1 . Joseph Conrad, a famous English novelist, said that his goal as a writer was “to make you hear, to make you feel, and above all, to make you see. That, and no more, is everything.”     1     Often it leaves a single sharp impression to be turned over and over in the mind. After finishing the story, the reader should have something to think about: the humor of life, its ironies, or the unpredictability of human behavior.

    2     The first and most obvious level is conveyed through the plot. Plot refers to the sequence of events, to the actions of the characters and the situations in which they are involved. To explain the plot, then, is to tell what happened in the story and to whom. In some short stories, plot is the dominating element. In other short stories, plot plays a very minor role.

In Hemingway’s story, The Old Man and the Sea, however, we must approach the content on another level.     3     To understand and appreciate the story, the reader must be able to identify its general topic or theme. The next step is to identify the device by which the author comments on this theme.     4    

Readers cannot appreciate a short story fully unless they react not only to what has been said but also to how it has been said.     5     Style grows out of the writer’s own personality and can be seen in the choice of words and phrases, the arrangement of sentences, the rhythm and tone. Structure refers to the architecture of the story, the way in which the details are selected and arranged to produce the desired effect.

A．They must look for style and structure.

B．In complex stories, careful readers may not always agree with the author.

C．The impact on the reader comes from the sudden and unexpected response.

D．A good short story tries to give the reader a sense of the actual experience.

E．Finally, the reader should be able to explain the insights which the author has given into the theme.

F．The impact of the story comes from the insight it gives us into the needs and desires of youth and old age.

G．In order to read a short story with full understanding, the reader must approach the content on two levels.

2 . Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.

Charles Dickens

It has been 150 years since Charles Dickens died, 184 years since his first work was released to the public and 156 years since his last completed book came out. In all of this time, these novels have never been out of print. Dickens may have left us, but his work remains timeless,     1     (fascinate) the majority of those who open their pages.

Most people have read, watched or at least heard of Dickens’ stories, but what makes him and his work so popular? Since he began novel writing in his 20s, Dickens constantly produced quality classics. Year after year his awaiting fans were not left     2     (disappoint) as their minds were fed with complex tales of romance, crime, hope and despair.

In the Victorian era he lived in, much of the work Dickens produced     3     (model) on the literature before him. He was one of the first writers of the time     4     (portray) honest examples of working-class people, giving many something to relate to. He focused on unfolding the good and bad qualities of characters which allowed his readers to follow their journeys and understand     5     they may have acted in the unusual or shocking ways that they did.

Any Dickens fans will know the diverse and outrageous (耸人听闻的) characters coming to life between the pages.     6     was special about this novelist’s ability in imagining these characters’ stories is that it comes from his own life’s path.     7     a young boy left to take care of himself in a workhouse to the wealthy figure he became through his writing successes, he knew what it was like to see in different lights. This deep understanding of his characters gave his fictional stories the strong element of believability     8     is needed in a good novel.

Over a century and a half later, Dickens’ themes can be relevant to today’s world problems. His words and imagery have been transformed further into the media of modern film, television and even musical adaptations.     9     set in a time unfamiliar to readers today, his work still enables everyone to relate to the love, hardship and sense of family that pours from the narratives. It is this aspect     10     has carried Charles Dickens into the 21st century.

3 . On today’s blog post, I’ll be talking about my favorite magazines. I love reading books & magazines, and I’m learning so many useful tips about healthy living, daily life, etc.

Women’s Health

Women’s Health has a unique content. You can find various interesting information about healthy living or exercises you can do at home. I also love their writers because they explain every topic so simple that you can even understand biological articles.

Healthy Food Guide

I totally recommend it to everyone because it has lots of useful information about being healthy during your daily life. In this magazine, you can find articles about foods you often eat but don’t have much idea what it contains or if they’re healthy. If you are searching for new diets, this magazine gives you all the information.

Time Out

Time Out is a well-known magazine and it’s free in my city. Every time I see a Time Out magazine, I get it because it has lots of useful tips. I got Time Out London when I was in London, and I discovered new restaurants, galleries, museums, and events. This magazine has various information about the city life. For example, it gives you the events that are happening near you. It gives you tips for the railway stations and other transportation choices.

La Cucina Italiana

If you love cooking Italian food, this magazine is for you! It has lots of recipes and also restaurant reviews. You can also find popular restaurants near you in this magazine. I’ve also read articles by famous chefs from my city.

1. What can we find in Healthy Food Guide?

A．Ways to keep fit.	B．Tips on cooking.
C．Different eating habits.	D．Information of new restaurants.

2. What can we read to find comments on restaurants?

A．Time Out.

B．Women’s Health.

C．Healthy Food Guide.

D．La Cucina Italiana.

