1 . Graduation is a significant milestone for everyone. An 89-year-old man called Rene Neira had been trying to finish a degree since the 1950s. However, in the 1960s, he was so passionate about urban and economic development of the southside of San Antonio that he stopped school and got involved with the local government. From that time, one of his life goals was to earn a degree in economics. In 2017, the grandpa and his 19-year-old granddaughter both enrolled (入学) at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

“There were times when we would get lunch together, be in the library together, and just work silently side-by-side,” Melanie Salazar, Rene’s granddaughter, recalled. “He always had something to say, especially if his professors had different opinions than him,” Melanie said. “And there were often times when a professor would invite him to talk about the past.”

Rene’s college years weren’t easy. “He has worked very hard over time. Especially in recent years, with hearing loss and going through seasons of not having a car, there was a term where he had to take medical leave because he had a stroke, so he couldn’t go back to school that term. And then the pandemic started,” said Melanie.

After four years, their hard work finally paid off—they graduated. Together, they stood on the stage. Everyone broke into applause and cheered for this fantastic pair.

Their story has been making waves online. People have nothing but good words for them, “Awww... I love stories like this. This was such a beautiful moment. Congratulations to both of them. Grandpa definitely demonstrated that one shouldn’t give up their dream no matter how long it takes,” one wrote. Another wrote, “I’m motivated to go back to school myself, thanks to his example.”

Rene had the determination to finish his degree even at an advanced stage in his life. Hard work, patience, and determination are the keys to success, especially when the path is not easy or clear.

1. Why did Rene fail to get a degree when he was young?

A．He was not interested in university life then.

B．He devoted himself to city development.

C．He needed to work to support his family.

D．He was not good at his school work.

2. How was Rene’s college life?

A．It made him physically ill.	B．It was full of surprise.
C．It was smooth and plain.	D．It came with challenges.

3. What did people think of Rene’s experience?

A．Admirable.

B．Doubtful.

C．Funny.

D．Pitiful.

4. What lesson can we learn from Rene’s story?

A．Actions speak louder than words.

B．It is never too late to achieve one’s dream.

C．Genius without education is like silver in the mine.

D．A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

2 . Alexa von Tobel, a successful entrepreneur(企业家), learned an important lesson during her time at Harvard University: Money alone doesn’t bring happiness. Despite achieving financial(财务的) success by selling her startup for millions of dollars, Alexa believes that true happiness comes from things that money can’t buy.

During her undergraduate studies in psychology, Alexa had the opportunity to study at Harvard’s Leadership and Happiness Laboratory, also known as the “Happiness Lab”. This experience gave her a new understanding on what truly brings happiness. She discovered that it’s the simple routines and daily actions that create a sense of community and connection, rather than material wealth.

Alexa’s mindset(思维模式) still influences her work. She believes that finding happiness is more important than just making money. Alexa thinks it’s important to take pride in the process of building a company, rather than only focus ing on the financial outcomes.

She applies this attitude to her personal life as well. Alexa and her husband value celebrating the journey rather than just the end results, even when it comes to raising their kids.

While at Harvard, Alexa was greatly inspired by Tal Ben-Shahar and Shawn Achor, who taught a popular course on “Positive Psychology”. This field emphasizes finding joy and satisfaction by connecting with others, being grateful, and having a positive mindset.

For Alexa, the lessons from her time at Harvard still remind her to focus on whatever brings her joy in her life, rather than obsessing over money or materials. “The daily effort drives happiness, not the outcome,” she says.

1. When did Alexa have a new understanding of happiness?

A．After she graduated from college.

B．After she married her husband.

C．When she studied at Harvard.

D．When she was 30 years old.

2. What is the mindset in Alexa’s family?

A．The result isn’t important at all.

B．The richer you are, the happier you are.

C．The more successful you are, the happier you are.

D．The process is more important than the outcome.

3. Who inspired Alexa greatly at Harvard?

A．Her psychology teacher.	B．Her literature teacher.
C．Her physics teacher.	D．Her PE teacher.

4. What does the under lined phrase“obsessing over”probably mean in the last paragraph?

A．Referring to.	B．Caring about.
C．Getting along with.	D．Taking over.

3 . When my wife and I didn’t work long, our budget was tight. We tried to save as much money as possible so we could afford overspend occasionally. At the same time, we benefited a lot from the kindness of local store owners.

