1 . As I walked into the primary school, I looked down at my new black Mary Jane shoes — I wanted to be anywhere in the world but Fountain Inn Elementary School.
I stood at Mrs. Blackstone’s door. Before I tried the great escape, the wooden door suddenly opened to the singsong voice of Mrs. Blackstone, my new fifth grade teacher.
“We’ve been waiting on you!” she said in an unusually high voice. With a smile my mom walked away and I was left standing in the center stage in front of a group of students.
Over the next few days, Mrs. Blackstone made it her job to find me a new best friend and help me join a choir. During history lessons, as I didn’t want to speak in front of the class she would not only call on me but have me stand up to address my classmates. She laughed at my nervousness when I wouldn’t get in line to sharpen my pencil for fear of being embarrassed. Her silliness made me smile and finally feel much more relaxed in the new environment.
One spring afternoon, Mrs. Blackstone asked me to stay after class.
“I’d like to speak with you, Amanda”
My mind raced. Had I made a bad grade? Had I hurt someone’s feelings?
“Are you enjoying your new school?” She sat comfortably behind her desk.
“I want to tell you something, between you and me, not to be shared with anyone else.”
“Okay.” My throat all of a sudden felt very dry.
With her eyebrows raised she said. “I see something special in you. The way you communicate with others, the kindness you show — I think you have great potential to be something very important.”
I listened attentively to every word.
“I’ve been a teacher for over twenty-five years; I can see it. But you must believe in yourself. That’s very important. Remember that and you will go far.”
She then hugged me and said, “See you tomorrow.”
Her singing voice was music to my ears that day. I walked out of her class, not staring at my Mary Jane shoes, but looking straight ahead with my head high. My teacher saw something special in me!
1. What can we know about the author from the first two paragraphs?| A．She went to school unwillingly. | B．She liked the new school very much. |
| C．She was afraid of her new teacher. | D．She liked her teacher’s singing. |
| A．To tell her about her grades. | B．To encourage her to be confident. |
| C．To help her realize her mistakes. | D．To make her feel cared and loved. |
| A．A Teacher for Every Child | B．An Unforgettable Lesson |
| C．Magical Words | D．Special Treatment |
2 . The Sydney Opera House has become, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s best-known landmark and international symbol.
The base for the building was started in 1959 — years before the designs were finished. It took four years to design by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and by 1962 the designs were finalized and construction began. In total, it took 14 years to build and was officially opened on the 20th of October 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II.
The Sydney Opera House is a fascinating building and heart of the city’s cultural scene. It opened with a concert hall, an opera theatre, a drama theatre and a recital (音乐演奏会) hall, as well as restaurants and bars. A fifth theatre was added within the structure in 1998.
The Sydney Opera House cost some $160 million to build and was paid for by the public who bought $10 tickets in a series of lotteries with a first prize of $1million.
More information about the Sydney Opera House:
Conducts 3,000 events each year
Provides guided tours to 200,000 people each year
Has an annual audience of 2 million for its performances
includes 1,000 rooms
Is 185 metres long and 120 metres wide
Has 2.194 pre-cast concrete sections as its roof
Has roof sections weighing up to 15 tons
Has roof sections held together by 350 kms of tensioned steel cable
Has over 1 million tiles on the roof
Uses 6,225 square metres of glass and 645 kilometres of electric cable
1. When were the designs of the Sydney Opera House started?| A．In1960. | B．In1962. | C．In1958. | D．In1973. |
| A．a drama theatre | B．an opera theatre |
| C．a concert hall | D．a reception hall |
| A．The Sydney Opera House has an audience of 2 million per year for its performances. |
| B．There are about 3,000 events held in the Sydney Opera House each year. |
| C．The Sydney Opera House is made up of more than 1,000 rooms. |
| D．The roof of the Sydney Opera House is made of concrete and steel. |
3 . In high school I had a math teacher, Mrs. Davies, who took her job seriously and expected her students to put forth the same degree of commitment (付出). Strict but fair, she held our attention with her great method. One of her classes was for students who were more advanced academically. I chose to
One Friday we were tested
Our test papers were handed back the following Monday. Everyone received a “C” except for me. To my surprise, I received an “A”. I
My teacher would have been justified (合理的) in giving me a
| A．run | B．take | C．teach | D．like |
| A．compared | B．struggled | C．connected | D．argued |
| A．on | B．at | C．in | D．for |
| A．tired | B．curious | C．lost | D．satisfied |
| A．effect | B．end | C．answer | D．interest |
| A．hoped | B．assumed | C．declared | D．dreamed |
| A．angrily | B．regretfully | C．disappointedly | D．nervously |
| A．Since | B．Unless | C．Though | D．Because |
| A．friendly | B．failing | C．corrected | D．wrong |
| A．learn | B．survive | C．inspire | D．manage |
China is
The gesture for “OK” has different meanings in different cultures. In Japan, someone
6 . A new study by scientists at Utrecht University concludes that about half of global wastewater is treated, rather than the previous estimate of 20%. Despite this promising finding, the authors warn that treatment rates in developing countries are still very low.
