In 1973, I was teaching elementary school. Each day, 27 kids _________“The Thinking Laboratory.” That was the ___________ students voted for after deciding that “Room 104” was too _________.
Freddy was an average ___________, but not an average person. He had the rare balance of fun and compassion（同情）. He would _________ the loudest over fun and be the saddest over anyone’s _________.
Before the school year___________,I gave the kids a special _____________, T-shirts with the words “Verbs Are Your_________ ” on them. I had advised the kids that while verbs（动词）may seem dull, most of the________ things they do throughout their lives will be verbs.
Through the years, I’d run into former students who would provide __________ on old classmates. I learned that Freddy did several jobs after his ________ from high school and remained the same ________ person I met forty years before. Once, while working overnight at a store, he let a homeless man ________in his truck. Another time, he ________a friend money to buy a house.
Just last year, I was __________ a workshop when someone knocked at the classroom door. A woman __________ the interruption and handed me an envelope. I stopped teaching and __________ it up. Inside were the “Verbs” shirt and a __________ from Freddy’s mother. “Freddy passed away on Thanksgiving. He wanted you to have this.”
I told the story to the class. As sad as it was, I couldn’t help smiling. Although Freddy was taken from us, we all__________something from Freddy.
1.A. built B. entered C. decorated D. ran
2.A. name B. rule C. brand D. plan
3.A. small B. dark C. strange D. dull
4.A. scholar B. student C. citizen D. worker
5.A. speak B. sing C. question D. laugh
6.A. misfortune B. disbelief C. dishonesty D. mistake
7.A. changed B. approached C. returned D. ended
8.A. lesson B. gift C. report D. message
9.A. friends B. Awards C. Masters D. Tasks
10.A. simple B. unique C. fun D. clever
11.A. assessments B. comments C. instructions D. updates
12.A. graduation B. retirement C. separation D. resignation
13.A. daring B. modest C. caring D. smart
14.A. wait B. sleep C. study D. live
15.A. paid B. charged C. lent D. owed
16.A. observing B. preparing C. designing D. conducting
17.A. regretted B. avoided C. excused D. ignored
18.A. opened B. packed C. gave D. held
19.A. picture B. bill C. note D. diary
20.A. chose B. took C. expected D. borrowed
Reading is really a good way to improve ourselves. 1. If you don’t believe me, please consider these reasons to read more books.
1. You will optimize your brain power.
2. Unlike watching television, which requires no thought process, reading is an active learning experience that will keep your mind sharp（even in old age）.
2.3.
If you’re looking for entertainment on a budget, you can’t beat books. Thanks to the popularity of electronic reading devices like the Kindle and re-selling websites like eBay, it’s never been easier to entertain yourself for hours at a time, for the low cost of a few dollars.
3. You will reduce stress and get into a good night’s sleep.
Exposing yourself to artificial light on your cellphone or TV reduces your body’s production of melatonin （褪黑激素）, which can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. 4. Just replace that with a good book, which is a much better sleep-friendly alternative.
4. You will change your life.
I firmly believe that if it were not for books, I wouldn’t have achieved so much in my life; nor would I have the knowledge, imagination or creativity that I depend on as a writer, business owner, and coach.
Do you have the desire to read books now?5.
A. You will entertain yourself at any time.
B. You will entertain yourself at a low price.
C. The more books you read, the better your life will be.
D. This shouldn’t come as a shock, but studies suggest reading makes you smart.
E. I hope these reasons encourage you to unlock your potential with the power of reading.
F. You should know that it is wise to keep a book in your purse or car at all times.
G. You would be wise to cut off all electronics at least an hour before
bed.
The Intelligent Transport team at Newcastle University have turned an electric car into a mobile
laboratory named “Drive LAB” in order to understand the challenges faced by older drivers and to discover where the key stress points are.
Research shows that giving up driving is one of the key reasons for a fall in health and well-being among older people, leading to them becoming more isolated(隔绝) and inactive.
Led by Professor Phil Blythe, the Newcastle team are developing in-vehicle technologies for older drivers which they hope could help them to continue driving into later life.
These include custom-made navigation(导航) tools, night vision systems and intelligent speed adaptations. Phil Blythe explains: “For many older people, particularly those living alone or in the country, driving is important for preserving their independence, giving them the freedom to get out and about without having to rely on others.”
