My First Marathon
A month before my first marathon, one of my ankles was injured and this meant not running for two weeks, leaving me only two weeks to train. Yet, I was determined to go ahead.
I remember back to my 7th year in school. In my first P.E class, the teacher required us to run laps and then hit a softball. I didn’t do either well. He later told me that I was “not athletic ”.
The idea that I was “ not athletic” stuck with me for years. When I started running in my 30s, I realized running was a battle against myself, not about competition or whether or not athletic. It was all about the battle against my own body and mind. A test of wills!
The night before the marathon, I dreamt that I couldn’t even find the finish line. I woke up sweating and nervous, but ready to prove something to myself.
Shortly after crossing the start line, my shoe laces became loose. So I stopped to readjust(调整). Not the start I wanted!
At mile 3, I passed a sign: “GO FOR IT, RUNNERS!”
By mile 17, I became out of breath and the once injured ankle hurt badly. Despite the pain, I stayed the course walking a bit and then running again.
By mile 21, I was hungry！
As I approached mile 23, I could see my wife waving a sign. She is my biggest fan. She never minded the alarm clock sounding at 4 a.m. or questioned my expenses on running.
I was one of the final runners to finish. But I finished! And I got a medal. In fact, I got the same medal as the one that the guy who came in first place had.
Determined to be myself, move forward, free of shame and worldly labels(世俗标签), I can now call myself a “marathon winner”.
1.A month before the marathon, the author ____________.
A. was well trained B. felt frightened
C. made up his mind to run D. lost heart
2.How was the author’s first marathon?
A. He made it. B. He quit halfway.
C. He got the first prize. D. He walked to the end.
3.What does the story mainly tell us?
A. A man owes his success to his family support. B. A winner is one with a great effort of will.
C. Failure is the mother of success. D. One is never too old to learn.
Many people discover Roald Dahl through his stories and poems. His books have been translated into several languages. He has also inspired TV and radio shows and movies. With his help, kids all over the world can imagine strange candies, friendly giants, and frightening villains(反派主角). Indeed, Roald Dahl led a life full of adventures (冒险). Yet, we can have a better understanding of him from other things, too.
More than Just Words: The Roald Dahl Foundation
Roald Dahl became interested in helping people who had serious injuries and diseases. As a writer, Roald cared about helping children read more. To carry out these goals, his family set up the Roald Dahl Foundation. The foundation helps people, hospitals, and charities by giving money for medical and educational needs. It continues the spirit of giving that Roald expressed throughout his life.
Stories for All Ages: The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
Roald Dahl’s wife, Felicity Dahl, wanted to set up a central place to protect all of Roald’s writings. She helped create the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Buckinghamshire, England. It holds a collection of Roald’s writings and recordings for the public to visit. His personal letters and postcards can be found there, as well as photographs and many of his awards. As you can see, one can get a pretty complete picture of Roald Dahl’s life by visiting this library. The museum also encourages people to write creatively.
Now, people of all ages are learning about Ronald Dahl through his works. Through his stories, the foundation, and the museum, Roald Dahl will continue to have a great effect on readers around the world for years to come.
1.It can be inferred that Roald Dahl ________.
A. produced many movies B. mastered several languages
C. travelled to many countries D. wrote many adventurous stories
2.The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre was built to _________.
A. attract public visits B. keep Roald Dahl’s works
C. show Roald Dahl’s awards D. give lessons about writing
3.What is the author’s attitude towards Roald Dahl?
A. He is disappointed in him. B. He is friendly to him.
C. He thinks highly of him. D. He is cruel to him.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.What is the speaker’s first name?
A. Dorothy. B. Katie. C. Carol.
2.Which product has Google just announced?
A. Google Flight Search. B. Google Voice Search. C. Google Hotel Finder.
3.When is the rainstorm expected to stop?
A. On Tuesday afternoon. B. On Wednesday evening. C. On Thursday morning.
4.Why is Obama mainly visiting Vancouver?
A. To attend a concert.
B. To meet with some singers.
C. To talk with some government leaders.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.How does the man feel in the beginning?
A. Nervous. B. Excited. C. Tired.
2.When will the speakers arrive at the airport?
A. 12:00p.m. B. 10:00 p.m. C. 11:00 p. m.
3.15. Who will meet the speakers first?
A. Cousin Maddy. B. Aunt Jenny C. Grandma Sammy.
4.16. How will the speakers get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
A. By boat. B. By plane. C. By train.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.How much is the final weight of the books and clothes?
A. Five pounds. B. Four pounds. C. Two and a half pounds.
2.What does the woman want from the man?
A. Insurance. B. A shipping number. C. Express shipping.
3.How much does the woman end up saving on insurance?
A. $20. B. $10. C. $5.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Who might the woman be?
A. A shop owner. B. A saleswoman. C. An office manager.
2.Why wasn’t the man polite to the customer?
A. She threw things everywhere.
B. She didn’t buy anything.
C. She disliked the bags he showed her.
