1 . 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.

2 . A common theme running in fiction and mythology is the idea of orphan (孤儿) heroes and superheroes. Fairytales introduce us to children of absent fathers and cruel caretakers, like Cinderella and Snow White. Fiction makes much of the parentage of David Copperfield and Jane Eyre. Comic books offer orphaned heroes like Batman, Spiderman, or you’ll notice characters in more modern fiction from films and books like Harry Potter and Leia Skywalker.

Why are so many heroes and superheroes orphans?

Lacking parents, orphan heroes and superheroes are considered “children of the world”. Having raised themselves, and having been freed from much of the complex relationship of child to parent, ophan heroes and superheroes are at much greater liberty to interact with the world, and they may look at the world as parent and all its inhabitants as family.

Some orphans seek only a home and a family. David Copperfield finds this with his aunt. Cinderella and Snow White escape evil stepmothers by marrying. Others, especially of the superhero “cast” are never really given family in the traditional sense. In fact, though they may have strong bonds with friends, or with caretakers, they are constantly attempting to prove worthiness to the world, and are desperate to save the people they do care about.

You can also evaluate orphan heroes and superheroes as a means by which anxiety, loneliness, and independence are emphasized. The comic book type superhero is usually one who suffers always, or at least most of the time. Loss of even one parent can be intensely upsetting and forever change a child’s life, and superheroes may do all in their power to prevent this fate for other children. Empathy for suffering and a desire to end or prevent it for others are increased.

It’s a good idea to consider why we see this theme expressed so commonly. Perhaps we ⅵew these orphans or poorly parented children as ultimately our own. They may not just be children of the world, but may belong to each reader.

1. Why does the author mention some famous characters in Paragraph 1?

A．To clarify the writing purpose.	B．To advertise classic fiction.
C．To support a statement.	D．To make an overall outline.

2. Which of the following drives some orphans to become superheroes?

A．Intention to escape a family.	B．Desire to prove their value to the world.
C．Strong bonds with their family.	D．Wishes for freedom to explore the world.

3. Which word best describes the comic book type superhero?

A．Childish.

B．Dependent.

C．Cheerful.

D．Sympathetic.

4. What may make the theme of orphan superheroes so common?

A．Ophans’ ultimte fate is pitiful

B．Readers have a preference for tragedies.

C．Orphan characters are reflections of the readers.

D．Readers may regard orphan characters as their own kids.

3 . 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。

Chinese Nobel Prize winner Mo Yan opened a WeChat public account, reaching hundreds of thousands of followers.

The account named “Mo Yan”     1     （update）every week. On Monday night, Mo     2     （thank）his readers and followers in a video to celebrate the 100th day. When     3     （ask）how he felt communicating with young people, Mo said that his heart was filled with young people's     4     （view）on life, the world and history. “To my delight, I've become     5     （young）in spirit than before.” Mo said.

The articles published on the account cover many topics, some of     6     talk about literature and how to overcome difficulties in life, while others touch more ordinary subjects like pets and his personal experiences.

Writing has often been mentioned in articles. Many people asked Mo about his methods and suggestions on writing. Mo told them not to be worried and that writing is     7     lifetime job. They can take writing novels like writing letters to their families at the beginning.

Most of his followers consider that the writer is     8     （humor）and easy-going. “He did give me many useful suggestions on     9     （get）along with parents and even my choice of life. I am longing to make friends with him as I feel he is so close     10     us,” one netizen surnamed Yu told the Global Times on Tuesday.

4 . Are you struggling to find reading materials for your kids? You can try these books.

Johnny Catching Fire

By Aaron Allen

www. xlibris. com

Hardback | Paperback | E-book

$22. 99 | $16. 99 | $3. 99

Johnny somehow gets the strength of super power. Now, he must decide whether to use his power for good or to get even with those who played tricks on him. Young readers can be inspired to think about the choice of life. To forgive? Or the other way around?

The Unequal Twins

By Sylva Kanderal

www. xlibris. com

Hardback |Paperback | E-book

$28.99 | $16.99 | $3.99

What if …the twins Ava and Zoe, who could hardly be distinguished from each other visually and who could not have been more different in character, had to go through severe envy, jealousy, and hate? Where does that road lead to? To a total loss of their connection, or are they finding the lost path to each other again?

How to Help Yourself to Be Who You Want to Be

By Pam Grewall

www. iuniverse. com

Hardback | Paperback | E-book

$23.99 | $13.99 | $3.99

This self-improvement book offers a simple handbook to help kids recognize their strengths and weaknesses and understand how to make their own destiny.

Quotes from the Quiver

By Dante P. Galiber, MD, FACC

www. authorhouse. com

Hardback | Paperback|E-book

$43.99 | $22.99 | $3.99

Inspired by time, space, and human interaction, this collection offers a series of original and thought-provoking ideas and quotations designed to uplift and enlighten young readers.

1. Which book mentions a teenager’s super power?

A．The Unequal Twins.

B．Johnny Catching Fire.

C．Quotes from the Quiver.

D．How to Help Yourself to Be Who You Want to Be.

2. How much should you pay for the last two paperback books?

A．$28.99.	B．$36.98.
C．$43.99.	D．$7.98.

3. What do the listed books have in common?

A．They are designed to inspire young readers.

B．They help readers to understand adulthood better.

C．They help kids recognize their strengths and weaknesses.

D．They provide quotations to uplift and enlighten people.

5 . It's the most wonderful time of the year! The winter holidays are the perfect chance to get comfortable with a good book, and luckily we have some best sellers right now. We're sure you'll find what you're looking for.

Sunday Funday by Katherine Hallgan

Hardback, $20 (10 percent off with membership)

A great book full of seasonal activities that families and friends can enjoy together. From gardening projects to creative hand-made things and warming winter recipes (食谱), there's something for everyone, whatever the weather.

The History of the World in 100 Animals by Simon Barnes

Hardback, $16.99

This beautifully pictured book explores the good relationship between humans and animals, from bees to chimpanzees (黑猩猩) who share more than 90% of our DNA. If you are crazy about animals, this is the book for you.

Accidentally Famous by David Baddiel

Paperback, $12.99

Nothing amazing ever happens to Billy Smith but when TV workers visit his school he becomes popular, but as everyone knows, being famous comes with a price. David Baddiel's laugh-out-loud book asks what life would be like if everyone suddenly knew your name.

Eddie Albert and the Animal Gang by Paul O'Grady

Paperback, $15

This action-filled adventure from TV favourite Paul O'Grady follows a young boy with a very special gift—he can talk to animals! On a trip to Amsterdam, Eddie meets a monkey in danger and rescues the young creature with the help of his animal friends.

1. What is the member price for Sunday Funday?

A．$20.

B．$19.

C．$18.

D．$10.

2. Which book is about the price of being famous?

A．Sunday Funday.	B．Eddie Albert and the Animal Cang.
C．Accidentally Famous.	D．The History of the World in 100 Animals.

3. What do the books by Simon Barnes and Paul O'Grady have in common?

A．They are published in hardback.	B．They stress harmony with animals.
C．They are full of beautiful pictures.	D．They speak of famous TV persons.

6 . 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.