1 . True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.—Charles Caleb Colton.
Just like in any other relationship, arguments and fights are also a part of friendship. You will hardly find friends who have never fought with one another. Whatever the reason is, if a person feels that he is responsible for creating the differences, it is important that he apologizes to his friend.
Though you can use the email, text messages or chat for expressing your apology, the good old way of saying sorry to your friend through a letter will surely have a great effect on him. This will make your friend realize that your efforts of saying sorry are genuine and you really care for him.
Points to Remember:
Timing: Write the letter at the proper time.It is not advisable to put off it for too long.
Words: While writing the letter, what matters the most is that you truly feel sorry.
Sequence: Always begin by apologizing and saying sorry for your mistake. Then explain to him your side of the story. In the third and last paragraph, talk about what his friendship means to you and make a promise of not repeating the mistake.
Delivery: You can either post it or deliver the letter personally or through someone else. You can also keep it at a location where your friend will be able to find it easily.
Some people may try to point out the friend’s mistake while writing the letter. Avoid this completely, as it can make matters worse. The letter has to be brief and should only talk about the subject that has led to your apology. Keep patient and do not expect immediate results. In some cases, it may take time for the person to forgive and forget.
1. The saying in the first paragraph is used to ________ .| A．let readers study a famous saying | B．introduce the topic of the passage |
| C．show who is Charles Caleb Colton | D．tell readers the importance of friends |
| A．the email | B．text messages | C．chat online | D．letters |
| A．try to point out the friend’s mistake |
| B．make the letter long and interesting |
| C．begin by apologizing and saying sorry for your mistake |
| D．write the importance of your friendship in the first paragraph |
2 . Sharing is love for a couple in Texas. That's what a popular Facebook post from a woman named Tracy Howell has shown tens of thousands of people. Tracy detailed a four-decade-long tradition she shares with her husband, Clifford, which many have called “sweet”.
Whenever Clifford goes to work，he takes a sandwich that has a small bite on it. The bite symbolized a deep message for the pair, Tracy explained in the post. “Clifford and I have been married almost 41 years and I have made his lunch every working day since day 1,”Tracy wrote at the time. “Sometimes I would join him on the job site and have lunch with him. He told me once that lunch tastes better when you share it with someone you love. Soon after that, while fixing his sandwich one night, I took a bite out of it before putting it away. I told him that since I couldn't often join him for lunch, I took a bite so he knew I was joining him,” she recalled.
The first time Tracy had done this, her husband returned with anger after work and told her that some workmate had taken a bite out of his sandwich.
“I continue to do this frequently and he still says, ‘It's always happy to see you join me for lunch.’”
The post had been shared more than 97,000 times in just one week and had received more than 26 ,000 likes from Facebook users. “That is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard,” a user shared.
1. Why does Tracy always take a bite of Clifford's lunch?| A．To make her lunch popular. | B．To give Clifford a sweet feeling. |
| C．To remind Clifford to have lunch on time. | D．To remove Clifford's tiredness from work. |
| A．He was annoyed. | B．He thought it romantic. |
| C．He returned home at once. | D．He asked a workmate about it. |
| A．Powerful. | B．Anxious. | C．Caring. | D．Capable. |
3 . More than 7,000 runners who raced earlier this month in a half-marathon in London were under the influence of a scientifically designed and powerful stimulant — pop music.
The upbeat music at London's “Run to the Beat” race was chosen based on the research of sport psychologist Costas Karageorghis of Brunel University. He has learned how to design music to be as powerful, if not more so, as some of the illegal stimulant. “Music is a great way to lift spirits both before and during physical activity. A lot of athletes use music as if it's a legal drug,” Costas told LiveScience.
Costas and his team collected data during the “Run to the Beat” half-marathon, allowing them to test on thousands of live runners outside the lab. Despite strong winds and heavy rain during the event, interviews after the race suggested that the runners found the music inspiring and fun.
In the future, Costas expects a fusion of sports and music, where the crowd and the athletes are motivated by music in the race, while motivating one another. “It is beyond the music,” he said. “The music inspires team spirit. One of the key causes of motivation is the feeling of being together with one another. Having suitable music allows you to get this feeling naturally.”
The link between music and athletic performance is just one example of the amazing power that music has over our minds and bodies. Scientists also have confirmed that music improves memories, as we all have experienced, to the point where we don't even have to hear a song. We just think of it and the memories flood in. Music has also been found to relieve pain, make you smarter, and remove bad emotions.