When my wife was expecting our child, she developed a craving for a local Chinese restaurant’s version of tai dop voy, a mixture of meat, shrimp and vegetables. Even though they rarely saw us, the owners remembered us. One evening, I ordered tai dop voy. They enthusiastically treated me and said, “There is some fried rice for your wife. Have a healthy baby.” The bag was obviously heavier than normal. When I got home, there was not only fried rice but also two orders of tai dop voy.

That was many years ago. But those small kindnesses from locals made a difference. Customers were seen as more than a source of profit. We were members of the community that local businesses served.

The generosity I experienced years ago hasn’t disappeared. I witnessed it recently at my local farmers’ market. A family was debating whether to add another vegetable to the order. The farmer served them and said, “Sorry, I forgot. I have so many vegetables this year. Buy two, and you’ll get another for free. Pick out any one you like.” I thought the farmer was being morally flexible: no prices on the produce, but everything is fairly priced. Fairness is in the sense that care and kindness are parts of the merchant-client relationship.

The kindness of merchants is a sign of something deeper: We are all making our shared way together. For my part, I will continue to support farmers’ markets and family-run restaurants. I am happy to make a fair offer.

1. What does the underlined word “craving” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Desire.

B．Habit.

C．Proposal.

D．Technique.

2. Why does the author mention the experience of buying tai dop voy?

A．To praise Chinese meals.	B．To prove love for his wife.
C．To show human goodness.	D．To express his thanks to the owners.

3. What is the author’s attitude to the farmer in paragraph 4?

A．Appreciative.

B．Ambiguous.

C．Critical.

D．Cautious.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Tight budget, happy life	B．Low prices, fair business
C．Tasty tai dop voy, deep love	D．Small businesses, big kindnesses

4 . I was driving my 5-year-old son home when I saw a homeless man in the median strip (中央分隔带) in the road.

I wanted to give the man some ________ , but I didn’t have any cash. My son ________ the man as well and he insisted that I give the man the 30 cents he had. It seemed that he had read my ________ and he responded out loud.

I was more than ________ that he wanted to help, but honestly, I was ________ . I didn’t want to give just 30 cents to this man who clearly ________ more help. My own pride and ________ over the homeless man's disappointed reaction to ________ just two coins stood in the way.

I quickly realized that I was the only ________ in the situation and that the traffic light would turn green soon. I then thought to myself, “I’ve been teaching him about ________ others and now that he wants to give everything he can ________ , I shouldn’t let my personal self-centeredness ________ this act of kindness.”

I almost told my son, “Let’s wait to ________ until we at least have one dollar.” I almost told my son that what he had wasn’t ________ . I almost showed him that what he saw as a good thing couldn’t make a ________ in someone’s life. I almost taught him that personal ________ was more important than helping another human.

________ , I quickly got rid of that foolishness.

I then rolled down the window and said to the man, “I’m sorry. I don’t have any cash on me, but my 5-year-old son back in the ________ wants to give you everything he has right now.”

To my ________ , the smile on that man's face lit up the intersection. The only thing that matched the ________ of that stranger’s smile was the bigger smile on my boy’s face.

1.

A．equipment

B．information

C．money

D．advice

2.

A．comforted

B．taught

C．noticed

D．attracted

3.

A．apology

B．mind

C．order

D．future

4.

A．happy

B．confused

C．angry

D．ashamed

5.

A．thrilled

B．hesitant

C．disappointed

D．relieved

6.

A．needed

B．rejected

C．overlooked

D．assessed

7.

A．advantage

B．worry

C．curiosity

D．control

8.

A．owing

B．donating

C．receiving

D．lending

9.

A．plan

B．change

C．result

D．problem

10.

A．helping

B．forgiving

C．following

D．tolerating

11.

A．abandon

B．record

C．achieve

D．offer

12.

A．preserve

B．promote

C．forget

D．ruin

13.

A．give

B．escape

C．fight

D．drive

14.

A．enough

B．real

C．simple

D．worthless

15.

A．mess

B．choice

C．difference

D．wish

16.

A．kindness

B．pride

C．generosity

D．success

17.

A．Unfortunately

B．Thankfully

C．Initially

D．Casually

18.

A．bank

B．garage

C．car

D．road

19.

A．horror

B．embarrassment

C．sadness

D．surprise

20.

