1 . A famous person once said, “We live much happier lives when we are generous(慷慨的) in as many ways as possible.”
I love persimmons (柿子). A few years ago, ready to fly from San Francisco to Boston, I packed two persimmons, one of which I ate in the waiting room. A lady asked me from which store in the airport the fruit was bought. She looked a bit disappointed hearing that it couldn’t be bought from any store in this airport. I thought to myself, “I can give the second persimmon away.” When I offered her the fruit, at first she refused, but when I insisted (坚持), she became glad and accepted. I felt happy to make someone else happy, and I thought it was the end of the story.
Sometime during the flight, the lady met me in the aisle (过道) and thanked me again. She shared that she had grown up in Russia, where there was a persimmon tree in the yard of her childhood home. She now lived in Boston, where she hadn’t been able to find the fruit. The taste of the persimmon was valuable to her, reconnecting her with memories of her family.
Only then did the tiny act make a difference to me. As a famous saying goes, “______” The taste of the persimmon that I offered to the lady gives me more joy than all the ones I have eaten.
1. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?| A．The persimmons are very expensive. |
| B．The persimmons can be bought everywhere. |
| C．The lady can hardly find persimmons in Boston. |
| D．The lady knew where to buy persimmons at the airport. |
| A．the persimmon was very delicious |
| B．she could eat a persimmon for free |
| C．the persimmon reminded her of her childhood memories |
| D．she wanted to have a talk with the writer about her family |
| A．Giving is receiving. | B．Use it or lose it. |
| C．One tree can’t make a forest. | D．It’s a piece of cake. |
2 . Once upon a time, a daughter complained to her father that her senior high school life was unhappy and that she was tired of struggling with homework all the time.
Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Once the three pots began to boil, h placed potatoes, eggs and coffee beans in them. After 20 minutes, he took them out, putting the potatoes and eggs in a bowl and the coffee in a cup.
Turning to his daughter, he said, “Look closer, and touch the potatoes.” She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After puling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to taste the coffee. Its good smell brought a smile to her face.
“Father, what does this mean?” she asked. He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs and the coffee beans were in the same adversity (逆境)—the boiling water. However, each one reacted differently.
The strong and hard potato became soft and weak in boiling water. The egg was fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard. However, the coffee beans were unique. After they were exposed to the boiling water, they changed the water and created something new. “Which one do you want to be like,” he asked. “When adversity knocks on your door, how will you respond?”
In life, challenges happen to us all, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us.
1. Why did the girl complain to her father?| A．Because of her tiring job. | B．Because of her hard school life. |
| C．Because of her father’ s busy work. | D．Because of the food her father cooked. |
| A．The girl liked the coffee best. |
| B．The father was good at cooking. |
| C．Different people have different reactions to adversity. |
| D．The girl didn’t like the potatoes and eggs. |
| A．thick | B．hard | C．strong | D．easily-broken |
| A．Challenges and responses. | B．Adversities and a chef. |
| C．A chef and coffee beans. | D．Father and daughter. |
3 . It was New Year time, but I wasn’t looking forward to it. That winter, my mother and my stepfather moved our family to Southern California. My brother and I were leaving our rural Alabama behind. This would be our first New Year away from Alabama. My mother took to(喜欢) California like a swan to a royal lake. My athletic little brother, Paul, was keyed up thrilled at a climate that allowed him to go to the beach whenever he wanted.
I, however, was a fat child with heavy southern pronunciation. On my first day in the new class, I introduced myself in a low voice. The moment I opened my mouth to speak, the whole class burst into laughter, “He talks funny.” I was so frustrated that I went to call Granny Smith after school, who was my biggest support. But I didn’t get through.
On Sunday evening, the phone rang. It was Granny. She often took advantage of the discounted long-distance rates on Sundays. She said she’d shipped a New Year package. Sure enough, it arrived. Surprised at the box, large enough to hold a small refrigerator, we eagerly tore it open. The smell of Granny’s house filled the room: a combination of fried meat, sausages, furniture polish and decorations. Her house was tiny and always filled with tacky holiday decorations and homemade food before New Year. But in my childhood eyes, it was precious and fantastic.
There were countless tins and containers. We open them to discover piles of holiday treats. She even included our traditional candy bats. The box was as bottomless as a magical box. There, beneath all these, was a familiar holiday.
Every New Year that we spent in California, the postal service would call and said our package had arrived. Over the years, many treasures arrived in the box. For me, it’s always been the best part of the holiday.
