Many seniors feel pressured to go straight fr...

Many seniors feel pressured to go straight from high school to college, but Camden Olson, who graduated from the Latin School of Chicago in the US last year, didn’t give in. She decided to spend a gap year-taking a year off before college-raising a guide dog for Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Maine. The non - profit provides trained guide dogs to blind and visually - impaired (视力障碍的) people. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do.” Olson said.

It is becoming more and more popular among American teenagers to have a gap year. Some students use the year off to figure out what they want to do: travel the world or save money for college.

Olson is using her time to follow a passion she’s had since 7th grade. For years, she kept an eye on guide dog services until she came across the opportunity at Guiding Eyes. With support from her friends, family and teachers, Olson went for it. Olson’s volunteer work centers around Derby, a one-year-old black dog.

“My job is to raise him to be well-mannered and socialized,” she said. “Guide dogs can’t be distracted. They go everywhere with their visually-impaired owner. They give a blind person a lot of support, too.”

Of course, there’s an end in sight for Derby and Olson’s close bond. When Derby celebrates his own graduation, Olson will have to say goodbye to him.

“No doubt there will be tears, but, if he passes, I will be so happy for him to become a working dog,” she said.

While some do not agree that gap years are a good choice, Olson said she’s seen major success. In fact, she’ll be attending Princeton University soon and is thinking about majoring in biology.

“I think I’m already so much more mature than I was,” she said. “So many kids come back from gap years a lot more focused and prepared.”

1.Why did Camden Olson decide to spend her gap year working for Guiding Eyes?

A.Because her parents talked her into doing it.

B.Because many of her peers had already chosen to do so.

C.Because it had been her dream for a long time.

D.Because it would help her to make her experienced in work.

2.According to Olson, guide dogs should ________.

a. not be easily distracted

b. be well-mannered and easy-going

c. know how to play some tricks for their owners

d. give their visually impaired people support

e. protect their blind people from all possible dangers

A.a, b, c B.a, b, d

C.b, c, e D.b, d, e

3.How did Olson feel when she said goodbye to Derby?

A.Quite happy. B.Sad but glad.

C.Regretful and sad. D.Nervous and disappointed.

4.What does Olson think about the idea of a gap year?

A.It makes people better prepared for the future.

B.Whether it’s good or not depends on the person.

C.Its negative side outweighs its positive side.

D.It makes sure of a student’s success at college.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Many of us know what it feels like to be an outside in high school. Some give in to the pressure to fit in; others remain “on the bottom of the social food chain”. However, Alexandra Robbins, the author of the book The Geeks Shall Inherit The Earth believes what makes people unpopular in high school, mainly an unwillingness to obey, tends to translate into success as an adult.

Robbins has spent the past decade analyzing the behavior of high school students. She found the things that make a student different make them a target. But in adulthood and outside of the school setting, the things “that make you different make you interesting, fun, and often successful,” she told the UK’s Daily Mail.

She researched the qualities that people found most valuable in adults. The top qualities are: creativity, free-thinking, vision, authenticity, self-awareness, honesty, curiosity, love of learning, and courage. “Those are qualities that are far more likely to be found in school outsiders than in the popular kids,” she said.

According to Robbins, when people are in with a popular crowd, they are more likely to hide aspects of their identity in order to fit into the group. As she put it to Yahoo.com, “You are more likely to have goals of social dominance(强势)rather than forming actual true friendships. You are more likely to let other people pressure you into doing things. None of those things is admirable or useful as adults.”

Meanwhile, in the eyes of Robbins, the outsiders are much more self-aware and much braver than the popular students. They are brave because they are sticking to being themselves in a challenging environment.

There are many celebrity examples of progress from unpopularity to later fame. Hollywood director Steven Spielberg was laughed at for being Jewish in high school. JK Rowling, author of hugely popular Harry Potter, was teased in school as a glasses-wearing child who lived mostly in books and daydreams.

Robbins encourages students to participate in out-of-class activities. “They will automatically meet people with similar tastes,” she told Daily Mail.

1.According to Robbins, what can make a student a target in high school?

A. Difference to others

B. Pressure to fit in

C. Unwillingness to obey

D. Behavior of high school students

2.Which quality is NOT considered to be valuable in adults?

A. Being creative

B. Being authentic

C. Being different

D. Being curious

3.Why do popular kids tend to be not as successful as outsiders?

A. They may have goals of forming actual true friendships

B. They may hide aspects of their identity to fit in

C. They may force others into doing things

D. They may stick to being themselves in the society

4.Which of the following statements is true?

