1 . When an editor called to ask if I could photograph a story about fireflies in Mexico, I didn’t check my schedule before I said yes. I’d seen these insects light up the forests in Tlaxcala once before, and I jumped at the chance to go back.

I had three nights to capture the magical scene in the forest. Camera stand in hand, I hiked with my colleagues into the foggy forest at dusk. According to our guides, visitors are usually not allowed to photograph the fireflies because the presence of artificial light from electronics can affect their habits. As I started shooting, I adjusted my exposures constantly to account for the fading light. In order to get the composition that I wanted, I placed my camera stand on a steep, rocky path and had to steady it during the long exposures. Normally this wouldn’t be a big deal, but the fireflies were very interested in the camera and, by extension, in me. I stood completely still while they crawled all over me—my arms, my hair, my face—and tickled (呵痒) my nose and cheeks. From what I observed, peak firefly presence happens for only about 20 minutes each night, so I had time for just a few tries.

On the last night everything came together. The weather cooperated. I had improved my method for focusing and composing in the dark with quick flashes from a powerful flashlight—and I’d grown accustomed to insects on my face. I was rewarded with the image you see here. Each spot of light is one of several bursts that a firefly makes as it travels in a 30-second exposure. You can trace the insects’ paths: Some make small circles, like those in the bottom center of the frame, while others move steadily in one direction or another.

The first time I visited the fireflies, I didn’t have the pressure of trying to capture and convey this astonishing scene. That will always be my favorite experience with these shining creatures.

1. According to the passage, the author most probably is a(n) ______.

A．field biologist	B．insect observer
C．expert photographer	D．mountain hiker

2. The author placed the camera stand on a steep and rocky path to ______.

A．make up for the dying light	B．keep away from the annoying fireflies
C．obtain an ideal image	D．catch peak firefly presence

3. We can learn from the passage that the author ______.

A．was accused of capturing wild fireflies

B．endured physically to get first-hand firefly shots

C．was tired of the exposure to dark forests

D．got his most satisfying image on the second night

4. What does the author think of his experience in the forest?

A．Fascinating.	B．Passionate.
C．Surprising.	D．Miserable.

2 . Directions: Read the following passage. Fill in the each blank with a proper sentence given in the box. Each sentence can be used only once. Note that there are two more sentences than you need.

Ten years ago, after 2 years as a postdoc(博士后), I found myself wondering whether I should take a different road. Up to that point, I had stuck to a pretty traditional path investigating cancer genetics, but I was losing interest in the research. At the same time, federal funding had flattened, which added to my dissatisfaction.     1    . Then came the hard part: identifying a new career that would nurture my passion for science and allow me to make an impact with my work.

As I was considering my options, I found inspiration in my first graduate school research tutor, whose work reminded me that scientists’ efforts away from the bench can be incredibly powerful. But I still didn’t know exactly what I should do.     2     A colleague mentioned that a professor at a nearby 2-year college was training students to produce monoclonal antibodies for labs on campus. I was impressed that the professor and taken on this type of ambitious project with relatively inexperienced students. Curious to find out more, I set up a meeting with John and was struck by his sincerity and the way be prioritized student training above grants, publications, and personal ambition. I could also see his passion for teaching, which reminded me of the dream to become a high school biology teacher.

    3     I found a faculty position and joined John at the same quiet junior college. Now, I effectively hold two positions: classroom instructor and research co-adviser of 15 inexperienced but eager undergraduates. Both roles give me a chance to help students transform themselves, which is enormously rewarding.

    4     It is discouraging when others see both my students and me as less worthy because we are not at universities. We sometimes struggle to get access to federal funding, scientific conferences, and other resources and opportunities. My pay is below the standard at 4-year research institutions, even though my teaching workload is greater. But my occasional frustration is relieved by the thought of the students, who I have helped train.

Looking back at these 10 years, I realize how much my work on this campus has helped me grow, both as an academic and a tutor. I’m grateful that I stepped away from a traditional career path and found a way to serve both the student and research communities in my own way, modest though it may be.

A．However, my work has its challenges.

B．Then a second bit of inspiration came my way.

C．Distressed as I was, I resolved to pursue my interest in research.

