1 . Jenn Larson was just 14 years old when she took over the bookkeeping for her family’s dairy farm near Firth, Idaho. She soon saw firsthand how challenging it was for her parents, who lacked any college education, to properly manage the unpredictable earnings of farming. This started a lifelong passion for finance, and it led her down an unexpected path to becoming a role model she never had.

Yet, such ambitions ran in obvious contrast to everything familiar to her. “I didn’t have any advisors,” Larson says. “I didn’t have anyone to look up to for a professional example. All the women I associated with were stay-at-home moms.” Despite having parents who couldn’t fully understand her ambitions, Larson went to the BYU Marriott School, where she earned a business degree and focused much of her coursework on international finance.

Larson worked for seven years as a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual, advising clients on important financial decisions. Larson returned to BYU Marriott in 2008 to earn an MBA, and accepted a position in the school as an assistant professor following her graduation. For more than a decade, Larson has taught finance classes to undergraduate and MBA students. While she teaches finance, Larson tries to help her students see how mastering finance principles can also impact their personal lives.

Constantly balancing motherhood and work, Larson makes adjustments to the way she teaches. She gave birth to her first three children in three years while teaching at BYU Marriott, wondering at times if labor might start while in front of a class full of students. During the pandemic, Larson taught online classes from her dining room table while taking care of a newborn and other young children at home.

As a female instructor in the often male-dominated finance industry, Larson works to inspire other women who seek a similar path to hers. Larson became the role model that she never had — the example that a 14-year-old girl staring at a farming expense sheet couldn’t find. Now, Labor on’s children and students will always have that example.

1. What motivated Larson to major in finance?

A．Her experience of managing accounts.

B．Her strong desire for college education.

C．The high expectations from her parents.

D．The challenging labor on her dairy farm.

2. What problem did Larson face when she decided to study finance?

A．She had no one to ask for advice.

B．She was unsure about the coursework.

C．She was misunderstood by her neighbours.

D．She was unfamiliar with everything at school.

3. What does the underlined word “labor” in paragraph 4 probably mean?

A．The work of looking after a baby.

B．The process of dealing with students.

C．The process of giving birth to a baby.

D．The work of adjusting teaching methods.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Following Your Interest

B．Balancing Work and Family

C．Becoming Your Own Role Model

D．Seeking a Way to Become a Role Model

3 . You hate me. You don’t even know me and you hate me. Before we’ve even spoken, you hate me. At least that’s how it feels on my end of the call as a female collections officer at a call center.

I dread the moment when I have to log on to our phone system first thing in the morning because I never know who is going to be on the other end of that call.

Sometimes it’s an easy task. The caller is pleasant and has accepted personal responsibility for their debts, and we get through the phone call with ease. Then there are the ones who call in looking for a fight, or looking for someone to blame. Through the luck of the phone system, that person is me.

I’ve had people who shout at me, call me horrible names, accuse me personally of taking their money and threaten me. Why? I think it’s because I am invisible. I think I would be treated with the same level of disrespect if we were face to face. Fortunately for me, I have had years of experience in customer service, so I’m fairly rich in not letting the negative encounters bother me.

The biggest and most effective skill when it comes to the job is empathy (同理心). I can appreciate the situation which the caller is in because I’ve been there. That’s why I’m good at my job — I understand what you’re going through, and I’m here to help.

Some days though, no matter how much I try to leave the stress behind when I hang up the phone, it stays with me. I may do some deep breathing, go for a quick walk or simply stick my head outside for a burst of fresh air. I do this so I don’t carry that negativity on to my next call. That next call may be a person having the worst day of their life, but I don’t want to ever be the one who makes it worse. We are all humans just trying to get by in life, which makes you and me equal. So please, the next time we talk, remember that.

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

A．Enjoy.

B．Fear.

C．Expect.

D．Avoid.

