Rembrandt Harmenszoon was born in the Netherlands in the city of Leiden. There were six children in his family. His parents wanted him to get a good education and provided opportunities for him to study with successful painters. Among them was the famous painter, Pieter Lastman in Amsterdam.
Rembrandt was very talented and studied with Lastman for six months and then moved back to Leiden and began to teach other artists even though he was only 22 years old.
Sometimes he used members of his family as models. His father was the subject of Bearded Man in Furred Oriental Cape and Robe. His son Titus is seen in Titus at His Desk, and Prodigal Son in the Tavern features Rembrandt and his wife Saskia.
One of his most famous paintings is Nightwatch which shows a group of men in their military uniforms. A war had recently ended in the country and the men were dressed up for a military practice. Nightwatch was a controversial(有争议的) piece. Some of the people in the painting were not pleased with the results because they did not have a prominent(突出的) place in the picture. When Rembrandt painted it, the colors were bright, but it became clouded with smoke and dirt and eventually became known as Nightwatch. In this painting we see Rembrandt’s use of light and shadow which makes his work so distinctive.
This great Dutch artist was very productive and popular with people. He enjoyed painting pictures of Bible characters and scenes of Bible stories. During his lifetime he produced over 600 paintings. You can see his paintings in museums and galleries all over the world today.
1. When did Rembrandt begin to teach other artists? (no more than 8 words)2. Who in Rembrandt’s family appeared in his paintings according to Paragraph 3? (no more than 10 words)
3. What makes Rembrandt’s work Nightwatch very distinctive? (no more than 10 words)
4. What does the author want to tell us about Rembrandt in the last paragraph? (no more than 7 words)
5. What are you interested in? And why? (no more than 20 words)
2 . Every small child knows the panic of losing sight of its mother in the supermarket, and as the pictures show, small whales obviously feel the same way.
Taken by a British diver who was following the sperm whale(抹香鲸) calf, they show the minute the baby -- who had lost track of its mum -- found her again in the sea off the Azores .
Jumping 30 ft across the waves, the newborn slammed(猛力推) its body onto the water with joy after becoming separated from its family group in the cold waters.
But the whale calf was doing more than just jumping for joy.
Justin Hart, who took the pictures, said that young whales communicate with older ones in the ocean by creating a slamming sound which travels through the water to the ears of the adults deep below.
By jumping out of the water and slamming its 12ft long body onto the surface of the sea up to 30 times, the baby whale is telling its relatives where it is so they can regroup.
He said, ‘Sperm whales, of all the whales and dolphins, are the species that div e the deepest and for the longest time.
‘The calves have to follow what’s going on below them from the surface -- probably listening to the echo location(回声定位) clicks of the adults.
‘However sometimes the adults re-surface far out of sight of the calf, and in this situation the whales often jump out of the water causing a large bang as their bodies hit the surface. In this way, whale family can regroup.’
Sperm whales live in nearly all the world’s oceans in groups of about 15 to 20 animals and they practice communal(集体的) childcare. The calves do not have to follow their mother too closely as a sperm whale calf can take milk from any milk-producing female in its social group.
1. The underlined word“they”in Paragraph 2 probably refers to ______.| A．the whales | B．the divers |
| C．the photos | D．the mothers |
| A．found its family with his help |
| B．suffered a lot in the cold waters |
| C．lost contact with its family for days |
| D．slammed as a means of communication |
| A．The young are independent. |
| B．They are highly social animals. |
| C．They tend to live in warm sea waters. |
| D．Females take turns to care for babies. |
3 . I wanted to buy something today -- until I figured out the cost versus the benefit. At that point I knew it was a completely stupid idea.
What I wanted to buy was an older car to have in addition to my four-year-old Smart Car that I absolutely like. So you wonder, why would I want to have another car as well? The reason is ... grandkids. I have several and in the Smart Car I can only have one passenger (It’s a two-seater). Besides, one of my daughters-in-law does not trust the Smart Car as a vehicle for her daughter Lily to ride in, so that’s one little girl I can’t take anywhere at all. My husband also has a car -- and a truck.