D．Besides the spiritual reward, there are other less apparent benefits.

E．So I decided to leave the academic path to find a better match.

F．Here, at last, was a way to combine my interest in science with my passion for teaching.

3 . A. Associate Product Manager — New Grad — Beijing

Responsibilities include working with engineers to define products, understanding user needs, researching markets and competitors, and predicting future product directions. As you gain more experience, there’s an opportunity for promotion within the organization .

Requirements:

☆ Bachelor’s degree and more than one year of job experience.

☆Strong organizational and analytical skills .

B. Director of Education — Sylvan Learning Centers — Long Beach, California

Job description: As a successful director of education, your primary responsibility will be to champion the Sylvan developed curriculum, ensure the quality of the education standards and teaching staff as well as grow the business in your center.

We require:

☆ Bachelors degree and at least 2 years of teaching experience.

☆ Managerial experience.

C. Area Export Manager — Beijing Import Export Corporation — Beijing

Highly dynamic company is looking for bright, experienced salesperson who will be responsible for the export of frozen seafood and other commodities between China and the USA, Australia, and Canada.

Qualifications:

☆ Excellent level of English, spoken and written

☆Excellent communication and organizational skills .

☆Experienced salesperson with proven results in fast-moving consumer goods essential, preferable in frozen seafood market.

D. Subeditor — MEDIA CONTACTS — London

Working in the fascinating world of law and enforcement (执法), you will be making sure that you are meeting the exceptionally high standards of copy for this company. As part of a team of six, you will be meeting tight deadlines on a daily basis and ensuring regular flow of articles onto the website. Must have a keen eye for detail and confidence in working with challenging copy. Proven track record in subediting, and a practical knowledge of publishing law are required.

E.

Job title	Casual trainer (first aid)
Employer	Medilife
Location	Sydney, NSW Australia 2150
Job type	Part-time

Job description: Medilife requires able, reliable trainers who can demonstrate the qualities of flexibility and loyalty and join their young, fun-living team. Successful applicants will receive excellent hourly rates. Suitable training will be provided for the right applicant.

1. Which of the following are specially required to most of the positions in the ads?

A．Experience and responsibilities.	B．Experience and special skills.
C．Special skills and English.	D．Responsibilities and a bachelor’s degree.

2. The positions are offered in _______ different countries .

A．three

B．four

C．five

D．six

3. From Passage D we can infer that a subeditor’s work is to _______.

A．write articles for website	B．copy data from the Internet
C．enforce publishing laws	D．examine other people’s writing

4 . Directions: Read the following job ad and complete the sentences that follow. Write one word or more in each space.

1. If Angela’s Pet Shop is open for 8 hours every day, the assistant will get $__________ after a full day’s work.
2. Angela’s Pet Shop is looking for an assistant who can work for it every __________.
3. The assistant’s duties include taking care of pets and dealing with __________ in the shop as well as on the phone.
4. One who has __________ is more likely to be chosen than those who haven’t.

5 . A young man has just returned from a terrific first date. He wants to send flowers to let his date know he enjoyed being with her, but he's not sure what to send. A dozen red roses? No, too formal for a first date. A bouquet of wild flowers, perhaps? Still not sure, he picks up the phone and calls a florist for advice. The next day his date calls, thanking him for the beautiful yellow roses.

Florists enjoy helping people express themselves with flowers. Flowers can help, people share all sorts of feelings. For instance, flowers help people say "Congratulations!" to a friend who gets promoted. Flowers can also express feelings hard to put into words. They help say "I'm sorry" to the wife whose husband forgot her birthday. From birth to death, and the holidays in between, flowers add color and meaning to life. That's why florists' services are always in demand.

In the past, florists just sold flowers to customers, who arranged them on their own. But today's florists are skilled designers, arranging flowers in ways that best express their customers' feelings.

Formerly, florists learned on the job. Today, however, many florists earn diplomas in floral design in as few as 75 hours of classes. They gain a knowledge of flower varieties and develop an artist's touch. These skills help florists make arrangements that fit customers' tastes and meet their budgets.

Compared to most start-up businesses, opening a flower shop takes little money. As a result, many florists open up their own shops soon after earning their diplomas.

