1 . Thomas was a well-known wise man. One day, he wandered in a beautiful small town. Because of his fame, people from nearby towns who heard of his arrival all came to visit and seek his advice.
Many who came sought help with difficulties in daily life, and Thomas, unable to bear turning them away, patiently offered suggestions. Word spread quickly, and more and more people came to see Thomas for guidance.
One day, dozens of people crowded outside Thomas’s door, all clamoring (大声地要求) that their problems were the most serious and urgent, each insisting that Thomas address their concerns first, with no one willing to yield (让步).
After a moment of thought, Thomas took out some paper and a pen and said, “I can’t hear clearly with everyone talking at once. How about everyone write down your problem on a piece of paper and place it in this basket beside me?”
Once everyone had placed their notes in the basket, Thomas shook the basket and said, “Please each take a piece of paper from the basket and read what it says.”
As everyone read a note from someone else, they all realized that indeed, each person has their own troubles, and every household has its own challenges. Then Thomas spoke up, “Now, whose problem is the most urgent to solve?” Hearing that question, no one spoke again, because now no one dared to claim that their problem was the most severe.
Often, we are bound by our immediate feelings. When difficulties and problems strike, it feels as though we are caught in a vortex of pain. But if we shift our focus from ourselves and look towards others, we might discover that the problems we face are not so significant. Perhaps others are the ones who need help more urgently, or maybe there is something within our power that we can do for them.
1. Why did people visit Thomas?| A．For advice. | B．For a meeting. |
| C．For a competition. | D．For introductions. |
| A．He ignored them. | B．He listened to each one individually. |
| C．He prioritized the problems himself. | D．He asked them to write down their problems. |
| A．The complexity of their difficulties. | B．The similarity of their situations. |
| C．Their need for more advice. | D．Their living conditions. |
| A．Competition. | B．Sympathy. | C．Prioritization. | D．Self-confidence. |
2 . It was June 15, and in two days I would be turning thirty. I was insecure about entering a new decade of my life and feared that my best years were now behind me.
My daily routine included going to the gym for a workout before going to work. Every morning I would see my friend Nicholas at the gym. He was seventy-nine years old and in terrific shape. As I greeted Nicholas on this particular day, he noticed I wasn’t full of my usual vitality and asked if there was anything wrong. I told him I was feeling anxious about turning thirty. I wondered how I would look back on my life once I reached Nicholas’ sage, so I asked him, “What was the best time of your life?”
Without hesitation, Nicholas replied, “Well, Joe, this is my philosophical answer to your philosophical question.”
“When I was a child in Austria and everything was taken care of for me and I was nurtured by my parents, that was the best time of my life.”
“When I was going to school and learning the things I know today, that was the best time of my life.”
“When I got my first job and had responsibilities and got paid for my efforts, that was the best time of my life.”
“When I met my wife and fell in love, that was the best time of my life.”
“The Second World War came, and my wife and I had to flee Austria to save our lives. When we were together and safe on a ship bound for North America, that was the best time of my life.”
“When we came to Canada and started a family, that was the best time of my life.”
“When I was a young father, watching my children grow up, that was the best time of my life.”
“And now, Joe, I am seventy-nine years old. I have my health, I feel good and I am in love with my wife just as I was when we first met. This is the best time of my life.”
1. Why did the author feel anxious according to the article?| A．He would be 30 in two days. |
| B．He was worried about getting old. |
| C．He didn’t go to the gym to exercise. |
| D．Nicholas asked questions he didn’t want to answer. |
| A．He spent his childhood with his grandparents in Austria. |
| B．He dropped out of school, found a job and got paid. |
| C．He took part in the Second World War and met his wife. |
| D．He started a family and became a young father in Canada. |
| A．Casual. | B．Anxious. | C．Positive. | D．Negative. |
| A．Live a day at a time. | B．You get what you pay for. |
| C．Every man has his price. | D．Strike while the iron is hot. |
3 . I was an avid (热衷的) list maker. I thought the lists would help me finish things more
My real turning
It was near the end of July, so I
I still make
| A．naturally | B．secretly | C．effectively | D．creatively |
| A．duty | B．time | C．method | D．reason |
| A．adapted to | B．searched for | C．depended on | D．went over |
| A．amazed | B．stressed | C．bored | D．pleased |
| A．point | B．occasion | C．opportunity | D．stage |
| A．Otherwise | B．However | C．Besides | D．Thus |
| A．put up | B．took over | C．threw away | D．broke through |
| A．dark | B．crowded | C．warm | D．unusual |
| A．meaningful | B．different | C．full | D．long |
| A．preparing | B．recovering | C．clearing | D．establishing |
| A．imagined | B．missed | C．avoided | D．started |
| A．removed | B．challenged | C．ensured | D．preserved |
| A．eagerness | B．shame | C．relief | D．belonging |
| A．profits | B．lists | C．wishes | D．goals |
| A．want | B．prove | C．approach | D．inspire |
4 . “I am so sorry,” I tearfully said to my principal investigator (PI), explaining I would not be able to return to work as originally planned. Before I became a parent, I had assumed a baby would fit right into my academic plans. But now, as the end of my leave approached, I realized I couldn’t simply carry on as I always had. I was worried this decision might signal the end of my academic career — but I felt I had no other choice.
