A month before my first marathon, one of my ankles was injured and this meant not running for two weeks, leaving me only two weeks to train. Yet, I was determined to go ahead.
I remember back to my 7th year in school. In my first P.E. class, the teacher required us to run laps and hit a softball. I didn’t do either well. He later informed me that I was “not athletic”.
The idea that I was “not athletic” stuck with me for years. When I started running in my 30s, I realized running was a battle against myself, not about competition or whether or not I was athletic. It was all about the battle against my own body and mind. A test of wills!
The night before my marathon, I dreamt that I couldn’t even find the finish line. I woke up sweating and nervous, but ready to prove something to myself.
Shortly after crossing the start line, my shoe laces became untied. So I stopped to readjust. Not the start I wanted!
At mile 3, I passed a sign: “GO FOR IT, RUNNERS!”
By mile 17, I became out of breath and the once injured ankle hurt severely. Despite the pain, I stayed the course walking a bit and then running again.
By mile 21, I was starving!
As I approached mile 23, I could see my wife waving a sign. She is my biggest fan. She never minded the alarm clock sounding at 4 a.m. or questioned my expenses on running.
I was one of the final runners to finish. But I finished! And I got a medal. Actually, I got the same medal as the one that the guy who came in first place had.
Determined to be myself, move forward, free of shame and worldly labels(世俗标签), I can now call myself a “marathon winner”.
1.The author referred to his experience in the 7th year to ________.
A.treasure his precious old days B.prove his inability in sports then
C.defend himself from prejudice D.convey his gratitude to the teacher
2.What happened to the author eventually during his first marathon?
A.He succeeded for a strong will. B.He quit running halfway.
C.He was awarded the first prize. D.He walked to the end.
3.What does the story mainly tell us?
A.One is never too old to learn. B.Failure is the mother of success.
C.Family support is the fountain of success. D.Success can be acquired with a great effort of will.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Children are becoming addicted to social media for their sense of self-worth, a major study warned. It found many youngsters measure their status(形象) by public approval they get online, often through “likes”. Some change their conduct in real life to improve their image online.
The research into youngsters aged from 8 to 16 was carried out by Children's Commissioner(专员) Anne Longfield. She said social media firms were exposing children to major psychological risks, with some youngsters starting secondary school ill-equipped to deal with the huge pressure they faced online. Youngsters felt their friendships could be at risk, not responding to social media posts quickly and around the clock.
Children aged 8 to 10 were "starting to feel happy" when others liked their posts. However, those in the 10 to 12 age group were "concerned with how many people like their posts", indicating a “need” for social recognition that gets stronger the older they become.
Children tended to compare themselves to others online. "Then there is this push to connect—if offline, will you miss something, will you miss out, will you show you don't care about those you are following, all come together in a huge way at once." Miss Longfield said, "For children it’s very difficult to handle." The Commissioner found children as young as 8 were using social media platforms largely for fun.
However, the research—involving eight groups of 32 children aged 8 to 12—suggested that as they grew, they became increasingly anxious online. When they started secondary school—at age 11—children were already far more conscious of their image online and felt more pressure to ensure popularity of their posts, the research found.
Meanwhile, they still did not know how to dispose of mean-spirited jokes, or the possible sense of inability if compared with celebrities(名人) or more brilliant friends online. They also faced pressure to respond to messages at all hours of the day—especially at secondary school when more youngsters have mobile phones.
The Commissioner advocated schools and parents do more to prepare children for the emotional minefield(雷区) . "It's vital that new age-appropriate relationship and sex education lessons help equip children to deal with growing demands of social media.” Social media companies must "take more responsibility" and monitor websites better or adjust their websites to the needs of youngsters.
1.What may account for Children’s addiction to social media?
A.To get their status recognized. B.To reduce psychological risks.
C.To change their conduct in real life. D.To deal with huge emotional pressure.
2.How was the research conducted?
A.It covered children of all ages.
B.It sought assistance help from parents.
C.It was sponsored by social media companies.
D.It divided children into groups and compared them.
3.During the process of addiction, children have a tendency to ________.
A.switch off from social media platforms
B.become less conscious of their image online
C.pick up anxiety and pressure steadily while becoming older
D.develop skills to dispose of mean-spirited jokes and the sense of loss
4.How should the problem solved according to Anne Longfield ?
A.Children should be banned from visiting the web.
B.Schools must keep track of children's use of social media.
C.It demands cooperation among families, schools and companies.
D.Social media companies need to create more apps to satisfy youngsters.
难度: 困难查看答案及解析
By the end of the century, if not sooner, oceans will be bluer and greener thanks to a warming climate, according to a new study.
At the heart of the phenomenon lie tiny marine microorganisms(海洋微生物)called phytoplankton. Owing to the way light reflects off the organisms, these phytoplankton create colorful patterns on the ocean surface. Ocean color varies from green to blue, depending on the type and concentration of phytoplankton. Climate change will fuel the growth of phytoplankton in some areas, while reducing it in other spots, resulting in changes in the ocean’s appearance.
