1 . My name is Maggie and I am a big red maple tree in the center of Central Park in New York. Every part of me is
One day, I see a big storm
Hours later, when the storm
| A．calmly | B．perfectly | C．randomly | D．similarly |
| A．debate | B．hesitate | C．stop | D．wait |
| A．comments | B．names | C．noises | D．trees |
| A．choosing | B．exploring | C．heading | D．seeking |
| A．angry | B．anxious | C．doubtful | D．wonderful |
| A．accident | B．danger | C．intention | D．thought |
| A．blows up | B．dies down | C．draws near | D．moves in |
| A．if | B．how | C．why | D．when |
| A．decide | B．move | C．stand | D．refuse |
| A．makes out | B．goes through | C．turns to | D．tears off |
| A．attack | B．disappoint | C．prevent | D．bother |
| A．foolish | B．friendly | C．public | D．voluntary |
| A．feeding | B．observing | C．sheltering | D．recognizing |
| A．appearance | B．decision | C．impression | D．identity |
| A．warning | B．promise | C．reminder | D．wish |
2 . I was 17 when I discovered shooting stars.
I loved them so much that I invited my high school friends to my family farm and spent an August night in our sleeping bags on the hillside to watch them together.
I can’t help but think of that as the final night of my childhood. I always managed to squeeze in a week or two of vacation before starting back at school, and I’d see shooting stars and remember that brilliant night on the hill. While still marveling at them, I’d work at convincing myself that the joy I’d experience from my accomplishments in college would soon replace my longing for some quiet time beneath a vast sky. But always, I returned to college life in August with deep sadness in my heart.
I’ve given lots of reasons over the past 13 years for my choice to live an independent life on a distant farm and home school my daughters. But deep down, I think the shooting stars had a lot to do with it. I couldn’t bear to gaze up at them and think that they were a finale to be witnessed before returning to the demands of school and careers.
So I said “no” to all of it: no jobs, no school. And I decided to lead a life tied to the seasons, where shooting stars were just one of many gifts from nature.
I changed my life to make room for them and I’m starting to learn the difference between fulfillment and accomplishment.
Accomplishment is a child’s successful test scores. Fulfillment is loving and forgiving each other through times table (乘法表)and written words.
Accomplishment is the publication of 20 essays per year and six books, Fulfillment is the hours spent researching, then walking through the woods to think about each word and thought.
Accomplishment is making enough income to cover my taxes. Fulfillment is sitting outside at 3 am in August, watching the shooting stars, no longer sad at the passage of childhood, but thrilled for the joy of the stars.
It is learned that accomplishment is merely a mark in the book made as a result of following fulfillment above all else.
1. What does the author believe indicates the end of her childhood?| A．Departing for college. | B．Witnessing falling stars at home. |
| C．Resting in a sleeping bag on a farm. | D．Observing shooting stars with friends. |
| A．The aspiration for independence. |
| B．The necessity of residing on a farm. |
| C．The wish for a lifestyle connected with nature. |
| D．The requirements of education and professions. |
| A．Earning a gold medal in a sports tournament. |
| B．Investing meaningful time with family members. |
| C．Acquiring a spacious, charming, and cozy residence. |
| D．Attaining a prominent position in a famous company. |
| A．Independent and unconventional. | B．Determined and open-minded. |
| C．Responsible and insightful. | D．Diligent and dedicated. |
3 . Two friends were walking through the desert. Once they had reached the oasis, they decided to rest and recuperate (恢复) before continuing their journey through the vast desert. During some point of the journey they had a (an)
They kept on walking until they found a (an)
And so, their journey continued. Together, they ventured forth, reminding each other to cherish the ability to forgive, to recognize and honor acts of kindness.
Truly, it is unavoidable that
| A．intervention | B．argument | C．interaction | D．leisure |
| A．pure | B．hurt | C．mature | D．delighted |
| A．Instead | B．Furthermore | C．However | D．Thus |
| A．shade | B．shadow | C．oasis | D．rainbow |
| A．Appropriately | B．Abruptly | C．Gradually | D．Swiftly |
| A．rescue | B．recognition | C．adaptation | D．assumption |
| A．revised | B．refused | C．recovered | D．resigned |
| A．carved | B．drew | C．dug | D．described |
| A．Joy | B．Confusion | C．Hatred | D．Sorrow |
| A．matching | B．surrounding | C．appealing | D．contrasting |
| A．cited | B．suspected | C．comforted | D．responded |
| A．give up on | B．get rid of | C．come down with | D．take charge of |
| A．regardless of | B．in case of | C．in favor of | D．instead of |
| A．expectations | B．conflicts | C．subscriptions | D．ambitions |
| A．conventional | B．contradictory | C．dramatic | D．essential |
4 . So, I did it. I moved back home, despite all the disapproval. I left my good job, my relationship, and the endless opportunities.
