1 . Directions: Complete the following passages by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

A. overnight 　　　B. flash 　　　C. share 　　　D. enormous　　　 E. endured　　　 F. rise G. lengthy 　　　H. places　　　 I. pursue 　　　J. reflected 　　　K. plentiful

Robert Frost had aimed to be a poet since he was a teenager. But the American literary icon would not publish his first book of poetry until he was 39, and his best works would not follow until he was well into middle and old age. “Young people are good at discovering. They have a     1     here and there. It is like the stars coming out in the early evening,” he     2     at age 63, but “it is later in the dark of life that you see forms, patterns”

Frost’s     3     journey to fame during the dark of life, however, is far from the road less taken. Despite science society and silicon valley’s common belief that creativity, innovation and excellence are the near-exclusive province of the young, a surprising number of late bloomers mark the records of human history — women and men who     4     years of hardship, failure and missed opportunities before making an impact in the later stages of life. And once you move past the impressive stare of history’s Mozart-like geniuses, you find that late bloomers are quite     5    : in fact, there are many more roads to becoming an old master than a young prodigy.

Sometimes you don’t discover your passion in life until you’ve done some other things first. Sometimes you don’t get the opportunity to make the most of your experiences until relatively late in life. Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, didn’t start building his business empire until he was 53 years old. Until that point, the former Red Cross ambulance driver was a traveling salesman, peddling milk shake machines and paper cups. “I was a(n)     6     success all right,” Kroc wrote in his autobiography, “but 30 years is a long, long night.”

Sometimes, instead of opportunities, life     7     obstacles on the road to success. It wasn’t until Laura Ingalls Wilder turned 65 that her epic Little House on the Prairie series was published. By then, she had already devoted decades to being a farm wife and mother, schoolteacher, loan officer and newspaper columnist, and she had endured more than her fair     8     of hardship, from droughts to house fires. Another influential writer, Miguel de Cervantes, wrote Don Quixote in his late 50s after an eventful life in which he spent years behind bars and as a captive of Barbary pirates.

Therefore, unlike the youthful genius, whose rocket-fast     9     impresses as well as depresses the rest of the world, the late bloomer demonstrates what is possible as people     10     their own versions of full bloom.

2 . Directions: Complete the article with the words or phrases in the box. Each word or phrase can only be used once. There is one extra that you do not need.

There was a time when British Olympic medal winners became household names because there were so few of them. But the 67 medals at this year's Games in Rio and 147 at the Paralympics meant that the GB medalists’ reception at Buckingham Palace was a crowded and happy event.

Many of this year's winners spoke of being inspired by athletes of previous generations. Inspiration fed their aspiration; and having discovered abilities they scarcely knew they had, these athletes are now inspiring others.

A few months ago, I saw inspiration of a different kind when I opened the new Cambridge base of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where Prince William works as a helicopter pilot. It was not hard to be moved by the     1     of the highly skilled doctors, paramedics and crew, who are called out on average five times a day.

But to be inspirational you don't have to save lives or win medals. I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things: volunteers, careers, community organizers and good neighbors; unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special.

They are an inspiration to those who know them, and their lives frequently embody a truth expressed by Mother Teresa, from this year Saint Teresa of Calcutta. She once said: 'Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love'.

This has been the experience of two     2     organizations, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and The Prince's Trust, which are 60 and 40 years old this year. These started as small     3    , but have grown beyond any expectations, and continue to transform young people's lives.

To mark my 90th birthday, volunteers and supporters of the six hundred charities of which I have been patron came to a lunch in The Mall. Many of these organizations are     4     in size but inspire me with the work they do. From giving friendship and support to our veterans, the elderly or the bereaved; to championing music and dance; providing animal welfare; or protecting our fields and forests, their selfless devotion and generosity of spirit is an example to us all.

When people face a challenge they sometimes talk about taking a deep breath to find courage or strength. In fact, the word 'inspire' literally means 'to breathe in'. But even with the inspiration of others, it's     5     that we sometimes think the world's problems are so big that we can do little to help. On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out    6     , but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.

At Christmas, our attention is drawn to the birth of a baby some two thousand years ago. It was the humblest of beginnings, and his parents, Joseph and Mary, did not think they were important.

Jesus Christ lived obscurely for most of his life, and never travelled far. He was maligned and     7     by many, though he had done no wrong. And yet, billions of people now follow his teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them because Christ's example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.

