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When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at hospital.
On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned toast in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him spread butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the toast. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned toast."
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his toast burned. He took me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in
a hard day at work today and she's really tired. And besides – a little burned toast never hurt anyone!"
You know, life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. What I’ve learned over the years is that learning to accept each other’s faults is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. This good quality is the base of any relationship --- husband-wife or parent-child or friendship! As far as I’m concerned, I’m not the best engineer as expected. However, I have made my efforts. That’s enough.
So learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life. Burnt toast isn’t a deal-breaker! Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket but into your own.
1.When his mother put the burnt biscuit on the table, the author _____.
A. wanted to see how his father reacted
B. pretended not to notice it
C. pretended to enjoy the burnt food
D. stopped his father eating the burnt toast
2.We can infer from the passage that the author’s mother .
A. She was not good at cooking.
B. She hardly had time to cook at home.
C. She felt sorry for the burnt food.
D. She spent more time on breakfast than dinner.
3.How did the author feel when his father said he loved burnt toast?
A. Moved. B. Puzzled C.Surprised. D. Disappointed.
4.According to the text, to get a happy life, one should______ .
A. give help to people in need B. try to be a perfect person
C. learn from one’s mistakes D. learn to be understanding
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阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
When I was a kid, Mom used to cook food for us. One night after 1. (spend) a long hard day at work, Mom placed a plate of bread jam and 2. (extreme) burnt toast（烤面包） in front of my dad, I was waiting 3. (see) if he noticed it. However, while eating his toast. Dad just asked me 4. my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night,5. I do remember I heard Mom apologizing to Dad for burning the toast. I’ll never forget what Dad said, “Honey, I love burnt toast.”
Later that night, I 6. (go) to kiss Daddy good night and asked him if he really liked his toast burned. He gave me 7. big hug and said, “Your mamma put in a long hard day at work today, really 8. (tire). Besides, a burnt toast never hurts but cold words do!”
What I’ve learned over the years 9. (be) that learning to accept each other’s faults is one of the most important 10. (key) to creating a healthy, growing and lasting relationship.
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The computer makes doing schoolwork easier for me than it was for my mom and dad. For example, when writing book reports and stories, I use Microsoft Word instead of a pen and paper. That way, after my teacher checks my work, I can go back and make revisions without having to rewrite the whole thing. And Microsoft Word has a spell check! I use it all the time.
For English class, we are reading The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. As pre-reading homework, my teacher asked us to research teenage groups on the Internet. I tried Google, Encarta, and Yahoo first, and finally found an article on Time. com .
For geography homework on the United States, I used Encarta to learn about the Mississippi River. I needed to find out how deep the river is, how its widths and depths are different, what states it runs through, and what kinds of fish live in it. I used the information to show how the geography of a country influences its economy. For example, the river’s trade paths, the number of fish caught in it and the tourists it attracts directly affect Southerners’ jobs and incomes.
I never go to the library to do research. It takes too much time. Since I live in New York City and both my parents work, getting to the library isn’t always easy. For a big task or research project, I used to stay at the library to read, or sign out whatever books or magazines I needed. Now being able to find the information in my own living room makes everything a lot simpler. Online dictionaries and encyclopedias (百科全书) also save time.
Sometimes, I think the computer spoils my generation because it is so easy --- at least physically. But computers are not like television, which does the thinking for you. You still have to use your mind. I prefer using a computer, easy, fun, and fast.
