1 . Elon Musk is a symbol of passion, hard work and success. A person may work hard in his life, but when hard work goes along with passion and a new idea, then something is created that astonishes the world. As the founder of big companies like PayPal, SpaceX and Tesla Motors, Elon Musk is a guide and inspiration for the youth around the world.
Elon Musk was born on June 28, 1971 in Pretoria, South Africa. He was the eldest of three children. His father Errol Musk, a British-born South African, was an engineer. Musk spent his childhood in South Africa and at the age of 9, he got his first personal computer. This got Elon interested in programming and he started to learn on his own. At the age of 12, he made his first computer game, Blaster, which earned him $500 when he sold the source code to a magazine.
When he was 17, he decided to leave home and had wanted to move to the United States after graduating from a secondary school in Pretoria. However, he was unable to move to the United States. In 1989, Elon Musk moved to Canada, where his mother's relatives lived. After obtaining Canadian citizenship, Musk went to Montreal. Due to a lack of money, he found a low-paying job. At the age of 19, he entered Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, studying there for two years. Finally, in 1992, his dream came true—he moved to the United States.
As a teenager, Musk struggled with depression. But then he realized that the most important thing was presenting himself with the right questions. The day he started doing this, everything started to get easier.
Musk thought that a human being had to expand the limits of his consciousness—to ask the right questions and get answers to them; thus he asked the best question of all: what will have the greatest impact on the future of humans? Musk found that these things were the Internet and space exploration.
The life of Elon Musk is inspiring. He found success on the Internet, without much formal learning. By reading books and using his willpower and dedication, he reached a level of knowledge that is difficult to imagine. He did not give up until he achieved his dreams. Elon Musk truly stands out among other billionaires because of his leadership abilities, positive attitude, ability to know when to take risks, and belief in futuristic technologies.
1. According to the passage, Elon Musk gained knowledge of computer by__________.A.teaching himself | B.learning from his father |
C.taking online courses | D.studying in Queens University |
A.Expanding knowledge by reading books. | B.Asking himself the right questions. |
C.Achieving success on the Internet. | D.Designing computer games. |
A.It's never too late to learn. | B.Youth means limitless possibilities. |
C.Where there's a will, there's a way. | D.He who doesn't advance falls backward. |
1. What do Americans think of McDonald’s?
A.The food is good and the prices are low. |
B.The service is fast and the prices are high. |
C.The food is unhealthy but the service is fast. |
A.7,063. | B.5,780. | C.1,283. |
A.In 1960. | B.In 1970. | C.In 1980. |
A.He was a salesman before owning McDonald’s. |
B.He bought McDonald’s for 2.6 million dollars. |
C.He was 65 when he owned McDonald’s. |
3 . Ben Francis didn’t become wealthy through property left by his family. Instead, the CEO and cofounder of Gymshark used his earnings from pizza delivery to buy a sewing machine and start his fitness clothing company at 19. Eleven years later, his efforts literally paid off. Francis, who has a reported net worth of $1.3 billion, joined Forbes’ World’s Billionaires list. He’s in rare company: People on the list are65 years old on average.
Originally, Francis and co-founder Lewis Morgan launched Gymshark as a website selling fitness supplements (补剂). But after getting fed up with his ill-fitting clothes, Francis suggested modifying the company. He and Morgan bought a sewing machine, and his mom sent him videos to teach him how to sew.
The pair brought Gymshark to a bodybuilding exhibition in 2013, but didn’t have any money to advertise. On a whim (心血来潮), they decided to give popular fitness figures on social media platforms free products. Francis said, “It would be so cool if they could come to be with Gymshark at this event. But I didn’t really think that much about this idea.” Some of those influences went on to wear the clothes on their channels, making Gymshark’s sales jump to $45,000 per day, up from just $450.
