1 . A car store in my hometown sold six to eight new cars a day. And 72 percent of this store’s first-time visitors returned for a second
On one particular June morning, my wife Jane said to me, “Today’s my fifth anniversary of being
After I told Jane the biggest
Over the years, I’ve told this story as an example of the legendary
A.visit | B.try | C.chance | D.date |
A.arrived | B.ranked | C.happened | D.developed |
A.smoke-free | B.rent-free | C.tax-free | D.cancer-free |
A.confused | B.embarrassed | C.frightened | D.relieved |
A.bought | B.painted | C.borrowed | D.hired |
A.brand | B.color | C.number | D.type |
A.requests | B.decisions | C.donations | D.promises |
A.pleasure | B.opinion | C.secret | D.problem |
A.cheap | B.small | C.new | D.white |
A.left | B.sold | C.made | D.found |
A.available | B.possible | C.popular | D.convenient |
A.risk | B.concern | C.mistake | D.lie |
A.returned | B.forgot | C.noticed | D.recognized |
A.disappointedly | B.hurriedly | C.regularly | D.confidently |
A.ended in | B.held back | C.changed to | D.let out |
A.believed | B.discovered | C.expected | D.accepted |
A.reminded | B.prepared | C.forced | D.allowed |
A.guessed | B.presented | C.explained | D.ignored |
A.besides | B.otherwise | C.therefore | D.however |
A.symbol | B.service | C.design | D.character |
2 . When reading, my mother likes to slice a paragraph or a sentence out and attach it to the wall of her kitchen. She picks boring sentences that puzzle me. But I prefer copying favorite bright lines into a journal in soft, gray No. 2 pencil, word by word.
She doesn’t know any of this. There's nothing shocking: for our chatting. we seldom begin certain conversations though we talk on the phone weekly, sometimes making each other laugh so hard that I choke and she cries. But what we don't say could fill up rooms. Fights with my father. Small failures in school. Anything that really upsets us.
My mother has never told me “I love you, Lisa.”—as if the four-word absence explains who I am—so I carry it with me, like a label on me. The last time she almost spoke the words was two years ago, when she called to tell me a friend had been in hospital. I said, “I love you, Mom.” She stopped for a while and then said, “Thank you.” I haven't said it since, but I've wondered why my mother doesn't until I've found a poem that supplies words for the blank spaces I try to understand in our conversations:
Don’t fill up on bread. I say absent-mindedly. The servings here are huge.
My son, middle-aged, says: Did you really just say that to me?
What he doesn’t know is that when we’re walking together, I desire to reach for his hand.
It's humble, yet heartbreaking. After copying it down in my journal, I emailed it to mom, adding “This poem makes me think of you.” My mother doesn’t read poetry—or at least, she doesn’t tell me, and I felt nervous clicking “Send”.
She never mentioned the poem. But the next time I went home for vacation, I noticed something new in the kitchen fixed to an antique board: the poem. The board hung above the heater, the warmest spot in the kitchen. The poem still hangs there. Neither my mother nor I have ever spoken about it.
1. What's the function of paragraph 1?A.To stress the theme. | B.To establish the setting. |
C.To represent the characters. | D.To create the atmosphere. |
A.Shaky. | B.Distant. | C.Reserved. | D.Intense. |
A.It reminded her of mom's love. |
B.She wanted to apologize to mom. |
C.It suited mom's taste of literature. |
D.She needed an interpretation from mom. |
A.A memory of golden days. |
B.Daughter’s gratefulness to her. |
C.A decoration in the plain kitchen. |
D.Daughter's understanding of her. |
3 . If someone had told me five years ago that I would be living happily ever after on a small farm in western Oklahoma, I would have immediately denied the possibility. Back then, I was a confirmed city girl. I enjoyed the city life.
Then one day, while we were checking my mother’s farm for her, I looked around, liked what I saw and asked my husband, “Why don’t we build a house here on the farm?”
To my surprise, he said, “Yes!”
And so we began a new and very different chapter in our life story. My husband and I set out to deal with the land. We took down dead trees, knocked down the outbuildings and planted vegetable and flower gardens. We learned new skills as we worked and provided the locals with humorous moments as they answered our questions. We built a home to welcome family and friends, to share the beauty and bounty of the land.
We soon realized the land had played a joke on us: it had changed and transformed us in our efforts to change it. We lost weight and gained muscles.
