1 . I go out of my way to say “thank you” to my partner frequently, and he’s the same way.We were both raised by parents who valued politeness, and more than that, I want to do all those little things that psychologists say help couples stay together. Expressing gratitude (感谢) is one of those things, so a quick “thanks” seems like an easy one.

But according to a recent study, we’re not at all typical. The study looked at over l,000 recordings of casual conversations among families and close friends.In only about one out of 20 times were expressions of thanks observed. Phrases that meant “thanks” but weren’t a direct translation of the word were counted, including physical gestures of thanks.

The researchers looked at a wide variety of people from different places, representing eight languages: Polish, Russian, Italy, English, Murrinh-patha (an Aboriginal language), Cha’palaa, Lao and Siwu.

The Brits thanked people close to them the most, about 14.5 percent of the time, and close behind them were the Italians at 13.5 percent. The Murrinh-patha came next at 4.5 percent and following them were the Russians, the Polish, the Laotians and the Siwu speakers.The lowest? Well, the Cha’palaa speakers of Ecuador don’t have a word for “thank you” at all.

As the linguists explained, “Expressing thanks, in some cultures, is more of a linguistic tradition than a true expression of feelings.In cultures where thanks are less often said, it’s because social cooperation is taken for granted, and ‘thank you’ isn’t really needed or necessary.”

The idea that you don’t need to thank others because it’s assumed that you’re appreciative is beautiful. But it is a bit hard for me to accept. So I’ll keep saying “thanks” as frequently as I do. But as a frequent traveler, I’ll keep in mind to watch the local custom and follow suit.

1. What might be psychologists’ opinion about expressing thank?

A．It can show a person’s values.

B．It is passed down from parents.

C．It is a little and unnecessary thing.

D．It can contribute to close relationship.

2. What is typical among family members according to the study?

A．They say thanks at any time.

B．They seldom express thanks.

C．They often show thanks using gestures.

D．They often use indirect translation of thanks.

3. Who never say “thank you”?

A．The Cha’palaa.	B．The Polish.
C．The Italians.	D．The Russians.

4. What is mainly talked about in the text?

A．People thank close friends and family less.

B．Family members don’t need to thank each other.

C．Close friends have different ways to express thanks.

D．Different cultures have different ways to express thanks.

2 . Friendship is a gift of God. But it may be taken for granted in some cases and not valued.     1    Say one has no child even after many years of marriage and the other has many children, more than they can manage. What do you think? Will the couple with many children value the children as much as the couple which has none? Everything is relative in life. We value what we don’t have and give less value to what is freely available to us.    2    

Why should we value friendships? What qualities does a good friend bring to our relationship that makes the friendship so valuable? Let us examine some of these.

Judgement——A good friend is rarely judgemental. We can be open in our behaviour with our good friends because we know that they will not judge us.     3     With other people our actions and behavior are always calculated and guarded and that takes away lots of pleasure from our life.

Share sorrow and losses ——A friend can be depended upon to share all our problems and sorrows.     4    Once I saw the image of a man left alone in a village after an earthquake. The whole village got killed except this man with whom, will this man share his sorrow? A friend gives us this gift.

Hope——During our times of trouble, only a friend comes forward and gives us encouragement and hope.     5    

A．This is no small gift of friendship.

B．Friendship is one such relationship

C．It is familiar to a case of two couples.

D．Some of us are blessed with good friends

E．We can enjoy this freedom only with friends

F．With that inspiration, we regain confidence in ourselves.

G．This sharing may not reduce the loss but helps us unburden ourselves.

3 . Dear God,

Now that I am no longer young. I have friends whose mothers have passed away. I have heard these sons and daughters say they never fully thanked their mothers until it was too late to tell them.

I am blessed with the dear mother who is still alive. I appreciate her devotion more each day. My mother does not change, but I do. As I grow older and wiser, I realize what an extraordinary person the is. It’s sad that I am unable to say these words in her presence, but they flow easily from my pen.

How does a daughter begin to thank her mother for life itself? For the love, patience and just plain hard work that go into raising a child? For running after a toddler, for understanding a moody teenager, and for tolerating a college student who knows everything? For wailing for the day when the daughter realizes what her mother really is?

How does a grown woman thank a mother for continuing to be a mother? For being ready with advice when asked or remaining silent when it is needed? For not saying “I told you so.” when she could have voiced these words dozens of times? For being essentially herself — loving, thoughtful, patient and forgiving?

