1 . Two years ago, Kiah Twisselman was working for the Kentucky Beef Council, when she reached the weight of 285 pounds. Kiah was responsible for their nutrition program, which meant _______ the health benefits of beef and it wasn’t sitting well with her. She had to stand up in front of a group registered _______, a group of influencers, and tell them about the nutritional benefits of beef, and it made her so _______.

While on a flight to a work conference, Kiah read a book by motivational speaker Rachel Hollis. “That book was kind of my _______ call to me that if you want to change your life, it is 100 percent in your _______ and nobody else’s,” said Kiah.

She started _______ Hollis on social media and decided to try her Five To Thrive plan, which _______ her to adopt five simple habits and commit to _______ them every day for 90 days.

Kiah started waking up earlier, _______, began daily journaling, drank water according to the instruction and ate healthily. In just a few months, she lost 25 pounds, which ________ her to keep going, ________ when she hit a plateau (停滞期). She set a new goal: to lose 100 pounds.

To ________ things up, Kiah started trying out harder workout videos. Unlike previously blaming herself for her failure, this time, she started from a place of ________. “When I failed, I was more willing to ________ myself and say, ‘What can I learn from this?’”

Over the next year, Kiah lost 103 pounds and the physical transformation was so ________!

1.

A．believing

B．improving

C．ensuring

D．advocating

2.

A．nutritionists

B．tourists

C．farmers

D．partners

3.

A．unfortunate

B．successful

C．uncomfortable

D．appealing

4.

A．business

B．wake-up

C．first-aid

D．conference

5.

A．favor

B．diet

C．control

D．opinion

6.

A．following

B．assisting

C．blaming

D．interviewing

7.

A．forbade

B．qualified

C．permitted

D．challenged

8.

A．overcoming

B．practicing

C．celebrating

D．correcting

9.

A．watched out

B．dashed out

C．worked out

D．spoke out

10.

A．forced

B．fueled

C．promised

D．reminded

11.

A．thus

B．yet

C．merely

D．even

12.

A．fix

B．divide

C．switch

D．sum

13.

A．self-criticism

B．self-love

C．self-respect

D．self-doubt

14.

A．save

B．protect

C．introduce

D．forgive

15.

A．apparent

B．awkward

C．slight

D．gradual

2 . Faster, cheaper, better-technology is one field many people rely upon to offer a vision of a brighter future. But as the 2020s dawn, optimism is in short supply. The new technologies that dominated the past decade seem to be making things worse. Social media were supposed to bring people together, but they are better known for leaking privacy. E-commerce, ride-hailing (网约车) and the gig economy (零工经济) may be convenient, but they are charged with underpaying workers, worsening inequality and blocking the streets with vehicles.

Today's pessimistic mood is centered on smart phones and social media, which took off a decade ago. Yet concerns that particular technologies might be doing more harm than good have arisen before. The 1920s witnessed a criticism against cars, which had earlier been seen as an answer to the problems caused by horse-drawn vehicles which filled the streets with noise and animal waste and caused accidents. And industrialization was criticized in the 19th century by Romantics who worried about the replacement of skilled workers, the robbing of the countryside and the suffering of factory hands.

However, that pessimism can be overdone. Too often people focus on the drawbacks of a new technology while taking its benefits for granted. Worries about screen time should be weighed against the much more substantial benefits of convenient communication and the instant access to information and entertainment that smartphones make possible. A further danger is that Luddite (反对技术进步者) efforts to avoid the short-term costs associated with a new technology will end up denying access to its long-term benefits-something Carl Benedikt Frey, an Oxford academic, calls a "technology trap". Fears that robots will steal people's jobs may discourage their use. Yet in the long run countries that wish to maintain their standard of living as their workforce ages and shrinks will need more robots, not fewer.

Any powerful technology can be used for good or ill. It is the choices people make about it that shape the world. Perhaps the real source of anxiety is not technology itself, but growing doubts about the ability of societies to hold this debate, and come up with good answers. So as the decade turns, put aside the pessimism for a moment. To be alive in the tech-obsessed 2020s is to be among the luckiest people who have ever lived.

1. What phenomenon is described in Paragraph 1?

A．The seriousness of social inequality.

B．The rapid development of technology.

C．Problems brought by personal privacy leaks.

