1 . My name is Sara. When I was little, I played the drums. I also had a guitar. In fourth grade, I started playing the trombone (长号). I practiced about four hours a week. All of this might not seem like a big deal for a lot of kids, but there’s something about me that makes me a bit different from others. I was born without hands. Since I was about one year old, I’ve worn prosthetics (假手).
This year, I got an invitation to join the high school marching band (行进管乐队). I told my mom I wanted to do it. But I had an instructor who thought I would not be able to march in the band—not because it was a high school band and I’m only in seventh grade, but probably because my body is different. All I wanted was to show that I could do it, so I joined the band. And it paid off!
Music gives me energy. That happens sometimes. One time I was so down, I didn’t even want to get out of bed. Then I hit my mp3 player by accident. A song came on, and I got up and started dancing. It helped me say to myself, “OK, I can get through today.”
Around my musician friends, we all share the same problems, like working out how many beats there are to a measure. I have a hard time counting the beats, but so do a lot of the other kids. It’s a normal problem that we musicians share. When I’m with the band, I don’t feel as different as I do in other situations. It’s just another way that music makes me want to go on, and not to just sit down by myself and not care about life.
1. In what way is Sara different from other kids?| A．There’s something wrong with her body. |
| B．She knows how to play many instruments. |
| C．She learned to play the drums at a very early age. |
| D．She kept playing the trombone for the longest hours. |
| A．said no at first | B．had no idea what to do |
| C．followed the instructor’s advice | D．believed that she would make it |
| A．Bored. | B．Relaxed. | C．Successful. | D．Afraid. |
| A．A high school band | B．A young drummer |
| C．The music of me | D．My magic hands |
2 . We’ve all heard the saying“Life slows down the older you get,” but that's certainly not true for Joan MacDonald.
The 75-year-old fitness influencer has accumulated an incredible following on social media, in part because she's chosen to actively reject the idea that aging robs you of your energy, focus and drive. In fact, MacDonald looks at movement as a “gift, ” and whether you're hitting the gym five days a week, or just beginning your fitness journey 一 it's never too late to take advantage of what your body was meant to do. Get moving.
“Just start with what you can, ” MacDonald tells Guideposts, org when asked what her best piece of advice would be for seniors looking to get active again.“If you can only walk three blocks, start there. Over time aim to add another block.”
And just because you' re starting small, it doesn’t' t mean that a short bike ride or quick stretch session isn't having an impact. The recommended amount of cardio （有氧运动）each day for most adults is 30 minutes, although even short bursts of movement can have a huge impact on decreasing the risk of being overweight, heart problems and other conditions.
The key is consistency. MacDonald knows that the road to healthy isn't easy and sometimes, the struggle can seem impossible to overcome. She had to battle against years of bad habits and recondition her body to push against her imagined limits. She tries to keep her social media channels focused on the positive aspects of working out and eating better, always encouraging and uplifting her followers, and never judging their difficulties 一 or her own. It's that attitude that she says is key to staying active.
“Focus on what is going right and well,” MacDonald says. “For me, I started my whole transformation because I wanted to feel better. I wanted energy to live my life! Now having my health, strength, and endurance is what keeps me committed.”
1. What may contribute to MacDonald , shaving numerous followers on social media?| A．Her attitude. | B．Her impact. | C．Her strength. | D．Her journey. |
| A．They take advantage of what they want. |
| B．They start working out with what they can. |
| C．They get moving by doing what they need. |
| D．They perform short movement as they like. |
| A．Inspiring the followers and evaluating their troubles. |
| B．Holding positive attitudes and keeping a balanced diet. |
| C．Managing the social media channels and gaining views. |
| D．Breaking bad habits and challenging herself to the limit. |
| A．Prevention is better than cure. |
| B．A light heart lives long. |
| C．The nature of life lies in sports. |
| D．Content is better than riches. |
3 . While established by Woodrow Wilson as a holiday in the United States in 1911, the practice of recognizing mothers on a specific day or time of year has spread to more than 40 countries. Here's a look at the various traditions.
France
Mother's Day in France only started in the 1950s. After World War I, it was celebrated on the last Sunday in May, unless it conflicted with the Pentecost（五旬节）. If it did, mothers were celebrated on the first Sunday of June. Regardless of the day, a traditional gif is a flower-shaped cake.
Japan
Following WWI, Mother's Day in Japan gained some popularity, and it is now celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Gifts include red or pink conations（康乃馨） as they symbolize sweetness and purity. Children will often draw pictures of their mothers and present them to mom in addition to preparing dishes that their mothers have taught them.
