1 . To those normal kids, it’s not unusual to hear “Goodnight” when you kiss them, saying “Goodnight” to them. For most parents, it’s just a storm in a teacup. However, for me it’s opposite.
My son James, suffered from the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas James is an exception.
Pre-diagnosis, I’d give James a big kiss and whisper goodnight when putting James to bed. Post-diagnosis, the silence that I received in return was deafening. It had never occurred to me before to be concerned that when I said “Goodnight, James. I love you”, my toddler said nothing in response.
I needed to hear him say something. My husband and I began to promote James to say goodnight back to us. “Say goodnight, Mommy.” For over a year, “Say goodnight, Mommy” was the parting routine of the day. Every night, it made me cry. I never got used to it. But I never gave up hope.
With more efforts, one night, I’d hear something more organic come out of James’s mouth. He dropped the “say”— and his response became “goodnight, Mommy” when James turned four. It was fantastic — but it was still prompted. At six, I got my first unprompted, “Goodnight, Mommy. I love you.” Next to my wedding, and births of my children, this was the most exciting night of my life.
James, now eight, routinely kisses us goodnight and tells us he loves us. The other evening, after giving me a big hug and kiss, James told me, “You’re a great mom! You’re not a mom with feathers, or a mom with colors and markers. I’m glad you’re a... a person!” I don’t know if he had the book Are You My Mother? on his mind, or if this was just one of the many random thoughts that crossed my son’s brain on a daily basis. I do know it was music to my ears.
1. What do most parents think of a kiss goodnight from their normal children?A.It’s an advanced conversation skill. | B.It’s a precious routine they treasure. |
C.It’s a privilege they take for granted. | D.It’s a good way to recover from ASD. |
A.He was too talkative. | B.He couldn’t say anything. |
C.He daren’t sleep alone. | D.He was lack of security. |
A.It has evolved over time. | B.It always upsets his parents. |
C.It benefits face-to-face talk. | D.It helps exercise James’ mind. |
A.The Cycles of Life | B.A Mom with Feathers |
C.The Symptoms of ASD | D.Unusual Bedtime-Routines |
2 . When I was ten years old, Mum got paralyzed (瘫痪) . Before that, she was a lively and active woman who amazed many with her energy. I admired her for all the things she did.
However, everything changed when she turned thirty-one.
I still have vivid images of her before her paralysis. She would play popular music, creating a cheerful atmosphere for lively gatherings. She would joyfully rearrange the furniture to make room for friends to abandon themselves to dance. She often spent hours filling the house with flowers, which we picked fresh from the gardens.
After Mum’s paralysis, I began to take care of my 2-year-old sister, Mary Therese. In no time at all, I learned to bathe and feed her. For me it was a giant step beyond playing with dolls. One moment stands out even today: the time Mary Therese fell and skinned her knee, burst into tears and ran past my mother’s outstretched arms into mine. Too late, I noticed slight hurt on Mum’s face, but all she said was, “It’s natural that she should run to you, because you take such good care of her.”
When I was grown and entered the field of corrections, Mum became interested in working with prisoners. She taught writing to them. One day, she asked me to mail a letter to one prisoner, Waymon. I asked for my mother’s permission to read it first. It read: when you said that I couldn’t imagine what it is like to be in prison, I felt like I had to tell you that you are mistaken. When I awoke one day to find that I was completely paralyzed, I felt trapped, overwhelmed by a sense of being imprisoned in a body that would no longer allow me to dance or carry my child in my arms. But then, I made a choice about whether I would smile when I saw my daughters again or I would weep. I made a decision to live as fully as I could.
By the time I finished Mum’s letter, my vision was clouded by tears. For the first time, I saw my mother in a clearer light.
1. How can we describe Mum before her paralysis?A.Creative. | B.Ambitious. | C.Adventurous. | D.Enthusiastic. |
A.Mum had a sharp insight |
B.Mum was emotionally generous |
C.Mum was worried about her position |
D.Mum was absent-minded at the moment |
A.She regretted for what she had done. |
B.Waymon’s experience was saddening, |
C.She witnessed Mum’s character shining through. |
D.There was some secret between her and her mother. |
3 . Phillip, 27, from the UK, pulled at the heart strings of people across the world after giving his mother, Trish, a special New Year present — he surprised his mom with a voice recording of his late father, which he made with the help of AI.
The young man’s dad, John, passed away from cancer in 2022 — leaving his wife and children mourning. After seeing his mom struggling to get through the holidays, he turned to AI to give her a gift she would never forget.
In a video, which has so far had more than 6.2 million views, the 27-year-old showed viewers his mom’s reaction to hearing her late husband’s voice.
