It’s obviously true that not all people like to work, but everyone likes to play. All over the world, men and women, young and old, enjoy recreational activities. So, beyond doubt, entertainment plays an important role in our daily lives. In modern society, there is a broad range of recreational activities—from online computer games to lovely picnics—that meet the needs of different groups of people. Therefore, it won’t be difficult for you to find some recreation to refresh your body and mind.
Recreational activities have a number of benefits, especially in this highly competitive society. They can help us relax, have fun and relieve stress. In fact, I believe there is no better way to get exercise and relieve stress than to take an active part in recreational activities. But can recreational activities do us harm? Of course they can. Let’s take TV as an example. There is no denying that TV offers access to the latest news and to useful knowledge, while providing us with entertainment. However, if we spend too much time watching TV, it will numb our mind and destroy our creativity, which is exactly the opposite of what we really want. What’s more, TV can also show some pornographic programs, which are absolutely unsuitable for us young students. So, just as the old saying goes, every coin has two sides, and watching TV is no exception.
As a student, I think recreational activities are very important for us. But this doesn’t mean we should take up whatever recreational activities are available. Instead, we should strike a balance between work and rest. We should have our own judgment, which means knowing what is good for us and what is not. And we should exercise self-control so as not to become addicted to them. I believe moderate recreational activity will benefit us in many ways and help us live a full, meaningful life.Why does entertainment play an important role in people’s daily lives?
| A．Because online computer games are popular with people. |
| B．Because entertainment can help people have fun instead of relieving stress. |
| C．Because people of all ages enjoy recreational activities. |
| D．Because it is easy and convenient to take up any recreational activity. |
Which of the following statements is not counted as the disadvantage of TV?
| A．People are addicted to watching TV. |
| B．TV provides people with the latest news. |
| C．Some programs are unsuitable for young students. |
| D．Spending too much time on it may destroy people’s creativity |
In the author’s opinion, what is the proper attitude to recreational activities?
| A．Spending as much time as we like watching TV. |
| B．Taking part in any recreational activities available. |
| C．Learning to control ourselves about entertainment. |
| D．Benefiting us by taking part in different activities. |
Just getting accepted to an American college or university does not guarantee that you will get a visa. And getting a visa just lets you arrive in the United States. It does not guarantee that an immigration officer will permit you to enter the country.
If you are requesting a visa for the first time, you will probably have to go to an American embassy or consulate（领事馆）. You will need to bring a government form sent to you by your American school that shows you have been accepted.
You will also need banking and tax records that show you have enough money to pay for your education. And be prepared to provide evidence that you will return to your home country after your studies end.
All of this is important in satisfying the requirements to get a visa. A consular official will also take your picture and your fingerprints.
Foreign students must contact their local embassy or consulate to request an interview and to get other information. This includes directions about how and where to pay the visa application charge. The cost is two hundred dollars.
You should apply for the visa as soon as you have been accepted to a school in the United States. The government needs time to perform a background investigation.
You cannot receive a visa more than one hundred twenty days before the start of your program. And if you are coming as a student for the first time, you cannot enter the country more than thirty days before classes begin.
Once you come to the United States, you can stay for the length of your period of study. Your school is required to provide the Department of Homeland Security with reports on your status as a student.What do you have to take to the American embassy if you request a visa for the first time?
A. A government form. B. Banking and tax records.
C. Pictures and fingerprints. D. Both A and B.When should you apply for a visa?
| A．The moment you have been accepted to a school in the US. |
| B．One hundred twenty days before you go to the US. |
| C．Thirty days before classes begin. |
| D．After the immigration officer permit you to enter the US. |
How much will you be charged for the visa application?
| A．Free of charge. | B．Two hundred dollars. |
| C．One hundred twenty dollars. | D．Thirty dollars. |
What may be the main idea of this passage?
| A．When to get a visa. |
| B．Some tips on how to get a visa. |
| C．How to enter the US. |
| D．Ways to be accepted by American universities. |
I was working as an intern(实习生) at my University’s Museum of Natural history when I was an undergraduate in college. One day while working at the cash register in the gift shop, I saw an elderly couple come in with a little girl in a wheelchair.
