1 . 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.

2 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

While English speakers look back to the time of Shakespeare and Milton 400 years ago as a Golden age, Chinese look back far     1     (far), to the Tang dynasty 1, 200 years ago as their Golden age of literature.

A key feature of Chinese poetry is     2     it is concise (简洁的). Each character places a thought, an impression, an image. Emphasis is put on use of rhythm and sometimes in a     3     (balance) look of the characters so that it is     4     (visual) pleasing on paper.

Amazing 48, 000 poems have survived from the many Tang dynasty poets. After the Tang, poets struggled     5     (establish) a modern style that was not rooted in the glories of the past. Later the style of the Song dynasty did become a popular form. So many people enjoy such     6     (popular) because it was more fluent and less rigid than that of the Tang.

Many poems contain specific events from Chinese history, and that makes understanding these poems     7     challenge to non-Chinese. Translating Chinese poems into English     8     (cause) all sorts of problems. For many years, writers have tried to convey the spirit of poems     9     different ways. Although much is lost in translation, the core (核心) meaning can     10     (catch) and appreciated.

3 . The city of Richmond announced that Roscoe Burnems would become the city’s first poet laureate (桂冠诗人), a poet recognized for achievements in poetry

During his two-year term as a poet laureate, Burnems is responsible for being a poetry advocate by providing access to poetry throughout the city and offering opportunities to use the power of words to heal wounds, open hearts and minds, and bring people closer together. He has the freedom to create and develop his own projects during his term and will receive a $4,000 annual bonus.

Burnems’ love of poetry began at an early age when he was struggling against depression. His English teacher recommended him to read poetry, which later brought him a peaceful mental state and helped him recover from depression. He soon decided that poetry was something he would run after for his lifetime. “People gravitate to poetry because they can find themselves in the poems,” he says. “It allows readers to feel the emotional part of our experiences.”

He says poetry is a great platform to discuss mental health. depression and the emotional stresses that come with daily life. Relieving those stresses is central to some of the work he does with young people Last year. Burnems started a youth poetry producing competition for local high school students.

Burnems says he loves and supports different types of art, and his next move is to explore poetry through cooperation across media Richmond’s paintings on the wall are a good example. He says, “Richmond is getting known for these beautiful paintings on display across the city, and I want to add a literary component to that.”

1. What is Burnems’ responsibility as a poet laureate?

A．Creating more good poems.	B．Developing his own projects.
C．Spreading the power of poetry.	D．Bringing poetry lovers together.

2. Why did Burnems develop a great passion for poetry?

A．Poetry made him more confident.

B．Poetry helped him through a tough time.

C．He was influenced by his English teacher.

D．He viewed writing poems as a lifelong career.

3. What does the underlined phrase “gravitate to” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Take pride in.

B．Be used to.

C．Break away from.

D．Be attracted by.

4. What is Burnems going to do in the near future?

A．To shift his focus to paintings.	B．To combine poetry with other arts.
C．To hold more poetry competitions.	D．To help youth with mental problems.

4 . Are you a book lover? Here are some of the hottest books of the season.

The One Thing You’d Save

The One Thing You’d Save is about a homework assignment. Ms. Chang has students choose what they’d save if their home was on fire. Some choose baseball cards or animal toys. One picks a sweater that was passed down for generations. Another chooses a box of memories about a sister who died. This book helps readers learn to figure out what matters most in life.

War and Millie McGonigle

It’s 1941. Millie McGonigle, a 12-year-old girl, was supposed to be living a carefree life. However, she lives in the shadow of World War Ⅱ. War and Millie McGonigle is an inspiring story that tackles the topic of life and death. The story line is driven by vivid characters and their relationships. The interaction between Millie and her little sister, Lily, mirrors the real-life sibling (兄妹) relationships in many families.

Simon B. Rhymin’

Simon is starting fifth grade and hopes to become a famous singer. But he’s shy about using his voice to express his ideas and thoughts. When a teacher asks the class to give an oral presentation, Simon must find the strength to change and overcome his fears. Simon B. Rhymin’ is a book that gives confidence to readers who are going through similar struggles.

Rez Dogs

Rez Dog is a book about an eighth grader named Malian. She’s visiting her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation when COVID-19 hits. To stay safe, Malian has to stay away from school” and her friends. Many kids will understand this tough situation. During the lockdown, Malian learns to think about what other people have gone through and how they are feeling during the pandemic (疫情).

1. How can The One Thing You’d Save influence us?

A．It gets us to preserve sweet family memories.

B．We may find it essential to ensure home safety.

C．We will try our best to improve our academic performance.

D．It reminds us to discover what we should treasure most in life.

2. What do War and Millie McGonigle and Simon . R.hymin’ have in common?

A．They are both inspirational stories.

B．They are both set in cruel war times.

C．They both reflect character weaknesses.

D．They both involve principles of survival.

3. Which book helps us learn to relate to others?

A．The One Thing You’d Save.	B．War and Millie McGonigle.
C．Simon B. Rhymin’.	D．Rez Dogs.

5 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What is the man’s new book based on?

A．His daily life in South Africa.

B．A news reporter’s experiences.

C．Some big events in South Africa.

2. Why did the man write the book?

A．To share his volunteer experience.

B．To tell people about South Africa.

C．To show his plan after graduation.

6 . 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.

2. Which one of the poems mentions the scene along a river？

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

3. Which season are the poems probably talking about？

A．Winter

B．Autumn

C．Summer

D．Spring

7 . 语法填空

Silent Spring

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson was published in 1962. Carson wrote the book     1     (aim) to alert people to the damaging effects of human activities     2     natural ecosystems. And she wished to see pesticides     3     (use) in a more responsible, limited and carefully monitored way. The book contained a lot of scientific information, research, examples and so on,     4     showed how precise she was as a scientist. The arguments were strong and the language was     5     (elegance) and influential. However, the book was not received positively by everyone. It quickly became a target for critics in the pesticide industry, who said that Carson’s research was not precise. Carson appeared in public and on television     6     (defend) her claims.

