After lunch we went out in the playground and ran around. All the boys had a competition to see who could spin around (快速旋转) in circles the longest. Michael Robinson won. Then we all sat down on the grass. That's when Ryan came up with a wonderful idea: we should buy the school. He said we could turn it into a video-game arcade (游乐场) and teach kids how to play video games.
I got all excited, because I like it so much. I started emptying out my pockets. The other boys emptied their pockets too. Then we added up all our money. We had one dollar and thirty-two cents.
“I don’t think it’s enough to buy a school,” said Ryan. We all got very worried.
“Well, how much do we need to buy a school?” I asked.
“I don't know,” said Ryan. “We’d better ask the headmaster, Mr. Klutz.”
We all rushed hopefully inside and asked Mr. Klutz how much it would cost to buy the school. Mr. Klutz asked why. I told him we wanted to turn it into a video-game arcade. “I can’t sell you the school, but if you kids read a million pages in books, you can turn the school into a video-game arcade for one night,” Mr. Klutz said. “Would it be okay if some of the other classes helped us out?” I asked. “Certainly,” Mr. Klutz said. “The more, the better.” We all jumped and shouted and couldn’t wait to start.
1. 根据文本内容从方框中选择恰当的词并用其正确形式填入文本图示中,每词限用一次,有两词为多余选项。wonderful excited worry hope suggest empty cheer play allow page curious cost | ||
After lunch, we |
| I got very |
We started to | We felt | |
Ryan | We rushed inside with | |
Mr. Klutz | We all |
根据文本内容回答下列问题。
2. What did all the other boys think of Ryan’s idea and why?
3. Why did Mr. Klutz ask the kids to read a million pages in books?
4. What do you think the boys will do next?
In a little house filled with laughter and love, there was a boy named Charlie who was always struggling with his studies. Because of his low grades, he often came home disheartened.
One day, Charlie’s mother noticed her son’s situation. As Charlie stared sadly at his textbooks, she sat beside him with a warm smile that made the room a little brighter. “Why don’t we turn this into a game?” she suggested, her voice gentle and encouraging.
Together, they created fun quizzes and made colorful flashcards. They turned historical dates into a song and math problems into a treasure hunt Charlie’s mother believed in learning with joy, and she never stopped smiling, even when Charlie felt like giving up. As weeks passed, Charlie began to smile too, his fear of lessons slowly disappearing. He wasn’t the top of his class, but he was climbing, one cheerful step at a time. Then came the day of the big science test. Charlie walked into class with a nervous heart but remembered his mother’s encouraging smiles. When the results came, his name was at the top! In disbelief, he rushed home to find a note on the fridge, “The true test was believing in yourself, and that, you have done extremely well!”
But along with the note was a mysterious envelope, sealed (封口) with a smiley face sticker (贴纸). It wasn’t from his mother, and Charlie couldn’t guess who else knew about their little secret. Who could it be from, and what could be inside? Charlie’s journey of learning was about to get even more interesting.
1. 将文中划线句子翻译为汉语。2. 用括号中的短语将下面汉语句子翻译为英语。
如果你相信自己,你会变得越来越自信的。(believe in)
3. What did Charlie’s mother do to help her son? (必须完整回答,每个题不少于20词)
4. What happened to Charlie with his mother’s help? (必须完整回答,每个题不少于20词)
5. What’s in the envelope in your opinion? (必须完整回答,每个题不少于20词)
In the southern part of France, away from the charm of Paris and the scenic Riviera, lies Toulouse, often referred to as “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City.” Its nickname comes from the unique terra-cotta bricks used in many of its, buildings, giving the city a distinctive style.
Historically, Toulouse traces its roots back to the ancient times. It was originally established by the Celts in the 4th century BC and later became a significant Roman settlement. The city’s strategic position near the Germane River made it a well-known trading center in ancient Europe. By the Middle Ages, Toulouse had become a major center of trade due to its dye industry. This trade brought immense wealth to the region, and the city’s grand houses and public buildings from this era reflect is opulence (繁华).
However, Toulouse was not just a center for trade. Its history is marked with intellectual pursuits. By the 13th century, Université de Toulouse was established, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The institution attracted scholars from various parts of Europe.
In modern times, Toulouse is famous for its aerospace industry. Home to Airbus, one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft manufacturers, the city is a center point in global aviation. This modern achievement connects with Toulouse’s rich history, showcasing a combination of the old and the new.
One of the most significant landmarks in Toulouse is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, an architectural marvel from the Romanesque period. The church stands as a testament to the city’s religious significance during the medieval (中世纪的) times. Another notable part is the Capitole de Toulouse, which houses the city hall and a grand opera building. Its facade, made with the characteristic pink bricks, showcases the essence (本质) of Toulouse.