Humans and factories produce vast quantities of wastewater per day. If not properly collected and treated, wastewater may severely threaten human health and pollute the environment.
The authors use national statistics to estimate volumes of wastewater production, collection, treatment and reuse. “Globally, about 359 billion cubic metres of wastewater is produced each year, equivalent to 144 million Olympic-sized swimming pools,” says Edward Jones, PhD researcher at Utrecht University. “About 48 percent of that water is currently released untreated. This is much lower than the frequently announced figure of 80%.”
While the results show a more optimistic outlook, the authors stress that many challenges still exist. “We see that particularly in the developing world, where most of the future population growth will likely occur, treatment rates are falling behind,” Jones explains. “In these countries, wastewater production is likely to rise at a faster pace than the current development of collection and treatment basic facilities. This poses serious threats to both human health and the environment.”
The main problem, especially in the developing world, is the lack of financial resources to build basic facilities to collect and treat wastewater. This is particularly the case for advanced treatment technologies, which can be extremely expensive. However, the authors highlight potential opportunities for creative reuse of wastewater streams that could help to finance improved wastewater treatment practices.
“The most obvious reuse of treated wastewater is to increase freshwater water supplies,” Jones states. Treated wastewater reuse is already an important source of irrigation water in many dry countries. However, only 11% of the wastewater produced globally is currently being reused, which shows large opportunities for expansion.
“But freshwater increasing is not the only opportunity,” says Jones. “Wastewater also has large potential as a source of nutrients and energy. Recognition of wastewater as a resource, opposed to as ‘waste’, will be the key to driving improved treatment going forward.”
However, the authors stress the importance of proper monitoring of wastewater treatment factories, accompanied by strong legislation (法律) and regulations, to ensure that the reuse of wastewater is safe. The authors also acknowledge public acceptance as another key barrier towards increasing wastewater reuse.
1. According to the author, the meaning of treating wastewater lies in ________.| A．encouraging new scientific findings |
| B．estimating volumes of wastewater production |
| C．ensuring human health and protecting the environment |
| D．measuring how much wastewater is produced globally per day |
| A．equal | B．harmful | C．useful | D．friendly |
| A．treated wastewater can’t be used as irrigation water |
| B．wastewater production in developing countries is falling |
| C．the treatment of wastewater is more serious than estimated |
| D．public recognition plays an important role in wastewater reuse |
7 . How to Deal with FOMO in Your Life
FOMO, or “fear of missing out,” is becoming increasingly common and can cause significant stress in your life. It applies to anything from a party to a promotion at work and affects just about anyone. It always involves a sense of helplessness that you are missing out on something big.
With social media becoming popular, FOMO has become more obvious. As more research on FOMO is conducted, we are getting a clearer picture of how it affects us.
Moreover, one study found that the fear of missing out was linked to a greater smartphone and social media usage.
Rather than trying to connect more with people on social media, why not arrange to meet up with someone in person? Making plans with a good friend, or doing anything social that gets you out with friends can be a nice change of pace.
| A．It can help you to shake that feeling that you are missing out. |
| B．The idea that you might be missing out on a good time is not new. |
| C．Rather than focusing on what you lack, try noticing what you have. |
| D．The picture is not pretty, as there are many negative effects of FOMO. |
| E．Smartphone usage was related to fears of negative evaluations by others. |
| F．Smartphone and social media have made the FOMO phenomenon worse. |
| G．Understanding where the problem lies can be a great first step in overcoming it. |
8 . An Incredible Journey
Ian William Halliwell was born on the 24th of April 1958, in Wigan UK. Just like most people have dreams, so did Ian.
Ian started playing Golf in 1972 and has been a keen golf player throughout his life. He participated in golf tournaments in many countries, dreaming of trying to get in the Senior Tour. But life has other plans.
In 1996, Ian was diagnosed with a brain tumor on his left side. As a result of the disease, his right-side hearing was lost. The talented player had to put a hold on his passion for a while. However, he knew he would come out stronger. In 1997, after going through two major surgeries, Ian recovered from the deadly illness.
