1 . It was 6 a.m. as I got on the train, ending my work one cold morning and I was lucky to get a seat. At that time of the morning, my eyes were not fully focused and at times I was half asleep. During that time the train was usually filled with construction workers heading out to start their work. On that particular morning I found myself drawn on the shoes of men sitting about 10 seats across from me.
I sat examining the shoes of men. Men from different walks of life, holding different jobs, thinking different thoughts, living different lives and despite what they did and how they looked, they all had something in common. They were all of the working class trying to achieve their dreams.
One day each of those men has to visit a shoe store to buy a new pair of shoes, a type that fits their working needs. For a short time those shoes look so good. Then one day they lose their shine; they no longer look as good, but guess what? The shoes feel right. Feet have found their own home within the comfort of those shoes.
If those shoes could talk, what kind of a tale do you think they would tell? If your shoes could talk, what do you think they would say about you? Would the story be about a journey filled with joy and fun? Or would the story be one filled with disappointment and regret?
We choose the shoes. Where we take them and when and how we wear them are up to us.
1. What can be inferred from the first paragraph?A.It was cold that morning. |
B.The author went to work by train. |
C.The author worked during the night. |
D.Construction workers usually began to work at 7 a.m. |
A.By closely observing their shoes. | B.According to the way they walked. |
C.On the basis of the lives they lived. | D.By distinguishing their facial features. |
A.Fashionable. | B.Good. | C.Shiny. | D.Comfortable. |
A.In a news report. | B.In a magazine. | C.In a biography. | D.In a history book. |
2 . I was a rising high school junior in the summer of 2021, when I took Philosophy 101 at Lehmon College, a
But that’s what
Then I did my best to explain that the wise philosopher was making a
After reflecting on the words even after the course was over, I realized Socrates was
A.interview | B.survey | C.camp | D.course |
A.Generally | B.Honestly | C.Roughly | D.Briefly |
A.recommended | B.pushed | C.introduced | D.compared |
A.secret | B.solution | C.attitude | D.behavior |
A.happened | B.started | C.worked | D.ended |
A.made up | B.put forward | C.went through | D.turned down |
A.widened | B.clouded | C.narrowed | D.shut |
A.difference | B.source | C.meaning | D.feature |
A.defence | B.bet | C.story | D.claim |
A.scared | B.curious | C.confident | D.confused |
A.satisfy | B.challenge | C.block | D.expand |
A.right | B.positive | C.rigid | D.cautious |
A.dignity | B.commitment | C.failure | D.adjustment |
A.inspired | B.forced | C.forgave | D.seized |
A.but | B.simply | C.even | D.not |
The smell of defeat filled the air on a warm October evening. In the school parking lot stood Coach McDonald and me, a loser in the 160-pound weight class.
Coach McDonald’s hands firmly grasped my shoulders, his eyes looking through my uncertainty. “Billy,” his voice cut through the uneasy quiet. “The potential for you to become an excellent wrestler exists. It takes time,” he argued.
“Don’t you see? I lost... again. Ten matches. Never won.” Frustration struck me as I stepped away from Coach McDonald. Pulling my cell phone from my equipment bag, I said definitively, “I need to call my mom. She’ll pick me up.” I just wanted to get away as soon as possible and flung myself into Mom’s arms. She had always been my best friend and supporter.
While waiting for her to answer my call, the thought of quitting the sport rumbled in my mind. I was so frustrated at that time that I ignored the joy and satisfaction wrestling had brought to me.
Coach McDonald closed in. “Billy, look at me,” he said. “Pound for pound, you’re the strongest and most flexible (灵活的) kid on the team. That’s a winning combination. Master the techniques in practice, and victory will be yours, I promise.”
I coughed and pulled my sweaty shirt off my chest. “When, Coach?”
With a knowing look, Coach said, “Do you know how long it took me to win my first match?” He stood up straight, squinting (斜视) like he was recalling a tough time. “During my first year, I lost every match. I ended the season 0-11. I didn’t lose at all in the following two years, including two state championships. Billy, that can be you someday. But it’ll never happen if you quit.”
