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 . 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.

3 .

	Lord of the Flies An airplane evacuating schoolboys from Britain during World War II is shot down over a remote tropical area. Two boys, Ralph and Piggy find the other surviving boys and begin to organize the group. As time passes, rivalries are formed, rules are broken and civilized behavior has turned savage. Lord of the Flies is a classic study on human nature, adolescence, and competition by William Golding.
	The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer’s best friend, stakes out his own adventure in this classic coming-of-age tale. Tired of trying to be good and fearful of his drunken father, Huck Finn runs away and takes Jim, a man who has escaped enslavement, with him. Together they sail down the Mississippi River on a raft and experience dangerous as well as comical adventures along the way. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is an enduring classic.
	A Separate Peace A friendship forms between two boys attending a New England boarding school during World War IL. Gene, smart and socially awkward, draws the attention of Phineas, a handsome, athletic and outgoing boy. The two become friends, but war and rivalry lead to a tragic accident. John Knowles is the author of A Separate Peace, a classic story about friendship and adolescence.
	Of Mice and Men Best friends Lennie and George travel from farm to farm in California looking for work while trying to avoid trouble. Although both men are good workers and have dreams of owning their own farm, they never stay at one job long because of Lennie. Lennie is a simple-minded gentle giant who doesn’t know his own strength and often gets into trouble. When tragedy strike, George must make am awful decision that will alter the plans he and Lennie have made for their future. Of Mice and Men is a classic John Steinbeck story about migrant workers and the downtrodden surviving the Great Depression.

1. Which pair of books covers the subjects of adolescence and competition?

A．Of Mice and Men and Lord of the Flies

B．Lord of the Flies and A Separate Peace

C．The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Lord of the Flies

D．A Separate Peace and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

2. What often upsets George’s plan for the future?

A．George’s tendency to get into trouble.	B．Lennie’s dependence on George.
C．Lennie’s inability to manage his own strength.	D．George’s identity as a migrant worker.

3. Which of the four books includes the element of humor?

A．Lord of the Flies	B．A Separate Peace
C．Of Mice and Men	D．The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

4 . This year we had kids and caregivers in mind. So here are some favorite books for kids picked by readers and expert judges to while away the hours at home.

The Snowy Day

－by Ezra Jack Keats

One morning, a little boy in Brooklyn wakes up to a changed world - shining with fresh snowfall. Young Peter is black.Author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats was white,but his sensitive description of a child's first experience with snow won the Caldecott Medal and was embraced by parents and children of all colors. (For ages 0 to 2)

Dreamers

－by Yuyi Morales

Yuyi Morales was born in Mexico and came to America with her baby boy in 1999. She builds that experience into a poetic praise for the immigrant experience - for learning a new life and language and for the dreams, hopes and talents immigrants bring to the USA.(For ages 4 to 8)

Hidden Figures

－by Margot Lee Shetterly and Laura Freeman

Margot Lee Shetterly adapts her groundbreaking book about Black female mathematicians at NASA for young readers, with illustrations by Laura Freeman. A great pick for any future mathematician or astronaut.(For ages 4 to 8)

Wells&Wong Mysteries

－by Robin Stevens

Best friends Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong do what any ambitious young women at boarding school would do: They form a detective agency and quickly run up against their first real case when Hazel finds the body of their science teacher on the gymnasium floor.

(For ages 10 and up)

1. Which writer is an award winner?

A．Ezra Jack Keats.	B．Yuyi Morales.
C．Margot Lee Shetterly.	D．Robin Stevens.

2. Which book is suitable for those who love detective stories?

A．The Snowy Day.	B．Dreamers.
C．Hidden Figures.	D．Wells &Wong Mysteries.

3. What do Dreamers and Hidden Figures have in common?

A．The way they are created.	B．The authors’ experiences.
C．The ages of the potential readers.	D．The theme they try to convey.

5 . Suddenly we heard the sound of a carriage. It was the two Lintons, Hindley, Frances and Catherine. They all ran into the house and stood in front of the large fire in the sitting room to get warm.

I told Heathcliff to go and join them. He opened the kitchen door as Hindley was coming out of the sitting room. When Hindley saw him, he pushed him back into the kitchen saying, “Joseph! Keep him away from the sitting room!”