But another disease completely turned his life over. In 2006, he suddenly had a stroke (中风) which was so critical that it ended with him being severely disabled to the extent that the doctors told him that he might not walk ever again, let alone playing Golf.
Upon realizing that he has lost the chance of playing the Senior Tour, he was heartbroken. But it wasn’t powerful enough to destroy the high-spirited individual. Ian took it as a challenge. He not only decided to start writing but also creating stroke awareness and promoting Golf for the disabled.
With the optimistic thinking of “A disability is not an inability,” Ian became a part of the British Inclusive Golf, which works to bring together the disabled and non-disabled players and create golf-related events.
Ian has donated a large number of his life earnings to The Stroke Association. While spending a huge deal of time creating vast funds for the organization, Ian has played a huge role in enlightening others on how his recovery was aided by Golf, promoting the affected ones to make sure of the effective sport.
Ian has authored the book “The Social Golfer,” published in 2008. The book has successfully raised a total of £ 20,000, which the former golf player has donated to The Stroke Foundation. Ian also wrote “Living the Dream,” published in 2012. The book was an extension of the journey of his recovery, intending to inspire the readers.
Ian is a man of bravery. How he fought to recover from the deadly illness, followed by the stroke, is nothing but an incredible journey that is an inspiration to people.
1. What happened to Ian in 2006?| A．He lost his right-side hearing. |
| B．He recovered from a deadly illness. |
| C．He published the book “The Social Golfer”. |
| D．He was disabled and couldn’t walk any more. |
| A．Ian stopped playing golf after getting a brain tumor |
| B．Ian was destroyed mentally and physically by a stroke |
| C．Ian participated in golf tournaments throughout his life |
| D．Ian donated a lot of his money to The Stroke Association |
| A．Determined and devoted. | B．Confident and humorous. |
| C．Generous and enthusiastic. | D．Responsible and independent. |
| A．Hard work pays off. |
| B．Nothing is to be got without pain. |
| C．Man should be the master of his own fate. |
| D．Contribution to the society requires responsibility. |
9 . Places You Should Visit in China in Summer
There are definitely some places in China that add romance to the days and nights. We have listed the best places that are especially brought to life by summer. All our tours can be customized (定制). We will create a trip for your summer vacation according to your requirements.
Yunnan Province — a Colorful Fairyland
Yunnan has a year-round spring-like climate. You will have a cool summer trip here. Start from Kunming to see the wonderful Stone Forest, enjoy a relaxing tour along the lakeshore of Erhai in Dali, visit the Old Town of Lijiang, and take a cable car ride to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Finally, immerse yourself in mysterious eastern atmosphere of Shangri-La and Pudacuo National Park.
Recommended Tours：
8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
7-Day Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
6-Day Lijiang to Shangri-La Tour
Inner Mongolia — Vast Grasslands
Inner Mongolia has vast grasslands where you can enjoy horse riding and hiking. During the short summers, grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see. It is also the best time to take a desert hiking tour. The 2021 Summer Naadam Festival is scheduled to take place in Xilamuren Grassland from July 23 to July 30, 2021. Our 5-Day Inner Mongolia Grass & Sand Tour is a great way to attend this grand event.
Recommended Inner Mongolia Tours:
5-Day Inner Mongolia Grass & Sand
4-Day Authentic Mongolian Nomad Experience Tour
Chengdu — Meet Cute Pandas
The lovely giant pandas are the No. 1 reason to come. If you want a deeper panda experience, you can join in a giant panda volunteer program. See our 2-Day Wolong Red Keeper Volunteer Program Tour.
Jiuzhai Valley, with cool weather, is the best time to see its waterfalls and green lakes.
Mount Emei is one of the most well-known summer destinations thanks to its pleasant weather, the inspiring natural scenery and the influence of the Buddhist culture.
Recommended Tours：
7-Day Chengdu, Mount Emei and Jiuzhaigou Scenic Tour
5-Day Chengdu, Leshan and Mount Emei Tour
2-Day Wolong Red Keeper Volunteer Program Tour
1. What can you do in Yunnan?| A．Visit an old town. | B．Ride a horse and hike. |
| C．See waterfalls and green lakes. | D．Enjoy mysterious dragon culture. |
| A．2-Day Wolong Red Keeper Volunteer Program Tour. |
| B．8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour. |
| C．4-Day Authentic Mongolian Nomad Experience Tour. |
| D．7-Day Chengdu, Mount Emei and Jiuzhaigou Scenic Tour. |
| A．recommend coolest places in summer |
| B．attract tourists to customize tour service |
| C．introduce characteristics of China’s cities |
| D．report China’s multicultural development |
The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise. However, its role in learning