I don’t know how to thank her, dear God, except to bless her and live up to the example she has set. I pray that I will look as good in the eyes of my children as my mother looks in mine.

1. We can infer from the passage that the author is          .

A．reserved and romantic	B．cold and practical
C．stubborn but responsible	D．talkative and realistic

2. Compared with her friends, the author feels lucky because          .

A．she has her own lovely sons and daughters

B．she is excellent in bringing up her own children

C．it is too late to say thanks to her mother in her presence

D．she still has the chance to express her appreciation to her mother

3. We can know from Paragraph 4 that          .

A．mothers should offer advice rather than blame

B．the sentence “I told you so.” can be repealed if necessary

C．the author is very thankful to her mother for her education

D．mothers can instruct their children whenever they want to

4. The authors mother has all the following fine qualities except          .

A．devotion	B．forgiveness
C．consideration	D．self-preservation

4 . Moving into a new home in a new neighborhood is an exciting experience. Of course, you want to make sure that you become an acceptable and valuable part of your neighborhood   . the easiest way to accomplish this is to make sure you conduct yourself as a good neighbor should.     1    

Perhaps one of the most important things you can do as a good neighbor is to keep your property(房产) neat, clean, and in good repair.     2     By choosing to keep the outside of the home in great shape, you will help to improve the look and feel of the area.

Second, take the overall appearance of the neighborhood seriously,. When going for a walk. Take a small garbage bag.     3     This small act will let your neighbors know that you care about the area.

    4     If a neighbor is going to be out of town, offer to collect mail and newspapers. If a neighbor suffers an illness, offer to do the grocery shopping . Let them know you are there to help in any way this acceptable, while still respecting the privacy of your neighbor.

    5     By following the basic rules of respecting others, taking care of what belongs to you, and taking pride in the appearance of the neighborhood in general, you will quickly become a good neighbor that everyone appreciate.

A．In general, keep an eye on their property while they are gone.

B．A good neighbor is also one who likes to help out in small ways.

C．Being a good neighbor is more or less about considerate behavior.

D．Sometimes neighbors may go to the supermarket together to do shopping.

E．Should you come across waste paper thrown out of a passing car, pick it up.

F．People tend to lake pride in keeping everything in their street fresh and inviting.

G．Here are a few tips to help you win over everyone in the neighborhood quickly

5 . One evening, author Neil’s son was angry. Neil had said one of those things that parents say, like “isn’t it time you were in bed.” His son looked up at him, angry and said, “I wish I didn’t have a dad! I wish I had … a goldfish!” That conversation gave birth to Neil’s book, “The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish”. The book is a funny adventure of a son searching for the dad he swapped.

Whether they realize it or not, fathers play an important role in their children’s development. Roland Warren, Director of the National Fatherhood Initiative, says that, “The shape of their dads has a role in the kids’ soul.” I agree. We live in the best of times and the worst of times for fatherhood. We live in the best of times because fathers who are engaged in their child’s life spend more time than fathers of any previous generation. We live in the worst of times because there are still millions of children who continue to miss the regular presence of Dad.

What difference does a dad make? Are they really that important? For the most part, studies have proved clearly that fathers, whether they live with their children or not, matter in the lives of their children. When fathers are present, they provide economic support for their children and caregiving responsibilities. Well-fathered children are shown to be more emotionally intelligent and socially successful as adults. When fathers are absent, their absence may negatively influence children’s academic achievement, general behavioural adjustment and anger management, especially in males.

Yet just being physically present isn’t enough to be a great father. It is important that a dad be warm and emotionally available to his child. Author and researcher, John Gottman, describes this kind of father as an “emotion coaching father”. Emotion coaches are parents who listen to their children’s feelings, see the sharing of feelings as an opportunity for intimacy（亲密）. It is not just the mere presence of fathers that matters, but how they are present. Most children long for and need a loving, devoted and responsible father.

1. The author introduces his topic by ______.

A．presenting the results of studies	B．telling a story
C．making a comparison	D．interviewing some experts

2. What does the author mean in Paragraph 2 by saying “We live in the worst of times … ”?

A．Today’s fathers don’t care about their children’s emotions.

B．Lots of children’s fathers have to work every day.