1. How did the author’s brother feel when they were moving to California?| A．Sad. | B．Joyful. | C．Appreciative. | D．Disappointed. |
| A．He spoke in a low voice. | B．He made a humorous talk. |
| C．He looked overweight. | D．He had a strong accent. |
| A．Suitable. | B．Expensive. | C．Cheap. | D．Attractive. |
| A．Granny’s Care Package | B．An Unforgettable Holiday |
| C．Our Move to California | D．A Telephone Call from Granny |
Melissa was a single parent of three small children, working at a low-paid job. Money was always tight and she had to work hard to make ends meet. But they still felt blessed with a roof over their heads, food on the plate, clothes on their backs, and even if not a lot, always enough. Not knowing they were poor, the kids just thought their mother was strict in money management. Melissa was really glad about that.
Christmas was just around the corner. Although there wasn't budget for a lot of gifts, Melissa planned to please the kids with a family party. She prepared weeks ahead of time, asking one by one what the kids wanted for Christmas. Fortunately, Melissa managed to spare $ 80 dollars for the whole family to enjoy the fun of Christmas shopping.
The big day arrived. Mellissa drove the kids to a nearby Walmart and gave each kid a twenty-dollar bill. “Now, my children,” she announced, “you have two hours to pick a gift in the supermarket. Then we will meet back at the gate.” Excited, the children scattered (四散) and rushed into the supermarket.
Melissa smiled. She looked at her own note and put it back into her pocket. Well, the Melissa smiled. She looked at her own note and put it back into her pocket. Well, the children's shining faces were the most precious Christmas gift for her, weren't they? Sitting in the car, she waiting patiently, imagining what gifts the kids would choose. She couldn't wait to share their joy.
Two hours later, the kids came back one by one. Tom and Tick rushed to their mother, eyes twinkling with excitement. They showed their gifts to Melissa and jumped with joy. The third child, Ginger, was obviously left behind, who dragged her feet to the car. To everyone's surprise, Ginger was empty-handed. Melissa said nothing, asked the kids to get into the car and headed home:
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。
Driving home, everyone was talking about their gifts in high spirits except the youngest daughter, Ginger.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“We have so much, but the homeless man doesn't have anything,” Ginger explained.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5 . He Jiang, a postgraduate in biology, will become the first Chinese student to give a speech in the commencement(华业典礼) at Harvard University on May 26, 2016.
Given the highest honor by the university. He Jiang, who was born in a small village in Hunan Province, said,“People in China often believe that it's useless to study and children from the countryside cannot be successful in the future. However,I cannot agree with them. Education can change a person's life.I hope my experience can encourage the students from the countryside to spare no effort in study and make their dreams come turn.”
Different from many other families in the village, his parents never thought about finding a job in big cities and leaving their two sons at home without their care.His farther was strict about their studies. He and his younger brother studied at home while the other kids in the village played in the fields. Unlike his strict father, his mother took her sons' side when her husband scolded the boys. She preferred to sit with her sons when they studied rather than chat with other women in the village.
Getting the chance to speak at the commencement is no accident. During his first days in Harvard,it’s quite difficult for him to follow the professors in class and he was speechless in campus because of his poor English. Instead of giving up, He Jiang spent all his free time on English. He also made friends with natives to improve his speaking English. One year later, he had little difficulty in class and soon became one of the top students in his class. With the encouragement from Professor Diana Eck, He Jiang decided to apply (for the chance to speak at the commencement.“Few Chinese students had applied before, but I wanted to have a try. I just want to realize my idea of letting more people hear the voice from China and telling them that China is not what it used to be,”said He Jiang. After beating three students from Harvard Kennedy School in the third and final round, He Jiang made it to get the chance to speak at the commencement.
He Jiang will go to Massachusetts Institute of Technology after graduating from Harvard.
1. The underlined part means”________”.| A．get ready for study | B．enjoy themselves in study |
| C．try their best in study | D．be interested in study |
| A．He Jiang's parents never tried to find a job in a big city. |
| B．Both of He Jiang's parents were very strict with him. |
| C．He Jiang is the only child in the family. |
| D．He Jiang often played in the fields with other kids in the village. |
| A．like father, like son | B．the early birds get worms |
| C．practice makes perfect | D．where there is a will, there is a way |
| A．how He Jiang got the chance | B．how hardworking He Jiang was |
| C．why He Jiang applied for the chance | D．what He Jiang studied in Harvard |
Jonny took his dog, Scruffy, out for a walk on a cold day in December. He bundled up in his heavy winter coat and put on his thick wool cap before he said goodbye to his mom. Outside the front door, the whole world was like a winter wonderland: there were icicles (冰柱) hanging from tree branches and snow banks that rose all the way up to Jonny’s knees. Scruffy was excited to be outside,digging in the snow and jumping into snow. Jonny was also glad to be out in the cold air.The snowstorm that left all this snow had continued for two days, and he hadn’t been allowed to go outside, even just to catch some air!