“My dad passed away from cancer 1.5 years ago so I decided to do something special for my mom this New Year,” he said as his mother unwrapped the present. “It’s been so long since we heard his voice, so I made her a video using AI software to match his exact voice. And the result was amazing.”
In addition to his father’s voice, Phillip made a video that featured photos of his dad. When Trish opened the photo book, tears immediately formed.
“Hi, honey. I love you. I want you to know you are the best mother to our kids and the strongest woman in the whole world,” the AI voice said. “I’m always with you. I hope you guys have a happy New Year.”
Phillip revealed that his wife, Kassandra, first gave him the idea to use AI to recreate his dad’s voice. Although he was skeptical at first, once he got to work using the text-to-speech software, he was shocked at the outcome. “When the program said it in his voice... I got chills(寒战) all over my body. That’s why I decided to do this no matter what,” Phillip said.
1. What does the underlined phrase “pulled at the heart strings” in paragraph 1 mean?A.Encouraged creativity. | B.Touched the hearts. |
C.Promoted good deeds. | D.Provided comfort. |
A.Adaptable. | B.Demanding. |
C.Heart-warming. | D.Hard-working. |
A.She was terribly frightened. | B.She took it for granted. |
C.She viewed it as a dream. | D.She was wild with joy. |
A.Phillip’s interest in making the recording. |
B.Phillip’s doubt over making the recording. |
C.Phillip’s struggle for making the recording. |
D.Phillip’s inspiration to make the recording. |
4 . I was looking through old photos with Mom. “Where on earth is that photo of Dad and Mumpsy?” I asked. It was my favorite one of Dad holding his dog.
“Maybe Jean has it,” said Mom. “We could ask her.” I looked at Mom as if she had the third eye. She could not be serious! Grandma had two sons, Dad and Uncle Ralph, who was married to Jean. Mom and Jean hadn’t got along since I was a little boy. Jean would say hurtful words to Mom, and Mom tried to let it go. After Grandma passed away, our connection with Uncle Ralph and Jean fell apart.
Yet here was Mom, intending to reach out to Jean after nearly 30 years. “We’re in our eighties,” Mom said. “Neither of us has many years left. Why not give it a try?”
Mom called Jean. Jean said the photos weren’t organized, and she invited Mom over to help look for the photo.
Sitting down at the table, Mom and Jean got through all the boxes from Grandma but didn’t find the photo. After a short talk, Jean said sorry for what she had done years before. She said that over the years, she had come to realize her mistakes but the fear of not being forgiven had stopped her saying sorry. Over the next few hours, they talked about what had happened in their lives.
“Jean received a college degree, and she’s become an artist. She has even sold a few of her paintings.” Mom later told me. “Then Jean pulled out a photo album (相册) of her family, just to share with me.”
“I suppose you didn’t find the Mumpsy photo,” I commented.
“Oh, I almost forgot. Guess what was stuck into the back cover of the album and fell out when she opened it?” Mom held up the photo of Dad and Mumpsy — lost until the recovery of Jean and Mom’s wounds.
1. How did the author treat her mother’s idea of asking Jean?A.He was serious about it. |
B.He showed disbelief in it. |
C.He was angry at it. |
D.He thought highly of it. |
A.She became a successful artist. |
B.She wasn’t an organized person. |
C.She never realized her mistakes. |
D.She got along with Grandma badly. |
A.Treatment of Family Issues |
B.Adventure of a Special Photo |
C.Bridging the Gap of Understanding |
D.Rediscovering Connections Through Photos |
5 . Some of my earliest memories involve sitting with my dad in his study every night when he came home from the office, I’d watch as he put his personal items away; his watch, wallet, comb and car keys They would always occupy the same spot on the table every time.
Dad’s comb was jade green. I heard he bought it when he married Mum. Every night, he would smile, hand me the comb and say, “Be a good girl and help Daddy clean it, OK?”
I was more than happy to do it. At age five, this kind of task brought me such joy. I would excitedly turn the tap on, and then brush the comb with a used toothbrush as hard as I could. Satisfied that I’d done a good job, I would proudly return the comb to Dad. He would smile at me, and place the comb on top of his wallet.
About two years later, Dad left his sales job and started his own wholesale business. I started primary school. That was when things started to change. Dad’s business wasn’t doing so well, and our stable life started getting shaky. He didn’t come home as much as he used to. And when he did come home, it was always late and I’d already be in bed. 1 started to get mad. Why didn’t he listen to Mum and just stick to his old job? Why did he take the risk and place the whole family in trouble? Over the years, I stopped waiting for him to come home, and stopped going downstairs to check on him.
Now 28, I’ve graduated from college and got a job. Dad’s business has also started to get back on track. Yet the uncomfortable silence between Dad and me went on.