Despite its historical significance and achievements, Toulouse often remains overshadowed by other French cities. Yet, those who went to this southern gem find themselves fond of its rich history, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its inhabitants.
Visiting Toulouse offers an opportunity to step back in time while remaining firmly grounded in the present. It’s a city that embraces is past, cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism. In the European cities, Toulouse shines as a wonderful, yet irreplaceable one.
1. Why is Toulouse called “La Ville Rose” or “The Pink City?”2. What are the reasons for Toulouse to become a center of trade in the history?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
Basilica of Saint-Sernin stands as a testament to the city’s intellectual significance during medieval time.
4. In your opinion, which city in China is like Toulouse, which cherishes its traditions, yet looks forward with optimism? Why?
Starting exercise
You want to start doing exercise? Congratulations! You have just taken your first step towards a new and improved you!
Most people assume that regular exercise does wonders for the body and mind—but what exactly are its health benefits? To start with, physical activity increases the efficiency of your heart and lungs. During exercise, your heart and lungs must work harder. This extra effort makes them grow stronger over the long term. Moreover, exercise is good for your mental health. Working out can help you reduce stress and get over negative feelings.
Exercise is any activity that gets your body moving. Exercise doesn’t have to mean breaking a sweat at the gym or running a marathon. Any physical activity counts towards improving your health — something is always better than nothing. If you are just starting exercise for the first time, remember to start at a level that is comfortable for you.
Scientists have long known that what you eat can make or break a workout and possibly affect your fitness results. Like cars that run on petrol, your body burns carbohydrates (碳水化合物) for energy. Foods like noodles, rice, fruit and vegetables give your body plenty of carbohydrates to keep up your energy during a long workout. To help your muscles recover and repair themselves after exercise, you need to eat foods rich in protein, such as fish, eggs and milk products.
Choose the right clothing and shoes for the exercise and physical activity you plan to do is also important. To prevent injury, make sure your clothes and footwear are both comfortable and safe. What’s more, remember to warm up before exercising and stretch at the end of your workout.
So, now you know the benefits of exercise and how to do it safely and effectively. What are you waiting for?
Starting exercise | Physical benefits | |
Mental benefits | ||
Starting at a comfortable level | ||
Warm up before and stretch after exercising |
I believe everyone has a particular childhood birthday that stands out more than any other. For me, it was the year my father’s factory closed down, casting a shadow of uncertainty over our family. I was only a child. Looking back, I cannot recall the exact year, but the events of that birthday will live forever in my heart.
Dad, who had devoted years to the factory, never let on to me that we were having financial difficulties. I knew only that Dad usually worked long hours but was now home more than I had ever remembered. Mom, a homemaker, sought work in the local clothing factories, but jobs were rare. Time after time, she was told no openings were available. With Dad’s poor unemployment check as our only income, my parents carried the weight of our situation. They made every effort to hide the difficult reality from me.
As a carefree child, my mind was filled with excitement and eagerness for my upcoming birthday. What would my birthday gift be? What surprise was waiting for me? These questions crowded my mind, and I had no idea that my parents were worried about having no extra money to buy me a gift.
One day, when Mom was cleaning the house, she found some of my old clothes. Her eyes shone as she carefully examined each piece. “I know what to do!” she cried, her voice filled with excitement.
The days leading up to my birthday seemed to be no different from usual. But every night after I went to bed, Dad and Mom would be busy at the sewing (缝纫) machine for a long time. Dad designed, and Mom cut and sewed. They poured all their love and creativity into what they were doing, working hard to transform those old clothes into something special.
My birthday finally arrived. After a simple meal together, the moment came to open my parents’ gift. As I unwrapped it, my heart sank. Inside was a dress that looked very familiar, and I realized with a pang of sadness that it was a hand-made present using some of my old clothes. Disappointment washed over me, for I had no idea about the financial difficulty our family was facing. Overwhelmed with emotions, I swiftly closed the door to my room and let my tears flow freely. In the midst of my sorrow, I noticed a card nestled in the gift box, as if waiting to be discovered.