We’ve learned to recognize and honor nature’s cycles and timing instead of clocks, calendars, schedules and to-do lists. With only two clocks in the house, we enjoy the flow of days into nights. Our timeless life allows us to appreciate sunrises and sunsets — each a unique event that camera and words only partially capture.
Living a simple life in the country has led us back to common sense. We’ve learned to be resourceful in solving problems and can think of many unique ways. I become better at handling a situation with fewer resources and conveniences.
In the quietness of the land, we hear and appreciate nature’s music. We also listen to the silence. Walking through the grasses, gazing at the century-old trees and wondering about all the changes and history they have witnessed are relaxing pastimes. I have to be truthful: caring for the land is a joyful job.
1. How did her husband react to the author’s proposal?A.Opposed. | B.Approving. | C.Surprised. | D.Concerned. |
A.She enjoyed better health. | B.She made much money by working. |
C.She regained the respect from the farmers. | D.She improved her relationship with her family. |
A.She becomes more creative. | B.She becomes more humorous. |
C.She becomes more honest with others. | D.She becomes more interested in travelling. |
A.Simple life is the most important. | B.Country life is better than city life. |
C.Getting close to nature can be joyful. | D.Living in the country is everyone’s dream. |
4 . Going to the Olympics wasn’t happening smoothly as I’d expected. I went to Greece as an alternate, but it was a
After I returned, I soon
I
The greatest thing I got from those years is that once I find a(n)
A.praiseworthy | B.painstaking | C.bittersweet | D.heartbreaking |
A.work out | B.drop out | C.go out | D.check out |
A.eventually | B.really | C.occasionally | D.properly |
A.named | B.abandoned | C.considered | D.observed |
A.peace | B.change | C.conflict | D.accomplishment |
A.blamed | B.enjoyed | C.motivated | D.believed |
A.stayed | B.switched | C.got | D.held |
A.go on | B.go by | C.go ahead | D.go beyond |
A.contributed | B.adjusted | C.stuck | D.belonged |
A.reduced | B.addicted | C.opposed | D.devoted |
A.put | B.made | C.caught | D.got |
A.announced | B.instructed | C.interviewed | D.permitted |
A.sigh | B.hesitation | C.curiosity | D.shout |
A.woke | B.stood | C.turned | D.looked |
A.attracted | B.astonished | C.overjoyed | D.moved |
A.wonders | B.disappointment | C.introduction | D.difficulties |
A.passion | B.solution | C.comparison | D.instruction |
A.partial | B.artificial | C.absolute | D.insufficient |
A.imagination | B.perseverance | C.intelligence | D.expectation |
A.purchase | B.challenge | C.charge | D.chase |
5 . At 91 years old and with Alzheimer’s disease, Gene McGehee was finding his golden years to be his loneliest. That all
When Gene
Gene’s
Gene’s daughter, Cathy, said he
Gene and the kids enjoy their one-hour “playdate” every afternoon. They
A.changed | B.happened | C.mattered | D.began |
A.rushed | B.stayed | C.stepped | D.glared |
A.view | B.fortune | C.alternative | D.position |
A.willing | B.curious | C.annoyed | D.afraid |
A.awarded | B.nicknamed | C.owed | D.handed |
A.expected | B.faded | C.damaged | D.born |
A.infectious | B.mild | C.severe | D.rare |
A.meeting | B.consulting | C.asking | D.accompanying |
A.last | B.next | C.most | D.first |
A.leg | B.eye | C.arm | D.brain |
A.needs | B.remembers | C.ignores | D.discovers |
A.learned | B.suffered | C.benefited | D.recovered |
A.ruined | B.promoted | C.brightened | D.explored |
A.blessing | B.reward | C.problem | D.burden |
A.eventually | B.cheerfully | C.regularly | D.frequently |
A.exchange | B.communicate | C.tell | D.play |
A.breaks in | B.blows up | C.passes down | D.participates in |
A.rises | B.shines | C.moves | D.sets |
A.normal | B.necessary | C.special | D.cautious |
A.screams | B.complaints | C.laughter | D.news |
6 . There’s no age limit on being an amazing model, and a great-grandmother in California is certainly proving that. Helene Simon, 99, was recently photographed as one of beauty brand Saie’s latest faces.
In the campaign images, she is seen wearing a crisp white blouse and a beaded necklace along with the cosmetic company’s newest products. She’s also seen showing a joyful smile and great model poses.
“I loved being on set (在片场) ,” Simon said. “The photographer was incredible and so fun. It definitely was a treat to get my hair and make-up done.”