In 2017, Francis quit the CEO role. He spent the next years supporting leadership roles within Gymshark to learn more about the ins and outs of the business, before returning as the CEO in 2021. That year, the company was valued at $1.45 billion. Still, the company’s billion-dollar valuation is a small percentage of the market value of some strong competitors. “I really think Gymshark can be the UK’s answer to those brands,” Francis said. “But it doesn’t mean that the UK is where we start and end. We also want to be a truly global brand.”
1. What makes Francis special on Forbes’ World’s Billionaires list?A.His age. | B.His wealth. |
C.His personal experience. | D.His business idea. |
A.Putting a stop to. | B.Keeping an eye on. |
C.Making a change to. | D.Giving an account of. |
A.To follow in the competitors’ footsteps. | B.To win support for their leadership roles. |
C.To popularize their products in a cheap way. | D.To gain admission to the bodybuilding exhibit. |
A.Francis: From a Pizza Boy to a Billionaire | B.Gymshark: From a Website to a Global Brand |
C.Gymshark: A World Leader in Fitness Clothing | D.Francis: An Inspiration to Business Competitors |
1.表达哀思;
2.对娃哈哈集团的希望和建议。
condolences—慰问;吊唁
Dear Ms. Zong,
I’m Li Hua from Hangzhou Foreign Language High School.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5 . 听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。
1. How old was Tim Berners-Lee probably when he went to Queen’s College?A.16. | B.18. | C.20. |
A.Watching TV at home. |
B.Collecting old TV sets. |
C.Making toy computers. |
A.In 1989. | B.In 1990. | C.In 1991. |
6 . How do you create a restaurant business and become an overnight success at the age of 52?As Ray Kroc said, “I was an overnight success alright, but 30 years is a long, long night.” As the builder of the McDonald’s hamburger empire, he helped change America’s eating habits, as well as its nature of business by standardizing operations in the fiercely competitive fast-food industry.
But not many know how this entrepreneurial (创业的) success story came to be. Kroc was not a chef or a restaurateur. He never even went to college. For over three decades, he held a variety of jobs, from piano player to salesman of paper cups and multiple milkshake machines. “The two most important requirements for major success are, first, being in the right place at the right time and, second, doing something about it.” So said Kroc.
And in 1954, he was in the right place at the right time, and he did something about it. The salesman was surprised by a huge order for eight multi-mixers (多用搅拌机) from a hamburger stand in California. There he found a small but successful restaurant run by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald, and was amazed by the effectiveness of their operation. They produced a limited menu, concentrating on just a few items-burgers, fries and beverages-which allowed them to focus on quality at every step of production.
The brothers were looking for a new franchisee (特许经营者) and Kroc saw an opportunity. He pitched (推销) his vision of creating McDonald’s restaurants all over the US to them. In 1955 he founded the McDonald’s Corporation, and six years later bought the exclusive rights to the McDonald’s name and operating system. By 1958, McDonald’s had sold its 100 millionth hamburger.
Kroc wanted to build a restaurant system that would be famous for providing food of consistently high quality and uniform methods of preparation. He wanted to serve burgers, fries and beverages that tasted just the same in Alaska as they did in Alabama.
To achieve this, Kroc chose a unique path: persuading both franchisees and suppliers to buy into his vision, working not for McDonald’s, but for themselves, together with McDonald’s. He promoted the slogan, “In business for yourself, but not by yourself.” His philosophy was based on the simple principle of a three- legged stool: one leg was McDonald’s franchisees; the second, McDonald’s suppliers; and the third, McDonald’s employees.
Kroc believed in the entrepreneurial spirit, and rewarded his franchisees for their individual creativity. Many of McDonald’s most famous menu items — like the Filet-O-Fish, Big Mac, and Egg McMuffin — were created by franchisees.