A. Young people who are outside are successful as adults

B. JK Rowling is one of celebrities of unpopularity

C. Unpopular students develop skills while the popular don’t

D. Robbins encourages young people to be themselves

高二英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析

Lebron James isn’t the first high school basketball player to go straight into the NBA, but he’s probably the best. He has the body, skills and the basketball brain of an all-star (全明星球员). This _______ was on _______ as he scored 41 points to take Cleveland Cavaliers (克里夫兰骑士队) to a 107-104 win over the New Jersey Nets (新泽西网队) on march 28. Aged of 19 years and 87 days, James became the _______ player to score 40 or more in the NBA. “It was by far James’ best _______,” said Cleveland coach Paul Silas.

Known to his friends _______ “the King”, this was the day James earned his crown (王冠). But he was _______ from being a king during a childhood spent in the back streets of Akron, Ohio. _______ many other African-American basketball players, James’ early years were a _______. His mother Gloria was just 16 when she gave birth to him; he knows nothing about his father. Mother and son battled for everything from food to a place to live. _______ help from his grandmother and neighbors, James would ____________ have died when he was young. This spirit of survival has served him well on court, forcing him to take any ____________ he finds. “I ____________ losing. I don’t like losing,” said James of his 41-point display. “I ____________ the opportunity for us to win and I was ____________ to capture it.” At 2.03 meters, he is no Yao Ming but this didn’t ____________ him being first choice in 2003 NBA draft. This was ____________ to his strength and skill, much of which he learned from high school American football.

Although he has a ____________ brain, James has never had to concentrate on ____________ . Some people think this is a mistake and say he should have gone to college to ____________ his mind, but James is one of the lucky few who has found fame and fortune without a ____________. On the court, he is king.

1.A.performance B.activity C.talent D.action

2.A.sale B.show C.watch D.duty

3.A.oldest B.strongest C.youngest D.tallest

4.A.performance B.lesson C.action D.appearance

5.A.for B.as C.by D.with

6.A.well B.deep C.far D.late

7.A.as B.like C.likely D.alike

8.A.fight B.struggle C.battle D.war

9.A.Except for B.Except C.Besides D.Without

10.A.certainly B.impossible C.probably D.hardly

11.A.goal B.game C.match D.chance

12.A.hate B.refuse C.object D.reject

13.A.defended B.seized C.absorbed D.attended

14.A.afraid B.unlucky C.able D.certain

15.A.keep B.forbid C.protect D.stop

16.A.according B.referring C.thanks D.sticking

17.A.fast B.quick C.high D.top

18.A.studying B.resting C.sleeping D.eating

19.A.advance B.march C.increase D.develop

20.A.basketball B.collision C.diploma D.father

高二英语完形填空中等难度题查看答案及解析

Many high school students consider a college education useless. Therefore, they choose not to go to college. If you’re one of them, think again. Here are some reasons why you should go to college and receive a good education there.

Schools and universities are the first sources of knowledge. We take that knowledge later on to build our careers after graduation. More knowledge will be gained after you start working, but without an education, that job will not be within easy reach. Knowledge leads to knowledge.

While limited within the walls of the educational institutions, we openly explore other cultures of the world. We come to know that ours is not the only culture. Other cultures have valuable insights to share, enriching our own. Education also makes us want to travel and interact with various cultures, broadening our horizons.

When there’s a downturn (衰退) in the economy, those who attended college will be more likely to find a new job than those who only finished grade school and have a limited skills set. The more education you have, the more chances you will get to improve the quality of your life as you have a better job and earn a higher salary.

When you’re skillful and knowledgeable, you get to “rub knees” with people of similar backgrounds and tastes. It means a good education leads to excellent networking. Good networking can benefit you a lot in your later life.

A good education makes you a more interesting person. You can talk about ideas and events instead of just other people and what’s on sale in stores. An educated person doesn’t gossip, having a preference to discuss ideas and listen to what other people have to say.

1.Paragraph 2 mainly shows that going to college allows you to ______.

A. have a chance to study abroad　　 B. keep gaining knowledge

C. become a more interesting person　　 D. realize the importance of knowledge

2.According to Paragraph 3, what is the advantage of going to college mean?

A. Having a greater understanding of different cultures.

B. Being limited within the walls of a college.

C. Valuing our own culture much more.

D. Thinking differently from others.

3.By giving the example of a downturn in the economy, what does the author want to show?

A. A good education can improve your tastes.

B. A good education sometimes means nothing.

C. A good education means you will not lose your job.

D. A good education allows you to keep a life of high quality.

4.What is the text mainly about?

A. Sources of knowledge.

B. Benefits of attending college.

C. The disadvantages of not being educated.

D. The reason why some people think college useless.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Many senior high school students have returned and been plunged into preparations for the national college entrance exam, ________will be postponed by one month.

A.as B.what C.which D.it

高二英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析

Like many other high school seniors, I eagerly anticipate life after graduation. In less than three months, my belongings will be packed up and shipped to the other side of the country.