So that’s why I had the stupid idea to buy an old Toyota I found on the lot of an honest used car salesman. Thank heavens I came to my senses before I spent $ 8000 to buy it, $ 80 or so to license it and probably $ 500 to insure it for a year. It would be senseless to buy that car.
My grandkids just have to continue to come with me one by one. I can’t take two girls out to lunch or two girls shopping or pick up the brother and sister that live in the same house. As for the little one that’s not allowed to ride with me ... well, Grandpa will have to pick her up. As for me, I didn’t get money in my savings account by being totally stupid. Sure, doing things with the kids is fun, but spending that kind of money to put two or more of them in a group -- which would probably drive me crazy anyway -- is really dumb. Sometimes temptation can prove that you still have a little sense.
1. The author’s little grandkid Lily ______.| A．refused to stay with her |
| B．was not allowed to take her car |
| C．was always picked up by her husband |
| D．thought it was dangerous to drive a Smart Car |
| A．it was a used car |
| B．she couldn’t afford it |
| C．there was no need for it |
| D．the salesman was unreliable |
| A．difficult | B．stupid | C．reasonable | D．amazing |
| A．Look before you leap. |
| B．Better late than never. |
| C．Don’t judge a book by its cover. |
| D．Every advantage has its disadvantage. |
4 . Deanna Jump made headlines when it was announced she’d brought in a million dollars selling her lesson plans online. Despite the windfall, Jump, has no plans to quit the work she considers her calling. She spoke with us about her secrets for creating units that kids and fellow teachers can’t resist.
How did you get the idea of selling your work online?
Deanna Jump: I’ve always created my own activities and units, and I’ve always shared them with my fellow teachers. A few years ago, one of my team members said, “Your stuff is so good. You’ve got to put it on Teachers Pay Teachers.” I got started. The first year, my sales were really slow with about $300. But I thought that was great.
How has the income changed your life?
DJ: Teachers in America don’t make a lot of money, so I really consider it a blessing. I have a brother who’s a quadriplegic (四肢瘫痪的人). For about 13 years, he was stuck at home unless he had a doctor’s appointment. With my first big check, we bought a van so our mother could take him around. I also give some to my community. But I still drive a Kia. I still live in the same house.
What advice would you give fellow teachers who might want to sell their lessons?
DJ: Stay true to yourself. My teaching style is reflected in my units. I don’t try to say, “Okay, how would this teacher over here do it?” and try to create something for her. Also, be a teacher first, and a seller second. Be careful to make sure that you don’t say, “Oh, my goodness, I haven’t put anything out for two months. I need to get something out.” I never think like that. I create things with my students in mind.
1. Deanna Jump’s lesson plans ______.| A．brought her great fame | B．were put online by her colleague |
| C．sold well as soon as they were put online | D．were created with the help of her colleagues |
| A．other teachers are in need of it | B．it’s successful in her classroom |
| C．it’s expected to be a good seller | D．she adopts a new teaching style |
| A．To tell how to create lesson plans. | B．To discuss Deanna Jump’s teaching style. |
| C．To show the secret for being a great teacher. | D．To offer more information about a million-dollar teacher. |
5 . English in Action
Kingswood Camps leads the way in integrated (综合的) language and activity camps. Set in holiday locations that UK young people love to visit, all our camps combine quality English teaching with an action-packed programme of sports and activities.
Through mini projects using research and thinking skills, we aim to build confidence and develop the language skills needed in real-life situations.
The programme is filled with fun, excitement and activities. You never have time to be bored at Kingswood Camps!
Our activities are great chances for international students to make new friends from Britain and around the world. You can speak English all day while you swim, surf, go climbing or horse riding.