1.What does the writer use when he writes book reports and stories? (no more than 3 words)
2.Why doesn’t the writer go to the library to do research? (no more than 6 words)
3.How does the writer complete a big assignment or research project at present? (no more than 10 words)
4.Why does the author prefer using a computer? (no more than 11 words)
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When I was a kid， I loved to sing and showed a talent for the drama． I told my parents that I wanted to go to New York and_______Broadway one day， and they always_______me． My voice，_______"pretty good"， wasn't really Broadway quality and the life of a Broadway singer wasn't an_______one， they never said no to me． They_______told me I could be something I wanted to be． They_______me to join a church choir（唱诗班）at times and take_______lessons．_______I realized that Broadway wasn't going to be my thing， but I always_______my parents told me it was possible． Even now as an adult， they push me to accept new__________．
Now that I am a__________， the idea of having a child who is motivated seems amazing and，__________, a little bit worrying． What if she foils？ Will it defeat her？ What if she performs in front of an audience and forgets the__________to a song， or what if she is__________？
But perhaps the most worrisome__________are what if she succeeds， how I would parent a child that is __________successful than I was at that age and how I would encourage my children and teach her．
I don't have the answers lo any of these questions，__________I will encourage my children to follow their__________． Having a young child do something that is so extraordinary might seem__________． But if your child has a dream， do your very best to help him or her follow it． Who knows？ You might just have the__________great world-changer on your bands．
1.A. sing B. dance C. run D. drive
2.A. funded B. supported C. refused D. misunderstand
3.A. also B. yet C. ever D. though
4.A. honest B. interesting C. easy D. exciting
5.A. always B. sometimes C. seldom D. never
6.A. demanded B. encouraged C. persuaded D. promised
7.A. voice B. piano C. history D. dance
8.A. In the end B. At first C. At the moment D. In a hurry
9.A. hoped B. doubted C. agreed D. appreciated
10.A. decisions B. favors C. challenges D. tasks
11.A. singer B. teacher C. mum D. student
12.A. merely B. honestly C. fortunately D. shortly
13.A. meanings B. posters C. names D. words
14.A. knocked over B. laughed at C. waken up D. referred to
15.A. times B. news C. questions D. conditions
16.A. more B. less C. just D. little
17.A. before B. so C. but D. since
18.A. dreams B. examples C. teachers D. parents
19.A. misfortunate B. unimportant C. misleading D. unlikely
20.A. first B. next C. last D. only
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The world always makes way for the dreamer.
When I was twelve years old, my father took me to see Zig Zigler. I remember sitting in that dark hall listening to Mr. Zigler 16 everyone’s spirits up to the ceiling, I 17 there feeling like I could do anything. When we got to the car, I turned to my father and said, “Dad, I want to 18 people feel like that.” My father asked me 19 __ I meant. “I want to be a motivational(激发积极性的)speaker just like Mr. Zigler,” I replied. A（An）20 was born.
Recently, I began seeking my dream of motivating others. 21__a four-year relationship with Fortune 100 Company 22 as a sales-trainer and ending as a regional(地区的) sales manager, I left the company at the height of my 23 _. Many people were __ 24 that I would leave after earning a six-figure income(收入). And they asked __25__ I would risk everything for a dream.
I made my 26 to start my own company and leave my worryingless position(职位)after _27__a regional sales meeting. The vice-president of our company made a 28 that changed my life. He asked us, “If a god would offer you three wishes, what would they be?” After giving us a 29 to write down the three wishes, he then asked us, “Why do you need a 30 ?” I would never forget the power I felt at that moment. I realized that 31 I had accomplished in the past had prepared me for this moment. I was ready and didn’t need a god’s help to become a motivational speaker. A motivational speaker was 32 .
Having made that decision, I was immediately33___. One week after I gave notice, my husband was laid off (下岗) from his job, and now we had no 34. But I held fast to my dream. The wonder really began to happen. In a short time my husband found a better job. And I was able to book several 35 engagements（业务）with new customers. I discovered the unbelievable power of dreams.
1. A．rise B．do C．put D．raise
2. A．left B．came C．arrived D．reached
3. A．get B．hope C．make D．cheer
4. A．that B．what C．which D．if
5. A．dream B．idea C．girl D．speaker
6. A．After B．Before C．Because D．While
7. A．beginning B．working C．acting D．regarding
8. A．life B．love C．money D．career
9. A．disappointed B．moved C．surprised D．delighted
10. A．when B．why C．if D．how
11. A．plan B．promise C．decision D．mind
12. A．attending B．joining C．entering D．holding
13. A．newspaper B．book C．report D．speech
14. A．day B．second C．week D．moment
15. A．love B．worker C．god D．company
16. A．everything B．anything C．nothing D．something
17. A．alive B．dead C．missing D．born
18. A．examined B．searched C．found D．tested
19. A．help B．harm C．income D．money
20. A．selling B．speaking C．writing D．listening
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“_______a good breakfast, my son. It’s good for your health. ”Mom often says to Tommy.