Carson’s message was     7     (alarm) and its influence was immediate and far-reaching. The use of DDT     8     (ban) and the EPA was established in the US. The book was considered as     9     milestone in the launch of the green movement in the Western world. Carson earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom after she passed away.

The book changed the world by increasing people’s     10     (aware) of protecting natural ecosystem.

8 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

By 1972, Lonely Planet founders Tony and Maureen Wheeler     1     (complete) a life-changing journey from London to Australia, and written a booklet about a portion of it: Across Asia on the Cheap. As they sat in     2     Italian restaurant tasting a few glasses of wine, they tried to dream up the name for     3     (they) new publishing company.

“Once while travelling across the sky,” said Tony,     4     (repeat) the lyrics to the song Space Captain, as sung by Joe Cocker, “this lonely planet caught my eye.” The correct words were actually “lovely planet”,     5     somehow “lonely planet” stuck… and here we are today.

Our hippy-era name must never have sounded     6     (suitable) than it does right now, if your passion for travel     7     (contain) as you avoid mixing with others. I’m so glad we can deliver you some much-needed mental escapism with this issue: to transport you between the     8     (place) and people we hope you’ll soon be encountering in person again.

Let me finish my speech by saying thank you     9     my happy and highly creative team,     10     good humour and spirit of adventure I’ve so appreciated all these years.

9 . From civil rights to environmental protection, the following books of fiction and nonfiction cover a wide range of topics. And every young liberal（开明人士）should read them.

An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore

Al Gore caught the attention of the world with his 2006 book An Inconvenient Truth, which was later turned into a movie. Based on his lecture tour on global warming, the work explains climate change in a user-friendly way and opens the public’s eyes to the plight（困境）of our planet.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

When John Steinbeck won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962, he was praised for his realistic and imaginative writings, including The Grapes of Wrath. This book centers on a family of Oklahoma farmers who are forced off their land during the Great Depression. While it touches on timely issues such as labor unions and agricultural industry changes, it also explores universal themes of power, family, self-interest and dignity.

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

Focusing on the meat-packing industry in Chicago, Upton Sinclair’s 1906 novel The Jungle explores the life of immigrant workers in the early 20th century. The best-selling account actually made President Theodore Roosevelt pass the law about food safety that year.

The Conscience of a Liberal by Paul Krugman

Economist and Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman presents 80 years of US history in The Conscience of a Liberal, which examines the fall and rise of economic and political inequality. Many believe the 2007 book was a clear call for progressives（进步人士）to take control of the country’s economic future.

1. Which book should you read if you want to know something about environmental issues?

A．The Jungle.	B．The Grapes of Wrath.
C．An Inconvenient Truth.	D．The Conscience of a Liberal.

2. What role did The Jungle play in US history?

A．It helped bring a new law into effect.

B．It helped increase the meat sales of Chicago.

C．It helped develop the meat-packing industry.

D．It helped change the life of immigrant workers.

3. What do The Grapes of Wrath and The Conscience of a Liberal have in common?

A．They explore the value of a happy family.

B．They have the same historical background.

C．They are about the economic development.

D．They are written by the Nobel Prize winners.

10 . “Who loves pizza?” is a question you almost never have to an American. A better question might be “Who doesn’t love pizza?”   Now, there’s a place for all pizza lovers to gather: the Museum of Pizza. It can be found in America’s pizza capital—New York City.

A company called Nameless Network came up with the idea for the museum, known as “MoPi” for short. “It’s often that the simplest ideas are the best. The company used the popularity of pizza as a way to get people “looking at art and hearing about history in a different way,” said Alexandra Serio, who is with Nameless Network. Many kinds of artists were asked to create art works about pizza. They, in turn, provided large photographs, sculptures and huge installations. So far, the museum has had lots of visitors. More than 6,000 people came through the door when it opened this month.

Visitors seem to love MoPi’s bright colors, which makes it perfect for taking selfies and other photographs for social media.

Nene Raye, from New Jersey, was a recent visitor. Raye didn’t expect to see what she saw—and she was happy about that. “Honestly, I thought it would be, like, more of a traditional museum,” She said. But instead, Raye got some of everything. “So You get a little bit of education and then some fun, which I love,” she said.

Lydia Melendez made plans to visit the pizza museum in April. For her, the experience was worth the wait. “I thought it was going to be kind of boring,” she said. She had imagined walking in and finding books on how to make pizza. But she was very pleased when her actual experience was different than what she had imagined.

While pizza may be what has captured the interest of crowds, the point of the Museum has been to help people exposed to fine arts world.

1. What’s the function of the two questions in the first paragraph?

A．To make a comparison

B．To introduce the topic—the Museum of Pizza.

C．To inform people of the popularity of Pizza.

D．To advertise the food.

2. What do we know about the Museum of Pizza?

A．The Museum took advantage of the long history of Pizza to attract visitors.

B．The Museum received over 6000 visitors during the first two months.

C．Both Nene Raye and Lydia Melendez didn’t expect the Museum to be so different.

D．The Museum is appealing in that it combines education and fun.

3. What’s the purpose of the museum?

A．To make art available to people

B．To draw attraction and earn more money

C．To change people’s attitude to museums

D．To enrich city people’s daily life.

4. What’s the best title for the passage?

A．Bored? Go To The Museum Of Pizza!

B．Pizza Museum Serves Up “Tasty” Art.

C．The Hook Of The Museum.

D．Simplicity Has Its Power