1. From the passage we know .A.Ray Kroc was born with a talent of running businesses |
B.Ray Kroc borrowed his business idea from others |
C.McDonald’s Corporation was started by two brothers |
D.McDonald’s Corporation succeeded for its unique philosophy |
A.Kroc formed the three legs of McDonald’s |
B.many suppliers created new ways of making burgers |
C.franchisees began to stick to a limited menu |
D.employees would work hard for McDonald’s and for themselves |
A.Lucky and creative. | B.Devoted but simple-minded. |
C.Independent and far-sighted | D.Cooperative but strict. |
A.The cooperation of Kroc and two brothers. |
B.The contribution of McDonald’s to the US food industry. |
C.The requirements for a successful fast-food chain. |
D.The story of an entrepreneurial success. |
7 . In 2023, Musk reached an outstanding landmark: his space company, SpaceX, sent the first group of travelers to Mars. This significant event
In addition to his groundbreaking work at SpaceX, Musk has also made a lasting impact in the field of
Musk’s relentless drive to achieve ambitious goals, such as colonizing Mars and revolutionizing transportation with hyperloop technology, showcases the power of forward-thinking. Despite facing obstacles and
However, Musk’s journey has not been without controversy. His outspoken personality and
In summary, Elon Musk’s story serves as a testament to the transformative potential of human
A.began | B.erased | C.marked | D.closed |
A.past | B.present | C.unknown | D.world |
A.disposable | B.sustainable | C.safe | D.mechanical |
A.production | B.development | C.innovation | D.destruction |
A.harmful | B.friendly | C.neutral | D.indifferent |
A.renewable | B.ideal | C.effective | D.inexpensive |
A.opportunities | B.praises | C.agreements | D.criticism |
A.propelled | B.impacted | C.interrupted | D.simplify |
A.hesitating | B.persisting | C.ignoring | D.overcoming |
A.traditional | B.cautious | C.unconventional | D.unwilling |
A.reluctance | B.appreciation | C.praises | D.skepticism |
A.wish | B.courage | C.decision | D.ability |
A.ingenuity | B.genuineness | C.diligence | D.indifference |
A.plan | B.day | C.vision | D.mission |
A.fear | B.inspiration | C.sadness | D.excitement |
8 . Elon Musk, a name synonymous with innovation and ambition, has left a permanent mark on the landscape of modern technology. As a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, he has founded companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity, each revolutionizing its respective industry.
In the year 2023, Musk achieved an extraordinary milestone: his space exploration company, SpaceX, successfully launched the first batch of passengers to Mars. This historic achievement not only propelled humanity into a new era of interplanetary travel but also ignited imaginations worldwide, inspiring a new generation of dreamers and explorers.
Beyond his groundbreaking work with SpaceX, Musk’s commitment to sustainable energy has been equally influential. Tesla, under his leadership, has pioneered the development of electric vehicles, pushing the automotive industry towards a greener future. Additionally, SolarCity, founded with the mission of promoting renewable energy, has played a vital role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change.
Musk’s relentless pursuit of audacious goals, such as establishing a human colony on Mars and revolutionizing transportation through hyperloop technology, exemplifies the power of visionary thinking. While his ventures have faced challenges and criticisms, Musk’s unwavering determination and resilience have propelled them forward, demonstrating the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
However, Musk’s journey has not been without controversy. His outspoken nature and unusual approach to business have often sparked debate and skepticism. Yet, it is precisely this willingness to challenge the status quo that has allowed Musk to break barriers and achieve the seemingly impossible.
In conclusion, Elon Musk’s story serves as a testament to the transformative potential of human ingenuity and determination. His vision for the future extends far beyond the confines of Earth, encompassing a bold and ambitious vision for humanity’s place in the cosmos. As we look ahead to the years to come, let us draw inspiration from Musk’s example and dare to dream of a brighter, more innovative future for all.