A. Eat B. Eating
C. To eat D. Eats
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When I was seven years old my mom was diagnosed(诊断) with cancer. For this type of cancer the survival rate was low. My family was extremely upset and shocked. I was too young to understand. I had no idea that everyday with my mom had to be the absolute best because we didn’t know if it would be our last. I didn’t understand why everyone was suddenly taking time out of their busy lives to come over and sit on our couch.
The doctors told us my mom might survive with surgery(外科手术). But it could also kill her. She agreed to have it. The surgery was scheduled for the day after the Columbus Day. The day before the surgery I had off from school, and my mom planned the best day of my life. The day began with her waking me up saying, “Kate, I have a surprise for you. Come see.” The surprise was a doll I had wanted for the longest time. Throughout the day, she told me everything that she thought I would need to know to grow up and be a good person; she told me to be the best I could be and that I would always make her proud. The day was filled with laughter. For the first time in a long time I could see she was happy. Really happy.
The day passed and the next day, it was time for the surgery. There were no tears; I think I understood that I could lose my mom, because they did tell me she could die. We waited all day for news from the doctor. Everyone jumped when a door opened or anyone walked into the waiting room. Finally the doctor came in, and the news was what we had prayed (祈祷) for.
The experience that my family went through was truly a roller coaster. I will never forget that day together, and how her illness pulled our family closer. I understand now how lucky we were. I truly appreciate life and honor my mom for being so strong.
1.After the author’s mother fell ill, people _____.
A．took turns to look after the author
B．tried to spend more time on their work
C．spared more time to stay with the mother
D．asked the doctors to operate on the mother at once
2.It can be inferred that the author’s mother ______.
A．tried to show her love to her daughter before the operation
B．didn’t agree to have the operation
C．had always been happy before the operation
D．was very nervous the day before the operation
3.What is the third paragraph mainly about?
A．How the doctors operated on the mother.
B．How the family prayed for the mother.
C．How the mother struggled against cancer.
D．How the family waited for the operation result.
4.What does the author mean by the underlined sentence in the text?
A．Life is always full of hardships.
B．Life is full of both pain and happiness.
C．Life is always filled with pleasure.
D．Life is fair for everyone all the time.
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I was ever bullied badly when I was in high school. One kid in particular would try to make me feel worse in every way he knew. For example, he would throw stuff at me constantly, hit me on the head, punch me, call me ugly and stupid, make fun of me and, of course tell me he would beat me up if I ever fought back. It was like his daily mission. And it was my daily mission to just get through the day. What could I say? It made my world very small because that was my main focus---just surviving. Everything else fell by the wayside. Unfortunately, that included any form of social life. So not only was my world tiny, but it was very lonely.
Looking back to that time, which was about 11 years ago, my biggest mistake was not bringing anyone into that world of mine. I was too proud and embarrassed to get help. I would rather not face the fact that I needed help because in my mind, that would mean that the bully had won. It would also mean that I was weak.
Let me just say this----bullying someone is a weak choice. The only reason why they come after you is that they don’t think you will do anything about it. Does that make anyone strong? Absolutely not. Be stronger. Reach out to a parent, a teacher or a friend for help. Simply admit that you are struggling and need help.
You can put it like this: Somebody who is weak and trying to build himself or herself up has chosen to do that by putting me down. The only reason why they are doing it is that I am nice and I haven't done anything about it yet. Well, I am through putting up with this. I have basic human rights that they are trying to take away to feel better and that is just not OK. How do I handle this the right way? I don't want the pain cycle to continue and I don't want to become someone I don't want to be.
I will close by saying this----I am not just surviving. I am just enjoying my life. I graduated from college with honors, by the way. You don’t have to wait to live. Do something today.
1.What did the author do when he was bullied? ________
A.He suffered but put up with it all alone.
B.He fell by the wayside.
C.He reached out for help immediately.
D.He fought back bravely.
2.The author suggests fighting bullies by ________.
A.getting used to the pain as soon as possible
B.keeping it a secret inside and reducing your social life
C.looking for help from parents, teachers or friends
D.promoting the understanding of basic human rights
3.The author probably wrote this article to ________.
