1 . When I was growing up, I had an old neighbor, Dr. Gibbs. He didn’t look like any doctor I’d ever known. He never invited us to play in his yard, but he was a very kind person. When Dr. Gibbs wasn’t saving lives, he was planting trees. He owned a large field and wanted to make it a forest.
The good doctor had some interesting ideas about planting trees. He never watered his new trees. Once I asked why, he said that watering plants spoiled them, and that if you watered them, each baby tree would grow weaker and weaker, so you had to make things difficult for them and pick out the weaker trees early on. He talked about how watering trees made for shallow (浅的)roots, and how trees that weren’t watered had to grow deep roots in search of water under the earth by themselves. Deep roots were very important. So he never watered his trees. He’d planted an oak and, instead of watering it every morning, he’d beat it with a rolled-up newspaper. I asked him why he did that, and he said it was to get the tree’s attention.
Dr. Gibbs died several years after I left home. Every now and then, I walked by his house and looked at the trees that I watched him plant about twenty-five years ago. They’re very big and strong now. I planted some trees a few years back and carried water to them for a whole summer. After two years of caring too much, whenever a cold wind blows in, they shake a lot.
Every night before I go to bed, I check on my two sons. Mostly I pray (祈祷) that their lives will be easy. But lately I’ve been thinking that it’s time to change my prayer. I know my children are going to face difficulties. There’s always a cold wind blowing somewhere, so what we need to do is to pray for roots that reach deep into the brave heart, so when the rains fall and the winds blow, we could face it strongly and won’t be beaten down.
1. We know from the reading, the doctor ______.A.didn’t know how to plant trees at all |
B.had his own ways of planting trees |
C.wasn’t good at his own medical job |
D.had nothing to do but plant trees |
A.some weak trees would be easily found out at the beginning |
B.he would choose the weak trees to water earlier |
C.the weak trees would be sent to his patients later |
D.he would not plant weak trees so early anymore |
A.beat all his trees with a rolled-up newspaper |
B.often water his trees |
C.took too much care of his trees |
D.didn’t have a large field |
A.his trees will be stronger than Dr. Gibbs' |
B.his trees will not be beaten down |
C.his sons will be better at planting trees |
D.his sons will be able to face difficulties |
A.Watering Trees |
B.Growing Roots |
C.Doctor and his Neighbor |
D.Father and his Children |
2 . Mom wanted only one thing for her birthday."Can you find me another copy of this song?"she asked,and handed me a worn-out cassette tape. I know exactly what was recorded on it-"My Redeemer (救世主)."I heard the song played at least a thousand times while growing up. After 37years,the cassette tape was too worn-out to be used. I promised her I would find a replacement.
"My Redeemer"had become Mom's favorite song after my younger brother Tim was killed by a drunk driver in 1973. The only thing that helped her calm down was the soulful sound of"My Redeemer"from the local radio station.We recorded it on a cassette tape so she would listen to it any time she wanted,but none of us knew who the singer was. These days, I figured it would be easy to find out. I went home and searched the Internet. Several songs with that title came out,but none of them were the one Mom loved. I got depressed.
Mom's birthday drew near and then one day, I was driving home, listening to our local radio station.I heard a familiar song, "My Redeemer!"As soon as I could, I phoned the station. I found out the singer was Alan Parks.I typed his name into Google and found his home number in South Carolina. Minutes later, I was telling him how much his recording meant to Mom. He offered to post two CDs to me personally. I gave him my address.
"Red Lion, Pennsylvania?"he said."Do you know the Logans?""They're our neighbours!""I've been friends with them for 25years,"Alan said. "They'll be at my concert at Your Gospel Chapel on April 17th. Would you and your mom come, too?"We sure would. Mom was excited to hear Alan sing"My Redeemer", on the evening of her 87th birthday.
