1 . Reading can be a social activity. Think of the people who belong to book groups. They choose books to read and then meet to discuss them. Now, the website Book Crossing.com turns the page on the traditional idea of a book group.
Members go on the site and register (登记) the books they own and would like to share. Book Crossing provides an identification number (识别码) to stick inside the book. Then the person leaves it in a public place, hoping that the book will have an adventure, traveling far and wide with each new reader who finds it.
Bruce Pederson, the managing director of Book Crossing, says, “The two things that change your life are the people you meet and books you read. Book Crossing combines both.”
Members leave books on park benches and buses, in train stations and coffee shops. Whoever finds their book will go to the site and record where they found it.
People who find a book can also leave a journal entry describing what they thought of it. E— mails are then sent to the BookCrossers to keep them updated about where their books have been found. Bruce Pederson says the idea is for people not to be selfish by keeping a book to gather dust on a shelf at home.
Book Crossing is part of a trend (趋势) among people who want to get back to the “real” and not the virtual (虚拟).The site now has more than one million members in more than one hundred thirty—five countries.
1. Why does the author mention book groups in the first paragraph?| A．To explain what they are. | B．To introduce Book Crossing. |
| C．To stress the importance of reading. | D．To encourage readers to share their ideas. |
| A．An adventure. | B．A public place. |
| C．The book. | D．The identification number. |
| A．Keep it safe in his bookcase. | B．Mail it back to its owner. |
| C．Meet other readers to discuss it. | D．Pass it on to another reader. |
| A．Online Reading: A Virtual Tour | B．Electronic Books: A New Trend |
| C．A Book Group Brings Tradition Back | D．A Website Links People through Books |
2 . World Book Day falls on April 23rd every year, but do you know that it is also Shakespeare Day? Everybody may have heard of Shakespeare, but do you know how many plays he wrote?
Shakespeare’s plays have three kinds: tragedies, comedies and histories. His most famous play is the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet, which deals with two young lovers who are not allowed to marry by their parents. It was best-known to people. Other tragedies include Hamlet, Othello, and Macbethd.
Shakespeare’s comedies include Much Ado About Nothing,A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night. Twelfth Night is a play about unclear identities. Two twins are shipwrecked (遭海难) and the sister, Viola, dresses up as her brother, Sebastian, who she thinks is dead. It’s funny, because the brother reappears and there’s a big love problem going on: Viola is in love with the Duke, who is in love with Olivia, who falls in love with Sebastian except that she doesn’t realize that Sebastian is actually Viola dressed up! Everybody falls in love with the wrong person, but it is all made right in the end.
Some of his history plays, such as Antony and Cleopatra, Richard III and Henry V,are based on the lives of real historical people. In Antony and Cleopatra, Cleopatra becomes Antony’s girlfriend and Antony becomes so crazy about her that he loses control of the army. Cleopatra kills herself in the end and Antony kills himself too.
Shakespeare’s plays can be very difficult sometimes. Some of the themes they deal with are heavy, so they almost always include a lighter subplot with characters that are not so important. They are often used in tragedies to lighten the mood of the play and to keep the audience interested in the main plot.
1. Which of the following plays is best-known to people?| A．Twelfth Night. | B．Antony and Cleopatra. |
| C．Romeo and Juliet. | D．Much Ado About Nothing. |
| A．Othello. | B．Sebastian. | C．Antony. | D．Hamlet. |
| A．World Book Day falls on April 23rd every year. |
| B．There are three kinds of Shakespeare’s plays. |
| C．Shakespeare’s plays can be very difficult sometimes. |
| D．Real historical events can be found in every history play. |
| A．To lead the development of the main plot. |
| B．To help the audience understand the plays. |
| C．To make the difficult plot of the plays simple. |
| D．To relax the audience and make them follow the main theme. |
3 . Classic literature (文学作品) includes older works that have experienced the test of time and that are still widely read today. Whether you’re a student or just an eager reader hoping to explore classic literature, you may be wondering where to begin.