Thankfully, my PI had more foresight. He told me I didn’t need to resign and that he could offer me a contract that would allow me to contribute to our project from afar. It proved to be an absolute career lifeline tailored to me.
Then five years after stepping back from academia, I felt ready to re-enter more fully. Because I had been able to keep my hand in during my time away, the prospect was much less daunting than it would have been otherwise. I ended up landing a lecturer position that allowed me to slowly ease back in, focusing on teaching and scholarship with research taking a back seat. And when, 4 years on, a senior lectureship position came up in the very group I had left a decade earlier, the timing was right. With both of my children in “big school”, I was ready to really put my foot down on the career accelerator. I got the job.
Now, 6 months into my new role, I am happy to be right where it all began, with involvement in so many interesting projects. But what truly made the difference for me was the offer of what I needed during that time away. I hope more institutions and PIs can come up with creative provisions (条款) for those in their workforce who don’t want to give up their careers but want-or-need to take extended periods of leave. And to those who are taking such breaks, or considering it, know that returning is possible. Above all, on both sides: Please do not discount extended leavers. We have a lot to offer — if we are given the chance.
1. What can we learn about the author from the first paragraph?| A．Her path to PI began when she became a parent. |
| B．She struck a balance between work and family. |
| C．She had intended to stick to her academic plans. |
| D．She chose to prioritize her career over her family. |
| A．Fearsome. | B．Realistic. | C．Regretful. | D．Promising. |
| A．Academic researches. | B．Supportive work environment. |
| C．Interest in the projects. | D．Involvement in engaging projects. |
| A．To analyse. | B．To entertain. | C．To report. | D．To promote. |
5 . It was a sunny weekend. I had planned to go mountain climbing in the suburbs with Daniel. However, a sudden heavy rain that morning disrupted my plan. Looking out of the window, I couldn’t help feeling a little
However, Daniel
We walked through the narrow streets and admired the
After hearing
This experience made me realize that life always has unexpected surprises and twists. Sometimes,
| A．disabled | B．disappointed | C．disgraceful | D．disturbed |
| A．suggested | B．claimed | C．answered | D．demanded |
| A．museum | B．community | C．street | D．neighborhood |
| A．admired | B．agreed | C．jumped | D．permitted |
| A．sunny | B．chilly | C．gloomy | D．clear |
| A．ancient | B．crowded | C．spacious | D．various |
| A．Gradually | B．Slowly | C．Suddenly | D．Quickly |
| A．tired | B．angry | C．energetic | D．relieved |
| A．question | B．curiosity | C．control | D．danger |
| A．action | B．measures | C．responsibility | D．initiative |
| A．about | B．from | C．out | D．into |
| A．listened | B．talked | C．came | D．pointed |
| A．complete | B．correct | C．full | D．useful |
| A．with | B．up | C．in | D．to |
| A．changing | B．scheduling | C．making | D．following |
6 . I still remember that busy autumn evening as I hurried with my eldest daughter, Athena, to get to her classroom on time for the parent-teacher night. We walked in and all eyes were on me. A few adults quickly quieted their kids’ whispers. A classmate yelled to my daughter, “What’s wrong with your mom’s face?” Shocked, I started to explain my condition, but my six-year-old daughter looked at him and said, “It’s my mom’s birthmark! Don’t be rude!” I was extremely proud of how she handled that situation.
I was quite young when I realized I looked different because of my large facial birthmark. I always thought I would be alone because of it. Being compared to Batman’s evil Two-Face made me believe I could never find love. But I was lucky enough to meet my husband, who saw me for who I am inside. When I had my first daughter, I was overjoyed, but I began to worry if the world would judge my children. I always worried I might pass my condition onto my children; I didn’t want them to grow up feeling judged. Unfortunately, my facial difference has impacted my children. My daughters get disinvited from birthday parties or sleepovers, or I learn certain kids are no longer friends with mine after their parents saw me at school.