C．Lots of children’s fathers are absent from their lives.

D．Today’s fathers don’t have care giving responsibilities.

3. According to the text, a well-fathered child is more likely to _______.

A．lose control of anger	B．obtain high academic achievement
C．have low emotional intelligence	D．have good social skills

4. We can learn from the text that an “emotion coaching father” is a father who ______.

A．gives economic support to his child	B．shares his child’s emotions
C．tries to change his child’s emotions	D．is always available to his child

6 . Making Peace with Your Parents

As a teen, you’re going through big changes physically and mentally. Your interests are increasing.     1     Here is the challenge: Kids need to explore the world in new ways, and parents need to protect them from the dangers that are all out in that world. These conflicts can easily set off fireworks in otherwise calm houses. Sometimes conflicts can’t be avoided. But by paying attention to the building blocks of successful relationships, you can work towards making home a happy and healthy place for you and your parents.

For example, try to find a time to talk when your parents are not angry, tired, distracted or hungry. A good time to talk is when you’re all relaxed. Timing is everything. If the conversation begins to turn into an argument, you’d better calmly and coolly ask to stop the conversation for now.     2     Listen to what your parents are saying, and repeat it back to them. This shows them that you’re listening.     3     Respect is the building block of good communication. People who respect each other and care about each others’ feelings can disagree without getting things ugly.     4     How do you build trust? Trust comes by actually doing what you say you’re going to do. Some teens find that doing fun activities with their parents can improve their relationships. Sometimes we forget that parents are more than rule-maker—they’re interesting people who like to watch movies and go shopping—just like their teenagers!

What do you do if you are trying your best, but your relationship with your parents continues to be rocky?     5     You can find supportive adults, such as a teacher or a coach, who can lend an ear. Remember you can only change your own behavior. Your parents are the only ones who can change theirs.

A．You may consider seeking outside help.

B．And then you’ll be able to accept what your parents say.

C．You can pick it up again when everyone’s more relaxed.

D．Faced with the challenge, children don’t know what to do.

E．And your desire to take control of your own life is growing.

F．It also gives them a chance to clear things up if you’re not on the same page.

G．You are more likely to get along with your parents and have more independence if your parents believe in you.

7 . There are some people who seem to always be surrounded by friends, and there are others who always seem to be standing on the outside, looking in at the crowds of friends. If you are one of the outsiders, it is time to break out of your shell and start making new friends.     1    

1. Be yourself. Nobody likes a phony(虚伪的人). In fact, if you aren’t yourself, others won’t become friends with you. When the time comes that you feel comfortable enough to act like yourself again, you may not be well received, because you are a totally different person.    2    

2. Use technology.     3     For instance, Weibo is a great place to meet new people. It creates experiences and you get to meet like-minded people who share your interests.

3. Start with people you know. Reach out and contact new friends, and reconnect with old friends you haven’t seen in a long time. Don’t forget about friends of friends. You may connect with some really cool people just by hanging out with your friends and their friends.     4     If you stay home, you aren’t going to meet people.

4. Keep in touch.     5     With the Internet and social media, there is absolutely no need to worry about that these days. Look up old friends and contact them.

A．There are all kinds of online groups that you can join.

B．Knowing others well is very important.

C．Therefore, let people get to know the real you.

D．If you are invited to go out, go.

E．All too often, people lose touch with one another.

F．Here are some tips that will help.

G．You need to trust yourself, whatever happens.

8 . Difficult financial times don’t mean your giving shuts down.       1    There are so many ways to give back that won’t hurt your wallet and will enrich your life.

1. Pick up the phone

Calling someone “for no reason” is an important opportunity to show them that you are thinking of them. You are taking time out of your busy day to reach out. Everyone needs someone to just listen sometimes. They may be filled with joy or sadness.     2    

2.Write a note    3    It is one thing to say it, but it can be even more meaningful to put it in writing. What if you made a commitment to write a thank-you note to someone every week?

3.     4    

You never know what someone might be going through-a painful divorce, a tough college semester, or just a bad day. Opening up your home will make someone feel appreciated. In addition’ it costs less than going out. The leftovers from this dinner can be packaged up for homeless people. That’s double giving!

4. Set aside money from a daily routine to donate

Giving doesn’t have to mean a life full of sacrifices. You can still buy a burger or get your nails done.     5     Donate the money you saves: Even $ 5 can make a difference in someone’s life.