1. The author promised her mother she would ________ .A.help her mother go to the concert |
B.buy her mother a new cassette tape |
C.record a new popular song for her mother |
D.find another cassette tape of"My Redeemer" |
A.It was first sung by her. |
B.It was the memory of her mother's youth. |
C.It helped her calm down after her younger son died. |
D.It was such a fantastic song that she couldn't forget forever. |
A.She searched for it on Google. |
B.She called the station and got it. |
C.She heard it from the radio station. |
D.She got it from Alan's neighbour. |
A.He lives in Red Lion,Pennsylvania. |
B.He'll sing for the author's mom at the station. |
C.He offered to give the author two cassette tapes. |
D.He has been friends with the Logans for many years. |
3 . Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
They talked for hours
The window overlooked a
As the man by the window described all this in delicate
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the nurse arrived,
The other man asked to be
He slowly turned to look out of the window. It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have
Shared grief is half the sorrow,
A.The one | B.This | C.Another | D.One |
A.entrance | B.window | C.passage | D.exit |
A.at ease | B.in vain | C.on end | D.after all |
A.might | B.should | C.would | D.could |
A.broadened | B.deepened | C.shortened | D.sharpened |
A.courtyard | B.park | C.village | D.market |
A.sailed | B.designed | C.flew | D.carried |
A.process | B.way | C.distance | D.course |
A.detail | B.particular | C.effect | D.relief |
A.expose | B.spot | C.realize | D.imagine |
A.away | B.out | C.down | D.by |
A.concert | B.band | C.news | D.voice |
A.sensitive | B.productive | C.descriptive | D.active |
A.lately | B.only | C.surely | D.probably |
A.switched | B.offered | C.substituted | D.organized |
A.Willingly | B.Occasionally | C.Generously | D.Finally |
A.motivated | B.referred | C.sacrificed | D.intended |
A.requested | B.respected | C.responded | D.resisted |
A.recover | B.encourage | C.observe | D.defend |
A.or | B.and | C.so | D.but |
4 . When my dad finally finished the triathlon (铁人三项)in Montauk, the crowd cheered. It showed me how his hard work paid off and it excited my
Training with my clad turned out to be very
When someone fired the gun. I was off,
For me, the real competition began during the run, because now I could see each competitor as a target. No matter my
“Shut up, legs”, one of my favorite sayings, kept me from thinking about the
Looking back, I remember the small boy on that day in Montauk who doubted whether he could
A.pride | B.congratulations | C.concern | D.curiosity |
A.learn | B.deserve | C.achieve | D.organize |
A.saying | B.figuring | C.acting | D.leaving |
A.admired | B.encouraged | C.pushed | D.convinced |
A.unbearable | B.exciting | C.enjoyable | D.challenging |
A.learnt from | B.suffered from | C.signed up for | D.dropped out of |
A.signal | B.announcement | C.result | D.permission |
A.riding | B.walking | C.swimming | D.dashing |
A.bike | B.horse | C.destination | D.coat |
A.take off | B.get on | C.knock out | D.put away |
A.running | B.traveling | C.cycling | D.swimming |
A.kicked off | B.switched to | C.prepared for | D.polished |
A.arms | B.clothes | C.shoes | D.legs |
A.size | B.position | C.age | D.career |
A.or | B.and | C.but | D.so |
A.breathlessness | B.thirst | C.stress | D.pain |
A.winning | B.nervous | C.burning | D.proud |
A.suggestion | B.celebration | C.impression | D.organization |
A.accomplishment | B.guilt | C.sorrow | D.participation |
A.join | B.move | C.prove | D.make |
Behind the band, there was a picture of a young man named Philip Hancock shown on the screen. And he was the reason they were all there. Hancock was a 27-ycar-old Australian who taught English in Chongqing. When he died in 2018 due to complications from diabetes, his parents followed his wishes and donated his organs with the help of the Red Cross Society of China’s Chongqing branch.
“I’m Philip’s liver”; “I'm Philip’s kidney”; “Philip’s eyes...”
The five people — a salesperson, a farmer, a former truck driver and two doctors introduced themselves onstage.
“Last year, Red Cross officials told me that Philip’s parents mentioned during an earlier memorial service that he loved music and dreamed of having his own band one day,” said former truck driver Chen Xianjun. Chen instantly wanted to form a hand in memory of Philip, and so did the other four receivers.
Since they had no music experience, they had to start from scratch. From learning the guitar to mastering the maracas (响葫芦) and faking on the drum they took time out of their busy lives to practice over the past year.
“Picking up a new instrument is certainly difficult at my age, but we have a clear goal in mind and are determined to achieve it.” said Mo Li, the 36-year-old real estate salesman.
Peter Hancock, Philip’s father, said after watching the bands performance that his biggest wish was for the five to enjoy their lives more. think Philip not only gave them a new life, but also some musical cells that enable them to appreciate beautiful melodies."
