1 . Your Path to Emotional Maturity

Emotions play a critical part in life. In order to grow and be better than before, you must learn to be emotionally intelligent. Let’s explore some powerful strategies to help you become emotionally mature!

Try using “I” statements

Whenever you feel hurt, you need to tell others your feelings in a considerate way. The best way to do this is by using “I” statements instead of “You” statements. For example, you should use the statement: “I feel miserable and heartbroken” instead of “You make me feel miserable and heartbroken”.     1    

Own your feelings

If you want to change yourself, start with taking ownership of your feelings. However, in some situations, instead of owning your feelings, you tend to deflect (转移) them and make others feel guilty about how you are feeling.     2     Embrace them as a part of yourself because they are a part of you, right?

    3    

People interact with us like we are mind readers sometimes; this happens mostly in relationships. Your partner would want you to know exactly what they want and when they want it; this can be extremely annoying. Just as you aren’t a mind reader, others aren’t either. You need to share your needs with the other person, and they need to do the same with you.

Mind your actions and words

Often, you say a lot when you are emotional, especially when you are angry.     4     You need to mind whatever you say and do; this can either make the other person love or hate you. The strategy in a stressful situation is to focus on yourself instead of focusing on others; this will calm you down instantly.

Always question your thoughts

Actions and words have the same importance; this is what I need you to understand. In some situations, your loved ones could be hurting you through their words or their actions, and you could also be wrong.     5     What happens in more than 70% of situations is that you let negative thoughts take hold of you; this is completely wrong.

A．Attempt to be mind readers.

B．Communicate your needs.

C．You’d better not let negative thoughts question your judgment.

D．Thus, rather than dump them on others, learn to take charge of your feelings.

E．The approach is non-aggressive and describes you as emotionally mature.

F．If not controlled, it can have severe consequences, especially in your relationship.

G．Let’s say that you get into a fight with your partner, and you also get hurt.

2 . 阅读下面材料,根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

My dad was more than a father to me; he was my friend and confidant (知己) and one of the most amazing people in my life. So when he passed away suddenly from a stroke at the age of 51, my world fell apart. I was lost, along with my mother who had been with my father since age 16, two brothers, and everyone who knew him. We were thrown into a thick fog of anger, sadness, and shock.

I cried every night and tried to hold onto all my memories of him. I replayed every moment I could remember — writing down thoughts, printing out old e-mails, reading old birthday cards — anything I could hang on to because I didn’t want to forget. As I was going through all these old memories, I began to wonder about all the things I had missed. My dad was a quiet man who was known for his listening skills, his patience, his humor, and his smile. He was often the one listening instead of telling stories. I wanted to know what stories I had missed by losing him so soon. So I decided to compile (编纂) a memory book as a surprise Christmas gift for my mom and brothers.

I started my project in November, contacting everyone I knew who was close to my dad or had been in the past. I sent e-mails and letters asking for friends and family of Gary Force to send me their thoughts and memories of him. I asked them specifically to share funny stories about my dad and the stories that maybe no one had ever heard or had long forgotten. I told them to respond no later than one week before Christmas. I waited and waited and got very few responses by December. I began to wonder if this was a horrible idea or if anyone even cared.

注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

And then the responses started pouring in.

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I gave it to my family as the last gift on Christmas Day.

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3 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

What Color Is a Hug?

When my daughter Bernadette was 10 years old, I found myself very worried about her. Her mother had passed away before she turned one, and I, needing to provide for our livelihood, had to work long hours, leaving little time for her. Although she was close to her grandparents, unfortunate circumstances took them away as well. The series of losses implanted unbearable pain on her young soul.

A merciless series of losses like that is hard on anyone, especially a child. But it was particularly hard on Bernadette because of her sensitive and loving nature. Prolonged periods of isolation and silence led her into a deep depression. The sparkle in her eyes faded, and her face lost the once-present smiles. She lost interest in playing, learning, and even declined invitations from friends. She often lost in her own thoughts without uttering a word for a long time.

