1 . Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler
Saint Maybe is an example of how one small mistake can result in tragedy (悲剧) for a family with lives changed forever. The true strength of the novel lies in the author’s ability to write with sincerity and understanding. I’ve read this book many times over and always find it inspirational when it comes to writing my own novels about the complexities of family life.
— Eric James
Silly Verse For Kids by Spike Milligan
This book is so tiny and thin, but I loved all these funny poems inside-and it made me want to write rhymes. After reading this, I started writing my own poetry. I like including silly poems and lyrics in my books, which is definitely down to the influence of this book. It’s a book that you would read as a kid and it would really stimulate your imagination.
— Liz Pichon
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
A book read at my father’s knee and one that inspired my imagination and shaped my writing life. My desire to fall down a rabbit hole that might take me to Wonderland surpassed (胜过) my other childhood wishes. Wonderland with its Cheshire Cat and never-ending tea parties, which were reflected in a life-long love of cats and cakes, suited me best.
— Menna van Praag
Bambi by Felix Salten
My mum read this to me before I could read, and later I read it to myself again and again. In the Suffolk countryside where I grew up, I would often spot deer in the fields. This book made me stop and study the animal tracks on the ground and made me think about the world around me in a different way, setting me on the path to being a writer.
— Polly Crosby
1. What is the advantage of Saint Maybe?| A．The content of the book. | B．The example in this novel. |
| C．The complexities of life. | D．The author’s writing abilities. |
| A．Saint Maybe | B．Silly Verse For Kids | C．Alice in Wonderland | D．Bambi |
| A．They influence the four readers greatly. | B．They are mainly recommended for kids. |
| C．They can stimulate readers’ imagination. | D．They allow readers to see the world differently. |
2 . Five ancient Chinese poems about spring
As the winter chill still lingers through early spring longing for warm days has sprung up everywhere. Before the flowers are in full blossom here is a collection of ancient Chinese poems picturing the revival of life during spring. The English translations used in this article are from Chinese translator Xu Yuanchong.
Spring Morning — by Meng Haoran （689 —740） of the Tang Dynasty （618 —907）
This spring morning in bed I’m lying. Not to awake till birds are crying. After one night of wind and showers How many are the fallen flowers！
Written in a Village South of the Capital — by Cui Hu （772—846） of the Tang Dynasty
In this house on this day last year a pink face vied
In beauty with the pink peach blossoms side by side.
I do not know today where the pink face has gone
In the vernal breeze still smile pink peach blossoms full －blown.
Happy Rain on a Spring Night （Excerpts） — by Du Fu （712—770） of the Tang Dynasty
Good rain knows its time right, It will fall when comes spring.
With wind it steals in night, Mute, it moistens each thing.
Dreaming of the Southern Shore — by Bai Juyi （772—846） of the Tang Dynasty
Fair Southern shore
With scenes I much adore.
At sunrise riverside flowers redder than fire
In spring green waves grow as blue as sapphire
Which I can’t but admire
Love Seeds — by Wang Wei （701 —761） of the Tang Dynasty
Red berries grow in the southern land
How many load in spring the trees？
Gather them till full is your hand
They would revive fond memories.
1. Which of the following statements is NOT true？| A．Meng Haoran lived longer than other poets. |
| B．All of the poets were from the Tang Dynasty. |
| C．Both Cui Hu and Bai Juyi died at the same age. |
| D．Cui Hu wrote a poem highlighting the color pink. |
| A．Love Seeds | B．Happy Rain on a Spring Night |
| C．Dreaming of the Southern Shore | D．Written in a village South of the Capital |
| A．Winter | B．Autumn | C．Summer | D．Spring |
