After years of observing human nature, I have decided that two qualities make the difference between men of great achievement and men of average performance curiosity and discontent. I have never known an outstanding man who lacked either. And I have never known an average man who had both. The two belong together.
Together, these deep human urges (驱策力) count for much more that ambition. Galileo was not merely ambitious when he dropped objects of varying weights from the Leaning Tower at Pisa and timed their fall to the ground. Like Galileo, all the great names in history were curious and asked in discontent, “Why? Why? Why?”
Fortunately, curiosity and discontent don’t have to be learned. We are born with them and need only recapture them.
“The great man,” said Mencius (孟子), “is he who does not lose his child’s heart.” Yet most of us do lose it. We stop asking questions. We stop challenging custom. We just follow the crowd. And the crowd desires restful average. It encourages us to occupy our own little corner, to avoid foolish leaps into the dark, to be satisfied.
Most of us meet new people, and new ideas, with hesitation. But once having met and liked them, we think how terrible it would have been, had we missed the chance. We will probably have to force ourselves to waken our curiosity and discontent and keep them awake.
How should you start? Modestly, so as not to become discouraged. I think of one friend who couldn’t arrange flowers to satisfy herself. She was curious about how the experts did it. How she is one of the experts, writing books on flower arrangement.
One way to begin is to answer your own excuses. You haven’t any special ability? Most people don’t; there are only a few geniuses. You haven’t any time? That’s good, because it’s always the people with no time who get things done. Harriet Stowe, mother of six, wrote parts of Uncle Tom’s Cabin while cooking. You’re too old? Remember that Thomas Costain was 57 when he published his first novel, and that Grandma Moses showed her first pictures when she was 78.
However you start, remember there is no better time to start than right now, for you’ll never be more alive than you are at this moment.
1.In writing Paragraph 1, the author aims to ________.
A.propose a definition
B.make a comparison
C.reach a conclusion
D.present an argument
2.What does the example of Galileo tell us?
A.Trial and error leads to the finding of truth.
B.Scientists tend to be curious and ambitious.
C.Creativity results from challenging authority.
D.Greatness comes from a lasting desire to explore.
3.What can you do to recapture curiosity and discontent?
A.Observe the unknown around you.
B.Develop a questioning mind.
C.Lead a life of adventure.
D.Follow the fashion.
4.What can we learn from Paragraphs 6 and 7?
A.Gaining success helps you become an expert.
B.The genius tends to get things done creatively.
C.Lack of talent and time is no reason for taking no action.
D.You should remain modest when approaching perfection.
5.What could be the best tile or the passage?
A.Curious Minds Never Feel Contented
B.Reflections on Human Nature
C.The Keys to Achievement
D.Never Too Late to Learn
For people, who are interested in sound, the field of sound technology is definitely making noise. In the past, sound engineers worked in the back rooms of recording studios, but many of today’s sound professionals are sharing their knowledge and experience with professionals in other fields to create new products based on the phenomenon we call sound.
Sound can be used as a weapon. Imagine that a police officer is chasing a thief. The thief tries to escape. And the officer can’t let him get away. He pulls out a special device, points it at the suspect, and switches it on. The thief drops to the ground. This new weapon is called a Long Range Acoustic Device(LRAD, 远程定向声波发射器). It produces a deafening sound so painful that it temporarily disables a person. The noise from the LRAD is directed like a ray of light and travels only into the ears of that person, but it is not deadly.
For those who hunger for some peace and quiet, sound can now create silence. Let’s say you are at the airport, and the little boy on the seat next to you is humming(哼唱) a short commercial song. He hums it over and over again, and you are about to go crazy. Thanks to the Silence Machine, a British invention, you can get rid of the sound without upsetting the boy or his parents. One may wonder how the Silence Machine works. Well, it functions by analyzing the waves of the incoming sound and creating a second set of outgoing waves. The two sets of waves cancel each other out. Simply turn the machine or point it at the target, and your peace and quiet comes back.
Directed sound is a new technology that allows companies to use sound in much the same way spotlights(聚光灯) are used in the theater. A spotlight lights up only one section of a stage; similarly, “spotsound” creates a circle of sound in on targeted area. This can be useful for businesses such as restaurants and stores because it offers a new way to attract customers. Restaurants can offer a choice of music along with the various food choices on the menu, allowing customers more control over the atmosphere in which they are dining. Directed sound is also beginning to appear in shopping centers and even at homes.
1.What could be inferred from Paragraph 2 about the effect of the LRAD?
