1 . Imagine a plate holding two strawberries, identical in appearance. One came out of a supermarket box, meaning it was probably harvested when it was still unripe. By the time it reached the plate it may have been off the vine for two weeks. The other strawberry was picked from a garden minutes before being eaten.

Supermarket strawberries are not entirely without advantages: they are convenient and still available even in winter months. But the two berries differ from each other in the same way that hearing music in a concert hall differs from listening to it on an old CD player. The home-grown fruit is an eatable case for making a home garden.

Your columnist, who long considered gardening a complete waste of time, advances this argument with great enthusiasm. Planting cool-weather greens, as gardeners across the north-east of America are now doing, can seem nonsense, since convenient, continuously well-stocked supermarket shelves are available all week. But the same could be said of cooking: there are many cheap and decent restaurants around, so why bother to make your own meals?

That attitude misconstrues the ultimate appeal of gardening: it mistakes the product for the purpose. It is true that a garden can produce tomatoes and carrots of incomparable sweetness, and celtuce and herbs that taste like themselves rather than the plastic they are usually packaged in. While finding, let’s say, celtuce in the shops can take some time, effort, and expense, growing your own vegetables ensures a reliable supply.

On the other hand, a garden, especially in the early   years, can produce little but frustration. Green hands may plant the wrong crops for their soil. And even expert gardeners can lose a season’s harvest to uncooperative weather.

No matter. The real joy of gardening is the time spent doing it. The deepest pleasure-as with cooking. Writing or almost anything worthwhile — is in the work itself. To garden is to patiently, lovingly and diligently help life become strong and healthy, in the ground and above it.

1. What can we know about the supermarket strawberries?

A．They look distinct from home-grown ones.	B．They give out pleasant and fresh smell.
C．They are picked days before fully grown.	D．They are planted typically in winter.

2. What does the underlined word “misconstrues“ mean in paragraph 4?

A．Misinterprets.

B．Transforms.

C．Mistrusts.

D．Highlights.

3. Why does the author mention the failures in gardening?

A．To warn readers not to take up gardening easily.

B．To advise readers to work in harmony with nature.

C．To make readers reflect on the methods of gardening.

D．To help readers have a whole picture of gardening.

4. What is the author’s opinion on gardening?

A．It’s a difficult and time-consuming process.	B．Products of gardening make it worthwhile.
C．The time and efforts invested make it a delight.	D．It reduces the cost of purchasing vegetables.

2 . Earthquakes are a natural disaster — except when they’re man-made. The oil and gas industry has forcefully used the technique known as hydraulic fracturing (水力压裂) to destroy sub-surface rock and free the oil and gas hiding there. But the process results in large amounts of chemical-filled waste water. Horizontal drilling (水平钻探) for oil can also produce a large amount of natural, unwanted salt water. The industry deals with this waste water by pumping it into deep wells.

Previously, the US Geological Survey published for the first time an earthquake disaster map covering both natural and “induced” quakes. The map and a report showed that parts of the central United States were facing a ground-shaking disaster equal to the famously unstable terrain (地形) of California.

Some 7 million people lived in places easily attacked by these man-made quakes, and almost all the risk of increasing man-made quakes was tied to companies that were pumping waste water from oil and gas production deep into the earth, the USGS reported. The list of places at highest risk of man-made earthquakes included Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio and Alabama. Most of these earthquakes were relatively small, in the range of magnitude 3, but some were more powerful, including a magnitude 5.6 earthquake in 2011 in Oklahoma that was connected to waste water filling.

Scientists said they did not know if there was an upper limit on the magnitude of man-made earthquakes; this was an area of active research. Oklahoma had had prehistoric earthquakes as powerful as magnitude 7.

It’s not immediately clear whether this research will change industry practices, or even whether it will surprise anyone in the areas of newly estimated danger. In Oklahoma, for example, the rate of earthquakes was only one or two a year, but there have been hundreds since hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, with waste water filling, became common in the last years.

1. What can cause man-made earthquakes?

A．The man-made waste water in the factories.

B．The process of digging deep wells in those poor areas.

C．The oil and gas industry’s work to harvest the oil and gas.

D．The way used by the oil and gas industry to deal with waste water.

2. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the underlined word “induced” in paragraph 2?

A．Man-made.

B．Reduced.

C．Newly-built.

D．Controlled.

3. What’s the highest magnitude of man-made earthquakes according to the scientists?

A．Magnitude 3.

