I ran into a local store today to pick up a few things. With an important meeting to attend, I was in a hurry , so I didn’t take a cart (手推车) on my way inside. As I walked between the shelves in the store, I passed by a young couple and their baby. I continued going through the store, picked up a few items I needed and ended up standing behind this couple in the checkout line.
While waiting, I noticed that the young father was holding his money tightly and nervously. The young mother was carrying a baby in her arms and asked the cashier (收银员) for a job application.
When the total was rung up, they had to pick items out of their cart because they didn’t have enough money. But all their items were basic necessities(必需品) that they needed most. It just broke my heart to watch the couple try to think about what they could do without. However, they were able to whittle down their items and paid the bill with the money that they had.
After they left, I quietly asked the cashier to add those items to mine. The cashier rang everything up, and then got me a shopping cart. We put in their items and I hurried over to their car. “This is for you,” I told them.
The young father just looked at me with such appreciation and thanked me. I will never forget the expression in his eyes. As I was getting into my car, they drove over. The young mother said, “Miss, thank you so much.”
Tears welled up in my eyes---as they are again now, while I write this. “You are so welcome. Pay it forward some day,” I replied.The underlined phrase “whittle down” in Paragraph 3 probably means “__________”.
| A．add to | B．break down |
| C．cut down | D．pay for |
The author felt __________ to watch the couple taking some items out.
| A．sad | B．angry | C．excited | D．interested |
It can be inferred from the passage that _________.
| A．the young father felt so sorry to accept help |
| B．the young mother didn’t have a job then |
| C．the cashier treated the young couple impolitely |
| D．the young couple bought something unnecessary |
The author’s main purpose in sharing the story is to tell us __________.
| A．what a great plan she made |
| B．to take a cart while shopping |
| C．how to pick out basic necessities |
| D．to help those who are in need |
The Chinese word “Shanzhai” means a small mountain village, but now it becomes an accepted name for fakes (假货), after “Shanzhai Cell-phones” produced by small workshops in southern China became popular in the mainland market over the past two years.
Besides “Shanzhai” electronic products, there are “Shanzhai” movies, “Shanzhai” stars and even a “Shanzhai” Spring Festival Gala (联欢晚会), a copy of the 25-year-old traditional show presented by CCTV on Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve.
“Shanzhai” has become a culture of its own, meaning anything that imitates something famous.
In Chongqing, “Shanzhai” version “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube” woven by farmers with bamboo attract wide attention from tourists. Both are copies of the famous Olympic buildings in Beijing.
A literature critic said that taking the “Shanzhai” Gala as an example, when the traditional CCTV program becomes less and less attractive to the audience, the“Shanzhai” version appears timely to attract people. “Although it is often connected with poor techniques and operation, ‘Shanzhai’ culture meets the psychological needs of common people and could be a comfort to their minds,” he said.
To the mainstream (主流的) culture, the rise of “Shanzhai” culture is a challenge and a motivation (动力). People believe different kinds of cultures developing together is a perfect situation and it is for the public to choose.The Chinese word “Shanzhai” may have started with ______.
| A．Spring Festival Gala | B．electronic products |
| C．fake cell-phones | D．Olympic buildings |
According to the passage, “Shanzhai” culture refers to ______.
| A．the action that a person imitates famous people |
| B．products with poor techniques and quality |
| C．those similar names to famous brands |
| D．anything that imitates something famous |
We can infer that the mainstream culture ______.
| A．may develop faster because of the challenge of “Shanzhai” culture |
| B．is the challenge of “Shanzhai” culture |
| C．will be replaced by “Shanzhai” culture |
| D．is held back by “Shanzhai” culture |
For most of us, the rain that falls on our roof runs off into the ground or the sewer(下水道) system. But if you want to save a little water and reuse it on your lawns or plants --- or even use it for laundry, dishes, or other needs --- collecting rainwater from your gutter’s downspouts(檐槽的水落管) is a no-brainer.
According to John C. Davis, writing in E / The Environmental Magazine, just about any homeowner can collect rainwater, given that the roof and gutters do most of the work. And since an inch of rain falling on a 2,000-square-foot roof produces some 1,200 gallons of water, you can harvest enough to water your lawn or garden.
Plants and grass actually do better when fed rainwater instead of tap water, which is usually treated with substances that can hold back plant growth. Using rainwater can also extend the life of pipes, since the salts added to tap water may gradually damage the pipes. However, homeowners should set up a water purification system if they do plan to use rainwater for inside needs.
Rainwater harvesting can also be good for the local community, as it reduces the erosion, flooding, and pollution associated with heavy rainfall, and reduces dependence on public water supplies. So some states fund rainwater collection systems in their local communities.
Many varieties of rain barrel(桶) systems, starting at just $100, are available for home use. A typical setup is simply a rain barrel positioned under a gutter’s downspout. Skillful homeowners can make their own water harvesting systems, but buying one is a lot easier. Most garden centres offer a range of choices as well as tips.The underlined word “no-brainer” in Para. 1 probably means something that ______.
| A．is hard to deal with | B．is very easy |
| C．is of no real value | D．deserves more attention |
From Paragraphs 3 and 4, we can learn _______.
| A．how to set up a water harvesting system | B．how a rain barrel system works |
| C．some advice on saving tap water | D．the benefits of using rainwater |
What is the topic of the passage ?
| A．Basic gardening skills. | B．Water-saving techniques. |
| C．Wastewater treatment systems. | D．Roof rainwater collection. |
A serious problem for today's society is who should be responsible for our elderly and how to improve their lives. It is not only a financial problem but also a question of the system we want for our society. I would like to suggest several possible solutions to this problem.
