It's amazing how we grow from careless kids t...

It's amazing how we grow from careless kids to responsible teens. What happens in the course that makes us responsible now? It’s the seed that we sow in the beginning which grows and becomes a huge tree.

As a kid, I used to read a lot of story books. In one particular book, I read a story of a bird. It described a male bird which takes a lot of pain to build a nest and the female bird takes shelter in it and nourishes the baby. When the bird learns to fly, the whole family flies off to a different place leaving behind the beautiful nest for other birds to grow their family in it. It made me wonder. How could they so easily sacrifice their house built with so much effort?

One night, when I was deep in sleep, I got this particular dream. I was walking miles on the endless road, totally isolated but lined with beautiful trees on either side. I happened to stop upon seeing something. It was a wonderful house with every corner touched artistically and lovingly. I don’t know why I felt that it was done lovingly. Maybe because, things turn out to be beautiful only when we put our love into it - just like the food prepared by mom which tastes more delicious with her love.

I explored the house only to fall more in love with it. There was a sloping roof which matched with the greenery around; the large central open courtyard reminded me of the activities that might have taken place there which felt lively even now when it is completely deserted. The small water body that kept the house cool added to the beauty of the house - of course, it was all dried up now. It's really wonderful how such things add life to the spaces which otherwise just become structures. Such liveliness and happening turns the house into a home.

When I woke up from the dream, I was clear about everything. I realized where that mile of walk was intending me to lead. I realized what message my dream wanted to convey me. And years later, when finally my turn of choosing my destination came, I simply closed my eyes. When I opened my eyes, I was sure what to do. I decided to choose the road - less traveled. Yes, I took up architecture as my profession because this is what I am destined to do. I wanted to do the same thing that the male bird in the story did, to take pain in building a beautiful house and let others stay in it.

1.When the writer read the story of the bird, he probably felt _______.

A.upset B.confused

C.amazed D.amused

2.To the writer, ''the seed that we sow in the beginning'' (Paragraph 1) is _______.

A.the story of the bird B.his mother's food

C.the house in his dream D.his story books

3.Mom's food always tastes better because _______.

A.mom cooks with her love B.we are so familiar with mom's food

C.moms are better cooks than fathers D.mom is experienced in cooking

4.In the writer's dream, what part of the house attracted him most?

A.The greenery surrounding the house.

B.The body of water that keeps the house cool.

C.The liveliness he sensed around the house.

D.The fact that the house was very large.

5.The above passage is mainly about _______.

A.how the writer finally becomes an honest citizen

B.where the true meaning of responsibility lies

C.what we need to do when we are seeking fortune

D.why the writer takes up architecture as his career

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Amazing Kids! Wild Jungle Writing Contest 2020

Amazing Kids' Magazine is proud to announce that we will be hosting a Wild Jungle Writing Contest this fall! Send us your best jungle-themed stories using this starter: "I had no idea why they were standing there.

This contest is open to grades K-12, with three groups of K-3, 4-8, and 9-12. Three winners from each age group will be chosen to win Amazing Kids' prizes, along with an official certificate verifying（证实）their winning entry. All participants will receive a certificate of participation in the contest.

Submit all entries by September 30 to be considered! Email editor@amazing-kids.org for more questions about rules and specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How should I format my entry?

A: Stories should be written in English, with submissions of less than 1,200 words. Please submit your entry as a Microsoft Word document.

Q:How do I submit my entry?

A: E-mail your submission to editor@amazing-kids.org. Each e-mail submission will receive a return message verifying that the essay was received.

Q:Is there just one prize?

A: No. Nine separate prizes will be given out, with a cash value of $20 for first place, $15 for second place, and $10 for third place in each age group. Certificates of participation will also be awarded to each participant in the contest.

1.Which of the following stories suits the contest most ?

A.A couple lost their way in the jungle. B.A teenager caught a thief in a cave.

C.A pupil met a bear while searching the forest. D.A soldier saved a drowning boy.

2.A champion will receive .

A.a cash value of $15 B.a thank-you letter

C.only a certificate D.a prize and a certificate

3.What type of writing is the passage?

A.News. B.Summary.

C.Announcement. D.Guide.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Amazing Kids! Wild Jungle Writing Contest

Amazing Kids! Magazine is proud to announce that we will be hosting a Wild Jungle Writing Contest this fall. Send us your best jungle-themed stories using this start: “I had no idea why they were standing there.”