One of their first priorities is establishing good customer service. Their customers have come to expect same-day delivery. So florists must be able to work quickly, especially during holiday rushes. But florists don't mind. For them, the more arrangements they make, the more people they touch-with flowers.

1. Compared with florists today, florists in the past___________.

A．arranged flowers as customers requested

B．didn't just sell flowers to customers

C．didn't necessarily have diplomas in floral design

D．had a better knowledge of flower varieties

2. In the case of the young man in Paragraph 1, which of the following messages may yellow roses carry?

A．Congratulations.	B．Apology.
C．Deep love.	D．Good impression.

3. Which of the following is NOT included in a florist's responsibilities?

A．A florist delivers flowers within the same day of ordering.

B．A florist arranges flowers with an artistic touch.

C．A florist understands customers' needs and fits their tastes.

D．A florist helps customers express their feelings through flower language.

6 . For most dog owner, the expression “Work like a dog” doesn’t make much sense. The lovely pets usually live a life of leisure. They go from the simple days of childhood directly to the relaxation of retirement, skipping the working part of life completely.

But some dogs happily perform very difficult jobs for much of their life. They put in a full day’s work just like the rest of us. Guide dogs, one of the most familiar kinds of working dog, provide an important service to humans. During the Beijing Paralympics, guide dogs received much attention as they helped their masters--those blind athletes--get from place to place safely.

Dogs were first used to guide blind people in 1819. In 1916, Dr. Gerhard Stalling set up a school to train dogs to help German soldiers who had been blinded in World War I. As time passed, trainers began to recognize which kinds of dogs are best for guide work. Today, Golden Retrievers, Labradors and German Shepherds are favorites because they are smart and work hard.

Guide dogs help blind people get around in the world. To do this, they must know how to:

1. Keep on a direct route.

2. Keep a slow, even pace.

3. Stop at all curbs(路边) until told to start moving again.

4. Turn left and right and move forward and stop when told.

5. Recognize and avoid obstacles that the handler won’t be able to deal with.

6. Lie quietly when the handler is sitting down.

7. Help the handler to get on and move around buses, subways and other forms of public transportation.

As a guide dog, gets more experience with its handler, it may be able to take on even more responsibilities. For example, many guide dogs that have worked for years know all of places their master usually goes. All the handler has to tell them is “go to the office” or “find the coffee shop”, and the guide dog will follow the complete route!

1. In Para. 2, the writer mentioned the guide dogs in Beijing Paralympics in order to _______.

A．arouse readers’ interest in reading the rest part

B．emphasize the importance of their hard work

C．compare the job of guide dogs with that of humans

D．tell the difference of the guide dogs and lovely pets

2. In order to serve the master, guide dogs must know all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A．avoid leading the handlers to some obstacles impossible to handle

B．keep a proper pace that is easy for the handlers to follow

C．assist the handlers when taking a bus, subway or train, etc.

D．look for some quiet places for the handlers to have rests

3. The more experience a guide dog gets with its handler, the more ________ the dog will be.

A．responsible	B．careful
C．obedient	D．approachable

7 . Many young people are excited by their first weeks on a new job. For others, this early period is disappointing. Some difficulties may be caused by the individual’s lack of information and preparation. Often, unpleasant surprises result from the unreal expectations aroused during the recruiting(招聘) process. Recruiters and interviewers overstate the attractiveness of a job to gain a large number of candidates. Applicants overstate their abilities and understate their needs to improve their chances of getting the job. At the same time, they may fail to study the company to which they are applying. Thus, each side offers a mixed bag of truth-all likely to cause problems when those hired begin to work.

The problem of over expectations can exist for anyone, but it may be especially severe for those young graduates who have done particularly well in their studies and/or have graduated from famous business school. They have been used to fast, regular feedback on their performance and to the atmosphere of the university. They expect to find the same conditions on their new job. But once on the job, they think their skills and abilities unused.

