1 . This morning, when 1 shaved in the mirror. I found my body was growing older. There was no doubt about it My
When 1 stepped back. I could see I had become
A.hair | B.skin | C.eyes | D.hands |
A.thick | B.beautiful | C.little | D.black |
A.beard | B.crops | C.body | D.kids |
A.smaller | B.stronger | C.healthier | D.fatter |
A.made up | B.slowed down | C.left off | D.came round |
A.relaxed | B.athletic | C.clean | D.weak |
A.Listening | B.Speaking | C.Writing | D.Reading |
A.book | B.note | C.mind | D.mouth |
A.recognize | B.control | C.replace | D.forget |
A.smiled | B.shouted | C.waved | D.appeared |
A.low | B.lonely | C.young | D.bright |
A.pleased | B.stressed | C.amazed | D.excited |
A.extremely | B.hardly | C.impossibly | D.uncertainly |
A.politer | B.lighter | C.heavier | D.prouder |
A.come in | B.give in | C.break out | D.wear out |
When a tornado touched down in a small town nearby,many families were left completely destroyed.Afterward all the local newspapers carried many humaninterest stories featuring some of the families who suffered the hardest.
One Sunday,a particular picture especially touched me.A young woman stood in front of an entirely shattered mobile home,a depressed expression twisting her features.A young boy,seven or eight years old,definitely in low spirits,stood at her side,eyes downcast.Clutching(紧握) at her skirt was a tiny girl who stared into the camera,eyes wide with confusion and fear.
The article that went with the picture gave the clothing sizes of each family member.With growing interest,I noticed that their sizes closely matched ours.This would be a good opportunity to teach my children to help those less fortunate than themselves.I taped the picture of the young family to our refrigerator,explaining their difficulty to my sevenyearold twins,Brad and Brett,and to threeyearold Meghan.
“We have so much.And these poor people now have nothing,” I said.“We'll share what we have with them,thus they will smile again.”
I brought three large boxes down from the room upstairs and placed them on the living room floor.Meghan watched seriously,as the boys and I filled one of the boxes with canned goods and foods.
While I sorted through our clothes,I encouraged the boys to go through their toys and donate some of their less favorite things.Meghan watched quietly as the boys piled up discarded toys and games.
“I'll help you find something for the little girl when I'm done with this,” I said.
The boys placed the toys they had chosen to donate into one of the boxes while I filled the third box with clothes.Meghan walked up with Lucy,her worn,faded,muchloved rag doll hugged tightly to her chest.She paused in front of the box that held the toys,pressed her round little face into Lucy's flat,paintedonface,gave her a final kiss,then laid her gently on the top of other toys.
“Oh,Honey,” I said.“You don't have to give Lucy.You love her so much.”
Meghan nodded seriously,eyes glistening with heldback tears.“Lucy makes me happy,Mommy.Maybe she'll make that other little girl happy,too.”
Paragraph 1:
The boys,openmouthed,had watched their baby sister placed her favorite doll in the box.
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Paragraph 2:
Taking the cue from my little ones,I removed my old jacket from the box of clothes.
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3 . What will the future school look like is difficult to make clear, but most experts agree that the school will be electronic in the future .
" Present-day schools will no longer exist in the next century," says a report in The Age. "At that time, future schools will become community-style centers, which run seven days a week,24 hours a day. ” At the same time, computers will surely become a central part of the school in the future.
According to The Age, the distant learning will be popular and students will listen to teachers on computers. Going into classrooms on their computers, students will study at any time, which is very easy for them. However, it is necessary for students to go to the actual school in order to develop some social skills.
The Seashore Primary School is an imaginary school in the future created by the Education Department of Australia. At this school, all the teachers and students have laptop computers . Teachers check messages and call students back on a special telephone system and students use telephones to search for information or speak to their experts who teach their lessons. Besides, all the lessons are related to all sorts of subjects and all the students have their own learning plans created by teachers .
As one headmaster says, a laptop computer is students5 library, data storage (数据存储)as well as the bridge to a wider world. Technology has changed the emphasis of future learning. Thus, well pay more attention to the learning of kids rather than the teaching.