This contest is open to grades K-12 (从幼儿园到12年级的), with three groups of K-3, 4-8 and 9-12. Prizes, along with an official certificate verify (证实) their winning entry. All participants will receive a certificate of participation in the contest. Submit all entries by November 30 to be considered. Email us at editor @ amazing-kids. org for more details.

More Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How should 1 format my entry?

A: Stories should be written in English, with submissions of up to 1,200 words. Stories exceeding this length will not be considered. Please submit your entry as a Microsoft Word document.

Q: Can I choose to remain anonymous (匿名的)？

A: No. We must be able to publish both your story and name.

Q: Do I need to attach a covering letter?

A: No.

Q: How do I submit my entry?

A: Email your submission to editor@ amazing-kids.org. Each email submission will receive a return message based on your email address verifying that the story is received.

1.Which condition best meets the contest’s requirements?

A. An entry containing 2,000 words.

B. A submission written by college students.

C. An article attached to a covering letter.

D. A story centering on forest adventures.

2.How does a participant know his story is received?

A. He will be informed by email.

B. The magazine will give him a call.

C. He will receive an official certificate.

D. The announcement will be posted online.

3.What type of writing is this passage?

A. A piece of news.　　 B. An activity summary.

C. An announcement.　　 D. A guide.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Your kids are amazing especially compared with everybody else's (who seem to cry all the time). How do you show your love for your kids this holiday season? With toys that are smooth and colorful, interactive and exciting. And with ones that have educational value because you are the boss.

1.FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET

Here is a toy that doesn't need power and the kids have to put it together themselves. This 50piece puzzle set that can make your children active is made of softedged hardwood and makes a complete hospital, with an Xray room. It also includes eight patients, a car and a driver. $ 135; flaxart.com.

2.TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL

Sure, it's cool, but this colorful baby toy also develops problem solving and motor skills. It has a head and legs, a magnetic(磁性的) hand and a tail. Suitable for little ones from 6 to 36 months. $19.95; tinylove.com.

3.ROBOSAPIEN

This small, remotecontrol robot is really powerful. It performs 67 preprogrammed functions(功能), including throwing, kicking, picking up and dancing. You can even program your own function —— which, sadly, does not include doing windows. $99;  robosapienonline.com.

4.MINI PEDAL（脚踏板的）CAR

Want a Mini Cooper but can't fit the family inside? Get one for the kids. They can jump into this Mini car, which comes in hot orange with a single adjustable(可调的) seat, and ride away. For ages 3 to 5. $189; miniusa.com (click on "gear up," then "Mini motoring gear").

1.Which toy is said to have the special design for children's safety?

A. ROBOSAPIEN

B. MINI PEDAL CAR

C. FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET

D. TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL

2.Which toys are fit for threeyearold kids?

A. 1 and 3.    B. 2 and 4.     C. 1 and 2.    D. 3 and 4.

3.Educational value is mentioned in all the toys except

A. FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SETB. TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL

C. ROBOSAPIEND. MINI PEDAL CAR

4.This passage is written for_____________

A. parents B. children C. the writer D. the boss

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

YOUR KIDS ARE AMAZING —especially compared with everybody else’s (who seem to cry all the time). How do you show your love for your kids this holiday season? With toys that are smooth and colorful, interactive and exciting. And with ones that have educational value — because you are the boss.

FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET

Here is a toy that doesn’t need power, and the kids have to put it together themselves. This 50-piece-puzzle set is made of soft-edged hardwood and makes a complete hospital, with an X-ray room. It also includes eight patients, a car and a driver. $135.

TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL

Sure, it’s cool, but this colorful baby toy also develops problem solving and motor skills. It has a head and legs, a magnetic(磁铁) hand and a tail. Suitable for little ones from 6-36 months. $19.95; tiny-love.com.

ROBOSAPIEN

This small, remote-control robot is really powerful. It performs 67 preprogrammed functions, including throwing, kicking, picking up and dancing. You can even program your own function — which, sadly, does not include doing windows. $99 robosapienonline.com.

MINI PEDAL CAR

Want a mini Cooper but can’t fit the family inside? Get one for the kids. They can jump into this mini car, which comes in hot orange with a single adjustable seat, and ride away. But it could spoil them for that used car they’ll be driving when they turn 16. For ages 3 to 5. $189; minicar.com (click on “gear up” then “mini motoring gear”)

1.What website can you visit if you want a baby toy for your kid?

A. flaxart.com

B. tiny-love.com

C. robosapienonline.com

D. minicar.com

2.What do the four toys have in common?

A. None of them needs batteries.

B. They are all intended for kids under 3.

C. All of them cost less than $100.

D. They all have educational value.

3.What can we learn from the passage?

A. FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET has a special design for safety.

B. TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL needs power to order to play.

C. ROBOSAPIEN can be programmed to do the windows.

D. MINI PEDAL CAR develops problem-solving skills.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

D

OUR KIDS ARE AMAZING－especially compared with everybody else’s (who seem to cry all the time). How do you show your love for your kids this holiday season? With toys that are smooth and colorful, interactive and exciting. And with ones that have educational value－because you are the boss.

1．FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET

Here is a toy that doesn’t need power－and the kids have to put it together themselves. This 50-piece puzzle set is made of soft-edged hardwood and makes a complete hospital, with an X-ray room. It also includes eight patients, a car and a driver.　 $135; flaxart.com.

2．TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL

Sure, it’s cool, but this colorful baby toy also develops problem solving and motor skills. It has a head and legs, a magnetic(磁性的) hand and a tail. Suitable for little ones from 6 to 36 months.　 $19.95; tinylove.com.

3．ROBOSAPIEN

This small, remote-control robot is really powerful. It performs 67 preprogrammed functions, including throwing, kicking, picking up and dancing. You can even program your own function-which, sadly, does not include doing windows. $99; robosapienonline.com.

4．MINI PEDAL CAR

Want a Mini Cooper but can’t fit the family inside? Get one for the kids. They can jump into this Mini car, which comes in hot orange with a single adjustable seat, and ride away. But it could spoil them for that used car they’ll be driving when they turn 16. For ages 3 to 5. $189; mininss. com (click on “gear up,” then “Mini motoring gear”).

1.Which toy is said to have the special design for children’s safety?

A．ROBOSAPIEN

B．MINI PEDAL CAR

C．FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET

D．TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL

2.Which toy are fit for three-year-old kids?

A．1 and 3．　　 B．2 and 4．

C．1 and 2．　　 D．3 and 4．

3.This passage is written for _______.

A．parents　　 　　　　 B．children

C．the writer　　　　 D．the boss

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

YOUR KIDS ARE AMAZING－especially compared with everybody else’s (who seem to cry all the time). How do you show your love for your kids this holiday season? With toys that are smooth and colorful, interactive and exciting. And with ones that have educational value－because you are the boss.

1. FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET

Here is a toy that doesn’t need power－and the kids have to put it together themselves. This 50-piece puzzle set is made of soft-edged hardwood and makes a complete hospital, with an X-ray room. It also includes eight patients, a car and a driver. $ 135; flaxart. com.

2. TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL

Sure, it’s cool, but this colorful baby toy also develops problem solving and motor skills. It has a head and legs, a magnetic(磁性的) hand and a tail. Suitable for little ones from 6 to 36 months. $ 19.95; tinylove.com.

3. ROBOSAPIEN

This small, remote-control robot is really powerful. It performs 67 preprogrammed functions(功能), including throwing, kicking, picking up and dancing. You can even program your own function-which, sadly, does not include doing windows. $ 99; robosapienonline. com.

4. MINI PEDAL CAR

Want a Mini Cooper but can’t fit the family inside? Get one for the kids. They can jump into this Mini car, which comes in hot orange with a single adjustable(可调的) seat, and ride away. But it could spoil them for that used car they’ll be driving when they turn 16. For ages 3 to 5. $ 189; mininss.com (click on “gear up,” then “Mini motoring gear”).

1.Which toy is said to have the special design for children’s safety?

A．ROBOSAPIEN

B．MINI PEDAL CAR

C．FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET

D．TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL

2.Which toys are fit for three-year-old kids?

A．1 am 3.        B．2 and 4.       C．1 and 2.       D．3 and 4.

3.Educational value is mentioned in all the toys EXCEPT _________.

A．FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET

B．TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL

C．ROBOSAPIEN

D．MINI PEDAL CAR

4.This passage is written for __________.

A．parents        B．children       C．the writer     D．the boss

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

When you think of the tremendous technological progress we have made, it’s amazing how little we have developed in other respects. We may speak contemptuously of the poor old Romans because they relished the orgies of slaughter that went on in their arenas. We may despise them because they mistook these goings on for entertainment. We may forgive them condescendingly because they lived 2000 years ago and obviously knew no better. But are our feelings of superiority really justified? Are we any less blood-thirsty? Why do boxing matches, for instance, attract such universal interest? Don’t the spectators who attend them hope they will see some violence? Human beings remains as bloodthirsty as ever they were. The only difference between ourselves and the Romans is that while they were honest enough to admit that they enjoyed watching hungey lions tearing people apart and eating them alive, we find all sorts of sophisticated arguments to defend sports which should have been banned long age; sports which are quite as barbarous as, say, public hangings or bearbaiting.