As I looked closer at this girl, I saw that she was kind of perched(位于高处) on her chair. I then realized that she had no arms or legs, just a head, neck and upper body. She was wearing a little white dress with red dots.
As the couple wheeled her up to me I was looking down at the register. I turned my head toward the girl and gave her a wink(眨眼), As I took the money from her grandparents, I looked back at the girl, who was giving me a nicest, largest smile I had ever seen. All of a sudden her handicap was gone and all I saw was this beautiful girl, whose smile just melted me and almost instantly gave me a completely new sense of what life is all about. She took me away from a poor, unhappy college student and brought me into her world; a world of smiles, love and warmth.
That was 10 years ago. I’m a successful business person now and whenever I get down and think about the troubles of the world, I think about that little girl and the unforgettable lesson about life that she taught me.In the writer’s opinion, the little girl_________.
| A．had no influence on his life |
| B．sponsored him to do his business |
| C．had a cheerful spirit |
| D．told everyone how to live a good life |
What do we know about the writer?
| A．He ran a gift shop in the university |
| B．He looked down upon the girl because she had no arms and legs |
| C．He just graduated from university |
| D．He is successful in his business |
The underlined word “handicap” in Paragraph 3 probably means_________.
| A．disappointment | B．appearance |
| C．disability | D．impression |
When your pet has an emergency, first aid is not a substitute for veterinary treatment. However, before you are able to get your pet to a veterinarian（兽医）, knowing some basic first aid can help.
Bite Wounds
Approach the pet carefully to avoid getting bitten. Wear a mask for the animal and then check the wound. Clean the wound with large amounts of saline(盐水). If these are not available, then regular water may be used. Wrap large open wounds to keep them clean.
Bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure over the bleeding area until the bleeding stops. Hold the pressure for at least 10 minutes. Avoid bandages that cut off circulation.
__________
Check to see if the animal is choking on a foreign object. If an animal is not breathing, place it on a firm surface with its left side up. Check for a heartbeat. If you hear a heartbeat but not breathing, close the animal’s mouth and breathe directly into its nose—not the mouth—until the chest expands. Repeat 12 to 15 times per minute.
Burns
Wash the burn immediately with large amounts of cool, running water. Apply an ice pack for 15—20 minutes. Do not place an ice pack directly on the skin. Wrap the pack in a light towel or other cover. If the animal has large quantities of dry chemicals on it skin, brush them off. Water may activate some dry chemicals.
Fractures (骨折)
Symptoms include pain, inability to use a limb (腿). Wear a mask for the pet and look for bleeding. If you can control bleeding without causing more injury, then do so. Watch for signs of shock. Don’t try to set the fractures by pulling the limb. Transport the pet to the veterinarian immediately, supporting the injured part as best as you can.The underlined word “substitute” in the first paragraph means something_________.
| A．that is necessary |
| B．that can replace other things |
| C．that is familiar with us |
| D．that can calm people |
What’s the suitable subtitle for the blank（空白处）?
| A．Cutting | B．Breathing Stops |
| C．Poisoning | D．Suffering Heart Problems |
If your pet is burned by chemicals, you should_________.
| A．wash away the chemicals with saline |
| B．put an ice pack directly on the skin |
| C．bind up the cut with a bandage |
| D．get rid of them before washing |
The passage is mainly about_________.