(一)阅读理解。
阅读以上短文,从每题所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项。
1. Who is the main character in this story?
A.I. | B.Dad. | C.Mom. |
A.The author’s parents hid the reality because they were afraid to make her angry. |
B.The author’s mom was very concerned before she found some of the old clothes. |
C.The author’s parents made the present themselves because they were good at it. |
A.The making of birthday gifts. | B.Financial difficulties. | C.Personal growth. |
A.Grown-up and responsible. | B.Innocent and reasonable. | C.Self-centered and mean. |
A.I was so disappointed by the hand-made gift that I refused to talk to my parents. |
B.I was first disappointed by the gift and the card but later cheered up by aunt’s gift. |
C.I was moved by the card, understood my parents and helped out with the housework. |
(二)读后续写。
6. 根据已给文章内容和下面所给段落开头语续写一段,使之构成一篇完整的短文。
注意:1. 续写词数应为75 左右;
.2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Paragraph 2:
I took out the card from the box of the dress.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Catherine was the coolest kid in her class. Whenever she went, she was in the spotight, with a bunch of kids following her and doing everything she did. Her deskmate, Landy, however, was not in the cool kids' group. Being the tallest kid in the class, she was teased (嘲笑) by her classmates, who were always chanting “Landy, Landy, long as spagheti (意大利面)”.
Every time Landy heard those silly chants, she could feel her face burst into flames. How she wished the ground to crack and swallow her!
Catherine didn’t really like it when the kids chanted “Landy, Landy, long as spaghetti”. But she never told them to stop either, and nor did she ever talk to Landy. She liked being popular.
One weekend, Catherine went over to her grandfather. Her grandfather lives on a farm at the opposite end of town, where he keeps chickens. While helping to feed the chickens, Catherine noticed a special one. Curling in the corner, it looked smaller than the others and was almost half-bare!(半秃)
“What’s the matter with it?” She asked her grandfather, with a puzzled frown on her face. Her grandfather told her how chickens could act. “They have a pecking ( 啄 ) order. ” he explained, “If one chicken is different, the others will push it away and keep pecking it. Sometimes they peck it so much that it dies.”
“Oh, what a poor little thing!” Catherine let out a sigh as she scooped (捧起) the frightened chicken up in her arms. Suddenly, she thought of Landy! She was just like the poor little chicken, being teased and ignored by her classmates, merely due to her special height.
Catherine decided to make an apology to Landy with the kids following her the next Monday.
1. What happened to Landy?2. Why did Catherine do nothing when other kids chanted?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain
why.
> After seeing the half-bare chicken, Catherine decided to help Landy overcome the difficulties.
4. To help the kids like Landy, what suggestions would you make?(In about 40 words)
7 . I’m handicapped (残疾). I often shop at a large store. I can get a handicapped cart (推车) there, and it’s a one-stop kind of shopping, so I don’t have to get in and out of the car several times to get everything I need.
One day, I was trying hard to move my shopping from the cart to my car when a woman and her two young daughters walked by. They stopped, turned around and came back to ask me if they could help me put my shopping in the car.
I was so surprised that I couldn’t say anything. She was very nice and introduced herself. She thought I looked like I could need some help. The two girls were quiet but friendly, and they were very careful of the shopping.
When the cart was empty, one of the girls said that she would return it to the store for me. Then the mother said, “You do have someone at home to help you move all this, don’t you?” I told her that I did not, but I could manage, especially since they had helped me already. She asked if I would allow her to follow me home and help me take my shopping into the house. I was again surprised and did not answer her at once. She told me that she meant me no harm, repeating that she just wanted to be of help to me.
I was too touched to say a word. This woman showed me and her daughters what it really means to love one another.
1. 根据文本内容,从方框中选择恰当的词并用其正确形式填入文本图示中,每词限用一次,有两词为多余选项。surprised speak see follow helpful shopping myself whether explain carefully daughter forget | ||
True love between people | ||
I’m handicapped, and I often do | I have to move my shopping from the cart to my car by | |
One day, I was moving my shopping from the cart, and a woman and her two girls | I felt | |
They helped me move the shopping | I found the woman and her girls were so friendly and | |
Then, the woman asked me to allow them | I was so moved that I could not |
2. Why does the author prefer to shop in the big store?
3. What was the woman’s purpose in coming back?
4. What would happen next?
Are You a Scanner?
“I can never stick to anything.”
“I get bored as soon as I know how to do something.”
…
If you’ve ever said these to yourself, chances are good that you’re a Scanner. Unlike those people who seem to find and be satisfied with one area of interest, you’re born to be interested in many things. Instead of a disability to be overcome by a strong will, it is actually an exceptional gift, a whole new way of thinking.
Intense curiosity about many unrelated subjects is the most basic characteristics of a Scanner. Scanners are indeed unique beings, and they may not even recognize themselves because they seldom meet others like them. How do you know if you’re a Scanner? Let’s start by defining who isn’t one.