Some people questioned me, “Why did you move back?” It was hard at first to admit that I liked being home, and that, actually, I didn’t prefer New York City (as so many people do). But after time, it became easier and less of an issue. And when they asked me why I moved back home, I confidently said, “Because I wanted to.” Many people welcomed me back into the community.
The first few months home were the most relaxing of my life. Every day I wake up to birds chirping, and sunlight coming in from the window-no traffic sounds or people screaming on the streets. It sounds like a Disney movie, but it’s so true! There is something about the air here-it’s clean. It smells good. I can also see the Grand Mesa (the largest flat-top mountain in the world) from my bedroom window. My work commute (通勤) is a four-minute car ride. And on summer nights, my favorite thing to do is watch the sunset from my porch because it’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
I’ve been home for almost three years now, much to the surprise of my friends and family. Some friends even made bets on how long “this” would last. So far, I’m winning. But since I’ve been home my life has flourished. I realized that home, for me, is a place that inspires me. Because before, in the city, I felt like I had to compete with everyone to get ahead. Many times, forgetting what I was “fighting” for, I was clouded in competition and not passion. I lost touch with the other parts of myself, never quite realizing that the quiet country life provided that to me.
By coming home, I found myself again, the true me. I didn’t expect a city to give me opportunities because I could make my own.
1. Why does the author mention “a Disney movie” in Paragraph 3?| A．To introduce a new topic. | B．To provide more details. |
| C．To give a vivid description. | D．To support an argument. |
| A．By staying home longer than expected. | B．By getting used to country life quickly. |
| C．By wining competitions at workplace. | D．By leading a better life than in the city. |
| A．Bad work relations. | B．Few job opportunities. |
| C．Longer work commute. | D．Too much competition. |
| A．The goal she was fighting for. | B．Living to be her true self. |
| C．The chance of getting ahead of others. | D．A more comfortable life. |
5 . I ask every student I interview for admission to my institution,Pitzer College,the same question,“What do you look forward to the most in college?”I was astonished and delighted recently when a student replied,“I look forward to the possibility of failure.”Of course,this is not how most students respond to the question when sitting before the person who can make decisions about their academic futures,but this young man took a risk.
“You see,my parents have never let me fail,”he said.“When I want to take a chance at something, they remind me it's not a safe route to take.Taking a more demanding course or trying an activity I may not succeed in,they tell me,will ruin my chances at college admission.”
I wish I could tell you this is an uncommon story,but kids all over the world admit they are under great pressure to be per feet.When I was traveling in China last fall and asked a Chinese student what she did for fun,she replied:“I thought I wasn't supposed to tell you that? I wouldn't want you to think I am not serious about my work!"
Students are usually in shock when I laugh and tell them I never expect perfection.Of course,this goes against everything they've been told.How could a dean of admission at one of America's most selective institutions not want the best and the brightest?The reality is,perfection doesn't exist,and we don't expect to see it in a college application.In fact, admission officers tend to question students who present themselves as individuals without shortcomings.
We get the most excited when we read an application that seems real.It's so rare to hear stories of defeat.If their perspectives are of lessons learned,these applicants tend to jump to the top at highly selective colleges.We believe an error in high school should not define the rest of your life,but how you respond could shape you forever.
1. What can we learn about the student in the first two paragraphs?| A．He is seldom allowed to take part in activities. |
| B．He tries to avoid any chance of failure |
| C．He cares little about his academic futures. |
| D．He is taught not to take risks. |
| A．To illustrate the widespread stress on students. |
| B．To compare students from different countries. |
| C．To give an example of the students he favors. |
| D．To emphasize the importance of hard work. |
| A．Favorable. |
| B．Confused. |
| C．Doubtful. |
| D．Casual. |
| A．A desire for perfection. |
| B．The ability to learn from defeats. |
| C．The opportunity of making mistakes. |
| D．An experience of defeat in high school. |
6 . “WHAT KIND OF BIRD is this?” the text from my wildlife protector friend had asked. I had to look closely at the photo. It was an owl(猫头鹰), found dragged and dropped on someone’s backyard. I figured that she was about two weeks from being old enough to fly.
Cleaned and warmed, the tiny owl survived. Together we planned a “soft release”. “The idea was that as she gained the ability to fly, we would let the young owl wander off rather naturally, on her own schedule, into the very suitable woodland behind our home.”
