1 . Take a Leap to Find Luck
What is luck? I’ve realized, by watching so long, that luck is rarely a lightning strike, isolated and dramatic.
So how do you catch the winds of luck?
The second thing to do is to change your relationship with other people. You need to understand that everyone who helps you on your journey is playing a huge role in getting you to your goals.
And third, you want to change your relationship with ideas. Most people look at new ideas that come their way and they judge them. “That’s a great idea” or “That’s a terrible idea.” But it’s actually much more different. Ideas are neither good nor bad. And in fact, the seeds of terrible ideas are often something truly remarkable.
So, yes, sometimes people were born into terrible circumstances, and sometimes, luck is a lightning bolt that hits us with something wonderful or something terrible. But the winds of luck are always there.
| A．It’s easy, but it’s not obvious. |
| B．Judgment brings fear and hope. |
| C．You need to acknowledge what they’re doing. |
| D．Nothing comes to you accidentally or randomly. |
| E．It’s much more like the wind, blowing constantly. |
| F．Be willing to take small risks that get you out of your comfort zone. |
| G．When they’re turned into something brilliant, amazing things may happen. |
2 . I had some pretty serious issues with my community for the last year, and our relationship completely fell apart 6 months ago. As a result, I
Yesterday, I was forced to see this community because of a major work event. I was fearing this event for months and it was pretty
When you forgive others, you not only free them, but you free yourself
| A．shared | B．posted | C．blocked | D．contacted |
| A．frustrate | B．disturb | C．defeat | D．interrupt |
| A．interactions | B．emotions | C．fantasies | D．passions |
| A．burning | B．building | C．crossing | D．strengthening |
| A．disagreed with | B．sided with | C．worried about | D．cared about |
| A．overwhelming | B．annoying | C．frightening | D．embarrassing |
| A．harmony | B．comparison | C．conflict | D．contact |
| A．security | B．confidence | C．forgiveness | D．comfort |
| A．conference | B．stage | C．moment | D．lecture |
| A．broken away | B．held on | C．got away | D．moved on |
| A．While | B．When | C．Since | D．Unless |
| A．tendency | B．perspective | C．prospect | D．expectation |
| A．in return | B．at least | C．at times | D．as well |
| A．about | B．of | C．within | D．for |
| A．acknowledge | B．attain | C．demonstrate | D．measure |
3 . At the airport, one of my partners greeted me with a broad smile. “Welcome to Cuba!” he exclaimed in perfect English, giving me a strong handshake and a hug. The next day, we drove to the research center where he worked. In the conference room, each of us gave a presentation about science and what we hoped to learn from the study of Cuban rivers.
Then, we toured every lab in the building. I met scientists, technicians, secretaries, students, and the cook. Some spoke English, and others communicated with me in Spanish while my cooperator translated. I was introduced to each person in their center, and that was what I remembered most.
Then we met again to brainstorm. Together, we studied maps carefully to plan how we were going to collect samples. Had it not been for the Cubans, I would have been unaware that the maps I had were outdated and wrong. They left out reservoirs, which was a problem because had we sampled downstream of them, our results would have been misled.
On the last night of the trip, we searched for a restaurant that could seat all 14 of us at one table because that’s what teams do--sitting together. When a restaurant couldn’t seat the team without splitting us up, my partners insisted that we move on and find another restaurant with a large enough table.
In 26 years as a professor, I’ve always tried my best to treat my students as valued partners. I have never been a fan of the grade system in the academic world. I urge everyone working with me to feel as though they are part of a team. But my Cuban partners take teamwork to another level entirely. They make it clear--through actions, both big and small--that all team members are valued, that everyone is equal, and that true team work contributes to better science.
I returned to the United States as a changed scientist. Now, I spend more time listening and making sure that everyone’s voice is heard.