Then he noticed Heathcliff’s nice clothes. “Look at you!” he said sneering. “Who do you want to impress? Get out or I’ll pull your hair until it’s longer than it is now!”

“It’s long enough already,” observed Edgar Linton. He was standing at the sitting room door. “It hangs over his eyes like a horse’s mane!” Edgar didn’t say this to insult Heathcliff but Heathcliff became violent immediately. He suddenly picked up a pan of hot apple sauce and threw the contents in Edgar’s face. Edgar screamed. Hearing her brother’s cries, Isabella, followed by Catherine, came running out. Hindley caught Heathcliff by the arm, took him to his room and gave him a beating.

I didn’t have much pity for Edgar but I cleaned his face. His sister was crying and wanted to go home. Catherine was confused and embarrassed and didn’t say anything.

Hindley came back and told the children to return to the sitting room and have their dinner. As soon as they saw the food on the table they forgot everything because they were hungry. I looked at Catherine. Her eyes were dry as she cut her meat.

“What an insensitive child,” I thought. “She doesn’t really care about Heathcliff.”

I watched her lift the meat to her mouth and then suddenly her eyes filled with tears. To hide her feelings, she dropped her fork on the floor and bent down to pick it up. So she wasn’t as insensitive as I thought!

Some musicians came to play for us in the evening. While everyone was listening to them, Catherine escaped and climbed the stairs to Heathcliff’s room. She called him but there was no answer so she climbed along the roof and into his room through a small window. Later they came downstairs to the kitchen together. I gave Heathcliff some supper but he didn’t eat it.

“I don’t care how long I have to wait, Nelly,” he said, “but I’m going to take my revenge on Hindley. I only hope he doesn’t die first!”

“Heathcliff!” I said. “You should learn to forgive.”

“No! I must have satisfaction,” he replied. “I’m going to think of a good way to take my revenge. If I think about that, I won’t feel the pain.”

1. What do we know about Hindley from the text?

A．He assumed Heathcliff would hurt the kids.

B．He hated Heathcliff as he had nicer clothes.

C．He didn’t see Heathcliff as a family member.

D．He pushed Edgar Linton to insult Heathcliff.

2. What does the underlined word “insensitive” in paragraph 7 mean?

A．Not able to tell right from wrong.

B．Not caring about other peopled feelings.

C．Not affected by physical effects of changes.

D．Not clever enough to make quick responses.

3. Why did Catherine bend down during dinner?

A．She dropped her fork on the floor by accident.

B．She was trying to wipe away her tears secretly.

C．She felt rather bored to eat with those children.

D．She knew she was being observed by someone.

4. What can we infer from the text?

A．Heathcliff occupied an important place in Catherine’s heart.

B．Heathcliff used to being laughed at by other kids.

C．Isabella was very angry to see his brother badly injured.

D．Nelly took pity on Heathcliff and supported his revenge.

6 . Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Harry Potter )

by Newt Scamander (Author), J. K. Rowling (Author), Olivia Lomenech Gill (Illustrator)

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander's classic compendium (汇编) of magical creatures, has delighted generations of wizarding readers. With this beautiful, large-scale new edition illustrated in full color, muggles (麻瓜) too will have the chance to discover where the Runespoor lives, what the Puffskein eats, and why shiny objects should always be kept away from the Niffler. Profits from the sale of this book will go to Comic Relief and J.K. Rowlings international charity, Lumos, which will do magic beyond the powers of any wizard.

Product details

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books; Reprint edition

Language: English

Hardcover: 160 pages

ISBN-10: 1338216791

ISBN-13: 978-13382 16790

Reading age: 8 years and up

Grade level: 3-6

Item Weight: 2.82 pounds

Dimensions: 9.8 x0.9x 11.5 inches

Benjamin Coleman

★★★★☆

This has to be my favorite of the illustrated editions

The “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” illustrated edition has to be opinion the most beautiful of all of the ones released so far. Each of the pages is illustrated beautifully for every fantastic creature you can possibly imagine in the Potter universe. My personal favorite was the dragon section which has beautiful illustrations of several different species of dragons. This book is a must buy for both new and older fans of the series and a great collection item for any Potter fan. So if you’re looking for a great present who loves Harry Potter, get these illustrated editions!

