Poet William Stafford once said that we are defined more by the detours in life than by the narrow road toward goals. I like this image. But it was quite by accident that I discovered the deep meaning of his words.
For years we made the long drive from our home in Seattle to my parents’ home in Boise in nine hours. We traveled the way most people do: the fastest, shortest, easiest road, especially when I was alone with four noisy, restless kids who hate confinement(限制) and have strong opinions about everything.
Road trips felt risky, so I would drive fast, stopping only when I had to. We would stick to the freeways and arrive tired.
But then Banner, our lamb was born. He was rejected by his mama days before our planned trip to Boise. I had two choices: leave Banner with my husband, or take him with me. My husband made the decision for me.
That is how I found myself on the road with four kids, a baby lamb and nothing but my everlasting optimism to see me through. We took the country roads out of necessity. We had to stop every hour, let Banner shake out his legs and feed him. The kids chased him and one another. They’d get back in the car breathless and energized, smelling fresh from the cold air.
We explored side roads, catching grasshoppers in waist-high grass. Even if we simply looked out of the car windows at baby pigs following their mother, or fish leaping out of the water, it was better than the best ride down the freeway. Here was life. And new horizons.
We eventually arrived at my parents' doorstep astonishingly fresh and full of stories.
I grew brave with the trip back home and creative with my disciplining technique. On an empty section of road, everyone started quarreling. I stopped the car, ordered all kids out and told them to meet me up ahead. I parked my car half a mile away and read my book in sweet silence.
Some road trips are by necessity fast and straight. But that trip with Banner opened our eyes to a world available to anyone adventurous enough to wander around and made me realize that a detour may uncover the best part of a journey — and the best part of yourself.
1.Why did the author use to take freeways to her parents' home?
A.It was less tiring. B.It would be faster and safer.
C.Her kids would feel less confined. D.She felt better with other drivers nearby.
2.The author stopped regularly on the country roads to _____.
A.relax in the fresh air B.take a deep breath
C.let the kids play with Banner D.take care of the lamb
3.What does the author discover from the trip according to Paragraph 6?
A.Freeways are where beauty hides.
B.One should follow side roads to watch wild animals.
C.Enjoying the beauty of nature benefits one's health.
D.Getting close to nature adds to the joy of life.
4.What does the underlined word “detour” mean ?
A.A fast and straight road trip. B.A route which is long and not direct.
C.A pleasant and meaningful tour. D.An unpleasant road trip.
City College
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All high school graduates and anyone 18 years of age or older, with or without a high school diploma, are suitable for admission. Individuals under the age of 18 who possess a high school diploma are also suitable for admission.
HOW TO ENROLL IN CREDIT COURSES
New and readmitted students must complete and hand in a credit admissions application form available online at www.ccsf.edu.
BEFORE YOU REGISTER:
● Learn about your skill level in English and Math through our assessment service;
● Attend an orientation (新生报到会) to hear about support services;
● Meet with a counselor (adviser) to select your courses;
● Find out if you are required for attending the entrance examinations.
HOW TO ENROLL IN NONCREDIT COURSES
Courses in Noncredit Programs are free of charge (no enrollment fee). For information on how to enroll in noncredit courses, click here.
PARKING
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use public transit. Click here for Parking Regulations.
SERVICES
City College services include a bookstore, cafeteria, health center, tutoring center, career and transfer center, counseling, financial aid, library, learning resource center, student government offices, campus police, disabled students programs and more.
1.Which kind of the following people could not be admitted into City College?
A.A high school graduate.
B.An adult without a high school diploma.
C.A sixteen boy without a high school diploma.
D.Anyone who possesses a high school diploma.
2.What do we know about the entrance examinations from the passage?
A.All new and readmitted students must take the examinations.
B.Those who are poor in English and Math must take the entrance examinations.
C.Not all the new students are required to take the entrance examinations.
D.The entrance examinations are free of charge.
3.Where can this passage be found?
A.On an education website. B.In a newspaper advertisement.
C.In a tour guide. D.In a college news report.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.What do we know about the speaker's job?
A.It has long working hours. B.It's well-paid. C.It's easy.
2.What does the speaker say about hiring a cleaner?
A.It's expensive. B.It's unnecessary. C.It's worthwhile.
3.How often did the speaker go to the supermarket before?
A.Once a week. B.Twice a week. C.Three times a week.
4.What is more important to the speaker?
A.Doing facial treatments. B.Having a clean house. C.Buying clothes.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What is the woman?
A.A teacher. B.A student. C.A nurse.
2.What does the woman want to do?
A.Work in a library. B.Tutor some children. C.Work as a volunteer.
3.What can the woman probably do?
A.Buy medicine for the aged. B.Tidy up all the novels. C.Entertain the elderly.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.How long will the woman be away?
A.Two weeks. B.One week. C.Two days.
2.Who will the woman work with in Toronto?
A.The man's secretary. B.The man. C.Jodie.
3.How will the woman travel to Toronto?
A.By car. B.By bus. C.By plane.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Where does the conversation probably take place?
A.In a park. B.At a hospital. C.At a drug store
2.What does the man ask the woman to do?
A.Drink another brand of water.
B.Take one tablet a day for three days.
C.Take a walk in the park.
3.What's wrong with the woman's son?
A.He has some sunburn. B.He hurt his arm in a park. C.He has a stomachache.