In that silent moment, I felt a slight pain within me, but it was weak, not strong enough to change my mind. Coach cleared his throat, glancing at his watch. “Well, I’m hungry.”
“And my mom’s here,” I said. Then I jumped into her car.
注意:1.续写词数应为150左右;2.请按如下格式作答。
In the car, I told her I lost again and I was hesitating about quitting the team.
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The next day, I walked into the training field again.
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4 . 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 |
5 . Have we reached the peak of the culture war? Looking at my social media feeds, it seems that polarised thinking and misinformation have never been more common. How am I supposed to feel when users I once admired now draw on questionable evidence to support their beliefs?
Perhaps it is time for us all to adopt a little “existential humility”. I came across this idea in a paper by Jeffrey Greenat Virginia from Common Wealth University and his colleagues. They build on a decade of research examining the benefits of “intellectual humility” more generally — our ability to recognise the errors in our judgement and remain aware of the limits of our knowledge.
You can get a flavour of this research by rating your agreement with the following statements, ranging from 1 (not at all like me) to 5 (very like me): I question my own opinions because they could be wrong; I recognise the value in opinions that are different from my own; in the face of conflicting evidence, I am open to changing my opinions.
People who score highly on this assessment are less likely to form knee-jerk reactions on a topic, and they find it easier to consider the strengths or weaknesses of a logical argument. They are less likely to be influenced by misinformation, since they tend to read the article in full, investigate the sources of a news story and compare its reporting to other statements, before coming to a strong conclusion about its truth.
Developing “intellectual humility” would be an excellent idea in all fields, but certain situations may make it particularly difficult to achieve. Greenat points out that some beliefs are so central to our identity that any challenge can activate an existential crisis, as if our whole world view and meaning in life are under threat. As a result, we become more insistent in our opinions and seek any way to protect them. This may reduce some of our feelings of uncertainty, but it comes at the cost of more analytical thinking.
For these reasons, Greenat defines “existential humility” as the capacity to entertain the thought of another world view without becoming so defensive and closed-minded. So how could we achieve it? This will be the subject of future research, but the emotion of awe (a feeling of great respect and admiration) may offer one possibility. One study found that watching awe-inspiring videos about space and the universe led to humbler thinking, including a greater capacity to admit weaknesses.
Perhaps we could all benefit from interrupting our despair with awe-inspiring content. At the very least, we can try to question our preconceptions before offering our views on social media and be a little less ready to criticize when others disagree.
1. Regarding the culture war on social media, the author is _______.A.embarrassed | B.concerned | C.panicked | D.stressed |
A.Existential humility reduces the threat to identity. |
B.People with intellectual humility tend to jump to conclusions. |
C.Awe could promote existential humility by encouraging modest thinking. |
D.The higher you score on the assessment, the more you stick to your values. |
A.Overcome an Existential Crisis | B.Show a Little Humility |
C.The Path to Screening Information | D.The Approach to Achieving Humility |
6 . My birth was a little more dramatic than the standard way a baby enters the world. I was born missing my left hand. Indeed, my limb (手臂) difference could have been a disaster if it hadn’t been for what happened next. A nurse placed me in my mother’s arms and instructed, “You will take her home. You will love her and treat her as normal.”
That is exactly what happened. I played sports, acted in theater, excelled in school and had playdates with friends. While I did get some stares and “polite” questions about my disability, I was lucky because I wasn’t made fun of for it.
However, that fact that I was different hit me hard my first day of high school. I was 13, an age when kids are already very self-conscious and the need to fit in is intensified. I remember one of the other kids on the school bus stared just a little too long at my left arm. I felt a sudden urge to hide my hand, so I slipped it into my pocket. I told myself that I’d just hide it that one day, while I was trying to make friends. But one day of hiding turned into a week, a month, and years — 25 of them to be exact.
When I was 38 years old, tired of hiding and lonely, I met someone special and invited him in. The combination of me finally feeling ready to unhide and his willingness to go through the unhiding process with me was exactly what I needed. For the first time in my life, I allowed someone to really hold my limb, look at it, touch it, love it — love me. I saw my limb difference as something unique about me, something that should be shown, not hidden.