The message of Christmas reminds us that inspiration is a gift to be given as well as received, and that love begins small but always grows.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

3 . Directions:Fill in each blank with a proper word chosen from the box. Each word can be used only once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

Have you ever looked at someone else’s life with envy，just enough envy that you wish for a moment or two (or longer) that you could be them? Are there moments when, if the opportunity to be them were on     1    , you might be tempted by it?

Would we really want this? And what might we learn about ourselves or how we see our lives if we     2     considered it? To be sure, there are     3     here. If you had someone else’s life, who would raise your children or love your spouse or take care of your parents in their old age?

In fact, if you were someone else your own children would not have come into existence in the first place. That’s not a happy thought. To     4     this, perhaps the best way to cast this is in terms of a trade: If you had their life then they would have yours, and live it exactly as you would have. Your responsibilities would be     5    , so there would be nothing to feel guilty about.

If we think of it this way, then the question of wanting to be someone else is a question of what we might call experience: Is there anybody else whose experience of life you would prefer,     6       everything else would be equal? One     7     concern about wanting someone else’s experience is that my desire to be someone else is grounded in values and desires that 1 have, and so I have to be me in order to want to be him. However, it’s not clear that that presents any real obstacle to such a desire. The fact is that there would be at least enough overlap (重叠)with them that they are exemplifying my values and desires but have a better experience than I do. So I can still prefer to be them.

I think that, on reflection, most of us would not want to     8     with another person, no matter how successful or tempting their lives seem. To see why, though, we’ll need to     9     our angle of vision. We will have to look at our own experiences rather than at theirs, or perhaps look at our experiences first. What would I be willing to give up to be another? My relationships with everyone — children, spouse, friends —and my whole history. I wouldn’t have     10     it. My loss would be that of the whole of my own experience.

4 .

A. deliberate 　　　B. distinction 　　C. polish 　 　　D. credit 　　　E. dependent F. occasionally　　 G. feasibility 　 　H. shift 　　　　I. fulfilling　　 J. signals K. continuously

Overcoming Obstacles: How Your Biggest Failure Can Lead to Your Success

There’s been a lot written on the theme of failure and how essential it is to success. In a world where     1     is given for people’s accomplishments, failing feels dangerous. The fear of failure can stop people taking risks that might lead to success.

Heidi Grant Halvorson, a psychologist, points out much of success is     2     not on talent but on learning from your mistakes.

About half of the people in the world hold that ability in an area --- be it creative or social skill --- is natural. The other half believes, instead, that someone might have a preference or something --- say painting or speaking foreign languages --- but this ability can be improved through     3     practice or training.

It’s almost impossible to think rationally (理性地) while shouting at yourself, “I’m a failure”. But when you     4     your thinking, you will probably see what you can control --- your behavior, your planning, your reactions --- and change them.

The primary     5     between successful people and unsuccessful people is that the successful people fail more. If you see failure as a monster approaching you, take another look.

Success is as scary as failure. Researchers report that satisfaction grows on challenges. Think about it --- a computer game you can always win is boring; one you can win     6    , and with considerable effort, is fun. In pursuit of success, failure exposes areas that you need to     7    . So the failure serves as a brick wall to test how you apply yourself to     8     your objectives and how much you want them.

There is a way to distinguish whether a failure     9     you to double down or walk away, says Halvorson. If, when things get rough, you remain fascinated by your goal, you should keep going. If what you’re doing is costing you too much time and energy or it’s not bringing you joy, you should give a second thought to the     10     of your goal and even set a new one.

5 . Section B
Directions：Fill in each blank with a proper word chosen from the box. Each word can be used only once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

People Think Meals Taste Better If They Are Expensive

It is said that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but even if you manage to bag a bargain meal, it will not taste as good as a more expensive meal, according to scientists.

A new study has found that restaurant     1     who pay more for their meals think the food is tastier than if it is offered for a smaller price. The experts think that people tend to associate cost with quality and this changes their     2     of how food tastes.

Scientists at Cornell University in New York studied the eating habits of 139 people enjoying an Italian buffet (自助餐) in a restaurant. The price of the food was set by the     3     at either $4 or $8 for the all-you-can-eat meal. Customers were asked to     4     how good the food tasted, the quality of the restaurant and to leave their names.

