In early autumn I applied for admission to college. I wanted to go nowhere but to Cornell University, but my mother fought strongly against it. When she saw me studying a photograph of my father on the sports ground of Cornell, she tore it up.
“You can’t say it’s not a great university, just because Papa went there.”
“That’s not it at all. And it is a top university.” She was still holding the pieces in her hand. “But we can’t afford to send you to college.”
“I wouldn’t dream of asking you for money. Do you want me to get a job to help support you and Papa? Things aren’t that bad, are they?”
“No,” she said. “I don’t expect you to help support us.”
Father borrowed money form his rich cousins to start a small jewellery shop, His chief customers were his old college friends. To get new customers, my mother had to help. She picked up a long-forgotten membership in the local league of women, so that she could get to know more people. Whether those people would turn into customers was another question. I knew that my Parents had to wait for quite a long time before their small investment could show returns. What’s more , they had not wanted enough to be rich and successful ;otherwise they could not possibly have managed their lives so badly.
I was torn between the desire to help them and change their lives, and the determination not to repeat their mistakes. I had a strong belief in my power to get what I wanted. After months of hard study I won a full college scholarship. My father could hardly contain his pride in me, and my mother eventually gave in before my success.
1.The author was not allowed to go to Cornell University mainly because
A. his father graduated from the university
B. his mother did not thinks it is a great university
C. his parents needed him to help support the family
D. his parents did not have enough money for him
2.The father started his small shop with the money from
A. a local league B. his university
C. his relatives D. his college friends
3.Why did the mother renew her membership in the league?
A. To help with her husband’s business
B. To raise money for her son
C. To meet her long-forgotten friends
D. To better manage her life
4.According to the text, what was the author determined to do in that autumn?
A. To get a well-paid job for himself
B. To improve relations with his mother
C. To go to his dream university
D. To carry on with his father’s business
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Ariau Amazon Towers
The Ariau Amazon Towers hotel lets you sleep in a tree house. Eight towers make up this hotel that offers over 300 rooms. If you really want to get into the spirit, book the Tarzan Suite which is large enough for a big family. You’ll be thirty feet up in the air and can travel between the towers through their wooden walkways.
Prices: starting at $300 one night for each person for a regular room and going all the way up to $3000 for the Tarzan Suite.
For more information, visit the website: http://www.ariautowers.com
The Ice Hotel
Every winter in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, a special kind of hotel called the Ice Hotel is built. Each year, world-famous artists are invited to design and produce works of art from the ice, many of which can be found in the rooms. You’ll have your choice between hot or cold rooms, but you will be well advised to stay at least one night in a cold room for a true experience.
Prices: starting at $318 one night for each person for either a cold room or a warm one.
For more information, visit the website: http://www.icehotel.com
Propeller Island
Propeller Island City Lodge is a very special hotel that was designed by a German artist. Each room provides you with the possibility of living in a work of art. Every single piece of furniture in the thirty rooms of the hotel has been hand-made and each room is completely different. You’ll be able to choose a room based on your own personal tastes.
Prices: starting at just $91 a night, and an additional person for only 20 extra dollars.
For more information, visit the website: http://www.propeller-island.com
For information about other cool hotels in the world, visit the website:
http://www.bahamabeachclub.com
1.What is special about the Ariau Amazon Towers hotel?
A. You can sleep in tree houses.
B. You can choose any of the towers.
C. It is designed for big families.
D. Every room has a walkway.
2.For two persons spending a night in one of these hotels, they have to pay at least ______.
A. $111 B. $182 C. $600 D. $636
3.Which website should you visit if you want to find out whether there exists a hotel under the sea?
A. http://www.icehotel.com
B. http://www.ariautowers.com
C. http://www.propeller-island.com
D.http://www.bahamabeachclub.com
4.Which hotel would invite artists to come to work every year?
A. Propeller Island City Lodge.
B. Ariau Amazon Towers.
C. The Ice Hotel.
D. Bahama Beach Club.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
How words came into being is unknown. All we assume (猜测) is that some early men invented certain sounds, in one way or another, to express thoughts and feelings, actions and things, so that they could talk with each other. Later they agreed upon certain signs called letters, which could be put together to show those sounds, and which could be written down. Those sounds, whether spoken or written in letters, are called words.