It was a transformational experience, and I learned to love me too. It changed how I lived my entire life and made me happier. I also discovered and joined the Lucky Fin Project, an organisation devoted to people with all types of disabilities.
Hiding things, especially from loved ones, is tiring and lonely, and it prevents us from getting help and support. It’s time to change that.
1. What was the author’s childhood like?A.She had no social interactions with friends. |
B.She was raised with care and treated normally. |
C.She faced some challenges in school activities. |
D.She was upset about the attention to her difference. |
A.She began to ignore her disability. |
B.She suffered prejudice from some kids. |
C.She started hiding herself away from friends. |
D.She became sensitive due to her self-awareness. |
A.She started to open up and be herself. |
B.She met someone who cured her disability. |
C.She was fed up with the company of others. |
D.She reduced involvement in the disability group. |
A.Misfortune is a good teacher. |
B.Disability is not a barrier to success. |
C.Self-acceptance can lead to self-love. |
D.Nothing beats the feeling of being loved. |
7 . It was a sunny winter day. I had gone up and down the tower when, outside the little door at the foot, a blind man came toward me. He was a pale, thin man with dark glasses. He kept close to the inner wall of the courtyard. On reaching the door, he touched it and sharply turned inside. In a moment, he disappeared up the staircase. I stood still, looking at the little sign that said “To the Tower… ” I felt obliged to follow.
I didn’t follow closely. I caught up with him in the ticket office. There I was surprised to see the attendant selling him a ticket as though he were any other visitor. With the ticket in one hand and touching the wall with the other, he reached the staircase leading to the hallway.
“That man is blind,” I said to the attendant, but he showed no concern. “He’s blind,” I repeated. He didn’t answer, looking at me vacantly.
“Perhans he wants to jump,” I said. But his chair was too comfortable. He didn’t stir. He still looked down at a crossword puzzle he had begun. I turned toward the staircase.
“The ticket,” the attendant said, rising from his chair. It seemed the only thing that could move him. After purchasing my ticket, I hurried up the staircase.
The man hadn’t gone as far as I imagined. After ten minutes, I approached him. “Excuse me,” I said as politely as I could, “but I am very curious to know why you came up.”
“You’d never guess,” he said.
“Not the view, I take it, or the fresh air on this winter day,” I said.
He smiled. “Coming up the stairs, one can feel the change-the coo staircase suddenly becomes quite warm, —and how up here behind the wall there is shade, but as soon as one goes opposite a narrow window one finds the sun. In all of Siena there is no place so good as here.”
He moved into the sunlight. Then he stepped into the shade. “Light, shade, light, shade,” he said, and seemed as pleased as a child who, in a game of hopscotch, jumps from square to square.
We went down the tower together. I left him, gladdened as one can only be by the sunlight.
1. Why did the author follow the blind man?A.To offer timely help. | B.To satisfy his curiosity. |
C.To teach him a lesson. | D.To prevent him from climbing up. |
A.Enthusiastic. | B.Concerned. | C.Indifferent. | D.Skeptical. |
A.The fresh air on the top. | B.The pleasant childhood memories. |
C.The fantastic view from the tower. | D.The striking contrast between light and shade. |
A.Nature is the best gift for humanity. |
B.When one door shuts, another opens in life. |
C.Every individual can appreciate beauty in life. |
D.The disadvantaged deserve care from the society. |
8 . As an ordinary senior school student, I’ve discovered a wonderful way to
When I get on my bike and ride around familiar streets, it feels like I’m on a small quest. It’s not just about reaching a(n)
Another thing that cycling has taught me is to be ready for surprises. The road isn’t always
The most important part, though, is how cycling makes me feel happy and
In the end, my daily bike rides have become more than just a way to get around. They’ve become a(n)
A.estimate | B.approach | C.guarantee | D.challenge |
A.phenomenon | B.coincidence | C.adventure | D.entertainment |
A.flexible | B.unique | C.traditional | D.responsible |
A.cooperation | B.dilemma | C.crisis | D.destination |
A.discovery | B.value | C.comment | D.growth |
A.top | B.coast | C.stage | D.platform |
A.describe | B.detect | C.remove | D.overcome |
A.delicate | B.fragile | C.smooth | D.tough |
A.volunteer | B.insist | C.pray | D.panic |
A.original | B.unexpected | C.crucial | D.natural |
A.useful | B.efficient | C.carefree | D.curious |
A.apply | B.recharge | C.develop | D.recognize |
A.alarmed | B.embarrassed | C.fresh | D.emotional |
A.audience | B.passenger | C.victim | D.guide |
A.determination | B.attempt | C.comfort | D.calmness |
9 . Five years ago, I wrote about the connection between expectations and happiness—lower your expectations and you will be happier: control expectations and despair won’t be so obvious when life does not go according to plan. And perhaps there is some truth in that idea.