3. What can we learn about the author?

A．He lives in London.	B．He loves and enjoys life.
C．He often goes travelling.	D．He likes collecting recipes.

4 . From the ancient Chinese stories, to the stories in the medieval cathedrals（中世纪的教堂）in the west, it is perfectly clear that there is strong pleasure and meaning to gain from stories told through images or pictures. People are lucky enough to have had books with both pictures and words when they were children.    1    .

After the world wars, the cheap books without pictures were everywhere and it made reading books illustrated with pictures for adults a very luxurious thing. Somehow, pictures had also come to seem childish or strange.    2    Just as the ever-increasing popularity of the graphic novel（连环画小说）suggests, works both words and pictures are regarded as classics.

    3    In fact the former develops from the latter. Early writing systems such as those in Egypt and China: things in the world were expressed in written form by drawing special pictures.       4    In some languages, the sound associated with an image are separated from its original meaning.

What is the use of a book without pictures? Very little, it turns out, particularly if we consider that pictures are buried within the very symbols used to write words. As for a picture book for adults, author Tokarczuk sweeps away all doubts. She adores the picture book.    5    This kind of story is able to get through to anyone – regardless of age, cultural differences or level of education. It’s hard to disagree.

A．Because it is hard to read books with pictures.

B．And yet readers love stories told through pictures.

C．However, words and pictures are not always connected.

D．Text and picture, after all, are not so far apart.

E．For her it is a powerful, old way of telling a story.

F．Adults are thought foolish to read such books.

G．They often remember the pictures as clearly as the words.

5 . Could J. K. Rowling please leave Harry Potter in peace? 2010 was a good time to move on. We all know that Harry Potter’s last adventures hit the bookstore in 2007, and three years later the Warner Bros adaptations ran their course in cinema, too. For many fans, the young wizard had worked his magic through most of their childhood. But in 2018, a new Harry Potter extended universe film, Fantastic Beasts: The Crime of Grindelwald, was out.

I love Harry Potter series and I always will. It’s all there in my memory: I remember the first delight at reading “Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal”. The wizarding treasure hunt, thrown by my parents for my ninth birthday with my dad dressed as Hagrid in the garden, was so clear in my mind. I remember deciphering (破译) my copy of the Deathly Hallows, the first book I read in English, and having to check the French for “wand”. The 2001 trip to the cinema to see Philosopher’s Stone, and all the ones that followed are kept clearly.

However, someone needs to call a halt to the endless afterlife of Potter’s fictional universe. It was enough in the seven books and eight films. We didn’t and don’t need a community website, a theatre play, the printed script of said movie, and even more movies.

Rowling has created 21^st-century modern literary classic. I always look up to her as the textbook classy writer: respectfully drawing attention from readers, successful but wise enough to withdraw. She also cares much about the causes she holds dear. In 2011 alone, she donated 16% of her net worth to charities. Of all contemporary authors who hit gold, Rowling remains one of the very most inspirational.

The saddest thing is that Rowling helped with the writing of the Cursed Child. She regularly “revealed” new details about Potter’s magical world on Twitter. Today, I decided to give up: I don’t follow Rowling on Twitter. I don’t want to see the new film. Thank you, Joanne Kathleen Rowling. I have enough valued stories—I don’t need new ones any more.

1. The last book of Harry Potter series was published in ______ .

A．2007

B．2010

C．2011

D．2017

2. We can learn from Paragraph 2 that the author ______ .

A．felt rather easy to understand Harry Potter series

B．was quiet fond of Harry Potter series and its films

C．read Harry Potter series with the help of his parents

D．missed the time of watching Harry Potter movies with his parents

3. What does the underlined phrase “call a halt to” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Share.

B．Appreciate.

C．Stop.

D．Change.

4. What does Paragraph 4 mainly talk about?

A．The talent J. K. Rowling has.

B．The author’s praise for J. K. Rowling.

C．The influence of J. K. Rowling’s works.

D．The author’s expectations of J. K. Rowling.

6 . Stories are loved by people of all ages. Stories for kids play a major role in shaping their personalities. Below is a list of some of the best short stories for kids that we’re sure that your child would enjoy reading:

Panchatantra Stories in English

Most children stories significantly focus on teaching morals to kids. Panchatantra stories for kids are designed with the same motive. These are the oldest short moral stories for kids. These amazing small stories for kids in English from Panchatantra have reached an audience worldwide. To attract your kids with exciting stories, we provide you with our versions of some of the most famous and loved Panchatantra Stories for kids.

Fairy Tales Stories

Fairy Tales stories are loved by kids. The world of fantasy attracts everyone. These children stories give them a chance to leap into a world full of possibilities and imagination as well as moral lessons. They build their own versions of the fairies. Thus, such short stories for kids in English can build better creativity in children.

