a hair and nail shop |
10 | ○○○○○Provide investment advice |
11 | ○○○○○Check and edit education materials |
12 | ○○○○○Categorise employee profiles |
One popular test asks the participants to grade their preferences for a variety of work tasks. Their answers are then analysed and divided up between six different types of work personalities.The participant is then given a chart showing their score for each type of work personality. The top three scores are used to make a code that indicates the participant’s overall work personality. This code is then used to generate a list of career suggestions.
The career suggestions are also based on your education and experience level, but you can look at higherlevel careers as well, which is very useful for high school students. For example，you could look at the basic careers to see what work you might like now，and then look at the more advanced careers so you know what you may like to aim for in the future. This is a great tool to help plan your career and let you know what targets you need to reach to get there.
In conclusion, career aptitude tests are clearly a very useful tool. However, it is important to remember that they are only meant for guidance.The secret to a good career is finding something that you are passionate about. So try a few tests online and start thinking about your future career right now!
1. What’s the main idea of this text?| A．The answer to the question what you do. |
| B．Career aptitude tests, a useful tool for career suggestions. |
| C．An example of career aptitude tests. |
| D．The best time to start considering possible careers. |
| A. Conclusion B. Problem C. Solution |
Part 2(Paras.3－6)
Part 3(Para.7)
3. Why are you asked a question about your work by a new person?
| A．Because it is a very important question. |
| B．Because he wants to do the same work as yours. |
| C．Because your job is part of your life. |
| D．Because he is interested in your work. |
| A．After you graduate from the college. |
| B．When you are married. |
| C．When you are a college student. |
| D．When you are at school. |
| A．The questions are about your personal interests and attitudes. |
| B．They focus on your work scenarios. |
| C．They will ask questions about being a librarian or a lawyer. |
| D．You are supposed to be honest about your answers. |
| A．College graduates. |
| B．Job hunters. |
| C．Students with excellent grades. |
| D．High school students. |
It is common that an adult
One of the most
In
(1)The career you have defines your life，and so taking time to think about it is an essential exercise for young people.
(2)You don’t want to look back in years to come and say，“I wish I had thought more about what I really wanted to do.”
(3)The secret to a good career is finding something that you are passionate about.
