1 . Exercise and I have never had a good relationship because of my fear of sports.   From a young age, my dad __________ me into a dozen sports. I didn’t like any of them, __________.

When I entered University of Regina, my dad __________ telling me “You have to find a way to stay __________ ”or “You don’t want to get the Freshman 15, do you?” So I __________ to give swimming a shot, but I __________ managed to go to the pool twice during the fall semester (学期). Worse still, I was __________ to convince myself that “Yeah, that’s OK. ”

The spring semester came.   A friend of mine __________ me one day asking if I wanted to go to Zumba with her. All I knew about Zumba was that it was basically exercise dancing to Latin and pop songs. It didn’t sound too bad, but I couldn’t be __________ .

I went, and that was it. Zumba became my __________ of tea. The instructor would always say: “Don’t worry about the steps. Have fun. Do your own thing.” That removed my __________ about sports. I didn’t have to be __________. I didn’t even have to be good. I just needed to __________ the music and move. Zumba did __________ me from the Freshman 15, but it also did so much more. It let me make __________ with my unpleasant past with physical fitness, and enjoy staying healthy.

1.

A．expected

B．allowed

C．invited

D．pushed

2.

A．therefore

B．though

C．instead

D．besides

3.

A．avoided

B．kept

C．regretted

D．risked

4.

A．in shape

B．for fun

C．at ease

D．on business

5.

A．decided

B．happened

C．bothered

D．refused

6.

A．hardly

B．merely

C．constantly

D．gradually

7.

A．eager

B．content

C．embarrassed

D．disappointed

8.

A．teased

B．comforted

C．approached

D．annoyed

9.

A．happy

B．proud

C．careful

D．certain

10.

A．share

B．part

C．cup

D．mouth

11.

A．curiosity

B．passion

C．fright

D．confidence

12.

A．ambitious

B．enthusiast

C．adorable

D．perfect

13.

A．feel

B．accept

C．display

D．compare

14.

A．save

B．witness

C．discourage

D．separate

15.

A．trouble

B．sense

C．peace

D．contact

2 . Finally came Wednesday! I walked onto campus feeling nervous even though I had walked on these same grounds for two years because my junior high school is next door. Everything looked and felt different now that I was in senior high.

I looked at my schedule. First period-German. Our German teacher was very friendly and I liked her from the beginning. What I didn’t like, though, was that I was surrounded by students from other grades, with only five familiar faces.

Then I had to walk all the way across campus and up three flights of stairs to get to my second period-biology. Our biology teacher is Ms Campeau, and I think that she will teach us a lot this year because she is very to the point. She also has her unique way of saying be quiet; she says“alligator”. She explained that she is the king, or should I say queen, of the class because alligators are the “king of the swamps (沼泽)”.

My third class was English. After surviving two periods without too much of a challenge, I began to feel good. However, the third period changed everything. Mr Valassidis, my English teacher, told us that we would have to write 40 essays (文章) and read AP-level books such as The 0dyssey this year. I love reading and writing, but 40ESSA YS?AP-level books? Now I was scared. He also talked about how important it was to be focused. Last year was not a very “focused” year for me. While doing homework, I was often talking on the phone, or busy with a conversation online. I planned on stepping it up this year because I wanted to stay an honours student.

1. What did the author mainly write about in this passage?

A．Her new teachers.

B．Her plan for the new year.

C．Her first day of senior high.

D．Her schedule for Wednesday.

2. What should students do when Ms Campeau says“alligator”?

A．Sit still.	B．Stop talking.
C．Look at the blackboard.	D．Listen carefully.

3. How did the author find her first two classes?

A．Unattractive.	B．Informative.
C．Very tiring.	D．Pretty easy.

4. Why did the author feel scared during the third period?

A．She couldn’t focus on her work.

B．She found the class demanding.

C．She didn’t like the teacher.

D．She did poorly at school.

3 . Art and science may seem like opposite things. One means the creative flow of ideas, and the other means cold, hard data-some people believe. In fact, the two have much in common. Now, a study finds art can help students remember better what they have learned in the science class.

Mariale Hardiman, an education specialist at Johns Hopkins University, noticed that students who used art in the classroom listened more carefully. They might ask more questions. They might volunteer more ideas. What’s more, students seemed to remember more of what they had been taught when their science lessons had involved(涉及) art. To prove that, Hardiman teamed up with some researchers and six local schools.

