1 . I used to be bad at playing basketball. Gym class in middle school was the worst. I was always the last kid to be picked. The only reason why I was even picked at all was that I was good friends with the best player in the class.
In the eighth grade, I finally decided I was sick and tired of being a nonentity. I dedicated (奉献) that entire summer to getting better. I spent every day playing basketball, practising for hours in the gym. I remember playing pick-up games with one group of kids until they all eventually got tired and left. Then a whole different group of kids would come in and I’d play with them too.
After months of this devoted routine, something amazing started to happen. People began passing me the ball. They trusted me to take the shot. They even started picking me first to be on their team! The last game of organized basketball I ever played was the culmination (高潮) of all my hard work. Against a team far more talented than mine. I scored 27 points. We still lost, but I walked away from that game feeling like a total champion.
What I learned from those years of rejection and waiting to be picked was that life really isn’t any different. Most of us spend our lives waiting for opportunities to land in our laps. What’s worse, sometimes we feel entitled (使有权) to them. And when things don’t go our way — when no one picks us — we find something or someone to blame.
I could have complained when no one wanted me on their team. I could have convinced myself that I deserved to be picked. But I didn’t. Instead I took matters into my own hands and put in the work to become better.
Should we have our fate controlled by a few people who in most cases don’t even know us? I certainly don’t think so. We have a choice. We can choose to create something meaningful, and so move forward with our ideas.
1. What can we know about the author in the first paragraph?A.He was always to be picked. |
B.He was picked because of his good friend. |
C.He was once crazy about playing basketball. |
D.He used to be really good at playing basketball. |
A.short person. | B.A superior player. |
C.An important player. | D.An insignificant person. |
A.People still refused to play with him. |
B.Now he is good at playing basketball. |
C.He gained people’s trust through his effort. |
D.His team was defeated by a more talented one. |
A.Wonderful. | B.Boring. | C.Just so-so. |
1. When did Amber begin attending college?
A.At age 18. | B.At age 19. | C.At age 20. |
A.It was boring. | B.It was demanding. | C.It was interesting. |
A.From the TV. | B.From a poster. | C.From her boss. |
A.She put it in the bank. |
B.She spent it on a vehicle. |
C.She donated it to a school. |
1. What does Mike want to draw?
A.Birds. | B.Flowers. | C.Monkeys. |
A.$50 cash coupon. | B.Some pencils. | C.A notebook. |
Many young people wants
Therefore, some of them are considering
For the above reasons, I suggest that young people be
6 . Benefits of Walking in Cold Weather
As winter blankets the world in a coat of ice and fresh cold air, the idea of going outdoors fora walk might seem less attractive.
Strengthened Immune System
Remaining in colder temperatures can actually improve your immune (免疫的) system. As your body adapts to the cold, it produces more white blood cells.
High Spirits
The winter blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can affect many individuals during the colder months. Fortunately, walking in cold weather has been linked to improved emotion and reduced signs of sadness. The fresh air and physical activity inspire the production of endorphins, the body’s natural emotion enhancers (增强剂).
Improved health and energy level
Cold-weather walking can provide an excellent heart workout. The combination of light movement and the body’s reaction to the cold increases heart health by improving circulation (血液循环) and lowering blood pressure. Over time, this can make your blood system healthier.
So, as the winter winds blow and snowflakes fall, consider wearing your warm clothes and taking a walk outside.
A.The cold weather does not cost energy. |
B.They play a key role in fighting off diseases. |
C.Winter, especially, is an opportunity to go slowly. |
D.They leave you feeling more positive and excited. |
E.However, don’t let the cold temperatures prevent you. |
F.Let each walk be a big step towards a healthier, happier you. |
G.The benefits of walking in cold weather go beyond physical health. |
7 . For me, becoming an Olympian was not developing a gift of natural athletic ability, but an act of will.