| A．doing pet first aid |
| B．treating sick pets |
| C．dealing with an emergency |
| D．working as a veterinarian |
There are various aspects that go into making a successful school, and success can be measured in various ways．Often, the teachers are praised for a school’s success and blamed for its failure．Yet, in order for a school to be effective, it must be a place where teaching and learning can easily take place, and that requires the hard work of more than just educators．Students must take learning into their own hands and feel as if what they are doing is as important as it actually is．This can only be done with the cooperation of every adult that is involved in the students’ life．Some of these individuals often go unnoticed, yet the role they play in the students’ lives is immeasurable．
In the school, administrative assistants greet students at the start of the day and answer a large quantity of questions．When an assistant remembers a student’s name or even something special about that student, it communicates to him that he is cared for．The assistant can also give that extra encouragement for a student to make better choices, especially when they are visiting the principal’s office．
Meanwhile, though cafeteria workers have a short space of time to interact with students, they can make a big difference as well．Beyond meeting nutritional needs, cafeteria workers may also on occasion meet the emotional needs of the students they serve．Students benefit from positive interaction with adults, and cafeteria workers may give that extra bit of encouragement that a child needs．
Custodians（管理员）are usually underappreciated for what they offer to schools．They have to be knowledgeable about everything from cleaning to fixing the most intricate（复杂的）tools．They get to school early in the morning before teachers arrive and lock up late at night after the last student has left from the after-school event．They also make sure teachers are equipped with the necessary items and prepare the rooms so that they are ready for learning．A great custodian also gives that kind word or extra smile to that student who needs it most．The purpose of the passage is to _______．
| A．emphasize the role teachers play in a school |
| B．highlight the contributions of other staff at school besides teachers． |
| C．tell us who make the greatest contributions to a school |
| D．explain what contributes to the success of a student |
If an assistant remembers a student’s name, the student will feel that _________．
| A．he is paid particular attention to |
| B．he is special |
| C．he has done something wrong |
| D．he has made progress in study |
Which of the following is TRUE about cafeteria workers?
| A．It’s enough for them to cook for the students． |
| B．It’s hard for them to interact with the students． |
| C．They have the most interaction with students at school． |
| D．They can also meet the emotional needs of the students． |
How does the author feel about the staff mentioned in the text?
| A．Disappointed． | B．Dissatisfied． |
| C．Appreciative． | D．Doubtful． |
Last Sunday I made a visit to some new neighbors down the block．No specific in mind, just an opportunity to sit at the kitchen table, have some tea and chat．As I did so, it occurred to me how rare the Sunday visit has become．
When I was a kid in New Jersey of the 1960s, Sunday visits were routine．Most stores were closed, almost nobody worked, and the highways, as a result, were not desperate steeplechases（障碍赛跑）they have become today．My family normally traveled eight city blocks to the home of my grandmother, where adults would sit on the front porch and chat while we children played hide-and-seek．
The Sunday visit was something to desire strongly．It was the repetition to church, our reward for an hour of devotion, an opportunity to take advantage of the fact that Dad was not at work, we were not in school, and there was no housework that couldn’t wait until Monday．Sunday was, indeed, different from the other days of the week, because everyone seemed to be on the same schedule, which means that there was one day when everyone seemed to have time for everybody else．
Sunday as a day of rest is, or was, so deeply rooted in the culture that it’s surprising to find that, in a short span of time, it has almost entirely lost this association．In my childhood, it was assumed that everyone would either be home or visiting someone else’s home on Sunday．But now the question is, “What do you plan to DO this Sunday?” The answer can range from going to the mall, to participating in a road race, to Montreal for lunch．If one were to respond, “I’m making a Sunday visit to family,” such an answer would feel strange, which sounds like an echo from another era．
I suppose I should be grateful to live in Maine, a state of small towns, abundant land and tight relationships．Even though folks work as hard here as they do anywhere else, the state’s powerfully rural feature still keeps at least remnants（残余部分）of the moral of yesterday’s America, where people had to depend on one another in the face of economic vagaries（反复无常的情况）and a challenging environment．The writer’s general impression of the Sunday in the past was a day when＿＿．
| A．everyone was paying a visit to some relatives far away |
| B．everyone seemed to be free for others |
| C．Dad was not at work while Mom was busy cleaning the house |
| D．nearly every adult would go to church and children weren’t at school |
In the fourth paragraph, the writer compares the response “I’m making a Sunday visit to family” to an echo from another era because_____．
| A．people nowadays prefer staying at home on Sunday |
| B．such answers are rarely heard in our modern society |
| C．people in the city dislike being disturbed on Sunday |
| D．visiting someone on Sunday was routine in the past |
From the last paragraph we may infer that_____．
| A．people in Maine suffer more from economic depression and the changed environment |
| B．people in Maine have abandoned their tradition and lived an absolutely new life |
| C．land in Maine is short, thus the relationship between people is tense |
| D．people in Maine tend to help each other out of necessity |
What’s the main idea of the passage?