Her care came to us for what we thought would be a few weeks at most. We called her Alfie. But the recovery took longer than expected. When she should have been able to fly, Alfie could only walk on the ground. Winter was in the air, making easy food much less available, and she had never learned to hunt. I would not risk letting her loose and having her starve. When summer was again at its fullest, I left the door open. Alfie disappeared one day. A week later, my wife texted me: “Guess who’s back. After that, Alfie centered her territory around our backyard, and before long, we started seeing another owl.
Alfie became the owl she was born to be when she left our protection for the risks and rewards of free agency. She and her mate raised three baby birds that first year, building new links in the great chain that has gone unbroken for millions of owl generations.
Alfie lives in relationship, and our surprising capacity to relate to one another expanded my perspective on her life and mine. Birds and humans have not had a common ancestor for more than 300 million years, yet Alfie always enjoyed a little head scratch that we enjoyed giving. Our nervous systems still relate, allowing us to share such pleasures. People for thousands of years lived in relationship with nature and with their communities. If there is one lesson from Alfie, it is that to live in relationship is how we might heal.
1. According to the article, which is TRUE when Alfie the owl was initially found?| A．It was found from a photo in a magazine. |
| B．It was found by the author’s fellow staff. |
| C．It was found in the author’s backyard. |
| D．It was tiny and in poor condition. |
| A．Alfie should be released softly in summer. |
| B．They want to release Alfie when she is ready |
| C．They want to adopt Alfie when she is old enough. |
| D．They want Alfie to wander when food is sufficient. |
| A．Alfie contributed to the ongoing chain of owl generations. |
| B．Alfie was struggling in winter during the recovery. |
| C．Alfie was rewarded by a free agency after it disappeared. |
| D．Alfie went back to establish her territory to thank the author. |
| A．To teach readers how to find and help injured animals. |
| B．To remind readers to protect and value the beauty of nature. |
| C．To remind readers to rethink our relationship with wildlife and the environment. |
| D．To encourage readers to strengthen their bond with birds. |
7 . Eric loses his dog, Nova, on a walk. She has pulled the leash (绳子) from his hand in
A week later, a beautiful woman named Vanessa shows up at Eric’s front door. She has Nova. After Nova and Eric reconnect in a chaotic,
A couple of months go by. While driving on his way to pick up Vanessa, Eric is T-boned at full speed by a distracted driver who
The next day, the doctor comes into Eric’s room and tells him they have found a tumor (肿瘤) in his brain. “
This
| A．pursuit | B．memory | C．defense | D．control |
| A．brings | B．notifies | C．alerts | D．encourages |
| A．answer | B．luck | C．wonder | D．way |
| A．easy-going | B．far-reaching | C．heart-warming | D．ever-lasting |
| A．check it out | B．leave it behind | C．pick it up | D．hit it off |
| A．approached | B．encountered | C．ran | D．spotted |
| A．knocked | B．pushed | C．beaten | D．carried |
| A．accuses | B．convinces | C．informs | D．relieves |
| A．tumor | B．spin | C．shot | D．injury |
| A．determine | B．react | C．compare | D．prevent |
| A．Unexpectedly | B．Occasionally | C．Fortunately | D．Normally |
| A．accident | B．scars | C．symptoms | D．disasters |
| A．rare | B．original | C．deadly | D．harmless |
| A．schedule | B．chain | C．type | D．circle |
| A．chance | B．misfortune | C．checkup | D．belief |
8 . For 18 years, I’ve feared the yearly event of writing a “vision statement (愿景宣言)” for our son, Ethan. He has autism (自闭症). In theory, the vision statement is a lovely idea — an opportunity for parents to express the future they plan for their child five years down the road. In reality, as Ethan grew up and his limitations became clearer, I found it harder every year to write the short paragraph.
This year, as Ethan completed his final year in the school system, we signed Ethan up to work at a local farm that employs young adults with disabilities assuming it would go the way he always has. He’d be interested at first, then bored, and then — because he was bored — silly and unsafe around the equipment in a way that would get him removed from the program. It was his pattern and if there’s anything we’ve learned, autistic kids love repeating their patterns.
Surprisingly, after a year, we were told he’d made it onto a landscaping team. “What do you do in the team?” we asked. Eth an listed a few machines we assumed he was watching other people operate. We’ve lived with Ethan for 21 years. We know his limitations.
At our last meeting for the vision statement, a man from the farm read a report on Ethan. Ethan was operating those machines, safely and effectively, along with the final line: “Ethan makes us laugh every day.” I could hardly believe it.
Ethan wrote his own vision statement this year. He read it aloud:
“I plan to work at Prospect Meadow Farm until I retire and live. at home with my family as long as I can. My goals for the future are to learn how to drive a lawn mower (割草机).”