A.It causes temporary hearing loss.
B.It slows down a running man.
C.It makes it easy to identify a suspect.
D.It keeps the suspect from hurting others.
2.The Silence Machine is a device specially designed to ________.
A.silence the people around you
B.remove the sound of commercials
C.block the incoming sound waves
D.stop unwanted sound from affecting you
3.What feature do spotsounds and spotlights share?
A.They travel in circles.
B.They clear the atmosphere.
C.They can be transformed into energy.
D.They can be directed onto a specific area.
4.Directed sound can be used for ________.
A.creative designs of restaurant menus
B.ideal sound effects on the theater stage
C.different choices of music for businesses
D.strict control over any suspicious customer
5.What does the passage focus on?
A.How professionals invented sound products.
B.Inventions in the field of sound technology.
C.The growing interest in the study of sound.
D.How sound engineers work in their studios.
“They tell me that you’d like to make a statue(塑像) of me-is that correct, Miss Vinnie Ream?”
The deep, gentle voice helped calm the nervous girl. Asking a favor of the President of the United States was no casual matter, especially for a seventeen-year-old girl.
“Yes, sir,” she replied, her dark eyes meeting his. “I wouldn’t have duo ask you, but my teacher, Mr. Mills, says I am ready. I plan to make it in an admirable manner. “
President Lincoln smiled. “Painters, sculptors-they’ve all tried to make the best of this ordinary face, but I’m afraid there’s not much hope. What did you have in mind, Miss Ream? A bust(半身像)?”
Before Vinnie could say yes, the President hurried on, a shade of apology in his voice.
“Of course-I shouldn’t have asked. A full-length pose would be much too big a project for a young woman your size. “
Vinnie’s face turned red. She realized she looked like a child, with her tiny figure. “Small does not mean weak, sir,” she defended herself. “I was born in the country of Wisconsin. I’ve driven teams of horses and carried water. Making a full-length clay(粘土) figure would not exhaust my strength-and that is what I intend to do!”
The President’s eyes, brightened at her show of spirit. “Sorry, madam, I have underestimated you as I didn’t know your background.”
But his smile faded as he rubbed his beard with bony fingers, in thought. “Miss Ream,” he sighed, “I’d like to let you do it, but as you know, we are in the middle of a war. How could I possibly take the time to pose for a sculpture now? I hardly have a minute to myself.”
Vinnie glanced around and noted the size of his office. “I work quickly,” she said. Her voice was soft but confident as she pointed to the corner near the windows. “If I were to bring my clay here and work for three hours every afternoon, I could complete most of the project while you are at your desk.”
The President seemed to consider her idea seriously. He got up and shook Vinnie’s hand warmly, “I’ve heard that you are a talented young woman, and I have found you charming and intelligent as well. I cannot make my decision immediately, but you will hear from me soon.”
The very next day, Vinnie received an invitation from the President.
1.What gave Vinnie confidence to make her request of President Lincoln?
A.Her aggressive personality.
B.Mr. Mills’s encouraging remark.
C.President Lincoln’s gentle voice.
D.Her interest in a challenging job.
2.How did President Lincoln first respond to Vinnie’s request?
A.Pleased.
B.Thrilled.
C.Regretful.
D.Doubtful.
3.Vinnie confirmed her ability to make a full-length statue by highlighting ______.
A.her experience from other projects
B.her innocent childhood in the country
C.the heavy labor she had done before
D.the skill she picked up in Wisconsin
4.Vinnie wanted to choose the corner near the windows to ______.
A.achieve effects of natural lighting
B.keep all her tools within easy reach
C.observe the President at a right angle
D.avoid disturbing the president’s work
5.What message does the story convey?
A.A strong-willed soul can reach his goal.
B.Experience helps to promote excellence.
C.Ups and downs make one strong.
D.Devotion requires enthusiasm.
How to Use a Modern Public Library
Has it been a while since your last visit to a public library? If so, you may be surprised to learn that libraries have changed for the better. It’s been years since they were dusty little rooms with books. They have transformed themselves into places where you can develop your love of knowledge meet interesting people, or find out how to start a business.
Check out a book. While libraries still loan out(出借)books, you’ll find it easier to get a copy of whatever you’re looking for, thanks to a cooperative network of area libraries. Via such networks, libraries share their books with each other through the use of delivery vehicles. Once the book you’ve requested is delivered to the nearest branch, they will inform you by e-mail, so you can pick it up.