2. Why does the author think some callers treat her badly?

A．They get angry too easily.	B．They blame her for their debts.
C．They do not see her as a real person.	D．They accuse her of taking their money.

3. Why does the author think she is good at her job?

A．She can offer callers best advice.	B．She is always respected by callers.
C．She can put herself in others’ shoes.	D．She isn’t easily influenced by negativity.

4. What is the author’s main purpose in writing this text?

A．To call for understanding of her job.	B．To explain why she is good at her job.
C．To introduce what she is responsible for.	D．To complain about her being treated badly.

4 . 阅读短文，并按照题目要求用英语回答问题。

Every child has a dream of what they want to be, right? When Renee Butts was little, her dream was to become a volunteer firefighter because her father was one. Sadly, when she was 14, her beloved father passed away and she was unable to do volunteer work with him. However, she was determined and never gave up, which makes for a good firefighter.

Now Renee is a member of the Carmel Fire Department, where she is required to be an Emergency Medical Technician. She should also be ready to deal with any emergency, like fighting a fire, dealing with a car accident or helping someone who’s sick. Sometimes she is in the driver’s seat or using the water pump. Renec works nine to eleven days a month on 24-hour shifts. She also has a family to care for, as her husband is also a busy firefighter. Dealing with housework and working so much can show her great determination.

When I asked Renee what the best part of her job is, she replied, “Helping people and the satisfaction of saving lives.” I think that shows signs of being a true hero. She’s always willing to do anything for anyone in need. Renee says that her job is frightening at times, but extremely exciting. “The worst part of my job is that I see death. Actually, sometimes, people die in the accident, for which I was very sorry,” said Renee.

I was inspired by this because I know I would be very scared to do her job and don’t know if I could handle seeing people die. With 140 people in her station, Renee is one of the only three women, but that doesn’t bother her. She says everyone gets a fair shot and they all do the same jobs.

We would never live without people like her who have the courage to risk their lives. Renee’s determination rubs off on me and helps me believe that I can do anything.

1. What’s Renee’s job in the Carmel Fire Department? (No more than 5 words)
2. What makes Renee balance between doing housework and working so much? (No more than 5 words)
3. Why does the author-think Renee Butts is a true hero? (No more than 15 words)
4. How do you understand the underlined part in Paragraph 4?(No more than 5 words)
5. What do you think of Renee? Please give your reasons. (No more than 25 words)

5 . The workplace can be a perfect breeding-ground for “Misergonia”,also called desk rage (愤怒). It's a condition in which a series of noises and disorders cause people distress.

Sounds are often the trigger for Misergonia. The routine fire-alarm test is a case in point.“Attention please, attention please,” shouts a voice that is impossible to ignore.    1    For example, every office has its share of keyboard thumpers-people whose goal seems to be not producing a document but destroying the equipment.

    2    “This is a point that has already been made,” is how weirdly large numbers of people start to make a point. Why not just say "I don't value your time?"

Small IT failures are a fact of office life, but they can still be soul-destroying. The printer just doesn’t work.    3    Your cursor(光标)is just there, but when you move your mouse towards it, nothing happens.“Either your cursor is in a coma or the battery has run out,” offers up a colleague helpfully. Someone else fills the gap.“This is a point that has already been made.”they begin.

    4    It starts innocently enough, with someone asking for help with a problem. In come one or two replies, and then suddenly, a shower, as if nothing else mattered other than answering this one question. There are replies to replies, and replies to replies to replies. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves hugely, but there is always a silent, suffering group.

Individual workers have their own triggers. There is no cure for Misergonia. The workplace is a collection of people keeping in touch in different ways. Their habits and noises turn into something familiar for some colleagues but annoying for others.    5    

A．You'd better ask them for help.

B．And then there is the reply-all email.

C．Other noises are not so loud but just as annoying.

D．Or the mouse that gives up at just the wrong moment.

E．Nowadays, the computer has become an essential tool.

F．The only release is to try to be understanding and get used to it.

