It is well-known that the “prom”, a formal dance held at the end of high school or college, is an important date in every student’s life. What is less well-known is that the word “prom” comes from the verb “to promenade”, which means to walk around, beautifully dressed, in order to attract attention. The idea is that you should see and be seen by others.
The prom is not just an American tradition, though most people believe that it started in America. In Canada the event is called a “formal”. In Britain and Australia the old fashioned word “dance” is more and more frequently being referred to as a “prom”. Most countries have some form of celebration when students finish high school: after all, it means the end of life as a child, and the beginning of life as an adult.
The prom is expensive to organize and the tickets can cost students a lot of money. The tradition is that students themselves have to raise the money to pay for it. Selling the students newspapers is one way to raise money; so is taking a part-time job at the weekend.
Although the prom should be the experience of a lifetime, it also worries many students. There is the problem of what to wear, who to take as your partner, who will be voted “prom queen”, etc. And it is not only students who feel worried. What many parents find difficult is the realization that their children’s school days are almost over. However, for most people at the prom, once the music starts playing, everyone relaxes and stops worrying.
1.In which country is the prom called a “formal”?
A. America. B. Canada. C. Britain. D. Australia.
2.Why is the prom important in the students’ lives?
A. It’s the sign of becoming an adult.
B. It’s an old tradition in many countries.
C. There are many problems to work out.
D. The students can raise money by themselves.
3.What is the passage mainly about?
A. The history of the prom.
B. The traditions of the prom.
C. The development of the prom.
D. The general information of the prom.
Take a look at our library! Our library is open to everyone and the library card is free.
Books ☆ books in 36 languages
☆ information about the world
☆ all kinds of stories
☆ picture books for children
☆ novels
– You can enjoy newspapers and magazines in the reading room.
– You can borrow two books at a time and keep them for three weeks.
Videos ◆ all kinds of video films
◆ music videos
◆ TV plays
– You can enjoy yourself and watch your favorite videos at home.
– You can rent a video at two yuan for a week.
Audios music for everyone
language cassettes; 42 world languages
– Special rooms for you to enjoy listening. CDs and cassettes can be borrowed – FREE.
– You can borrow one CD or one cassette at a time and keep it for one week.
E-books ● many different kinds of e-books
● e-newspapers and e-magazines
– You can browse all the e-books in the computer room – FREE.
1.How many books can you borrow at a time?
A. One. B. Two. C. Three. D. Four.
2.How much should you pay if you keep two videos for a week?
A. Two yuan. B. Three yuan. C. Four yuan. D. Free.
3.What can you do in the computer room?
A. Enjoy music videos. B. Borrow some books.
C. Enjoy e-books. D. Borrow some CDs.
My father had a small business, employing(雇用)fifteen people at any given time. We sold all kinds of milk products. I had worked for my father since I was young, did all seven kids in my family.
One day, we had a new employee, Debbie, who wanted to work in the store for the summer. She had done this type of work before, but planned to give it her all.
On her first day, Debbie made just about every mistake in the . She charged the wrong prices for items, she gave the wrong bag of food to the wrong customer, and she and broke a half gallon of milk. The torture(折磨)of watching her fighting her way was too much for me. I went into my father’s office and said, “Please go out there and put her out of her misery(苦恼).” I him to walk right into the store and let her go away from our store.
Since my father’s office was situated within view of the sales counter, he had surely what I was talking about. He sat, , for a moment. Then he got up from his desk and walked over to Debbie, who was standing behind the counter.
“Debbie,” he said, as he put his hand on her shoulder. “I have been watching you all day, and I saw how you Mrs. Forbush.”
Debbie’s face turned red and tears began to in her eyes as she tried hard to remember Mrs. Forbush from the many women she had given the wrong change to or drop off her milk onto the floor.
My father continued, “I’ve never seen Mrs. Forbush be so to any one of my employees before. You really knew how to deal with her. I am sure that she is going to want you to her every time she comes in. Keep up the good work.”
In return for being a wise and kind employer, my father got a trusty and hardworking employee for fifteen years … and a friend for life.
1.A. unless B. neither C. as D. nor
2.A. already B. yet C. never D. ever
3.A. vision B. book C. spirit D. position
4.A. dropped B. lost C. touched D. missed
5.A. encouraged B. forced C. expected D. influenced
6.A. followed B. seen C. guessed D. heard
7.A. careful B. upset C. angry D. thoughtful
8.A. gently B. seriously C. lightly D. directly
9.A. accepted B. agreed C. treated D. considered
10.A. run B. well C. appear D. rise
11.A. funny B. hopeless C. rude D. polite
12.A. wait on B. look after C. stand for D. depend on
The house ______ I live in is very small.
A. that B. whom C. when D. where
He ______ a chance to try it again just now.
A. gave B. will give C. is given D. was given
We _______ many roses in the garden since last year.
A. plant B. planted C. have planted D. are planting