Our teachers are hand-picked for their teaching ability and friendly, outgoing personalities. They always take the time to explain things carefully and to bring the language to life. Whether you are at beginner level or already quite fluent, the daily English lessons help you to understand the kind of practical language that is used in everyday situations.
Experience even more by upgrading (升级) your stay with a Specialist Holiday. Pick a favourite hobby or try something completely new and spend a minimum of 15 hours a week focusing on your chosen activity, sharing your hobby with like-minded friends. Choose from Surf Schools, Water Sports, Football Academy, and Dance.
From trips to historic cities and the bright lights of London, to famous museums and a spot of shopping, we have exciting short journeys covered. One full day and one half day short journeys are included in your programme.
Whether you are travelling al one or in a group, you can choose to be met or arrival in the UK. We will then transport you safely to your camp.
1. What is special about Kingswood Camps?| A．It is the world's leading indoor camp. |
| B．It aims to help children know the UK. |
| C．It offers educational and exciting activities. |
| D．It requires students to speak perfect English. |
| A．UK young people. |
| B．International students. |
| C．New friends. |
| D．Teachers. |
| A．What Kingswood Camps' aim is. |
| B．What activities Kingswood Camps has. |
| C．What the teachers and lessons are like. |
| D．How you can get to your camp. |
| A．Get language training. |
| B．Enjoy your favourite hobby. |
| C．Develop your teaching ability. |
| D．Make a journey to historic cities. |
| A．To introduce a camp. |
| B．To invite people to visit Britain. |
| C．To advertise several trips to London. |
| D．To present interesting activities in the UK. |
6 . Think about things around you when you get up in the morning: the alarm clock, toothbrush, toile, coffee maker, and shower heads… What do these things have in common? They are all inventions. They come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. And their inventors were from diverse backgrounds. Sure, many scientists have made discoveries and turned those discoveries into inventions. However, that doesn’t mean you must be a scientist to be an inventor.
We often hear that necessity is the mother of invention, and it means that people often identify one of their needs and then try to meet that need. Sometimes the only way to meet that need is to invent a new product!
Think about all of the musical instruments in the world. Now think of all the products that go along with those instruments. Instead of scientists, many of those products were invented by musicians. They discovered a need and then invented a product to satisfy it. They may have thought scientifically about the product. They may have had help from a scientist, but many people have shown that inventors can come from any background.
Non-scientific approaches can help develop new inventions. Although thinking scientifically is often a necessity, it can also be helpful to think out of the box. We often get used to doing things the same way and thinking that some ideas won’t work, which makes us stop thinking about new things. But if we keep thinking, we might discover something amazing. That is why some inventors can come from a variety of non-scientific backgrounds. For example a poet and an astronomer both look at the sky, but they see it differently. The poet might have ideas about a problem the astronomer would never consider.
See? You don’t have to be a scientist to be an inventor. Somehow, everyone can invent something.
1. What is the main idea of the first paragraph?| A．Inventions can be made by anyone, not just scientists. |
| B．Inventions are mainly the result of scientific discoveries. |
| C．Inventors must have scientific backgrounds. |
| D．Inventors is good at inventing daily things. |
| A．Remember. | B．Invent. | C．Find. | D．Develop. |
| A．the need for a solution leads to invention |
| B．music is very important in our lives |
| C．inventions come from scientific thinking |
| D．music can help scientists become inventors |
| A．It is helpful for people to keep thinking. |
| B．It is not important for people to think scientifically. |
| C．People need to think about things in new, different ways. |
| D．People need to get used to doing things the same way. |
| A．We should take a look at the sky. |
| B．It’s not easy to write a piece of music. |
| C．We should try to solve scientific problems. |
| D．It’s possible for everyone to invent things. |
7 . For many years, I wanted to be a music video director. After graduating from high school, I moved to Los Angeles. I earned a degree in video production there. Fortune smiled upon me as I quickly worked as a production helper. I was young and ambitious, doing my best in my dream work.