Read summaries of what the work is about. You can find descriptions or summaries of classic works of literature online.
If you’re trying to gain a better understanding of a difficult text, underlining passages may not be enough. Instead, try making comments or notes in the margins (页边空白).
After you finish a chapter, write a brief summary of everything important that happened. Make sure you address the major plot points, how those points influence each character, and how that chapter fits into the context of the larger book.
After you finish reading a book, it may be useful to learn about what others have learned from the text.
| A．Start reading and keep reading. |
| B．Try reading and learning with a group. |
| C．Write your chapter summaries without consulting the text. |
| D．Go online and see if there is any valuable information on your book. |
| E．You can also read the back cover of the book to gain a basic idea of the story. |
| F．Your comments or notes can help improve your understanding of the material. |
| G．Skimming will help you gain a basic understanding of the plot, characters, setting, and concepts. |
4 . Short stories for kids can provide them with a lot of fun and entertainment and also teach them the important values of life.
There are some popular short stories around the world. For example, The Ugly Duckling, written by Hans Christian Anderson, which is based on the change of an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan, is one of the most inspiring short stories for children. Then there is The Boy Who Cried Wolf, a classic Aesop’s fable which shows kids the importance of always telling the truth. Little Red Riding Hood, which is written by the Brothers Grimm, tells kids about a strong and brave girl called Little Red Riding Hood and how she fights with an evil wolf to save her grandmother. Here are some examples of different types of short stories.
Ghost stories can be really entertaining and most kids enjoy them. While telling such kinds of stories, you should raise and lower your voice properly and make expressions suitable to what is happening in the story.
Historical stories can help children understand the lives of great leaders and heroes of the past. This will not only help show useful values to children, but also help them perform better in the subject of history.
In stories related to nature, you would be describing famous rivers, mountains and seas. Tell kids what nature has given us and how we should protect it for our own good.
Short stories not only keep kids entertained, but they also help to develop their sense of imagination and creative way of thinking. You can also make up some short stories of your own and spend some quality time with your kids.
1. What can we learn from Paragraph 2?| A．The Boy Who Cried Wolf shows the importance of telling the truth. |
| B．Little Red Riding Hood is the most inspiring short stories. |
| C．The Ugly Duckling is written by the Brothers Grimm. |
| D．The Ugly Duckling tells us about a strong and brave girl. |
| A．Uninterested. | B．Disappointed. | C．Doubtful. | D．Supportive. |
| A．teachers | B．children | C．parents | D．students |
| A．Two. | B．Three. | C．Four. | D．Six. |
5 . There are numerous benefits of reading good books.
Determine your reading goal.
Get a responsible reading partner to promote your reading. Goals need to be backed up in order to help put a check and encourage you during times you don’t feel motivated.
To develop a reading culture, you must first analyze your current reading habits. Do you read at all?
| A．Do you study hard at school |
| B．Make a list of books for each month |
| C．Do you start off and stop at some point |
| D．Get up early and go to bed late to back up your goal |
| E．It’s important to start off by setting a goal to create a reading habit |
| F．Get a friend willing to read |
| G．It can make you think deeper, sharpen your skills and teach you more about your field |
6 . That youngsters were glued to online games on their smart phones was a great concern for Ngurang Meena, a school teacher in Nirjuli.The 30yearold social science teacher, who ran the Ngurang Learning Institute, an adult literacy centre, said that she felt disheartened when she read student papers.“The graph of student performance is falling every year.It breaks my heart whenever I see answer sheets — basic grammar skills are missing and there’s an absence of any cohesive (连贯的) expression.They lack guidance and their reading culture is almost zero,” Meena said.When her school and the centre she ran had to close due to infectious diseases, she planned to do something to address the problem.