Michelle E Krupski

★☆☆☆☆

Disappointing book

1. The size of the book is inconsistent with the other HP illustrated series, which is disappointing.

2. The book does not have a dust jacket which is inconsistent with all of my other HP books and disappointing.

3. The illustrations lack depth. The majority of the book is just rough sketches with color. I can imagine that myself. What I was anticipating was amazing detail and a beautiful book. What I received looks like a rough draft. Not worth the price I paid.

1. What do we know about Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?

A．It is intended for children aged 3-6.

B．Olivia Lomenech Gill is one of the authors.

C．Earnings from the Sale of this book will go to charity.

D．It is about the fight between muggles and the Runespoor.

2. According to Coleman, which section attracts him most ?

A．The dragon section.

B．The Niffler section.

C．The Runespoor section.

D．The section related to Harry Potter.

3. What does Krupski think of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?

A．The story in the book lacks depth.

B．The book is too big to be put on the shelf.

C．The illustrations don’t live up to her expectations.

D．The book arrived damaged with scratches on the covers.

7 . On Feb. 19, the same day Harper Lee passed away, the world lost another literary giant. He was 84-year-old Umberto Eco, an Italian writer, whose masterpiece The Name of the Rose won him international fame when it was published in 1980. The novel sold more than 10 million copies in about 30 languages and was made into a movie in 1986 starring British actor Sean Connery.

A USA Today obituary (讣告) thus describes: “Eco was an author of books ranging from novels to scholarly books to essay collections; Eco was enthusiastic about the obscure as well as ordinary daily life; As a scholar, critic and novelist, he also did research on the mysterious theory of semiotics-the study of signs and symbols in language and the technical languages of the Internet.

The Name of the Rose can be seen as a much more complicated version of US writer Dan Brown’s popular novel The Da Vinci Code. The book is set in a 14th century Italian Monastery (修道院) where monks are being murdered one by one in terrible manners. Two monks who travel to the monastery try to solve the murders. The book’s mystery develops around a complex-designed library and a lost Aristotle’s book on comedy.

Although the novel is full of Latin phrases and devotes many pages to analysis of Christian beliefs and ancient philosophy, it’s a fascinating detective thriller.

Eco also wrote some harsh literary criticism. He once wrote that “books always speak of other books, and every story tells a story that has already been told”.

1. What can we learn about The Name of the Rose?

A．It earned Harper Lee worldwide reputation.

B．It featured the main character Sean Connery.

C．It was translated into no more than 30 versions.

D．It had its film adaptation following the book’s publication.

2. From the USA Today obituary, which of the following can be inferred?

A．Eco not only wrote novels but also some dramas.

B．Eco was merely interested in ordinary daily life.

C．Eco was an expert in the Internet.

D．Eco was more than a novelist.

3. What does the book The Name of the Rose describe?

A．A story copied from the novel The Da Vinci Code.

B．Chain murdering in an Italian Monastery.

C．A long-lost ownerless book.

D．A complex-designed library.

4. What does the underlined quote said by Eco imply?

A．Stories are far from reality.	B．Creativity is hard to come by.
C．Some books are well worth reading.	D．Writers need to polish their language.

8 . Do you like reading? What would you like to read? Here are four recommendations from trusted critics.

A Greenglass House Story Kate Milford, illustrated by Nicole Wong	Twelve guests, trapped at the Blue Vein Tavern by rising floodwaters, tell stories to pass the time. With tales that cross over between storytelling and reality, what starts as a series of unrelated tales weaves(编织）together into something smart and tight.A puzzle book that adults may enjoy just as much as its intended child audience. (For ages 4 to 8)
Someone Builds the Dream Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Loren Long	Someone Builds the Dream is a celebration of the cooperative spirit and a proof to what we can achieve if we work together.And after having the curtain pulled back like this, children (and probably many grown-ups) will look at the world around them with fresh eyes. (For ages 5 to 8)
The Boy and the Sea Camille Andros, illustrated by Amy Bates	Following a young boy over a lifetime,Camille Andros' story flows back with a comforting rhythm while Amy Bates' timeless artwork washes over you. As the boy grows older, he returns regularly to the sea looking for answers but discovers something more valuable: visual angle. (For ages 4 to 8)
Magic Candies Heena Baek, translated by Sophie Bowman	When Tong Tong purchases a bag of strange, round candies, he discovers that each one allows him to hear the hidden speech of someone, or something. Honestly, who wouldn't want to hear what the leaves have to say? You'll also be sure to treat your chair with greater kindness after a single read.(For ages 4 to 8)

1. What do the books by Kate Milford and Lisa Wheeler have in common?

A．They are both puzzle books.

