1 . Summer Reading
Here are some good books to read in the coming summer vacation!
Houdini and Me
Harry Mancini is an 11-year-old boy in New York City. He has read every book he can find about the great magician Harry Houdini. He has the same first name as Houdini and lives in a house where the magician once lived. One day, something happened… Anyone would love Houdini and Me, by Dan Gutman.
Paradise on Fire
In Paradise on Fire, by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Addy is a 15-year-old girl who lives with her grandmother in the Bronx, in New York City. When she was young, Addy escaped from an apartment fire that killed her parents. Now she draws maps of the places she visits. When a fire breaks out at the wilderness camp she attends, Addy knows what to do. Will Addy be able to lead other campers to safety?
Chunky
Chunky, by Yehudi Mercdo, is a colorful memoir (传记). When the author was a kid, his parents and doctor encouraged him to be more active. Hudi tries various sports. But they all take Hudi away from the thing that he truly loves: comedy. His imaginary friend, Chunky, appears throughout the story to help Hudi achieve his dreams. Chunky is a great book for kids trying to find where they might fit in.
Black Boy Joy
The short stories in Black Boy Joy, edited by Kwame Mbalia, celebrate the pleasures of Black childhood. There are also stories about triumphs (胜利) and competitions. Most are short, with simple plots. You don’t have to read a giant book all in one go. You can take it a little at a time.
1. Whose book is about a girl who experienced a terrible fire?| A．Dan Gutman’s. | B．Kwame Mbalia’s. |
| C．Jewell Parker Rhodes’. | D．Yehudi Mercado’s. |
| A．He used to be very active. |
| B．He is fond of various sports. |
| C．He has a real friend to help him achieve his dreams. |
| D．He follows his true love of comedy. |
| A．To recommend some good books. |
| B．To share some methods of reading books. |
| C．To persuade people to buy some good books. |
| D．To emphasize the importance of reading. |
1. Who can get free books from the program?
| A．Preschool children. | B．Primary school students. | C．High school students. |
| A．Donate some books. |
| B．Register for the program for Henry. |
| C．Introduce the program to those in need. |
3 . A recent study suggests that when it comes to the benefits of reading, just doing it matters more than the content. Researchers have found that reading novels helps the brain development in understanding others and imagining the world. They also have found that people who spend a few hours per week reading books live longer than those who don’t read.
But how to build a habit of reading? Like any habit, the trick is in figuring out what suits you. The hardest part about reading is actually picking up a book. You have to sit down, pick up a book and start reading. “I always have a book next to wherever I put my phone,” My friend Jimmy once told me. “So if I want to check my phone, I physically can see the book there. Nine times out of ten. I end up reading the book instead of using my phone for nothing.”
Another challenge is time and in that case, audiobooks (有声书) can be a good choice. Audiobooks are great for filling the mind while you’re on the way to work, washing dishes or working out at the gym.
If you’re still stuck on the way to developing a reading habit, the best way is to revisit your old favorite books to get your youthful reading pleasure. You should free yourself from the opinion that only important or educational books are worth reading. There’s no shame in rereading the books that made you fall in love with reading in the first place. Restarting the practice of reading is a little like picking up painting. It takes some work to get into the best state, but once you begin, the results are beautiful and satisfying.
1. What is the most difficult part in forming the reading habit?| A．Mastering reading skills. | B．Getting a great book. |
| C．Finding a comfortable place. | D．Getting reading started. |
| A．They are time-saving. | B．They provide more pleasure. |
| C．They help brain develop. | D．They offer more book choices. |
| A．It leads your way to reading. | B．It is cheap to get. |
| C．It improves the taste for art. | D．It can increase your patience. |
| A．Methods of Killing Free Time | B．Advantages of Using Audiobooks |
| C．Ways to Choose Educational Books | D．Tips on Developing a Reading Habit |
| A．Science fiction. | B．Horror fiction. | C．Romantic fiction. |
5 . The first time you start to read a poem, you must relax and read through it without concentrating on its meaning. Imagine you are meeting a person for the first time. You will just observe him and listen to his voice, as well as watch his shapes or movements, but you have not yet known what he is all about. Likewise, you may enjoy the sound, rhythms, or wording, and form some first impressions about a poem.
On your second reading, you should concentrate more on the general meaning of the poem. This time, you will want to compare your feelings about the poem by now with how you felt before. Are they the same? What is different and why?
Your third reading will focus more on details: the words, phrases, or images. Looking up any unfamiliar words in a dictionary so that you can gain a more accurate understanding. Using the example given above about meeting someone, his image will change gradually and slightly as you meet and learn more about him. Therefore, in your additional readings, it is a good idea to compare your understanding each time with the understanding before.
A helpful approach to further understanding a poem is to summarize it in your own words. Compare your version of understanding with those of others reading the same poem, and listen to how they form such opinions. Remember, however, that there is no exact or right meaning for a poem, as most poets have admitted they themselves are not exactly sure what they meant when writing certain lines or phrases; they have even been heard to say on occasion that sometimes words just seem to “drop from heaven” and land on the page. That is what awakening the imagination is all about. If you are lucky, and if you practice enough, magical things may happen when you write and you may be able to produce a beautiful poem or other work of art yourself.