Sweden
Celebrated on the last Sunday in May, the day isn't all that different from the U. S. version. There's breakfast in bed and homemade cards and the like. One difference is that the Swedish Red Cross collects money by selling red plastic flowers. The money from the flowers goes to mothers and children in need.
Thailand
While all mothers are recognized during Mother's Day in Thailand, the holiday is largely centered on Sirikit, the queen mother of Thailand. Mother's Day is celebrated on her birthday, August 12, and public places and households are decorated with lights and pictures of Sirikit. Flowers like jasmine are popular gifts.
1. What do Japanese children usually do for their mothers on Mother's Day?| A．Buy pictures. | B．Cook meals. | C．Grow flowers. | D．Present cards. |
| A．France. | B．Japan. | C．Thailand. | D．Sweden. |
| A．To tell us how different countries celebrate Mother's Day. |
| B．To protect traditions of Mother's Day in different places. |
| C．To introduce the origin and development of Mother's Day. |
| D．To call on us to show respect for our mother on Mother's Day. |
4 . Welcome to the Painting Competition for Woodlands Students
The International Anti-Drug Day this year is coming soon. In order to raise teenagers’ awareness to fight against drug taking, the City Art Council is going to hold a painting competition for the students in our city. Students who want to take part in the competition can hand in their own 2D paintings in either of the following two ways:
Each school will be provided with a box for students to put in their paintings. Boxes will be picked by the City Art Council on Thursday, June 23rd, 2016, before the end of the school day.
Paintings can be also handed in on Friday, June 24th, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at the Woodlands Art Hall (175 Riverside Street).
All paintings are required to be 60 cm wide by 80 cm long or smaller. Larger sizes will not be accepted. Each student can only hand in one painting. The final decision on the competition results will be made on June 26th, the Anti-Drug Day. The name list of the winners will be made known on the website of the City Art Council on the same day. All winning paintings will be shown to the public at the City Youth Park from June 27th till the end of July.
Prizes:
1st Prize (10 students) ＝$ 300 Gift Card each
2nd Prize (20 students) ＝ $ 200 Gift Card each
3rd Prize (30 students)＝ $ 100 Gift Card each
For further information:
Visit http://www. woodlandsartcouncil. org or call 2569-8632.
1. The size of the paintings like ______ will be accepted.| A．50 cm wide by 90 cm long | B．70 cm wide by 60 cm long |
| C．60 cm wide by 90 cm long | D．60 cm wide by 70 cm long |
| A．at the City Youth Park | B．at 175 Riverside Street |
| C．at the Woodlands Art Hall | D．at the City Art Council |
| A．Each student can take part in the competition with one 3D painting. |
| B．Each of the second prize winners in the competition will get 300 dollars. |
| C．Students can get more information about the competition in two ways. |
| D．Students must put their paintings in the school box on June 24th. |
5 . Heroes tend to come from youngsters. Here are four of the youngest Olympic champions in the world so far.
Fu Mingxia — 13 years and 345 days
Chinese female diver Fu Mingxia won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, when she was just 13 years and 345 days old. She dominated (占据) the sport throughout the 1990s with her performance of extremely difficult dives. Her last Olympic gold medal came during the 2000 Sydney Olympics in Australia.
Nishiya Momyi — 13 years and 330 days
The just-finished Tokyo Olympics saw a few record-breaking feats in the skateboarding event. Japan’s Nishiya Momiji became the first ever women’s Olympic skateboarding champion. The athlete is merely 13 years and 330 days old, which makes her one of the youngest individual gold medal winners in the history of the Olympics.
KlausZerta — 13 years and 283 days
KlausZerta was only 13 years and 283 days old when he won a gold medal in the coxed pairs (双人舵手) event at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy. Moreover, he is the youngest male athlete to win a gold medal in the history of the Summer Olympics.
MarjorieGestring — 13 years and 268 days
MarjorieGestring of America is the youngest individual Olympic gold medalist. She was only 13 years and 268 days old when she won the gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, She would have won more gold medals if not for the 1940’s World War II.
1. Where did Fu Mingxia get her final championship?| A．In Spain. | B．In Australia. | C．In Japan. | D．In Germany. |
| A．She won her first gold medal in her country. |
| B．She broke a few skating records. |
| C．She went through a hard time. |
| D．She won 4 gold medals. |
| A．Fu Mingxia. | B．Nishiya Momiji. | C．KlausZerta. | D．MarjorieGestring. |
6 . People have always been attracted to rock-climbing and plenty of accidents have resulted from this hobby. Seventeen-year-old Wendy Sherlock has fallen three times without any injury while rock-climbing, but after her latest accident last Saturday, she is lucky to be alive.
