1 . It’s hard when a best friend isn’t around—maybe because you moved to a different school. You may feel lonely at break or lunchtime. You should have new friends. But how do you make new friends? Maybe it seems like everybody else already has their friends. But remember, there’s always room for more friends.
Start by looking around your classroom — think about which kids you’d like to play with at break. Look for chances to say “Hi.” to them, smile and be friendly. Offer to share something or express your appreciation to them. Invite someone to play with you or say “Do you want to sit here?” in the lunchroom. When you’re at break, walk over to kids you want to play with, act friendly and say “Hi, can I play, too?” or just join in.
If you have trouble doing this or if you’re feeling shy, ask your teacher to help you make new friends. Teachers are usually pretty good at matching up friends. The best way to make friends is to be a friend. Be kind, be friendly, share, say nice things and offer to help — and pretty soon, you’ll have one, or two, or even more new friends.
You might still miss that special best friend. But when you see each other, you can share something you didn’t have before you left. You can introduce your best friend to your new friends!
1. What should you do if you move to a new school?| A．Stay alone and wait for opportunity. | B．Contact your best friend often. |
| C．Try to make new friends. | D．Cut off contact with your old friends. |
| A．Challenge. | B．Friendship. | C．Intention. | D．Opportunity. |
| A．The reasons for making new friends. | B．The ways of making new friends. |
| C．The benefit of making new friends. | D．The importance of making new friends. |
| A．turn to your teachers | B．match up friends freely |
| C．introduce yourself first | D．turn to your best friend |
2 . Lots of kids like to talk about sports, but Joseph D’Avirro talks about sports like a professional host in a show called Sliders & Curveballs. The 9-year-old from Newington, Connecticut is a natural at sports talk and has been broadcasting the show—which is about baseball, basketball and other sports—with his dad, Mike D’Avirro, since September 2019.
The D’Avirro started the broadcast after two former college roommates of Mike died, which made Mike want to spend more time with his son. Then the idea came to him. So far, they have done about 50 programs. Joseph’s favorite is when the father-and-son team interviewed Jim Calhoun, the coach leading the Connecticut Huskies to three national titles. They have also interviewed important sports authors.
The father and son make about one 30- to 40-minute podcast each month. They prepare for the podcasts by deciding on the questions they want to ask the guest. Joseph asks half of the questions, and Mike handles the other half. Joseph reads his questions again and again to get them in his brain well. It is a lot of work, but Joseph says it is “a lot more fun than homework”. Joseph has also learned to speak up and speak clearly. He has to listen and to go with the flow of the conversation. For example, he said, “If the guest is talking about sports in the 1990s, you have to think about sports in the 1990s.”
When asked how long he and his dad will continue doing the show, he answered, “Until my dad starts growing gray hairs.” Joseph has other ambitions when he grows up—to be a sports player, a sports broadcaster or to own a basketball team. Those are big dreams, but Joseph is already living a dream: talking sports and spending time with his dad.
1. What is Joseph’s show about?| A．Some talk shows on sports. |
| B．Ways to get along with parents. |
| C．Stories about famous sports players. |
| D．Sports that his family loves playing. |
| A．His son’s talent for sports. |
| B．His wish to be a host since college. |
| C．The deaths of his college roommates. |
| D．The encouragement from his roommates. |
| A．It’s as boring as homework. |
| B．It’s challenging to his brain. |
| C．It takes a lot of time but means a lot. |
| D．It’s more interesting than homework. |
| A．A rising sports broadcaster |
| B．A long road to go to success |
| C．The father-and-son team hosts |
| D．Joseph D’Avirro’s big dream |
3 . 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.
| 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 |
4 . 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. |
5 . 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. |
6 . 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! |
7 . My grandma, Elena, pulled me on stage for our routine to entertain the crowd. At five years old, I needed no encouragement to perform. Like my grandma, formerly a professional dancer, I loved the spotlight, and soon became addicted to the applause (鼓掌).
I was Grandma’s willing partner, always ready to kick off a show with her on stage. Each week, Grandma came to my parents’ home so that we could practice our performances. “Choose whatever you like,” Grandma said. “You can wear whatever you want.”
Grandma didn’t mind at all if I chose to wear high-heeled shoes on stage. To her, I was a natural performer. Wearing them was simply considered as artistic expression. On my first night on stage, I dressed up as Madonna in a white skirt, singing a song of her and I won many praises.
One year, after being attracted by the movie 101 Dalmatians, I decided to act Cruella de Vil, a role in it. Performing on the stage with my black frock (连衣裙), a handbag and a cigarette holder, I enjoyed the audience’s laughter, and it was like music to my ears. “You’re a natural actor,” Grandma said after the show.
Today, I always perform at the hugely popular theatre. Going up on stage feels like being at home. That’s how I make a living and I find the place where I belong. In July this year, I headed to the Gold Coast, where Grandma lives. Now 95 and still my biggest fan, she saw me perform my new act for the first time and loved it.
She has been my lifelong inspiration and support, but I can never repay her. She always loved me for who I was and now, I’m finally the person who I was always meant to be.