1. What impressed the author most when he visited the research center?| A．He was led to see everyone. | B．There were no many people there. |
| C．Everybody gave a great presentation. | D．The cooperator spoke perfect English. |
| A．They wanted a smaller one. | B．They wanted to save money. |
| C．They didn’t want a crowded one. | D．They didn’t want to be separated. |
| A．Honesty. | B．Perseverance. |
| C．Cooperation spirit. | D．Scientific theory. |
| A．He used to treat his students unfairly. |
| B．He used to be misled by other scientists. |
| C．He focuses on the opinions of the masses now. |
| D．He speaks highly of the grade system in science now. |
4 . When I was young, I struggled with body image and disordered eating. I used disordered eating to deal with my
But later I realized how unhealthy my
Once I became healthier, I dove back into
We live in a world where feeling okay about our eating and body image is close to
| A．passion | B．emotions | C．initiative | D．principle |
| A．abuse | B．involve | C．punish | D．defeat |
| A．amount | B．quantity | C．quality | D．calorie |
| A．reactions | B．thoughts | C．performances | D．behaviors |
| A．easily | B．quietly | C．actively | D．eagerly |
| A．memories | B．adventures | C．challenges | D．secrets |
| A．keep | B．change | C．make | D．treat |
| A．harmful | B．wrong | C．optimistic | D．painful |
| A．perform | B．dance | C．paint | D．exercise |
| A．doubted | B．responded | C．realized | D．imagined |
| A．creators | B．winners | C．designers | D．collectors |
| A．innocent | B．unfortunate | C．incorrect | D．impossible |
| A．judgment | B．structure | C．energy | D．language |
| A．merciful | B．hopeful | C．grateful | D．peaceful |
| A．celebrate | B．restrict | C．discover | D．seek |
5 . There was once a farmer who had a large field of corn. He worked the land with the greatest care, for he wanted to sell the corn and buy good things for his family. But he saw his corn dry up, for no rain fell, and he feared that he was to have no crop. Every morning he went out to the field and looked at the thirsty stalks and wished for the rain to fall.
One day, as he stood looking up at the sky, two little raindrops saw him, and one said to the other: “Look at that farmer. I feel very sorry for him. He took such pains with his field of corn, and now it is drying up. I wish I might help him.”
“Yes,” said the other, “but you are only a little raindrop. What can you do? You can’t wet even one hill.”
“Well,” said the first, “I know, to be sure, I cannot do much; but perhaps I can cheer the farmer a little, and I am going to do my best. I’ll go to the field to show my good will, if I can’t do anything more. Here I go!”
The first raindrop had no sooner started for the field than the second one said: “Well, if you really insist upon going, I think I will go, too. Here I come!” And down went the raindrops. One came — pat —on the farmer’s nose, and one fell on a thirsty stalk of corn.
“Dear me,” said the farmer, “what’s that? A raindrop! Where did it come from? I do believe we shall have a shower.”
By this time a great many raindrops had come together to see what all the commotion was about. When they saw the two kind little drops going down to cheer the farmer, and water his corn, one said:“If you two are going on such a good errand, I’ll go, too!” And down he came. “And I!” said another. “And I!” And so said they all, until a whole shower came and the corn was watered. Then the corn grew and ripened — all because one little raindrop tried to do what it could.
1. Why does the first raindrop feel badly for the farmer?| A．His crops are dying. | B．His family is starving. |
| C．He is extremely thirsty. | D．He is bad at growing crops. |
| A．the first raindrop offers its support |
| B．the farmer gives the corn a shower |
| C．all the raindrops come and make a shower |
| D．the first two raindrops go on a good errand |
| A．Brave and humble. | B．Kind and inspiring. |
| C．Ambitious and cheerful. | D．Pessimistic and insistent. |
| A．Save it for a rainy day. |
| B．God helps those who help themselves. |
| C．It’s better to be a leader than a follower. |
| D．Doing your best can make a difference. |
6 . Life is a mix of good and bad days. Each new day presents us with a fresh opportunity to learn new lessons. Sometimes, you learn these new lessons in your daily lives. On other days, you may gain invaluable knowledge about life from a game of poker(扑克牌).
Life is not fair.
Life is not designed to be fair. Some people will get the best cards while others will have to deal with the waste pieces. Life has its rules, but sticking to them does not exactly mean you will achieve success.
Protect yourself.
You are the most important person in your life. When playing poker, you are the most important player, and the cards you have are valuable things.