G．Verbal phrases(口头禅)are another headache for Misergonia sufferers.

6 . Benedict Morelli, one of New York’s top-rated lawyers, owns Morelli Law Firm, which has offices, lawyers, cases and experts all over the country. Benedict Morelli and his team of experienced lawyers are expert at handling a wide variety of cases, from auto and truck accidents, to construction injuries, to complex employment discrimination.

One critical reason for their success is that unlike many firms, Morelli Law has the experience, patience, and resources to pursue all difficult cases. Since founding the firm, Mr. Morelli and his team have successfully dealt with an impressive list of outstanding cases in the industry. In fact, they have delivered more than a billion dollars on behalf of their clients. Impressive firm results include a $95 million settlement in a sexual discrimination case involving Aaron’s Inc., as well as a $62 million settlement for Mark Perez, a construction worker who fell from a roof and suffered a brain injury.

When asked whether they would feel afraid when facing difficult opponents in court, “At my core, I’m a trial lawyer,” said Benedict Morelli. “Because of our experience and accomplishments in the courtroom, our opponents know that we’re prepared to pursue the best result possible. Going to trial does not intimidate us.”

The firm is devoted to realizing its clients’ goals both inside and outside of the courtroom. For example, in a drunk driving case, the firm worked with the client to strengthen New York laws that punish drunk drivers. This effort has made it easier for lawyers in New York to charge drunk drivers. Moreover, Mr. Moreli and his team are also committed to helping those who have been wronged achieve the justice they deserve, no matter the difficulty of the circumstances.

Corporations are powerful actors in society and Mr. Morelli and his team feel fortunate to be in a position to provide the highest level of service to their clients.

1. What contributes to Morelli Law Firm’s success?

A．Talents, Strategies and funds.

B．Attitude, passion and resolution.

C．Experience, patience and resources.

D．Management, devotion and knowledge.

2. What does the underlined word “intimidate” in paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Scare.

B．Threaten.

C．Benefit.

D．Excite.

3. What can we learn about the company Morelli Law Firm?

A．It has made more than a billion dollars from their clients.

B．It focuses mainly on bringing justice to the wrongful cases.

C．It aims to help clients obtain good outcomes in and out of court.

D．It works with New York to pass laws on banning drinking alcohol.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the passage?

A．Morelli Law Firm	B．A top-rated lawyer
C．Morelli and his cases	D．Corporations in society

7 . It is commonly thought that productivity involves doing several things at once.     1     Newport, the author of Deep Work, describes the benefits of focusing on one thing and doing it with excellence. He explains deep work as “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively (认知地) demanding task.”     2    

According to Newport, deep work is an invaluable skill in today’s economy. It allows you to learn difficult things quickly. Most people are distracted when they work, so if you learn to work without distraction, that gives you an advantage.     3     Developing excellence in one’s craft can be deeply satisfying.

It’s important to schedule deep work into your day. Otherwise, it’s easy to let your time fill up with shallow work. Newport recommends doing deep work as your first task of the day.     4     Shallow work does need to get done, but if you save it for later in the day, you can get your deep work done, too.

Because deep work is by definition cognitively demanding, you won’t be able to do it all day. Beginners can usually only focus on deep work for approximately an hour, and even experts have trouble going more than four hours.     5     If you really focus, you’ll be surprised at how much you accomplish in a few hours.

A．So set reasonable goals for yourself.

B．Concentration is an increasingly valuable skill.

C．That way you get it done before distractions build up.

D．But the secret to success is the opposite of multitasking.

E．Without smartphones, you fall into deep work more easily.

F．It also enables you to produce to the best of your ability and acquire new skills quickly.

G．It differs from shallow work, which consists of simple tasks performed while distracted.

9 . “Thank you for letting me observe your classes. It was an unusual experience,” the email began, which got my heart racing.