One day, I worked as a volunteer at an award show. A production manager talked with me and said that I was going to be a “big fish” one day. I was praised, but frightened. I wasn’t sure whether I could bear the pressure of being a “big fish”. Not too long after the show, I was laid off from my position at the production company. I went back home to Florida to think about my next career move.
In Florida, I found a job in a financial company. The pay was good, and the work was not difficult. But a few months later, my creative spirit sent an SOS to my brain. It reminded me that I wasn’t making the best use of my talents. I didn’t have the money to make another cross-country move back to Los Angeles, but I couldn’t wait to create something.
I did some creative writing during my spare time. To motivate myself even further, I promised myself a children’s storybook. My goal didn’t end there, however. I also decided to get the book published. It was not easy, and I continued sending out my work for nearly four years. Finally my work attracted the interest of a publisher.
When I held a copy of my beautiful children’s book in my hands, I felt really happy from the bottom of my heart. I may not have become a big fish, but I did achieve a goal. Success comes from efforts. When you have something to fight for, you’re not far from success.
1. The author went to Los Angeles to ______.| A．find a high-paid job | B．reach for her dream |
| C．visit a famous film director | D．take part in volunteer activities |
| A．Proud. | B．Happy. | C．Uncertain. | D．Disappointed. |
| A．It lacks challenges. | B．It requires a higher degree. |
| C．It often takes up her free time. | D．It can hardly support her family. |
| A．She set herself to work on a new goal. | B．She was moved by her children’s words. |
| C．She was attracted by a picture storybook. | D．She planned to leave for Los Angeles some day. |
| A．To make a cross-country move. | B．To break our old working habits. |
| C．To try hard to improve our writing skills. | D．To make every effort to achieve our goals. |
8 . Many years ago, my mother read from the book Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey to me. I remember as if it were yesterday, hearing her voice at my side on a cold wintry night. My mother’s voice changed my world.
Long before I could read on my own, she shared with me the strength and beauty of McCloskey’s language in a story of a little girl and her mother out in nature, co-existing with a mother bear and its baby. The power of the story, of language and of my mother all came together. And it happened many times after that, over and over. The read aloud made me a reader.
Years later, I was reading aloud a picture book to a small child in a classroom. His life, so far, had not been easy. His childhood was troubled by poverty and loneliness. In that moment, in the joy of the read aloud, he had an idea that started something big.
What he said was this: “Mrs. Allyn, let’s make sure everyone knows how good this feels. Let’s have a holiday for the read aloud.” Therefore, my organization, LitWorld, created a grassroots movement World Read Aloud Day in 2010 to honor this young boy’s wish for everyone to be able to have a read aloud every day.
Since the day he shared that good idea with us, World Read Aloud Day has become a worldwide event, reaching over one million people in more than 65 countries around the world. This year we are over 600 cities strong, a number that is growing every day.
Children who grow up as readers become engaged citizens of the global world, and every child deserves the right to read. When I say that reading aloud will change the world, I know it sounds simple. But one of the many great things about giving kids access to the power of stories and sharing them together is that it is simple. It is also cheap and easily done. And the impact is huge.
1. What did the author’s mother do when she was a child?| A．She read aloud to her. |
| B．She listened to her reading. |
| C．She bought many books for her. |
| D．She encouraged her to read aloud. |
| A．mother and child | B．teacher and student |
| C．boss and worker | D．writer and reader |
| A．To reduce poverty. |
| B．To overcome loneliness. |
| C．To have a holiday for the read aloud. |
| D．To create a World Read Aloud Day. |
| A．World Read Aloud Day has developed quickly. |
| B．This year World Read Aloud Day are over 600 cities strong. |
| C．World Read Aloud Day has become a worldwide event. |
| D．World Read Aloud Day has reached over one million people. |
| A．Sticking to reading isn’t easy. |
| B．Reading aloud isn’t actually simple. |
| C．Reading can benefit children easily. |
| D．Kids should try to change the world. |
9 . Community Development Projects Overseas
The aim of Community Development projects abroad in Temple Conservation, DIY and more is to improve poorer local communities. You can do them as part of your work experience, gap year or career break. Or just as a volunteering holiday.
