My father had always been an alert observer of human character. Within seconds of meeting someone, he could sum up their strengths and weaknesses. It was always a challenge to see if any of my boyfriends could pass Dad’s test. None did. Dad was always right---they didn’t pass my test either. After Dad died, I wondered how I’d figure it out on my own.
That’s when Jack arrived on the scene. He was different from any other guy I’d dated. He could sit for hours on the piano bench with my mother, discussing some composers. My brother Rick loudly announced that Jack wasn’t a turkey like the other guys I’d brought home. Jack passed my family’s test. But what about Dad’s?
Then came my mother’s birthday. The day he was supposed to drive, I got a call. “Don’t worry,” he said, “but I’ve been in an accident. I’m fine, but I need you to pick me up.”
When I got there, we rushed to a flower shop for something for Mom. “How about gardenias?” Jack said, pointing at a beautiful white corsage(胸花). The florist put the corsage in a box.
The entire ride, Jack was unusually quiet. “Are you all right?” I asked. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” he said. “I might be moving.” Moving? Then he added, “Moving in with you.” I nearly put the car on the sidewalk. “What?” I asked. “I think we should get married,” he said. He told me he’d planned his proposal in a fancy restaurant, but after the accident, he decided to do it right away. “Yes,” I whispered. We both sat dumbfounded, tears running down our cheeks. I’d never known such a tender moment. If only Dad were here to give his final approval.
“Oh, let’s just go inside.” Jack laughed. My mother opened the door. “Happy Birthday!” we shouted. Jack handed the box to her. She opened it up. Suddenly, her eyes were filled with tears. “Mom, what’s wrong?” I asked. “I’m sorry,” she said, wiping her eyes. “This is only the second gardenia corsage I’ve ever received. I was given one years ago, long before you kids were born.” “From who? ” I asked. “Your father,” Mom said. “He gave me one right before we were engaged.” My eyes locked on Jack’s as I blinked away(眨掉) tears. Dad’s test? I knew Jack had passed.
1. According to the text, we know the writer’s father was __________.
A.interested in observing things around
B.good at judging one’s character
C.strict with her boyfriend
D.fond of challenges
2.What is the main idea of Paragraph 2?
A.Jack got the family’s approval except Dad’s.
B.Jack was different from any other boy.
C.Jack was getting on well with Mother.
D.Jack knew a lot about piano.
3.The underlined word “proposal” in Paragraph 5 means __________.
A.piece of advice B.wedding ceremony
C.celebration of birthday D.offer of marriage
4.On hearing “moving in with you”, the writer felt __________.
A.pleased B.worried
C.surprised D.disappointed
5. Why did the writer’s mother cry?
A.The gift was the same as the one her husband gave her.
B.She had never received such a beautiful gift.
C.Her daughter found her life partner at last.
D.The gardenia corsage was too expensive.
完形填空(共20小题;每小题1分,满分20分)
My husband and I insisted that our children were old enough to clean their rooms and make their beds. But they thought 41 . My complaints, even self-justified shouting, were always landing on 42_ ears. Very often a whole hour’s scolding would end with their 43 into tears, I felt very frustrated (沮丧的).I realized I needed to 44 my method of “mothering”.
One day when they were at school, I spent some time 45 their rooms. On their desks, in plain __46 , I left the cards: “Dear Bill (the other card was 47 to Sarah), your room was messy this morning and I’m sure you like it clean. Love, the Room Fairy.” 48 arriving back, the children were __49 excited to receive the little note from the Room Fairy. The next day, their rooms were fairly tidy. Sure enough, there was another note from the Room Fairy ___50 for them, thanking them for their nice “gift” of a clean room and 51 asking them to play a certain violin 52 . Each day, thank--you notes would be written differently to keep the ideas 53 .
Sometimes the Room Fairy would propose a little 54 : “If you can finish your homework and __55 your lessons before dinner, I’ d like to watch a particular television program with you tonight.” Sometimes some colored markers or other little items would be left in 56 of well done jobs the day ___57 .
58 I can’t remember how long “the Room Fairy” continued leaving her love notes. When they were age appropriate, we used various versions of Post-Its(贴条). The bathroom mirror became the 59 centre of our home. Appointments, notices about visiting relatives, lesson schedules, and changes in plans could be posted.
We all benefited from and 60 the idea of sharing reminders and daily details of life through notes. I believe the true advantage of the Room Fairy notes survives in our frequent and enjoyable communication.
1. A.differently B.gratefully C.doubtfully D.hopefully
2. A.side B.deaf C.neither D.either
3. A.crying B.breaking C.bursting D.bumping
4. A.adjust B.adopt C.access D.addict
5. A.clearing B.tidying C.emptying D.searching
6. A.distance B.words C.speech D.sight
7. A.sent B.read C.delivered D.addressed
8. A.As B.At C.In D.Upon
9. A.more than B.rather than C.no more than D.other than
10. A.asking B.waiting C.praying D.expecting
11. A.politely B.happily C.gently D.toughly
12. A.music B.song C.piece D.tone
13. A.respectable B.uninteresting C.incredible D.fresh
14. A.challenge B.question C.suggestion D.advice
15. A.go with B.look up C.go over D.look into
16. A.response B.answer C.praise D.honor
17. A.ahead B.before C.over D.ago
18. A.Actually B.Even so C.Even if D.Though
19. A.life B.main C.memory D.reminder
20. A.learned B.appreciated C.shared D.thanked
Giving up my job to go back to full-time education was a big __________, but now I know it was the best decision I ever made.
A.project B.commitment C.competition D.ambition
The new tax would force companies to __________energy-saving measures.
A.adapt B.adopt C.adjust D.address
But for water,it ______ possible to live in the desert.
A.is B.was C.were D.wouldn't be
I like __________in the early morning when the air is fresh and I can take a walk around the garden.
A.that B.it C.which D.what