An individual whose expectations are inconsistent(不一致) with the realities of a new job is not likely to develop an effective and satisfying work role in the company. Edgar Schein found that almost 75% of the interviewed graduates changed jobs at least once over a five-year period. He also found that within five years, most companies lose over half of the college graduates they hire. Schein thinks that this is caused by the difference between the graduates’ expectations and the realities of the company. Similarly, in his study of a small group of American business school graduates working in South America, Schein found that job continuation and satisfaction were related to how closely the graduates’ original expectations matched the realities of their jobs.

1. That some young people are disappointed during their first weeks on a new job may be caused by________.

A．their over excitement

B．new working conditions

C．their lack of abilities and unreal expectations

D．the individual’s lack of information and preparation

2. College graduates overstate their abilities because they want to________.

A．get the job

B．attract more companies

C．get a higher payment

D．obtain a large number of candidates

3. According to the passage, ________.

A．an individual’s expectations are inconsistent

B．over half of the college graduates lost their jobs within five years

C．more than 75% interviewed graduates changed jobs over a 5-year period

D．one man is not likely to develop an effective and satisfying work role in the company

4. After reading the passage, you may conclude that________ .

A．companies like to hire old people

B．young people like to change their jobs

C．young people are more likely to change their jobs

D．young people’s skills and abilities are not needed in companies

8 . Alibaba, Bank of China and Huawei—these are the dream employers for Chinese students, according to a new survey.

“The survey of more than 55,000 students, conducted by the research firm Universum, has found that roughly a quarter want to work for an international company, while only 9％ want to work for a start-up. Five percent want to start their own business.”

The students said that work-1ife balance was the most important career goal, followed by job stability. When it comes to desirable companies, Bank of China has been named the top choice by business students for seven consecutive years, and the gigantic state-owned firm shows no signs of giving up its lead.

William Wu, the China country manager for Universum, said that banking remains an attractive industry for young Chinese. “China’s government is now emphasizing the revolution of the finance industry, which leaves the younger generation with the impression that although banking is a traditional industry, there are still a lot of development opportunities.” Wu said.

E-commerce giant Alibaba (BABA, Tech30) improved six places from 2014, ranking second among business students. Alibaba’s rise shouldn’t come as much of a surprise—the company held a record-breaking $25 billion IPO in September.

Among engineering students, Alibaba was once again a bridesmaid. Instead, Huawei—a telecoms infrastructure firm that now makes consumer products-took the top spot.

“Both of these companies are pioneers in terms of local companies going international.” said Wu. “It shows that… an international development strategy has a positive influence among Chinese young talents.” Tech companies ruled the rankings for humanities students, with Alibaba—which was ninth in 2014 一 landing at the top. Last year, Apple was the Number l choice of Chinese students.

1. What’s the percentage of the surveyed students who want to join a company set up recently？

A．Five percent.

B．Twenty-five percent.

C．Nine percent.

D．Twenty percent.

2. What is the second most important career goal for the students？

A．Work-life balance.

B．Job stability.

C．Alibaba.

D．Their own business.

3. In William Wu’s viewpoint, a native company that _______ will attract graduates.

A．is rooted only in China

B．makes consumer products

C．goes international

D．just aims at the foreign market

4. What does the passage want to tell us mainly？

A．What companies students want to work for.

B．Why students have to go to university.

C．How a company can develop well.

D．Where students’ success lies in.

9 .

More On: Go to greg Is omitting jobs from a resume lying? ----------------------- How to handle stress at work ------------------------ How can men and women work better together? ------------------------ How will cancer treatment affect my son’s resume? ------------------------ What to do if you drank too much at the company holiday party

Letter 1 January 28, 2018 | 3:31pm I work for an e-commerce Website. If one of our merchandisers has a question or wants to make a correction, they e-mail the entire department. In my opinion, this is rude and unnecessary. It seems to me that mass e-mail is appropriate for good or neutral news, rather than making a correction. Do you agree? Moreover, if you were the recipient of the correction, how would you respond? The only people who should be included in an e-mail are those who need to know or respond. Including everyone is rude and unprofessional as well as annoying to recipients. It’s not like we don’t have enough in our inbox already. I don’t agree that e-mail is only for good or neutral news, however. Sometimes you need to alert people or create a record of bad news. But no one should use e-mail to blame other people. If you’ve got a problem with someone, pick up the phone or take it outside (for a coffee, not a fist fight…geez). As for how to respond, e-mail is usually ineffective for resolving conflict. Have a conversation with the sender and explain why his or her approach isn’t the best and what you recommend.