In the experiment, the researchers worked with teachers in 16 fifth-grade classrooms. They provided traditional science lessons and art-focused ones. In a traditional science class, for example, students might read aloud from a book. In the art-focused one, they might sing the information instead.

The team randomly assigned(随机分配) each of the 350 students to either a traditional science classroom or an art-focused one. Students then learned science using that way for the whole unit-about three weeks. When they changed to a new topic, they also changed to the other type of class. This way, each student had both an art-focused class and a traditional one. Every unit was taught in both ways, to different groups of students. This enabled the researchers to see how students did in both types of classes.

The team found that students who started off in a traditional class performed better after they moved into an art-focused class. But those who started off in an art-focused class did well even when they went back to a traditional science class. These students appeared to use some of the art techniques(技巧) after going back to a traditional class. Classroom teachers reported that many students continued to sing the songs that they learned after finishing the unit. “The more we hear something, the more we retain it,” Hardiman says. “It suggests that the arts may help students apply creative ways of learning on their own.”

1. Why did Mariale Hardiman do the study?

A．To prove the importance of art at school.

B．To see if art might improve science learning

C．To find a way to help her students learn better.

D．To know how to encourage students to ask questions.

2. What were the students required to do in the experiment?

A．Take two types of classes.	B．Learn three units in total.
C．Learn two topics for three weeks.	D．Choose what they’d like to learn.

3. What does the underlined word “retain” in the last paragraph mean?

A．Finish.

B．Express.

C．Improve.

D．Memorize.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．Art helps students develop creativity.

B．Art-focused classes interest students a lot.

C．Art can make science easier to remember.

D．Art has something in common with science.

4 . What Your Dog Is Really Thinking

Reading a pup’s body language requires experience and expert guidance. Zazie Todd, a dog trainer and founder of the blog Companion Animal Psychology, considers how to figure out the dogs’ behaviour.

If your dog licks their mouth

They’re stressed. Recently, two European studies have highlighted the meaning of this licking. One found that it was a dogs’ response to seeing an angry or aggressive human face on a computer screen.     1     . If you spot this sign, try reducing your dog’s stress levels. It could be as simple as giving them more physical space.

If there are fireworks and your dog is shaking

The noises are frightening.     2     . But a surprising number of people don’t realize that shaking and trembling (and hiding or seeking out people) are signs of fear. Whereas only a quarter of owners say their dog is afraid of loud noises, half report these behavioural signs.

    3    

They’re anxious. Obvious signs of an unhappy dog include hiding or trying to leave the exam room, but commonly missed signs range from a tucked tail and lowered ears to trembling. If your dog gets stressed at appointments, ask what can be done. Many vets now use food to make the experience more fun.

If your dog leans into you during a petting session.

    4     . If you’re unsure that a dog is enjoying being petted, stop, then watch their reaction. If they choose to wander of, the session is over. Other signs of discomfort include smelling the floor, looking away and breathing heavily. However, if they lean on you or scratch at you to get more hugs, continue!     5     .

A．They hate it

B．They like it

C．This is a common reaction

D．If you’re at the vet and your dog’s tail is down

E．If your dog looks guilty when you walk in the door and see a mess

F．Preferred spots on their bodies are to either side of the chest and under the chin

G．The other determined that dogs lick their mouths—and also look away—in response to a mild threat

5 . Istanbul & Faces

Titled “Timeless City: Istanbul & Faces”, the Turkey photography exhibition celebrates the 30th anniversary of Istanbul and Shanghai’s sistership. The 42­year­old photographer focuses on the distinctive (独特的) historical quarters and the atmosphere that spreads in Istanbul. His work also pays respects to its people as well, with well­defined portraits.

Date: Till Jan. 18, 10 a.m.—4 p.m.   Venue: Shanghai Art Collection Museum.

Knitted Works

The knitted (编织的) show is aimed at raising awareness of post natal depression. The works were created by more than 20 mothers from different cities. All the knitted dolls and other works will be sold with the profits (利益) going to charity when the exhibition ends. If you are interested in the knitted works, you can order a special piece.

Date: Till Jan. 1, 7 a.m.—9 p.m.   Venue: B1 Jinxiu Fun.