A．disappearance

B．challenge

C．pressure

D．brightness

5 . Every time I take time off with my family, I tend to reflect on how technology has impacted our lives. It’s when we try to _________ the technology that we realize just how much we have _________ it. What happens when we have to _________ our own imagination and mind when there is no technology? If you ever stood in a long line and _________ went for your phone, you know what I am talking about.

When my family and I go on a trip together, it usually takes a few days for my kids to finally _________the fact that they have to let go of their electronic devices. They go through a withdrawal period (戒断期) where Mom is “the worst” for expecting them to go a few days without _________. I need to be _________ here. I am writing about my kids but the _________ is that I _________ withdrawals as well. I find myself having to use all my willpower just to __________looking at emails.

It has become a(n) __________ that vacation time is quality family time and when we are together, there are no __________. When vacation mode sets in, it becomes easier to __________ the technology and enjoy the moment. My children start to share stories and we find ourselves having fun just spending quality time together. __________, it always surprises me how quickly we __________ to our regular routine once the __________ is over. It becomes part of my __________ once I am back at work to have the phone beside me at all times.

Do you use technology as a tool to improve productivity or communicate and connect? Or, has technology become a(n) __________ that contributes to devaluing ( 贬值) “real life”__________with the people right in front of you?

So, spend __________ time with your loved ones and become engaged in the moment.

1.

A．dream of

B．show off

C．shut off

D．major in

2.

A．referred to

B．commented on

C．learned from

D．depended on

3.

A．share

B．simplify

C．face

D．develop

4.

A．properly

B．secretly

C．informally

D．instantly

5.

A．present

B．accept

C．check

D．discover

6.

A．games

B．homework

C．difficulties

D．help

7.

A．flexible

B．honest

C．confident

D．brave

8.

A．rule

B．plan

C．truth

D．reward

9.

A．experience

B．predict

C．replace

D．permit

10.

A．risk

B．avoid

C．imagine

D．consider

11.

A．tradition

B．instruction

C．contribution

D．motivation

12.

A．disagreements

B．emergencies

C．electronics

D．competitions

13.

A．test

B．recognize

C．improve

D．forget

14.

A．Otherwise

B．Therefore

C．However

D．Besides

15.

A．return

B．adapt

C．react

D．complain

16.

A．work

B．meeting

C．holiday

D．relationship

17.

A．fun

B．solution

C．reason

D．routine

18.

A．condition

B．addiction

C．standard

D．honor

19.

A．connections

B．lessons

C．chances

D．suggestions

20.

A．local

B．limited

C．long

D．quality

6 . Driving herein the mountains can be a challenge in the summertime. The holes and stones in the road make it a _________ride. The low hanging trees, full of green leaves,_________your view. And you always have to be on the lookout for dogs, cats and deer _________the road.

I saw an incredibly _________sight here just the other day. As I was_________along, I saw a baby deer lying dead along the side of the road. Its white spots were still on it. It was so heart-breaking to see it like that and I _________in ease more deer were coming down the mountains to drink from the_________that ran alongside the highway. When I _________another curve(拐弯处), felt a(n)_________inside my heart and a voice inside my mind, saying “Slow down, more!”

I__________my speed again.

Suddenly two adult deer leaped across the road. I __________on the brakes until I came to a complete__________, and just as I stopped, two baby deer appeared from the woods after their parents,__________them pass and felt__________that I hadn’t hit those baby deer. Then I__________and thanked myself for having listened to that __________in my heart and mind.

So many times I have__________a whispered urging in my heart to says something__________or to help someone in need.

May you always listen to the__________in your heart. They will turn you into a better__________.They will always lead you Home!

1.

A．rough

B．long

C．steady

D．straight

2.

A．widen

B．improve

C．limit

D．injure

3.

A．breaking

B．crossing

C．blocking

D．destroying

4.

A．interesting

B．annoying

C．funny

D．sad

5.

A．driving

B．running

C．slipping

D．walking

6.

A．cried out

B．ran away

C．slowed down

D．looked backward

7.

A．cup

B．river

C．car

D．tree

8.

A．desired

B．missed

C．ignored

D．rounded

9.

A．urge

B．pain

C．hope

D．sign

10.

A．checked

B．saw

C．reduced

D．forgot

11.

A．rested

B．relied

C．fell

D．stepped

12.