| A．Doing many activities on Sunday is beneficial． |
| B．We should often travel a long distance to visit some friends and relatives． |
| C．Nowadays, Sunday has almost lost its association as a day of rest． |
| D．We should abandon some old tradition． |
Around four years ago, I received a call from the principal of our school as to the “Parents View” talk the next morning. He asked me to speak to the group. After the call, my whole body became feverish and panicky. The time from his call to the next morning seemed like years. The whole night, I could not sleep with many ominous apprehensions in mind. One of them was to call the principal with regret and tell him that I could not come. Finally, I gathered some courage. I thought, “If I miss this opportunity, surely the school will never invite me again to any of the
ir programs.”
I reached the school in time. Before my turn came, my whole body was trembling. When my turn came and I started speaking, my heartbeat increased and my mouth went dry. I wasn’t even able to read the written speech properly. I was not aware of where I was standing and what I was reading. That was the day when I realized my biggest weakness-- Public Speaking.
After my speech, I met with the principal and explained what happened to me. He told me that this happens to everyone. Even great speakers, faced the same things when they started. He suggested that I come again next time.
Around one month later, I was invited to refer to a topic on Motivation. This time I was feeling comfortable. My speech was appreciated by the principal as well as the teachers, because I was able to get my idea across to them. They encouraged and praised my efforts.
After delivering it successfully, I became more confident. I said to myself, “If I can speak in front of such a learned audience, like the principal who educates others, I can now speak in front of others too.”
I started delivering lectures in my plant, on various topics like Self Motivation, Personality Development, Personal Excellence, Spoken English and Presentation Skills. This has become a passion for me. I learned that everything is possible if we have the courage to take the first step. Which of the following is the hest title for the passage?
| A．Practice Makes a Man a Better Speechmaker |
B． Public Speaking Makes a Man Embarrassed. |
| C．Principal Provides the Best Chances. |
| D．Spoken English Develops in Malting Speeches. |
The author had bad feelings before the speech because______.
| A．he disliked the idea of giving a lecture |
| B．he feared he couldn't perform it properly |
| C．he regretted accepting the invitation |
| D．he had got a high fever before that |
What does the underlined part “ominous apprehensions” in the first paragraph mean?
| A．unlucky opportunities | B．curious views |
| C．negative ideas | D．happy comments |
What can we conclude from the passage?
| A．Nothing is to be got without pains but poverty. |
| B．Knowledge makes humble, ignorance makes proud. |
| C．A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. |
| D．Necessity is the mother of invention. |
Most of the time, people wear hats to protect themselves from harsh weather conditions. Hats are also worn to show politeness and as signs of social position. But nowadays, hats, especially women’s hats, are much more than that. More exactly, hats have changed into fashion and style symbols by many movie stars. What’s more, people now consider many different features (特点)when choosing even a simple hat. Many designers point out that, when choosing the right hat, it’s important to consider the color of your skin as well as your hair, your height, and the shape of your face.
First of all, the color of the hat should match the color of your skin and hair. For instance, black hats should be avoided if you are dark skinned. If a purple hat is placed on top of red hair, one will look as attractive as a summer flower. Second, the height of the hat is also an important point. Tall women should not go for hats with tall crowns, just as short women should choose hats with upturned brims to give the look of height. Third, and most importantly, the shape of the face decides the kind of hat one should pick. A small, gentle hat that fits the head looks good on a small face. However, women with big, round faces should choose a different style.