First, employers should take the responsibility for their retired employees. To make this possible, a percentage of profits should be set aside for this purpose. But when a company must take life-long responsibility for its employees, it may suffer from a commercial disadvantage due to higher employee costs.
Another way of solving the problem is to return the responsibility to the individual. This means each person must save during his working years to pay for his years of retirement. This does not seem a very fair model since some people have enough trouble paying for their daily life without trying to earn extra to cover their retirement years. This means the government might have to step in to care for the poor.
In addition, the government could take responsibility for the care of the elderly. This could be financed through government taxes to increase the level of pensions. Furthermore, some institutions should be created for senior citizens, which can help provide a comfortable life for them. Unfortunately, as the present situation in our country shows, this is not a truly viable answer. The government can seldom afford to care for the elderly, particularly when it is busy trying to care for the young.
One further solution is that the government or social organizations establish some working places especially for the elderly where they are independent.
To sum up, all these options have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that some combination of these options may be needed to provide the care we hope to give to our elderly generations.What is the passage mainly about?
| A．The problems faced by the old in society. |
| B．Why we should take responsibility for the old. |
| C．How we can improve the lives of the old. |
| D．Where the old can go to get their pensions. |
The underlined word "viable" most probably means" ".
| A．impossible | B．practical | C．useful | D．important |
What is the writer's main purpose in writing this article?
| A．To point out the need for government support for old people. |
| B．To make general readers aware of the problems of retired people. |
| C．To discuss some possible solutions to an important social problem. |
| D．To instruct retired people on how they can have a happier life. |
The text is most likely to be found in a book about____.
| A．social science | B．historical events |
| C．political problem | D．political systems |
Beaches Cross-Training Club
Halloween Fun Run
Start date: Sept. 9---Oct. 28
Rate: $80 / $10 per class
Time: 4:15---5:15
Dress according to weather. Please note that your child does not need to run races in order to participate in this run training. Focus is on fun and participation. No run experience needed. All ages of kids are welcome.
Class format: 40 minutes of running and running games.
Saturday Indoor Long Rides 2---5 pm
Start date: Sat. Oct.17---Dec.19
Pre-registered rate: $200 / $ 20 per ride
Drop-in rate: $22
This class is designed for road riders, Ride to Conquer Cancer participants, athletic cross-training, and people wanting a great weekly challenge. Participants are encouraged to work within their own level of comfort. No previous riding experience needed; all are welcome. We will begin long rides at 2 hours, and after a few weeks add 15 minutes until we reach 3 hours. At that point, rides will remain 3 hours in length until the outdoor season begins.
Please bring liquid that you drink, nutrition and a towel. Room accommodates 18 spin bikes(健身车).
Family Fun Fit Private Coaching
Learn with Christina Kaufmann. Family Fun Fit’s Private Coaching Service begins with a one-hour face-to-face meeting where we map out where you are and where you wish to be. Next, Christina creates a personalized training program and schedule that will systematically train you and encourage you to achieve your desired goal.
Clients(顾客) have the access to the coach via email or phone. Christina’s past clients have successfully achieved their goals.
This service is ongoing(进行中). Cost is $150 per month.Halloween Fun Run is held to make kids ______.
| A．learn how to compete | B．become professional runners |
| C．have a good time | D．build self-confidence |
When you attend Saturday Indoor Long Rides, you’re required to _____.
| A．begin long rides at three hours | B．have precious riding experience |
| C．prepare some drinks | D．be a road rider |
What do we know about Christina Kaufmann ?
| A．Her class is very lively and interesting. |
| B．She gives her instructions on the phone in most cases. |
| C．She offers service for free. |
| D．She helps make training plans. |
What’s the purpose of the text ?
| A．To introduce Christina Kaufmann. |
| B．To help people form good habits. |
| C．To try to teach people how to keep fit. |
| D．To encourage people to join the club. |
Last winter, when I was heavily pregnant, I was visiting my sister and brother-in-law's house and had to park in a nearby parking lot because they didn't have accessible parking. The snow was extremely heavy and there was lots of ice on the ground --- not many people had ventured out that evening!
When I returned to my car around 11pm, I noticed that I was the only car left. Nervously, I hopped into the car and let it warm up a bit. When I finally tried to drive away, my wheels began to spin. I was stuck! I spun and spun and wondered what to do.
All of a sudden, in my rear view mirror, I saw four teen-aged boys approaching my car. They were walking side by side in a line and dressed a bit like gang members --- at least I thought that's what they looked like. My car was in a very isolated area and I began to panic. I was certain they were coming to my car to harm me. Terrified, I just froze. One of the young men tapped on my window and said "Excuse me, Ma'am, can we help you? You seem stuck." Still afraid and fearing the worst, I said "I am stuck." And the young man said "It's okay, stay in your car and we'll push you out of the snow." And they did!
When they finally got me out of the snow, they smiled and waved. I rolled down my window and thanked them, embarrassed to have judged them so poorly.Why did the author just freeze when the four young men walking toward her car?
| A．Because she was afraid of being harmed. |
| B．Because she sat in her car for too long a time. |
| C．Because she was cold indeed in that freezing evening. |
| D．Because she knew they would rob her of the car. |
Which of the following words can best describe the four young men?
| A．Impolite. |
| B．Ill-mannered. |
| C．Unfriendly |
| D．Warm-hearted. |
Which of the following is true according to the text?
| A．One of the four teenagers was a gang member. |
| B．The kids wanted to help the author out of trouble. |
| C．The author would have a baby in her car. |
| D．The young men enjoyed pushing cars out of the snow. |
The best title for the text would be___________．
| A．Every man has his faults |
| B．Fortune favors those who use their judgment |
| C．Don't judge a book by its cover |
| D．Think twice before you do. |
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