Simon actually happens to be Saie’s founder Laney Crowell’s great-grandmother, and Laney decided to ask Simon to model after her Instagram community responded with an overwhelming “yes” when she asked if her great-grandmother should be Saie’s next model.
This was Simon’s first-ever modeling performance, and when initially approached she said “absolutely not”. “I think I laughed it off. Then my great-granddaughter persisted and encouraged me to show the world that 99-year-old women should still be represented.”
Since making her modeling debut (首次亮相) , Saie has received lots of feedback. “Aw, this brought tears to my eyes!” “Hi Nanna, you are my goal,” someone commented. Another chimed in demanding, “More Nanna please!” another commenter said, “I love this post with all my heart. May she live to 120 !” Many others echoed the words with similar sentiments.
After receiving all the positive feedback from her first major make-up modeling performance, Simon said “It is such a thrill.” and she is so surprised by all of the people sending notes and messages that they have seen her images and are inspired by them. When asked if she would continue to do more modeling in the future, Simon happily responded, “Never say never!”
1. What does Simon think of the modeling process?A.Interesting | B.Exhausting | C.Inspiring | D.Stressful |
A.Simon has a great talent for being a model. |
B.Simon is Laney Crowell’s great-grandmother. |
C.Laney needed an elegant 99-year-old woman. |
D.Laney’s fans agreed on her great-grandmother being the model. |
A.She hesitated over it. |
B.She thought little of it. |
C.She accepted it happily. |
D.She refused immediately. |
A.Where there is a will there is a way. |
B.God helps those who help themselves. |
C.You should never set limits on yourself. |
D.Your defeat now is your victory tomorrow. |
7 . Education has always been the key part of young Nikita’s life. However, the home-school
Deeply
After receiving the gift, Nikita said, “While the wild animals in the forest do make me afraid, it is the
A.distance | B.cooperation | C.difference | D.relationship |
A.committed | B.sensitive | C.equal | D.accustomed |
A.Beyond | B.Despite | C.Under | D.Against |
A.afford | B.agree | C.wait | D.offer |
A.extra | B.original | C.alternative | D.individual |
A.choose | B.begin | C.accept | D.continue |
A.occasionally | B.particularly | C.absolutely | D.obviously |
A.arise | B.lose | C.end | D.increase |
A.moved | B.shocked | C.worried | D.saddened |
A.set aside | B.got across | C.made over | D.gave away |
A.concern | B.talent | C.enthusiasm | D.demand |
A.worthwhile | B.admirable | C.simple | D.natural |
A.motivation | B.delight | C.satisfaction | D.interest |
A.meaningful | B.colorful | C.memorable | D.comfortable |
A.sight | B.image | C.thought | D.matter |
A.appeal | B.help | C.deal | D.shot |
A.apply | B.abandon | C.adapt | D.address |
A.mature | B.medical | C.graduate | D.star |
A.even | B.never | C.still | D.just |
A.ambition | B.responsibility | C.firmness | D.courage |
8 . It’s 6 p.m. on a Friday, and rather than heading home after a long workweek, Renee Dixon, a preschool director in Indianapolis, starts her second job as an Uber driver.
The money Dixon earns as a driver does not go into her own pocket. Instead, she uses it to buy holiday gifts and winter clothing for all 50 of her students. “So many families don’t have money to get Christmas presents this year. Some parents have lost their jobs, and others have had their wages cut back,” Dixon said. “A lot of them come from low-income families and are below the poverty line.”
The coronavirus pandemic, she said, has increased the need. “As far as presents go, a lot of these kids are likely to get nothing this year. I know how that feels,” said Dixon. “Being a driver in this special period, I have my own strict rules ,” she said. In her car, mask-wearing is required. Each passenger must sanitize (消毒) their hands upon entering the car, and she uses wipes to clean the back seat and door handles between each ride. Plus, she keeps the windows open a crack to circulate fresh air.
Not only will her efforts bring joy to the children, but the gifts will also lessen the great pressure parents feel at this time. Alongside the money Dixon has earned through driving, several people in the community have donated money or offered to buy gifts for the students, including Eva Cheung. She quickly decided to get involved after hearing about Dixon’s efforts through Dixon’s husband. She said, “You read about people like Renee, but when you are finally able to connect with somebody like that and help fulfill their vision, it’s an amazing feeling.”
“Everything I’m doing is for these kids right now,” Dixon said. “Their world has turned upside down, and it’s no fault of their own. They deserve this from me.”