D．Worries about the influence of new technologies.

2. Which word can best describe Romantics' concern over industrialization?

A．Negative.

B．Uncertain.

C．Sympathetic.

D．Enthusiastic.

3. What might be a result of a "technology trap"?

A．A lack of good jobs in the job market.

B．An increase in the number of Luddites.

C．A decrease in the number of skilled workers.

D．An interruption to the advancement of a new technology.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Pessimism vs Progress	B．Technology vs Civilization
C．2020s: The Age of Technology	D．Robots: Our Future Caretakers

3 . If you are looking for a vacation to a beautiful beach town, each state on the East Coast has something new to offer. Here you can find the best cities along the East Coast based on a departure (离开) from Los Angeles.

Savannah, GeorgiaRound-trip fight cost:$ 415

Walking tours of the city’s attractions are led by local historians, and you can know more about the famous squares and see the bench where Forrest Gump sat. There is also a free tour to Forsyth Park, home to a 300-year-old Candler Oak tree. Visitors can also stay at the Forsyth Park, which includes a spa, restaurant and cooking school.

Charleston, South Carolina

Round-trip flight cost:$519

You don’t have to travel to Europe to visit one of the world’s best spots. Charleston made Travel and Leisure’s 2018 list of the top 15 international cities. It was also ranked the No. 1 U.S. city for the sixth year in a row in 2018. You can enjoy the sunshine for free at Folly Beach and watch the sunset from the pier (码头).

Block Island, Rhode Island

Round-trip flight cost:$358

There are no flights from Los Angeles directly to Block Island, but a round-trip flight to Providence, Rhode Island. There you can make your way to Block Island and visit 1661 Farms and Gardens, which is home to kangaroos, camels, ducks, goats and much more. Southeast Lighthouse here is praised for its beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Roanoke, Virginia

Round-trip fight cost:$517

Take advantage of the arts and crafts trips, hiking paths and waterfall stops all along the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you don’t want to stay outdoors, visit the Taubman Museum of Art for free. The museum has a collection of over 2,100 pieces from around the world and hosts special exhibits(展览会) throughout the year.

1. What do tours in Savannah allow visitors to do?

A．Learn about the history of the city.	B．Help plant trees in Forsyth Park
C．Attend a cooking school for free.	D．Watch an open-air movie.

2. Block Island is best suitable for visitors who _________.

A．are unwilling to travel by air

B．love to spend time with animals

C．want to appreciate works of art

D．prefer enjoying the mountain view

3. At which place can visitors have both outdoor and indoor tours?

A．Savannah.

B．Charleston.

C．Block Island

D．Roanoke.

4 . My first year living in Los Angeles, I was a birthday-party clown. I struggled a lot with my identity because, I viewed myself as an artist while others viewed me as ridiculous. To make matters more confusing, being a clown is itself an identity-masking job.

One night, I was asked to play as Batman. At the time I had a giant mustache. But I didn’t want to change my physical appearance, because that would have been me admitting I was more of a clown than an artist. So I chose not to shave.

The next day, I went to the party. Once I got close enough for the kids to make out the features of my face, the entire party burst into laughter. I was so embarrassed. But then came loud applause. Feeling kind of warm, I was thinking, “Is this what encouragement feels like? It’s so new.” I was still about 20 yards away from the party when I started running. They all started cheering louder, and at that moment, I was Batman.

“You see, son. I told you Batman has a mustache.” said father of the birthday boy. I saw a huge Birthday cake with a frosting Batman drawn on it, and the Batman had a mustache. I stared at it in disbelief. That’s why everyone was laughing so hard when I first arrived, because when they brought the cake out, all the kids laughed, “Batman doesn’t have a mustache.” Instead of admitting the cake was messed up, the parents tried to save face and said, “No, Batman always has a mustache. He just shaves it for his movies.”

Naturally, the children were doubtful. But they were at the perfect age where they still believed in miracles. My mustache became the detail that confirmed what the parents had said and convinced the kids that I was actually Batman.

That year, I struggled a lot with my identity: was I an artist, or was I a clown? But that day, at least, there was no doubt in my mind what I was.

1. How did the author feel about his work as a clown at the beginning?

A．He was enthusiastic about his job.	B．He had to depend on it to feed himself.
C．It made him confused about his identity.	D．Being a clown is the first step to an artist.