A．success

B．stop

C．challenge

D．repair

13.

A．watched

B．made

C．heard

D．pulled

14.

A．worried

B．scared

C．relieved

D．amused

15.

A．lied

B．froze

C．hiked

D．smiled

16.

A．lecture

B．message

C．noise

D．news

17.

A．felt

B．changed

C．kept

D．hidden

18.

A．special

B．different

C．kind

D．important

19.

A．struggles

B．arguments

C．stories

D．whispers

20.

A．guide

B．person

C．driver

D．parent

7 . Stress and holidays seem to go hand-in-hand.     1     However, this may be a good time to try to rethink about holidays and view holidays as an opportunity to improve your psychological well-being.

Take time for yourself. You may feel pressured to be everything to everyone. But remember that you’re only one person and can only accomplish certain things.     2     Plus, others will benefit when you’re feeling less stressed. Reflect on aspects of your life that give you joy; go for a long walk; get a massage; or take time to listen to your favorite music or read a new book. All of us need some time to recharge our batteries.

Volunteer. Find a local charity, such as a soup kitchen or a shelter that needs volunteers, and offer to help. Alternatively, participate in a community giving tree program or an adopt-a- family program.    3    

Encourage healthy conversations. Let your family know that holidays are times to express gratitude.     4     If there is worry about heated disagreements or negative conversations, focus on what you and your family have in common. Families might even plan activities they can do together that foster good fun and laughter, like playing a family game or looking through old photo albums.

Seek support.     5     Getting things out in the open can help you manage your feelings and work toward a solution.

A．Remember what’s important.

B．It will create a family memory.

C．Sometimes self-care is the best thing you can do.

D．Be thankful for what you all have, including each other.

E．Talk about your worries and concerns with friends and family.

F．Your schedule becomes busier with preparations and celebrations.

G．Helping others may lift your mood and help you put your own struggles in perspective.

8 . It was the cold winter months in the rural town Manton. Scott decided that the community needed an ice rink(溜冰场) to get people out in the cold.

In order to make his dream a(n) _______,Scott ordered materials online to create the walls for a rink and got 12 trucks to get enough water to fill the place.

Scott went door-to-door to_______people to come see his_________Soon Scott’s backyard rink became a Manton_______. Soon enough, the children were skating and shooting, a _______was burning， and hot chocolate was steaming(冒水汽)in cups．

The rink was_______to skaters at any time. Each Saturday from 4 p. m. until 8 p.m., dozens of children and their parents_______at the ice rink for skate parties. Lights twinkled over the ice as the sun set early in the evening. The cold air had a_______of hot dogs and burning firewood. Parents got together around holding warm hot cocoa, feeling relaxed that their children had_______a purpose again. It offered a place for people to see each other in a________distanced way.

When the community heard how much money Scott used to make this project, everyone ________.For example, an online fundraiser ________ about $1,300, and letters sent to Scott’s home filled with cash produced an additional $1,500.It________for all of the costs with money to spare. Traffic increased greatly around the ice rink as cars pulled over just to have a look at the kids skating.

“I think the main thing that I want everybody to know is that pleasant________for kids last a lifetime in their mind,” says Hooker. “Scott made that________on the darkest of days.”

1.

A．mark

B．duty

C．interest

D．reality

2.

A．require

B．remind

C．invite

D．arrange

3.

A．house

B．honour

C．choice

D．creation

4.

A．attraction

B．decision

C．recognition

D．attention

5.

A．plate

B．fire

C．house

D．flood

6.

A．convenient

B．immediate

C．open

D．reasonable

7.

A．gathered

B．rented

C．stayed

D．survived

8.

A．touch

B．smell

C．sense

D．type

9.

A．imagined

B．returned

C．found

D．counted

10.

A．naturally

B．socially

C．culturally

D．warmly

11.

A．alarmed

B．changed

C．decided

D．helped

12.

A．brought in

B．took in

C．dropped off

D．took off

13.

A．meant

B．remembered

C．paid

D．blamed

14.

A．memories

B．ideas

C．notes

D．classes

15.

A．clear

B．possible

C．good

D．important

9 . When I was a child, I loved skateboarding. It brought me endless ______ . But after graduating from college and entering the workforce, the pressures of my job gradually led me to ______ this pastime. Several years later, while walking around in a park, I ______ a group of children skateboarding. It was like a clear ______ of my own childhood passion.

