1 . I was 17 when I discovered shooting stars.
I loved them so much that I invited my high school friends to my family farm and spent an August night in our sleeping bags on the hillside to watch them together.
I can’t help but think of that as the final night of my childhood. I always managed to squeeze in a week or two of vacation before starting back at school, and I’d see shooting stars and remember that brilliant night on the hill. While still marveling at them, I’d work at convincing myself that the joy I’d experience from my accomplishments in college would soon replace my longing for some quiet time beneath a vast sky. But always, I returned to college life in August with deep sadness in my heart.
I’ve given lots of reasons over the past 13 years for my choice to live an independent life on a distant farm and home school my daughters. But deep down, I think the shooting stars had a lot to do with it. I couldn’t bear to gaze up at them and think that they were a finale to be witnessed before returning to the demands of school and careers.
So I said “no” to all of it: no jobs, no school. And I decided to lead a life tied to the seasons, where shooting stars were just one of many gifts from nature.
I changed my life to make room for them and I’m starting to learn the difference between fulfillment and accomplishment.
Accomplishment is a child’s successful test scores. Fulfillment is loving and forgiving each other through times table (乘法表)and written words.
Accomplishment is the publication of 20 essays per year and six books, Fulfillment is the hours spent researching, then walking through the woods to think about each word and thought.
Accomplishment is making enough income to cover my taxes. Fulfillment is sitting outside at 3 am in August, watching the shooting stars, no longer sad at the passage of childhood, but thrilled for the joy of the stars.
It is learned that accomplishment is merely a mark in the book made as a result of following fulfillment above all else.
1. What does the author believe indicates the end of her childhood?A.Departing for college. | B.Witnessing falling stars at home. |
C.Resting in a sleeping bag on a farm. | D.Observing shooting stars with friends. |
A.The aspiration for independence. |
B.The necessity of residing on a farm. |
C.The wish for a lifestyle connected with nature. |
D.The requirements of education and professions. |
A.Earning a gold medal in a sports tournament. |
B.Investing meaningful time with family members. |
C.Acquiring a spacious, charming, and cozy residence. |
D.Attaining a prominent position in a famous company. |
A.Independent and unconventional. | B.Determined and open-minded. |
C.Responsible and insightful. | D.Diligent and dedicated. |
2 . Two friends were walking through the desert. Once they had reached the oasis, they decided to rest and recuperate (恢复) before continuing their journey through the vast desert. During some point of the journey they had a (an)
They kept on walking until they found a (an)
And so, their journey continued. Together, they ventured forth, reminding each other to cherish the ability to forgive, to recognize and honor acts of kindness.
Truly, it is unavoidable that
A.intervention | B.argument | C.interaction | D.leisure |
A.pure | B.hurt | C.mature | D.delighted |
A.Instead | B.Furthermore | C.However | D.Thus |
A.shade | B.shadow | C.oasis | D.rainbow |
A.Appropriately | B.Abruptly | C.Gradually | D.Swiftly |
A.rescue | B.recognition | C.adaptation | D.assumption |
A.revised | B.refused | C.recovered | D.resigned |
A.carved | B.drew | C.dug | D.described |
A.Joy | B.Confusion | C.Hatred | D.Sorrow |
A.matching | B.surrounding | C.appealing | D.contrasting |
A.cited | B.suspected | C.comforted | D.responded |
A.give up on | B.get rid of | C.come down with | D.take charge of |
A.regardless of | B.in case of | C.in favor of | D.instead of |
A.expectations | B.conflicts | C.subscriptions | D.ambitions |
A.conventional | B.contradictory | C.dramatic | D.essential |
3 . I was appreciating my family photos on my computer, admiring my two beautiful babies when I found a(n)
I’d heard about the Internet addiction before, but I always thought it was something only
It
You’re likely not the kind of addict who doesn’t bathe and abuses drugs to help stay up for more online time. You may have noticed,
A.puzzling | B.inspiring | C.disturbing | D.fascinating |
A.eating | B.typing | C.rolling | D.meditating |
A.limited to | B.devoted to | C.joined to | D.glued to |
A.sword | B.divide | C.path | D.line |
A.in | B.out | C.up | D.down |
A.keep up with | B.make fun of | C.go through with | D.take account of |
A.figures out | B.turns out | C.makes out | D.breaks out |
A.admit | B.judge | C.function | D.recognize |
A.easy | B.acceptable | C.tough | D.favorable |
A.inaccessible | B.irreplaceable | C.illegal | D.unnecessary |
A.dreams | B.targets | C.threats | D.discomforts |
A.therefore | B.though | C.otherwise | D.plus |
A.at least | B.above all | C.after all | D.at most |
A.unworn | B.unwashed | C.unreported | D.unnoticed |
A.worry | B.bring | C.care | D.set |
4 . I’m a mom of two teenagers, and I often visit Disney theme parks alone to recharge.