Wendy has been in hospital for two days after an eight-metre fall from a rocky cliff in the Sanderson National Park. She doesn't remember much about the accident, and it's not surprising considering her injuries.
“I've got quite a bad head injury — that's the worst thing." Wendy explained. “But I've also broken my arm and a couple of my ribs (肋骨) and there's a problem with my left shoulder." She doesn't know how long she will have to stay in hospital, as the doctors haven't told her yet. However, she is realistic about her recovery. "I'll be in here for a while, and I need time to recover because I hit my head when I fell on the ground. That's why I can't remember anything about the accident.”
Wendy's doctors are certain that there's no long-lasting damage, but they've advised her to give up her dangerous sport. However, Wendy is undeterred. "Since I was a child, I've always loved climbing and I decided to continue doing it," she said. "I think this accident is simply a reminder to take a little more care. I've started to feel better already, and I can't wait to start climbing again."
1. What can we know from the first paragraph?| A．Wendy is experienced in mountain climbing. | B．Wendy never had accidents while rock-climbing. |
| C．Wendy got seriously injured while rock-climbing. | D．No difficulty can stop Wendy from rock-climbing. |
| A．She has fallen three times. | B．She has a bad head injury. |
| C．She has to stay in hospital for a long time. | D．She can't wait to start rock-climbing again. |
| A．Not confused. | B．Not determined. | C．Not satisfied. | D．Not discouraged. |
| A．Cool Sports. | B．A Lesson for Wendy. | C．Sports and Fitness. | D．A Climbing Accident. |
7 . Agricultural scientists in Switzerland have demonstrated the long-term effect of organic farming methods. Organic farms use no man-made chemicals to increase crops or control insects and disease. The study showed that organic fields produced fewer crops, on average, than other fields. However, the scientists say the organic methods improved the health of the soil and used half as much energy.
The Swiss scientists compared the effects of organic and traditional farming methods over a period of more than twenty years. They grew crops on four fields of land in Switzerland. Two fields were grown using traditional farming methods. The others were grown using organic farming methods. The crops and soil use were similar in all the fields studied.
The study found that the organic fields produced about 20% fewer crops than the other fields. However, the farmers used less fertilizer and energy on the organic fields. They found the organic fields were healthier.
The scientists say the organic fields had more nutrients in the soil. The soils in the organic fields also had more biological activity than the other fields. The organic fields had more helpful organisms and a larger number of different organisms. The organic fields had almost two times as many insects, including helpful insects. In traditional farming, chemicals designed to kill harmful insects also kill helpful ones.
The researchers say the findings show that organic crop production rates change little over time, and that soil fertility increases. They say the finds suggest that organic farmers can help the environment by increasing soil fertility.
Organic farming is becoming increasingly popular in some countries. Many people believe that eating organic food is more healthful than eating food grown with chemicals. Some people are willing to pay more money to buy organic food.
1. What does the study show about the organic methods?| A．They have more output than other fields. |
| B．They benefit the health of the human and the soil. |
| C．They use more energy than traditional ones. |
| D．They can control diseases without using any chemicals. |
| A．Selecting the best seeds. | B．Using the latest technology. |
| C．Applying different methods. | D．Planting crops in special soils. |
| A．Its strengths. | B．Its products. |
| C．Its application. | D．Its shortage. |
| A．No insects exist in organic fields. |
| B．Organic farming is environment-friendly. |
| C．People can’t afford organic food at present. |
| D．Organic crop production rate increases rapidly. |
8 . THE FACE-DOWN GENERATION
If you’re reading this, you were probably born in the 2000s. The 21st century. That would make you young, creative, connected, global, and no doubt smart. Maybe good-looking, too. Right?
Some adults worry that you’re more interested in the screen in front of you than the world around you. They think of you as the “face-down generation” because you use your phone so much.
Does the face-down generation need a heads-up? Well, probably not. The fact is that many of today’s teenagers are better educated and more creative than past generations. They also seem to be enthusiastic (热情的) and willing to become leaders.