Witnessing my daughter’s suffering, I felt a deep sense of guilt and helplessness. I knew she needed more than just companionship; she needed a healing of the soul. I began reading more about child psychology, attempting to understand how to guide her out of this situation.

Over the next few months, I adjusted my work schedule to spend more time by her side. I tried to communicate with her, stepping into her inner world. I encouraged her to join some extracurricular classes, developing new friendships. Slowly but surely, Bernadette began to regain her interest in certain things, and smiles started to reappear on her face.

Meanwhile, I started using hugs to comfort her. Each embrace conveyed my love and support, providing her with warmth and a sense of security. Gradually, she became more cheerful and confident. She initiated social interactions, sharing her thoughts with friends. Her mood gradually lifted, and life regained its brilliance.

After years of effort, Bernadette finally stepped out of depression. Our habit of hugging has persisted to this day, becoming the most sincere bond between us. Now, as my daughter is about to enter university, and I am approaching my fiftieth birthday, she has promised me a special gift.

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Paragraph1:

As her summer vacation began, she seemed even busier than before.

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Paragraph 2:

Before us was a warmly decorated studio, with a sign reading “Heartwarming Embrace Association.”

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4 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

The telephone rang. Jack answered the call from his mother, “Mr. Richard died last night. The funeral is Wednesday.” Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel (新闻影片) as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days. It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son.   

“Jack, did you hear me?”

“Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It’s been so long since I thought of him.” Jack said.

“Well, he didn’t forget you. Every time I saw him he’d ask how you were doing. He’d reminisced (追忆) about the many days you spent over ‘his side of the fence’ as he put it,” Mom told him.

After Jack’s father died, Mr. Richard stepped in to make sure Jack had a man’s influence in his life and it was Mr. Richard who taught Jack many things. Jack wouldn’t have been in this business if it hadn’t been for Mr. Richard.

Busy as he was, he returned home and attended the funeral, which was small and uneventful. Mr. Richard had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before Jack had to return home, he and his mother stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the middle of the room, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture... Jack stopped suddenly.

“What’s wrong, Jack?” Mom asked.

“Where is the watch, the thing he valued most?” he seemed to ask himself.

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。

“It was a gold pocket watch that he used to wear every day,” he told his mom.

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One day Jack received a package on his desk.

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5 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之成为一篇完整的短文。

Initially, I totally believed that Daddy wanted a boy. I could just imagine his disappointment when I was born. What always frustrated me was that he never tried hiding his feelings from me. He had hoped a boy who would help him with the farm and finally step into his shoes. But a girl…

I tried to do everything just to please Daddy. Not only did I get up early to help with the housework, but also some tidy work on the farm. What’s more, I went home straight from school, expecting that I was needed. But he didn’t seem to be moved by those at all, let alone putting on a smile.

The year I turned thirteen was the 100th birthday of our town. The town council decided to hold a parade(游行), and they wanted a young lady who could lead the parade. The families in the area were asked to send pictures of their children. Every parent in the area hoped that their daughter would be chosen, every parent except Daddy.

Mommy sent in a picture of me without telling me. I was always so busy being the boy Daddy wanted, and I never considered having the chance to lead the parade. So it was quite a surprise when the town council stopped by one evening to tell us I had been chosen. Mommy was excited. As I anticipated, Daddy showed no interest in the matter.

The day of the big parade finally arrived. I was dressed in a beautiful white dress. At first I felt shy-I’d hardly ever worn dresses. But soon I felt like a princess in a fairy tale.

注意：
1.续写词数应为150左右;
2.请按如下格式作答。
Paragraph 1:

As the parade passed down the main street of our town, I saw Mommy and Daddy on the side.

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Paragraph 2:

As I went back from the parade, Daddy stood in front of the gate, smiling.