Letter 2 January 14, 2018 | 9:24 pm It’s the start of a new year and I believe it’s time for a change. What’s the best way to explain to a prospective employer that you are in need of something new without seeming flighty and without complaining about your current employer? The new year is as good a time as any to take stock, but not the only reason for making a change. At least, that’s not what you communicate to a prospective employer. Your reason for looking for a new job is less important to your new employer than why you want to work there. Needing a change might be the catalyst(催化剂), but the job search is like dating, and you wouldn’t ask someone out and explain you’re just bored in your current relationship, right? At least I hope not, otherwise you’re likely to be as lonely as Barry Manilow sounds when he sings “It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve”.

1. What is discussed in the first letter?

A．How to ask questions in a polite way.	B．How to respond to a false charge.
C．How to make a correction at work.	D．How to handle rude mass emails at work.

2. According to Greg, expressing your dissatisfaction with your present job in an interview would be the same as __________.

A．talking about your family issues in public

B．complaining about your prior partner on a first date

C．demonstrating your qualifications to your new boss

D．bragging about your experience to your partner

3. It can be inferred that “go to greg” mainly offers advice on people’s __________.

A．career choices	B．social relationships
C．working problems	D．health problems

10 . To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real. It is no use starting late in life to say “I will take an interest in this or that.” Such an attempt only aggravates the strain of mental effort. A man may acquire great knowledge of topics unconnected with his daily work, and yet hardly get any benefit or relief. It is no use doing what you like; you have got to like what you do.

Broadly speaking, human beings may be divided into three classes: those whoare toiledto death, those who are worried to death and those who are bored to death. It is no use offering the manual labourer, tired out with a hard week’s sweat and effort, the chance of playing a game of football or baseball on Saturday afternoon. It is no use inviting the politician or the professional or business man, who has been working or worrying about serious things for six days, to work or worry about trifling things at the weekend. As for the unfortunate people who can command everything they want, who can gratify every caprice and lay their hands on almost every object of desire — for them a new pleasure, a new excitement is only an additional satiation. In vain they rush frantically round from place to place, trying to escape from the avenging boredom by mere clatter and motion. For them discipline in one form or another is the most hopeful path.

It may also be said that rational, industrious, useful human beings are divided into two classes: first, those whose work is work and whose pleasure is pleasure; and secondly, those whose work and pleasure are one. Of these the former are the majority. They have their compensations. The long hours in the office or the factory bring with them as their reward, not only the means of sustenance, but a keen appetite for pleasure even in its simplest and most modest forms. But Fortune’s favoured children belong to the second class. Their life is a natural harmony. For them the working hours are never long enough. Each day is a holiday, and ordinary holidays when they come are grudged as enforced interruptions in an absorbing vacation. Yet to both classes the need of an alternative outlook, of a change of atmosphere, of a diversion of effort, is essential. Indeed, it may well be that those whose work is their pleasure are those who most need the means of banishing it at intervals from their mind.

1. What does “are toiled” in the 2^ndparagraph mean?

A．have hobbies	B．feel pleased
C．work very hard	D．are busy

2. Which is NOT true based on the first two paragraphs?

A．Being late in life to attempt to cultivate hobbies adds to mental stress.

B．Great knowledge irrelevant to the daily work can’t guarantee benefit.

C．Those tired out for a week’s labour are reluctant to play football on weekends.

D．Unfortunate people need discipline to help them build up hope.

3. For those whose work is work and whose pleasure is pleasure, they ______.

A．are very willing to work long hours in the office or the factory

B．earn a large amount of money due to their hard work for a long time

C．are keen to enjoy the pleasure when they are off duty

D．usually enjoy themselves in the simplest and most modest forms

4. Which statement will the author agree with according to the 3^rdparagraph?

A．The first class are lazy and the second class are bound to succeed.

B．The second class never need holidays because their life is harmonious.

C．The minority are more favoured by fortune because they never stop working.

D．One really needs alternation for a change in order to work better.