It really is incredible that in this day and age we should still allow hunting or bull-fighting, that we should be prepared to sit back and watch two men batter each other to pulp in a boxing ring, that we should be relatively unmoved by the sight of one or a number of racing cars crashing and bursting into flames. Let us not deceive ourselves. Any talk of ‘the sporting spirit’ is sheer hypocrisy. People take part in violent sports because of the high rewards they bring. Spectators are willing to pay vast sums of money to see violence. A world heavyweight championship match, for instance, is front page news. Millions of people are disappointed if a big fight is over in two rounds instead of fifteen. They feel disappointment because they have been deprived of the exquisite pleasure of witnessing prolonged torture and violence.

Why should we ban violent sports if people enjoy them so much? You may well ask. The answer is simple: they are uncivilized. For centuries man has been trying to improve himself spiritually and emotionally – admittedly with little success. But at least we no longer tolerate the sight madmen cooped up in cages, or public floggings of any of the countless other barbaric practices which were common in the past. Prisons are no longer the grim forbidding places they used to be. Social welfare systems are in operation in many parts of the world. Big efforts are being made to distribute wealth fairly. These changes have come about not because human beings have suddenly and unaccountably improved, but because positive steps were taken to change the law. The law is the biggest instrument of social change that we have and it may exert great civilizing influence. If we banned dangerous and violent sports, we would be moving one step further to improving mankind. We would recognize that violence is degrading and unworthy of human beings.

1.It can be inferred from the passage that the author’s opinion of nowadays’ human beings is

A.  not very high.                               B.  high.

C.  contemptuous.                        D.  critical.

2.The main idea of this passage is

A.  vicious and dangerous sports should be banned by law.

B.  people are willing to pay vast sums money to see violence.

C.  to compare two different attitudes towards dangerous sports.

D.  people are bloodthirsty in sports.

3.That the author mentions the old Romans is

A.  To compare the old Romans with today’s people.

B.  to give an example.

C.  to show human beings in the past know nothing better.

D.  to indicate human beings are used to bloodthirsty.

4..How many dangerous sports does the author mention in this passage?

A.  Three.            B.  Five.

C.  Six.            D.  Seven.

5.The purpose of the author in writing this passage is

A.  that, by banning the violent sports, we human beings can improve our selves.

B.  that, by banning the dangerous sports, we can improve the law.

C.  that we must take positive steps to improve social welfare system.

D.  to show law is the main instrument of social change.

Vocabulary

relish                从……获得乐处，享受

orgy            狂欢，放纵

arena             竞技场，活动或斗争的场所

blood-thirsty        残忍的，嗜血的

bear-baiting        逗熊游戏

bull-fight      斗牛

batter            猛击，连续地猛打/捶，乱打

pulp                 成纸浆，成软块

burst into flames      突然燃烧起来/着火

grim            令人窒息的，简陋的

coop up            把……关起来

难句译注

bear-baiting  逗熊游戏。这是一种十六、十七世纪流行于英国的游戏――驱狗去咬绑着的熊，很残忍，后被禁止。

…two men batter each other to pulp in the boxing ring.

【结构简析】batter one to pulp = beat one to a pulp 狠揍某人，打瘫某人

【参考译文】两个人在拳击场内彼此狠揍，知道一个人被打倒在地，爬不起来。

…unmoved by the sight of one or a number of racing cars crashing and bursting into flames.

【参考译文】眼见一辆或多辆赛车相互撞击，突然烧起来而无动于衷。

A world heavy weight championship match is front page news.

【参考译文】世界重量级冠军赛总是头版头条新闻。

写作方法与文章大意

作者采取先对比、后分析的写作手法。先是今人和古罗马人对暴虐体育上对此两者都欣赏。后者坦率成人“欣赏暴力体育”，前者施以各种接口、实际都是嗜血成性者。第二段进一步剖析今人欣赏暴虐体育的种种实例，最后指出改善“暴虐”的根本嗜为改善法律采取积极的步骤，法律才能施以巨大的文明影响，否则人类很难改变。

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

When you think of the tremendous technological progress we have made, it’s amazing how little we have developed in other respects. We may speak scornfully of the poor old Romans because they enjoyed the seemingly excited killing that went on in their arenas（竞技场）. We may despise them because they mistook these goings on for entertainment. We may forgive them because they lived 2000 years ago and obviously knew no better. But are our feelings of superiority（优越）really justified? Are we any less blood-thirsty? Why do boxing matches, for instance, attract such universal interest? Don’t the audience who attend them hope they will see some violence? Human beings remain as bloodthirsty as ever they were. The only difference between ourselves and the Romans is that while they were honest enough to admit that they enjoyed watching hungry lions tearing people apart and eating them alive, we find all sorts of arguments to defend sports which should have been banned long ago.