As the saying goes, “Fine feathers make fine birds.” A good hat can not only help your dress but also support your features, so why not choose the best possible one next time you want to be in public?What does the underlined word “harsh” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?
| A．good | B．poor | C．strange | D．different |
According to the article, which of the following women would look most attractive?
| A．A short red-haired woman who wears a purple hat. |
| B．A big-faced woman who wears a small, nice hat. |
| C．A tall woman who wears a hat with a huge upturned brim. |
| D．A small dark-skinned woman who wears a black hat with a tall crown. |
What does the last paragraph suggest?
| A．Hats are worn on the head to keep warm. |
| B．Hats can make you look much taller. |
| C．Hats are not as important as character. |
| D．Hats can help you look better in public. |
What is the best title for the article?
| A．How to Choose a Proper Hat |
| B．How to Improve Your Features |
| C．How to Show Your Social Position |
| D．How to Design a Nice Hat |
Apply for a Library Card
Any person who lives, works, attends school or pays property taxes in New York State is eligible to receive a New York Public Library card free of charge. Adult and teen users may either apply online or in person at any New York Public Library location. Applications for children ages 11 and under must be completed in person, and require the signature of a parent. When you apply for a card online, you will receive a 7-digit temporary barcode(条码). This allows you to set a secret code. After you receive your permanent barcode, which is required to borrow materials, search Library databases, or reserve a computer, you must renew your card.
Renew or Validate Your Card
All adult, teen and child library cards for cardholders must be renewed every three years. New library card applicants who applied for a card online must renew their card before full cardholder privileges can be extended. Cardholders can visit any New York Public Library location to present the required forms of identification in order to renew or validate their card. Cardholders may also email copies of the required forms of identification to patronaccounts@nypl.org. Alternatively, this information may be faxed to 212.621.0278.
Forget Your Secret Code?
If you forget your secret code, you can provide the library with a valid email address, and click on the link ---“Forgot Your secret code?” A link with instructions on changing your secret code will be sent to the email address on your account, giving you a brief period of time to update your information. You must select a 4 digit numeric secret code, with no repeating or obvious numbers (e.g. 1234 or 2222). If you have not provided us with a valid email address, you may visit a library location to reset your secret code.
Replace a Lost or Stolen Card
Cardholders are responsible for all items on a card, all use made of the card and all charges made against it until it is reported lost or stolen. If your card is lost or stolen, inform the library immediately. Call 917.ASK.NYPL (917.275.6975), email Ask NYPL, or visit to your nearest library to report the card lost.Who can’t apply for a New York Public Library card for free?
| A．Those who work in New York. |
| B．Those who travel in New York. |
| C．Those who live in New York. |
| D．Those who go there for further study. |
Children ages 11 and under________.
| A．are required to apply for a free library card online |
| B．must apply for a library card in person with a parent |
| C．should change their library cards every three years |
| D．can enjoy extended privileges before renewing the card |
Library cards may NOT be renewed _______.
| A．by email | B．by fax | C．by phone | D．in person |
Which of the following can be a secret code?
| A．1368 | B．5188 | C．5678 | D．8888 |
Kids love animals, so children’s magazines about wildlife are a great way to plant a love of reading in young kids. If your kids love animals, check out these magazines.
National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids brings animals, nature, science, and fun to the little learners. Its animal stories develop pre-reading and reading skills. They also answer questions about kids’ favorite creatures. Features about different cultures bring the world to your child and inspire a sense of understanding. Interactive experiments introduce simple science, and fun puzzles and games teach logic, counting, and so much more! It is for children aged from 6 to 14.
Click
Click opens up a universe of wonder by introducing kids aged 3-7 to the world around them. Click is about science, nature, and the environment. From the publishers of Ladybug, Click is written so that children will love the challenge of new learning.
Wild Animal Baby
It helps a child develop a lifelong love of reading and learning. This sturdy (结实的), board format magazine is designed especially for babies and toddlers between the ages of 12 months and 3 years. Each issue (期) is filled with rhymes, stories and lovable baby animals. Wild Animal Baby is a fun, interactive reading experience for children and parents alike.