They walked through Jonny’s neighborhood, passing people who looked glad to be outside, too. A few blocks down, Jonny saw his friend Marcus building a snowman with his sister, Marie.
“Hi, Marcus!” Jonny called out.He walked over to the snowman.
“Hey, Jonny. You want to help?” Marcus was patting the bottom part of the snowman ith his glove, while Marie was rolling together the second section of the snowman, packing the snow together to make sure it stayed in a round shape.
Jonny walked over and wrapped Scruffy’s leash (皮带) around Marcus’s mailbox. To- gether, Jonny, Marcus, and Marie built an amazing snowman.They made a long pointy nose the snowman, and designed eyes out of green apples Marie found in the house. They made e snowman’s arms out of two longer sticks, setting them up to make it look like he was waving. Sometimes Jonny would look over whether Scruffy would be digging again, but he mostly sat patiently, watching Jonny, Marcus, and Marie work.
When they were all done, Marcus and Marie’s mom came outside to see their work. “This is an amazing snowman!” she said. “Does anyone want hot chocolate?”
注意：
1.续写词数应为150左右；
2.请按如下格式在相应位置作答。
All three kids and Scruffy ran into the house and warmed up.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Oh no!” Jonny yelled, and ran out to the snowman, which was now a pile of snow.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7 . High school senior Jonathan Walker is unquestionably celebrating an amazing milestone in his life. The Florida teen has been
“It was just a surprise to see that they wanted me to
Colleges and universities that included Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and MIT all
However,
Actually, Walker is also active in the science club, the international Baccalaureate program, and the school football team. The amazingly
“My parents
| A．accepted | B．included | C．adopted | D．introduced |
| A．visit | B．appreciate | C．confirm | D．attend |
| A．admission | B．honour | C．souvenirs | D．challenges |
| A．managed | B．expected | C．refused | D．hesitated |
| A．Hopefully | B．Fortunately | C．Undoubtedly | D．Unusually |
| A．natural | B．rare | C．precious | D．casual |
| A．as if | B．now that | C．even though | D．in case |
| A．turning | B．writing | C．narrowing | D．breaking |
| A．decision | B．mind | C．approach | D．plan |
| A．careful | B．determined | C．brilliant | D．generous |
| A．advises | B．reminds | C．encourages | D．allows |
| A．lent | B．promised | C．bought | D．taught |
| A．realized | B．agreed | C．pretended | D．reflected |
| A．receiving | B．creating | C．admiring | D．recording |
| A．taking over | B．putting off | C．making out | D．going through |
8 . In 2010, my mother-in-law gave me her rather simple but graceful, antique “secretary desk”. The desk easily fit into the tiny room at the top of the stairs. I felt so secure, and confident when I sat down and began each writing session. Despite the desk’s appeal, its limited storage capacity meant that I often put file folders and books on the small floor space around me. After each writing session, I painstakingly gathered the tools of the trade and placed them on a nearby shelf until the next session.
A few years into my writing journey, we moved into a bigger home and I acquired my own office. My husband, Bill offered on more than one occasion to buy me a new desk for my office, but I ignored his offer.
One day, we stopped at the local office supply store. Bill found what he thought was the perfect desk for me. “I want to buy this for you, sweetie. My writer needs a bigger desk. ”He hugged me.
“Thanks, but I don’t want a bigger desk!” I said.
“Why don’t you want a bigger desk?” he said. “You must be afraid of something.”
“I’m not afraid of anything,” I said. “Like I said, I really like my little desk. So don’t ask me again.”
He didn’t.
A few weeks later, while working in my new office. I looked around at the folders, books and papers lying all over my office floor but couldn’t find what needed to meet a contest deadline. My heart raced. I looked around my office. The room basically swallowed the tiny desk, making it look slightly out of place. Maybe I did need a bigger desk. Was Bill right? Was I afraid of something?
Unable to write, I pulled c. JoyBell C.’s book of poetry, All Things Dance Like Dragonflies (蜻蜓), from the bookshelf. I flipped through its pages, and her words about faith jumped off the page into my heart. She talked about how she had trained herself to love the feeling of not knowing where she was going, and just trusting that as she opened up her wings and flew off in an unknown direction, things would work out.