“But we all have to accept that as we get older our reactions slow down and this often results in people avoiding any potentially challenging driving conditions and losing confidence in their driving skills. The result is that people stop driving before they really need to.”
Dr Amy Guo, the leading researcher on the older driver study, explains, “The Drive LAB is helping us to understand what the key stress points and difficulties are for older drivers and how we might use technology to address these problems.
“For example, most of us would expect older drivers always go slower than everyone else but surprisingly, we found that in 30mph zones they struggled to keep at a constant speed and so were more likely to break the speed limit and be at risk of getting fined. We’re looking at the benefits of systems which control their speed as a way of preventing that.
“We hope that our work will help with technological solutions(解决方案)to ensure that older drivers stays after behind the wheel.”
1.What is the purpose of the Drive LAB?
A. To explore new means of transport. B. To design new types of cars.
C. To find out older driver’s problems. D. To teach people traffic rules.
2.Why is driving important for older people according to Phil Blythe?
A. It keeps them independent. B. It helps them save time.
C. It builds up their strength. D. It cures their mental illnesses.
3.What do researchers hope to do for older drivers?
A. Improve their driving skills. B. Develop driver-assist technologies.
C. Provide tips on repairing their cars. D. Organize regular physical checkups.
4.What is the best title for the text?
A. A New Model Electric Car B. A Solution to Traffic Problem
C. Driving Service for Elders D. Keeping Older Drivers on the Road
The young boy saw me, or rather, he saw the car and quickly ran up to me, eager to sell his bunches of bananas and bags of peanuts. Though he appeared to be about twelve, he seemed to have already known the bitterness of life. “Bananas 300 naira. Peanuts 200 naira.” He said in a low voice. I bargained him down to 200 for the fruit and nuts. When he agreed, I handed him a 500 naira bill. He didn’t have change. So I told him not to worry. He said thanks and smiled a row of perfect teeth.
When, two weeks later, I saw the boy again, I was more aware of my position in a society where it’s not that uncommon to see a little boy who should be in school standing on the corner selling fruit in the burning sun. My parents had raised me to be aware of the advantage we had been afforded and the responsibility it brought to us.
I pulled over and rolled down my window. He had a bunch of bananas and a bag of peanuts ready. I waved them away. “What’s up?” asked him. “I…I don’t have money to buy books for school.” I reached into my pocket and handed him two fresh 500 naira bills. “Will this help?” I asked. He looked around nervously before taking the money. One thousand naira was a lot of money to someone whose family probably made about 5,000 naira or less each year. “Thank you, sir.” he said. “Thank you very much!”
When driving home, I wondered if my little friend actually used the money for schoolbooks. What if he’s a cheat? And then I wondered why I did it. Did I do it to make myself feel better? Was I using him? I didn’t know his name or the least bit about him, nor did I think to ask.
Over the next six months, I was busy working in a news agency in northern Nigeria. Sometime after I returned, I went out for a drive. When I was about to pull over, the boy suddenly appeared by my window with a big smile ready on his face.
“Oh, gosh! Long time.”
“Are you in school now?” I asked.
He nodded.
“That’s good,” I said. A silence fell as we looked at each other, and then I realized what he wanted. “Here,” I held out a 500 naira bill. “Take this.” He shook his head and stepped back as if hurt. “What’s wrong?” I asked. “It’s a gift.”
He shook his head again and brought his hand from behind his back. His face shone with sweat. He dropped a bunch of bananas and a bag of peanuts in the front seat before he said, “I’ve been waiting to give these to you.”
1.What was the author’s first impression of the boy?
A. He seemed to be poor and greedy. B. He seemed to have suffered a lot.
C. He seemed younger than his age. D. He seemed good at bargaining.
2.The second time the author met the boy, the boy .
A. told him his purpose of selling fruit and nuts
B. wanted to express his thanks
C. asked him for money for his schoolbooks
D. tried to take advantage of him
3.Why did the author give his money to the boy?
A. Because he had enough money to do that.
B. Because he had learnt to help others since childhood.
C. Because he held a higher position in the society.
D. Because he had been asked by the news agency to do so.
4.Which of the following best describes the boy?