Zootles
It was created for children aged 2 to 6 years old. Each issue includes a featured animal, numbers, and phoneme (音素) sounds. Counting and sound recognition games are built into the content, along with read-aloud stories, poems and more! This magazine is so much fun that little kids won’t realize how much they are learning.What do we know about National Geographic Kids?
a. It is mainly aimed at adults.
b. Its paper is heavier and of good quality.
c. It tells children about different cultures in the world.
d. It helps improve children’s pre-reading and reading skills.
| A．ac | B．bd | C．cd | D．ad |
A mother would most probably choose _____ for her one-year-old baby.
| A．Zootles | B．Wild Animal Baby |
| C．National Geographic Kids | D．Click |
We know that the magazine Zootles _______.
| A．tells about science, nature and the environment |
| B．involves many adventurous stories |
| C．mainly tells kids how to pronounce words |
| D．tells about a featured animal in each issue |
What’s the author’s purpose in writing the text?
| A．To encourage kids to read more books. |
| B．To introduce his / her favorite books to readers. |
| C．To recommend several children’s magazines about animals. |
| D．To tell parents several ways of entertaining and educating kids. |
Walking down a path through some woods in Georgia, I saw a small pool of water ahead on the path. I angled my direction to go around it on the part of the path that wasn't covered by water or mud. As I reached the pool, I was suddenly attacked!
Yet I did nothing for the attack. It was so unpredictable and from somewhere totally unexpected. I was surprised as well as unhurt though I had been struck four or five times. I backed up a foot and my attacker stopped attacking me. Had I been hurt I wouldn't have found it amusing. And I was laughing. After all, I was being attacked by a butterfly!
Having stopped laughing, I took a step forward. My attacker rushed me again. He charged towards me at full speed, attempting to hurt me but in vain. For a second time, I took a step backwards while my attacker paused. I wasn't sure what to do. After all, it’s just not everyday that one is attacked by a butterfly. I stepped back to look the situation over. My attacker moved back to land on the ground. That's when I discovered why my attacker was charging me only moments earlier. He had a mate and she was dying.
Sitting close beside her, he opened and closed his wings as if to fan her. I could only admire the love and courage of that butterfly in his concern for his mate. He had taken it up on himself to attack me for his mate’s sake, even though she was clearly dying and I was so large. He did so just to give her those extra few precious moments of life. Should I have been careless enough to step on her? His courage in attacking something thousands of times larger and heavier than himself just for his mate’s safety seemed admirable. I couldn’t do anything other than reward him by walking on the more difficult side of the pool. He had truly earned those moments to be with her, undisturbed.
Since then, I’ve used that butterfly’s courage as an inspiration and to remind myself that good things are worth fighting for.The writer changed his direction while walking down a path because he wanted_______.
| A．to get close to a butterfly |
| B．to escape a sudden attack |
| C．to look over the bad situation |
| D．to avoid getting his shoes dirty |
From the passage we can learn that the attacker _________.
| A．struck the author four or five times and made him badly hurt |
| B．paused until the author took a step backwards |
| C．thought it was the author who caused the death of his mate |
| D．attacked the author for his mate’s safety and to accompany her for the last moments of life. |
From this experience the man learned_____.
| A．butterflies are brave insects |
| B．the small can defeat the large |
| C．how to deal with challenges in his life |
| D．people should try their best to fight for everything |
Which of the following words can best describe the butterfly?
| A．amusing | B．ambitious |
| C．courageous | D．aggressive |
My parents moved from Mexico to South Texas in the early 90s with the hope for a brighter future for their family of nine---my parents, four boys and three girls. My parents have always wanted the best for us and they have done everything possible to encourage us to get a university degree. Never did they think that by pushing us that direction, it also meant encouraging us to move away and be distant from each other.
Initially(起初), getting accustomed to the American culture and lifestyle was very difficult for my parents. They come from a culture where kids grow up together, go to school together and most of the time live in the same neighborhood. From our point, American family values were a bit different. Typically in the US, when you turn 18, you are expected to graduate from high school, move out, find a university, possibly find a partner, get married and start a life together. Most of these decisions take you away from home; usually you have to follow opportunity and wherever that will take you.
This is my family’s current situation. I graduated from Bethel College in Indiana in 2010, and in order to fulfill my financial responsibilities of paying off student loans, I moved to Washington State for my job with Experience Mission. Ideally my parents wanted me to come home to South Texas, but that wasn’t where my opportunity took me.