The experiment     5     that the people who paid $8 for the food enjoyed their meal 11 percent more than those who ate the “cheaper” buffet. Interestingly those that paid for the $4 buffet said they felt guiltier about loading up their plates and felt that they     6    . However, the scientists said that both groups ate around the same quantity of food in total, according to the study     7     at the Experimental Biology meeting this week.

Brian Wansink, a professor of     8     behaviour at the university, said: “We were fascinated to find that pricing has little impact on how much one eats, but a huge impact on how you     9     the experience.” He thinks that people enjoyed their food more as they associated cost with quality and that small changes to a restaurant can change how tasty people find their meals.

In a(n)     10     study, scientists from the university showed that people who eat in dim lighting consume 175 less calories (卡路里) than people who eat in brightly lit areas.

6 . Directions: Fill in each blank with a proper word chosen from the box. Each word can be used only once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

A. defense     B. avoid       C. believing     D. mistake     E. required       F. critical G. cheating     H. ashamed     I. identify       J. confirm       K. similar

We are each responsible for our own decisions, even if the decision-making process has been cut down by stress or peer pressure. The real test of character is whether we can learn from our     1    , by understanding why we acted as we did, and then exploring ways to avoid     2     problems in the future.

Making ethical (伦理的)decisions is a(n)     3     part of avoiding future problems. We must learn to recognize risks, because if we can’t see the risks we’re taking, we can’t make responsible choices. To     4     risks, we need to know the rules and be aware of the facts. For example, one who doesn’t know the rules about plagiarism (剽窃) may accidentally use words or ideas without giving proper credit or one who fails to keep careful research notes may unintentionally fail to quote and cite sources as     5    . But the fact that such a violation is “unintentional” does not excuse the misconduct. Ignorance is not a     6    .

Most people who get in trouble do know the rules and facts, but manage to fool themselves about the risks they’re taking by using excuses: “Everyone else does it,” “I’m not hurting anyone,” or “I really need this grade.” Excuses can get very complex: “I know I’m looking at another’s exam, even though I’m supposed to keep my eyes on my own paper, but that’s not     7     because I’m just checking my answers, not copying.” We must be honest about our actions, and     8     excuses. If we fool ourselves into     9     we’re not doing anything wrong, we can’t see the real choice we’re making--and that leads to bad decisions.

To avoid fooling yourself, watch out for excuses and try this test: Ask how you would feel if your actions were public, and anyone could be watching over your shoulder. Would you feel proud or     10     of your actions? If you’d rather hide your actions, that’s a good indication that you’re taking a risk and rationalizing it to yourself.

7 . Directions: compete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can be used only once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

The best experiences can’t be planned, so I recently traveled to San Francisco some meetings and found myself with a half day to kill. My options: The 49ers’first game of the season, against the Green Bay Packers. The America’s Cup sailing     1     . Or I could get lost.

After a horrendously long line at the car rental center, I was free. So I disappear into the fog and clouds covering the Pacific Coast Highway and     2     south with absolutely no     3     in mind.

I drove through     4     carved out of the mountains and stopped at a few state beaches; at one, I watched a wedding out on the cliffs among the crashing waves.

Back in the car, I drove toward San Gregorio, a town that you can     5     miss. I know because I drove right through it and ended up on a pine tree-bordered ribbon of asphalt that felt like it would go on forever. A few people     6     around outside the San Gregorio General Store, smoking cigarettes and talking about the motorcycles they’ve owned over the years, Inside, I found a bar with regular patrons, a guitar duo, and, of course, a full-on store. I ordered a Pacifico, grabbed a seat, and watched the guitarists jam out. Then I congratulated them, threw a couple of     7     dollars in their bucket, and walked back out into the world.

The day could have been so different: crammed into a stadium or bar half-watching sports. But this was much more     8     .Hours prior, I was on a flight with the masses, going through the motions. Then I was out on my own, having an unexpected and unrepeatable experience. I learned something on September 8: Don’t be afraid to get lost—on purpose or     9     —and have zero     10    . It will be good for you. I promise.

8 . Directions: Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

People hold different views on almost anything, mainly because of the culture we are familiar with or the education we have received. We live in a judgmental world where people are quick to point out the faults and imperfections of others, yet seem unaware of their own. Some     1     souls believe they have a duty to help you to be a better person by telling you what a failure you really are first and then offering suggestions as to how you can improve.