1. According to the report in The Age, students in future schools will _______.A.have no teachers | B.study at a set time |
C.mainly study online | D.never go to actual school |
A.telephones are important in Australia |
B.how future schools will work |
C.every student needs a learning plan |
D.students enjoy getting in touch with teachers |
A.The Schools in the Future |
B.Great Changes in Technology |
C.The Seashore Primary School |
D.Actual Schools to Be Replaced |
4 . Aunt Fannie was Blueberry Jam Woman. Of course she wasn’t really my aunt, and out of fear, I never called that to her face. The name always made my father chuckle (轻笑) and my mother look sternly (严厉地) at both of us—at me for being disrespectful, and at my father for encouraging my bad behavior. I enjoyed both reactions, so I looked for every opportunity to work for the name into conversation.
As a young woman, my mother had worked in the kitchen of a large Victorian farm house owned by Fannie Cratty. Fannie was the last of the Cratty line; she had never married, and had no living heirs(继承人). My father once told me that it was because she was too mean to share her family wealth or pass it on. Aunt Fannie was noted for her jam, and for never sharing the recipe with another living soul. Even though my mother knew it by heart, as long as Aunt Fannie was alive, she never made the jam without Miss Cratty in our kitchen to direct the process and preserve the secret.
One year, after I had been particularly helpful with the jam-making process. Aunt Fannie gave me a quarter and then made me promise I would never spend it. “Hold onto this quarter,” she said, “and some day you will be rich. I still have my first very quarter.” It had obviously worked for her, so I put that 1938 quarter in a small box,put it in my dresser drawer, and waited to become rich.
I now have the blueberry-jam recipe and the quarter from Aunt Fannie. Neither has significantly contributed to my wealth, but I keep them to remind myself to hold onto the valuable things in life. Money can make you feel rich for a while, but it is your relationships, and your memories of time spent with friends and family, that truly leave you wealthy. And that is a fortune that anyone can build.
1. Where did the “fear” mentioned in the first paragraph come from?A.That year’s blueberry harvest had been poor. |
B.Aunt Fannie was too old to keep making jam. |
C.The author’s mother couldn’t help Aunt Fannie harvest the blueberries. |
D.The author knew it was impolite to call Aunt Fannie Blueberry Jam Woman. |
A.Aunt Fannie had no children | B.Aunt Fannie was willing to share her recipe |
C.the author often helped Aunt Fannie make jam | D.the author’s mother always made the jam alone |
A.Disgusted. | B.Surprised. | C.Affectionate. | D.Disappointed. |
A.To make new friends easily. | B.Not to put a price on generosity. |
C.Not to think of kindness as a burden. | D.To treasure the time spent with family and friends. |
It was Christmas Day. Pappy was working alone fixing an old lantern in the backroom when he heard the ringing of his bell on the shop door. The bell, which produced a uniquely pleasant sound, had been in Pappy’s family for over a hundred years. He valued it dearly and enjoyed sharing its song with all who came to his shop. Although the bell hung on the inside of the main door, Pappy had tied a wire to the screen door so that it would ring whether the inner door was open or not. Hearing the bell, he left the backroom to greet his customer.
“And how can I help you, little lady?” Pappy’s voice was joyful.
“Hello, sir.” The little girl spoke almost in a whisper. She looked at Pappy with her big brown eyes, and then slowly scanned the room in search of something special. Shyly she told him, “I’d like to buy a present, sir.”
“Well, let’s see,” Pappy said, “who is this present for?”
“My grandpa. It’s for my grandpa. But I don’t know what to get.”
Pappy began to make suggestions. “How about a pocket watch? It’s in good condition.” The little girl didn’t answer. She had walked to the doorway and put her small hand on the door. She shook the door gently to ring the bell. Pappy’s face seemed to glow as he saw her smiling with excitement.
“This is just right,” the little girl said. “Momma says grandpa loves music.”
Just then, Pappy’s expression changed. Fearful of breaking the little girl’s heart, he told her, “I’m sorry, Missy. That’s not for sale. Maybe your grandpa would like this little radio.”
The girl looked at the radio, bowed her head, and sadly sighed, “No, I don’t think so.”
In an effort to help her understand, Pappy told her that the bell had been his only companion, for the rest of his family were all gone now, except for his estranged daughter whom he had not seen for nearly a decade.
注意:
所续写短文的词数应为150左右;
续写部分分为两段,每段开头语已为你写好;
Paragraph 1:
With a giant tear in her eye, the little girl looked up at him.