Moral Stories for Kids in English

Moral stories for children are those stories that convey moral values, which are crucial during their upbringing. Usually, moral stories for kids convey principles such as love, respect, honesty, virtues, etc. to their readers. Short moral stories for kids fill kids with a better understanding of what is considered good and what is termed as bad.

Akbar Birbal Stories

For generations, Akbar Birbal Stories have been enjoyed thoroughly by every kid. Akbar and Birbal Stories are a great combination of fun, wit, humour and moral values. These English stories for kids entertain, bring smiles and teach life lessons in effortless ways.

1. Who is the text intended for?

A．Kids.

B．Teachers.

C．Parents.

D．Storywriters.

2. Which stories can encourage children’s innovative thinking?

A．Fairy Tales Stories.

B．Akbar Birbal Stories.

C．Panchatantra Stories in English.

D．Moral Stories for Kids in English.

3. What do these stories have in common?

A．They convey moral values.

B．They are humorous and amusing.

C．Some versions are written by kids.

D．They are stories for people of all ages.

7 . The Last Greatest Magician in the World

In this book, we can learn about the wonderworker Howard Thurston. During his life, Thurston successfully made changes in entertainment. His magic show is regarded as the one that inspires our memories.

Author: Jim Stein Meyer Length: 384 pages Publication Date: Feb. 3, 2011

Beholders: A World Without Heroes

Jason Walker lives a peaceful life until one day he falls through a hole and ends up in a new foreign world. In Lydian, the people dress and behave differently, living in fear of their Emperor Surratt. But during Jason’s search for a way home, he learns of a magical word that could kill Surratt and becomes the hero he has never imagined.

Author: Brandon Mull Length: 464 pages Publication Date: Feb. 15, 2011

Life

With his honesty, Keith Richards brings us the story of a life we all have longed to know more of. Its hard to imagine a famous persons biography is as easy to drink in as Keith Richards life. The books content agrees with the rhythm of his voice so much that reading his tale is like sharing a cup of beer with an old friend.

Author: Keith Richards Length: 576 pages Publication Date: Oct. 26, 2010

The Monkey and the Monk

The famous translation of The Journey to the West is popular with English-speaking audiences. The book shows the novels most exciting and meaningful parts without taking anything away from their true spirit. Moreover, with a new form, this translation is sure to attract more fans.

Author: Anthony C. Yu Length: 528 pages Publication Date: Nov. 15, 2006

1. What kind of book is Beholders: A World Without Heroes？

A．A life guide.	B．A biography.
C．An adventure novel.	D．An educational book.

2. Which of the following words can best describe Keith Richards？

A．Honest.	B．Simple.
C．Hardworking.	D．Generous.

3. Which of the following books came out in 2010？

A．The Last Greatest Magician in the World.

B．Beholders: A World Without Heroes.

C．Life.

D．The Monkey and the Monk.

8 . However young or old you are, writing can be so rewarding.     1    ; for others, it’s a dream career. When you’re just getting started, you might feel excited but also a little discouraged. In your early months as a writer, these three tips should help you on your way.

Tip 1: Try Lots of Different Types of Writing

As a beginner, you’re in a great position to try out lots of different types of writing, without needing to commit to one in particular: no-one’s (yet!) demanding your next book.     2     – you might surprise yourself with what you enjoy.

Tip 2: Read Some Good Writing Blogs or Books

There are some brilliant books and blogs out there that’ll teach you the basics of writing:     3    ! For fiction-writers, I always recommend K.M. Weiland’s blog Helping Writers Become Authors, and Nigel Watts’ book Get Started in … Writing a Novel; for non-fiction writers, the Copyblogger blog is a great read.

Tip 3:     4    

If you’ve never written much before, launching straight into a novel probably won’t work: It’s better to perfect your skills on smaller projects first: think short stories if you’re a fiction-writer, or short articles or blog posts if you’re a non-fiction writer.     5    without committing to a book-length work straight away.

A．Write a novel

B．Start with small projects

C．For some writers, it’s a fun hobby

D．So have a go at a wide range of styles

E．Daily Writing Tips is a great place to begin, of course

F．As a writer, use the word that best fits what you mean

G．These can be a great way to explore potential ideas and topics

9 . Some literary characters capture the imagination of readers. Their adventures, experiences, talents and personalities make them _______. Detective Sherlock Holmes is one of these. Author Arthur Conan Doyle created Holmes in 1887 in his works. He was brilliant. Critically, his ability to notice _______, assemble them and draw conclusions amazed everyone. He first appeared in the story “A Study in Scarlet”The story also introduced Dr. John Watson and how he came to live with Holmes and be part of his life. Watson observes that many interesting people visit Holmes at various times during the day. Holmes informs Watson he is a “_______detective”. These people are clients, including _______ from Scotland Yard, who seek his help to solve difficult cases.