So what is the possible solution to criticism? If you are the one forcing others to feel     2     of themselves, STOP. Make a conscious decision rather than focus on the negative aspect of a person's performance or     3    . You'll offer helpful suggestions from the beginning. If I'm painting our living room and making a mess in doing so, I would like my husband to say to me, "This is a tough job. Can I offer a suggestion that might make it easier for you?" rather than have him point out what a careless painter I am and then tell me how I should be doing it.

If you are on the receiving end of criticism, the "OK" response is a perfect solution. When someone comments     4     on a task you are doing or a personality issue of yours, a natural response is to defend and attack. However, this approach is rarely effective as it puts both parties on the     5     . Instead, simply reply with "OK". This brief one-word response     6     the other person's comment without agreeing with it or feeling necessary to engage in a debate about it.

It is important to remain     7     attached to what the other person is saying, but to listen without feeling, to be an objective observer. In fact, there is much that one can learn from a 12 review. You can ask yourself: Did I make a mistake? Could I have done better? Did I give 100% of myself to the task at hand? If so, how can I improve myself? As for chronic (习惯性的) criticizers: It is important to set strict     8     with them. Remove yourself from their     9     when necessary.

In any case, one can learn to be "OK" with criticism and not allow it to negatively impact your life or relationship with the other party. Examine it for any potential     10    , and then let it go and just be "OK".

9 . Directions: Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

Identify the problem, a goal, and a reward

Novelist Sarah Howery Hart says it's important that writers identify a specific problem, a goal, and a reward for any behavior they wish to change. In her conference workshops titled “Stuck, Tired, Bored, and Distracted: How Writers in Distress can use Psychology Tools to Overcome Common Writing-related Problems, she teaches techniques learned in her doctoral study of psychology to help writers become more     1     and efficient.

One of the most common     2     she hears is the lack of time to write. “First, we need to determine what that means,” she says. “Maybe it means that you do things that     3     your own writing, like checking emails and social media. Your next step is to determine how     4     this is happening.”

She offers her participants worksheets to help them measure how often a particular behavior occurs, and then asks them to     5     whether the behavior is truly a problem. “Let’s say you find that you check your email once an hour while you're writing. Is that too frequent? Only you can determine that, ’’ she says. “If you check your email and then move on to Facebook and then to Twitter-even if you’ve only checked once, this can take a(n)     6     15 minutes out of your writing hour. Also, you lose your     7     of thought and can’t remember what you were going to write next.”

She advises writers to set a goal - for instance, writing for an hour without checking email or social media. “And then you have to determine your reward     8    ,” she says. “How often will you need to reward yourself?”

She urges writers to assess their progress    9    . “After a day, after a few days，are you meeting your goals?” she says. “If the reward didn’t work, you may need to     10     it. Maybe reading a book for 15 minutes wasn't the strongest reward for you because you read for two hours when you go to bed at night. Maybe you’d rather go to the gym or out for a half-hour run.”

10 . Overcoming Obstacles: How Your Biggest Failure Can Lead to Your Success

There’s been a lot written on the theme of failure and how essential it is to success. In a world where     1     is given for people’s accomplishments, failing feels dangerous. The fear of failure can stop people taking risks that might lead to success.

Heidi Grant Halvorson, a psychologist, points out much of success is     2     not on talent but on learning from your mistakes.

About half of the people in the world hold that ability in an area --- be it creative or social skill --- is natural. The other half believes, instead, that someone might have a preference or something --- say painting or speaking foreign languages --- but this ability can be improved through     3     practice or training.

It’s almost impossible to think rationally (理性地) while shouting at yourself, “I’m a failure”. But when you     4     your thinking, you will probably see what you can control --- your behavior, your planning, your reactions --- and change them.

The primary     5     between successful people and unsuccessful people is that the successful people fail more. If you see failure as a monster approaching you, take another look.

Success is as scary as failure. Researchers report that satisfaction grows on challenges. Think about it --- a computer game you can always win is boring; one you can win     6    , and with considerable effort, is fun. In pursuit of success, failure exposes areas that you need to     7    . So the failure serves as a brick wall to test how you apply yourself to     8     your objectives and how much you want them.

There is a way to distinguish whether a failure     9     you to double down or walk away, says Halvorson. If, when things get rough, you remain fascinated by your goal, you should keep going. If what you’re doing is costing you too much time and energy or it’s not bringing you joy, you should give a second thought to the     10     of your goal and even set a new one.