South AfricaTime: 1st, March-31st, May 2022
Registration fee: $65
Maintenance/Handyman/DIY skills, this project would love to have you! The project is truly unique... you will assist an Animal Rehabilitation Center that desperately needs any help it can get and you will be benefiting the animals at the same time! And, of course, the location is very unusual.
Sri Lanka:Time: 1st, May-31st, July 2022
Registration fee: Free
Buddhist Temple Repair and Construction Project in Kand. Rebuild and repair Buddhist temple in and around Kandy. This unique and fascinating project offers an opportunity to learn about Sri Lanka n construction using traditional manual methods, without using modern machines. Work includes construction, repairing temples, cleaning in and around temples, interacting with children and villagers and helping the temples arrange Community Centers for the village youths. You will also assist with the repair of paintings and sculptures inside the temples.
Zimbabwe:Time: 1st, October-31st, December, 2022
Registration fee: $120
Community Healthcare and Medical Project in Gweru gain basic medical experience in local clinics and play a role in HIV/AIDS education and awareness. You will be able to get involved in not only this clinic but others in the nearby areas. as well. You do not need to be qualified in any particular area. You will work with children from the ages of 3 to 6 years. It is a very worthwhile, enjoyable placement.
1. What can we know about Community Development project?| A．They can improve poorer local communities. |
| B．They bring you a chance to travel abroad. |
| C．They can make you understand foreign countries well. |
| D．They can make you more experienced in your future work. |
| A．People with rich travelling experience. |
| B．People who are experienced in painting. |
| C．People with experience in treating AIDS. |
| D．People with experience of caring for animals. |
| A．It will be directed by experienced expert. |
| B．The repair work can only be done by hand. |
| C．All work will be done through modern machines. |
| D．The construction workers do not have to be experienced. |
| A．Health and medicine. |
| B．Food and environments. |
| C．Animals and resources. |
| D．The community and education. |
| A．They all require some fees. |
| B．They all require particular experience. |
| C．They all need the same length of working time. |
| D．They all need you to be good at foreign languages. |
Rock climbing is not an easy sport. It requires not only physical strength, but also complete mental concentration. But don’t tell 20-year-old Sasha diGuilian that. This fearless girl who has been controlling the sport ever since she entered this field, is just getting warmed up.
The youngster says that she began climbing even before she could walk. As a baby, she was constantly escaping from her bed and as a young child always leading her friends to the nearest rocks or hills. Then at the age of seven she attended her brother’s birthday party at a local rock climbing gym and knew she had found her gift for rock climbing.
Soon after, she joined the local center in her home town of Alexandria, Virginia and began climbing — first once a week, then twice and soon, almost every day. Her moment came at the age of nine when she won her first climbing competition by taking part in an event that she hadn’t even known, until she went to the gym for her normal climbing routine(常规). Her competitive nature and love for the sport immediately reached the peak and she began training seriously, but this time outside the gym — climbing real mountains.
As a youngster, she won the Junior Continental Championships from 2004 to 2010. Then, as soon as she was old enough, she went on to win the Pan American Championship, the US National Championship and in 2011, at just 18 years of age, was crowned Female Overall World Champion in Arco, Italy .
She is also the youngest woman to have completed a 5.14d graded climb. It is something that even most experienced climbers fear to try, because a small slip could result in a severe injury or even death.
1. What does rock climbing require?(no more than 10 words)2. What did Sasha diGuilian realize when she attended her brother’s party at a rock climbing gym? (no more than 8 words)
3. What did Sasha do when her competitive nature and love for the sport reached the peak? (no more than 5 words)
4. What is the main idea of Paragraph 4?(no more than 8 words)
5. What sport do you like best and why?(no more than 20 words,)