1. What do these five people have in common? (no more than 8 words)2. What does the underlined part “from scratch” mean in English? (no more than 5 words)
3. What goal did these five people want to achieve? (no more than 10 words)
4. What was Philip’s father’s biggest wish? (no more than 8 words)
5. What inspiration do you get from the story? Please say it in your own words.(no more than 20 words)
Before entering college, I had heard so many stories about how stressful freshman year could get and that this would potentially be the most difficult experience I would ever have to go through. And yes, for the most part, those stories did live up to the reality.
In the first several months, I was urged to improve my social skills and to befriend people. Personally, there was a clear struggle on wanting to adjust and not simply adapt. Adapting required a change in behavior for the sake of fitting in and I didn't want that. Luckily and eventually, I was able to find my own group. It just required extra work and patience.
Naturally, there were academic obstacles that arose. The biggest one was my major. I was enrolled as a communication studies major. I chose it because it seemed like a safe haven. But I later discovered that it didn't actually fit my likes. After two quarters, serious thinking and several mini breakdowns, I switched to philosophy.
Ever since I was younger, I have known I wanted to work in the field. It has always intrigued me. To be honest, I've never had to read such challenging texts in my life, but I enjoy it. It pushes me beyond my limits in a good way. It introduces me to concepts and theories that I've never heard of. More importantly, it doesn't only make me more logical. It also makes me more empathic(有移情作用的)and understanding of others.
I eventually overcame the obstacles. As I recall it now, I'm thankful that the good always outweighed the bad. The good came in the form of new friends, significant learning and deepened self-understanding. As I head off to sophomore year, I plan to bring this good with me.
1. How was the author's freshman year in college? (no more than 5 words)2. What troubled the author in his first several months in college? (no more than 10 words)
3. Why did the author switch to philosophy? (no more than 10 words)
4. What does the underlined part in Paragraph 4 mean? (no more than 10 words)
5. What do you think of the author? Please explain. (no more than 25 words)
When my friends went to college in great delight, I restarted my senior high school life. My spirit sank. Surrounded by strange classmates, I felt like I was in a maze and was sorry about myself. There were some complex feelings in my minds. I was frightened, nervous and lonely.
To make matters worse, I recalled my failure again and again, which put more pressure on me than I could bear. As a result, I was always feeling down during class time.
My teacher found me spiritless. One day he asked me to come to his office and told me about his attitude towards life: we might suffer from mistakes, but it’s important to learn lessons from them. All the pains and the embarrassing things we experience are part of the process. So keep up your spirit! At last, he added, “If you are optimistic, things you want may happen to you!”
Warmth rushed through my soul. I suddenly found the sun shining again when I stepped out of his office.
With the teacher’s help, I eventually got over my depression. From then on, I no longer bowed my head and began smiling to my classmates. I would put up my hand confidently in class and play with my new friends in my spare time. Meanwhile, I was gradually embraced by my classmates.
Now faced with fierce competition, we all study hard because we know that every second counts. Moreover, there is an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect between us. I love my class; I love my classmates!
To be frank, I still have a thirst for my dream university, but I’m not afraid of failure because I can profit by it. With parents and teachers’ encouragement, I’m quite certain of my success and I’m sure I can fly high.
1. Why was the writer in low spirits at the beginning? (No more than 10 words)2. What did the teacher expect the writer to do? (No more than 10 words)
3. What is the main idea of Paragraph 5? (No more than 15 words)
4. What does the underlined word “embraced” in paragraph 5 mean in English?
5. What will you do if you are faced with failure? (No more than 20 words)
8 . I hear some actors keep a sad thought or memory tucked away to help them with scenes where they might need to cry. I think we should each try to find the opposite; a happy memory, something to lift us up on those inevitable down days. I’m saying this because I think I just found mine!
I had some work in Glasgow today. I was on a really tight schedule, which meant I would have no time for myself (or my own work) all day. I was having one of those days, the train was completely packed out and the conversation going on around me seemed to be particularly inane. On top of all that, I had a bit of a headache.
Walking briskly across the concourse, I fished some change from my pocket. There was usually someone at the exit selling The Big Issue (a magazine that helps homeless folk earn a living).
As the crowd parted ways at the bottom of the concourse, I saw someone selling the Big Issue. You had to be homeless to sell the Big Issue. She really looked like she’d been sleeping rough. Her clothes were ragged and she obviously hadn’t had a scrub up for quite a while.
