1 . At eleven, I decided to learn to swim. There was a pool at the YMCA offering exactly the opportunity. My mother continually warned against it, and kept fresh in my mind the details of each drowning in the river. But the YMCA pool was safe.

I had a childhood fear of water. This started when I was three years old and my father took me to the beach.The huge waves knocked me down and swept over me.

The pool was quiet. I was afraid of going in all alone, so I sat on one side of the pool to wait for others. Then came a big boy. He yelled, “Hi, how’d you like to be ducked?” With that he picked me up and threw me into the deep end.I landed in a sitting position, and swallowed water. But I was not frightened out of my wits—when my feet hit the bottom, I would make a big jump to come out of the surface. It seemed a long way down. I gathered all my strength when I landed and made what I thought was a great spring upwards. Then I opened my eyes and saw nothing but water. I tried to yell but no sound came out. I went down, down, endlessly.

When I came to consciousness, I found myself lying on the bed in the hospital.

I never went back to the pool. I avoided water whenever I could. This misadventure stayed with me as the years rolled by.It deprived(剥夺) me of the joy of boating and swimming. Finally, I decided to get an instructor. Piece by piece, he built a swimmer. Several months later, the instructor was finished, but I was not .Sometimes the terror would return. 

This went on until July. I swam across the Lake Went worth.Only once did the terror return. When I was in the middle of the lake, I put my face under and saw nothing but bottomless water. I laughed and said, “Well, Mr Terror, what do you think you can do to me?” I had conquered my fear of water.

1. What was the author’s original fear of water caused by?

A．His poor skill in swimming.

B．His mother’s warning of drowning.

C．An outing to the beach with his father.

D．An unpleasant memory of the pool.

2. Why was the author not scared to death when he was thrown into the water?

A．He knew how to swim in the pool.

B．He felt that the YMCA pool was safe.

C．He was waiting for others to save him.

D．He came up with an idea to go upwards.

3. What does the author probably mean by expressing “but I was not” in Paragraph 5?

A．He was still a poor swimmer.

B．He had not overcome the fear yet.

C．He was not afraid of drowning any more.

D．He was not satisfied with the swimming training.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．Goodbye,Mr Terror

B．Hello,Childhood Fear

C．A Swimming Adventure

D．My Passion for Swimming

2 . At 12, my father decided to take me on a trip to France. I had never been out of the country before, so I was very excited. My aunt, my father and I went around with my father showing us all the unbelievable sites in Paris. None of us spoke much French but we loved the city.

We had taken the subway all over the city and were congratulating ourselves on our mastering what is honestly an excellent subway design that is pretty easy to follow. We decided to visit Versailles by train. We chatted happily along the way until my father realized we were far into the French countryside and no one around spoke English.

We reached the end of the line and felt afraid when everyone finally left the train. An old man and his grandchild noticed us and came to help. He spoke no English, so in broken French we tried to explain. When he finally understood, this great man settled his grandson and showed us to the correct train and then boarded with us.   

Later we knew the truth that there was a train transfer (转乘) and he didn’t want us to miss it. This kind man rode a train for an hour and a half out of his way to make sure that three Americans got where they wanted to be. He refused to let us pay for his ticket. He did it all with a gentle smile and patted our hands gently at the stop. Then in his quiet way, he boarded the train to return the way he had come.

What impressed me most was the man and his kindness during the amazing trip. Some Americans think the French are rude for some reason, but I always try to persuade them to change their minds with this very story.

1. What happened to the author and his family on the train?

A．They couldn’t understand the signs of the train.

B．They failed to get off the train at the right time.

C．They had different opinions about where to go first.

D．They found it hard to communicate with the French.

2. How did the man help the author and his family?

A．He paid for their train tickets.	B．He showed them the returning way.
C．He invited them to travel together.	D．He led them to their place.

3. Which of the following can best describe the last paragraph?

A．Seeing is believing.	B．Being kind is a good manner.
C．Travelling enriches one’s life.	D．Helping others brings great pleasure.