1. What does the underlined word “upbeat” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?| A．Soft. | B．Original. | C．Positive. | D．Traditional. |
| A．Why the half-marathon was held. | B．What the runners think of music. |
| C．How the half-marathon was held. | D．How Costas carried out his research. |
| A．It relieves physical pain. | B．It improves people s memory. |
| C．It removes the effect of drugs. | D．It makes people feel being in a team. |
| A．How Music Has Changed Us | B．The Amazing Power of Music |
| C．How Music and Sports Affected Each Other | D．Music Contributes to a Successful Marathon |
4 . Some of the Oldest Cities in the World
Argos, Greece — 5000 BC
The name Argos came from Argus, the son of Zeus and Niobe. According to Greek mythology, he was the city's king. It was known as being the birthplace of many soldiers who fought in the Trojan War. Historical account of the city describes it as being a cultural center in the Greek empire, being one of the first cities along with Sparta and Paros to hold music competitions.
Jericho, Palestine — 5000 BC
The city of Jericho is in the West Bank in the Middle East. It is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Jericho started as a camping ground for Natufian hunter-gatherers around 10000 BC. People did not begin to permanently settle in the area until around 9600 BC, with the end of the last Ice Age and along with it the end of cold and drought.
Susa, Iran — 4200 BC
Susa began as a small settlement around 7000 BC and became an urban center around 4200 BC. It became an important town mainly because of its position near business center. Susa, located at the base of the Zagros Mountains and east of the Tigris River, was the Elamite Empire's capital until the Assyrians had control of it.
Gaziantep, Turkey — 3650 BC
Gaziantep，also known as Antep, is located in southern Turkey near Syrian. With a long history dating as far back as the Hittites, Gaziantep offers many historical sites to see. Visitors can explore the Gaziantep Fortress and Ravanda Citadel, both of which the Byzantines repaired in the 6th century.
1. What is special about Argos?| A．It was the birthplace of Argus. |
| B．It was named by Zeus and Niobe. |
| C．It was the battle field of the Trojan War. |
| D．It was among the earliest cities to hold music competitions. |
| A．Argos. | B．Jericho. | C．Susa. | D．Gaziantep. |
| A．It was near the business center. | B．It was at the Tigris River bank. |
| C．It was controlled by the Assyrians. | D．It was the biggest settlement of the Elamite Empire. |
5 . Summer job offers
Red Lemon shop Assistants(售货员)
We are looking for shop assistants for the summer. If you are a social person and good at salesmanship, we want you to join our team. Good conditions. Perfect for students.
Phone 0151-897-6643 for information about how to apply.
Cinerama Cinemas
We need people to work evenings and at the weekend. Responsibilities include checking tickets and selling popcorn and soft drinks. Watch the latest films ... free! Join our young and friendly team!
Phone 0161-754-6022 for more information about wages (工资)and conditions.
US Au Pairs
Ever wanted to visit California? Are you patient, caring and good with kids? Work as an au pair in Los Angeles this summer. Free food and accommodation(食宿).
Phone 0121-077, 2001 for information about how to get application forms(申请表).
Are You Mad About Sport?
Would you like to spend all summer teaching sport to people from around the world? Then come and work at our international sports camp Sports Star Camp!
Phone 0191-121-5533 for information about how to get and where to send application forms, etc.
1. Which number can you call if you want to get a job that provides free films?| A．0151-897-6643. | B．0161-754-6022. | C．0121-077-2001. | D．0191-121-5533. |
| A．It is a high-paid job. | B．It is perfect for kids. |
| C．It offers job-related training. | D．It requires somebody with patience. |
| A．Jill, who dreams of being a sports star. |
| B．Jack, who wants to become a sports coach. |
| C．Joe, who expects to travel around the world. |
| D．Jim, who loves to take part in sports competitions. |
6 . Xia boyu，70， the first Chinese double amputee （被截肢者） to have reached the top of Mount Qomolangma， the highest mountain in the world， Du Juan reports．
On May 14， 2018， Xia， who is the same age as the People's Republic of china， made his dream come true by reaching the top of Qomolangma （Mount Everest） seven days after leaving Base Camp on the Nepal side of the mountain．
Success didn't come easy． He had failed to reach the 8，844﹣meter peak four times before becoming one of the few double amputees to reach the top of the world．
The first climb by a Chinese team to the peak of Qomolangma was in 1960． Xia， who was born in Chongqing in 1949， was chosen by the Chinese mountaineering team in 1974． In 1975， the second mountaineering team set off． All the teammates finally reached the top， but Xia suffered bad frostbite （W1）in his legs， which had to be amputated at the knees．
"It's beyond imagination how difficult it was to accept the fact that I would suddenly become a disabled person，" Xia recalls． "I could not imagine a future of sitting in a wheelchair， perhaps forever．"