In the summer of 1979, I started
I never believed this would
I bought films of the worldrecord holders in pentathlon (五项全能运动).Sitting in a chair, I
By the time the trials actually began, I had been
A.advertising | B.training | C.developing | D.organizing |
A.goal | B.decision | C.change | D.trip |
A.exciting | B.interesting | C.important | D.unexpected |
A.track | B.hospital | C.college | D.position |
A.proud | B.angry | C.sorry | D.grateful |
A.save | B.help | C.punish | D.stop |
A.learning | B.progress | C.understanding | D.action |
A.because | B.unless | C.if | D.once |
A.read | B.said | C.tasted | D.watched |
A.losing | B.competing | C.singing | D.dancing |
A.give up | B.break up | C.keep on | D.give out |
A.designed | B.believed | C.introduced | D.chose |
A.early | B.old | C.healthy | D.heavy |
A.Gradually | B.Frequently | C.Finally | D.Unluckily |
A.fear | B.words | C.regret | D.tears |
I experienced the Naadam Festival in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region for the first time this year. Naadam means “games” in Mongolian, and it
9 . We love the idea of writing contests, but we hate con test fees. That’s why we’ve rounded up these 4 writing contests that all have no entry or reading fees. Some end soon, so be sure to apply for those right away if you’re interested.
The Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry is currently open for submissions. Poets can submit a book-length manuscript, but there is no page requirement. The winner will receive $10,000 and publication by Milkweed Editions. Deadline is March 1. To learn more, click the prize submission guidelines.
The Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award is currently accepting nominations (提名,推荐). Indiana-born or Indiana-based Authors may nominate themselves or be nominated. There are several award categories. The cash awards range from $6,000 to $10,000. Deadline for nominations is March 18. To learn more, click the award guidelines.
Winning Writers is currently hosting its Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest. Poets can submit one humorous poem for consideration. The first place winner will receive $1,000; second place will receive $250; and 10 honorable mentions will receive $100 each. All winners will be published online. Deadline is April 1. To learn more, click the contest guidelines.
The Griffin Poetry Prize welcomes poets and translators to submit their work. Two prizes will be awarded. The Canadian Prize will go to a Canadian poet or translator who has published or translated a work. The International Prize will go to a poet or translator from any part of the world. Each prize winner will receive $65,000 CAD. Deadline is June 30, with a second deadline of December 31. To learn more, click the prize guidelines.
1. What do the four contests have in common?A.All of them are for poetry only. | B.The winners’ works will be published. |
C.Everyone is welcome to submit their works. | D.Application for the contests is free of charge. |
A.The Griffin Poetry Prize. | B.Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest. |
C.The Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry. | D.The Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award. |
A.In a magazine. | B.On a website. | C.In an advertisement. | D.On a poster. |
10 . When handball was introduced to Sri Lankan schools in 2010, I wanted to bring it to my school in a remote village. This became a(n)
40 students aged between 13 and 19
Heshan Pradeep, an alumnus (校友) and member of the Air Force handball team, volunteered to
The
A.appealing | B.challenging | C.confusing | D.amusing |
A.regardless of | B.in relation to | C.other than | D.in terms of |
A.leaving | B.assuming | C.offering | D.creating |
A.determined | B.resistant | C.forbidden | D.grateful |
A.woke up | B.grew up | C.sped up | D.signed up |
A.allow | B.encourage | C.convince | D.force |
A.Ultimately | B.Occasionally | C.Similarly | D.Unfortunately |
A.protect | B.contact | C.coach | D.assess |
A.prospects | B.appliances | C.qualifications | D.facilities |
A.ended | B.continued | C.changed | D.functioned |
A.passionate about | B.particular about | C.embarrassed about | D.objective about |
A.debate | B.compete | C.associate | D.cooperate |
A.watched | B.hosted | C.reached | D.predicted |
A.stop | B.free | C.separate | D.excuse |
A.motivation | B.tendency | C.innovation | D.victory |