B．They may attract adult readers.

C．They both focus on cooperation.

D．They are for children aged 4 to 8.

2. Which book best suits children who are curious about others' secrets?

A．A Greenglass House Story.

B．Someone Builds the Dream.

C．Magic Candies.

D．The Boy and the Sea.

3. Where can the text be found?

A．In a history book.

B．In a travel brochure.

C．In a science fiction.

D．In a literature magazine.

9 . We could not go for a walk that _______. There was such a freezing cold wind, and such heavy rain, that we all stayed indoors. I was glad of it. I _______ liked long walks, especially in winter. I used to hate coming home when it was almost dark, with ice-cold fingers and toes, feeling miserable because Bessie, the nursemaid, was always scolding me. All the time I knew I was different from my cousins, Eliza, John and Georgiana Reed. They were taller and stronger than me, and they were _______.   

These___________usually spent their time crying and quarrelling, but today they were sitting _______ around their mother in the sitting-room. I wanted to join the family circle, but Mrs Reed, my aunt, refused. Bessie had complainted about me.   

“No, I’m sorry, Jane. _________ I hear from Bessie, or see for myself, that you are really trying to behave better, you cannot be treated as a good, happy child, like my children.” “What does Bessie say I have done?” I asked.   

“Jane, it is not polite to___________me in that way. If you cannot speak pleasantly, be quiet.”

I_________ out of the sitting-room and into the small room next door, _______ I chose a book full of pictures from the bookcase. I ________ to the window-seat and drew the________, so that I was completely hidden. I sat there for a while. Sometimes I looked out of the window at the grey November afternoon, and saw the rain pouring down on the leafless garden. But most of the time I studied the book and stared, fascinated, at the pictures. Lost in the world of imagination, I forgot my sad, lonely existence for a while, and was happy, I was only afraid that my secret hiding-place might be discovered.

________ the door of the room opened. John Reed rushed in.

“Where are you, rat?” he shouted. He did not see me behind the curtain. “Eliza! Georgy! Jane isn’t here! Tell Mamma she’s run out into the rain—what a bad________ she is!”

“How ________I drew the curtain,” I thought. He would never have found me, because he was not very intelligent. But Eliza guessed ________ where I was. “She’s in the window-seat, John,” she called from the sitting-room. So I came out immediately, as I did not want him to pull me out.

1.

A．morning

B．afternoon

C．evening

D．midnight

2.

A．always

B．never

C．occasionally

D．gradually

3.

A．loving

B．loved

C．hated

D．protected

4.

A．two

B．three

C．four

D．five

5.

A．quietly

B．wildly

C．restlessly

D．officially

6.

A．By the time

B．Until

C．Consequently

D．Now that

7.

A．interrupt

B．appreciate

C．dawn

D．question

8.

A．slid

B．sprang

C．crept

D．weaved

9.

A．where

B．which

C．when

D．that

10.

A．rushed to

B．aimed for

C．protested against

D．climbed on

11.

A．safe

B．switch

C．curtains

D．window

12.

A．Immediately

B．Absolutely

C．Suddenly

D．Mindfully

13.

A．animal

B．guy

C．girl

D．honey

14.

A．poor

B．dangerous

C．fortunate

D．intelligent

15.

A．on no account

B．in no time

C．by no means

D．no sooner than

10 . 近期，你们年级举办英语征文“My Favorite Book”，邀请每个同学参加。字数要求120左右。内容包括：
1. 书的简介
2. 书的具体内容介绍
3. 你对这本书的评价

Title: ______

My favourite book is

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The book tells a story about

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In my opinion,

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________