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Paragraph 2:
Later that evening when Pappy was closing up the shop, he heard a familiar ringing.
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6 . It's now been nine years since I sold everything and left the United States to travel the world. These are the travel tips I'd like to share to help you save money and have a great trip.
Patience is important.
Don't get mad at things you cannot control.
Wake up early to avoid crowds.
Get up and head out before sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself. It's a magical time for photos due to the soft light and there aren't any large tourist crowds to obstruct(妨碍) your view. Also, it's usually easier to interact with locals who are getting ready for their day. Want those postcard shots?
Observe daily life around you
If you really want to get a feel for the pulse of a place, I recommend spending a few hours sitting in a park or on a busy street corner by yourself just watching day to day life happen in front of you.
Laugh at yourself sometimes
Slow down to enjoy your trip
Please don't try to visit six countries in six weeks of travel. All the good stuff happens when you really take the time to explore. I can honestly say that NONE of my best travel experiences happened within the first few days of arriving somewhere.
A.Spend more time in fewer places for maximum enjoyment. |
B.You'll learn about activities that aren't in your guidebook. |
C.Life is much too short to be angry and annoyed all the time. |
D.You will definitely look like a fool many times when traveling to new places. |
E.You may only see these places and meet these people once in your lifetime. |
F.You need to get out there before everyone else shows up. |
G.Slow down your train of thought and pay close attention to the details around you. |
7 . Pennsylvania is full of mysterious places! One of those is an old turnpike (收费高速公路)
My dad chose a 16-mile
When we
Whenever going through
A.designed | B.destroyed | C.abandoned | D.locked |
A.However | B.Otherwise | C.Therefore | D.Meanwhile |
A.explore | B.construct | C.protect | D.repair |
A.tunnel | B.section | C.block | D.course |
A.participate | B.register | C.cooperate | D.prepare |
A.excited | B.nervous | C.annoyed | D.exhausted |
A.silent | B.curious | C.cautious | D.positive |
A.approached | B.observed | C.constructed | D.entered |
A.covered | B.buried | C.absorbed | D.dressed |
A.forced | B.watched | C.abused | D.judged |
A.depending | B.surviving | C.calling | D.focusing |
A.accidents | B.hardships | C.regulations | D.incidents |
A.chest | B.trip | C.work | D.heart |
A.courage | B.pride | C.excitement | D.enthusiasm |
A.difficult | B.distant | C.dark | D.long |
8 . Don’t know where to enjoy yourself? Here are some choices for you.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
PopUp Picnics in the park return for the fourth summer in a row, taking place on Thursdays. Take a break to enjoy tacos (墨西哥玉米薄饼卷). Prices change from $ 2 to $ 10. Cash only.
144 School Street June 13-August 15 Start at 11:30 am and end at 1:30 pm
The Crow’s Nest
Each summer on Thursday evenings the Crow’s Nest offers its Summer Beach Party series on the beach. The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset. Families are welcome, and there is no entrance fee. After the sun sets, the fun begins with dancing to the best live music of local bands.
2218 East Cliff Drive May 30-August 29 Start at 5:30 pm and end at 8:30 pm
Bargetto Winery
Join us for a beautiful weekend of art and wine. Bargetto Winery will be hosting their yearly gathering of artists and foodies(美食家)at their amazing Soquel winery. No entrance fee. Wine tasting with purchase of $ 15 festival glass. 3535 North Main Street
July 20 - July 21 Start at 11:00 am and end at 5:00 pm
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Chef Page takes guests on a journey showing the area rich fruits, vegetables, and meats. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm with a five-course menu and good wines. Seating booked is not a choice, as all guests are seated at large, connecting, beautifully set tables designed to invite open conversations among guests. Ticket price: $ 90 per person. Tickets can be gotten online.
Chaminade Lane July 26 Start at 6:00 pm and end at 9:00 pm
1. What can we know about PopUp Picnics in the park?
A.It lasts two days. | B.It is held on Thursdays. |
C.It has been held twice. | D.It can be paid in credit card. |
A.Enjoy tacos. | B.Talk with artists and foodies. |
C.Watch the sunrise on the beach. | D.Watch the performance of the bands. |
A.The Crow's Nest. | B.Bargetto Winery. |
C.Chaminade Resort & Spa. | D.Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. |
9 . More and more travellers in China nowadays prefer homestays rather than traditional hotels, as they seek private living experiences. The house-sharing model was first introduced by the website Couchsurfing.com in 2003. It is still the largest website for travellers to find accommodation (住宿) without much money to spend.