Inspired by a similar proposal in Mizoram, Meena set up a bookshelf with around 80 books as well as some benches on the side of the road in Nirjuli on 30 August 2020, where passersby could spend time reading.The selections included motivational books, biographies and novels as well as comics for young children.“I have to please the minors with sweets to sit and read, but that is okay,” she laughed.
Meena’s bookshelf became a hit among youngsters who spent hours in the reading corner.Within two months, her effort became the talk of the town.
Now, generous contributions of books come in from the public and she is even receiving requests to set up such libraries in other parts of the state, including one in the capital, Itanagar.Since the tiny libraries are far from the main town, she also lends books out to those who want to read at home.
“I never thought that this would become such a big inspiration,” Meena said.“Since childhood, we have been told that books are our best friends.The next generation of kids is focused on games and other things.I don’t want them to head on the wrong track,” she added.
1. What’s the aim of Meena’s reading program?| A．To care for youngsters lacking in reading. |
| B．To help adults learn some cohesive expression. |
| C．To keep Ngurang Learning Institute running well. |
| D．To highlight the importance of reading for adults. |
| A．She offered some rewards to them. |
| B．She provided them with transportation. |
| C．She chose novels with beautiful covers. |
| D．She selected books covering every category. |
| A．Small and useless. |
| B．Influential and meaningful. |
| C．Large but impractical. |
| D．Widespread but unwelcome. |
| A．Books：Sources of Knowledge |
| B．The Roadside Reading Corner |
| C．The Library：an Ideal place for the Young |
| D．New Ideas about Setting a Reading Plan |
7 . Four popular children’s books
Que Cosas Dice Mi Abuela
Spanish-speaking parents will love this fun book—which was translated into “The things my grandmother says” —in which a grandmother teaches manners (规矩) to her grandchildren and their friends using traditional Spanish-language sayings. Written in the voice of a little boy talking about his regular day, this book will draw the interest of both adults and kids.
I Like Myself!
Parents won’t mind reading the story over and over to their kids because as they pass along the message that their kids are perfect just the way they are—no matter their untidy hair, or whether they are fast or slow, their kids will learn about confidence.
Dragons Love Tacos(炸玉米饼)
While books with a deep message are great, sometimes you and your child just want to read something silly to get the laughs rolling. The New York Times bestseller, Dragons Love Tacos is a great read for kids and parents as it talks about how much dragons really love tacos, but when they eat something spicy (辛辣的) you had better watch out! The book has more words than some of the other picks on our list, so this might be fit for a preschoolers and up.
The Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
As everyone knows nothing is sweeter than small baby fingers and cute baby toes and here, from two of the most gifted picture books, readers could enjoy a different joyful world and also bring the happy feelings to everyone, everywhere, all over the world!
1. Who will choose the first book?| A．Parents who want to make their children laugh. |
| B．Parents who want their children to become polite. |
| C．Parents who want their children to become more confident. |
| D．Parents who want their children to read special stories. |
| A．It has more words than other books. |
| B．It encourages kids to be confident. |
| C．There are some beautiful pictures in it. |
| D．It contains many funny games for kids. |
| A．Que Cosas Dice Mi Abuela |
| B．I Like Myself! |
| C．Dragons Love Tacos |
| D．The Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes |
8 . Famous bookstores worldwide
Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice
It translates to “high water bookshop”. This bookstore tries hard to prevent its books getting flooded. After all, the bookstore lies in a city famous for its floods, and it opens right onto a canal. Kate Storm says, “Unlike many other bookstores, Libreria Acqua Alta stores its books in bathtubs, various types of boats in addition to high shelves. This makes the bookstore a famous one worldwide.”
Powell’s, Portland
Powell’s is the largest independent bookstore worldwide. Michael Powell Started his first bookstore by borrowing $3, 000 in 1970 in Chicago. His father, Walter Powell, worked with him for a summer in his Chicago store and liked it so much. His father later went home to Portland and opened his own bookstore, Powell’s. Soon, Michael joined his father, and now the store is run by Michael’s daughter, Emily.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires
Built by architects Peró and Torres Armengol, it first opened as a theater in 1919, particularly famous for its tango performances. Ten years later, it was turned into a cinema, and was the first in the city to screen films with sound. In 2000, the theater was in danger of being pulled ·down. But it was purchased by Grupo Ilhsa, redecorated and reopened as a bookstore, with the beautiful original opera boxes and original pictures on the roof remaining. It now draws 1 million visitors a year.