However, with reduced expectations, we chip away at hope. And how can we not hope for a better tomorrow? I consider myself to be someone with spirit. I look forward to experiences and anticipate memorable ones. And while it’s important to cope when such experiences fall through. I think it’s even more important to hold onto what was originally present -that sense of hope.
The Times article, Optimism Bias: Human Brain May Be Hardwired for Hope, offers a perspective with roots in evolutionary (进化的) psychology. Hope can be wired in the human brain to enhance survival. If present during trying times, hope can be a factor that allows some to overcome difficulties and gather positivity for the days ahead.
“Hope keeps our minds at ease, lowers stress and improves physical health,” the article states. “Researchers studying patients with heart disease found that optimists were more likely than nonoptimistic patients to take vitamins, cat low-fat diets and exercise, thereby reducing their overall risk. A study of cancer patients revealed that pessimistic patients under the age of 60 were more likely to die within eight months than nonpessimistic patients of the same initial health and age.”
Life is always going to bring us challenges. Life is always going to be comprised of problems that might pull us down. Is it still foolish to have hope? I say it’s not. Because without hope, what are we left with? I say hope is significant. I say it’s a beautiful part of what it means to be human.
1. What would the author do to deal with disappointments five years ago.A.Raise expectations. | B.Anticipate less. |
C.Stay away from stress. | D.Make fewer plans. |
A.Forget. | B.Weaken. | C.Change. | D.Doubt. |
A.Pessimists tend to live a shorter life. | B.Optimists usually have a better appetite. |
C.Being hopeful helps humans survive. | D.Human brains are designed for hardship. |
A.The methods of achieving happiness. | B.How to cope with difficulties. |
C.The importance of holding on lo hope. | D.How to balance hope and reality. |
10 . I hadn’t seen Anne in nearly 20 years since college, yet we could still party like old times. It was great to have her here,
She was looking at the few blooms (花) left in my yard. I hadn’t planted much after losing my job. It had been a
“One of my hobbies is taking photos of
Suddenly a hot song rang from her cell phone. “I set it to remind me to take my medicine,” she said calmly.
“An
“For my brain,” she smiled. “I have been diagnosed with a rare cancer, a small tumor (肿块) no bigger than your fingernail,” she laughed softly. That was Anne — ever
So
Later next day, an e-mail filled with the flower photos popped up from Anne — clear and beautiful. She had gotten past the anger, the pity and unfairness, taking one moment at a time and polishing it until it
I shifted my eye to outside, and I had her flowers in full bloom. Actually, I always had them, but it was Anne who got me to really
A.saving | B.watching | C.sharing | D.controlling |
A.normal | B.new | C.satisfying | D.difficult |
A.last | B.same | C.only | D.right |
A.yards | B.flowers | C.parties | D.people |
A.bother | B.avoid | C.miss | D.stop |
A.award | B.order | C.alarm | D.idea |
A.optimistic | B.attractive | C.hard-working | D.confident |
A.nervous | B.shocked | C.relaxed | D.lucky |
A.ended | B.failed | C.shined | D.fruited |
A.arrange | B.trust | C.colour | D.appreciate |