Learn from mistakes.
Gains and losses are a part of life. You win some to lose some, just like in a game of poker. Some risky actions may prove unprofitable after you are neck-deep in them. In such cases, you must know when to quit, count your losses, and bounce back better.
| A．Mistakes are a part of life. |
| B．Know when to cut your losses. |
| C．Catch chances to improve yourselves. |
| D．The game of poker shows life in so many ways. |
| E．You have to trust yourself by not taking unbearable risks. |
| F．You are considered foolish when making the same mistakes. |
| G．Following the rules in poker does not mean you will win, either. |
7 . In casual conversations, there is a seemingly simple question I can never answer without hesitating — “Where are you from?”
I could say I am from Thailand, where I was born. Or I am from Mexico, where I spent the majority of my childhood. Or I am from the US, whose language is rooted into my life. In my mind, none of these answers are satisfying enough. After all, to be from somewhere carries expectations of understanding “your” culture and “your” home.
I feel envious whenever my friends say they’re “going home” for school breaks. As a student who frequently moves, I have never seen my living space as “home”, but “shelter”, another location to stay in before I unavoidably move again.
So, does this mean I do not have, and will never have, a home? I resign myself to living with this sense of sadness, until very recently.
In my dorm, inside my drawer is a specially designed white bath towel that I have not used since I brought it with me from my parents’ house. One day, I took it out, but stopped after smelling the soft, sweet laundry detergent (洗衣粉), the one my parents used back in Thailand. I felt my eyes water as that random smell brought my mixed emotions to the surface: sadness and nostalgia, a strong feeling of missing home. I still avoid using that towel until now because I don’t want to replace the smell of nostalgia with my newly-bought detergent.
Sadly, even with this new discovery, I will still struggle when answering where I am from, and I will always feel a sense of loss in not having a physical home to “go back to”. Yet, in random moments, when a smell catches me off guard (让我猝不及防) with the memories it brings, I like to believe that the things I feel then are things people feel when they are home. And if these moments can make me smile, even with a sense of loss, what better home can I ask for?
1. Why is the author unable to see his living space as “home”?| A．His living places often change. | B．He is unsatisfied with the place. |
| C．His expectations of “home” are high. | D．He can’t understand the culture there. |
| A．It was made in his hometown. | B．It is a present from his parents. |
| C．Its smell awakened his memories. | D．Its design wins his preference. |
| A．He no longer feels a sense of loss. |
| B．He feels a physical home is unnecessary. |
| C．He has got the answer to “Where are you from?” |
| D．He has found a sense of home in some moments. |
| A．A Man’s Home Is His Castle | B．There Is No Place Like Home |
| C．The Smell Brings Me Home | D．The Emotion Connects Me With Home |
8 . As a child, I was proud of my southern origin. My own voice reflected my family’s past and present-part northern Mississippi, part Tennessee, all southern. There was no sound I loved more than my grandmother’s accent: thick, sweet, warm.
While growing up, I began to realize outside of our region, southerners were often dismissed as uncultured and ignorant. I was ready to leave behind my tiny town in West Tennessee, starting a new life and jumping at big chances in some far-off cities. In that embarrassing space between “teen” and “adult”, my accent was a symbol of everything I thought I hated about my life in the rural South. I feared it would disqualify me from being a noted magazine writer. I would have to talk less “country”. So I killed a piece of myself. I’m ashamed of it, but I’m more ashamed that I tried to kill that part of someone else-change Emily’s accent.
I met Emily in college. She was determined to work for the student newspaper, which was where I spent most of my waking hours, and we became friends. She, unlike me, accepted her roots. Early in our friendship, her mother asked where I was from, assuming it was somewhere up north. Then I felt my efforts paid off and even wanted to ignore the mistake.
Emily is two years younger and she cared about my opinion. I advised her to be more like me and hide her signature Manchester accent. I stressed that throughout our college years, often by making fun of her vowel (元音) sounds. I told myself I was helping her achieve her dream of working as a reporter. Now, I see that it was actually about justifying my hiding part of myself.
