1 . World famous physicist Stephen Hawking died peacefully at his home in Cambridge on March 14th, 2018.

Hawking was born in Oxford, England on January 8th, 1942. He went to school in a small city near London. As he himself admitted, he wasn’t very serious about studying. He did very little work, he was never top of his class. However, he still achieved good marks. After leaving school, Hawking first went to Oxford University to study physics. Then he went to Cambridge University to study cosmology (宇宙学).

At the age of 21, Hawking noticed something wrong with him. He had a bad illness that stopped him from moving and talking. He couldn’t communicate except by blinking (眨眼). He sat on a wheelchair with a computer by his side. To communicate with others, he moved two fingers to control the computer’s mouse. He chose his words from the screen, which were then spoken by a voice synthesizer (音响合成器). “I’ve had the disease for most of my life,” Hawking once said, “Yet it has not stopped me from being successful at my work.”

Although Hawking was a disabled man, he made great achievements. He received many awards and prizes for his work, including the Albert Einstein Award—the highest achievement in physics.

Hawking worked at Cambridge University as a professor. His story shows that nobody, however bad their situation is, should lose hope. “Life is not fair,” he once said, “You just have to do the best you can in your own situation.”

1. How old was Stephen Hawking when he passed away?

A．86.

B．76.

C．58.

D．90.

2. During studying in a small city near London, we know that ______.

A．Stephen Hawking was the best student of his class

B．Stephen Hawking didn’t work hard at his lessons

C．Stephen Hawking began to study cosmology

D．Stephen Hawking didn’t get high marks

3. What happened to Stephen Hawking when he was 21?

A．There was something wrong with his head.

B．He couldn’t even blink to communicate except by moving fingers.

C．He could neither talk nor move.

D．He had a car accident.

4. How did Stephen Hawking communicate with others after the bad illness?

A．By mouth.	B．By body languages.
C．By writing letters with his hands.	D．By a voice synthesizer.

2 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What is the speaker?

A．A chef.

B．A doctor.

C．A teacher.

2. Where was Tom during lunch?

A．In the library.

B．In the classroom.

C．In the speaker’s office.

3. Why didn’t Tom have lunch?

A．He was too busy to eat.

B．He was unable to afford food.

C．He was embarrassed to buy it.

4. Which of the following can best describe the speaker?

A．Thankful.

B．Respectful.

C．Helpful.

3 . Growing up as a kid in the UK, I was fascinated by insects. Wanting to _________ them, I started building little houses for ants, using little pieces of wood and _________.

I then progressed to _________ little cups from silver foil (银箔) for the imaginary friends I visualized living in my garden’s depths. My mother, seeing my creations, _________ me by saying that my ability to make things small could _________ great achievements.

As the years went by, my designs became more _________. And I used many different _________, such as diamond fragments, eyelashes (睫毛) and even spider web threads.

I sometimes worked for 16 hours a day without breaks, and it took me up to three months to _________ a sculpture. I had to hold my breath during the sculpting process. It wasn’t actually a（n）_________ process—I could only enjoy it once I had finished it.

My sculptures have taken me to __________ places. In 2012, I met the queen, giving her a tiny crown on the head of a pin. In 2013, I __________ my first Guinness World Record for creating the smallest sculpture made __________. It was a 24-carat gold motorbike that fitted inside a drilled out hair. In 2017, I __________ my record with a sculpture of a human fetus (胎儿) that measured 0. 078mm by 0.053mm.

Later in life, I was diagnosed with autism (自闭症), which I now view as a special ability. It has __________ me to strive for excellence, and I share this message by leading workshops for children with __________ learning styles, helping them to make their own small figures from a modeling clay called Blu-Tack.

The world of tiny sculptures is where I find __________. Although I’ve attempted larger works, I’ve realized that the __________ and precision of small sculptures are what I __________ love. It’s a reminder to __________ the small moments in life, where great __________ and beauty can often be found.

1.

A．control

B．trap

C．comfort

D．protect

2.

A．roots

B．flowers

C．leaves

D．vegetables

3.

A．creating

B．choosing

C．designing

D．painting

4.

A．encouraged

B．ordered

C．urged

D．allowed

5.

A．object to

B．lead to

C．appeal to

D．related to

6.

A．abstract

B．expensive

C．complicated

D．traditional

7.

A．methods

B．tools

C．colors

D．materials

8.

A．select

B．evaluate

C．finish

D．change

9.

A．special

B．enjoyable

C．difficult

D．unforgettable

10.

A．incredible

B．hopeful

C．crucial

D．awful

11.

A．received

B．confirmed

C．expected

D．admitted

12.

A．with resources

B．by machine

C．with devices

D．by hand

13.

A．ruined

B．supported

C．quit

D．broke

14.

A．brought

B．driven

C．forced

D．persuaded

15.

A．different

B．proper

C．simple

D．regular

16.

A．duty

B．joy

C．respect

D．surprise

17.

A．depth

B．variety

C．width

D．detail

18.