When a doctor told him that with artificial limbs he could live a normal life like anyone else， and he would even be able to do a lot of physical exercise， his hopes rose and he made up his mind to climb Qomolangma again．
To prepare for his fifth attempt（尝试）on Qomolangma， every day he got up at five in the morning and completed 90 minutes of strength training at home． On Mondays， Wednesdays and Fridays he would ride a bike to Fragrant Hills， 30 kilometers from his home， walk to the top and then ride back home． On Tuesdays， Thursdays and Saturdays， he completed 10 km of speed walking．
"Without targets， people lose' direction， "Xia says． So I will keep climbing and contributing more ways to society．"
1. Which is the correct order according to the passage？a． Xia had to be amputated at the knee immediately after the climb．
b． Xia joined the Chinese Mountaineering team．
c． Xia made his dream come true by reaching the top of Qomolangma．
d． Xia tried four times but failed， so he prepared for the fifth．
e． Chinese team set for the first climb to the top of Qomolangma．
| A．e﹣b﹣d﹣c﹣a |
| B．b﹣a﹣e﹣c﹣d |
| C．b﹣e﹣a﹣d﹣c |
| D．e﹣b﹣a﹣d﹣c |
| A．Xia was 27 when he first climbed qomolangma． |
| B．Xia was 72 when he made his dream come true． |
| C．The Base camp lay on the Chinese side of the mountain． |
| D．Xia reached the top of the world in 2018． |
| A．Xia felt it unimaginable to be sitting in a wheelchair all his life． |
| B．Xia lost hope after a doctor explained about his artificial limbs． |
| C．it took Xia a long time to make full preparations for his fifth attempt． |
| D．Xia had failed to reach the peak four times before his fifth attempt． |
| A．Plans． |
| B．Aims． |
| C．Wills． |
| D．Hopes． |
| A．Travel journal． |
| B．TV Interview． |
| C．News report． |
| D．Short story． |
7 . One summer camp long ago， I experienced a terrible need of a practical budget （f）， so that I began to make a chart of my "money in"， "save" and "spend" every week．
1. How many items did the writer take down？
| A．2． |
| B．3． |
| C．4． |
| D．5 |
| A．My Weekly Budget． |
| B．How to Make a Balance． |
| C．money for Future Use． |
| D．"Money in" equals "Spend" |
| A．He took it as important as lunch． |
| B．He thought he should list it onto "Have to Spend．" |
| C．He considered it unnecessary to drink soda after school． |
| D．He was sure he should put this sum into his money bank account． |
| A．On a car． |
| B．On his education． |
| C．On a present for her mother． |
| D．On a Piggy bank toy． |
| A．Summer camp usually costs children a lot of money． |
| B．Income should equal the expense and saving． |
| C．One should always balance Money In and Spend． |
| D．Parents should plan the budget for their children． |
8 . With summer break coming up for children across the United States，now it 's time to plan a fantastic summer trip for your family.Her are a few of the best places you can take your family to this year and any year for that matter.
Montgomery，Alabama
Montgomery is an important site for learning about the history of the Civil Rights Move-ment. Children with their families can visit the Civil Rights Memorial Center to take a tour of the exhibits and learn about the hopes and dreams and the struggle for equality in the country.
Kenai Peninsula，Alaska
If you are looking for a wonderful outdoor adventure，the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska is a fantastic trip. While visiting this region of Alaska，you can explore the Kenai Mountains in Kenai Fjords(峡湾）National Park，where your kids can see glaciers，fjords and especially the Harding Icefield Fishing is another wonderful activity to enjoy at this destination.
Channel Islands，California
The Channel Islands are an amazing archipelago (群岛）) off the coast of California. Here visitors can enjoy the Channel Islands National Park. The Channel Islands National Park protects five of the islands. Within the protection of the park there is a wide variety of wildlife，as well as natural and cultural resources. You should keep an eye out for seals，sea lions，dolphins,and many more.
Memphis，Tennessee
Memphis is a fantastic destination for families that enjoy music. This city played a great role in the evolution of Blues music. You certainly won't want to miss out on a trip to Graceland while exploring Memphis.The home of Elvis Presley is open to visitors for tours,where you can travel through the life and rise of Elvis.
1. Where can you enjoy exhibitions during your trip?| A．Montgomery. | B．Kenai Peninsula. |
| C．Channel Islands. | D．Memphis. |
| A．Listen to some music. |
| B．Explore various wildlife. |
| C．Try risking outdoors. |
| D．Watch all kinds of fishes. |
| A．To give children some instructions. |
| B．To introduce some trip sites for families. |
| C．To advertise some famous attractions. |
| D．To encourage children to learn in summer. |
9 . Elon Musk has expressed his company – Neuralink is close to announcing the first brain-machine interface (接口) to connect humans and computers. Musk told followers in Twitter the technology would be “coming soon” – though he failed to provide details.