B．Magnitude 5.6.

C．Magnitude 7.

D．No conclusion.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Natural Earthquakes in America Are Disappearing Now

B．About 7 Million Americans at Risk of Man-Made Earthquakes

C．Time for the Oil and Gas Industry to Change Its Working Practices

D．Earthquakes as Powerful as Magnitude 7 Happen More Often in America

3 . The cost of living in countries like the US, Britain, Australia or France has skyrocketed in recent years. However, if you’re willing to leave your country and explore life in other areas, there are many countries boasting an extremely cheap and low cost of living. Check out the following countries when planning your next move.

Ecuador

Ecuador is similar to the United States in many ways, and as a result has become a popular American getaway. They even use the US Dollar for their currency. In this country, it’s cheaper to eat out every day than cook for yourself on a budget in the US. You can even buy a building for around $ 50, 000 and hire someone to look after it while you’re away.

Mexico

Although the country is known for its poverty ridden streets, there $are many wealthier areas that provide every facility you might need. You can live off a mere $ 700 to $ 800 a month in Mexico, and this includes rent for a nice place, facilities, food, and any sightseeing.

Argentina

Argentina has been a popular tourist destination for many years. It has great restaurants, a rich history, and many places to explore. Not to mention, it’s not very expensive to live here. A decent sized home can cost around $ 139, 000, which is relatively cheap in relation to homes in the United States.

Vietnam

Vietnam has also become a popular tourist destination in recent years. There are many million-dollar luxury homes by the beach, but you can find a modest flat or a small home for around $ 25,000 to $ 50,000 if you search in the right areas.

1. In which country is the US Dollar used for its currency?

A．Argentina.	B．Mexico.
C．Ecuador.	D．Vietnam.

2. How much does it cost to live in Mexico for a year?

A．About $ 7,000.	B．About $ 8,000.
C．About $ 8,800.	D．About $ 12,000.

3. What do Argentina and Vietnam have in common?

A．They have great restaurants.

B．The cost of living is expensive.

C．The middle-sized homes cost around $ 139,000.

D．Tourists enjoy travelling in the two countries.

5 . Follow this four-day route, and you’ll lose yourself in the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Day 1 Overview Edinburgh

It was in Scotland’s capital city that J. K. Rowling started to plot the adventures of Harry and his pals. With stoned streets, winding alleys and medieval (中世纪的) architecture, the city certainly has a few things in common with the settings from the books and films. She wrote the early chapters in various cafes around the city’s Old Towns.

Day 2 Overview travel to Fort William

Travel by train from Edinburgh to Glasgow. From there, you can take the West Highland Line toFort William. This is a great way to see some famous spots from the window, including the mysterious Rannoch Moor, the place where Death Eaters board the train in the movie Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows.

Day 3 Overview all aboard the Hogwarts Express

Witness the sweeping cinematic scenery of the movie Harry Potter by booking a seat on the Jacobite Steam Train. Stop for lunch in Mallaig and then make the return journey to Fort William. Please be sure to book the steam train in advance, as it is exceedingly popular. By the way, it runs seasonally.

Day 4 Overview lakes and glens (峡谷)

In the films, mysterious, misty landscapes frame the background of Harry’s tale, so it’s no surprise that the film producers chose the Highlands for many scenes. Spend a day wandering through some of these beautiful spots and feel the magical atmosphere.

1. Where did J. K. Rowling create Harry Potter at first?

A．In Edinburgh.	B．In Mallaig.
C．In Glasgow.	D．In Fort William.

2. What should you pay attention to if taking the Jacobite Steam Train?

A．Reviewing the movie early.

B．Booking tickets in advance.

C．Bringing lunch ahead of time.

D．Buying one-way ticket specially.

3. In which section of a newspaper will you read the text?

A．Current Affairs.	B．Technology.
C．Tours.	D．Biography.

7 . Peru is famously known as the “land of the Incas”. Á trip to Peru has been on my wish list for quite a while. It was finally time for me to visit the country.

My first day started in Lima, the capital of Peru. I met with the G Adventures representative(代表) here about the tour. G Adventures is an organization that helps you to connect with other like-minded people in small group-based travel activities. They played a big part in helping to make Peru an unforgettable experience for me! In Lima, my representative discussed the plan of my tour, and I also had the chance to explore Lima in my own time, with many activities, including a city tour, show, biking tour, and more.