4. What’s the purpose of the author’s writing the text?

A．To explain an unexpected problem.

B．To list the unbelievable sites in Paris.

C．To share an unforgettable foreign experience.

D．To show the importance of mastering a foreign language.

3 . 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

2. The public can enjoy the winning paintings ______.

A．at the City Youth Park	B．at 175 Riverside Street
C．at the Woodlands Art Hall	D．at the City Art Council

3. What can we know from the passage?

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.

4 . Football is my favorite sport. I loved to watch it, but I had never played in a football game before I went to college. I lacked self－confidence and I doubted if I could do well in a team, which was why I hardly did sports together with others. I just loved practicing playing football in the backyard of my house.

About one month after I went to college, one day some of my classmates said they'd play a football game with some players of another class. I really looked forward to it but never thought I'd join them to play. That day finally came and I went to watch with my classmates. However, just about ten minutes after the game started, one member of our football team got injured and could no longer play. The other members looked worried. Then one of them came to me and asked, “Can you play?” At first, I shook my head, but then I nodded. “Great! Come and play,” he said. I followed him, having no idea at all what to do. To my joy, he asked me to play in defense (防守). Defense was my favorite because I found it more fun and less complicated (复杂的). Then the game began again. There weren't a lot of big kids on the offensive line (攻击线) of the other team and I suddenly gained some self－confidence. About five minutes later, the ball was kicked toward the guard. I thought it was a good opportunity for me. I quickly ran past the guard and got the ball. When the guard came to the offensive line, I kicked the ball. I scored and all my classmates cheered. You may not believe it, but I scored twice that time. The final score was 6—2 and we won. My teammates thought that I did very well and none of them believed I hadn't played in a game before.

That game really changed me. I am a really confident person now and often play football games with my teammates.

1. Why didn't the author play sports with others before?

A．He wasn't interested in sports.

B．He wasn't popular with others.

C．He couldn't afford time for sports.

D．He wasn't confident about his ability.

2. Seeing the author shaking his head at first, his classmates most probably felt ________.

A．excited	B．boring
C．anxious	D．angry

3. We infer that after playing the game, the author most probably ________.

A．got nervous about watching football games

B．decided to become a full－time football player

C．was considered the best football player at school

D．fell in love with joining others in playing football

4. What would be the best title for the text?

A．My first football game.

B．My most unforgettable experience.

C．My way of finding self－confidence.

D．My way of scoring at football games.

5 . In France, there once lived a man named Louis Pasteur, who was a doctor of science. The thing that concerned him most was the disease rabies (狂犬病).

“I must find the rabies germs that hide inside people and make them so sick that they die,” he thought. “Once I find them, I’ll think of a way to kill them.”

Many people thought Pasteur was wasting his time. Some laughed at him and said, “You’ll never do it.”

Pasteur didn’t care what people thought; he believed in himself. He kept right on working.

At the same time, in Germany, a boy named Joey was about to get into trouble. He was teasing a dog. But this dog was sick with rabies, which made the dog mad. Unfortunately, the dog bit him. The rabies germs were passed from the dog to Joey.

Soon the little boy was very sick. His parents could only wait. But then there was news. Joey’s mother saw it and shouted for joy. “A doctor of science has found a way to save sick people like Joey!” she said. The man, of course, was Louis Pasteur. Joey’s parents quickly prepared Joey for the long journey to Paris.

“Dr. Pasteur,” said the mother. “Our little boy is very sick. Can you help us?”

“Perhaps,” said Pasteur. “I’ve invented a vaccine (疫苗). It is strong enough to kill the rabies germs. Joey will be the first person to have my rabies vaccine.”

“The first person?” asked Joey’s worried father nervously. “Will it be dangerous? Are you sure it will work?”

“I believe it will,” said Pasteur.

Slowly the vaccine killed more and more of the rabies germs. Joey began to get well. Dr. Pasteur’s vaccine was a success!

From then on no one had to be afraid of rabies anymore, and people who had laughed at him before, respected him. He is recognized as one of the world’s greatest scientists.