Those who find fulfillment in one field are called Divers. Examples of Divers include professional musicians, scientists, mathematicians, and others deeply involved in their fields. Scanners constantly seek new horizons, while Divers find satisfaction within their field.
To Scanners the world is like a big candy store full of fascinating opportunities, and they reach out and stuff their pockets excitedly. However, this may not last forever. As kids, most Scanners have been having a great time! At school no one objects to their many interests, because every hour of every student’s school day is devoted to a different subject. But at some point in high school or soon after, everyone is expected to make a choice, and that’s when Scanners run into trouble. While some people happily narrow down to one subject, Scanners simply can’t. Conventionally, if you’re a jack-of-all-trades, you’ll be a master of none.
Identifying yourself as a Scanner means changing the way you see yourself in the world. It starts with understanding that you should stop trying to fit into the accepted norm at once and begin learning about who you really are.
In conclusion, if you’re a Scanner, embrace your unique nature. Your diverse interests are a gift, not a weakness.
1. What is the most basic characteristic of a Scanner?2. Why do Scanners run into trouble when they grow up?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.Identifying yourself as a Scanner means you should change the way you see the world.
4. Are you a Diver or a Scanner? How would you embrace your unique nature?(In about 40 words)
The Christmas holidays were fast approaching, and we had ordered many gifts online, So when the doorbell rang, I was sure some of the packages had arrived. I ran to the door, but no one was there. T sensed something and looked down, only to find a beautiful calico kitten (杂色猫) sitting there, looking up at me with big, intelligent eyes. There was no way that she could have rung the doorbell by herself. We figured that someone had found the kitten somewhere and left her there, and then rang the doorbell and ran away. They accurately guessed we would welcome an additional family member and take care of her.
My husband called her our little angel, so we named her Angelica. She turned out to be the perfect companion. Always by my side, she was more like a puppy than a kitten. She had plenty of energy that made every day special. As the days went by, Angelica filled our home with joy and she indeed was a blessing to me.
Angelica was brave, too. One snowy evening, I noticed Angelica behaving strangely. She constantly scratched (用爪刨) at our back door. With a sense of curiosity, I followed her outside. To my surprise, I found an old woman, my neighbor, Mrs. Jensen, fallen in the snow, unable to get up.
Thanks to Angelica’s cleverness, we got to Mrs. Jensen just in time. The warmth of Angelica nestled (偎依着) into her, keeping her safe until help arrived. That night, Angelica was not just my brave calico kitten, but an angel. The bond between us deepened greatly as I thanked my little angel, who had saved not just a neighbor, but filled our lives with love, laughter, and warmth.
1. Why did someone leave the kitten at the door of the author? (no more than 15 words)2. What does the underlined word in Paragraph 2 mean? (no more than 2 words)
3. Who did Angelica help save one snowy evening? (no more than 10 words)
4. How did Angelica change the author’s life? (no more than 10 words)
5. Do you like small animals? Why? (no more than 20 words)
War broke out in our house in late July with less than a month to go before my first day of college. It was a battle of wills, my mom’s and my own, over which school I was to attend. She wanted me to attend the well-known nursing school to which I was originally accepted, but I wanted to go to a small, private writing college with a student body of fewer than 300 students. Every night for two weeks, we argued, yelled and gave silent treatments until both parties went to bed with regrets and frustrations.
It was mostly my fault. Since my junior year of high school, I had aimed at being a nurse. I took all the required courses, applied for nursing scholarships, and even worked as a volunteer in my town’s local hospital. My goal, or so I told everyone, was to treat the sick and heal the hurt.
Yet, as graduation and college neared, I gradually found it was not what I was meant to do for the rest of my life. I could picture myself in providing wound care, making rounds and taking temperatures, but I couldn’t picture myself happy. It wasn’t the future I wanted.
Then, it dawned on me. I had been creating and writing stories for as long as I could remember. Even at four years old, I had my dad write as I told him the stories I had created. I had written for my high school’s newspaper and attended a writing camp over the previous summer. I loved it, and writing was what I had always pictured myself doing as a hobby. Now, it had become much more than a hobby. It was going to be my career even if the future was uncertain. It had to be.
1. 根据文本内容从方框中选择恰当的词并用其正确形式填入文本图示中,每词限用一次,有两词为多余选项。write nurse attend like preparation argue goal career realize happy approach angry | ||
In high school, I | I believed it was my | |
As graduation | I decided not to be a | |
Then, I started to | I was determined to make writing my | |
In late July, I told my mom I wanted to go to a | My mom disagreed with me and we |
3. Why do you think the writer’s mom disagreed with her new idea?
4. How do you think the writer would solve the problem?