2. Why did the author refuse to shave his moustache?

A．Because the real Batman had a moustache.

B．Because he wanted to give the birthday boy a surprise.

C．Because the birthday boy’s father asked him not to shave.

D．Because he regarded himself as an artist rather than a clown.

3. How did the kids react when seeing Batman with a moustache?

A．They applauded but lost interest soon.

B．They believed Batman had a moustache at once.

C．They ignored his moustache and played as normal.

D．They laughed loudly because of his ridiculous moustache.

4. What can we learn from the story?

A．Every effort you make will pay off in the end.

B．Never give up struggling with the unfair world.

C．We can find our own identity even in an ordinary job.

D．Every child is an angel that believes in all good things.

5 . Since it was uploaded to Internet in June, the video of Nigerian ballet dancer Madu dancing in the rain has been _______ hundreds of thousands of times over. In a moment when social media channels have been filled with upsetting _______, the scene of the 11-year-old pirouetting (单脚旋转) over puddles (水坑) is especially _______.

Madu is one of a dozen students at Daniel Owoseni’s Leap Academy(学院) of Dance. Owoseni _______ the ballet school three years ago. He _______ himself after watching Save the Last Dance at 13. “I basically learned all the fundamental _______ of ballet through Internet,” says Owoseni. A _______ later, Owoseni was outstanding enough to _______ the best in the country. _______, his hopes for an international career were quickly ruined, for he was told an African was not qualified. It was then that Owoseni decided to ________ a ballet school in his hometown for kids like himself who couldn’t ________ ballet classes. Owoseni started teaching at his home before a local businesswoman offered him a free ________ where he now holds weekly lessons.

Beyond the ________ that the academy has received from all over the world, he’s most impressed by the ________ of his own pupils. “Nothing makes a teacher ________ than a student who wants to learn,” he says. “Even though it rains cats and dogs outside they’re getting ready for class. Who wouldn’t be proud of these children?”

1.

A．heard

B．viewed

C．made

D．delivered

2.

A．news

B．promises

C．credits

D．progress

3.

A．inspiring

B．annoying

C．interesting

D．convincing

4.

A．attended

B．founded

C．finished

D．discovered

5.

A．demanded

B．exchanged

C．clarified

D．taught

6.

A．competitions

B．directions

C．principles

D．solutions

7.

A．decade

B．fortnight

C．century

D．week

8.

A．manage

B．surprise

C．cancel

D．match

9.

A．Anyway

B．However

C．Besides

D．Therefore

10.

A．run into

B．account for

C．set up

D．refer to

11.

A．afford

B．reserve

C．receive

D．submit

12.

A．opportunity

B．space

C．guidance

D．holiday

13.

A．intention

B．permission

C．assistance

D．attention

14.

A．contribution

B．motivation

C．devotion

D．admission

15.

A．angrier

B．sadder

C．wiser

D．happier

6 . Dancing with your grandma for 15 minutes a week promotes positive feelings and improves her state of mind, a study claims. Doctors from Israel are encouraging younger family members to have a regular visit to their grandmas and have a dance with their grandmas.

And they found a 15 minute boogie (布吉舞) once a week lifted the spirits of the elder family members and helped strengthen the familial bond. In fact, it is called Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). DMT across the generations, complete with eye contact, was found to promote positive feelings and improve spirits for the elderly.

The grandparents reported a bright state of mind, happy memories and uplifted spirits. Dancing has also previously been linked to improved muscle strength, balance and endurance (耐力). For the grandchildren in the study, the weekly boogie changed how they view aging and allowed them to come to accept the eventual death of their elderly relatives.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, assessed how dance affected general health of 16 dance movement therapists (治疗师) and their grandmothers. DMT was taken seriously due to the fact that it is easily accessible and does not cost more to practice. The researchers were eager to examine a low-cost method to treat issues commonly faced by an aging population— such as limited mobility and depression(抑郁症). Grandchildren were instructed to make eye contact and encourage playfulness and touch. They were also told to mirror their grandmothers’ movements and give them time and space to rest when needed.

The sessions were recorded and then analysed while diaries and interviews captured the opinions and feelings of the participants. As well as the benefits to the health of the senior, the experiment also changed the idea of the younger family members.