I had never imagined, in my wildest dreams, that I would attend college in Ithaca, New York. I had had my heart set on a university in California and of majoring in English.

Nearly all of my friends are staying in state, and I remember thinking to myself, when one friend said she would be going to college in Virginia: Why would someone ever choose to move away from California?

But by a twist of fate, I received a letter from Ithaca College, inviting me to apply for a program in communications. On a while, I decided to apply. What were the chances that I would be selected as a finalist? If I hadn’t applied, I would have always regretted not trying. Yet secretly, I hoped that I wouldn’t be chosen.

But, as things turned out, I was offered one of the scholarships. I also received admission letters from the other colleges I had applied to, all of which were California schools.

As I began to weigh my options, I wrote out a pro/con (利弊) list for each of my schools. I began to realize that my reasons for wanting to go to certain schools in California were based on considerations of comfort. It would be so reassuring to be close to my family and my home.

Then I began to think about the expensive tuitions (学费) and class shortages in the California public school system. These issues were not likely to greatly improve in the next four years. Slowly, I came to the conclusion that Ithaca was the ideal choice for me – culturally, academically and financially.

Fear of the unknown should not be a reason for shying away from opportunities. It might be difficult to adapt to my new situation, but I am confident I have made the right decision.

64. What is the point of the article?

A. To introduce the advantages of studying at Ithaca College.

B. To tell readers what matters when applying to a college.

C. To share the author’s experience of choosing a college.

D. To compare the differences between Ithaca College and California schools.

65. The author decided to go to Ithaca College because ______.

A. she wasn’t accepted by any of her dream schools in California

B. she has a great interest in Ithaca College’s communications program

C. she was offered a scholarship by Ithaca College but not by colleges in California

D. she thinks that teaching and classes are better at Ithaca College than at California schools

66. Judging from the article, which of the following statements is TRUE?

A. The author had never thought of going to college in New York.

B. The author is independent and likes adventure.

C. The author believes it will be easy to adapt to college life.

D. The author applied to Ithaca College because Ithaca College is much cheaper than California      schools.

67. Judging from the article, what has the author learned from her experience?

A. That she must make good use of her time in college.

B. Not to let fear put her off something she wants.

C. That nothing we want in life can be achieved without effort.

D. Not to take any risks.

高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

Many people in high school cannot wait to go to college and leave their hometown behind. Questions arise, though, when it comes to all of the decisions involved in choosing a college.

One of the first considerations may be finance. State and public colleges are often the least expensive. Often, though, the better colleges are private and more expensive. It is sad when gifted students cannot attend a college of their choice just for financial reasons.

Another major factor is location. Whether the college is in a small town or large city can have a major impact on its activities. A water lover probably will be more comfortable spending four years near an ocean or a lake. Those who cannot tolerate heat will probably be more comfortable at a northern college. Distance from home may also come into consideration. If family is a top priority, that person should stay close to home; on the other hand, if independence is desired, a campus farther from home would be more appropriate.

School size also plays a major role in the decision process. If you want to get to know your teachers, a small college is suitable. For those of you who consider yourself a “people person” and want a wide range of activities, a large college is more fitting. Your area of interest is another factor to consider in the decision-making process if you want to get the most from your education. The whole point of college is to learn what is of interest to you.

Crucially(至关重要地), one must take into consideration the colleges by which you can realistically be accepted. An Ivy League school for an average student would probably not be a good match. Similarly, an average school for an above-average student would not work well. The college should provide enough of a challenge for the student to work hard. Although there may not be the perfect college out there, there probably will be one that is close. Those who cannot find a suitable college are probably not looking hard enough.

1.When it comes to going to college the author thinks ________.

A. financial situation is the first to consider

B. students are unwilling to leave their home

C. students will become homesick

D. students are eager to attend their ideal university

2.What is the main idea of the third paragraph?

A. Students can be independent at college.

B. A long distance will make students upset.

C. The location of the college is a main factor.

D. The climate must be taken into consideration.

3.What does the underlined part “people person” in the passage mean?

A. A person of great capacity.

B. A very particular person.

C. A very sociable person.

D. A person of great importance.

4.Which is the most important factor when choosing a college?

A. The location of a college.

B. The examination result.

C. School size.

D. The coming challenges.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Japanese students work very bard but many are unhappy. They feel heavy pressures(压力) from their parents. Most students are always told by their parents to study harder and better so that they can have a wonderful life in the future. Though this may be a good idea for those very bright students, it can have terrible results for many students who are not gifted(有天赋的) enough. Many of them have tried very hard at school but have failed in the exams and have their parents lose hope. Such students felt that they are hated by everyone else they meet and they don’t want to go to school any longer. They become dropouts.

It is surprising that though most Japanese parents are worried about their children, they do not help them in any way. Many parents feel that they are not able to help their children and that it is the teachers’ work to help their children. To make matters worse, a lot of parents serif their children to those schools opening in the evenings and on weekends — they only help the students to pass the exams and never teach them any real sense of the world.