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6 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

I like staying overnight at my Gramma’s house — that is, until Gramma starts telling me how wonderful my cousin Maya is. Then it’s Maya this and Maya that until I don’t ever want to hear another word about her.

That’s why I wasn’t too excited when Gramma called me on the phone to “come on over and bring your pajamas.” When I got there, it was worse than I’d expected. There, in Grandpa’s big leather rocker, sat Maya, all dressed up and formal-looking and wearing fancy shoes as if she’d just been to a party.

“Surprise, Kristen!” Gramma said. “Your cousin Maya and her parents have traveled in from the East Coast on business. Maya gets to stay with us this afternoon.” Gramma chattered away about how excited she’d been for this surprise get-together, and how cousins ought to get to know each other better.

I hung my baseball cap in the closet and set my backpack by the stairway, all the time smiling and nodding as if I’d been waiting forever for this chance to spend an afternoon with Maya. Grandpa’s chair squawked (咯咯叫) as Maya rocked back and forth. It’s the chair I like best in the house, the one I usually sit in. I sat down on the sofa across from her.

Shortly, Gramma went off to the kitchen to “see about some lunch,” she’d said. That left me stuck in the living room with rocking Maya.

She was still small but taller than I’d remembered her from her last visit four years ago. She was good at small talk, though, and was chatting away about how nice it was to see me again. But I could tell that she didn’t really think so. The last time she was here, we’d had hours of fun together building caves out of Gramma’s sofa pillows.

After that, I’d heard about her only through Gramma’s tales. Maya taking piano lessons. Maya learning math. Maya, Maya, Maya. Now Maya was here, looking great with the latest haircut and a fancy dress.

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Glancing down at my jeans and my old sneakers, I wished I hadn’t come.

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“How do you know all these things about me?” I asked.

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7 . Perhaps you’ve stopped doing what you want because you’re afraid of what others think of you. You feel that you must do what they expect and that you must meet their expectations, otherwise you’ll lose their approval.     1     Then, you’ll be able to do what you want freely.

Think about yourself, about what you really like and are interested in. You must lead your life independently.       2     However, you might feel afraid to do it because you’ ve always done everything to gain the approval of others. You need to get out of that zone, move to new places, and explore your full potential.

By surrounding yourself with people who think like you, you’ll realize that you don’t feel judged. Then, you’ll start doing what you really want.     3     Your new friends will integrate into your life and you’ll also keep your genuine friends. On the other hand, those who are always ready to see the negative and question what you’ re trying to do will drift away.

To overcome your fear of what others think and of their non-approval, you should start talking about your plans, For instance, you might want to tell a handful of friends about your wishes and dreams.     4     You’ll feel confident in yourself and you’ll be able to go on your new path without any fear.

It’s unavoidable that not everything will be plain sailing, and you’ll find obstacles along your way.     5     People in your environment often don’t understand what you do no matter how much you explain it, so ignore them.

A．There is no need to think about what you want.

B．You don’t have to change your circle of friends.

C．Your life belongs to you, as well as your actions.

D．By talking to them, you’ll be able to organize your plans and ideas.

E．If this is the case, it’s time to start working on your self-esteem (自尊).

F．You must do what you want without being affected by what others think.

G．However, you must trust in yourself and seek the necessary strength to move forward.

8 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

Hunger

When I was a young boy, my mother would place spoonfuls of vegetables onto my plate whether I wanted them or not and the rule in our family was that we always had to clean our plates. However, I rarely saw my mother eat the vegetables herself. She always served us first. She seemed never hungry.

She worked for a rich lady in town, and I always assumed that the reason why she didn’t have our tasteless meals was that she had eaten meats and sweets in the rich lady’s kitchen. Our meals were boring, and there was never enough since there were ten of us — my parents plus eight children.

One afternoon my older sisters were sick, so they couldn’t take care of me. Therefore, my mother had no choice but to bring me with her. It was a long winter day and as my father hadn’t had much work, we had even less food than usual. So I was very excited to go to the rich woman’s house.