A. Brave and polite. B. Kind and smart.
C. Honest and thankful. D. Shy and nervous
“Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you much stronger. If you do little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves,” said Dale Carnegie.
Sometimes, doing your best work or trying your hardest at something is difficult. It may have something to do with trying to do something new for the first time, like a new sport or activity at school. It may have something to do with doing homework for a subject that is not your favorite or is not your best.
As Hunter S. Thompson once said, “Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” And as Albert Einstein added, “We have to do the best we can. This is our sacred human responsibility.”
Developing the habit of trying your hardest and doing your best is something that will help you succeed throughout your life. If you have looked at some quotes related to trying your hardest, you will see that many of them come from people who have made a big difference in the world. This is not a coincidence. It was not only their cleverness that helped them stand out and change the world, but their ability to try their hardest and do their best in whatever they were doing. If you can develop this same habit---to do your best in any situation, it will be a great benefit to your family, career, school and community.
As Bob Cousy put it, “Do your best when no one is looking. If you do that, then you can be successful at anything you put your mind to.” The choice is yours.
1.Why does the author use the quote of Dale Carnegie in Paragraph 1?
A. To describe a scene. B. To introduce a topic.
C. To draw a conclusion. D. To support an argument.
2.According to the passage, in which case is it difficult to try your hardest?
A. When you are doing something that you are familiar with.
B. When you are doing something that you are good at.
C. When you are doing something that you feel bored with.
D. When you are doing something that you like very much.
3.Why does the author suggest we develop the habit of trying our hardest?
A. To let us make a big difference in the world.
B. To help us achieve success all through our life.
C. To make us more skillful in our work.
D. To make it possible for us to benefit the whole world.
4.What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To inform. B. To advertise.
C. To introduce. D. To persuade.
The Great War Exhibition
When: Sun 10 Jan, 9:00 am- 6:00 pm
Mon 11 Jan, 9:00 am- 6:00 pm
Where: Dominion Museum Building, 15 Buckle Street, Wellington
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information: Admission Free
The journey is rich in personal stories which tell of the great experience of the battlefields and the hardships at home during war-time New Zealand. The visitors will experience the desperate horrors and the victories of the human spirit that were part of the Great War.
Kaipara Coast Plants & Sculpture Gardens
When: Sun 10 Jan, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Mon 11 Jan, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Where: 1481 Kaipara Coast Highway (SH16), Auckland
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information:
● Adults: $10.00
● Children 5-13 (under 5, free):$ 5.00
● Groups 10: $ 8.00
● Over 60 & Students (with ID): $ 9.00
Come and enjoy a relaxing art and garden experience. Sculptures are for sale and the display changes completely ever 12 months with the new exhibition opening in December each year to give you a fresh experience each time you come.
Dream Works Animation
When: Sun 10 Jan, 10:00 am- 6:00 pm
Mon 11 Jan, 10:00 am- 6:00 pm
Where: Te Papa, 55 Cable St, Wellington
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information:
● Adults: $ 15.00
● Children & Students 3-15 (with Student ID): $ 6.00
● Children under 3: $0.00
The exhibition features over 400 items, including rare concept drawing, models, interviews, and original artworks. Adults and kids can get creative with real animation tools, and soar above the clouds in the Dragon Flight experience from How to Train Your Dragon.
Balls, Bullets and Boots
When: Sun 10 Jan, 9:00 am- 4:30 pm
Mon 11Jan, 9:00 am- 4:30 pm
Where: National Army Museum, 1 Hassett Dr, SH1, Waiouru
Restrictions: All Ages
Ticket Information: Door Sales Only
The exhibition explores the impact the cruel reality of war had on colonial sportsmen and their loved ones as they were transplanted from the rugby fields of home to fight.
1.If a couple with their son aged 5 attend the second and the third exhibitions, how much should they pay?
A. $ 53. B. $61.
C. $75. D. $82.
2.Which of the following may attract a sport-lover most?
A. Balls, Bullets and Boots. B. The Great War Exhibition.
C. Dream Works Animation. D. Kaipara Coast Plants & Sculpture Gardens.
3.What is the writer’s purpose of writing the text?
A. Persuade people to study history seriously
B. Attract more visitors to join in the exhibitions
C. Advise people to spend more time with families
D. Compare the differences of four different exhibitions