Encouraged by her great experience of homestays in France, Maggita, 30, considered short-term hire as her first choice in her future trips. She later went back to her hometown Shanghai and ran a "shared accommodation" business.
The short-term hire idea has been a win-win business model. For travellers, they can rent a special room at a reasonable price and also enjoy a firsthand experience of the local culture, compared with traditional hotels. For owners, they can gain much with daily rental. Now Maggita has quit her last job in an IT company and become a host of some 20 homestays, which enables her to earn a monthly income of around 40,000 — 50,000 yuan.
In recent years, China has seen many homestay booking websites such as Xiaozhu and Tujia. Chen Chi, the founder and CEO of Xiaozhu, said the model is to share rooms or apartments that are not in use with people who need them. Instead of the traditional view that Chinese people feel uncomfortable living with strangers, Chen found that a large number of travellers got along well with house owners.
However, experts have pointed out a series of problems brought about by the fashion. Lacking supervision (监管) to those accommodation sharing websites, the service quality and accommodation safety cannot be guaranteed (保障).Experts suggest that the online websites should closely work together with communities and local police stations to improve the services.
1. What can we learn about homestays from the first paragraph?A.They started in China. | B.They offer the best service. |
C.They can be money-saving. | D.They are popular with the youth. |
A.Taken up. ![]() | B.Given up. |
C.Looked for. | D.Gone for |
A.Useless. ![]() | B.Relaxing. ![]() |
C.Well-accepted. | D.Uncomfortable. |
A.Homestays need to be improved. |
B.Some experts don't support homestays. |
C.Lacking supervision is the biggest problem of homestays. |
D.The police should manage the homestay services. |
10 . A single cigarette sold on a street corner may not cost a lot; however, the whole costs of smoking are huge.
First, consider the cost of human life. The World Health Organization says about 10 people die of a tobacco-related disease every minute. That speed adds up to almost six million people dying of such diseases every year.
Most of these preventable(可预防的)deaths happen in low-income and middle-income countries. The World Bank says each of these countries has a total national income(收入)of less than $12,746.
The World Health Organization says tobacco kills 6 million people yearly — a number that is expected to rise to 8 million by 2030 unless immediate action is taken.
For most people, stopping smoking is hard. Many began smoking as teenagers. They are used to it. Also, tobacco contains the powerful drug nicotine.
Studies show people who want to stop smoking can do so with different treatments. Some get help from electronic cigarettes, medicine or nicotine patches that reduce their desire for the drug.
But smoking costs more than the life of a person. It can affect the health of the whole country. The World Health Organization says low-income countries depend heavily on taxes from cigarettes. They use the money, in part, to pay the costs of health care for tobacco-related diseases.
But the illegal trade in tobacco products is further testing the economies of low-income countries. WHO officials say the illegal trade earns about $31 billion every year.
Douglas Bettcher is the director of the WHO’s Department for the Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases. He calls the illegal trade a monster with many heads. He says the trade enables young people to buy cigarettes at low prices, become addicted to tobacco and suffer from serious health problems. It also increases crime and reduces taxes.
The World Health Organization is strongly suggesting that the United Nations member states sign an agreement to end the illegal trade in tobacco products. Eight countries have agreed to the agreement. But the agreement of 32 other countries is still needed for it to become an international law.
1. According to the passage, people dying of a tobacco-related disease are mostly from ______.A.developed countries | B.high-income countries |
C.less developed countries | D.the United Nations |
A.Destroying the environment. | B.Being bad to human life. |
C.Affecting the whole country’s economy. | D.Causing the illegal trade. |
A.Some action has been taken by the WHO. |
B.The harm of the illegal trade in tobacco products. |
C.Young people who are addicted to smoking may commit a crime. |
D.An agreement to end the illegal trade in tobacco products is being signed. |
A.Smoking Costs More than You Think |
B.Different Ways to Stop Smoking |
C.The Illegal Trade in Tobacco Products |
D.Immediate Action to Stop Smoking |