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
1. 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
2.What does the underlined word “avert” in Paragraph 2 mean?
A. Suffer B. Avoid C. Deserve D. Get
3.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
4. 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
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
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).
1.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
2.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
3.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.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
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.
1.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
2. 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
3.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
4.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.
难度: 简单查看答案及解析
Westminster Abbey, founded in 1065, was the King’s place of residence until the 16th century. Since 1066, the Norman Conquest, it has been the “Royal church”—the place where kings and queens are crowned when they take the throne(即位).
It has also been the site of many royal weddings and funerals. King George VI, got married there in 1923; twenty four years later, his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II married Prince Phillip there; on April 29, 2011, Prince William also married Kate Middleton there. While fourteen years ago, the funeral service for Princess Diana, William’s mother, took place there.
It is also famous for its Poets’ Corner, which has been the traditional burial ground of the most famous English poets, writers and playwrights.
Today it is still a working church dedicated to regular worship and to the celebration of great events in the life of the nation. All are welcome to attend the regular services.
| Address | Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square, London, SW1P3PA | |
| Nearest Tube Station | Westminster St. James’ s Park | |
| Opening Times | Monday to Saturday:9:30 am---4.30 pm Wednesday:9:30 am---7:00pm(last admission 6:00pm) Saturday:9:30pm---2:30pm(last admission1:30pm) | |
| Tickets: | Individuals: Adult ￡18.00 | Over 18 students: ￡15.00 (on production of a valid student card) Schoolchildren(11—18years old) ￡8.00 Child under 11 free accompanied by an adult |
Do pay a visit to the Poets’Corner, where are tombs and memorials for such well---known writers as Geoffery Chaucer---father of English Literature, Charles Dickens, and Thomas Hardy(Refer to next page for more or surf its official website:www.westminister-abbey.org). The Grave of the Unknown Warrior is an attractive story of a body brought back from France after the First World War.College Garden is thought to the oldest garden in England at nearly 1,000 years old.
1.According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE?
A. Westminster Abbey has been the king’s residence for over 1,000 years.
B. About fifty years after Queen Elizabeth II got married, Princess Diana died.
C. All famous English poets, writers and playwrights can be buried in the Abbey.
D. From Monday to Saturday, one can visit the Abbey at any time in the day.
2.How much will a couple with two children(aged 17 and 19) at least pay for a visit to the Abbey?
A. ￡62 B. ￡59 C. ￡50 D. ￡48
3.Famous sights in the Abbey are recommended to see EXCEPT________.
A. the Poet’s Corner B. the Grave of the Unknown Warrior
C. the College Garden D. St. James’s Park
4.This passage is most likely from a(n) ________.
A. advertisement B. website
C. guidebook D. Poster
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
They are both so much related to each other. And both are so dissimilar!. What are the difference between friendship and love? Is platonic(柏拉图式的)friendship possible between persons of the opposite sex? 1.
What is friendship? Why do we call a person our friend? When do we call someone a very good friend? If we care for a person, if we are always ready to help that person and if we share most of our thoughts with a person, they are our good friends. We can always count upon our good friends in an emergency. We are always sure that our friends will understand why we acted in a certain way.
2. The friendship is so deep and the relationship is so intimate, that most of the things automatically understood by our friends.
3. In a relationship of deep love, all the sharing that we discussed above is taken for granted. But love transcends(超出)all this. During love, we are attached with a particular person, while in friendship, one many have many friends. A loving relationship makes one so much attached to the other that one gets pained if his/her beloved is hurt! Love also involves a physical element.
4. This is a vital difference. Nature gives us love so that the species can go forward. Nature does not give us friendship.
Your heart beats will never increase in anticipation of meeting your friend. 5. You will not feel totally lost if you don’t meet your friend for a few days. You will not have dreams in your eyes thinking about your friendship.
A. What about love?
B. My answer is “Yes!”
C. Let us try and understand.
D. Friendship does not have that.
E. We need not explain anything to our very good friends.
F. You will not lie awake at night thinking about your friend.
G. The physical element may include hand in hand while walking.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Arthur Ashe, an African American, was a great tennis player. In his autobiography (自传)Days of Grace, Arthur Ashe an incident that occurred when he was 17years old. He was playing in a match in West Virginia. As was often the case, he was the only of color in the match.