1. What was people’s first reaction toward Pasteur’s thoughts on killing rabies germs?

A．Hopeful.

B．Sceptical.

C．Uncaring.

D．Cheerful.

2. What happened to Joey?

A．He fought with a dog.	B．He drove a mad dog away.
C．He killed the rabies germs.	D．He got rabies unexpectedly.

3. Which of the following words can best describe Pasteur?

A．Proud and imaginative.	B．Careful and simple-minded.
C．Selfless and humorous.	D．Confident and strong-minded.

4. What does the text mainly talk about?

A．The amazing story of Joey.

B．Pasteur’s deep interest in science.

C．The first known person to survive rabies.

D．Pasteur’s success in finding a treatment for rabies.

6 . Discover Britain through literature

Literature gives you the safety of travelling within the comforts of your own home. I would like to take you on a journey through Great Britain. Through these novels you will be able to transport yourself and discover the beauty and the culture of Great Britain.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Jane Austen's romantic novel centres around the Bennet family during the 19th century and the importance of marriage and social expectations. The style of the novel is using exaggerated (夸张的) characters to make fun of the society.

Setting: Longbourn (a fictional town) in Hertfordshire

The Harry Potter Series by J K. Rowling

It's highly unlikely that you've managed to avoid hearing of Harry Potter, even if you are a muggle (不会魔法的人). It is a fantastic series of novels which makes you believe in magic and that anything is possible.

Setting: Hogwarts

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

The novel follows Oliver's life as an orphan in London and the characters he meets while living on the streets.

Setting: London

How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn

In the novel, Llewellyn writes about a Welsh family and their life among a mining community. It gives readers a really good representation of the struggles faced by those living in this sort of community.

Setting: South Wales

1. Which deals with the main character's childhood ?

A．Pride and Prejudice	B．The Harry Potter Series
C．Oliver Twist	D．How Green Was My valley

2. What can we know about How Green Was My valley ?

A．It introduces the history of a mining community.

B．It helps readers learn how to face difficulties.

C．It encourages readers to explore the beauty of nature.

D．It presents a mining family's life.

3. Who makes readers interested in magic according to the text?

A．Jane Austen.

B．J. K. Rowling.

C．Charles Dickens.

D．Richard Llewellyn.

7 . How to Keep Long-Distance Friendships

Don’t let distance keep you away from your friends.     1    

Schedule time to chat. Because of kinds of reasons, you and your friends might not be able to chat on the phone every day or even every week.    2     My best friend from high school is a new mom and we are in different time zones. But she makes an effort every few weeks to call me on her drive home from work. When I go back home our friendship feels like I’d never left.

    3     Texting (发短信) your friends can be a good way. It can help you know about each other. My friends and I text each other about the small things like having to work late or losing an earring.

Use social media. Social media is a good way to keep my long-distance friendships going. It allows you to keep up with your friends’ lives.     4     That makes you feel more deeply connected to them.

Vacation together.    5     One friend and I haven’t lived in the same state for 5 years, but I can see her on trips. By going on trips, we can not only stay in touch, but also can create new memories together.

Not every friendship is a friendship that can survive long distance. The thing we can do is do what we can to keep it.

A．Share small things.

B．Schedule time to eat together.

C．Why not plan a trip with your friends?

D．Use these tips to stay close with your friends.

E．It can also help you learn more about their other friends.

F．I drove three hours from Kentucky to spend time with her.

G．Anyway, you should try to find suitable time to chat with your friends.

8 . I was born in Bombay, India. When I was about 6 months old, my legs became paralyzed (麻痹的). My birth mother deserted (遗弃) me. I was adopted (收养) by an American family. I was taken to Spokane, Washington. It took me a long time to be able to walk, because I had to accept a number of operations.

When I was in the business school, one of my friends was training for a marathon. One day, she introduced me to an organization called Achilles International, which was a club for athletes with disabilities. It took me four months to get the courage to make the phone call. Dick Traum, the founder of Achilles, answered the phone. He asked me to show up on Tuesday and would lend me his bike. That was the first time that I had been able to feel the wind in my long hair. I rode really slowly, but it was the coolest feeling to ride a bicycle for the first time.