Day two had me taking a flight from Lima to Cusco. Many people visit Cusco for shopping but for me the main reason for spending a day or two in Cusco was to acclimatize(适应)to the altitude(海拔). As I’d decided to reach the wonder of Machu Picchu, acclimatizing had become important to avoid altitude sickness. I was happy to spend a day exploring Cusco. Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Today, it’s famous for its artists, paintings, clothing and traditional instruments. There’s something for everyone in this city.

The day finally came! Day three had me enjoying a lovely guided visit to Machu Picchu at sunrise. I had free time to explore these ruins(遗迹) on my own as well as with my guide. It was a lot to take in! I had to stop for a moment and felt the energy(能量) of such an ancient city. The history here was unbelievable and I will never forget my time here for as long as I live!

1. What is the author’s attitude to G Adventures?

A．Doubtful.

B．Satisfied.

C．Uninterested.

D．Hopeful.

2. Why did the author stay at Cusco?

A．To go shopping.

B．To find a local guide.

C．To get used to the high altitude.

D．To do research about the Inca Empire.

3. How did the author feel when traveling around Machu Picchu?

A．Full of excitement.	B．Out of place.
C．Terribly tired.	D．Very regretful.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．My love of traveling	B．My wonderful trip to Peru
C．Peru: the “land of the Incas”	D．Traveling: the future of Peru

9 . I’m a hiker — “born to hike”. It does my heart and soul good to take a pack and head out on a trail (小路), especially when I’m alone and can let my mind wander where it will.     1    .

Hiking keeps your brain sharper than many other forms of exercise. As a professional writer, although I am busy with my work, I often spare some time to hike.    2    .

    3    . Exercise in general can be a good way to decrease stress. But what sets hiking apart from other forms of exercise is that hiking can happen almost anywhere and give you the happiness that you can take from nature.

Hiking can increase our creativity. I’m sure I’m not alone in finding that walks in nature let my mind wander freely in creative directions.    4    Sometimes, ideas relevant to music come up from unconscious places when I’m not deliberately thinking.

Hiking helps strengthen a positive relationship with the natural world. Besides being good for us, hiking may also help the world around us. After all, if we stick to walking and covering longer distances, we could use cars less and reduce our carbon footprint.     5    . For example, it increases our connection to nature. As one study suggests, when we have a personal connection to nature, we are more likely to want to protect it. That means experiences in nature — like hiking — can be mutually (相互地) beneficial, helping people and the earth.

So, grab a water bottle, a backpack... and head out on the trail.You won’t be sorry you did.

A．Hiking helps to keep you calm and happy

B．Beyond that, hiking benefits our planet indirectly

C．Following are the benefits you can get from hiking

D．In fact, I’ve written many of my songs while hiking on a trail

E．It’s easy for me to come up with creative ideas while sitting alone

F．It not just makes me feel good, but also helps me keep the brain in top shape

G．This all goes to show that hiking maybe one of the best ways to move your body

10 . Your mind is very powerful. Yet, if you’re like most people, you probably spend very little time reflecting on the way you think. After all, who thinks about thinking?     1    

If you draw wrong conclusions about whom you are and what you’re capable of doing, you’ll limit your potential. Your thoughts are a catalyst (催化剂) for self-perpetuating (自我持续的) cycles.     2     So if you think you’re a failure, you’ll feel like a failure. Then, you’ll act like a failure, which strengthens your belief that you must be a failure. I see this happen all the time in my office. Someone will come in saying, “I’m just not good enough to advance in my career.” That opinion leads her to feel discouraged and causes her to put in less efforts.     3    

Once you draw a conclusion about yourself, you’re likely to do two things: look for evidence that strengthens your belief and consider anything that runs against your belief unimportant. Someone who develops the belief that he’s a failure, for example, will view each mistake as evidence that he’s not good enough.     4     Consider for a minute that it might not be your lack of talent or lack of skills that are holding you back. Instead, it might be your beliefs that keep you from performing at your peak (巅峰).

    5     That’s not to say positive thoughts have magical powers. But optimistic thoughts lead to productive act, which increases your chances of a successful outcome.

A．When he does succeed, he’ll owe it to luck.

B．Once that belief gets rooted in his mind, he will suffer a lot.

C．That lack of efforts prevents her from having a better career.

D．Creating a more positive thought can lead to better outcomes.

E．What you think influences how you feel and how you behave.

F．However, the way you think about yourself turns into your reality.

G．If we make an effort on purpose, you can learn to think more positively.