Livraria Lello, Porto
Livraria Lello is famous for its old-world great decoration, like its special stairs. It was opened in 1906 by brothers José and António Lello—by then already booksellers—and designed by architect Xavier Esteves. Livraria Lello is now such a successful tourist attraction that they can charge a lot to get in.
1. What’s Libreria Acqua Alta famous for according to Kate Storm?| A．Its books’ types. | B．Its way of storing books. |
| C．Its closeness to Venice. | D．Its shape as a special boat. |
| A．It’s a family business. | B．It has a 50-year history. |
| C．It’s open only in summer. | D．It’s the largest bookstore worldwide. |
| A．They once served as a great cinema. |
| B．They belong to José and António Lello. |
| C．They have historic and architectural value. |
| D．They are free for tourists wanting a visit. |
9 . How to pick a great book to read
The world is full of great books, just waiting to be read. How can you pick one you'll really like? Here are some tips:
What makes you happy?
If you have a favorite hobby or pastime, look for books about that activity.
Fact or fiction?
Find a family favorite.
What was your mother's favorite book when she was your age? Or your dad's? What about a sibling's?
Your local library is a great place to find books that you'll love, and you don't have to search all by yourself. Tell a librarian about your interests—rock stars, sports teams, historical events, whatever you're into—and the names of some books you already like. Your librarian can help you find other books that you're sure to love. Your teacher is another good person to ask.
Launch a book swap．
Why not get some friends together and trade favorite books? It's always fun to see what your friends are reading. Even if they're not exactly bookworms, you can all encourage each other to read and share books and authors you like. You also can look for book swaps in your area.
| A．Ask them and give it a read. |
| B．Read as many books as possible. |
| C．It's a great way to build your personal library for free! |
| D．Ask an expert. |
| E．Some books are entirely made up and imagined. |
| F．Are you really into dinosaurs or dogs or a specific celebrity? |
| G．Set up a private library. |
10 . Book Recommendafion
Second Harvest
Author: Don Agey
Like the first installment, Eclectic Harves, this book includes rhymed poems which employ different poetic techniques. If you are interested in it, buy it at a discount.
Of Human Nature and Good Habits
Author: Prabhash Karar
Research claims that maintaining only 5 good habits—eating healthily, exercising, drinking properly, not smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight—can not only keep the life in golden years healthy but also extend the lifetime of the old men and women by 12 years and 14 years respectively. The book illustrates some aspects of lifestyles. As you can see, this book is especially suitable for people after retirement.
The Duelling Wizards of Simpletown
Author: Whitney Lee Preston
The Duelling Wizards of Simpletown is a tale of fantasy involving two silly magicians, and a tricky plan by their two-faced servant. There is no doubt that kids will like it.
Marvlt and Goreg Get in Big Trouble with a Dinosaur
Author: Connor Anstiss
Marvlt and Goreg live next door to each other, and are best friends. These two naughty 8-year-olds seem to get into all sorts of troubles. At the zoo, they have a much different encounter. Will they be okay? Read it and find the answer yourself.
1. Which book will interest poetry lovers most?| A．Second Harvest. | B．Of Human Nature and Good Habits. |
| C．The Dueling Wizards of Simpletown. | D．Marvlt and Goreg Get in Big Trouble with a Dinosaur. |
| A．Eating more. | B．Gaining weight. |
| C．Keeping a healthy diet. | D．Drinking much wine. |
| A．A story of 200 keepers. | B．A tale of the animal and children. |
| C．The experience of two silly magicians. | D．The way to deal with naughty children. |