Currently, my sister Jennifer lives in Waco, Texas, about eight hours from my parents. My two younger brothers also decided to go to college at Bethel and are away from my parents. More than likely, when they graduate, they will probably not move back home to South Texas.
My parent never imagined that their dream for a better future would separate our family this way.
Facebook has played a crucial(决定性的) role in the way we communicate while living in different places. Since we all use Facebook, we have found a place to connect and feel as if we were there together with each other.We can infer from the first paragraph that ________.
| A．the writer’s family are immigrants to America |
| B．the writer’ family came to America for a better future |
| C．the writer’ parents’ didn’t want their children to get a university degree |
| D．the writer’ parents pushed their children away from each other |
The writer’s parents found it hard to be used to American life because ________.
| A．they were strangers in America |
| B．they suffered from a culture shock |
| C．the local people disliked their family |
| D．different countries have different lives |
The writer didn’t return to work in South Texas after graduation because ________.
| A．he owed a lot of money while studying at college |
| B．he didn’t graduate from university |
| C．he found his opportunity in Washiongton State |
| D．his father couldn’t find him a job in South Texas |
What will probably be talked about in the paragraph after the last?
| A．The writer’s parents’ life in Texas. |
| B．How the parents learn to use Facebook. |
| C．What the writer’s brothers’ and sisters’ lives are like. |
| D．How the writer’s family communicate through Facebook. |
It is never too early, or too late, to encourage a child to read. With the chill(寒冷) of winter upon us, the following is a list of wonderful stories with winter and or snow themes.
Waiting for Winter
It was written by Sebastian Meschenmoser. A little squirrel(松鼠), who has never seen snow, is determined that he will not miss it this year. He gets the help of his good friends, a bear and a hedgehog, trying to stay awake until they can all see the first snowfall of winter. This book is a wonderful story to read aloud to young children or for older children to read by themselves.
The Snowy Day
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a short read, but since its first publication it has been loved by millions. It tells about a beautiful story about the magic and possibility of the first snowfall of winter, which appeals to young and older children.
The Polar Express
Popularized by the 2004 Warner Brothers all-digital film, The Polar Express was first published in 1985. The hero of this story is a boy who is given the opportunity to receive a gift from Santa himself. A magical train appears outside his bedroom window, taking him away on a fantastic journey to the North Pole.
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
It was written by Robert E. Barry. Mr Willowby orders a lovely new Christmas tree, and when it is delivered to his home he finds it far too tall. He has the top of the tree cut off in order to make it just the right height. This book follows the treetop on its journey through the forest, where it brings the joy of the holidays for some woodland creatures. This book teaches us a valuable lesson about the joy of giving, and happiness that it can bring to the hearts of recipients(接受者).Waiting for Winter and The Snowy Day are similar in that ________.
| A．they are intended for older children and adults |
| B．they are centered around the first snowfall of winter |
| C．they are short novels and are loved by millions |
| D．they are fairy tales about talking animals |
Which of the following was made into a popular film?
| A．Waiting for Winter | B．The Snowy Day |
| C．The polar Express | D．Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree |
What can we learn about Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree?
| A．it tells us giving can bring pleasure for us. |
| B．it was written by Sebastian Meschenmoser. |
| C．it tells about a boy’s journey through the forest. |
| D．it tells us Mr Willowby received a magic gift from Santa. |
There is a scene in the movie The Descendants and it went something like this ---George Clooney’s character Matt King has a daughter who may be 9 or 10. She said something bad to a girl at her school that made her cry. The mother of that girl made Matt and his daughter come to their house to apologize. “Sorry,” said his daughter very casually. She was clearly not sorry for her actions and the girl’s mother complained she didn’t take her apology seriously. Matt shrugged(耸)his shoulders. What was he supposed to do? His daughter apologized as asked. He couldn’t make her mean her words.
I always think of this story when my daughter is asked by other adults to apologize for her wrong doings. I know my daughter is being taught to say “sorry” with all the best intentions. They are teaching her to be polite. But she is apologizing because she is being forced to please the adult or to avert punishment.