1. Why did Dixon start her second job as a driver?A.To get gifts for her students. | B.To support poor local workers. |
C.To earn more money for her family. | D.To help people control the new disease. |
A.Speed. | B.Pay. | C.Health. | D.Convenience. |
A.Their parents have required them to study harder. |
B.Their life gets worse due to the pandemic. |
C.They are forced to leave school early. |
D.They have to earn a living by themselves. |
A.caring and independent | B.considerate and modest |
C.gifted and ambitious | D.inspiring and generous |
9 . Hua Sheng and Lu Sheng, a retired Tibetan couple, have become trailblazers(开拓者)of grape growing and wine-making in their old ages.
Lu Sheng learned grape planting and winemaking from her grandmother’s sister. Since they retired, the couple have moved to Lhasa from the village of Yakhadi. Though the fact that the region’s capital, which is 3,600 meters above sea level, is considered unfit for growing grapes, Lu Sheng and Hua Sheng began an ambitious project in 2015, planting grapes in Tsalna, a town in the suburb of Lhasa.
They received support from the local government, which is committed to developing business and the economy. The couple’s project provides jobs for rural residents, and, as a result, the government has considered the project part of its poverty relief program.
“Lhasa is an ideal place for planting French grape varieties that are resistant to cold, drought and disease, and adaptable to high-altitude and open-air planting," Lu Sheng said.
“Thanks to the plateau’s sunshine and organic planting, our grapes grow very well here in Lhasa. The grapes are a bit sour and sweet, and they have a high anthocyanin(花青素)content,” she said. Anthocyanins, which are in grape cells and contribute rich color to wine, are water-soluble(水溶性的).
In 2018, Hua Sheng and Lu Sheng expanded their project, planting on nearly 6.67 hectares. In order to familiarize Tibetan farmers with grape planting and winemaking, they taught the skills to local villagers.
“We have successfully taught the local farmers how to grow grapes and make wine over the three years. They now have a new source of income besides traditional farrming and herding,” Hua Sheng said.
Yudron, a resident of Nam, said she was grateful to the grape planting project in her village, which has contributed to her income and quality of life." After working in the vineyards for years, now we know how to make wine. We drink both barley and grape wine now. We love grape wine more, though, as it is healthier.
1. What did the couple do after their retirement?A.They grew grapes and made wine in Lhasa. |
B.They made friends with a French expert. |
C.They moved to another city from Lhasa. |
D.They learned grape planting from Hua Sheng’ S grandmother. |
A.They donated grapes to local schools. |
B.They provided free wine for villagers. |
C.They employed local residents as workers. |
D.They expanded the project with the local government. |
A.They make grapes more delicious. |
B.They can accelerate the growth of grapes. |
C.They make grapes宣bit sour and sweet. |
D.They provide rich color’s for wine. |
A.appreciative |
B.cautious |
C.indifferent |
D.hesitate |
10 . Mr. Steven was a comic actor in his city, who was popular with audience. One day, he went home by subway. When he arrived home, Mr. Steven was surprised as he found somebody’s gold watch had
He was puzzled,
“Dear Mr. Steven”, it said, “It is
The policemen tried hard to find this elusive (神出鬼没的) pickpocket, but all their efforts were
The story was so
A.expectedly | B.incredibly | C.fortunately | D.horribly |
A.trying | B.managing | C.refusing | D.pretending |
A.skill | B.equipment | C.clue | D.explanation |
A.cause | B.adventure | C.accident | D.riddle |
A.enveloped | B.delivered | C.folded | D.displayed |
A.amazing | B.abnormal | C.apparent | D.vital |
A.journalist | B.comedian | C.robber | D.pickpocket |
A.costly | B.fake | C.valueless | D.fashionable |
A.noticed | B.mentioned | C.remarked | D.overlooked |
A.casually | B.secretly | C.publicly | D.aimlessly |
A.at random | B.under control | C.in vain | D.for certain |
A.turned up | B.showed off | C.crashed into | D.vanished into |
A.decision | B.comment | C.conclusion | D.analysis |
A.common | B.original | C.moving | D.cheerful |
A.outlined | B.released | C.captured | D.deserted |
A.name | B.gift | C.watch | D.letter |
A.delighted | B.annoyed | C.thrilled | D.puzzled |
A.presented | B.sold | C.awarded | D.lent |
A.sell | B.return | C.keep | D.abandon |
A.tie | B.replace | C.exchange | D.match |