The news of Harper Lee’s second novel broke the internet. Go Set a Watchman would be published in July. Lee became a recluse (隐士)after the publication of her first book, To Kill a Mockingbird, in 1960. Although the author has been out of the public eye for more than 50 years, the wave that followed the announcement showed her novel’s beloved place in the American literary works.
In 1991, The Book of the Month Club and the library of Congress conducted a survey that made readers identify books that had made a difference in their lives. Lee’s book followed only The Bible. Alongside the works of Shakespeare and Twain, To Kill a Mockingbird remains one of the most widely taught books nationwide, reaching an estimated 70% of American public schools. What makes it such a perfect read for young people？
English class is a place where young Americans come to know themselves. In the folds of dusty books, students can make contact with humanity beyond the superficial(肤浅的) conversations of the school hallways. Literature promises relief, a place to figure out one’s problems and get to know oneself better.
To Kill a Mockingbird particularly distinguishes itself in this regard. It speaks in child’s voice without treating its readership as children. People have called it an ‘impossible’ achievement, a children’s book penned in the prose(散文) of a well-educated adult—it’s unlikely that a child like
Scout could exist in the real world. But that’s exactly what makes it such a charming read for young people. It alludes to (转弯抹角地说到)the consciousness of a well-educated adult going through difficult realities, but shows it through the light and playful voice of a curious little girl.
1.In which year might Go Set a Watchman come out?
A. 2015 B. 1960
C. 1910 D. 1991
2.Which book leaves the deepest impression on American readers?
A. Go Set a Watchman B. To Kill a Mockingbird
C. The Bible D. Shakespeare’s works
3.Which of the following statements is right about To Kill a Mockingbird?
A. Its author may be a playful child.
B. It’s a story about a well-educated adult.
C. Young people can see themselves from it.
D. It’s impossible for children like Scout to exist.
4.What is the best title for the text?
A. The Great Writer: Harper Lee B. The Great Young People Novel
C. Voices from Children D. Differences Harper Lee made
Samuel looked at his sister, Emily, and said, “I wouldn’t have thought Everett would be a thief.” Emily replied, “Whoa, we don’t know that for sure.” Samuel said, “But who else could it be? He was there, he had them in his hands, and now they are missing.”
Samuel remembered two days ago when he had brought out his coin collection for Everett to see. At the end of that day, Samuel’s mother asked him to take a note to Mr. Bates down the street, so he asked his friend, “Is it okay if I leave you for a few minutes?” Everett had said, “Go ahead. I’ll clean up here,” pointing at the piles of coins on the floor. When Samuel had returned, he had done his homework, had eaten dinner, and had read for a while before bed. It was not until two days later that he realized the quarters were gone.
Emily said, “Why don’t you just ask him?” “Ask him what? Hey, Best Friend, did you steal my coin collection?” Samuel thought for a moment, deciding if that would be a good idea. The theft of his collection left him with a feeling of betrayal (背叛). “How could I have misjudged my friend?”
The next day Samuel went over to Everett’s house. Everett was acting funny. In fact, Samuel thought Everett was acting like someone with a secret. Suddenly, Everett cried, “I can’t stand it anymore!” and pulled something from underneath the chair. “Go on — open it! I was going to wait until your birthday tomorrow, but I can’t wait!”
Slowly, Samuel lifted the top of the box. Laid out in front of him were all of the quarters from his coin collection. Each quarter was in its own place in a new collection case. Each quarter shone like it was new.
Samuel felt heat rush over his neck and ears. He weakly said, “Thank you — this means ... a great deal to me.” He was thankful that Everett had cut him off before he said something bad. Everett was exactly the type of person he wanted as a friend!
1.From Paragraph 1-3, we know that ________.
A. Samuel’s coins were missing B. Everett had stolen Samuel’s coins
C. Samuel has a bad memory D. Everett lives down the street
2.The word “misjudged” in Paragraph 3 means ________.
A. agreed with B. been wrong about
C. cared about D. been troubled by
3.What kind of person is Everett?
A. He makes quick decisions. B. He is not an honest boy.
C. He enjoys surprising his friends. D. He is helpful.
4.The story wants to tell us that ________.
A. trust is an important part of friendship
B. special interests make life more colorful
C. advice from family members can solve problems
D. friends enjoy giving surprising gifts to each other
Mo Yan, a Chinese writer has won the 2012 No bel Prize in Literature, announced the Swedish Academy in Stockholm on Thursday. The win makes Mo Yan the first Chinese citizen to win the Nobel in Literature in its history. Informed of his win today, the author, who was having dinner at home, was “overjoyed and scared”.
He published his first book in 1981, but found literary success in 1987 with Hong Gaoliang Jiazu, which was successfully filmed in the stone year, directed by famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou. It was adapted from his 1986 novel of the same name and filmed in Gaomi, bringing to life a visual landscape of red sorghum fields and a fiery setting sun. His most famous works include Big Breasts and Wide Hips, Sandalwood Penalty and the 1985 novel Red Transparent Radish.
Born in 1955 to parents who were farmers, Mo Yan-- a pen name for Guan Moye, grew up in Gaomi in shandong province in eastern China. At the age of 12, he left school to work, first in agriculture, later in a factory, In 1976 he joined the army and during this time began to study literature and writing. Gaomi county is where most of Mo’s stories happen. It’s a place that has inspired him throughout his 31-year writing career.