1. Why does the author give the example of “meeting a person” ?| A．To arouse readers’ interest | B．To support his argument |
| C．To offer some advice | D．To interpret his point |
| A．General meaning. | B．Rhythm beauty. |
| C．Deeper meaning. | D．Poetic structure. |
| A．Poets themselves don’t understand their poems. |
| B．Beautiful poems drop from heaven occasionally. |
| C．Poetic meanings are open to different explanations. |
| D．Writing a summary helps understand a poem. |
| A．Inspiration and hard work help create great poems. |
| B．Poetry is an expression of one’s will in words. |
| C．Practice and patience make a man perfect. |
| D．Luck marches with those who give their very best. |
6 . Wonder was published in February of 2012 and was R.J. Palacio’s first novel. One day Palacio took her son to buy ice cream and saw him cry when a girl with facial birth deformities (畸形) sat next to him. Later, while listening to Natalie Merchant’s song “Wonder”, Palacio reflected on the situation and began writing the novel, hoping that a tense scene from her own life could turn into a valuable lesson.
The story centers around Auggie, a ten-year-old boy. Auggie doesn’t look like the rest of us. He was born with a facial deformity that has caused the first person who ever sees him to faint (晕倒). When Auggie’s parents sent him to a regular school, he must face the challenges of fitting in with his classmates and dealing with bullying (霸凌) and exclusion. Along the way. Auggie makes new friends, learns to cope with his condition, and teaches others about the power of acceptance and kindness.
The book is divided into several parts, each told by a different character, allowing the reader to see the events through the eyes of various characters. The themes of acceptance, kindness, and family relationships are central to the book’s messages. However, some readers may find the plot predictable, and others might want a more diverse and inclusive cast of characters.
Despite this, Wonder is a beautifully written and deeply affecting book that offers a powerful message of sympathy and acceptance. By exploring the experiences of Auggie and those around him, the book encourages readers to see beyond appearances and embrace our differences. Its themes and messages are both timely and timeless, and its impact on readers of all ages is undeniable.
1. Where did R.J. Palacio’s inspiration for Wonder come from?| A．Her son’s love for ice cream. | B．A song for kids with deformities. |
| C．A story she read in a newspaper. | D．Her encounter with a disabled girl. |
| A．He suffered a lot at school. | B．He used to be a school bully. |
| C．He is unsociable at school. | D．He dislikes the regular school. |
| A．The simple theme. | B．Wonder’s being beautifully written. |
| C．The predictable plot. | D．Readers’ having different opinions. |
| A．Objective and plain. | B．Touching and instructive. |
| C．Serious and hard to follow. | D．Humorous and straightforward. |
7 . You can either travel or read, but either your body or soul must be on the way. The popular saying has inspired many people to read or go sightseeing. Traveling just like reading, is a refreshing journey from the busy world. Books, brain food, can keep you company on your travel.
On the Road, 1957, by Jack Kerouac
The book is a globally popular spiritual guide book about youth. The main character in the book drives across the US continent with several young people and finally reaches Mexico. After the exhausting and exciting trip, the characters in the book begin to realize the meaning of life. The book can be a good partner with you to explore the United States.
Life is Elsewhere, 1975, by Milan Kundera
Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said, “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” The book tells a young artist’s romantic but miserable life, about how he reads, dreams, and has a relationship. Experience the artist’s passionate life in the book during a trip to Central Europe. The book invites you to deeply reflect on your current life.
The Stories of Sahara, 1967, by Sanmao
The book narrates the author’s simple but adventurous life in the Sahara Desert, which seems a desolate and dull place. The fancy natural scenery and life there, along with the author’s romantic and intensive emotion, will inspire you to explore the mysterious land. Reading the book is like participating in a dialogue with the author, who is sincere and humorous.
Lotus, 2006 by Annbaby
This novel set in Tibet, tells three people’s stories, each with their unique characteristics. It shows modern people’s emotions and inner life, their confusion about love and exploration of Buddhism. The book is a good partner to bring you to the sacred land Tibet.
1. Which book is about the exploration of life meaning through a journey?| A．On the Road. | B．Life is Elsewhere. |
| C．The Stories of Sahara. | D．Lotus. |
| A．Jack Kerouac’s. | B．Milan Kundera’s. | C．Sanmao’s. | D．Annbaby’s. |
| A．To advertise four travel guidebooks. |
| B．To introduce four novels about travelling. |
| C．To arouse readers’interest in reading books. |
| D．To recommend four books you can take on your trip. |
8 . The UK is home to 26 world-ranked universities of the top 200 globally. At the heart of each university is the library, a space for students to access resources, absorb knowledge and gather thoughts. Here are some of our must-visit libraries across the UK.
The British Library, London
Located in London, the British Library is home to over 170 million items. The collections offer a glimpse into literary heritage over the ages, from books to maps to manuscripts. Visitors can browse treasures including Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook. Students with a reading pass are known to spend hours at a time in the reading rooms.