A.admit that he had been treated badly at school
B.describe the harmful effects of bullying
C.show how grateful he was to those who helped him
D.share his experience and ideas on dealing with bullies
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At times my mom has been uncomfortable seeing these qualities in me. For example, when I was 12, I went to Puerto Rico all by myself to stay with my grandmother for the summer. My mom was extremely nervous about it. She kept telling me how things were different in Puerto Rico, to always put on sunscreen，not to wander away from my grandmother, and other warnings. She helped me pack and did not leave the airport until she saw my plane take off.
But despite her worries, she let me go on my own. As I moved into my teens, she continued to give me space to grow and learn, even when it might have been difficult for her. When I reached my senior year, I decided to move away for college. Once again I found that I differed from my peers. While many of them wanted to stay close to home, I couldn't wait to be out in the world on my own. While my mom may not have been happy at the thought of my going away, she was supportive and excited for me.
One big thing I realized during my senior year, as my mom granted me more freedom, was that she actually believes in me and trusts me. That means a lot. Most of my life, and especially when I was little, the main person I tried to impress in my schoolwork or other things was my mother. I knew she expected nothing but the best from me. Sometimes it was hard to live up to her standards: getting a single B on my report card would make me feel bad because I knew she wanted me to have all As.
I know that her high standards have helped me stay focused on what's important, like education, and made me who I am. I am thankful for her support and involvement in my life. Most of all I respect her. She is the strongest woman I know and that's why I have turned out so strong and independent.
1.When the author decided to go to Puerto Rico, his mother________.
A. wanted to go with him B. didn't allow him to do so
C. worried about his safety D. asked his grandmother for advice
2.Why did the author decide to move away for college?
A. He wanted to be different from his peers.
B. He planned to keep away from his mother.
C. He intended to make his mother unhappy.
D. He wanted to be independent in the outside world.
3.We can learn from Paragraph 3 that the author's mother________.
A. was too strict with him B. had a high expectation of him
C. cared little about his learning D. used to expect nothing from him
4.What does the author mainly want to tell us in the text?
A. his mother's expectations of him
B. his long way to become independent
C. his good relationship with his mother
D. the importance of his mother's trust and support
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At times my mom has been uncomfortable seeing these qualities in me. For example，when I was 12，I went to Puerto Rico all by myself to stay with my grandmother for the summer. My mom was extremely nervous about it. She kept telling me how things were different in Puerto Rico（波多黎各），to always put on sunscreen（防晒霜），not to wander away from my grandmother，and other warnings. She helped me pack and did not leave the airport until she saw my plane take off.
But despite（尽管）her worries，she let me go on my own. As I moved into my teens，she continued to give me space to grow and learn，even when it might have been difficult for her. When I reached my senior year，I decided to move away for college. Once again I found that I differed from my peers（同龄人)：While many of them wanted to stay close to home，I couldn’t wait to be out in the world on my own. While my mom may not have been happy at the thought of my going away，she was supportive and excited for me.
One big thing I realized during my senior year，as my mom granted（允许） me more freedom，was that she actually believes in me and trusts me. That means a lot. Most of my life，and especially when I was little，the main person I tried to impress in my schoolwork or other things was my mother. I knew she expected nothing but the best from me. Sometimes it was hard to live up to her standards: getting a single B on my report card would make me feel bad because I knew she wanted me to have all A’s.
I know that her high standards have helped me stay focused on what’s important, like education，and made me who I am. I am thankful for her support and involvement in my life. Most of all I respect her. She is the strongest woman I know and that’s why I have turned out so strong and independent.
1.When the author decided to go to Puerto Rico，his mother________.
A. didn’t allow him to do so
B. wanted to go with him
C. worried about his safety
D. asked his grandmother for advice
2.Why did the author decide to move away for college?
A. He wanted to be different from his peers.
B. He planned to keep away from his mother.
C. He intended to make his mother unhappy.
D. He wanted to be independent
3.We can learn from Paragraph 3 that the author’s mother________.
A. had a high expectation of him
B. cared little about his learning
C. used to expect nothing from him
D. was too strict with him
4.What does the author mainly want to tell us in the text?
A. His mother’s deep love for him
B. The importance of his mother’s trust and support
C. His long way to become independent
D. His good relationship with his mother
a hard day at work today and she's really tired. And besides – a little burned toast never hurt anyone!"