These trips give me a break from my daily
When I checked in online before my visit, the hotel
A.challenges | B.anxieties | C.fantasies | D.responsibilities |
A.seeking | B.wondering | C.discussing | D.researching |
A.allowed | B.commanded | C.encouraged | D.persuaded |
A.preferences | B.suggestions | C.requirements | D.attitudes |
A.impressed | B.covered | C.surrounded | D.occupied |
A.purchased | B.accumulated | C.featured | D.possessed |
A.thrilling | B.amazing | C.interesting | D.boring |
A.pose | B.ask | C.sign | D.bid |
A.always | B.frequently | C.occasionally | D.seldom |
A.shocking | B.comforting | C.admiring | D.inviting |
A.schedule | B.programme | C.expense | D.remote |
A.Doubt | B.Satisfaction | C.Guilt | D.Emptiness |
A.hate | B.like | C.feel | D.respect |
A.strangers | B.acquaintances | C.participants | D.determiners |
A.adapt | B.recharge | C.supply | D.improve |
5 . My phone was an extension of myself. I couldn’t go anywhere
When I was watching TV shows or movies and there was a boring part, I
I have welcomed silence into my life with open arms and am enjoying the increased
As much as having a smartphone was
A.through | B.without | C.despite | D.upon |
A.updates | B.instructions | C.assessments | D.decisions |
A.symbol | B.responsibility | C.reality | D.addiction |
A.conscious | B.shameful | C.foolish | D.random |
A.sell | B.pull | C.throw | D.mind |
A.avoided | B.denied | C.missed | D.allowed |
A.assist | B.improve | C.associate | D.occupy |
A.requests | B.thoughts | C.directions | D.comments |
A.instead of | B.regardless of | C.but for | D.apart from |
A.creativity | B.productivity | C.knowledge | D.independence |
A.routine | B.necessity | C.loneliness | D.temptation |
A.genuine | B.grateful | C.direct | D.desperate |
A.naturally | B.certainly | C.seemingly | D.gradually |
A.wonder | B.imagination | C.interest | D.authenticity |
A.depressive | B.comfortable | C.stressful | D.boring |
6 . While enjoying my fresh lunch in a restaurant in Amsterdam, I noticed something odd. Customers coming in for something to eat ignored the person standing behind the counter (柜台), preferring to
What was the crazy thing about this? They were just several
Think about it for a moment. When was the last time you naturally
We shop,
A.talk | B.call | C.order | D.deliver |
A.meters | B.millimeters | C.kilometers | D.centimeters |
A.chance | B.turn | C.look | D.test |
A.spoken | B.written | C.typed | D.mentioned |
A.efficient | B.enthusiastic | C.effective | D.energetic |
A.ended up | B.engaged in | C.made up | D.went on |
A.hear | B.believe | C.remember | D.understand |
A.recording | B.studying | C.playing | D.calculating |
A.idea | B.aim | C.problem | D.rise |
A.cash | B.price | C.debt | D.tax |
A.decorate | B.book | C.build | D.repair |
A.Contact | B.Work | C.Quarrel | D.Reunion |
A.interests | B.benefits | C.disadvantages | D.influences |
A.unrealistic | B.unsuitable | C.unreasonable | D.unexpected |
A.serves as | B.refers to | C.accounts for | D.consists of |
7 . The days that make us happy make us wise.
--- John Masefield
When I first read this line by England's Poet Laureate, it
Slowly, I seemed to
Active happiness---not mere satisfaction or
Nor are the
Consequently, the long vision is there for the seeing. The ground at your feet, the world about you---people, thoughts, emotions, pressures---are now
A.terrified | B.satisfied | C.surprised | D.upset |
A.other | B.opposite | C.view | D.contrast |
A.arresting | B.amazing | C.interesting | D.disturbing |
A.handle | B.observe | C.appreciate | D.seize |
A.iced | B.clouded | C.rained | D.snowed |
A.roads | B.paths | C.spots | D.places |
A.fulfillment | B.sorrow | C.disappointment | D.entertainment |
A.embraced | B.interrupted | C.responded | D.accompanied |
A.brightness | B.stupidity | C.shortcomings | D.memories |
A.physical | B.sharp | C.spiritual | D.solid |
A.insights | B.impressions | C.attentions | D.expectations |
A.extended | B.collapsed | C.witnessed | D.withdrew |
A.got out | B.stayed on | C.kept off | D.fitted into |
A.proportion | B.position | C.explanations | D.duty |
A.happiness | B.wisdom | C.ability | D.life |
8 . I was cutting up lettuce in the kitchen when I suddenly remembered watching a video about soaking the lettuce stub (莴苣残余部分) in water to grow a whole new vegetable. So I took out a wide-mouthed cup and placed the stub into it, gave it a little water, and placed it by the window.