1. Which of the following best describes Elon Musk’s achievements in the field of space exploration?A.He successfully launched the first human passengers to Mars in 2023. |
B.He founded SolarCity with the mission of promoting renewable energy. |
C.He pioneered the development of electric vehicles under his leadership at Tesla. |
D.He revolutionized transportation through hyperloop technology. |
A.To provide background information on Elon Musk’s achievements. |
B.To highlight the significance of Elon Musk’s accomplishments. |
C.To discuss the controversies surrounding Elon Musk’s ventures. |
D.To explain Elon Musk’s approach to achieving his goals. |
A.He tends to avoid controversy and prefers a low-profile approach. |
B.He is known for conforming to established norms and practices. |
C.He is outspoken and unafraid to challenge the status quo. |
D.He is primarily motivated by personal gain rather than societal impact. |
A.Elon Musk’s achievements in space exploration have inspired a new generation of dreamers. |
B.Elon Musk’s ventures have faced criticism, but his determination has propelled them forward. |
C.Elon Musk’s vision extends beyond Earth, encompassing ambitious goals for humanity’s future. |
D.Elon Musk’s commitment to sustainability has revolutionized various industries. |
9 . Gary Vaynerchuk is a larger-than-life character who has established a series of successful businesses. He was born in 1975 in the town of Babruysk and then left for the USA with his
When Gary grew up, his approach to the wine business soon brought
Gary’s opinions are aimed at the business community, but there is much in what he says that can be applied just as effectively to your
Wasting time is something Gary hates. He often emphasizes the fact that
A.family | B.relatives | C.friends | D.teacher |
A.stopped | B.established | C.exhibited | D.offered |
A.generous | B.natural | C.inexperienced | D.greedy |
A.meeting | B.school | C.machine | D.stand |
A.terrible | B.changeable | C.impressive | D.limited |
A.selling | B.separating | C.owning | D.lending |
A.advantage | B.game | C.case | D.alarm |
A.position | B.style | C.society | D.philosophy |
A.language | B.life | C.hobby | D.dance |
A.fall | B.succeed | C.travel | D.predict |
A.money | B.freedom | C.energy | D.time |
A.look back on | B.look forward to | C.make the most of | D.make up for |
A.beauty | B.safety | C.achievement | D.independence |
A.forget | B.care | C.worry | D.discover |
A.gain | B.follow | C.plan | D.organize |
10 . A self-described “girly girl”, nine-year-old Zandra Cunningham was constantly begging her parents for the latest beauty products. One day her dad simply told her “no”, which inspired her to make her own.
Zandra has been recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the youngest millionaires in America. When asked about her experience as a child entrepreneur (企业家), Zandra says, “It wasn’t frightening. When you’re young, you don’t have that fear mentality. ‘Maybe it’s not going to work’ never really crossed my mind.” For Zandra, it became a challenge to separate her personal interest from what her customers actually wanted. “There were a lot of things that I felt were good ideas, but they wouldn’t fit into the market,” she says. Being part of the market herself, Zandra felt she had a unique perspective that allowed her to truly listen and respond to her customers.
It started as a hobby for Zandra and her mom. They’d play around with different ingredients until they found formulas they liked “through trial and error”. Slowly, they started transforming the pastime into a brand. Zandra began selling her products at local markets, and a few years later—when Zandra was 12 years old — the family started a shop for Zandra Beauty. At the time, Zandra Beauty was one of the first brands to offer plant-based and organic beauty products at an affordable price. The 21-year-old has essentially grown up alongside her brand—but her goals have remained the same: “Our main focus is to push out amazing products that are safe for everyone and the earth.”
“There’re so many brands doing similar things, but there’s still so much room to grow,” says Zandra. “Your customers are out there, and you just have to find something that’s going to set you apart.”
1. What can be inferred from Zandra’s words in paragraph 2?A.Her young mind made her fearless. |
B.Her parents supported her greatly. |
C.She had much precious experience. |
D.She was always very caring. |
A.Sharing her personal interests. | B.The diversity of hobbies. |
C.Changing the global market. | D.The need of customers. |
A.The one that is cheap and useful. |
B.The one that is enjoyed by her mom. |
C.The one that is created by trial and error. |
D.The one that is reliable and eco-friendly. |
A.Hopeful. | B.Concerned. | C.Doubtful. | D.Relieved. |