1. What can we know about the author from the text?| A．She lived with her grandma. | B．She has liked performing since young. |
| C．She always refused to go on the stage. | D．She learned to dance from her grandma. |
| A．She supported it. | B．She punished her. |
| C．She bought her a skirt. | D．She paid no attention to it. |
| A．An actor. | B．A teacher. | C．A doctor. | D．A manager. |
| A．To memorize her experiences. | B．To show her achievements. |
| C．To record her childhood. | D．To thank her grandma. |
8 . Parents often believe that they have a good relationship with their teenagers. But last summer, Joanna and Henry noticed a change in their older son. Suddenly he seemed to be talking far more to his friends than to his parents. “The door to his room is always shut,” Joanna noted.
Tina and Mark noticed similar changes in their 14-year-old daughter. “She used to cuddle up (依偎) against me on the sofa and talk,” said Mark. “Now we joke that she does this only when she wants something. Sometimes she wants to be treated like a little girl and sometimes like a young lady. The problem is understanding which time is which.”
Before age 11, children like to tell their parents what’s on their mind. “In fact, parents are first on the list,” said Michael Riera, author of Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers. “This completely changes during the teen years,” Riera explained. “They talk to their friends first, then maybe their teachers, and their parents last.”
Parents who know what’s going on in their teenagers’ lives are in the best position to help them. To break down the wall of silence, parents should create chances to understand what their children want to say, and try to find ways to talk and write to them. And they must give their children a mental (思想的) break, for children also need freedom, though young. Another thing parents should remember is that to be a friend, not a manager, with their children is a better way to know them.
1. “The door to his room is always shut” suggests that the son ________.| A．keeps himself away from his parents | B．begins to dislike his parents |
| C．is always busy with his study | D．doesn’t want to be ignored |
| A．Their daughter isn’t as lovely as before. |
| B．They can’t read their daughter’s mind exactly. |
| C．They don’t know what to say to their daughter. |
| D．Their daughter talks with them only when she needs help. |
| A．Teenagers talk a lot with their friends. | B．Teenagers do not understand their parents. |
| C．Teenagers talk little about their own lives. | D．Teenagers do not talk much with their parents. |
| A．Parents shouldn’t be angry with teenagers. |
| B．Parents have to talk with children face to face. |
| C．Parents are unhappy with their growing children. |
| D．Parents should try to understand their teenagers. |
9 . My wife and I used to feel that it was impossible to be a true friend to someone whose name we didn’t know. How wrong we were! Years of Sunday morning bus trips through the city with the same group of “nameless” people have changed our thinking.
Before the bus takes off, we all join in a conversation: where’s the silent woman who sits up front and never replies to our greetings? Here she comes. Her worn clothing suggests she doesn’t have much money to spare, but she always takes an extra cup of coffee for the driver.
We get smiles from a Mexican couple as they get on the bus hand in hand. When they get off, they’re still holding hands. The woman was pregnant late last year, and one day her change of shape showed that she’d borne the child. We even felt a little pride at the thought of our extended family.
For many months, our only sadness lay in our inability to establish the same friendship with the silent woman at the front of the bus. Then, one evening, we went to a fish restaurant. We were shown to a table alongside someone sitting alone. It was the woman from the bus.
We greeted her in the friendly and familiar way we’d shown all year, but this time her face softened, then a shy smile. When she spoke, the words escaped awkwardly (笨拙地) from her lips. All at once we realized why she hadn’t spoken to us before. Talking was hard for her.
Over dinner, we learned the story of a single mother with a disabled son who was receiving special care away from home. She missed him badly, she explained.
“I love him…and he loves me, even though lie doesn’t express it very well,” she murmured. “Lots of us have that problem, don’t we? We don’t say what we want to say, what we should be saying. And that’s not good enough.”
The candles lit on out tables. Our fish had never tasted better. The atmosphere grew pleasant, and when we parted as friends—we share names.
1. The underlined word “establish” in the fourth paragraph probably means____________.| A．set up | B．keep | C．discover | D．take part |
| A．She was worried about her disabled son. |
| B．She was only interested in the bus driver. |
| C．She had some difficulty in expressing herself. |
| D．She was sad to see the happy Mexican couple as a single mother. |
| A．The silent woman with her son both brought interest to the passengers. |
| B．The silent woman and her son both had some difficulty in expressing. |
| C．My wife and I didn’t become friends with the silent woman. |
| D．The Mexican couple were going to give birth to a baby. |
| A．The Silent Woman on the Bus | B．Different Kinds of Friendship |
| C．Going to Work by Bus | D．Friends of the Road |
10 . How to Make Friends
Friendship is a very important human relationship and everyone needs good friends. Good friendship has many benefits. It offers companionship, improves self-worth and promotes good health. There are times in our lives such as when we have recently moved into a new town, or changed our jobs or schools. Such changes often leave us without a friend.
1. Associate with others.
The first step to making friends is associating with other people. You can go to public places to meet new people. Besides, you will need to make yourself known by becoming an active member of such places.
2. Start a conversation.
Starting a conversation is the second most important step in making new friends.
3.
Choosing friends with common interests is important in building friendship as these interests would always bring you and your friend together. Hanging out will always be a pleasant experience.
4. Let it grow.
It is a good thing to stay in touch. However, try not to press your new friend with calls, messages or visits as this would likely wear him or her out and finally you may lose your friend.
5. Enjoy your friendship.
The best way to enjoy your friendship is to allow your friends to be themselves.
| A．Be cheerful. |
| B．Do things together. |
| C．Do not wait to be spoken to. |
| D．Try not to find fault with your friends. |
| E．Making new friends comes easy for some people. |
| F．For a friendship to develop you need to stay in touch. |
| G．So you will need to give your friend time to react to you. |