At that moment, I recognized that a bigger desk symbolized bigger possibilities, stepping out in faith, and leaving my comfort zone.
1. What was the limitation of the “secretary desk”?| A．It was too old to be functional. |
| B．It competed with the shelf for room. |
| C．It prevented the author focusing on writing. |
| D．It was a bit small in size. |
| A．After she was stuck in a mess. |
| B．When she finished writing a book. |
| C．When she moved into a bigger house. |
| D．After she missed an important contest. |
| A．Unemployment. | B．Loss of inspiration. |
| C．Uncertainty. | D．Lack of trust. |
| A．My Writing Journey | B．On the Wings of Change |
| C．My Lifelong Faith | D．On the Desk of Fate |
No More, No Less
Many years ago, in the small Polish town of Pińczów, there lived a trader named Leib. He worked hard, but times were bad. He couldn’t afford to buy any presents for his family. Sometimes he couldn’t even buy food.
One day, Leib made an important decision to leave home for the big city of Kraków. Maybe he could earn more money there. In Kraków, Leib poured all of his energy into his work. After twelve months, he earned six hundred zlotys. But he missed his family so much that he decided to go home.
On his way home, Leib stopped in the town of Rozka. Fearing robbers, he decided to bury his money before going to the hotel to rest. Near a seemingly deserted house, he dug a hole and buried his money. But the house was not deserted. The old man owning it was watching through his window. When Leib left, he dug up the money.
Next morning, when Leib found his money gone, he cried bitterly. Looking around, he noticed the nearby house. “Whoever lives in that house must have seen me bury the money,” Leib thought. “But if I accuse him of stealing it, he will call me a liar.” Thinking for a while, Leib knocked on the door. He said to the old man, “I’m a stranger here and need advice. I heard you’re the wisest man here. Will you help me?” The old man was overjoyed, saying “Tell me what I can do for you”.
“Fearing robbers, I buried my money — six hundred zlotys — in a secret place last night,” Leib said. “Now I have received one thousand zlotys. Should I bury it in the same place or in another for the greatest safety?”
The old man smiled, “Since you are a stranger here, I advise you have all your money in the same place.” “Thank you for your advice,” said Leib. “I will do as you suggest.”
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。
Paragraph 1
As soon as Leib was out of sight, the old man took out the money he had stolen.
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Paragraph 2
When darkness fell, Leib went to the hiding place and found all his stolen money.
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10 . In Los Angeles, UPS driver Hector Vesco noticed that while he did his normal route, there was one kid who looked sad.
Once Hector understood why the boy looked upset, he jumped into action. A father of two himself, he knew that he would have to check in with the parents. Using a blank UPS slip, Hector wrote out a note reading, “Hi, this is Hector, your UPS driver. I’ve seen your son plenty of times on the balcony and he seemed very sad that he didn’t get any package. When he asked me if I had any package for him, I told him, ‘Don’t worry. Maybe next time.’ So, anyway, I’ve bought something and put it in box. Just wanted to know his name.” Hector also shared his number so that the parents could contact him directly.
After getting all the information he needed from the mother BrookeWalbuck, Hector showed up the next day and surprised the boy, Langston, with the delivery.
Of course, the gesture of delivering the parcel was nice enough, but it turned out what was inside made it even better! When Langston opened up the box, he found a collection of toy cars and a bunch of candy. It didn’t get much better than that for a little boy.
After the delivery was made, Brooke sent a follow-up text to thank Hector again. In his reply, Hector stated that he had two daughters himself. He kept a bunch of toy cars he had collected over the years. When he met Langston, he knew it was the perfect opportunity to put them to good use.
In his message back to Brooke, he also intentioned that Langston helped him remember how many kids, along with his, had to live through the COVID-19 pandemic (疫情). “Our kids are our world and the future,” he said. “I just want to show some love.”
Before the pandemic, you probably didn’t think too much about the people who delivered your packages. But in times of pandemic, delivery drivers like Hector have some of the most important jobs!
1. What do we know about Hector Vesco?| A．He worked for a delivery company. |
| B．He collected toy cars for boys. |
| C．He was familiar with the Walbucks. |
| D．He informed Langston of his own number. |
| A．The box. | B．The gift. |
| C．The parcel. | D．The gesture. |
| A．Langston was cheered up in the pandemic. |
| B．Brooke was grateful to Hector’s kids. |
| C．Brooke was regretful for ignoring her son. |
| D．Langston was disappointed with the used toys. |
| A．The pandemic affects the globe. | B．Children love toy cars and candies. |
| C．Ordinary people can be extraordinary. | D．Old products can serve new purposes. |
