Uncertainty is all around us, never more so than today. Whether it concerns your health or relationships, much of what lies ahead in life remains uncertain.
We’re all different in how much uncertainty we can tolerate in life. Some people seem to enjoy taking risks and living unpredictable lives, while others find the randomness of life deeply annoying. But all of us have a limit. If you feel controlled by uncertainty and worry, it’s important to know that you’re not alone; many of us are in the same boat.
To cope with all this uncertainty, many of us use worrying as a tool for trying to predict the future and avoid unpleasant surprises. Worrying can make it seem like you have some control over uncertain circumstances. You may also believe that it will help you find a solution to your problems or prepare you for the worst. Unfortunately, long-term worrying just robs you of enjoyment in the present and weakens your energy. But there are healthier ways to cope with uncertainty.
Identify your uncertainty trigger (诱发因素). A lot of uncertainty tends to be self-generated. However, some can be generated by external sources, such as reading media stories that focus on bad news, or simply communicating with anxious friends. By recognizing your triggers, you can take action to avoid or reduce your exposure to them.
Shift your attention. Focus on solvable worries, taking action on those aspects of a problem that you can control, or simply go back to what you were doing. When the feelings of uncertainty return, refocus your mind on the present moment and your own breathing.
1. How are people different in tolerating uncertainty in life?2. Why do many people use worrying as a tool to deal with uncertainty?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
▶ Knowing the triggers of your uncertainty, you can learn to expose yourself to them.
4. What are you most uncertain about right now? How will you deal with it? (In about 40 words)
2 . “Find your passion!” is an appeal well-intended and meant to inspire. But is it good advice?
“Finding” a passion implies that it already exists and is simply waiting to be discovered. Unfortunately, this idea doesn’t square with what science tells us. Instead, passions are developed. They often begin with a spark (火花) of curiosity caused by something in one’s environment, such as a fascinating physics lecture. Through a process involving repeated engagement and-positive experiences, people can come to personally value that content or activity and internalize it. What was at first interesting becomes an interest. If these qualities continue to intensify, a passion can emerge.
Actually, assuming passion as inborn tend to cause people to be less open, less courageous in the face of challenges and less creative in pursuit of new interests. Thus, encouraging people to “find” their passion may cause them to eventually believe that interests and passions are unchangeable. People who think this have a fixed mindset of interest. By contrast, some people, whom we refer to as having a growth mindset of interest, view their interests and passions as developed.
People with a fixed mindset of interest, for example, may fall into the trap of thinking, “If I have already found my passion, why keep exploring?” In recent studies, after engaging in a new science task, arts students with a fixed mindset expressed less interest in a scientific topic than arts students with a growth mindset. Meanwhile, science students with a fixed mindset responded similarly to an art-related task. For those with a growth mindset, having a strong pre-existing interest in the arts or sciences did not get in the way of them viewing a new area as interesting.
Worse still, people with a fixed mindset of interest tend to expect their passions to provide limitless motivation, such that their favorite topics should never feel too difficult or demanding. Such a mindset can also limit creativity and innovation. If people believe they are restricted to only a few inborn interests and, in consequence, do not explore other areas, they may miss seeing important connections across different fields. That loss is especially unfortunate considering how leaders at innovative companies have long prized problem-solving that draw ideas from diverse disciplines.
Of course, not every activity will become a burning passion. But a growth mindset of interest will help you remain open and curious. The old saying “find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life” needs to be updated.
1. The author uses the sentence underlined in Paragraph 1 to ________.| A．set a target for criticism | B．point out the fact |
| C．confirm people’s finding | D．voice his opinion |
| A．Any interesting activity can spark a passion. |
| B．Companies prefer those who specialize in one field. |
| C．People with a fixed mindset of interest are hard to be motivated. |
| D．A growth mindset of interest promotes creativity and innovation. |
| A．One should count on luck to excite a burning passion. |
| B．Reinforced positive experiences contribute to passion. |
| C．Those already interested in a field find new areas boring. |
| D．We’d better cherish the existing passion and look for more. |
The word “spiritual” comes from the Latin spiritus, which means “breath.” Originally, that which was spiritual was simply that which was breathtaking. From this perspective, a spiritual experience is anything that is awe-inspiring. People of all religions—or none at all—can equally experience such awe-inspiring events. Spirituality doesn’t rely on a set system of teachings or beliefs; it is merely the joy of being present in the moment and experiencing the awe (敬畏) and wonder of living.