Old Shanghai Teahouse

The newly­opened zone at Shanghai Dungeon features nostalgic sets and experiences for visitors to have “scary fun”. Visitors can wear traditional Chinese costumes and take photos with the performers.

Date: Daily, 11 a.m.—8 p.m.   Venue: Mosaic Shanghai Mail.

Musical Titanic

The Tony Awards winning musical “Titanic” is in Shanghai with more than 100 characters cast. The impressive stage effects promise to take the audience to the bottom of the ocean.

Date: Till Jan. 22, 2 p.m.—7:30 p.m.   Venue：SAIC Shanghai Culture Square.

1. Where should you go if you want to learn more about Turkey’s history?

A．B1 Jinxiu Fun.

B．Mosaic Shanghai Mail.

C．Shanghai Art Collection Museum.

D．SAIC Shanghai Culture Square.

2. What can we know about knitted works?

A．People can have a talk with the creators.

B．All the works can be sold when the show begins.

C．They were made by people from different places.

D．The show offers people chances to learn how to make one.

3. What makes the Musical Titanic special?

A．Its opening time is the longest.

B．It raises money for a special purpose.

C．It allows interacting with performers.

D．It offers a lifelike experience under water.

6 . Try to understand what is actually happening instead of acting on the ________ (assume) you’ve made. (所给词的适当形式填空)

7 . Chinese traditional painting and dance are two vital parts of the art world. But what about when they meet each other?

This year, a dance drama titled Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting (《只此青绿》) was staged on CCTV’ Spring Festival Gala and went viral.

According to CCTV, this poetic dance programme was inspired by the about 900-year-old Chinese painting A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains(《千里江山图》). Created by Song Dynasty painter Wang Ximeng at the age of 18, the painting is amazing in its marvellous size, rich coloration and the expressive details, reported CCTV. It shows a Chinese blue-green landscape: mountains and groupings of infinite rise and fall between cloudless sky and rippling water.

When the dancers moved elegantly, audiences seemed to be looking at the moving mountains and rivers. “It brings me a pure experience of beauty. It is not only dance but also an ‘exhibition’. Vast mountains and rivers are coming to life!” An Internet user Mo Weisha wrote in a review, “About a thousand years later, green mountains and rivers still wow people as they did long ago.

Some people even decided to watch the dance again when it was staged in the theaters later. In fact, in recent years, more and more modern shows highlight Chinese traditional culture and have received warm welcome. As for why, it is due to people’s great love for traditional culture.

“The younger generations have grown up with a more open mindset. They embrace Chinese culture and are proud of it. ”Yao Wei, director of Henan TV Station’s Innovation Center, told China Daily.

1. What is the function of Paragraph 1 in the text?

A．To present a common phenomenon.	B．To compare painting with dance.
C．To describe the art world.	D．To introduce the topic.

2. What can we learn about the painting A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains from the text?

A．It was painted in several bright colors.

B．It shows natural beauty vividly.

C．It was created over thousand years ago.

D．It is of small size but includes great details.

3. Why are shows about Chinese traditional culture becoming popular according to Yao Wei?

A．People are more open to traditional culture.

B．People are happy to see new forms of art.

C．Chinese culture has been spreading around the world.

D．People have gained more access to traditional culture.

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

A．Passion for Chinese Traditional Painting

B．Art Coming Alive Through Poetic Dance

C．Connection Between Painting and Dance

D．Highlights in Traditional Chinese Culture

8 . Once upon a time, a daughter complained to her father that her senior high school life was unhappy and that she was tired of struggling with homework all the time.

Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Once the three pots began to boil, h placed potatoes, eggs and coffee beans in them. After 20 minutes, he took them out, putting the potatoes and eggs in a bowl and the coffee in a cup.

Turning to his daughter, he said, “Look closer, and touch the potatoes.” She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After puling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to taste the coffee. Its good smell brought a smile to her face.

“Father, what does this mean?” she asked. He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs and the coffee beans were in the same adversity (逆境)—the boiling water. However, each one reacted differently.

The strong and hard potato became soft and weak in boiling water. The egg was fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard. However, the coffee beans were unique. After they were exposed to the boiling water, they changed the water and created something new. “Which one do you want to be like,” he asked. “When adversity knocks on your door, how will you respond?”

In life, challenges happen to us all, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us.