1. What should the young people do when dancing with their grandmas?

A．Follow the grandmas’ steps.

B．Look at the grandmas’ eyes.

C．Move the bodies as long as possible.

D．Talk with their grandmas in gentle voice.

2. What can we infer from the third paragraph?

A．Dancing brings the young happy memories and uplifted spirits.

B．Dancing enables the senior to accept aging and death of their old relatives.

C．Dancing benefits both the senior and the young in the new study.

D．Dancing is linked to improved muscle strength and balance in the new study.

3. Which of the following is the best advantage of DMT?

A．Inexpensive.	B．Relaxing.
C．Attractive.	D．Pleasant.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．What does DMT Mean?

B．Dancing: a Good Way to Stop Being Senior.

C．Why Don’t You Dance 15 Minutes Every Week?

D．Dancing with Grandparents is Good for Health and Family Ties.

7 . Mother Nature is a cruel mistress. Why? Read on to find the answer.

Venice

This iconic city is sinking rapidly. The canals that make up the streets of Venice rise 2mm every year, making relics of history go under the surface of water and destroying architecture. Experts warn that without intervention (干预) , this city will disappear back into the water at an even faster rate, consumed by rising sea level from melting polar ice caps.

Machu Picchu

These iconic ruins have drawn adventurous tourists into the mountains of South America. The forces of natural erosion (侵蚀) have been accelerated by tourism and this landmark faces severe influence from increasing foot traffic. The Peruviar government recently suggested a cable car that would cut out the intense hike up to the ruins, making the site instantly accessible to millions, but the future of Machu Picchu remains uncertain.

Glacier National Park

Perhaps you’ve heard that the ice caps are melting. But nowhere is more apparent in the United States than in Glacier National Park. Estimates indicate that the glaciers that are part of the beauty of this national landmark will disappear entirely in the next two decades.

The Great Barrier Reef

Hidden from view beneath the waves, the Great Barrier Reef has been rapidly dying off. Nearly fifty percent of coral which once occupied a large area is gone, destroyed by pollution and disease.

1. What can we learn about Machu Picchu?

A．It’s famous for cable cars.	B．It will soon turn away all visitors.
C．It bears a heavy burden of tourism.	D．It’s well preserved by the locals.

2. Which place probably needs visitors to dive into the water to enjoy its beauty?

A．The Great Barrier Reef.	B．Machu Picchu.
C．Glacier National Park.	D．Venice.

3. What do the above attractions have in common?

A．They all have a long history.	B．They’re all threatened by climate.
C．They’re all in danger of disappearing.	D．They’re all well-known for natural scenery.

8 . As a heaven for family entertainment, Orlando is home to several nationally recognized dinner shows. With a variety as wide as the whole Florida, there is always a dinner show suited for all tastes.

Arabian Nights in Orlando

With over 60 horses, impressive costumes and sets, and all of the excitement of a royal wedding, Arabian Nights is a favorite for families! In fact, children are invited down after the show to pet the horses, take pictures, and meet the cast of Arabian Nights! Of course, everyone will enjoy the royal wedding feast during the performance, so be sure to arrive hungry.

Medieval (中世纪的) Times in Orlando

Cheer loudly for your brave knight (骑士) during the Medieval Times show, and he just might win the victory in your honor. In this thrilling competition, six brave knights fight against one another in a variety of medieval competitions. From the fierce joust (竞技) to the intense hand-to-hand fight, this show will bring the excitement of medieval times to life as you dine on a delicious feast fit for a king!

Pirate’s Dinner Adventure in Orlando

Prepare yourself for Pirate’s Dinner Adventure as you are transported into a battle with the evil Captain Sebastian the Black. The show features fantastic special effects, song & dance, and so on. Of course, you’ll also enjoy a delicious meal before battling against Captain Sebastian and his evil crews.

Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner

Use the clues provided during your dinner and evening entertainment as you   work to figure out who has committed the crime! Put your sense of observation to good use, and you just might be the Sleuth who figures out ‘whodunit!’ If not, you’ll still enjoy a great meal and entertainment to remember for years to come.

1. What can you do at Medieval Times in Orlando?

A．Meet the cast of the show.

B．Battle with Captain Sebastian.