The power of words, then, lies in their associations—the things they bring up to our minds. Words become filled with meaning for us by experience; and the longer we live, the more certain words bring back to us the happy and sad events of our past; and the more we read and learn, the more the number of words that mean something to us increases.
Great writers are those who not only have great thoughts but also express these thoughts in words which have powerful effects on our minds and feelings. This clever use of words is what we call literary style (文体). Above all, the real poet is a master of words. He can express his meaning in words which sing like music, and which by their position and association can move men to tears. We should therefore learn to choose our words carefully and use them correctly, or they will make our speech silly and common.
1.We learn from the text that language might have begun with _______.
A. expressions B. actions C. signs D. sounds
2.What is mainly discussed in Paragraph 2?
A. The learning of new words.
B. The importance of old words.
C. The relation of human experience with words.
D. The gradual change and development of words.
3.In the last paragraph, what does the author suggest that we should do?
A. Use words skillfully. B. Make musical speeches.
C. Learn poems by heart. D. Associate with listeners.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Many people believe Henry Ford invented the automobile (汽车). But Henry Ford did not start to build his first car until 1896. That was eleven years after two Germans developed the world's first automobile. Many people believe Henry Ford invented the production line that moved a car's parts to the worker, instead of making the worker move to the parts. That is not true, either. Many factory owners used methods of this kind before Ford. What Henry Ford did was to use other people's ideas and make them better. And he made the whole factory a moving production line.
In the early days of the automobile, almost every car maker raced his cars. It was the best way of gaining public notice. Henry Ford decided to build a racing car. Ford's most famous race was his first one. It was also the last race in which he drove the car himself.
The race was in 1901, at a field near Detroit. All of the most famous cars had entered, but only two were left: the Winton and Ford's. The Winton was famous for its speed. Most people thought the race was over before it began.
The Winton took an early lead. But halfway through the race, it began to lose power. Ford started to gain. And near the end of the race, he took the lead. Ford won the race and defeated the Winton. His name appeared in newspapers and he became well-known all over the United States. Within weeks of the race, Henry Ford formed a new automobile company. In 1903, a doctor in Detroit bought the first car from the company. That sale was the beginning of Henry Ford's dream. Ford said: "I will build a motor car for the great mass of people. It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for one person to operate and care for. It will be built of the best materials. It will be built by the best men to be employed. And it will be built with the simplest plans that modern engineering can produce. It will be so low in price that no man making good money will be unable to own one."
The Model T was a car of that kind. It only cost $850. It was a simple machine that drivers could depend on. Doctors bought the Model T. So did farmers. Even criminals. They considered it the fastest and surest form of transportation. Americans loved the Model T. They wrote stories and songs about it. Thousands of Model T's were built in the first few years.
1.What do we know about Henry Ford from Paragraph 1?
A. He made good use of ideas from others.
B. He produced the first car in the world.
C. He knew how to improve auto parts.
D. He invented the production line.
2.Why did Henry Ford take part in the 1901 car race?
A. To show off his driving skills.
B. To draw public attention.
C. To learn about new technology.
D. To raise money for his new company.
3.“That sale” in Paragraph 4 refers to .
A. the selling of Ford cars at reduced prices
B. the sale of Model T to the mass of people
C. he selling of a car to a Detroit doctor
D. the sales target for the Ford Company
4.What was Henry Ford's dream according to the text?
A. Producing cars for average customers.
B. Building racing cars of simple design.
C. Designing more car models.
D. Starting more companies.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Many people think of guys as being carefree when it comes to their appearance. But in fact, a lot of guys spend plenty of time in front of the mirror. They care just as much as girls do about their body image.
Body image is a person's opinions and feelings about his or her own body and physical appearance. 1. You appreciate your body for its capabilities and accept its imperfections.
2. Here are some ideas.
Recognize your strengths. Different body types are good for different things. What does your body do well? Maybe your speed, strength, or coordination makes you better than others at a certain sport. That may be basketball, table tennis, mountain biking, dancing, or even running. Or perhaps you have non-sports skills, like drawing, painting, singing, playing a musical instrument, writing, or acting. 3.