Two days before my birthday last year, Dad came home early. On that evening, I helped him carry his bags into his study as usual. When I turned to leave, he asked me to clean his comb. I looked at him for a while, then took the comb and headed to the sink.
It was the same comb. After cleaning it, I passed it back to Dad. He looked at it and smiled. But this time, I noticed something different. My dad had aged. He had wrinkles next to his eyes when he smiled, yet his smile was still as heartwarming as before.
1. From the first three paragraphs, we can learn___________.A.the author would study with Dad every evening |
B.the precious green comb of Dad was made of jade |
C.the earliest memories with Dad were full of joy |
D.the author was unwilling to clean the comb for Dad |
A.He was eager to get everything on track. |
B.He wanted to keep his family life stable. |
C.He was laid off and had to make a living. |
D.He hoped to earn a better life for the family. |
A.Cheerful→mad→warm. |
B.Mad→satisfied→warm. |
C.Satisfied→worried→angry |
D.Warm→concerned→uncomfortable. |
A.My Dad’s Comb |
B.Dad’s Wholesale Business |
C.Changes of My Dad |
D.My Earliest Memories with Dad |
6 . It was freezing winter when Dad told me that he found a delicate small bag in the snow on his way out of a doctor’s appointment. “It was filled with seeds, so I planted them in pots in the living room window that gets such great light.” Dad was excited to have a planting project in the winter. He liked tending his garden plot , which was the size of a small farm.
I now lived far away from Dad, but he reported in his daily phone calls, “These plants seem to double in size overnight. It’s only been a few weeks, and they are almost touching the ceiling.” Since Dad had green fingers, I wasn’t surprised about that. I couldn’t imagine what plant would do so well. I knew photos would not come soon because Dad had to use up the film in his camera and then developed the pictures.
During one call, Dad said, “Today at work, one of my co-workers was wearing a T-shirt with a screen-printed picture of the same leaf as my mysterious houseplants. I told him that I had those same herbs, which were growing like weeds, and I had to get rid of them.” Dad continued, “He eagerly took them off my hands, and now I can see out the window again.”
This awakened my curiosity, and I decided to do some research. In those days, that meant going to the library’s reference section. I did some reading and photocopied some articles. I mailed them to my father.
Dad called, “I just couldn’t believe what I read in the papers you sent. Those pictures are exactly what my plants looked like. No wonder my co-worker was so willing to take them.”
We both laughed till we cried when we realized my father had just raised a harvest of precious Chinese herbs used to ease pain.
1. Why did Dad plant the seeds?A.Because it was the doctor’s advice. |
B.Because he had a small farm at home. |
C.Because it satisfied his eagerness for gardening in winter. |
D.Because the seeds would bring him rich rewards. |
A.The type of the plant. | B.The herbs’ growing quickly. |
C.Dad’s efforts to tend the seeds. | D.A planting project in the winter. |
A.He had little interest in the plants. | B.He recognized the value of the plants. |
C.He desired to learn from the author’s dad. | D.He wanted to show his knowledge about plants. |
A.A precious Chinese herb | B.Window scenery |
C.Helpful co-worker | D.An Innocent gardener |
7 . In the town of Willowbrook, two friends named Emma and Liam shared an intimate bond. They were inseparable and spent every moment together, laughing, exploring, and creating unforgettable memories.
One cold winter morning, Emma woke up with a stuffy nose and a sore throat. She tried to brave it and get ready for school, but her body felt weak and achy. Unwillingly, she called Liam to let him know she couldn’t make it to school that day.
Liam was concerned when he heard the tiredness in Emma’s voice. “Don’t worry, Em. I’ll take care of everything at school for you,” he assured her. Feeling grateful for Liam’s understanding, Emma forced a smile and replied, “Thank you, Liam. You’re the best friend anyone could ask for.”
After school, Liam hurried to Emma’s house, carrying a meal he had prepared for her. He knocked on the door, and Emma’s mother welcomed him with a warm smile. “Oh, Liam, you’re such a thoughtful friend,” she said.
“I brought some soup and tea for Emma. I hope it will make her feel better,” Liam replied, some concern in his eyes. Entering Emma’s room, Liam found her pale but relieved to see him. “I brought some comfort food to cheer you up,” he said, setting the food on her bedside table.
Emma’s eyes lit up, and she smiled weakly. “Thank you. This means the world to me,” she whispered. Sitting by her side, Liam kept her company, chatting softly and making her laugh. The warmth of their friendship enveloped the room, bringing a feeling of comfort to Emma’s tired soul.
As Emma regained her strength, she realized how lucky she was to have a friend like Liam. Their friendship grew stronger with each passing day, and from that moment on, they knew they would be there for each other through thick and thin.