A．Give a gift to the stomach.

B．Invite someone over for dinner.

C．To take your awareness to a new level, move beyond money.

D．But instead of buying much coffee every week, you can drink less.

E．While some people enjoy receiving gifts, all of us appreciate a kind word.

F．Instead, they allow you to examine how your time and money are spent.

G．Be there to celebrate their good news, or support them with sympathy.

9 . Agatha Lee described her reaction as “disbelief” when School Board Chairwoman Sue Dickinson called her name last Thursday night at Flagler Auditorium.

Lee, a second-grade teacher at Belle Terre Elementary School, was named Flagler County’s Teacher of the Year today. “I was in such a great group of excellent teachers and I was just shocked.” Lee said in an interview after the announcement.

Every Flagler school names a Teacher of the Year once a year and those nominees(候选人)are considered for the district’s award. That winner, along with winners from the state’s other districts, is then considered for the florida Teacher of the Year Award, which is announced in July.

To be qualified for the teaching award, teachers must encourage continuous learning, show skillfulness in their subject area, use creative teaching strategies(策略), show leadership and create a caring and respectful environment.

Jill Stirling, a kindergarten teacher, Flagler’s 2016 Teacher of the Year, said she also met winners from throughout the state to share teaching strategies and the best practices. “I often think of those little guys that have made me the teacher I am and the person that I am,” Stirling said.

Lee, the following new winner, who is now in her thirteenth year of teaching, came to Flagler Country in 2004 after working in Pasco and St. Johns counties. She worked at the former Indian Trails K-8 School and came to Belle Terre Elementary School when it opened in fall 2005.

Lee, who comes from a family of teachers, said she was always enjoyed being with children. “I love watching their faces when they have that ‘aha’ moment,” she said.

1. How did Agatha Lee feel when she was awarded Flagler Country’s Teacher of the Year?

A．Calm	B．Surprised
C．Satisfied	D．Worried

2. What can we learn about Agatha Lee from the text?

A．Her parents are probably also teachers

B．She has worked in five counties altogether

C．She has taught in Flagler Country since 2005

D．She once shared teaching strategies with Jill Stirling

3. Jill Stirling owed her success to ___________.

A．her good luck	B．the students she taught
C．her great efforts	D．the teachers she met

4. To be a Flagler Teacher of the Year , one is required to ____________.

A．research life-long learning

B．share teaching strategies

C．be careful and beautiful

D．show ability of leadership

10 . Our “Mommy and Me” time began two years ago. My next-door neighbor and fellow mother, Christie, and I were out in our front yards, watching seven children of age 6 and under ride the bikes up and down. “I wish I could take one of my children out alone,” said Christie.

Then we worked out a plan: When Christie takes one of her children out, I’ll watch her other three. And when she watches two of mine. I’ll take someone out.

The children were extremely quick to accept the idea of “Mommy and Me” time. Christie’s daughter, McKenzie, went first. When she returned, the other children showered her with tons of questions. McKenzie was smiling broadly. Christie looked refreshed and happy. “She’s like a different child when there’s no one else around,” Christie shared with me quickly. With her mother all to herself, McKenzie didn’t have to make an effort to gain attention.

Just as Christie had noticed changes in McKenzie, I also discovered something different in each of my children. For example, I am always surprised when my daughter, who is seldom close to me, holds my hand frequently. My stuttering (口吃的) son, Tom, doesn’t stutter once during our activities since he doesn’t have to struggle for a chance to speak. And another son, Sam, who’s always a follower when around other children shines as a leader during our times together.

The “Mommy and Me” time allows us to be simply alone and away with each child-talking, sharing, and laughing, which has been the biggest gain. Every child deserves to be an only child at least once in a while.

1. What was the author and her neighbor’s plan?

A．To teach their children how to stay alone.

B．To change their own children’s bad habits.

C．To make a child live in the other home for a long time.

D．To help each other spend some time with one child at a time.

2. How many children did the author have?

A．Five.	B．Four.
C．Three.	D．Two.

3. After going through the plant the author’s sons became       .

A．braver	B．cleverer
C．more active	D．more selfless

4. What can we learn from the text?

A．Every child needs parents’ full attention.

B．Having brothers and sisters is fun.

C．It’s tiring to take care of others’ children.

D．Parents should look after others’ children.