Later, I decided to take part in the Ironman World Championship. I was in a lot of pain, because I had to practice swimming, biking and running for over nine months.

On the day of the marathon, it took me 14 hours and 39 minutes to finish the Triathlon. After I crossed that finish line, I cried. I made it. It was my determination that made my dream come true.

1. Who took the author to America?

A．Her birth father.	B．An Indian family.
C．An American family.	D．Her birth mother.

2. Where did the author know about the organization?

A．From a book.	B．From her friend.
C．From the Internet.	D．From a magazine.

3. What is paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．Her hard exercising experience.

B．Her wish to be successful.

C．Her attitude towards the painful life.

D．Her dream of becoming a champion.

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．Disability Is the Key to Success

B．A Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed

C．Success Depends on Whom You Meet

D．Determination Makes Everything Possible

9 . Going out guide

R&B: Melanie Fiona

Known for such songs as “It Kills Me” and “This Time,” R&B singer Melanie Fiona made her first musical album(唱片) in 2009 with “The Bridge” and followed it up with “The MF Life” in 2012. A new album, “Next Train, ” is planned to drop this year.

8 pm, Feb. 13. Howard Theatre. 202-803-2899. $ 30—$ 59. 99.

Ballet: John Cranko's “Romeo & Juliet”

Celebrated South African choreographer (编舞者) John Cranko created the dance inspired by Shakespeare’s lovers with a score by Sergei Prokofiev. The production was first performed in the United States in 1969 and returns to the Kennedy Center under the artistic direction of Julie Kent.

Feb. 14 — 18. Kennedy Genter. 202-467-4600. $ 25— $ 160.

Exhibit(展览): “Brand New: Art and Commodity (商品) in the 1980s”

This exhibit shows the commodification of art in the 1980s, when trade, art and entertainment became unclear. The exhibit shows works by 68 artists, including Jeff Koons, Barbara Kruger and Julia Wachtel.

Feb. 14 through May 13. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. 202-633-1000. Free

R&B: Valentine's Love Jam

R&E artists are known for some of our most beloved(喜爱的) love songs, and the performers lined up for this show are no exception. Singer-songwriters Tyrese (“Sweet Lady”) and Joe (“I Wanna Know”) join forces with SWV (“Weak”) ,Dru Hill (“Beauty”) and Next (“Wifey”) for this show.

8 p. m., Feb. 17. EagleBank Arena. 703-493-4000. $ 59—$ 99.

1. Which number should you call if you are interested in dance?

A．703-493-4000.

B．02-633-1000.

C．202-467-4600.

D．202-803-2899.

2. Where can people enjoy a free show?

A．Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.	B．Kennedy Center.
C．EagleBank Arena.	D．Howard Theatre.

3. When can you attend a love song concert?

A．Feb. 18.

B．Feb. 17.

C．Feb . 14.

D．Feb. 13.

10 .

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WATCH CONTROL This is a watch that James Bond would be proud to wear! This is NOT a watch for ordinary people! Your electronic PENGO WATCH CONTROL acts as a remote control for TVs and videos. gives you a daily weather forecast. reminds you when to hand in your homework. sets off a silent warning alarm when parents or teachers are near. Besides, your PENGO WATCH CONTROL will always tell you the time accurately! Originally sold for $199 NOW ONLY $99 For further information, click here.

1. With help from a Mr. H, you can_____.

A．stop using batteries.	B．finish your homework on time.
C．remember your teacher’s instructions.	D．get your room tidied on your way home.

2. A PENGO WATCH CONTROL can help you to_____.

A．repair your TV	B．be a James Bond
C．know what the weather is like	D．organize your homework

3. You can get your Mr. H for_____.

A．$499	B．$299
C．$199	D．$99

4. Where would you be most likely to find the two texts?

A．On a notice board.	B．On a teenage website.
C．In a company brochure.	D．In a college news.