-
On a BA flight from Johannesburg, a middle-aged South African lady found herself sitting next to a black man. She called the cabin crew attendant over to complain about her seating.
“What seems to be the problem, Madam?” Asked the attendant.
“Can’t you see?” She said, “You’ve sat me next to a black. I can’t possibly sit next to this dirty disgusting human. Find me another seat!”
“Please calm down, Madam,” the attendant replied, “The flight is very full today, but I’ll tell you what I’ll do—I’ll go and check to see if we have any seats available in club or first class.”
A few minutes later, the attendant returned with the good news, which she delivered to the lady, who cannot help but look at the people around her with a smug and self-satisfied grin.
“Madam, unfortunately, as I guessed, economy is full. I’ve spoken to the cabin services director, and club is also full. However, we do have one seat in first class.”
Before the lady had a chance to answer, the attendant continued.
“It’s most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade, however, and I have had to get special permission from the captain. But, according to this special situation, the captain felt that it was unbelievable that someone should be forced to sit next to such an obnoxious(讨厌的) person.”
Having said that, the attendant turned to the black man sitting next to the lady, and said, “So if you’d like to get your things, sir, I have your seat ready for you.”
At that moment, the surrounding passengers stood and gave a long-lasting ovation (欢呼) while the black man walked up to the front of the plane…
1.What made the white South African lady angry?
A. She had to find the attendant to complain.
B. She couldn’t find another seat to sit down.
C. The passenger next to her is dirty.
D. She sat next to a black man.
2.Who will fly in first class?
A. The attendant. B. The white woman. C. The black man. D. The captain.
3.How many types of seats are there in the plane?
A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5
4. What was the “special situation” that the attendant mentioned in Paragraph 8?
A. The woman was obnoxious.
B. The black man was obnoxious.
C. The white woman can’t sit next to a black man.
D. The passengers around can’t stand the woman any longer.
5.From the passage, we can make a conclusion that __________.
A. people don’t like those who look down on others
B. the attendant aboard is unfriendly
C. the white lady was refused to go on the plane at last
D. many passengers aboard don’t like to sit next to the black man.
-
One of the most important things in the world is friendship. In order to have friends, you have to be a friend. But how can you be a good friend at school?
Listen—Listen when they are talking. Don’t say anything unless they ask you a question. Sometimes it’s not necessary for you to have anything to say; they just need someone to talk to about their feelings.
Help them—If your friend is ever in need of something, be there to help them. You should try to put them first, but make sure you don’t do everything they want you to do. Try to take an extra pencil or pen with you to classes in case they forget one. Have a little extra money in your pocket in case they forget something they need.
Be there for them—Be there for your friends to help make them feel better in hard times. Marilyn Monroe, a famous U.S. actor, once said, “I often make mistakes. Sometimes I am out of control, but if you can’t stay with me at my worst, you are sure not to deserve to be with me at my best.” Always remember this! If you don’t want to stay with your friends when they’re in hard times, then you don’t deserve to be with them when they’re having a good time!
_________—Try to make plans with your friends. Go shopping, go for ice cream, have a party, go to a movie and so on. Take time to know each other even better by doing something you both enjoy. By planning things together, you both can have a good time. And you’ll remember these things when you’re all old!
1. While your friend is talking to you about his or her feelings, you should______________.
A. give him or her some advice
B. just listen unless asked
C. calm him or her down
D. share your feelings as well
2.When we provide help for our friends, we should ___________.
A. try to do everything for them
B. put them before ourselves
C. change their bad habits first
D. ignore their faults
3.What can we learn from Marilyn Monroe’s words?
A. Life without a friend is death.
B. A friend is easier lost than found.
C. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
D. A man is known by his friends.
4. Which of the following can be put in the blank of the last paragraph?
A. Make plans B. Enjoy yourself
C. Understand your friends D. Play with your friends
5.The passage is mainly about _______.
A. how to find a good friend B. how to help friends in trouble
C. How to be a good friend D. how to make more friends
-
Magic (魔术) is believed to have begun with the Egyptians, in 1700 BC. A magician named Dedi of Dedsnefu was reported to have performed for the pharaoh (法老), or the king. He was also known to have entertained (使娱乐) the slaves who built the pyramids. The “Cups and Balls” trick that he was particularly good at is still performed by magicians all over the world today.
The ancient Greeks and Romans were also fascinated by the idea of magic. Actually, one of their main interests was the art of deception (欺骗). This explains why at that time the priests even built magic devices into their temples. These devices made it possible for doors to open by themselves and wine to flow magically out of statues’ mouths. This was done mainly to make people believe that the priests had unusual power.
Magic however, was not well accepted before the 1800s. Magicians were thought to be freaks(怪物) and, were only allowed to perform in a circus. It was in the 19th century that the magician Robert Houdin came along and changed people’s views and attitudes about magic. It was because of Robert Houdin that many magicians were able to add Dr. or MD to their names. Today magicians try hard to find new ways to show their practiced skills. Magic is now entertainment for families all over the world.
1.What is the best title for the passage?
A. Magical Tricks B. A Great Magician
C. Magic as Entertainment D. The History of Magic
2.The underlined word “fascinated” in Paragraph 2 means _______.
A. amused B. encouraged C. attracted D. moved
3.In ancient Greece, what did the priests do to show people they had unusual power?
A. They performed magical tricks to entertain people.
B. They made the statues in the temples drink wine as they wished.
C. They treated the people with wine flowing down from statues’ mouths.
D. They built magic devices in the temples to make doors open by themselves.
4.What did people think of magic before the 1800s?
A. Magic should be used only in temples.
B. Magic could only be performed in a circus.
C. Magic was performed by freaks and doctors.
D. Magic was the major daily activity for the pharaohs.
5.Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A. Magic began about 3,700 years ago.
B. Dedi of Dedsnefu performed magic for kings only.
C. Robert Houdin was the first magician to perform magic.
D. The “Cups and Balls” trick has been performed for about 1,700 years.