On a snowy morning I noticed the first sign. A first small leaf from its heart spread out. A tiny green flag of hope. Beaten, but not defeated. This lettuce was not done living! Within days, it was impossible to see the cuts where I had removed the leaves. The growth was explosive. And when I lifted the blossoming head out of the cup, tiny root threads fell down, seeking for the earth. What is growing here? Lettuce or hope?
If I were a lettuce in a similar condition, I’d want to skeptically assess where I found myself before committing to full growth. Yet for this lettuce, my inadequate offering of water and a place by a window was enough for it to decide to reclaim itself again. It grew in a cup of water, in faith. This is the heart of this lettuce: alive, strong and fearless. It deserved a name. I decided to call it Monty.
Monty wanted to grow, as we all do. I think I gave him a little love and freedom. Those two were all he needed to return to himself. I see joy in this lettuce. The return to self is always an expression of joy, which is life itself. This is the tendency of all living things.
Monty still lives in a cup, but I’m going to transplant him outside. He deserves to become his full self. The only problem I see now is my ability to support Monty. I hope I have enough of a green finger.
I’m surprised to find myself where I am. Maybe Monty is, too. I have the same choice as he does: give in or start again. The prospect of starting again is discouraging. But my lettuce-friend, Monty, leads the way. I can only hope to be as brave.
1. Why did the author soak the stub in water?A.To decorate the nice cup. | B.To hope that it would grow. |
C.To make a video in person. | D.To remove kitchen rubbish. |
A.This lettuce showed no sign of recovery. |
B.This lettuce was still fighting to survive. |
C.Tiny root thread climbed out of the cup. |
D.The cuts can still be seen where there used to be leaves. |
A.Hesitant. | B.Fearless. | C.Aimless. | D.Annoyed. |
A.Never being afraid to restart yourself. | B.Believing in yourself when in trouble. |
C.Enjoying your own life to the fullest. | D.Giving freedom to the heart in a way. |
9 . Rejection doesn’t always hurt. Sometimes rejection may
This year football fans have been watching to see how Joe would
Joe became the Heisman Trophy
Joe’s story reminds us that there are
A.follow | B.lead | C.create | D.clear |
A.study | B.perform | C.train | D.join |
A.tough | B.fun | C.attractive | D.easy |
A.accepted | B.remembered | C.rejected | D.ignored |
A.bench | B.stand | C.team | D.stage |
A.chance | B.resource | C.potential | D.enthusiasm |
A.signed up for | B.applied to | C.attended to | D.searched for |
A.fan | B.adviser | C.learner | D.winner |
A.similar | B.smooth | C.multiple | D.flat |
A.costs | B.takes | C.makes | D.offers |
A.theory | B.training | C.rejection | D.excuse |
A.achieving | B.planning | C.announcing | D.explaining |
A.affect | B.emphasize | C.estimate | D.acknowledge |
A.active | B.negative | C.possible | D.predictable |
A.interpret | B.imagine | C.explore | D.escape |
10 . What makes a house a home?
Not size, of course. I’ve been in some of the grandest houses in America, and it’s clear that no one lives there earlier this year, I had dinner in a mud hut in Ethiopia, where we sat on chairs next to the hostess’ bed—a home that had more warmth than any house I’ve been in since.
Now John Edwards is exploring what makes a house a home in his just-released (发行) Home. The Blueprints of Our Lives. There Edwards writes, “This isn’t a book about houses; it’s a book about homes. About the values they rest on, the dreams they are filled with, and the people they have shaped.” Edwards writes, “The houses and circumstances are different, but much of what you find inside will be familiar.”
Whether you’re sitting in an airport right now, waiting to fly to your childhood home for Thanksgiving, or in your own home waiting for the relatives to arrive, you know what he’s talking about.
We’ve lived in our townhouse for 21 years. It’s home now. The loose windows that shake in the wind. The fireplace so shallow it holds only one log. The kitchen window that offers a view of the world passing by. It’s where friends sit on the kitchen counter drinking wine while dinner is being fixed. I lived there for only 18 years, but it will always be my true home. Even the lamp in the west living room window, which I could see far down the road when driving home late at night, still shines.
While all this talk about childhood memories can be warm and comforting, home is whom you’re with, not where you are. As Edwards writes, “Home is family. Home is safety. Home is faith. ”
Happy homecoming.
1. According to the author, what makes a house a home?A.All the belongings in the house. |
B.Feelings of warmth and comfort. |
C.The houses and circumstances. |
D.Drinking with friends on the kitchen counter. |
A.it was the description of Edwards’ houses |
B.it is mainly about houses |
C.it helps us understand the concept (概念) of home |
D.it was written by the author of the text |
A.His house was too old to live in. | B.He missed the feeling of home. |
C.He hated living there. | D.He missed his old friends too much. |