Many Japanese schools usually have rules about everything from the students’ hair to their clothes and things in their school bags. Child psychologists(心理学家) now think that such strict rules are harmful to the feelings of the students. Almost 40% of the students said that no one had taught them how to get on with others, how to tell right from wrong and how to show love and care for others, even for their parents.

1.“Dropouts” are those who _______.

A. make troubles in and out of schools

B. go about or stay home instead of being at school

C. try hard but always fails in the exams

D. lose hope and give up some of their subjects

2.According to the passage, it’s necessary to teach students _______.

A. how to study well

B. how to get on with others

C. to show love and care for others

D. All above

3.Which of the following can be the best title of the passage?

A. The Trouble in Japanese Schools

B. The Problems of Japanese Students

C. Education in Japan

D. The Pressures on the Students in Japan

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Japanese students work very hard but many are very unhappy. They feel great pressure from their parents to do well in school and in college. Most students are always being told by their parents to study harder so that they can have successful future. Although this may be good advice for those who are very bright, it can have very bad results for many students who are not quick enough at learning.

Unfortunately, a number of students actually kill themselves. Others are after comfort in using drugs. Some students, however, do bad things with groups of bad people and turn to crime. Many of them have tried very hard at school but, in spite of all their tries, have failed in certain examinations and have disappointed their parents. Such students feel that they are less important than everyone else they meet and leave school before they finish their study.

It is surprising that although most Japanese parents are anxious for their children to do well at school, they do not help them in any way. Many parents feel that they are unable to help their children with their lessons and that it is the teachers’ job to help their children.

To make matter worse, a lot of parents send their children to special schools called juku-cram schools. These schools are open during the evenings and on weekends, and their only purpose is to prepare students to pass exams; they do not try to educate students in any real sense of the world. Thus comes a shock to realize that almost three quarters of the junior high school students attend these cram schools.

Ordinary Japanese schools usually have rules about everything from the length of students’ hair to their clothes and things in their school bags. Child psychologists now think that such strict rules often lead to a feeling of being unsafe and being unable to fit into society. They believe that no sense of moral(道德) values is developed and that students are given neither guidance nor training in becoming good citizens.

1.Many Japanese students are unhappy at school because          .

2.How many unexpected things will some of Japanese students do when they are not doing well in their studies?

3.What’s some experts’ opinion about Japanese school rules?

4.According to the third paragraph, who have not tried their best?

5.choose the best title for this passage:

A. Poor students in Japan

B. poor students in campus in Japan

C. wrong educational system in Japan

D How to develop a student

高二英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析

Japanese students work very hard but many are unhappy．They feel heavy pressures from their parents to do well in school．Most students are always being told by their parents to study harder so that they can have a wonderful life．Though this may be good ideas for those very bright students，it can have very bad results for many students who are not quick enough at learning．

Unfortunately，a number of students killed themselves．Others are after comfort in using drugs．Some do bad things with trouble-makers and turn to crime．Many of them have tried very hard at school but have failed in the exams and have disappointed their parents．Such students feel that they are less important and leave school before they have finished their study．

It is surprising that though most Japanese parents are worried about their children, they do not help them in any way．Many parents feel that they are not able to help their children and that it is the teachers' work to help their children．To make matters worse, a lot of parents send their children to special school called juku-cram schools．These schools are open during the evening and on weekends, and their only purpose is to prepare students to pass exams, they do not try to educate students in any real sense of the real world. It thus comes as a shock to realize that almost three quarters of the junior or high school population attend these cram schools．　 　　

Ordinary Japanese schools usually have rules about everything from the students' hair to their clothes and things in their school bag．Child psychologists now think that such strict rules often lead to a feeling of being unsafe and being unable to fit into society．They regard the rules as being harmful to the development of each student．They believe that no sense of moral values is developed and that students are given neither guidance nor training in becoming good citizens．

1.A lot of Japanese students are unhappy at school because________　　

A．they work very hard          B．they find they can't do well at school

C．they feel unimportant        D．they are under too much pressure　 　　

2.Because of their failure at school, some students take drugs to________

A．kill themselves             B．seek comfort

C．disappoint their parents      D．make trouble　 　　

3.What should be the best title of the passage?

A．Students' Pressure

B．Students' Problems　 　　

C．The Negative Impact(影响) of Japanese Education　 　　

D．The Trouble in Japanese Schools

4.In juku-cram schools students________．

A．are taken good care of by the teachers     B．feel no pressure

C．are trained to pass exams               D．can learn a lot of useful things

5.In ordinary Japanese schools，________ ．

A．there are strict rules                 B．students feel safe　 　　

C．students can do anything               D．learning is not important

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析