A．merely

B．truly

C．instantly

D．equally

19.

A．observe

B．require

C．value

D．admire

20.

A．courage

B．ambition

C．strength

D．kindness

4 . Having been based in Thailand for seven years, I was informed my visa was no longer legally acceptable, which meant that I had to quit the job that I was succeeding in and leave behind this wonderful life I had built. I felt very, very down. Then, a friend, aware of what I was going through, messaged: “I can see you walking around Great Britain and then writing a book on it.”

Three weeks later, I did just that. Another friend suggested that I set up an Instagram account to document my journey, which I did, and so I set off with just a sleeping bag. When I took those first steps, I knew this journey would change my life, but not in the way it did. All of a sudden, I started to feel better, clearer and happier out in nature, walking. I remember what the first days were like. I walked the southwest coastal path for 635 miles. Its rough land and beautiful scenery were in equal measure, and it challenged me every day.

I met so many people who became my friends very quickly and supported me in many ways. Mentally, I felt stronger at this point. Of course, with the enormous amounts of miles walked and the challenging weather conditions that I faced, I had the occasional hesitation. But when this did happen, I’d just remind myself of what I’d achieved and the overwhelming support that I’d had to get me through. Finally, in April, I finished my walk around the UK.

I was cheerful, I felt proud, and I never imagined in my wildest dreams I could do it. But quickly after, I realized I had more in me. The walk had changed my life so much that I wanted to pay it forward and help people like the previous version of me that had been left in the past. So I decided to do it again — this time in 12 months, and for 12 charities. And that’s what I’m doing now.

1. Why did the author walk around the UK?

A．To find inspiration.	B．To remove depression.
C．To meet a friend’s request.	D．To escape from reality.

2. What can we know about the author’s journey from paragraph 2?

A．It was refreshing.	B．It was documented by a friend.
C．It turned out smooth just as expected.	D．It proved more challenging than satisfying.

3. Which word best describes the author?

A．Modest.

B．Outgoing.

C．Smart.

D．Determined.

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

A．Step Out of Your Comfort Zone	B．Something beyond Walking in Life
C．Walk around the UK for Charities	D．A Life-Changing Tour around the UK

5 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Why did the speaker study psychology?

A．She wanted to be famous.

B．She wanted to study happiness.

C．She was interested in it.

2. What were people asked to do when the electronic machine gave out a sound?

A．Remember how long it sounded.

B．Stop it from sounding immediately.

C．Write down something about themselves.

3. What is the main cause of happiness according to the speaker?

A．Wealth.

B．Education.

C．Concentration.

4. What has increased the speaker’s happiness?

A．Her knowing how to be happy.

B．Her strong belief in herself.

C．Her great achievement in her career.

6 . We will all experience pain, disappointment, and almost certainly loss and sickness. Yet some people ________ by rising to the challenge, while others sink under the weight. What’s the difference? I ________ clinical psychologist Dr. Robert Puff, host of the Happiness Podcast, who speaks ________ about pain and suffering. He explains that ________ is an unavoidable physical feeling. ________, suffering comes from the thoughts we have about the pain we are experiencing-for example, “Why is this happening to me?” or “I’ll never feel good again.” These ________ are what cause suffering, and we can choose to ________ them.

John O’Leary is the host of the Live Inspired Podcast. When he was just nine years old, John suffered ________ burns over his entire body and doctors told him that he had one percent chance of ________. No one expected him to ________. However, after dozens of surgeries and years of treatment and deep inner work, he is a fairly happy, ________ man with a beautiful family. He inspires others through his ________ as a motivational speaker, author, and life coach. He feels that what happened to him was his greatest ________: the realization that, regardless of our personal and professional challenges, we can navigate and overcome to reveal a ________ vision. In John’s words, “You can’t always choose the path you walk in life, but you can always choose the ________ in which you walk.”

1.

A．subscribe

B．proceed

C．respond

D．express

2.

A．interviewed

B．imagined

C．introduced

D．recognized

3.

A．externally

B．joyfully

C．formally

D．wisely

4.

A．mood

B．pain

C．sadness

D．hurt

5.

A．Regardless

B．Instead

C．However

D．Therefore

6.

A．thoughts

B．opinions

C．theories

D．factors

7.

A．shelter

B．decrease

C．improve

D．change

8.

A．gentle

B．severe

C．certain

D．ordinary

9.

A．relief

B．recount

C．survival

D．refreshment

10.

A．make it

B．get across

C．go around

D．pull over

11.

A．potential

B．touchy

C．sincere

D．successful

12.

A．work

B．talent

C．fantasy

D．prediction

13.

A．desperation

B．gift

C．goal

D．task

14.

A．higher

B．rarer

C．brighter

D．calmer

15.

A．angle

B．manner

C．prospect

D．trend

7 . It’s January and time to go back to school. For some, that might be a gloomy prospect after the joys of the post Christmas festive period. For me, though, it’s as exciting as a trip to Antarctica, also as scary as starting a job for which I’m not sure whether I’m qualified.

