In February 2006, Lydia Angyiou and her two sons were walking through their village in northern Canada. The sound of children shouting made her turn around. To her horror, Lydia saw a 700-pound polar bear behind her eyeing her seven-year-old son. Getting between the bear and her child, Lydia yelled at the children to run away. She then began hitting and kicking the animal as hard as she could. A neighbor who heard all the noise came and shot the bear. But everyone agreed it was Lydia who had saved her children’s lives. A local policeman described it this way: “… I guess when your back is up against the wall, … we come up with super-human strength.”
Where does this “super-human strength”, courage and quick thinking come from? Experts say it comes from stress! In stressful situations, the body releases chemicals that prepare it to take action. These chemicals give people the speed and strength they need to fight danger or run away from it.
When we think of stress, we usually think of its negative effects. Studies, though, show that moderate levels of stress are actually helpful. In fact, the way we perform is usually affected by the amount of stress we feel.
Stress causes the brain to release adrenaline(肾上腺素) which in turn increases our energy and excitement. The chemical gives us clearer minds and helps us to do more. This is why some people say they work better under a deadline.
Adrenaline that is not released for long periods of time can cause us to increase and strengthen our abilities instead of weakening them. We sometimes turn out our very best work when we push ourselves to the limit. Stress can also make us more confident. Handling small amounts of stress now prepares us for handling serious situations in the future. Who knows? Today’s stress may even prepare for the next polar bear that comes along!
1.In the first paragraph, the case of Lydia Angyiou is mentioned to______.
A.introduce the topic to be followed |
B.remind us of the unexpected danger of life |
C.praise Lydia Angyiou for her bravery |
D.show the importance of super-human strength |
2.What does the policeman probably mean by saying “your back is up against the wall”?
A.You are helped. |
B.You are inspired. |
C.You are confident. |
D.You are cornered. |
3.What would be the best title for the passage?
A.Brave Mother |
B.The Cause of Stress |
C.The Benefit of Stress |
D.Super-human Strength |
City buses are white and blue. Please board at the front door and pay the fare as you get on. The fare per ride is $1.50 for adults and $1.00 for senior citizens. The fare may be paid by cash, bus pass or multiple passes. Please pay the exact amount directly into the slot at the top of the fare box. Remember that bills are not accepted and drivers cannot make change for riders.
When you wish to get off the bus, please notify the driver in advance by pressing one of the buttons provided throughout the bus for this purpose. The bus may pass bus stops without stopping if no one is getting off or waiting to get on.
There are five subway lines in the city. The fare is set at five rates from $2.00 to $3.50 according to the number of predetermined( )“price zones” traveled. To purchase the appropriate ticket, please check the fare on the boards installed above the ticket-selling machines in each subway station.
Pass through the automated ticket gates by inserting the ticket into the slot. When getting off the subway at a station beyond the validity of the ticket, pay the additional fare at a fare-adjustment machine.
1.According to the information, all bus riders should _________.
A.exit from the back door |
B.let the driver know in advance if they want to get off |
C.ask the driver for change |
D.pay according to a “price zone” |
2.What is the lowest cost of a subway ride for an adult?
A.$1.00. |
B.$1.50 . |
C.$2.00. |
D.$3.50. |
3. How can a rider determine the fare of a subway ride?
A.It is automatically determined. |
B.It is always $2.00 |
C.Fare-adjustment machines determine the fare. |
D.All fares are posted |
4.This text mainly tells us _________.
A.how to use city buses and subways |
B.how convenient city buses and subways are |
C.how to pay the fare for city buses and subways |
D.how well city buses and subways are equipped |
阅读下面短文,掌握其大意,从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
As sixth graders, kids were separating into groups, but I wasn't sure where I belonged.
Our teacher gave us a task called "secret friends" for the coming week.We were supposed to do nice things 1 our friends without letting them know who was doing it.We could leave 2 notes or cards either on their desks or in their backpacks.Before doing the task, with our eyes closed, from a basket, we 3 a name of a classmate who we were to secretly befriend over the next five days.
Soon, the task was turned into a competition of giving 4 instead of notes.Everyone was getting cool presents except me.My friend 5 what the teacher had told us without a fault.I received nothing but hand-made cards with nice words about me.
On the last morning, I finally got a package.When I 6 it, the girls around all 7 .It was perfumed powder, an "old lady" gift.My face went red.
I tried to forget about the 8 gift, but when the same girls 9 it again during the break in the bathroom, I joined in, "How stupid! My grandmother wouldn't 10 want it." The girls laughed at my 11 and filed (排着队走)out of the bathroom.Washing my hands, I let the water run through my fingers _12_ I thought about my words.It wasn't 13 like me to say things like that.
"I'm your secret friend." It was Rochelle." I' m sorry about the gift," she __14 to me, tears streaming down her face.
From a poor family, she was a 15 at school for those with rich parents.Yet she just took all the16 and the horrible treatment silently.
I was sick to my stomach as my 17 words ran through my mind.She had heard everything.How could I have been so cruel?
Later I learned she had felt bad all week about not being able to leave me any cool present and her mum had given up her only luxury(奢侈品).
And I had 18 everything for her.
I told her that I had only said those things to try to 19 .
"We aren't that different from each other, are we?" She smiled 20 .Her simple words, spoken from her heart, found their way straight into mine.
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If it ______ tomorrow, our picnic _______ to be put off.
A.rains; would have |
B.should rain; would have |
C.rains; has |
D.would rain; would have |
Few people seem to care about what a super star _____ before he/she became famous.
A.goes through |
B.is going through |
C.have gone through |
D.had gone through |
I know Mr. Shuili; we ______ to each other at an English lecture.
A.were introduced |
B.are been introduced |
C.are introduced |
D.had been introduced |