I am an industry scientist, and in my spare time I was teaching a course for computer science students at a local university. By that point in the semester, I hadn't asked the students to solve any technical problems or even open their computers. Instead, I taught them teamwork and communication and skills they’d need in industry. My approach caught the attention of the university, so a teaching expert appeared in my class. This made me wonder whether university officials would agree with the unique view I brought from industry—or remove me from the classroom.

I thought of these lessons when I started to develop the university class. The part-time role was appealing because I was eager to share my expertise and get back to working with students. But I didn’t want to use my old teaching style, which focused on lectures and whiteboard exercises. I wanted to develop the same qualities I was looking for in job candidates at my company.

I decided to use games and challenges to encourage teamwork and creativity. In one, students had to work together to decide how to survive a tough desert environment. In another, they built the tallest structure they could out of spaghetti and candies. The teaching expert sat in on one such class.

I worried they might have been taken aback(吓到). But after that unsettling opening, their email was positive: “I understand the important message you're conveying,” they wrote. “Today's industry is about people, not just computers. Keep up the good work.” Hearing that my teaching had a positive impact on their career paths was truly rewarding.

In the end, education is not just about sharing knowledge. It's also about helping students develop soft skills that will help them succeed wherever they plan to go, be it academia or industry.

1. What made the author's heart race?

A．Uneasiness.

B．Excitement.

C．Heart failure.

D．Lack of sleep.

2. Why did an expert come to the author's class?

A．To teach communication skills.	B．To take over the author's work.
C．To learn about the author's teaching.	D．To help solve technical problems.

3. What does the author teach in class?

A．Survival skills.

B．Soft skills.

C．Game design.

D．Book knowledge.

4. What can we infer about the teaching expert?

A．He has a great impact on the author's career.

B．He attaches importance to sharing knowledge.

C．He points out the leading role of the computer.

D．He shares the same teaching idea with the author.

10 . I was driving when my phone alerted me to a new email. Filled with eager anticipation, I pulled over, turned on my hazard lights, and opened it. My emotions quickly changed as I learned, for the sixth and final time, that I had been denied a promotion to full professor. My institution didn’t seem to value what I brought to the table. But when I told my family that night, my children offered a surprisingly positive response. They were excited to see what I was going to do next, they said. They apparently knew long before I did that losing my bid for a promotion would turn out to be the best thing that could have happened for me.

This had been the final step in a long process spanning 15 months and involving so much effort. I had started by studying successful promotion bids and asking senior scholars for frank discussions about my readiness. I had carefully prepared my application packet, summarizing everything I had achieved in my career. For more than a year, I had spent hours every day trying to prove my worth to my university.

To my surprise, having a final answer brought a welcome sense of closure. As a first step toward healing, I decided to prioritize my own values and follow my own internal compass. I disconnected from people in my life who violated my values, cultivated my relationships with those who share my priorities and bring out the best in me, and spent more time with my family. I founded a nonprofit that helps first-generation and low-income students and young professionals advance in the workforce while serving their community. The initiative had long been a dream of mine, but I never pursued it because typical academic hiring and promotion don’t reward such efforts. Now, such considerations were no longer my North Star.

Five months after that email from top leadership, I found myself in the car again, experiencing another career-defining moment. I may have lost my bid for a big promotion, but in the end, it brought me to the right place.

1. What did the author feel after he read the email?

A．Anxious and annoyed.	B．Embarrassed and ashamed.
C．Relieved and peaceful.	D．Disappointed and sorrowful.

2. What is the second paragraph mainly about?

A．What contributions the writer had made.	B．What preparations the writer had made.
C．How successful the career had been.	D．How tiring the process had been.

3. Which of the following would the writer probably agree with?

A．Success is more than a title or a rank.

B．One’s internal compass is to be developed.

C．Serving the community may heal a broken heart.

D．One’s real value first lies in his family interaction.

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．Emails: my North Star

B．Full professor: a double-edged sword

C．A career setback becomes a great opportunity

D．An academic career witnesses a failed promotion