When my kids were young, I explained how my special purple skin was rare and we talked about acceptance and never judging others on how they look. When my girls kiss my purple-skinned cheek, I feel “normal” around them and their unconditional love. With time going by, both my daughters have become my strongest supporters. Thanks to them, I’ve begun to feel more self-confident as I try to be a good role model.
Their worldviews are similar to mine. We see the world a little differently and with a kinder, more accepting heart. As the saying goes, your daughters will grow up to be your best friends. I know that will be the case for me!
1. What happened when the author went to attend the parent-teacher night?| A．Athena was praised by others for her bravery and optimism. |
| B．Athena defended her mother against her classmate’s rudeness. |
| C．Some parents criticized their kids because of their misbehaviour. |
| D．The author felt shocked at her daughter’s response to her classmate. |
| A．Friendship needs to be watered by love. |
| B．We should treat our children as best friends. |
| C．We should accept other people’s differences. |
| D．Our ability to handle difficulties can be developed. |
| A．They have to drop out of school. |
| B．They have the same physical condition as me. |
| C．They have difficulty maintaining friendships. |
| D．They feel worried because they are often judged. |
| A．A birthmark to live with. | B．My strongest supporters. |
| C．A kind and accepting heart. | D．The confidence to be different. |
Over the years I
First, ants never quit. If they’re heading somewhere and you try to stop them, they’ll climb over, they’ll climb under, and they’ll climb around. They never quit
8 . I was driving in my car the other day. The sun was out, the radio was playing, and I was singing along. The song was a
In truth, this world could have more kindness and less
| A．long | B．boring | C．joyful | D．sad |
| A．appeared | B．remained | C．happened | D．stayed |
| A．ended | B．continued | C．jumped | D．fell |
| A．cut down | B．made up | C．went down | D．went up |
| A．exciting | B．interesting | C．unusual | D．crazy |
| A．Finally | B．Generally | C．Secretly | D．Calmly |
| A．anything | B．everything | C．something | D．nothing |
| A．touched | B．watched | C．avoided | D．recognized |
| A．freeing | B．protecting | C．helping | D．keeping |
| A．collecting | B．moving | C．covering | D．throwing |
| A．daughter | B．son | C．dog | D．cat |
| A．stopped | B．stood | C．laughed | D．shouted |
| A．weakness | B．kindness | C．loneliness | D．safeness |
| A．For | B．Or | C．And | D．But |
| A．silence | B．development | C．competition | D．sickness |
9 . My name is Ally Del Monte. I remember it clearly. When I was 10 years old, my
I was in the beginning stage of Lyme disease. My
The lady at the shop said, “I’m sorry, she’s too fat to be a princess.” I was only 10 years old, and I was
Several years later, I just turned 16, and instead of a party, I asked for a family
I’ve
| A．classmate | B．partner | C．family | D．friend |
| A．problem | B．surprise | C．chance | D．wonder |
| A．persuade | B．encourage | C．send | D．take |
| A．struggled for | B．paid for | C．asked for | D．headed for |
| A．trouble | B．illness | C．injury | D．addiction |
| A．big | B．small | C．tall | D．thin |
| A．appear | B．work | C．cheat | D．crack |
| A．annoyed | B．puzzled | C．heartbroken | D．confused |
| A．pretty | B．positive | C．confident | D．outgoing |
| A．dinner | B．camp | C．celebration | D．trip |
| A．hard | B．convenient | C．strange | D．possible |
| A．room | B．size | C．hand | D．pack |
| A．time | B．way | C．place | D．attitude |
| A．shared | B．heard | C．learned | D．requested |
| A．wealth | B．shock | C．health | D．mind |
10 . My mother turned ninety. I knew I needed to find a senior
I called a nearby center, “Do you have aerobics (有氧运动) classes
When I came into the room, a woman
I
| A．leisure | B．fitness | C．community | D．learning |
| A．change | B．remember | C．wait | D．enjoy |
| A．routine | B．aim | C．challenge | D．plan |
| A．attached | B．familiar | C．appropriate | D．vital |
| A．comforted | B．invited | C．promised | D．welcomed |
| A．sure | B．disappointed | C．anxious | D．hopeful |
| A．make up for | B．look down on | C．get down to | D．keep up with |
| A．greeted | B．recognized | C．helped | D．introduced |
| A．relax | B．stretch | C．strengthen | D．use |
| A．improvement | B．agreement | C．interpretation | D．conclusion |
| A．Fortunately | B．Consequently | C．Naturally | D．Surprisingly |
| A．problem | B．contribution | C．standard | D．focus |
| A．lonely | B．absent | C．unhappy | D．tired |
| A．fail | B．manage | C．attempt | D．continue |
| A．backgrounds | B．connections | C．skills | D．duties |