One night, some of the kids broke a gate. They completely it and then decided to say that Authur was . The incident was reported in the newspapers; Arthur his involvement, but the boys would not change their story. The part for Arthur was worrying about what his father would say and do. He made a phone call.
As he imagined, his father had already learned of the . his father’s tone was severe. He asked Arthur only one question. “Arthur Junior,” he asked, “all I want to is--- were you mixed up in that ?”
Author answered, “No, Daddy, I wasn’t. ” his father asked about it again. Arthur learned on that day why he had always been encouraged to tell the . There would come a time when he must be , and this was such a time. Because he had already earned his trust and , he knew his father believed him. From that day on he was , above all else, to live a life of honesty.
, we find examples of modern leaders in every field who have less honesty. we do not need saints(圣人)---we need people like you; people who will be known for their ; people who earn the trust and respect of others, their age or status in life; people who the importance of character. Our world does not need another saint. But it needs you.
1.A. avoids B. imagines C. relates D. plans
2.A. competitor B. judge C. passenger D. teacher
3.A. purchased B. repaired C. discovered D. destroyed
4.A. cruel B. responsible C. serious D. greedy
5.A. denied B. forgot C. reported D. kept
6.A. strangest B. worst C. funniest D. least
7.A. quietly B. usually C. eventually D. frequently
8.A. theft B. operation C. tour D. incident
9.A. promise B. show C. know D. announce
10.A. mess B. game C. project D. career
11.A. even B. never C. sometimes D. often
12.A. truth B. joke C. secret D. news
13.A. rewarded B. praised C. moved D. believed
14.A. interest B. strength C. respect D. attention
15.A. afraid B. unable C. ashamed D. determined
16.A. Hopefully B. Financially C. UnfortunatelyD. Traditionally
17.A. But B. If C. In case D. As if
18.A. knowledge B. honesty C. humor D. generosity
19.A. other than B. but for C. because of D. regardless of
20.A. forget aboutB. insist on C. turn down D. give away
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
There was once a young shepherd boy who tended his sheep at the foot of a mountain near a dark forest. It was lonely and 1. (bore) for him watching the sheep all day.
No one was near 2. there farmers he could sometimes see working in the fields in the valley below.
One day the boy thought of a plan by 3. he could get a little company and have some fun. He ran down toward the valley 4. (cry), “Wolf! Wolf!”
The men ran to meet him, and 5. they found out there was no wolf at all, they complained and returned to their work. However, the boy was very happy when he saw the men come running.
The boy enjoyed the company so much that a few days later he tried 6. same trick again, and again the men ran to help him.
A few days later, a real wolf came from the forest and was heading 7. the sheep.
The boy ran toward the valley, and more loudly 8. ever he cried,“Wolf! Wolf! A wolf has really appeared. ”
But the men, who had been 9. (fool) twice before, thought that he was tricking them again. No one came 10. (help) the boy. The lying shepherd boy was eaten up by the wolf with all his sheep.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
短文改错（共10小题； 每小题1分， 满分10分）
假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文， 请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。 文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。 错误涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加：在缺词处加一个漏词符号，并在其下面写出该加的词。
删除：把多余的词用斜线划掉。
修改：在错的词下画一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意：1每处错误下画一横线，并在该词下面写互相修改的词。
2 只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。
In my view, the Internet is helpful. It is known to all, the Internet is playing a important part in our daily life. On the Internet, we can read news home and abroad and got as much information as we can. We can also attend to the net school and read many books. We can even do shopping online. Beside, our ability to operate the computer can be improved great.
So we should not be addicted to the Internet, or we’ll get our life and study destroying. In addition, we should keep off the harmful website. Anyhow, this doesn’t prevent the Internet from becoming our friend.
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）
欢迎大家光临
注意：词数100左右。
Dear Ms. Smith,
难度: 中等查看答案及解析