Grandma Carolyn used to tell me, “Girl, don’t forget where you come from.” Now I truly understand that. Many things have faded from memory, but this sticks in my mind with uncomfortable clarity. Now that I am grown and have left the South, it’s important to me.
1. What made the author want to leave her hometown?| A．Appeal of convenience in cities. |
| B．Her dream of becoming a writer. |
| C．Outside prejudice against southerners. |
| D．Her desire for the northern accent. |
| A．Upset. | B．Pleased. | C．Ashamed. | D．Surprised. |
| A．To prove herself right. | B．To help Emily be a reporter. |
| C．To make herself influential. | D．To protect Emily’s self-dignity. |
| A．Stay true to your roots. | B．Never do things by halves. |
| C．Hold on to your dreams. | D．Never judge a person by his accent. |
9 . My childhood was a painted picture of sunny sky and rolling green fields stretching to the horizon. It tasted of sharp berries and smelt of sour grapes. My family lived in a cabin(小木屋) in the countryside but I lived in my mother’s arms. They were so delicate but strong, her red hair falling around me like a curtain separating me from the world.
Childhood was simple. The borders of my village were the furthest my troubles went and monsters only lived in the pages of books. Every day was a waking dream of running races and muddy knees. My village was archaic, dying cabins housing dying farmers with dying traditions. There weren’t many children but me and the other boys; boys of butchers and sellers formed our own group.
They called us wild. I suppose we were. Trees and mountains formed our playgrounds and fights broke out as easily as sudden laughter. Liberated from the restrictions of society, we would bound into the woods, deeper and deeper until we found a lake which, with a wild yell, we would jump into all at once.
My most vivid memories from boyhood center around that lake. Water shone brightly and the sounds of our screams broke into the outcry from birds. The shock of cold water against sweating skin would wake every nerve in my body and my bare feet would hit the sinking muddy bottom. As we submerged(淹没)， time would suspend， movements slowing as bubbles rose around us.
I was drowning. I was living. I was living. I was drowning.
For timelessness or a second (both felt the same), we would suspend, curl up, and then be forced back out into breathing air.
We should have known that it wouldn’t last forever. Yet, even under the best circumstances, there’s something so tragic about growing up: to have your perspective on the people and life around you change;to always struggle to reach a mirror only to find yourself tall enough to see your reflection one day. And find, a different person staring back out at you.
1. What does the underlined word “archaic” mean in paragraph 2?| A．Borderless. |
| B．Valueless. |
| C．Old-fashioned. |
| D．Poverty-stricken. |
| A．They played in the woods crazily. |
| B．They tricked others purposefully. |
| C．They frequently broke social rules. |
| D．They firmly refused school education. |
| A．By sharing feelings. |
| B．By expressing ideas. |
| C．By making comparisons. |
| D．By describing characters. |
| A．Loneliness and challenges make a man grow up. |
| B．The regret of growth is that you have never tried. |
| C．Growth is often accompanied by sad goodbyes to the past. |
| D．Growth begins when we begin to accept our own weakness. |
10 . Smith Justice and his son were coming back from the dentist, when they saw a homeless man in the road. Smith
Smith told his son what people saw as a good thing was not good enough to make a
A chain reaction of kindness
| A．managed | B．promised | C．intended | D．agreed |
| A．confused | B．doubtful | C．tense | D．hesitant |
| A．normally | B．clearly | C．secretly | D．formally |
| A．reaction | B．devotion | C．objection | D．solution |
| A．out of sight | B．out of control | C．in the way | D．in the charge |
| A．fortune | B．difference | C．name | D．commitment |
| A．rolled down | B．reached for | C．looked through | D．lifted up |
| A．check | B．card | C．cash | D．food |
| A．matching | B．replacing | C．reflecting | D．showing |
| A．changed | B．stopped | C．remained | D．started |
| A．greet | B．smile | C．chat | D．donate |
| A．remembered | B．realized | C．accepted | D．regretted |
| A．reminded | B．comforted | C．praised | D．warned |
| A．help | B．work | C．mean | D．matter |
| A．Returning | B．Accepting | C．Spreading | D．Seeking |