My mother placed me in a corner while she rolled out pie crust (饼皮). Then she cooked some meat, and by the afternoon, the pleasant smell filled the kitchen and was making its way into my empty stomach. Then, a bell rang in the kitchen and my mother told me, “Don’t move” and then left.

I tried to do as told, but then I thought it wouldn’t matter if I ate just one blackberry. So I put a single blackberry into my mouth. What an explosion of flavor! The wonderful taste hitting my empty stomach was more than I could handle! Soon I was throwing blackberries into my mouth with two hands! It wasn’t until I was staring at the empty bowl that I noticed the empty, unbaked pie crust sitting on the table waiting for the berries. I looked around for more berries, but there was none. Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching, so I quickly hid into the cupboard (碗柜).

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Just at the moment, my mother entered the kitchen, following a well-dressed lady.

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After the lady left, I crept(爬) out of the cupboard with tears streaming down my face.

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9 . “I’m going to tell you a story,” I tell my class of high school seniors. “It’s a tale about love. And heart-break. And embarrassment.”

Their eyes widen. I ________ my throat. “In sixth grade,” I begin, “I fell madly in love. His name was David. He was tall, ________, kind of a bad boy—which I found fascinating. Unfortunately he had no interest in me at all. So it was Valentine’s Day. That day as I spilled my Valentine cards onto my desk, and among many small ________, I saw an enormous one, decorated beautifully. My mind ________:‘Who could it be from?’ With trembling hands, I ________ open the envelope and out fell an image of a queen, the heading of which ________, ‘To a Queen of a Valentine.’”

I give the class a ________ look. “I turned the valentine(情人卡) over, and at the bottom I saw the ________ and almost fainted: David. Then my eyes ________ up to the writing above his signature. It said, ‘To the Ugliest Girl in Our Class.’”

“Well, it ________ Valentine’s Day for me. It shook what little ________ I had in myself for a long time after. But I ________. And now I refuse to give up this holiday of love to the meanness of one ________ boy.” I smile. “And that’s why we’re going to have a party. A party that ________ kindness instead of cruelty.”

Their eyes ________. They are willing to let me take them ________ I am going. I hand out some paper so they can make cards. “Now please write something positive and sincere to everyone in the class. Even if it’s someone you ________ know, there’s always something nice to say.”

All these years, I’ve made it a routine in each of my class. After 20 years of teaching, I________few hopes that students will ________ all of the grammar or vocabulary I taught them. But if all a student ________ of one of my classes are the valentines they received one long-ago February, to me that makes it all worthwhile.

1.

A．cleaned

B．cleared

C．calculate

D．command

2.

A．cute

B．mean

C．worthy

D．generous

3.

A．cards

B．pockets

C．notes

D．envelopes

4.

A．stopped

B．raced

C．jumped

D．thought

5.

A．tore

B．spilled

C．scratched

D．intended

6.

A．read

B．wrote

C．sang

D．decorated

7.

A．excited

B．meaningful

C．shy

D．embarrassing

8.

A．image

B．cover

C．envelope

D．signature

9.

A．ran

B．floated

C．traveled

D．removed

10.

A．made

B．ruined

C．lighted

D．became

11.

A．love

B．faith

C．friendship

D．kindness

12.

A．stood

B．survived

C．witnessed

D．upgraded

13.

A．rotten

B．smart

C．imaginative

D．permanent

14.

A．remains

B．receives

C．celebrates

D．congratulates

15.

A．go up

B．narrow up

C．close up

D．light up

16.

A．whether

B．however

C．whenever

D．wherever

17.

A．barely

B．likely

C．nearly

D．narrowly

18.

A．accept

B．enjoy

C．harbor

D．welcome

19.

A．repeat

B．remind

C．remain

D．remember

20.

A．informs

B．favors

C．recalls

D．engages