Definitions of ecospirituality include “an expression of the spiritual connection between human beings and the environment” and “understanding the interrelationships between all living beings on earth and recognizing their interdependency while appreciating their value for maintaining ecobalance.” Others feel ecospirituality is the connectedness between the science of ecology and spirituality. Put simply, it is the personal experience of spirituality in nature. Although definitions may vary, all point to a sense of oneness with nature, and address our basic need for reconnecting with the environment.
Although there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to ecospirituality, there are a few common concepts throughout the practice. Things like feeling connected with the universe, knowing the risks involved in creating an imbalance in the ecosystem, protecting nature—and most importantly—sensing a feeling of “awe” in learning about our environment and ecosystem are all included in ecospirituality. Embracing a way of life that honors all living beings on our planet is what ecospirituality involves.
At this point, you’re probably wondering what you can do to integrate ecospirituality into your life. And the answer is simple! Start with a daily gratitude practice, focusing on what you are grateful for in nature every day. This simple exercise will not only positively benefit your outlook on life, but it will also motivate you to take actionable steps in preserving Earth’s many gifts.
Once you have a solid gratitude practice in place, consider spending more time in nature. Studies show that something as simple as taking a mindful walk outdoors can reduce stress and overthinking. And remember to be mindful while participating in nature! The key to ecospirituality is to let our beautiful planet take your breath away. And how can you do that if you don’t stop to smell the roses?
1. What is spirituality?2. How does a daily gratitude practice affect people?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
▷Ecospirituality involves various aspects such as experiencing a sense of connection with the universe and ignoring the risks of creating an imbalance in the ecosystem.
4. What else can you do in daily life to better connect with nature? (In about 40 words)
4 . I love my father. He’s the parent who I thought understood me. But when I was growing up, he was
One day my father was working at his desk. I
Moments later, he appeared at the top of the stairs,
My sense that I couldn’t reach my father stayed with me even when I was grown. Well into adulthood, I felt that I could never
The
I really cherish my father’s stories and will pass them on to the next generation.
1.| A．rarely | B．merely | C．frequently | D．gradually |
| A．watch | B．follow | C．share | D．support |
| A．impression | B．attention | C．explanation | D．presentation |
| A．approached | B．ignored | C．monitored | D．comforted |
| A．Concerned | B．Experienced | C．Disappointed | D．Absorbed |
| A．annoyed | B．depressed | C．scared | D．bored |
| A．crossed | B．spread | C．swung | D．moved |
| A．apologized | B．complained | C．hesitated | D．joked |
| A．view | B．message | C．voice | D．scene |
| A．cut back on | B．make up for | C．keep up with | D．look forward to |
| A．change | B．success | C．tradition | D．silence |
| A．but | B．or | C．for | D．so |
| A．proposed | B．discovered | C．recalled | D．predicted |
| A．serious | B．confident | C．eager | D．reasonable |
| A．reminding | B．pushing | C．requiring | D．inviting |
5 . A new study featuring researchers at Binghamton University found that viewing wealth and material possessions as a sign of success produces significantly better results to life satisfaction than viewing wealth and possessions as a sign of happiness.
“People simply say ‘money can’t buy you happiness’ and just assume that materialism has a negative influence on overall well-being,” said Jenny Jiao, assistant professor of marketing at Binghamton University School of Management. “But it’s not that simple. There is a real difference between success materialism and happiness materialism.”
Jiao and her fellow researchers surveyed over 7,500 German adults to get their findings. They first determined if participants had either a happiness materialistic or success materialistic mindset, and then asked questions regarding current satisfaction of life, expected satisfaction of life in the future and economic motivations.
What they found:
Happiness materialism (wealth and material consumption is the sign of a happy life) can negatively influence life satisfaction in two different ways:
It can lead a person to be dissatisfied with their current standard of living, which in turn
negatively influences overall life satisfaction.
It can lead a person to not find satisfaction from other important areas of life (family life, social life, health, etc.), which negatively influences overall life satisfaction.