To be embarking on a master’s degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent’s University at 71 is perhaps an unlikely route for someone who dropped out of school at 17. But now I’ve come full circle to the conclusion that nothing, for me, feels more stimulating at this point in my life than learning new things. That studying, far from being the bore and the chore it used to be, is a treat.

Turning 70 came as something of a shock. I started to feel I was drifting (飘). Without a big project, and without any major family responsibilities, I was starting to feel I was lying on a bed of thorns. Friends of similar age were lapping up their lives, socializing and travelling. However, I longed for something more. Or perhaps not more, but different.

As the gloom grew, I thought perhaps I needed to see a therapist. A friend, a psychotherapist, suggested that while therapy might be useful, doing a course on the basics of psychotherapy and counselling might be more up my street. Without too much thinking, I decided to give it a shot.

So that’s how every weekday I beep (发出哔哔声) myself through the gate with my student pass, which makes me smile every time. I felt privileged to be exposed to a group of my fellow students who were willing to be open to me.

While ageing is an inevitable process, we can get rid of a lot of the rules about what’s age-appropriate. Studying for a master’s degree in old age is a challenge, but it has provided me with a new perspective on life. Hence, ageing should never limit your ambitions.

1. How did the author feel when going back to school?

A．Unrealistic.	B．Resistant.
C．Awkward.	D．Expectant.

2. Why did turning 70 come as a shock to the author?

A．She achieved nothing before.	B．She lived without a purpose.
C．She had to support her family.	D．She was separated by her fellows.

3. What is the author’s suggestion when facing ageing?

A．Keeping your passions alive.	B．Seeking support if needed.
C．Behaving age-appropriately.	D．Socializing with young students.

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

A．Returning To School — My Dream Since Childhood

B．My Efforts To Learn At An unlikely Age Paying Off

C．Learning — My Way To Overcome The Ageing Crisis

D．My Tough Journey To Pursuing A Master’s Degree

8 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Where will Annabel’s husband work this year?

A．In Queens.

B．In Brooklyn.

C．In Manhattan.

2. What does Jerry think of the neighborhood?

A．Quite noisy.

B．Very inconvenient.

C．Generally quiet.

3. What do we know about Annabel?

A．She has a dog.

B．She lives with her family.

C．She will teach in St. John’s University.

9 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What did the two men plan to do?

A．Attend a sailing race.

B．Travel between two islands.

C．Get away from their country.

2. How did the two men feel about the adventure?

A．Relieved.

B．Optimistic.

C．Upset.

3. How were the two men rescued?

A．They were found by a passing boat.

B．They boated to the nearest shore.

C．They found a floating device.

10 . Many years ago, Coca-Cola ran a brilliant advertising campaign about “The Pause That Refreshes”. They were on to something. Pauses refresh us because they allow us to stop, refocus, and rest.

The older I get, the more I’ve intentionally added pauses to my day. Some pauses are only a few minutes long; others are hours. It may be a walk to a faraway copier at work instead of the one in my department. Or driving an alternate route home. Or a day at the beach. The idea is to relax and rest by changing my thoughts from what stresses me to what refreshes me.

Rest refreshes us. And I rest best by doing nothing. I recently read a little book by Sandy Gingras called How to Live at the Beach. I love this light-hearted, five-minute read. It’s a clue that helps conjure up images of the mentality we have when we’re at the beach—and why we need to transport this beach mentality to our non-beach lives.

My son, his wife, and my grandson live near the beach in Santa Barbara, California. Next to Hawaii, it's one of the most beautiful places in the United States. When I head to the ocean with them, I'm awed by the benefits of the beach. For me, a day at the beach epitomizes (成为缩影) the discipline of doing nothing. It’s a pause. It’s also an example of a simpler life. I’m learning how to bring a beach mentality, and all its benefits, back home with me. A beach mentality slows me down, allows me to think over only what’s in front of me and allows me to fully appreciate what surrounds me in my nine-to-five world.

During the time of “country closure”, I’ve noticed what I typically fail to notice. Who says doing nothing is boring? Doing nothing calms and refuels me.

I’ve realized that by pausing more, I’ve seen more, listened more, heard more, and felt more. Yet, pausing is a discipline all its own. By developing the discipline of doing nothing, I’ve learned that a life of clarity, simplicity, and rest awaits.

1. Why is the advertising campaign run by Coca-Cola mentioned?

A．To make a prediction.	B．To explain a concept.
C．To introduce the topic.	D．To illustrate an argument.

2. What do the underlined words “conjure up” mean in paragraph 3?

A．Transform.

B．Imagine.

C．Withdraw.

D．Polish.

3. What are the readers advised to do in the last paragraph?

A．Follow suit.

B．Keep watch.

C．Pursue perfection.

D．Slow down.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．The Discipline of Doing Nothing	B．Being Intentional About Self-Care
C．The Price of Every Decision	D．Choosing Joy over Sadness