Living on the ocean surface, Phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide into the ocean while giving off oxygen. When they die, they bury carbon in the deep ocean, and help to adjust the global climate. But phytoplankton are allergic to the ocean’s warming trend. Warming changes essential characteristics of the ocean and can affect phytoplankton growth.
Stephanie Dutkiewicz, a scientist in MIT’s Center for Global Change Science, built a climate model that projects changes to the oceans throughout the century. In a world that warms up by 3℃, it found that multiple changes to the ocean color would occur. The model projects that currently blue areas with little phytoplankton could become even bluer. But in some waters, a warming will make conditions suitable for phytoplankton, and these areas will turn greener. “Not only are the quantities of phytoplankton in the ocean changing,” she said, “but the type of phytoplankton is changing.”
And why does that matter? Phytoplankton are the base of the food web. “If certain kinds begin to disappear from the ocean,” Dutkiewicz said, “it will change the type of fish that will be able to survive.” Those kinds of changes could affect the food chain.
Whatever color changes the ocean may experience in the coming decades will probably be too gradual and unnoticeable, but they could mean significant changes. “It’ll be a while before we can statistically show that the changes are happening because of climate change,” Dutkiewicz said, “but the change in the color of the ocean will be one of the early warning signals that we really have transformed our planet.”
1.What is the major cause that directly results in changes in the ocean’s color?
A.The temperature of sea water.
B.The type and concentration of phytoplankton.
C.The oxygen given off by phytoplankton.
D.The amount of carbon dioxide in the area.
2.What can be learned from the passage?
A.Phytoplankton have been used to control global climate.
B.Phytoplankton are of little significance in Dutkiewicz’s research.
C.Phytoplankton are not sensitive to the warming trend in the ocean.
D.A warming trend helps phytoplankton grow and oceans may appear greener.
3.What is the main purpose of the passage?
A.To describe the importance of phytoplankton.
B.To explain the effects of climate change on oceans.
C.To introduce a new approach to phytoplankton study.
D.To assess the consequences of changes in ocean color.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
How Arts Contribute to Our Economy
When it comes to arts, most people tend to imagine the end product, beautiful paintings, wonderful pieces of music, or award-winning performances in the theater. But arts groups bring broader value to communities. 1..
The arts create jobs that help develop the economy. Any given performance takes a tour bus full of artists, technical experts, managers, musicians, or writers to create an appealing piece of art.2.. Another group of folks is needed to help market the event. Digital media experts, photographers, booking agents and promoters(推广者) are hired to sell tickets and promote the event.
3.. Here is an example. In 2005, when the Bishop Arts Theatre was donated to a town in Dallas, the location was considered a poor area. After putting more than $1 million in reconstructing the building, they began producing a full season of theater performances, jazz concerts, and year-round arts education programs. Soon, waves of jazz lovers flooded in to enjoy an evening. Then, came a series of work force outside the arts industry, including accountants, marketers, hotel managers, printers, and other kinds of workers. 4..
Definitely, arts are efficient economic drivers when supported. It’s wrong to have prejudice against majors in art and assume arts groups cannot make a profit. But to stay in business, arts groups must produce returns. 5.. But those who truly understand the economic effect and can work to change the patterns can create a wide range of career possibilities.
A.Here are some tips on how to achieve profits in the arts.
B.Here are some ways in which the arts benefit our economy.
C.A successful arts neighborhood creates a chain effect throughout a community.
D.These people earn a living income for their professional knowledge and skills.
E.No doubt the theater has contributed to the area’s development and economic growth.
F.To be major in the arts, you need to have an understanding of the brilliant potential of your choice.
G.If you are a student considering taking up the arts, chances are you have been ill-advised to have a plan B.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
The 65-year-old Steve Goodwin, suffering from early Alzheimer’s, was losing his memory.
As a keen lover of the piano, he was truly _______ about music, _______ he had never performed outside the family.
Melissa, his daughter, insisted it’s _______ worthwhile to save his music. Steve _______, tears in eyes. _______, Naomi, Melissa’s best friend and a talented pianist, came and met Steve for the first time, showing willingness to help.
She told Steve she’d love to hear him play the _______. Steve moved and sat at the bench, hands _______ as he gently placed his fingers on the keys. Naomi put a small _______ near the piano. In great difficulty, Steve pressed on, playing for the first time in his life for a _______.
“It was amazingly ________, worth saving.” Naomi said after listening to the recording.
They met every other week. He’d move his fingers ________ on the piano, and then she’d take his place. He ________ to explain what he heard in his head. He stood by the piano, eyes closed, listening for the first time to his own work being played by someone else.
Steve and Naomi spoke in music. He heard it, all of it, but just couldn’t play it.
However, working with Naomi did ________ for Steve. It had completely excited within him the faith ________ he could write one last song. Steve called it “Melancholy Flower”.
Naomi managed to ________ 16 of Steve’s favorite, and most personal songs. The Goodwin family found a sound engineer to record Naomi playing Steve’s songs. They thought that would be the end. But it wasn’t.
In the months ________ the Christmas concert, Naomi told the director she had a special one in mind: “Melancholy Flower”. She believed that Steve’s music was beautiful and professional and needed to be shared to the ________. They were soon ________ to add it to the playing list. Steve considered it an honor, too.