Success materialism (wealth and material possessions are a sign of success in life) positively influences life satisfaction by boosting (助推) a person’s economic motivation. This can lead to a rise in their future satisfaction with their standard of living, which positively influences overall life satisfaction.
The researchers cross-checked their results with survey answers from other parts of the world, including the United States, to verify (证实) the universality of the findings. “Your happiness should never rely on money alone, but money can be a tool to motivate you to achieve major milestones in your life, which can make you feel happier in the long run,” said Jiao, adding that focusing on future goals is important in order to stay driven and motivated.
She also cautioned to forget about the other aspects of life that bring satisfaction. “Never lose sight of the other things that provide happiness that don’t necessarily have monetary (货币的) value. These include family, friends, your health, continual learning and new experiences,” she said.
1. What did researchers at Binghamton University find in their new study?| A．Materialism has a negative influence on people’s overall well-being. |
| B．Success materialism and happiness materialism are the same to some extent. |
| C．Regarding material possessions as a mark of success contributes to better life satisfaction. |
| D．Viewing wealth and possessions as a sign of happiness positively leads to overall well-being. |
| A．The survey result only applies to participants from Germany and the United States. |
| B．One’s current standard of living has nothing to do with his overall life satisfaction. |
| C．Family life and social life are two more important factors than wealth and success. |
| D．Boosting one’s economic motivation may positively influence his life satisfaction. |
| A．If you want to keep motivated, you should concentrate on money alone. |
| B．Money can help you achieve major milestones, and thus make you happier. |
| C．Forget about the other aspects of life that bring satisfaction if you want to be happy. |
| D．Things that don’t have monetary value should be the focus of your pursuit of happiness. |
| A．Wealth can lead to more satisfying life if viewed as a sign of success not happiness. |
| B．Material possessions viewed as a sign of happiness are vital but always overlooked. |
| C．Family, friends, health, continual learning and new experiences can lead to success. |
| D．Satisfaction of life and economic motivations hardly contribute to our happiness. |
6 . Psychologists tell us our self-image defines what we believe we can and cannot do. Each of us over the years has built up belief about ourselves: Unconsciously, our pictures of who we are have been formed by past experiences. Our successes and failures, what others have told us and what we think people believe about us all help form impressions of what we think we are. Because self-image is so important in our growth, it is important to examine our concepts of self in order to reach our full potential.
Changing our self-image is possible: Some psychologists suggest we begin to change our self-image by mentally picturing ourselves performing well at some task. Since we presently react to things based on our present images, it’s suggested that we replace those with better ones. In many experiments, people were asked to sit quietly for a few minutes each day and imagine themselves doing well. For instance, subjects would sit and imagine themselves throwing darts at a bull’s-eye on a target. Over a period of weeks, their dart game improved. This has been done with people who wanted to play chess better, throw a ball more accurately increase their salesmanship or musical talents, and improve many other skills. In most cases, remarkable improvement is made.
The point of changing self-image is not to develop an image of ourselves that is not real. To try to become something we really aren’t is just as wrong as living the unrealistic, inferior image we may have. The aim is to find the real self, to bring our mental images of ourselves in line with our true potential. However, it is generally accepted among psychologists that most of us fail to do justice to ourselves. We’re usually better than we think we are.
Another important part of changing self-image is to not think about past mistakes.Don’t let failures do harm. Our errors or humiliation over mistakes are necessary steps in learning. It is all right to make mistakes. But when they have taught us what we did wrong, we should forget them and not dwell on them. Sometimes we keep remembering our failures or mistakes and feel guilty or embarrassed about them. We let them take over, and then we develop a fear.
It is important to have realistic expectations of ourselves. Some of our dissatisfaction might come from expecting too much of ourselves. If we demand constant perfection in everything we do, we can be disappointed and our poor self- image will continue. If our goal is to reach perfection, we are doomed from the start.