I had tears in my eyes. Not simply because Ethan had made his own entirely reasonable vision statement, but because it involved the part of his present life that brings him joy. After years of making up visions for a future we never honestly thought possible, Ethan was offering one that was both hopeful and extremely simple: I want my life to keep looking the way it does NOW.
1. How did the author feel about writing a vision statement for her son?| A．It was difficult. | B．It was boring. |
| C．It was annoying. | D．It was embarrassing. |
| A．To show her concern for Ethan’s safety. |
| B．To show her familiarity with autistic kids. |
| C．To show her low expectations for Ethan’s farm job. |
| D．To show her special responsibility as Ethan’s parent. |
| A．He went beyond his limits. |
| B．He made silly mistakes. |
| C．He liked watching others working. |
| D．He could hardly get along with others. |
| A．Success is built on failure. |
| B．Never lose faith in your high goals. |
| C．Family support helps to develop confidence. |
| D．The future should look like the best parts of the present. |
9 . I was cutting up lettuce in the kitchen when I suddenly remembered watching a video about soaking the lettuce stub (莴苣残余部分) in water to grow a whole new vegetable. So I took out a wide-mouthed cup and placed the stub into it, gave it a little water, and placed it by the window.
On a snowy morning I noticed the first sign. A first small leaf from its heart spread out. A tiny green flag of hope. Beaten, but not defeated. This lettuce was not done living! Within days, it was impossible to see the cuts where I had removed the leaves. The growth was explosive. And when I lifted the blossoming head out of the cup, tiny root threads fell down, seeking for the earth. What is growing here? Lettuce or hope?
If I were a lettuce in a similar condition, I’d want to skeptically assess where I found myself before committing to full growth. Yet for this lettuce, my inadequate offering of water and a place by a window was enough for it to decide to reclaim itself again. It grew in a cup of water, in faith. This is the heart of this lettuce: alive, strong and fearless. It deserved a name. I decided to call it Monty.
Monty wanted to grow, as we all do. I think I gave him a little love and freedom. Those two were all he needed to return to himself. I see joy in this lettuce. The return to self is always an expression of joy, which is life itself. This is the tendency of all living things.
Monty still lives in a cup, but I’m going to transplant him outside. He deserves to become his full self. The only problem I see now is my ability to support Monty. I hope I have enough of a green finger.
I’m surprised to find myself where I am. Maybe Monty is, too. I have the same choice as he does: give in or start again. The prospect of starting again is discouraging. But my lettuce-friend, Monty, leads the way. I can only hope to be as brave.
1. Why did the author soak the stub in water?| A．To decorate the nice cup. | B．To hope that it would grow. |
| C．To make a video in person. | D．To remove kitchen rubbish. |
| A．This lettuce showed no sign of recovery. |
| B．This lettuce was still fighting to survive. |
| C．Tiny root thread climbed out of the cup. |
| D．The cuts can still be seen where there used to be leaves. |
| A．Hesitant. | B．Fearless. | C．Aimless. | D．Annoyed. |
| A．Never being afraid to restart yourself. | B．Believing in yourself when in trouble. |
| C．Enjoying your own life to the fullest. | D．Giving freedom to the heart in a way. |
10 . In one’s lifetime, especially during adolescence when mental maturity is yet to be achieved, everyone is likely to make some foolish mistakes that will be remembered for a lifetime. The way parents
When I was ten years old, I got really angry one day and ended up breaking my favorite pen. Instead of scolding me, my parents chose a different
In the beginning, I couldn’t understand why they didn’t yell at me or punish me
The silence from my parents
Time
| A．put off | B．give in | C．lead to | D．deal with |
| A．approach | B．career | C．punishment | D．expectation |
| A．unique | B．expensive | C．damaged | D．magic |
| A．practical | B．powerful | C．well-organized | D．challenging |
| A．directly | B．gently | C．quietly | D．openly |
| A．secretly-promoted | B．newly-invented | C．highly-recommended | D．ill-considered |
| A．catch up with | B．in terms of | C．take control of | D．team up with |
| A．whispered | B．spoke | C．shouted | D．remained |
| A．essential | B．rough | C．average | D．satisfactory |
| A．reflect | B．fight | C．scream | D．dream |
| A．freezes | B．flies | C．talks | D．cures |
| A．happiness | B．imagination | C．regret | D．creativeness |
| A．planed | B．bought | C．set | D．taught |
| A．drew | B．compared | C．terrified | D．shaped |
| A．pens | B．consequences | C．parents | D．people |