As I approached the exit, I saw that she was also rocking from side to side. At first I thought maybe she was trying to keep warm against the biting wind. But she wasn’t, she was moving in time to a tune. I couldn’t hear her, but I could see her lips moving.
As I got closer, I saw a white cane hanging from her elbow and noticed that she had sunken eyes. She was blind, dirty and living on the streets. I came closer and through the noise of the traffic and the commuters I heard her sing the immortal line, “… and I think to myself, what a wonderful world!”
I bought her last magazine for twice what I’d originally intended. She thanked me, then she picked up her stuff and went tapping off along the pavement - still singing!
So, I have my happy memory for the day. And I think it will stay with me a long, long time. Feel free to borrow it if you like.
1. Why do some actors keep a sad thought or memory according to the passage?A.Because some of them always feel unhappy | B.because they are scolded by the director |
C.Because it helps meet the needs of their roles | D.Because they can’t find a happy memory |
A.Made | B.exchanged | C.pull into | D.took out |
A.Only those homeless people can sell the magazine |
B.The author heard her singing as he came close to the exit |
C.The girl selling the magazines was blind, dirty and homeless |
D.The author never heard what the girl was singing |
A.the author had a headache because of his busy work |
B.the author bought more magazines than planned to |
C.the girl went away as soon as she sold out magazines |
D.the author felt unhappy because he missed his train |
A.A happy Memory to Lift You Up |
B.An Unforgettable Day I Experienced |
C.The Roses in Her Hand: the Flavor in Mine |
D.A Bird in the Hand is Worth than Two in the Bush. |
9 . As I was taking a walk with my mom,I asked her,"Have you taken the senior bus yet?" I held my breath as I waited for her
My dad had recently passed away, and his sudden leave made my mother
Several days later,when I came to visit her,I asked. “Do they talk to you now? " She
My mother held the key to the
A.order | B.answer | C.instruction | D.request |
A.fluently | B.patiently | C.cheerfully | D.quietly |
A.positive | B.scientific | C.similar | D.typical |
A.sleeps | B.eats | C.drinks | D.talks |
A.moved | B.depressed | C.surprised | D.encouraged |
A.anger | B.excitement | C.sympathy | D.forgiveness |
A.stubborn | B.selfish | C.humorous | D.lonely |
A.drive | B.cook | C.dance | D.paint |
A.planned | B.described | C.copied | D.handled |
A.support | B.expectation | C.patience | D.courage |
A.impression | B.silence | C.argument | D.friendship |
A.appeared | B.complained | C.cried | D.smiled |
A.situation | B.plan | C.decision | D.topic |
A.for | B.by | C.without | D.after |
A.passed by | B.stood up | C.got on | D.got back |
A.respond | B.escape | C.study | D.apologize |
A.conversations | B.suggestions | C.examples | D.reasons |
A.ears | B.hearts | C.doors | D.windows |
A.sensitive | B.friendly | C.responsible | D.official |
A.honesty | B.imagination | C.happiness | D.freedom |
10 . With his leg lame and his teeth uneven, the boy thought of himself as the most unfortunate child in the world. He
One spring, his father brought home some saplings (树苗).
Several days later, he was
From then on, the boy slowly became
When he came to the courtyard, he found his father working near the tree! Immediately he
Decades passed. The boy didn't become a botanist.
A.seldom | B.ever | C.still | D.often |
A.held | B.raised | C.lowered | D.covered |
A.Both | B.Each | C.One | D.None |
A.likes | B.protects | C.watches | D.grows |
A.But | B.So | C.Or | D.And |
A.came up with | B.got rid of | C.cared for | D.put forward |
A.contributed to | B.attended to | C.got used to | D.turned to |
A.amused | B.frightened | C.disappointed | D.surprised |
A.roots | B.branches | C.leaves | D.seeds |
A.opinion | B.balance | C.agreement | D.word |
A.teacher | B.gardener | C.botanist | D.president |
A.satisfied | B.upset | C.independent | D.optimistic |
A.remembered | B.believed | C.repeated | D.knew |
A.hardly | B.generally | C.recently | D.probably |
A.doubted | B.admitted | C.wondered | D.understood |
A.cutting | B.watering | C.decorating | D.fertilizing |
A.Therefore | B.Besides | C.Instead | D.Moreover |
A.lawyer | B.doctor | C.president | D.teacher |
A.Love | B.Water | C.Disability | D.Father |
A.So long as | B.If only | C.Now that | D.Even though |