Neuralink was set up in 2016 with the ambitious goal of developing hardware to strengthen the human brain. However, little about how this will work has been made public. Neuralink describes the interface as an extremely high-speed connection between the human brain and computers.
Musk has frequently claimed the rapid rise of artificial intelligence poses an existential risk to humanity. Such an interface, he says, is essential if humans are to compete with such technology in the future. At a technology conference in 2016, Mr Musk said humans risked being treated like house pets by AI machines if a brain-computer interface was not built. Last year on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Musk said Neuralink’s technology would allow humans to “effectively combine with AI”.
A paper published in Nature Nanotechnology in 2015 described a concept for this connection, explaining how a flexible circuit (回路) could be injected into a living brain. “We’re trying to lessen the distinction between electronic circuits and neural circuits,” said Harvard researcher Charles Lieber, who co-authored the study. Despite the technology’s potential to increase the human brain, experts have warned that brain-computer interfaces risk being controlled by vicious (恶意的) artificial intelligence.
Such an action could lead to AI controlling the thoughts, decisions and emotions of a person using a brain-computer link. “Technological developments mean that we are on a path to a world in which it will be possible to discover people’s mental processes and directly operate the brain mechanisms underlying their intentions, emotions and decision,” stated a Nature comment piece written by 27 scientists and machine intelligence engineers. “The possible medical and social benefits in it are vast. But we must guide their development in a way that respects, protects and enables what is best in humanity.”
1. What message did Musk convey about his Neuralink?| A．It sells brain-machine interfaces. |
| B．It offers rich data about interfaces. |
| C．It has followers to connect humans and computers. |
| D．Its new technology will be accessible to the public soon . |
| A．Neuralink aims to know the human brain better. |
| B．How the hardware functions is already known. |
| C．The brain-machine interface was invented in 2016. |
| D．The interface is expected to link the human brain and computers rapidly. |
| A．Because they may treat human like house pets. |
| B．Because they may make AI serve human better. |
| C．Because they build neural circuits in human brains. |
| D．Because they rapidly develop artificial intelligence. |
| A．Objective | B．Favorable |
| C．Opposed | D．Indifferent |
10 . You signed up for soccer, and played every game of the season. Sure, you're not the best player on the team, but most days you gave it your all. Do you deserve a trophy (奖杯)?
If the decision is up to Carol Dweck, the answer would likely be no. She's a psychology professor at Stanford University, California. She says a player doesn't have to be the best to get a trophy. But those who receive an award should have to work for it. She suggests trophies go to the most improved player, or the one who contributed most to the team spirit, as well as to those who play the best.
“The trophy has to stand for something,” Dweck told TFK. “If we give a trophy to everyone, then the award has no value.” Dweck argues that giving kids trophies for particular reasons, such as improving in a sport, teaches kids that adults value hard work and trying our best.
Others say that there's no harm in giving awards to all kids who play a sport, regardless of how they played or whether or not they improved.
“I think we should encourage kids' participation in sports,” says Kenneth Barish, a psychology professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, in New York City. “A trophy is one way to encourage kids' efforts.”
Barish argues that when we single out only the best or even the most improved players with a trophy, we are teaching kids the wrong lesson. We are sending the message that winning is everything. “Winning is only part of the equation (等式),” Barish told TFK. “Playing sports also teaches kids about teamwork and the importance of exercise.”
There will be plenty of opportunities for kids to learn about competition as they get older, says Barish. They'll soon realize that only one soccer team wins the World Cup and only one football team wins the Super Bowl. For now, he thinks there's nothing wrong with letting all kids who play a sport feel like winners. That means trophies for everyone.
1. According to Carol Dweck, which player should receive a trophy?| A．Tony, the most attractive player of the soccer team. |
| B．David, a soccer player who is both clever and funny. |
| C．Peter, who is ready to help his partners to score goals. |
| D．Jim, a soccer player who tries his best to win the game |
| A．There is no sense in giving a trophy to everyone. |
| B．Kids fond of playing sports should be rewarded. |
| C．Kids should be given trophies for trying their best. |
| D．It is necessary to encourage kids' participation in sports. |
| A．honor | B．choose |
| C．value | D．stress |
| A．Who deserves a trophy? | B．All kids deserve a trophy |
| C．What does a trophy deserve? | D．Best player deserves a trophy |