As I watched those kids ______ glide (滑行) on their skateboards, it was as though the wheels of time were turning backward. The ______ of the wind in my hair, the sense of freedom, and the excited feeling of skateboarding came rushing back. I longed to ______ those moments.

______ by the young skaters, I made a life-changing decision. I dusted off (拂去尘土) my skateboard, which had been quietly ______ in my store room for years, and took it to the local skate park. It was a bit ______ at first. But with each passing day, I ______ my balance, and the pure (纯粹的) joy of skateboarding returned.

Skateboarding became my ______ from the stress of work. It reminded me of the beauty of life’s simple ______ and how important it is to hold onto the things that make us ______ happy. My rediscovered love for skateboarding was a powerful ______ in treasuring the wonderful moments life has to offer.

1.

A．strength

B．honor

C．trouble

D．joy

2.

A．commit to

B．set aside

C．take up

D．bring back

3.

A．imagined

B．recognized

C．spotted

D．remembered

4.

A．reminder

B．symbol

C．experiment

D．summary

5.

A．intentionally

B．formally

C．calmly

D．skillfully

6.

A．secrets

B．memories

C．directions

D．characteristics

7.

A．reduce

B．balance

C．relive

D．exchange

8.

A．Inspired

B．Asisted

C．Recommended

D．Embarrassed

9.

A．functioning

B．flashing

C．rolling

D．resting

10.

A．difficult

B．efficient

C．boring

D．natural

11.

A．lost

B．valued

C．assessed

D．regained

12.

A．return

B．separation

C．escape

D．suffering

13.

A．hardships

B．pleasures

C．routines

D．adventures

14.

A．occasionally

B．nearly

C．truly

D．gradually

15.

A．exam

B．lesson

C．speech

D．training

10 . I had lived in the United States for 30 years or so. I couldn’t fully________how the concept of “the pursuit of happiness”________into a super busy life. Ii was not until I started to grow plants on the balcony of my house on a quiet street in Boston that I had a(n)________.

Gardening does not come________to me. I was not________to it as a child. I grew up in a city. My fellow people didn’t seem to________the absence of green. They lived in apartments and grew flowers in concrete courtyards. or on balconies to________their gardening needs. No one grew herbs or vegetables. Why________? Fresh produce was a plentiful________in daily markets nearby. Garlic (葱), ginger (姜) were________as a sign of thanks with the________of meat.

The first spring after I moved into my Boston________, I grew my own food. I developed a deeper appreciation for the________of plants. There were________along the way: pests; sometimes too much heat. other times not adequate sun. For several seasons. I had tomato troubles. I’d find half-eaten fruit________. I made a habit, night after night, of moving plants indoors, so I would be the one to________, not some creature with four paws.

In the________of home-grown food-seeding, growing, tending, harvesting, cooking — I came to understand a ________version of happiness. It can be a matter of the heart’s________small steps of satisfaction, resulting from “neither wealth nor greatness.” in Thomas Jefferson’s words. “but________and occupation.”

1.

A．grasp

B．analyze

C．translate

D．assess

2.

A．enter

B．fit

C．place

D．set

3.

A．idea

B．intention

C．understanding

D．faith

4.

A．abruptly

B．naturally

C．deliberately

D．occasionally

5.

A．accustomed

B．strange

C．exposed

D．familiar

6.

A．mind

B．like

C．approve

D．limit

7.

A．adjust

B．commit

C．abandon

D．satisfy

8.

A．challenge

B．bother

C．resist

D．demand

9.

A．bargain

B．need

C．delivery

D．consumption

10.

A．sold out

B．put away

C．given away

D．taken in

11.

A．sales

B．purchase

C．transportation

D．supply

12.

A．balcony

B．courtyard

C．farm

D．apartment

13.

A．beauty

B．weeding

C．tending

D．significance

14.

A．joys

B．challenges

C．labors

D．complaints

15.

A．pulled up

B．piled up

C．fallen behind

D．left behind

16.

A．lose

B．sacrifice

C．compensate

D．harvest

17.

A．cycle

B．direction

C．alternative

D．recycle

18.

A．flexible

B．unique

C．different

D．ambiguous

19.

A．achieving

B．approaching

C．rolling

D．swallowing

20.

A．bravery

B．curiosity

C．Hardship

D．calmness