1. Why did the girl complain to her father?

A．Because of her tiring job.	B．Because of her hard school life.
C．Because of her father’ s busy work.	D．Because of the food her father cooked.

2. What can we infer from this story?

A．The girl liked the coffee best.

B．The father was good at cooking.

C．Different people have different reactions to adversity.

D．The girl didn’t like the potatoes and eggs.

3. What does the underlined word “fragile” mean in the 5th paragraph?

A．thick

B．hard

C．strong

D．easily-broken

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

A．Challenges and responses.	B．Adversities and a chef.
C．A chef and coffee beans.	D．Father and daughter.

9 . Apps are becoming increasingly popular nowadays, and for good reasons. They can help you out in just about every area of your life, like keeping fit, communicating with friends and even learning a language.     1     Here’s what you should think about before downloading an app for language learning.

    2    

Any seasoned language learner will tell you that the beauty of mastering a foreign language is the world which it opens up to you. This is a world of diverse sources of information, from newspapers and books to TV, radio, music and even real people. Would you limit yourself to one medium in your native language? Probably not, so why do so in your new language?

Establish your purpose and plan your habits

Do you want to be fluent in weeks or are you in it for the brain training? The good apps are designed to help you arrange your studies around your timetable.     3     These apps encourage habit building, because the successful formation of a habit ensures your safe and regular return.

Make it social

    4     I mean that you need to socialize for real. I owe the speed of progress I made in Italian to the support from Jim, my partner in study time. Find a friend to accompany you. Take an evening class. Borrow a book. Buy a book. Book a week away and attend a language school. Just don’t forget your phone!

If I may speak sincerely, the combination of apps, the language school, Jim, evenings out, and a choice book or two proved extremely effective.     5    

A．I recommend it.

B．Learn from diverse sources.

C．Remember that an app is just a tool.

D．I don’t mean that you post your progress online.

E．I encourage you to use apps as often as you can.

F．The best apps adapt themselves according to your behavior.

G．However, you need to know how to use them properly to really benefit.

10 . I always carry a Rubik’s Cube (魔方) in my backpack. Solving it quickly is a start of a(n) _________. I’ve been asked to solve the cube on the subway of New York and at a cafe in Paris. And learning to solve it is a start to _________ the biggest problem of my life.

Holding a Cube, people usually don’t know where to begin. That’s _________ what it was like for me to learn how to read. Letters and words were out of order and mixed together. Nothing made _________ because I’m dyslexic (阅读困难的). It’s _________ to admit this, but I still couldn’t make a consistent spelling of my full name when I had to leave public school after the fourth grade.

It was at that time that I taught myself to solve the cube, which made me _________ that sometimes you have to take a few steps back in order to move _________. This was a _________ of my own life. As a fifth-grader at a new school that is especially founded for those who have language-processing disorder, I had to _________ from memorizing symbols for letters. I spent another four years learning how to learn and finding __________ that allowed me to return to my district’s normal public school with the ability to express my ideas.

The Rubik’s Cube taught me that to__________ something big, it helps to __________ the big matter into smaller pieces. Things can often look like an unreasonable mess before you suddenly hit upon a way to untangle the mess. I believe that there are surprises around the corner. Like a(n) __________ text or sometimes like life itself, the Rubik’s Cube can be a frustrating puzzle. So I carry one in my backpack to __________ myself that I can attain my goals, __________ what obstacle I may face.

1.

A．intervention

B．interaction

C．tradition

D．expectation

2.

A．generate

B．digest

C．adopt

D．overcome

3.

A．exactly

B．mostly

C．barely

D．merely

4.

A．inferences

B．comments

C．sense

D．conclusions

5.

A．embarrassing

B．surprising

C．rewarding

D．confusing

6.

A．assess

B．analyse

C．realize

D．forecast

7.

A．eastward

B．westward

C．backward

D．forward

8.

A．novel

B．mirror

C．quote

D．fantasy

9.

A．ban

B．continue

C．expand

D．start

10.

A．strategies

B．conclusions

C．essays

D．plans

11.

A．defend

B．link

C．achieve

D．desert

12.

A．break down

B．break in

C．break out

D．break off

13.

A．apparent

B．easy

C．difficult

D．critical

14.

A．convince

B．require

C．warn

D．remind

15.

A．regardless of

B．prior to

C．thanks to

D．instead of