1. Which situation agrees with the idea of the passage?| A．To outshine his colleagues, Joe sets an idealistic goal. |
| B．To get along with her classmates, Doris always humbles herself. |
| C．To become a star player, Alex repeatedly plays back his faults in his mind. |
| D．To win a speech contest, Tina visualizes herself speaking more confidently. |
| A．To confirm the effect of changing self-image. |
| B．To clarify the principle of changing self-image. |
| C．To propose a new view on changing self-image. |
| D．To stress the importance of changing self-image. |
| A．They are part of our growth. |
| B．They are warnings for future. |
| C．They are tools for overcoming fear. |
| D．They are barriers to our development. |
| A．We Are What We Do |
| B．Be the Best We Can Be |
| C．We Are What We Think We Are |
| D．What We Are Decides What We Think |
One evening I was going back from a supermarket. As I approached my car, I noticed one person
1.你对中学生使用手机的看法；
2.你日常使用手机的情况。
注意：1.词数不少于50；
2.开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。
Dear Jim,
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours,
Li Hua
Managing Star Performers in High-Pressure Situations
It is generally accepted that success produces confidence, and confidence increases the ability to handle pressure. While success can indeed produce confidence, it can also increase multiply expectations and raise pressure to unhealthy levels over time.
Even the greatest performers feel pressure more than you might think. Researcher Geir Jordet studied 366 kicks from 37 penalty shootouts held at the world’s three largest soccer tournaments. His unusual finding was that superstars scored only 65% of the time vs. the 74% overall average. Even more striking, they scored far less than players who would later go on to win the same awards. These “future stars” scored 89% of the time. In short, players who have the skill but not yet the status (地位) that comes with winning a major award performed far better than those who had both the skill and status. Status, as it turns out, can be a burden.
Leading or coaching highly successful performers through a high-pressure event requires reducing the overwhelming (压倒性的) baggage that they may attach to failure. You can start to accomplish this by asking one key question: What are the things that are most important to you—that are essential to your being—and won’t change regardless of the outcome?
On May 26, 2021, outstanding tennis player Naomi Osaka announced on Twitter that due to her mental health, she would not do any press interviews at the French Open. The volume (量) of tasks and distractions that surround performance can dramatically increase pressure. And as success and status build, so does volume. The requests for Osaka’s time at the French Open in 2021 were vastly greater than they were in 2016 during her first Grand Slam event.
In response to the increase in volume, Osaka—like all of us—had two choices: accommodate more or remove the volume that was creating the most pressure. She chose the latter, which is exactly the right response to pressure that comes from volume.
Few of us will ever know the pressure of carrying the expectations of 300 million people into a physically and mentally demanding environment. But, through thoughtful conversations that aim to keep importance in viewpoint and simplify volume, we can help our own stars carry the burden of success a little more lightly.
1. What negative effects can success have?2. According to the passage, why may superstars perform worse than “future stars”?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
➢ Tennis player Naomi Osaka announced that she would not do any press interviews at the French Open because she didn’t feel well physically.
4. How do you deal with high-pressure situations in your daily life? (In about 40 words)
10 . When I was ten, we moved to a new house across town. Mark, one of the
“Can he do anything else?” I asked.
Mark was
I looked at the details. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to say.
Mark was disappointed by my response. “Show me your toys.”
I didn’t have any toys
“Xiao laohu,” I said, and stopped. I switched to English.“This is Tiger.” Cautiously, Laohu strode up and purred at Mark, sniffing his hands.
Mark
I had never thought of Laohu as
Mark pushed Obi-Wan's head again. The lightsaber flashed; he moved his arms up and down. “Use the Force!”
Laohu turned and pounced, knocking the plastic figure
“Rawwww,” Laohu laughed. I
Mark punched me, hard. “This was very expensive! You can’t even find it in the stores now. It probably cost more than what your Dad paid for your Mom!”
I stumbled and fell to the floor. Laohu growled and leapt at Mark’s face.
Mark screamed, more out of fear and surprise than
After Mark left, I spent a long time trying, without
| A．classmate | B．neighborhood | C．school | D．camp |
| A．annoyed | B．excited | C．interested | D．troubled |
| A．besides | B．except | C．until | D．before |
| A．self-excited | B．power-driven | C．strong-willed | D．sure-footed |
| A．examined | B．played | C．held | D．looked |
| A．toy | B．handicraft | C．trash | D．gift |
| A．away | B．down | C．beyond | D．off |
| A．blamed | B．applauded | C．laughed | D．joined |
| A．pain | B．sadness | C．anger | D．envy |
| A．effort | B．failure | C．difficulty | D．success |