Exercise regularly. Exercise can help you look well and feel good about yourself. Good physiques (体形) don’t just happen. 4. A healthy habit can be as simple as exercising 20 minutes to 1 hour three days a week. Working out can also lift your spirits.
Respect your body! Practicing good habits regular showering; taking care of your teeth, hair, and skin; wearing clean clothes, and so on can help you build a positive body image.
5. Your body is just one part of who you are. Your talent for comedy a quick wit (智慧) and all the other things make you unique. So try not to let small imperfections take over.
A. Use this as an opportunity to discover what you’re good at.
B. Be yourself.
C. Having a positive body image means feeling satisfied with the way you look.
D. Just explore talents that you feel good about.
E. They take hard work, regular workouts, and a healthy diet.
F. The good news is that self-image and body image can be changed.
G. So, what can you do to develop a positive body image?
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
完形填空
A Love Note To My Mom
When I was a little girl, I would often accompany you as you modeled for fashion photographers. It was years later that I finally understood what role modeling ________in your life. Little did I know you were _______every penny you earned to go to _______school.
I cannot thank you enough for _______you told me one autumn afternoon when I was nine. After finishing my homework. I wandered into the dining where you were buried _______ piles of law books. I was_______ .Why were you doing what I do—memorizing textbooks and studying for _______ ? When you said you were in law school, I was more puzzled. I didn’t know. Moms_______be lawyers too. You smiled and said,“In life, you can do anything you want to do.”
As young as I was ,that statement kept _______in my ears. I watched as you faced the _______ of completing your studies, starting companies with Dad, while still being a _______and a Mom of five kids. I was exhausted just watching you_______.With your words of wisdom in my _______ mind, I suddenly felt unlimited freedom to dream. My whole world _______ .I set out to live my life filled with_______, seeing endless possibilities for personal and professional achievements.
Your words became my motto. I _______ found myself in the unique position of being either the first woman doctor in Maryland Rotary _______one of the few women chief medical reporters in my field. I gained strength every time I said , “Yes, I’ll try that.”
Encouraged by your _______ , I have forged ahead (毅然前行) with my life’s journey, less afraid to make mistakes, and _______ meeting each challenge. You did it, and now I’m_______it. Sorry, got to run. So much to do, so many dreams to live.
1.A. found B. play C. kept D. provided
2.A. saving B. making C. donating D. receiving
3.A. business B. fashion C. law D. medical
4.A. what B. that C. which D. where
5.A. at B. to C. upon D. under
6.A. amused B. worried C. puzzled D. disappointed
7.A. role B. tests C. positions D. shows
8.A. must B. ought to C. need D. could
9. A. ringing B. blowing C. falling D. beating
10.A. choices B. chances C. challenges D. changes
11.A. professor B. doctor C. reporter D. model
12.A. in danger B. in action C. in trouble D. in charge
13.A. weak B. powerful C. youthful D. empty
14.A. came back B. closed down C. went by D. opened up
15.A. hope B. hardship C. harmony D. sadness
16.A. constantly B. shortly C. hardly D. nearly
17.A. and B. but C. or D. for
18.A. description B. statement C. praise D. introduction
19.A. secretly B. curiously C. carelessly D. eagerly
20.A. doing B. considering C. correcting D. Reading
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
完形填空2
Cancer Cancelled
My name's James and I am an 18-year "Cancer Survivor". When I was 15 years of age, I was at my house one day with my two sisters and when I tried to run up the steps, I blacked out, and _________the stairs very hard. When I came to myself, I remembered my sisters saying “Are you all right?” and I replied “I think so, yeah.” But little did my sisters and I know that was the beginning of this __________. When I began to try to climb the stairs, my whole right leg hurt seriously. I couldn’t move it_________ the assistance of my hands. The __________ was horrible. I finally made my way upstairs and I couldn’t ________ I couldn’t move my leg. As time went on it got ________ so a month later I finally went to hospital. I explained to the doctor what had happened. Then I was asked to go to the rooms __________ they treated me to the X-rays, MRI, and CAT SCANS machines. One week later, my doctor __________ the house and said, “You need to come up here right away!”
