The American dream is the faith held by many people in the United States of America that through hard work, courage, creativity and determination, they can achieve a better life for themselves. More specifically, they agree on how to get ahead in America: get a college education, find a reliable job, and buy their own house. But do Americans still believe in that path, and if they do, is it attainable?
The most recent National Journal poll asked participants about the American dream, what it takes to achieve their goal, and whether or not they felt the control over their ability to be successful. Obviously, the results show that today, the idea of the American dream and what it takes to achieve it looks quite different from it did in the late 20th century. Generally speaking, people felt that their actions and hard work not outside force deciding their lives. But the participants had definitely mixed feelings about what actions make for a better life in the current economy.
In the last seven years, Americans have grown more pessimistic(悲观的) about the power of education to lead to success. Even though they see going to college as a fairly achievable goal, a majority 52 percent think that young people do not need a 4-year college education in order to be successful.
Miguel Maeda, 42, who has a master’s degree and works in public health, was the first in his family to go to college, which has allowed him to achieve a sense of financial stability(稳定) his parents and grandparents never did. While some, like Maeda, emphasized the value of degree rather than the education itself, others still see college as a way to gain new viewpoints and life experiences. To Fendley, a sense of drive and purpose, as well as an effective high-school education, and basic life skills, like balancing a checkbook(支票簿), are the necessary elements for a successful life in America.
1.It used to be commonly acknowledged that to succeed in America, one had to have ____.
A. a sense of drive and purpose B. an advanced academic degree
C. a firm belief in their dream D. an ambition to get ahead
2.What is the finding of the latest National Journal poll concerning the American dream?
A. More and more Americans are finding it hard to realize.
B. It remains alive among the majority of American people.
C. An increasing number of young Americans are abandoning it.
D. Americans’ idea of it has changed over the past few decades.
3.What do Americans now think of the role of college education in achieving success?
A. It still remains open to debate.
B. It has proved to be beyond doubt.
C. It is much better understood now than ever.
D. It is no longer as important as it used to be.
4.How do some people view college education these days?
A. It helps broaden their minds. B. It needs to be strengthened.
C. It widens cultural diversity. D. It promotes gender equality.
I can proudly say that last year I broke the record for the oldest person in the world to ride a roller-coaster. I’m 105, but I feel younger. Even the doctor agrees I’m in good condition. I’m a bit deaf and my legs feel weak, but they are the only issue.
I rode the Twistosaurus at Flamingo Land, which spins you round quite fast. I didn’t choose to go on that. I’d have preferred a really fast one that went upside down. But I was told I couldn’t ride something like that, because my blood pressure could drop and I might have some danger.
I wasn’t nervous — I don’t get frightened of anything. I was securely fastened, so I knew I wouldn’t fall out. The roller-coaster ride went on for three or four minutes, and it couldn’t be a better experience. And I raised a lot of money for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance fund, which was fantastic.
People were saying I’d got a place in the Guinness World Records. Later, someone came to present me with the certificate. I had it on the wall in my living room, with another one that got a year earlier.
My record-breaking ways really began a couple of years ago, with the ice-bucket challenge. It turned out that I was probably the oldest person in the world to do it, and the video was very popular. After that, I stared to think about what else I could do to raise money for different charities.
I’m not sure if anyone admires all the fun I’m having. They just say I’m daft and that’s about it. But I’ve had many good days and many exciting times. I’ve had a really good life. I don’t think I’ve wasted any of it.
1.Why didn’t the author choose to go on riding the Twistosaurus?
A. Because he was in a bad physical condition.
B. Because he was told not to do so.
C. Because he considered it too gentle.
D. Because he thought it spun too fast.
2.How did the author most probably react while riding the roller-coaster?
A. He really enjoyed himself.
B. He was very worried at first.
C. He couldn’t think much about it.
D. He got frightened as it started moving.
3.What do you know about the author from Paragraph 4?
A. He was the oldest person in the world.
B. He set a record the year before last year.
C. He disliked showing off his success.
D. He was eager to get certificates.
4.What does the underlined word “daft” in the last paragraph probably mean?
A. healthy. B. strong.
C. crazy. D. funny.
Lovell Camps Kids’ Club in Switzerland
Lovell Camps Kids’ Club is an English language Montessori（蒙台梭利）style club. Children will enjoy a wonderful and safe learning experience which includes language activities, cooking, arts and crafts, singing, dancing, etc.
Learning outside the classroom plays a necessary role at Lovell Camps, making children experience the outdoors. During the summer months this can include visits to local playgrounds, farms and indoor or outdoor swimming pools. Winter time gives children the chance to go skiing and play outside in the snow.
Admission:
The Lovell Camps Kids’ Club is for pre-school children aged between 2 and 5.
What’s included:
Fees include: Healthy snacks and school equipment. If you choose the skiing activity, fees include transportation to and from the ski hill and professional ski instructions.
Fees do not include: Ski rentals, round-trip transportation from Kids’ Club to home and medical insurance.
Time:
Kids’ Club is open from December to March and in July and August. It is closed on Mondays during the year.
1.What is the special activity in summer?
A. Getting close to animals. B. Swimming in the pool.
C. Singing and dancing. D. Visiting farms.
2.Lovell Camps Kids’ Club is designed for 2- to 5-year-olds ____.
A. who are good at swimming B. who enjoy outdoor activities
C. who want to learn skiing D. who are interested in playing sports
3.For which of the following should kids pay extra?
A. Medical insurance. B. Healthy snacks.
C. School equipment. D. Transportation to the ski hill.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.Where is the woman most probably?
A. In a classroom. B. At home. C. In a studio.
2.What does the woman most probably think of the Grand Canyon?
A. Quiet. B. Dangerous. C. Amazing.
3.What is Maui?
A. An island. B. A town. C. A large city.
4.What is the main attraction in San Diego?
A. The San Diego Zoo. B. The city. C. The beach.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.When will the performance end this Friday night?
A. At 8:00 pm. B. At 8:30 pm. C. At 9:00 pm.
2.Why does the man want to leave the band?
A. To focus on his study. B. To work part-time. C. To join a new band.
3.What does the man do in the band?
A. He sings. B. He plays the guitar. C. He plays the piano.
4.What does the woman mean in the end?
A. The man is good at his study.
B. The man should study harder.
C. The man shouldn’t leave the band.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What is the man’s present job?
A. A computer operator. B. A typist. C. A salesman.
2.What is the woman’s attitude to the man’s changing his job?
A. She approves of it.
B. She disagrees with it.
C. She thinks it makes no difference.
3.When does the conversation take place?
A. In the morning. B. At noon. C. In the afternoon.
