1 . Future history books might record that we were robbed of the use of our eyes. In our hurry to get from one place to another, we fail to see anything on the way. Air travel gives you a bird’s—eye view of the world—— or even less if the wing of the aircraft happens to get in your way. When you travel by car or train, you are moving so quickly that you do not see the countryside clearly. Car drivers are forever thinking about going on and on; they never want to stop. Is it the great motorways, that attract them, or what? And as for sea travel, it hardly deserves mention. It is perfectly summed up in the words of the old song, “I joined the navy to see the world, and what did I see? I saw the sea.” You mention the place names in the world like EI Dorado, Kabul and someone is sure to say “I’ve been there” meaning “I drove through it at 100 miles an hour on the way to somewhere else.”

When you travel at high speed, the present means nothing: you live mainly in the future because you spend most of your time looking forward to arriving at some other places. But actual arrival, when it is achieved, is meaningless. You want to move on again. By traveling like this, you suspend (中止) all experience; the present stops being a reality: you might just as well be dead.

The traveler on foot, on the other hand, lives constantly in the present. For him traveling and arriving are one and the same thing: he arrives somewhere with every step he makes. He experiences the present moment with his eyes, his ears and the whole of his body. At the end of his journey he feels a delicious physical tiredness. Satisfying sleep will be his: the just reward of all true travelers.

1. The underlined words “get in your way” in Paragraph 1 can be replaced by ________

A．prevent you from going out of the plane halfway	B．expand your range of vision
C．block your sights	D．make your travel continue

2. What does the author think of the travelers mentioned in Paragraph 1?

A．They fail to see the scenery with their hearts.

B．They make full use of their eyes.

C．They get a good view of the landscape.

D．They are eager to see everything on the way.

3. Why does “the present” mean “nothing” when we travel at high speed?

A．Because we change our aims all the time.

B．Because we cannot enjoy the experience we have had.

C．Because we are looking forward to the future life.

D．Because we are eager to go to another place.

4. What will the author most probably advise us to do?

A．To go hiking in the mountain.

B．To travel at high speed.

C．To travel by car or train.

D．To go around the world.

5. what would be the best title for the passage?

A．Different Travelers	B．True Traveling
C．Ways of Traveling	D．The Use of Eyes

4 . The mind is a wonderful thing.It’s also excuse-making machine that frequently tries to convince us not to take action we know are good for us.If we hadn't learned about these excuses, or how to overcome them, we would never have succeeded in making these positive changes.

So why does the mind mess with us and make unreasonable excuses? Because the mind wants comfort, that's the reason.It’s afraid of discomfort, pressure and change.The mind is absorbed in its comfort zone, and anytime we try to stretch that zone too far, for too long, the mind tries desperately to get back to "ground zero" at any cost.These damaging excuses, such as "I can't do it", "It is too hard for me", "It’s too late now" and so on, are no strangers to our minds.

It seems too difficult at first, so you think you can't stick to the positive change you're making.This excuse can be countered (对抗）by looking at the fact that other people were no more capable than you thought you were.For example, my 60-year-old next-door neighbor finished running a marathon, so I told myself, "If she can do it, so can I !" Truth be told, the only person who tells you "I can't" is yourself.If you hear those words echoing in the back of your mind, tune them out.

I've witnessed people reinventing themselves at all ages 48-year-olds starting families, 57-year-olds graduating from college for the first time, 71-year-olds starting successful businesses, and so forth.

Another common excuse is that "I've already failed too much." If you break down, it's fine, because you are only human.Just don't stay down; take a rest, and then pick yourself up so you can go to where you'd rather be.As Winston Churchill said, "Success is never final; failure is never fatal .It is courage to continue that counts."

Some people feel like quitting when they have almost reached their goal, while others attain   goals through their efforts until the last second.So make some necessary adjustments to get rid of the bad habit of making excuses.Keep going! No excuses! Think, work, and climb, that's how you'll move your life forward.

1. Why does our mind make excuses?

A．It tends to seek comforts rather than suffering.

B．It needs rest and relaxation .

C．It is preparing for the difficult times.

D．It is the way it tries to find a solution.

2. What might "ground zero" in Paragraph 2 refer to?

A．The lowest spot.	B．The safest place
C．The original place	D．The proper position

3. Knowing his neighbor finished the marathon made the author realize________.

A．completing a marathon was not too difficult

B．people often neglect their abilities

C．looking down upon the others is wrong

D．people shouldn't let negative thoughts step in their way

4. For someone who fears failure, the author advises him to_______.

A．learn from those good examples

B．stop for a while and examine himself

C．try to adjust himself, and get back on his feet

D．look for new directions and keep trying

5. What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?

A．To tell readers how to make a change.

B．To help readers develop a new view of life.

C．To encourage readers to leave their comfortable zone.

D．To tell readers to stop making excuses and keep fighting.

5 . “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.

6 . Matilda
By Roald Dahl
Price: $ 10.25

Gifted and sweet, Matilda White goes largely unnoticed by her less-than-loving parents. Things only get worse when she goes to school. Luckily, her teacher, Miss Honey, helps Matilda discover how special she is and encourages her to create the life she dreams about.

Ivy & Bean
By Annie Barrows
Price: $4.59

When Ivy moves in across the street, Bean is sure they won’t be friends. They are just too different. However, when Ivy helps Bean get away from her sister, who is trying to get Bean in trouble, a friendship blossoms between the unlikely pair. Kids who enjoy this book can read the whole series over the summer.

Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed
By Emily Pearson
Price: $ 7.99

When Mary decides to give some fresh-picked wild blueberries to a neighbor, she starts a chain reaction of kindness. After Mrs. Bishop makes and shares newly-made cake, her recipients go on to spread kindness to others they meet. Mary might be a common little girl, but she learns that even children can help make the world a better place.

Frederick
By Leo Lionni
Price: $ 14.39

Frederick is a mouse who lives with his family in a large field. During the summer, all of the mice begin to store food to prepare for the cold winter months. All of the mice except Frederick, that is. Instead, Frederick collects things such as rays of sun, rainbows and words. Although the others think he is stupid, they come to learn that everyone’s contribution counts.

1. Who helps Matilda discover how special she is?

A．Her friend, Annie.	B．Her neighbor, Mary.
C．Her father, Mr. White.	D．Her teacher, Miss Honey.

2. Whose book is mainly about friendship?

A．Roald Dahl’s.	B．Leo Lionni’s.
C．Emily Pearson’s.	D．Annie Barrows’s.

3. What does Mary decide to give to her neighbor ?

A．Cakes.	B．Blueberries.
C．Books.	D．Flowers.

4. How much should you pay for a book of animals?

A．$4.59.	B．$7.99.
C．$14.39.	D．$10.25.

5. Where is the text most likely to have been taken from?

A．A story book.	B．A lesson plan.
C．A book review.	D．A kid’s magazine.

7 . Branksome Hall
Class Size: 12 to 22
Grades: JK to Gr. 12
Gender(性别): All girls
Living: day, Boarding(提供住宿的）

Founded in 1903, Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only all-girls, all-years International Baccalaureate (IB）World School. From the earliest grades, students learn to become leaders and to understand the value of serving the community. Discover Branksome hall’s programs at www.brunksome.on.ca.

Stanstead College
Class Size: 13
Grades: Gr. 7 to Gr.12
Gender: Open to both sexes
Living: Boarding

Stanstead College is a private boarding school for boys and girls in Grades 7 through 12. It is an English school that embraces (包含) French in and out of the classroom. It is also uniquely placed to open doors to top universities and colleges in the United States, Canada and around the world.

Oakwood Academy
Class Size: 1 to 4
Grades: JK to Gr. 12.
Gender: Open to both sexes
Living: Day

Oakwood Academy is a private school for students who require an individualized education plan and small class size to meet their unique learning styles. Direct Instruction is used to teach academics in small groups and a meaningful curriculum (课程) allows students to truly learn.

TEAM School
Class Size: 8 to 12
Grades: Gr. 1 to Gr.12
Gender: Open to both sexes
Living: Day

TEAM School provides an academic program for students in Grades 1 through 12. Students from ages 6 to 14 benefit from small class sizes (8 students) and an individualized academic program to provide an educational upgrading.

1. Which of the following is a single-gender school？

A．TEAM School.	B．Branksome Hall.
C．Stanstead College.	D．Oakwood Academy.

2. How is Stanstead College different from the others？

A．It is for preschoolers.

B．It involves two languages in class.

C．It is characterized by small class sizes.

D．It provides places for students to stay overnight.

3. What can we learn from Oakwood Academy?

A．It has a small class size.	B．It’s a boarding school.
C．It offers job opportunities.	D．It has its own website.

4. Which of the following is TRUE about TEAM School?

A．There are at least 12 students in a class.

B．It is just open to children of school age.

C．Students can. learn how to work together as a team there.

D．Most of its students enter top universities after graduating.

5. What do Oakwood Academy and TEAM School both value?

A．Personalized ways of studying.

B．A sense of serving the community.

C．Preparing students for top universities.

D．Designing meaningful lessons for students.

8 . How I Turned to Be Optimistic

I began to grow up that winter night when my parents and I were returning from my aunt＇s house, and my mother said that we might soon be leaving for America. We were on the bus then. I was crying, and some people on the bus were turning around to look at me. I remember that I could not bear the thought of never hearing again the radio program for school children to which I listened every morning.
I do not remember myself crying for this reason again. In fact, I think I cried very little when I was saying goodbye to my friends and relatives. When we were leaving I thought about all the places I was going to see—the strange and magical places I had known only from books and pictures. The country I was leaving never to come back was hardly in my head then.
The four years that followed taught me the importance of optimism, but the idea did not come to me at once. For the first two years in New York I was really lost—having to study in three schools as a result of family moves. I did not quite know what I was or what I should be. Mother remarried, and things became even more complex for me. Some time passed before my stepfather and I got used to each other. I was often sad, and saw no end to “the hard times. ”
My responsibilities in the family increased a lot since I knew English better than everyone else at home. I wrote letters, filled out forms, translated at interviews with Immigration officers, took my grandparents to the doctor and translated there, and even discussed telephone bills with company representatives.
From my experiences I have learned one important rule: Almost all common troubles eventually go away! Something good is certain to happen in the end when you do not give up, and just wait a little! I believe that my life will turn out all right, even though it will not be that easy.
1. How did the author get to know America?

A．From her relatives.	B．From her mother.
C．From Books and pictures.	D．From radio programs.

2. Upon leaving for America the author felt ________.

A．confused	B．excited
C．worried	D．amazed

3. For the first two years in New York, the author ________.

A．often lost her way

B．did not think about her future

C．studied in three different schools

D．got on well with her stepfather

4. What can we learn about the author from Paragraph 4?

A．She worked as a translator.

B．She attended a lot of job interviews.

C．She paid telephone bills for her family.

D．She helped her family with her English.

5. The author believes that ________.

A．her future will be free from troubles

B．it is difficult to learn to become patient

C．there are more good things than bad things

D．good things will happen if one keeps trying