If you are one of the face-down generation, there’s reason to be hopeful about the future. Chances are that you will do great and laugh out loud.
| A．And what do you think of the online world? |
| B．But what do other people think about your generation? |
| C．More young people volunteer to help their communities. |
| D．Children are free to play computer games on weekends. |
| E．They wonder how you will deal with school, friends, and family. |
| F．Others think that today’s youth don’t want to face the challenges of adult life. |
| G．They are scheduled with homework and extra-curricular activities every day. |
9 . Online games are very popular among people. They make a large amount of money and have a large user base, including lots of teenagers. But now, new rules on online games have been introduced, which are aimed at fighting against addiction (成瘾) among underage players.
Adult players need to spend most of their time paying attention to work and family, and cannot play games as often as they want. However, underage players have more spare time, but less responsibility and self-control. Children without a clear purpose in life, where there is less family education and school management, might easily become addicted to all kinds of online games and online novels.
The most direct impact of an addiction to online games among underage players is on their psychological (心理) health. According to psychologists, people seriously addicted to games can become anxious, bad tempered, and avoid responsibility.
However, Chinese parents are more worried that their children will lack interest in studying if they become addicted to online games, as academic success is important for students. Additionally, when their children become addicted to such games, most parents do not know how to deal with the situation.
To carry out the new rules to the best effect, more specific issues need to be solved, such as managing foreign online games, ensuring that facial recognition technologies used by games companies have the wanted effect or making sure online game providers can only offer one-hour services to underage players on Saturdays and Sundays. While there are always loopholes (漏洞) in new rules, authorities should act quickly to close them.
There is no doubt that online games have harmful effects on young people. It is not acceptable for a large number of teenagers or those even younger, to become addicted to these games.
1. What’s the purpose of the new rules on online games?| A．To raise awareness of Internet safety. |
| B．To bring in new computer programs. |
| C．To reduce the grown-up user base. |
| D．To prevent the teenagers’ addiction. |
| A．They can learn more knowledge on the Internet. |
| B．They have more free time and less self-control. |
| C．They have purposes in life but lack higher education. |
| D．They maintain a sense of curiosity about the Internet. |
| A．How to reduce parents’ anxiety about kids’ study. |
| B．How to find loopholes in the popular online games. |
| C．How to control the service time of online game providers. |
| D．How to invent a facial recognition game for young players. |
| A．Confused. | B．Negative. |
| C．Supportive. | D．Uninterested. |
10 . Empathy (同理心) is one of those strange qualities — something almost everyone wants, but few know how to truly give or receive it. In a world where self-satisfaction is emphasized, it is in short supply but high demand. This is all the more reason to teach the next generation what it means to have empathy for those around them.
What Is Empathy? — Many people confuse sympathy and empathy, but they are two distinct values. Empathy is not just the ability to understand someone's feelings; criminals often take advantage of people by appearing to understand their feelings and subsequently gaining their trust. Empathy is more than that. Not only is it the ability to recognize how someone feels, but it also values and respects the feelings of another person. It means treating others with kindness, dignity, and understanding.
Kids Need To See Adults Show Empathy — While some children are gifted with naturally kind hearts, in most cases kids need to see empathy modeled by the adults around them. It begins with the way parents relate to their children. Parents who show an interest in the things that matter to their kids and respond to emotions in a positive and caring way are teaching the skill of empathy.
Meet Emotional Needs — When children have their emotional needs met, two things happen. They learn how to meet the emotional needs of others and they are anchored in what they are receiving, meaning that they are secure enough to give to others when the need arises but first they need to receive. An empty jug cannot fill a cup.
It's a good idea to talk to kids about emotions and how other people experience them. Give their emotions names (for example, jealousy, anger, and love) and teach them that these are normal. Talk to them about how to handle emotions in a positive way and point out situations where other people are experiencing emotions. Teach them about respecting the emotions of others and show them how to act in a situation where a response is required.
1. Why is it that the next generation are taught to have empathy?| A．Because people tend to center themselves. | B．Because everyone lacks empathy. |
| C．Because empathy is a strange quality. | D．Because it's better to give than to receive. |
| A．When a mathematician is calculating the area of a farmland. |
| B．When a teacher is comforting a student about his failure in exams. |
| C．When a criminal is cheating a victim. |
| D．When a dancer is dancing to music. |
| A．An empty jug is too small to hold a cup. |
| B．It's a must to talk to kids about emotions. |
| C．Adults should set an example to kids. |
| D．Kids give empathy with their emotional needs met first. |
| A．How to train kids to have empathy. |
| B．How to distinguish sympathy and empathy. |
| C．How to help kids finish empathy-related tasks. |
| D．Whether kids can be trained to be more empathetic. |