Check out other items. The library is now a multimedia zone, loaded with information in many formats(载体形式). You can borrow movies on DVDs, music on CDs, and popular magazines. Some libraries even loan out toys and games. If a popular magazine you want isn’t offered and the library keeps a list of such requests, they may bring it in when enough interest is shown.
Join targeted reading groups. Libraries will often hold reading-group sessions targeted to various age groups. Perhaps you’d like to learn a language or improve your English. The library may sponsor a language group you could join. If you have difficulties reading, ask about special reading opportunities. Your library might be able to accommodate you. And you might find it relaxing to bring your small kid to a half-hour Story Time while you sit quietly in a corner with a good book.
Start a business using the help of your local library. If you want to have a business of your own, your local library can become a launch space for it. In library books and computers, you can find information on starting a business. Many libraries will help you with locally supplied information about business management shared through chambers of commerce(商会)and government agencies, and they will offer printing, faxing and database services you need.
1.Public libraries connected by a cooperative network benefit readers by______.
A.sharing their books on the Internet
B.giving access to online reading at a library branch
C.sending a needed book to a library branch nearby
D.making the checkout procedures diverse
2.According to Paragraph 3, what items may be checked out from a public library?
A.A magazine and an e-book.
B.A game and an oil painting.
C.A music CD and a kid’s toy.
D.A DVD and a video player
3.As is described in Paragraph 4, taking a small kid to a half-hour Story Time allows ______.
A.the kid to learn a new language
B.the parent to enjoy quiet reading
C.the kid to overcome reading difficulties
D.the parent to meet their program sponsor
4.Your local library can help you start a business by ______.
A.providing relevant information and supporting services
B.offering professional advice on business management
C.supplying useful information of your potential buyers
D.arranging meetings with government officials
5.What is the purpose of the passage?
A.To point out the importance of public libraries.
B.To encourage people to work in public libraries.
C.To introduce the improved services of public libraries.
D.To call for the modernization of public library systems.
Detective Ashley Jones works at a police department in England. He has recently made a significant_______- -loneliness is a serious social problem that can contribute to depression and even crimes, but it can be_______in a clever way. The_______? Chat benches.
Jones got the idea after he had talked with an elderly lady who had been cheated of her_______. The lady would get a call from a stranger every morning who _______made her believe that he was her friend, and then she lent him about “f 31,000 . Jones was_______ when she said that she didn’t actually_______ being cheated. “Otherwise, 1would never speak to another person for weeks on end,” she said.
This led Jones to the conclusion that there are too many extremely _______ people in his community, who are easy targets of cheating. So he_______ to do something about it. He__________ the police department to allow him to __________ a couple of “chat benches” in two of their local parks. Then he hung a colorful sign on each of the benches that__________:”HAPPY TO CHAT. “Just a few days after the signs went up, he found people sitting there and engaging in active and__________ conversations.
The idea is catching on__________There are now over 40 chat benches throughout England. More new chat benches have sprung up across the UK and beyond. All who participated have gained a(n)__________ outcome from getting involved. Jones’ idea has been fully __________-the “HAPPY TO CHAT” benches help__________ the invisible social barrier that keeps people from saying hello.
This effort is not just a(n) __________ at being community minded- -it’s also a __________ measure. It prevents people who are cut off from society falling victim to cheaters.
The Chat Bench is a fantastic new project that__________ those of all ages to interact and get to know each other in the future.
1.A.choice B.discovery C.visit D.promise
2.A.experienced B.suffered C.prevented D.felt
3.A.solution B.puzzle C.excuse D.intention
4.A.pleasure B.prize C.credit D.money
5.A.eventually B.frequently C.previously D.occasionally
6.A.ashamed B.shocked C.excited D.amused
7.A.mind B.forgive C.risk D.enjoy
8.A.active B.lonely C.cautious D.stubborn
9.A.learned B.refused C.pretended D.decided
10.A.forced B.ordered C.convinced D.taught
11.A.put away B.make out C.tear apart D.set up
12.A.read B.claimed C.meant D.implied
13.A.formal B.joyful C.awkward D.crazy
14.A.randomly B.slowly C.quickly D.purposefully
15.A.positive B.disappointing C.correct D.embarrassing
16.A.realized B.examined C.discussed D.formed
17.A.break down B.put up C.keep off D.take out
18.A.glance B.attempt C.knock D.attack
19.A.heart-breaking B.risk-taking C.face-saving D.crime-cutting
20.A.forbids B.appoints C.encourages D.troubles
The student completed this experiment to make come true ______ Professor Joseph had said.
A.that B.what C.when D.where