Bodleian Old Library, Oxford
Dating back to 1488, the Bodleian Old Library has three notable reading rooms. It is celebrated for its late Gothic architecture. You may recognize the elaborately carved ceiling from scenes in Harry Potter. Students at the university automatically get access to the library.
John Rylands Library, Manchester
Opened in 1900, this library is part of the University of Manchester, one of the top five universities in the UK. This library offers limitless research potential for students. Whether you want to make use of the rich collections available, or simply explore the site, this library should be on everyone’s must-see list.
The Mitchell Library, Glasgow
The Mitchell Library is one of Glasgow’s most famous landmarks. On the top of the copper dome (圆屋顶) is a bronze statue of the Roman goddess, Minerva. Visitors can climb the dome for the city’s most distinctive rooftop views.
1. Which library requires a reading pass to enter the reading room?| A．The British Library. | B．The Mitchell Library. |
| C．John Rylands Library. | D．Bodleian Old Library. |
| A．join research groups |
| B．admire Gothic architecture |
| C．enjoy Glasgow’s rooftop views |
| D．refer to Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook |
| A．Culture. | B．Fashion. | C．Science. | D．Entertainment. |
“This Saturday, we’ll be visiting cats at the animal shelter. If you’d like to join us, here’s an application form”, said Ms. Delgado, the school librarian who had held the reading engagement event for students.
Ben loved cats and he had always wanted one, so he hurried to take an application form. Then Ms. Delgado added, “We’ll be reading to the cats and award readers who make most progress.” Ben stopped. Reading al oud can be a challenging task. Ben might feel his heart racing, his palms sweating, and his voice shaking as he read. He might stumble over words or lose his place in the text. He might feel like everyone was watching him and judging him. Still, he really wanted to visit the cats, so he took an application form anyway.
On Saturday, Ben arrived at the shelter with some of his classmates. “This is Max,” the shelter worker told Ben as she handed him a gray cat. Ben carried Max to a beanbag chair and sat down. Max settled onto his lap. He took a book he’d been working on and started reading. Max, very different from other cats walking around the room while the kids read, purred (发出呼噜声) on his lap as if he had understood what Ben read.
“I’m glad Max is staying and listening to my reading and he is the best cat ever,” Ben told Dad excitedly. “I’m glad you two are friends,” Dad said. All week, Ben’s heart was filled with anxiety as he waited for Saturday to arrive. He was eager to read to Max and the anticipation of spending time with his feline (猫咪的) friend made him restless and nervous. When it arrived, Ben got to read to Max again.
“What if someone adopts Max?” Ben asked Dad later. “I guess you’d read to a different cat,” Dad said. “But I don’t want a different cat. I wish we could adopt Max,” Ben said to Dad. He knew they couldn’t because Mom had allergies (过敏). Ben loved the cat so much that he even told his next-door neighbor, Mrs. Patel, about Max. “Max sounds like a special cat,” said Mrs. Patel.
注意：1.续写词数应为 150左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Week by week, Ben realized that reading seemed easier with Max’s company.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________But on Saturday, Ben couldn’t find Max at the shelter.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________10 . Top cookbooks of 2023
The Wok: Recipes and Techniques by J.Kenji Lopez-AltThe Wok’s appeal is not innovation; you can find many dishes like Kung Pao Shrimp and Cumin Lamb on many Chinese restaurant menus. But you don’t have to leave your home. As far as I’m concerned, it’s worth the sticker price to learn the techniques.
Turkey and the Wolf: Flavor Trippin’ in New Orleans by Mason HerefordChef Mason Hereford has put to paper some of the magic that draws locals and tourists alike to his popular New Orleans sandwich shop, Turkey and the Wolf. The cookbook is full of recipes accessible to home cooks. The meatloaf is my favorite.
Mi Cocina: Recipes and Rapture from My Kitchen in Mexico by Rick MartinezWith seven sections focused on different regions across the country, Rick Martinez guides you through some of the essential recipes for each. The recipes are lovely, but what I love most are the stories alongside each of them. Food is deeply personal and with Mi Cocina, Martinez is sharing his life in food and inviting you to come along.
I Am from Here: Stories and Recipes from a Southern Chef by Vishwesh BhattWestern India and the Southern U.S. share more culinary (烹饪的) similarities than you’d think, from rice varieties to fresh tomatoes. Here, these ingredients explode in a delicious combination of seasonings and essential cooking techniques.
1. Whose book provides guidance on Chinese cooking?| A．Rick Martinez’s. | B．Vishwesh Bhatt’s. |
| C．Mason Hereford’s. | D．J.Kenji Lopez-Alt’s. |
| A．The Wok. | B．Turkey and the Wolf. |
| C．Mi Cocina. | D．I Am from Here. |
| A．They share some stories. |
| B．They feature Indian and American food. |
| C．They stress food’s role in connecting cultures. |
| D．They emphasize the importance of fresh ingredients. |