By then, Steve was having a hard time remembering the names of his friends. He arrived and was ________ in the front row, surrounded by his family. The house lights faded. Naomi took the stage. Her fingers. His ________.
1.A.enthusiastic B.unconfident C.anxious D.embarrassed
2.A.as if B.even if C.so that D.what if
3.A.other than B.rather than C.more than D.less than
4.A.approved B.opposed C.appointed D.panicked
5.A.Casually B.Actually C.Abnormally D.Consequently
6.A.guitar B.violin C.piano D.sax
7.A.waving B.trembling C.withdrawing D.dancing
8.A.sculpture B.compass C.speaker D.recorder
9.A.friend B.child C.stranger D.colleague
10.A.admirable B.stressful C.ridiculous D.specific
11.A.automatically B.ambitiously C.smoothly D.clumsily
12.A.tended B.struggled C.demanded D.guaranteed
13.A.wonders B.impressions C.coincidences D.attempts
14.A.what B.that C.which D.when
15.A.put up with B.exchange with C.figure out D.subscribe to
16.A.leading to B.appealing to C.adapting to D.applying to
17.A.addicted B.guilty C.professional D.public
18.A.at risk B.in desperation C.in agreement D.with dignity
19.A.instructed B.seated C.possessed D.assisted
20.A.eyes B.wrists C.stomach D.heart
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入一个适当的单词或者括号内单词的正确形式。
Are you emotionally and 1. (psychological) healthy? As humans, we're so complex and having ups and downs 2. (be) normal. But in general, evaluate where you stand emotionally. If it's in a healthy place and you can manage your emotions properly -- great! But if you have a negative attitude and energy about you, realize that it's not only just affecting you, 3. others too. That energy pours into everything you do, and everyone around will feel all the 4. (effect), too.
How's your spirituality? In this sense, spirituality is about having 5. clear purpose and being 6. agreement with your true self. Do you wake up every morning excited for 7. your life is about, and have gratitude for all you already have? If not, you may not be listening and living to what your heart truly desires. Living this way long term may affect the essence(本质)of your inner being.
Be kind to yourself. It can be tough to put your health and 8.(happy) first when life is demanding between your career, family, friendships, relationships, and so on. If you can think of any ways 9. (improve) your well being and love yourself more, start today! Take a baby step towards this. Try getting more sleep. Move your body in a way you feel good. Take time for yourself to be with your thoughts without 10. (disturb) and feel that peace.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
假定你是李华。疫情期间，你校“文艺周”（Art Week）闭幕汇演将通过APP平台bilibili进行直播。你的外国笔友Jack对中国文艺节目很感兴趣，请用英语写一封信，邀请他在线观看。要点如下：
1. 提出邀请；
2. 观看的时间、方式和汇演的内容。
注意：1. 词数80左右；
2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
3. 参考词汇：疫情期 epidemic period； 新冠病毒 novel coronavirus
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难度: 中等查看答案及解析
阅读下面短文，根据所给情节进行续写，使之构成一个完整的故事。
Emily White came to the world 17 years ago, with so many birth problems in her body. Some of her organs, bones and muscles were out of shape. No one expected her to survive long. She did make it but with her strange body figure, everyone could recognize her, even from a distance.
In her hometown, a yearly outdoor performance was held in the school auditorium(礼堂). It had been performed for so many years and actually had become one of the most important events of the Christmas season for many of the town's people.
Many people tried out each year for it, but so many were turned away. It can only include the most excellent people in the field.
Emily had a beautiful singing voice. Last year she went to Mrs. Owens- her music teacher to ask to join in the performance. Without letting her sing, Mrs. Owens took a glance at Amy's body and said, "Child, you are just not suitable. Everyone would stare at you and that would make you uncomfortable. It would make them uncomfortable, too.”
Without singing a single note, Emily was sent back through the door of the choral room. Hurt and upset, she decided never to try out again. But Mrs. Owens then retired.
This year, there came a new music teacher, Mr. Butler. He heard about Emily and suggested that she have a try.
Emily didn't want to be rejected again, so she hesitated about it. As Emily struggled, the door was pushed open and Mr. Butler called, “Emily, you're next." Kind of nervous as she was, Emily did as Mr. Butler told her to. Mr. Butler sat by the piano to keep Emily company. When Emily finished her testing performance, she thanked Mr. Butler and knew the result would be posted on the door of the choral room the next day.
Emily couldn't sleep that night. She tossed and turned in bed one thousand times. She was suffering from the feelings that she didn't fit and the great need to be accepted. By the next morning, her stomach was even in pain due to stress.
注意：1. 所续写短文的词数应为150左右；
2. 至少使用5个短文中标有下划线的关键词语；
3. 续写部分分为两段，每段的开头语已为你写好；
4. 续写完成后，请用下划线标出你所使用的关键词语。
Paragraph 1：
Emily hurried to the choral room and anxiously glanced at the list on the door.
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Paragraph 2：
Finally, the day of performance came.
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难度: 简单查看答案及解析