My mother and I __________ up there and they had the X-rays results ready for me--My body seemed __________ except my right leg. I was surrounded by doctors and nurses.
I got my __________, but wasn’t clear on what was happening. They __________us back home. Three days later, they __________ an expert from another continent or someplace and he looked at my X-rays one time and said “OH MY GOD, this young man has bone cancer.”
Once all of that got cleared up, they __________ my chemotherapy(化疗) treatments a week later. On October 9, 2014, I had the surgery, the bone replacement surgery. I was told that I couldn’t _________ like a normal person anymore, so ________ was impossible. I couldn’t do this or that, etc. Basically my _________ was over before it even got started. When I got through with my final chemotherapy I was _________40 kg.
I want to share this story with you guys because today I’m 84 kg with 2% body fat. I don’t smoke or drink. I can walk and even run. I’m so __________ to be here and forever to grace life with my presence each day. My dream is to become the “___________” to everybody who ever thought about giving up on life because it’s so hard, or just simply not living it.
1.A. took B. moved C. hit D. climbed
2.A. dream B. terror C. day D. memory
3.A. without B. from C. with D. for
4.A. pain B. change C. danger D. idea
5.A. guess B. notice C. believe D. understand
6.A. Better B. worse C. stranger D. cleaner
7.A. when B. before C. though D. where
8.A. found B. searched C. visited D. called
9.A. came B. rushed C. looked D. stayed
10.A. weak B. terror C. slim D. fine
11.A. treatment B. needs C. results D. recovery
12.A. followed B. carried C. sent D. directed
13.A. flew B. promised C. allowed D. served
14.A. continued B. started C. postponed D. cancelled
15.A. work B. walk C. think D. feel
16.A. playing B. stepping C. running D. learning
17.A. plan B. hope C. career D. life
18.A. only B. even C. ever D. right
19.A. nervous B. relieved C. curious D. grateful
20.A. Inspiration B. Instruction C. Introduction D. Information
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
语法填空
William Campbell, Satoshi Omura and Tu Youyou jointly won the 2015 Nobel Prize for medicine_1._ their work against parasitic diseases (寄生虫病). 85-year-old Tu was awarded this prize for her contribution to_2._ (reduce) the death rate of malaria (疟疾), minimizing patients’ suffering and promoting mankind’s health. This is _3._ science is all about.
As a matter of fact, Tu has won some attention when she 4._(get) in 2011. But there is no way to compare her popularity back to the attention she is receiving today. As the first Chinese mainland Nobel Prize Winner of natural science award, Tu’s winning _5._(complete) surprised Chinese people, 6._have long been wondering when the first Chinese Nobel Laureate in natural science would appear.
Tu Youyou is the first Chinese scientist to win a Nobel Prize for work _7._ (carry) out within China. She has spent 40 years’ time on scientific research. Although the Nobel Prize did not come to her until four decades later, it is definitely one of _8._most privilege rewards that recognizes Tu’s devotion and perseverance in discovering artemisinin (青蒿素). Her record-breaking winning _9._ (be) a reminder that science is never about instant success. There is no way to measure how much you spend on scientific research and compare _10._with how much reward you get.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
短文改错
Nowadays there is a widespread concern over developing tourism. In the fact, tourism can benefit us a lot. It will help the city’s economy and people’s life improve great. We will have nice parks, the first class roads and grand building. We will get lots of chances communicate with tourists from all over the world.
But every coin have two sides. Without proper planning, tourism can be a problem. If tourism grew too quickly, people will move from their early jokes in those concerning tourism. Local industry will suffer. Too many tourists can crowd public places or cause some pollution.
I think that necessary to help tourism, but first of all we should have a proper plan so that it can developed steadily and efficiently.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
假设你是育才中学学生会主席李华。你校将举办一次英语演讲比赛(speech contest)，希望附近某 大学的外籍教师Smith女士来做评委。请参照以下比赛通知给她写一封信。
英语演讲比赛
主题：人与自然
时间：6月15日下午2:00-5:00
地点：501教室
参赛选手：10名学生
联系人： 李华（电话：44876655）
难度: 中等查看答案及解析