1. What does the underlined word “intimate” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?A.Close. | B.Informal. | C.Satisfactory. | D.Temporary. |
A.She was in bad shape. | B.Liam failed to pick her up. |
C.It was too cold to go outside. | D.School was closed for the heavy snow. |
A.Brave but lazy. | B.Selfless and active. |
C.Considerate and caring. | D.Independent but weak. |
A.A friend is a second self. | B.A faithful friend is hard to find. |
C.A friend is easier lost than found. | D.A true friend is forever a friend. |
8 . Johnny Agar had always dreamed of competing in triathlons (铁人三项赛) as an athlete. Unfortunately, he’d been diagnosed with cerebral palsy (大脑性瘫痪) shortly after he was born. This disorder makes it difficult for the now-28-year-old to get around. However, he and his father are proving that where there’s a will — and a lot of love — there’s a way!
Jeff Agar, 59, is helping Johnny experience life to the fullest by entering triathlons by his side. As a team, they’ve completed over 200 races, including a full ironman triathlon that required them to swim, bike and run 140 miles in just 17 hours.
“I’m not a fan of triathlon,” Jeff joked. “I’m doing it not because I love it. This is Johnny’s dream and I’m giving him the legs and the power to do it.” Although Jeff typically provides the majority of the manpower, it was important for Johnny to cross the finish line on his own legs. “Walking in races was my way of telling Dad, ‘Okay, I’m not just going to say thank-you anymore; I’m going to actually put words into action,’” Johnny said.
Johnny and his dad now form Team Agar, using their story and the power of motivational speaking to inspire others. “When we completed that 140-mile Ironman together, it had an amazing impact on many people who had seen our story. We began to see that competing isn’t just about us crossing the finish line; it’s about helping others leave uncertainty in the dust — even those facing greater obstacles than we did.”
Earlier this month, they received some incredible news. They were invited to compete in one of the toughest triathlons: the Ironman World Championship! What made the occasion even more special was a pre-recorded video message from Johnny’s idol, athlete Peyton Manning. “Rumor has it that you’re a big fan of mine,” Peyton said, “I’m a big fan of yours as well! You guys are incredible; you’re a true inspiration.”
1. What can we learn about Jeff from the text?A.He has a great passion for triathlons. |
B.He is upset about Johnny’s severe illness. |
C.He goes all out to help his son achieve his ambition. |
D.He crosses the finish line with his son in competitions. |
A.To give motivation to other people. | B.To encourage more people to join them. |
C.To make themselves more competitive. | D.To participate in more competitions as a team. |
A.Peyton will record more videos of Johnny and Jeff. |
B.Jeff and Johnny have influenced people positively. |
C.Johnny and Jeff have been getting along well with Peyton. |
D.Peyton has provided Johnny with material assistance. |
A.An Old Father’s Love for Triathlons |
B.A Disabled Competitor Works Wonders |
C.Dad Helps Son With Cerebral Palsy Achieve His Dream |
D.Great Achievements Made by Dad and Son in Sports |
9 . Moving back in with your parents as an adult isn’t an easy decision, but sometimes it’s necessary. Maybe it’s convenient. Maybe you’re going through a tough time and need extra support from your parents.
Create your exit plan. After settling into your parents’ house, make a plan for how and when you hope to move out. Your parents will probably want to know how long you intend to stay.
Set boundaries. While living with your parents, be sure to set boundaries. It’s a powerful tool that fosters an environment of respect and understanding. Maintain your privacy by asking your parents to knock before entering your room. Keep your parents out of your private life.
Maintain your routine. If you are having trouble setting boundaries, create a routine to help you get out of the house, especially if you work from home and your parents are retired.
A.Be kind to your parents. |
B.Contribute to the household. |
C.Don’t forget that your parents have boundaries too. |
D.And a plan may motivate you to keep reaching your goals. |
E.Having that much family time can be a hotbed of conflict. |
F.When living with family, it can be hard to find private moments. |
G.Whatever the reason, it can be a challenge for everyone involved. |
10 . How to Make Friends at a New School
Starting with a new school can be difficult. Everything seems to be different, and you don’t even know where to go for your own classes.
Remember to be nice to the people you meet at your new school. If you think that you will say something that may make them feel sad, do not say anything and just nod your head if they talk to you. Also, remember to be as helpful as possible!
Believe in yourselfA smile goes a long way. When you walk in the halls, don’t keep your eyes on the floor. Raise your head and make eye contact with other people.
You like it when people use your name, and so do other people.
A.Be friendly to others. |
B.Making new friends can be hard, too. |
C.Join after-school activities like |
D.Never change what you are to try and fit in. |
E.If you see someone you know, smile or say “Hi”. |
F.People may become angry if you just begin by saying ”Hey“ each time. |
G.Don ‘t sit at the back of the classroom where other people don’t notice you! |