C．Enjoy the excitement of joust and fight.

D．Appreciate national dinner shows in Florida.

2. Who might be interested in the Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner?

A．Those fond of providing clues.

B．Those eager to commit crimes.

C．Those interested in taking pictures.

D．Those good at observing and reasoning.

3. What is the main purpose of the text?

A．To advertise for a dinner show.

B．To introduce dinner shows in Orlando.

C．To attract more adventurers to Florida.

D．To introduce an entertainment TV program.

9 . Many schools today have gardens. School gardens are planted by students and teachers and are filled with _______, often roses, sunflowers and vegetables. Whether the _______ is large or small, the students and school community (社区) who _______ the plants benefit (获益) from it a lot. Teachers can find creative ways to use school gardens as part of their _______. For example, science teachers can _______ a school garden to help students learn how plants grow. _______ teachers can ask students to draw plants. The _______ possibilities are endless.

There are many benefits for the students who work in the school gardens. One of the most _______ things they learn is responsibility. By caring for their _______, they learn the importance of responsibility. Gardens also provide lots of chances for __________. Students work together to plant, and care for the plants as they grow. They see a whole course that depends on the class working together as a team. A school garden not only benefits the whole __________; it also benefits the whole community! By __________ community members to help take care of the garden, students can get to __________ the people in their community. The food grown in the garden can be __________ to the local poor people, which will make students feel __________ about helping their neighbors.

On the whole, starting a school garden can be a wise choice for a school.

1.

A．fruits

B．flowers

C．grass

D．trees

2.

A．office

B．classroom

C．playground

D．garden

3.

A．collect up

B．clean up

C．care for

D．look for

4.

A．labs

B．skills

C．games

D．lessons

5.

A．change

B．find

C．use

D．fix

6.

A．Art

B．Maths

C．Music

D．Language

7.

A．medical

B．educational

C．scientific

D．future

8.

A．special

B．important

C．difficult

D．interesting

9.

A．parents

B．plants

C．teachers

D．classmates

10.

A．jobs

B．success

C．homework

D．teamwork

11.

A．world

B．society

C．school

D．country

12.

A．following

B．forcing

C．expecting

D．allowing

13.

A．remember

B．visit

C．know

D．tell

14.

A．sent

B．introduced

C．sold

D．returned

15.

A．sad

B．nervous

C．proud

D．curious

10 . Birthdays at the Canadian Children’s Museum

The perfect place for a memorable birthday party!

Celebrate at the Canadian Children’s Museum with creative and fun-filled activities designed to excite the interest of children aged 3 to 12.

The party includes:

●One hour in a private party room;

●Admission to the museum;

●Unlimited time in the Children’s Museum (until closing);

●One hour animation(动画片)(Only with the “scene-Stealers” and “round the World” themed party. ) Payment is due(到期的)in full upon registration. Registration is required at least two weeks in advance.

Scene-Stealers (Ages 3 to 8)

Step into the spotlight (聚光灯)with a behind-the-scenes trip to the Canadian Children’s Museum Theatre. The Director will help you warm up with some theatre games, and teach you some stage skills to get you ready for the audience!

Cost: $190 for up to 10 kids and 2 adults; $10 for each extra child.

Around the World (Ages 4 to 7)

Take an unforgettable trip around the world to learn a traditional Mexican dance! This unforgettable journey through the International Village is packed with fun and creative activities for young adventurers.

Cost: $190 for up to 10 kids, and 2 adults; $10 for each extra child.

DIY Party (Ages 5 to 12)

DIY Party includes Museum admission, and one hour of free time in one of the Museum’s party rooms. A great choice for parents looking to plan their own activities!

Cost: $100 for up to 10 kids and 2 adults; $8 for each extra child.

1. What should you know about celebrating birthdays at the Canadian Children’s Museum?

A．It is for kids aged 3 to 7.

B．It provides animation in all parties.

C．It should be booked ahead of time.

D．It is required to be within one hour in the museum.

2. What can you do at a Scene-Stealers party?

A．Make a new movie.	B．Learn some stage skills.
C．Visit the International Village.	D．Practice traditional paper-making art.

3. How much should a couple pay if they bring 12 kids to a DIY Party?

A．$100.

B．$116.

C．$190.

D．$210.