Watson narrates this first case which involves the murders of two men. The story has two parts. In the first part, Holmes solves the crime and captures the killer. The second part gives the backstory as to why the killer murdered his _______. It was a revenge (报复) killing for their part in the death of the murderer’s fiancee.

The Red-headed League is on many people’s lists of their favorite stories _______ Sherlock Holmes. In this story, red-headed businessman Jabez Wilson wants Holmes’ help. Several weeks before, Wilson’s young assistant, Vincent Spaulding, had _______ him to reply to a newspaper ad. The ad offered _______ paid work to a red-headed man. Wilson gets the job and is paid 4 pounds a week for short periods of afternoon work. _______ suddenly without notice the job stops. Wilson wants Holmes’s assistance to discover what happened. Holmes ________ a description of Spaulding and goes to see him at Wilson’s shop. He notices that the knees of Spaulding’s trousers are ________. Then Holmes taps on the pavement ________Wilson’s shop. Next he calls a police inspector and the director of the bank that is behind Wilson’s shop. The four men hide in the dark bank vault (金库) and wait. Soon two men, one of whom is Spaulding, ________ from a tunnel cut into the vault’s floor and are captured. The two men had ________ the Red-headed League to keep Wilson away while they dug the ________ to the bank vault.

1.

A．imaginable

B．intelligible

C．powerful

D．unforgettable

2.

A．criminals

B．processes

C．details

D．expressions

3.

A．consulting

B．investing

C．conducting

D．enquiring

4.

A．natives

B．detectives

C．officials

D．rivals

5.

A．colleges

B．partners

C．relatives

D．victims

6.

A．including

B．representing

C．involving

D．praising

7.

A．urged

B．helped

C．warned

D．forced

8.

A．dearly

B．fully

C．highly

D．earnestly

9.

A．Therefore

B．Furthermore

C．Meanwhile

D．Then

10.

A．turns to

B．asks for

C．takes down

D．works out

11.

A．dirty

B．ordinary

C．special

D．wet

12.

A．on top of

B．at the back of

C．in front of

D．in the middle of

13.

A．escape

B．emerge

C．run

D．keep

14.

A．invented

B．organized

C．supervised

D．commanded

15.

A．yard

B．wall

C．hole

D．tunnel

10 . The following is a list of museums that have new ways to develop creativity and spread knowledge.

The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

The museum is one of Madrid’s “Big Three” cultural institutions. Home to the world’s second largest private collection of art, it owns famous works from almost every art movement. Users can take a virtual (虚拟的）tour of the entire building or a thematic (主题的）tour covering such topics as food and fashion.

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), Seoul

Since it opened its doors in 2013, MMCA has become a well-known cultural platform and leader in Korean art. With the help of Google Arts and Culture, MMCA is now offering a virtual tour of its collections. This experience takes visitors through six floors of modern and contemporary art from Korea and around the world.

The Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House, set up in 1957 in Amsterdam, tries to inform the public through educational programs and tours of the building where Anne and her family hid during World War II. To explore deeper into the story described in Anne9s diary, online visitors can watch videos about her life and look around the house where she lived before going into hiding.

The Vatican Museums

They are the public art and sculpture museums in the Vatican City. They exhibit works from the large collection collected by the Popes (教皇）throughout the centuries, including several of the most famous Roman sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance (文艺复兴） art in the world. Virtual visitors can tour seven different sections of the complex, enjoying 360-degree views of the Sistine Chapel, perhaps best known for Michelangelo’s ceiling and Last Judgment fresco (壁画).

1. At which museum can visitors gain knowledge of art movements?

A．The Vatican Museums.

B．The Anne Frank House.

C．The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

D．The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

2. What does MMCA’s collection focus on?

A．Works of famous Roman artists.

B．Modem and contemporary art.

C．Public educational programs.

D．Google Arts and Culture.

3. What is special about the Anne Frank House?

A．It was built during World War II.

B．It has the largest private collections.

C．It is the oldest museum about the war.

D．It tells the story of a World War II victim.

4. What can tourists do in The Vatican Museums?

A．Learn to create sculptures.

B．Enjoy a specific thematic tour.

C．Watch videos about the Popes’ life.

D．Appreciate Michelangelo’s artworks.

5. What’s the author’s purpose of writing the text?

A．To introduce museums with virtual tours.

B．To appeal to people to visit museums in the flesh.

C．To show people ways of appreciating works of art.

D．To advise museums to perfect visitors’ experience.