　It really is incredible that in this day and age we should still allow hunting or bull-fighting, that we should be prepared to sit back and watch two men punch each other in a boxing ring, that we should be relatively unmoved by the sight of one or a number of racing cars crashing and bursting into flames. Any talk of ‘the sporting spirit’ is merely hypocrisy（虚伪）. People take part in violent sports because of the high rewards they bring. Audience are willing to pay vast sums of money to see violence. A world heavyweight championship match, for instance, is front page news. Millions of people are disappointed if a big fight is over in two rounds instead of fifteen. They feel disappointment because they haven’t experienced the exquisite pleasure of witnessing continuous violence.

　Why should we ban violent sports if people enjoy them so much? You may well ask. The answer is simple: they are uncivilized. For centuries man has been trying to improve himself spiritually and emotionally—though with little success. But at least we no longer tolerate the sight madmen imprisoned in cages, or public punishment of any of the countless other barbarous (野蛮的) practices which were common in the past. Prisons are no longer the harsh forbidding places they used to be. Social welfare systems are in operation in many parts of the world. Big efforts are being made to distribute wealth fairly. These changes have come about not because human beings have suddenly improved, but because positive steps were taken to change the law. The law is the biggest instrument of social change that we have and it may exert great civilizing influence. If we banned dangerous and violent sports, we would be moving one step further to improving mankind. We would recognize that violence is unworthy of human beings.

1.It can be inferred from the passage that the author’s opinion of nowadays’ human beings is ________________

2.Why does the author mention the old Romans in this article?

3.How many dangerous sports does the author mention in this passage?

4.     What does the author want to illustrate in this article?

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

Every week there are amazing things to do in Los Angeles with kids! We’ve collected a list of what we think are the most fun, most interesting family events in LA at the beginning of 2020—and hopefully will result in LA parents and kids having the best time together as a family!

Kids Were Activities

Vroman’s Bookstore　　 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101

Vroman’s Bookstore is hosting special Kids Week Activities all week long from Monday, Jan. 6th through Friday, Jan. 10th. Different activities are planned each day including an Art Extravaganza (on Tuesday) and Superhero Day (on Wednesday). All activities are free, but reserve in advance to make sure there are enough supplies and materials available for everyone. Check the website for a schedule of events.

Into the Woods

Hollywood Bowl　　 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068

Enjoy a performance of Into the Woods happening at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, Jan. 10th (8:00 pm), Saturday, Jan. 11th (8:00 pm), and Sunday, Jan. 12th (7:30 pm). Be a part of “an enchanted world of magic beans, towering giants, and handsome princes.” Tickets are available online.

Family Sandcastle Building Day

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro, CA 90731

Head to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on Saturday, Jan.11th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm for Family Sandcastle Building Day. Bring your favorite sandcastle building tools and your creativity to this free event.(The sand on the beach will already be thoroughly wet down and ready for creative builders!)

Outdoor Art Moves, Winter 2020 & 826LA@Hammer: Who's Got the Art? Hammer Museum 10899 Wilshire BIvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

The Hammer Museum is hosting two different special events on Sunday, Jan.12th. At both 11:00 am & 1:00 pm, children aged 5 and above can participate in Outdoor Art Moves, Winter 2020 led by movement director Zoe Rappa -port. Families will“discover relationships between nature, art, and the creative process” during these special movement activities. Free popsicles will be available after the program.

Also happening at 11:00 am is 826LA@Hammer: Who's Got the Art? Children aged 8-14 will help “inspect the galleries, correct clues, and crack the case of a legendary mystery theft." This workshop is designed for up to 20 students, so reservations are encouraged.

1.Which activity needs to be booked in advance?

A.Kids Week Activities. B.The performance Into the Woods.

C.Family Sandcastle Building Day. D.Outdoor Art Moves, Winter 2020.

2.For kids enjoying playing detectives, they can go ______ .

A.695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

B.2301 N. Highland Ave, Los Angeles

C.3720 Stephen M. White Dr. San Pedro

D.10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angles

3.The passage is mainly intended for ______.

A.parents and kids B.artists and directors

C.guides and tourists D.builders and architects

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析