“I grew up in an environment full of folk culture, which comes into my novels when I pick up a pen to write. This has definitely affected, even decided, my works’ artistic style, ”Mo told a group of reporters in his hometown of Gaomi, Shandong, shortly after he won the award.
“I really didn’t see this coming, ” Lu Jiande, director of the Institute of Literature at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told 21st Century. “I know Mo Yan pretty well and one thing a lot of people don’t know is how good he is with words. His writing is surprisingly beautiful. In his writing, he can make words live and breathe. ”Lu said. “He is far ahead of other Chinese in the sense that he takes the critical perspective inside first, starting from criticizing himself instead of the outside world. ”
Some critics point out that Mo’s works have a tendency toward vulgarity(粗俗).
In an interview with South China Morning Post, Professor Xiao Ying of Tsinghua University said “the award was outside of my expectation, as Mo Yan’s works are still short on the idealism of pursuing humanity, which marks previous N obel literature prize winners”. (346W)
1.How did Mo Yan feel when he was told about the news?
A. Excited and proud. B. Worried and cautious.
C. Uncertain and shocked D. Happy and surprised..
2.Which of the following statements about Mo Yan is RIGHT?
A. He was the first Chinese to win the Nobel Prize.
B. He grew up in a poor family.
C. Red Sorghum was his first work.
D. Gaomi is famous for its beautiful scenery.
3.What has inspired Mo Yan when he is writing?
A. His experience in the army.
B. His living environment in Gaomi County.
C. Modern urban life.
D. Other writers’ works.
4.Professor Xiao Ying of Tsinghua University thinks that Mo Yan______.
A. can match previous Nobel literature prize winners
B. focuses on the idealism of pursuing humanity in his works
C. is worth admiring
D. doesn’t deserve to be given the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2012
National parks across the USA offer visitors more than just hiking paths and points of interests. Park guests can now get to know their beautiful landscapes and rich histories in a whole new way with these adventure ideas.
• Golfing in Death Valley National Park
You’ve played the world’s best golf courses，but have you played the world’s lowest? Put the ball at the Furnace Creek Golf Course located in California’s remote Death Valley National Park. In addition to golf, the course also sets the stage for a horse-drawn carriage sightseeing offered through the resort’s Furnace Creek Stables.
• Luxury Camping in Yellowstone National Park
Want to experience sleeping under the stars? Far and Away Adventures serves up luxury-camping trips into Yellowstone National Park, covering States of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, complete with comfortable bedding and tents, delicious meals, and backcountry adventures. Guests are guided to a remote campsite along Yellowstone Lake by boat, and spend several days boating along its shores, fishing, and hiking among some of the park’s most original landscapes.
• Dog sledge in Denali National Park
Experience a dog sledge trip through one of the last wild frontiers(边疆), Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. A team of dogs and experienced guides from EarthSong Lodge lead guests into the remote and calm land inside Alaska. Although day trips are available, multi-day sledge travels allow visitors to learn the art of dog dragging, not to mention enjoying grand views of Mt. McKinley.
• Canyon Vistas Mule Ride in Grand Canyon National Park
Take in the Grand Canyon, located in State of Arizona, by four-footed mule(骡子) for breathtaking views along the edge and into its depths. Mule rides have been offered at the Grand Canyon since 1887, and are a rich part of the canyon’s history. A new four-mile tour along the edge, the Canyon Mule Ride, takes approximately three hours to complete. Along the path, riders speak to the geologic shapes and human history of the area.
1.Among the national parks mentioned above, how many of them offer animal service for guests to enjoy beautiful natural scenery?
A. one B. two
C. three D. four
2.Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. The four national parks are located in different states of the USA.
B. In Death Valley National Park, guests can play the world’s best golf courses.
C. Of the four national parks, Yellowstone National Park covers the largest area.
D. Park visitors have recently been offered mule rides in Grand Canyon National Park.
3.If you are keen to learn about the geologic features of the park, you may choose to visit .
A. Death Valley National Park B. Yellowstone National Park
C. Denali National Park D. Grand Canyon National Park
假设你是李华。最近中央电视台的《朗读者》非常流行，你校打算邀请Professor Wang来学校参加你们学校举办的《朗读者》活动，请你给Professor Wang写一封邀请信。
内容包括：
1.说明写信的目的；
2.说明活动的具体安排：（时间：6月20日；地点：学校礼堂；主题：人生）；
3.表达感谢与祝福。
注意：
1.词数100左右；
2.可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
3.开头和结尾已写好。
Dear Professor Wang,
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Yours sincerely,
Li Hua
假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下短文。短文中共有10处错误，每句中最多有两处。错误涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号（∧），并在此符号下面写出该加的词。
删除：把多余的词用斜线（＼）划掉。
修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意：1.每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；
2.只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。
My father go fishing alone every Sunday.This morning when we were got up,it was fine.Father decided to go fishing,so Mother stopped him,said that it was going to rain according to the weather forecast.She asked him to put off his raincoat,but he did not take her advices.When he got to the river,it was cloud.Soon the rain began to fall heavily and he was caught in it.After she got home,he was wet through."Did you catch some fish?"asked my mother. "No,but I caught bad cold,"he answered.