This situation has happened on a few occasions and it really bothers me. Here are three reasons why I don’t think it’s a good idea to teach children to say sorry: 1. My daughter is being taught to say things that are not from her heart. 2. She is being taught insincerity(不真诚) is valued over genuineness. 3. She is being taught she needs to please others to be loved.
These messages make me uncomfortable and I will not ask my children to apologize. Instead, this is what I think people should teach children:
teach them behavior that is acceptable and to practice positive behavior.
teach them how their actions affect others.
give them space to think about the situation and ask them to suggest ways to make the situation better.
help them make healthy choices
lead by example and show them how to fix wrong doings The story in Paragraph 1 mainly shows that ________.
| A．sometimes people don’t take their apology seriously |
| B．The Descendants is a good film that is worth seeing |
| C．forcing a child to apologize may not get expected results |
| D．parents should punish their children for their mistakes |
What does the underlined word “avert” in Paragraph 2 mean?
| A．Suffer | B．Avoid | C．Deserve | D．Get |
From Paragraph 3 we can learn that the author ________.
| A．doesn’t like apologizing to other people. |
| B．doesn’t think apologizing is important to children |
| C．doesn’t think her daughter has done anything wrong |
| D．thinks forcing a child to apologize has disadvantages |
According to the last paragraph, the author suggests people should ________.
| A．teach children how to become independent |
| B．teach children how to apologize in the correct way |
| C．teach children to behave well instead of forcing them |
| D．teach children how to set a good example to others |
Every year, I tell my sons what I'd like for Mother's Day: a letter, something written from the heart and offered freely rather than bought from a store and wrapped neatly. I don't always get my wish, nor do I always take the time to write to my own mother.
This year, my boys will be in two different states on Mother's Day. My mom and dad will be away together, and I'll be driving home from a writer's workshop in Massachusetts. Thinking of the fact that many friends have already lost their mothers and that a few have lost children, I am deeply grateful that what separates us, for now at least, is merely distance. It won't always be so, and there is no way to prepare for that fact other than to appreciate the moment that is. My sons know that they can please me on Sunday with a phone call or an e-mail, and that is enough as I love their words. The very best gift they can possibly give me is their own happiness, the very fact of their busy, full and well-lived lives.
Still, knowing that my years of staying with my sons are over, I do feel doleful. The truth is, I miss being the center of the universe to two little boys. And this holiday can be a bit painful.
I wonder if my own mother ever felt nostalgic (怀旧的，乡愁的) for the passing of my childhood. I wonder if she realizes that she is still at the center of my universe and always has been. I don't often pause to think about it, but of course she is the one who has been right there, at my side from the moment I drew my very first breath. How to ever fully appreciate the woman whose presence and love and example have shaped me into the adult I am? How to describe even a small part of the sharing, sacrificing, and support she has given me over the years?The author mainly wants to tell us through the first paragraph that_______.
| A．she hopes to get her son's letters very much |
| B．her sons don't often write to her on Mother's Day |
| C．Mother's Day is the very date that she longs for most |
| D．Children are often careless about their parents’ s request. |
The author is deeply grateful for the present life because_______.
| A．her sons don't live far away from her home |
| B．her parents and children are still alive |
| C．her parents are coming to her house to spend Mother's Day |
| D．her sons can please her on Sunday with a phone call |
According to the author，_____________________.
| A．young people nowadays tend to ignore their parents |
| B．parents should not give their children too much freedom |
| C．children's happiness and success are the biggest comfort to parents |
| D．parents are not the center of their children's universe when children grow up |
What does the underlined word "doleful" in Paragraph 3 mean?
| A．sad | B．excited | C．guilty | D．uncomfortable |
What will the author probably tell about after the last paragraph?
| A．She'll tell the reader about her mother's present situation. |
| B．She'll talk about how her mother educated and cared for her. |
| C．She'll describe the reunion of her family on Mother's Day. |
| D．She'll tell the reader about her mother's achievements in her career. |
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