Bill Bowerman was a track coach. He wanted to help athletes run faster. So he had learnt how to make running shoes. He had also started a shoe company with a friend. It was 1971.Running shoes at the time were heavy. They had spikes(鞋钉)on the sole(鞋底). The spikes tore up the track and slowed down runners.
To make a lighter shoe, Bill tried the skins of fish. To make a better sole, he wanted to replace the spikes. Bill dug through his wife Barbara's jewelry box. He hoped to find a piece of jewelry with an interesting pattern. He would then copy the pattern onto the new soles. Nothing worked. Bill was defeated.
Then, one Sunday morning, Barbara made Bill waffles(华夫饼)for breakfast. Bill watched her cook.
He studied the criss-cross pattern on a waffle iron.
Inspiration struck. The pattern on the waffle iron was just what Bill was looking for. The squares were flatter and wider than sharp spikes. The pattern would help the shoes hold any surface without tearing into it.
When Barbara left the house, Bill ran to his lab. He took the liquid chemicals that, when mixed, would harden into the sole of a shoe. He poured the mixture into the waffle iron---and the Waffle Trainer was born.
Bill’s company put the Waffle Trainer on market in 1974.It was a huge hit. Maybe you’ve heard of that company---it’s called Nike. And today it’s worth around $100 billion.
It was the waffle iron that had changed the course of Bill’s life---and helped turn Nike into a well-known name. Today, the waffle iron is kept at Nike headquarters. It serves as a reminder that if we keep trying, we can find a solution to even the most difficult problems. And those solutions can come from unlikely places, even the breakfast table.
1.What shortcomings did the old-style running shoes have?
A.They were hard to wear. B.They were too large.
C.They were impractical. D.They were easy to break.
2.Where did Bill get the inspiration to invent the famous Waffle Trainer?
A.From the skins of the fish. B.From his wife’s jewelry.
C.From the colour of the iron. D.From his wife’s cooking tools.
3.What can we learn from Bill’s success?
A.A cheerful wife is the joy of life.
B.Two heads are better than one.
C.Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
D.A bad workman quarrels with his tools.
4.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.Waffles and Nike B.Inspiration and Invention
C.A Great Inventor D.A Well-Known Company
Summer is coming and you might be delighted in the stories and images these summer picture books bring.
Sun, Sun by Brad Gray
For this rhyming celebration of fun in sun, all your family needs to take in summer’s very best. Life-like illustrations light the senses and bring back memories of summer’s past and dreams of the summers to come.
Available from Amazon, $9.99
When We Go Camping by Margriet Ruurs
What goes into camping? Setting up tents and looking at stars? Sure, but there’s also so much more! Get to know nature and all the mystery and wonder she brings as a family goes on an outdoor adventure. As educational as it is fun, this image-rich story will lead your child to explore deeper into the woods than ever before.
Available from Amazon, $ 8.93
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
Ever wonder what would happen if you swallowed a watermelon seed? A crocodile has wondered (and worried) about it quite a bit! Will he grow a watermelon in his belly? Will he sprout crazy vines (藤)? He’s not quite sure, but when the concerned crocodile accidentally swallows a seed, his imagination takes over and amusement arises!
Available from Amazon, $ 9.95
Three Little Words by Amy Novesky Dory
“Just keep swimming!” message of perseverance is perfect for anyone who has ever felt like they were drowning. Follow Dory’s an unforgettable adventure as she finds her way in this beautiful water color adventure of friendship and survival.
Available from Amazon, $ 12.06
1.Which book do you buy if you enjoy sleeping outdoors?
A.Sun, Sun B.When We Go Camping C.The Watermelon Seed D.Three Little Words
2.What troubles the crocodile in The Watermelon Seed?
A.A plant might grow in his body.
B.He shouldn't have eaten the watermelon.
C.A seed won't come out of his stomach.
D.He doesn't know how to take care of the plant.
3.What message does Three Little Words give its readers?
A.Swimming is dangerous. B.Adventure is interesting.
C.Never give up. D.Swimming is useful.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.What percentage of the Indian youth are hopeful for the future?
A.53%. B.49%. C.20%.
2.What do most Chinese young people worry about?
A.Energy. B.Technology. C.Environment.
3.What is the speaker doing?
A.Giving a lesson. B.Hosting a show. C.Broadcasting news.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Why is the woman dissatisfied with the man?
A.He didn’t talk with her.
B.He came here late again.
C.He ignored her messages.
2.What’s the biggest problem of having a mobile phone in the woman’s view?
A.Wasting much time.
B.Doing harm to our health.
C.Distracting us from real life.
3.What does the one who uses the phone first need to do?
A.Take a photo. B.Send a message. C.Buy some coffee.
4.How does the man feel about keeping off the phone?
A.Nervous. B.Relaxed. C.Painful.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Why does Mr. Cook make the call?
A.To change an appointment.
B.To make an appointment.
C.To confirm an appointment.
2.What did Mr. Cook forget?
A.The name of the dentist.
B.The problems with his teeth.
C.The time of his last check-up.
3.When will Mr. Cook visit Beautiful Smile Dentistry?
A.Next Tuesday. B.Next Thursday. C.Next Friday.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What are the speakers mainly talking about?
A.A travel company. B.A website. C.Tomorrow’s plan.
2.What has the woman bought online?
A.Some wine. B.Some tickets. C.Some coffee.
3.What will the speakers do next?
A.Eat out. B.Meet wine experts. C.Go to a garden nearby.
