I always hear about brave people on social media. If bravery is as simple as showing ______ during a time of fear, I ______ a time when I had a scary experience.
My family had just arrived at our Christmas holiday house when the ______ came to drop off the keys and ______ us to watch out for wild mice running around his house. My parents ______ and said they would ______ the situation if they appear. The thought of ______ something like a mouse ______ entered my mind. Besides, my father always came to my ______ if I needed him.
While my parents ______ our bags, I decided to watch a movie in my room. Everyone else was ______ so I had to take care of my brother. Halfway through the movie, I really needed to take a bathroom ______ so I stepped out of my room, leaving him alone in his baby bed. He disliked it, but I would only be ______ for a moment. “What's the ______ that could happen?” I thought.
When I left the room, my brother began to cry ______ he usually did. However, his crying grew louder and more fearful, so I hurried back, and was greeted by an ______ furry visitor.
“Dad!” I cried, “There is a rat in my room!”
“Kill it!” he ______.
“But dad, I can’t.”
My mind ______; I was so frightened. The first thing I saw was an umbrella, so I ______ it. I began to hit the rat until it stopped moving.
My parents were ______ that I put my fears aside to protect my brother. That day, I felt brave.
1.A. strength B. progress C. intelligence D. skill
2.A. waste B. recall C. spend D. appreciate
3.A. neighbor B. agent C. stranger D. owner
4.A. warned B. begged C. allowed D. encouraged
5.A. sighed B. nodded C. coughed D. shook
6.A. ignore B. handle C. overcome D. challenge
7.A. observing B. playing C. teasing D. killing
8.A. almost B. gradually C. never D. suddenly
9.A. life B. hand C. mind D. aid
10.A. unpacked B. unfolded C. unlocked D. uncovered
11.A. occupied B. excited C. hurried D. frightened
12.A. leave B. walk C. break D. chance
13.A. available B. brave C. lost D. gone
14.A. least B. worst C. most D. best
15.A. when B. if C. as D. until
16.A. unreasonable B. unexpected C. unconscious D. unqualified
17.A. complained B. informed C. yelled D. signed
18.A. froze B. broke C. wandered D. changed
19.A. kicked B. handed C. seized D. threw
20.A. afraid B. awkward C. overjoyed D. proud
Easy Ways to Expand Your Vocabulary
Why expand your knowledge and use of words? 1., people will understand you more easily, and you will increase the concept that you are an intelligent person. Besides, learning new words is a fun activity.
Read, read, and read. The more you read — not only novels and literary works, but also magazines and newspapers — the more words you’ll be exposed to. 2., attempt to derive meaning from the context of the words as well as from looking up the definition in a dictionary.
Keep a dictionary handy. 3.. When you uncover a new word, look it up in the dictionary to get both its pronunciation and its meaning. Next, go to the dictionary and find similar words and phrases — and their opposites — and learn the slight differences among the words.
4.. Simply talking with other people can help you learn new words. Once you hear a new word, remember to take it down so that you can study it later — and then slowly add the new word to your vocabulary.
Learn a word a day. Using a calendar or website — or developing your own list of words to learn — is a great technique many people use to learn new words. 5..
A. Get involved in conversations
B. As you read and uncover new words
C. By using the tips outlined in this article
D. Use whatever versions you prefer
E. Because you’ll be able to communicate (speak and write) more clearly and precisely
F. Plus, keeping a journal of all your new words can provide motivation for learning even more words
G. This approach may be too rigid (死板的；僵硬的) for some people, so even if you do use this method, don't feel you must learn a new word every day
Vinegar is great. It makes salad, fries and dumplings taste better, and you can even clean your windows with it. And now, according to scientists, it may even help the plant’s population survive climate change. Researchers from the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) in Japan proved that. They found growing plants in vinegar makes them more resistant to droughts. This could mean that in the future, worries about climate change affecting the world’s supply of food will be much lower.
The discovery was made after the researchers studied the Arabidopsis, a plant known for its ability to survive in dry weather. It was found that when the plant was placed in drought—like conditions, it produced a chemical called acetate (醋酸盐) — the main component of vinegar.
After discovering this, the scientists experimented further by adding acetate to the soil of other plants before they stopped giving them water completely. After leaving the plants for 14 days, they found that the ones treated with acetate had survived, while the untreated plants had dried up and died.
It’s hoped that this simple method of survival could soon be used to help farmers in dry countries keep their crops alive. “In the experiment, we targeted the staple foods of the world-rice, wheat and maize… and proved successful” Jong Myong Kim, co-author of the study, told Popular Science magazine.
Kim has already been in touch with people around the world who are interested in trying this simple and cost-effective method out for themselves from farmers to companies and amateur gardeners. “Now we are trying to cooperate with them to make a method to apply this system, and make the process as simple as possible,” he said. Hopefully, this means the end of hunger caused by bad weather in the future.
1.What does the underlined word “that” in paragraph 1 refer to?
A. Vinegar may help creatures survive bad weather.
B. Vinegar is found in plants by Japanese scientists.
C. Vinegar is very useful for cooking a good meal.
D. Vinegar is mainly used by people to clean houses.
2.Scientists in Japan find from their studies that .
A. the Arabidopsis could survive in dry weather because of the shape
B. soil condition could be changed by pouring vinegar continually
C. the acetate can be used by farmers to substitute the soil
D. the plants treated with acetate could survive dry conditions
3.What can we infer from the last paragraph?
A. It’s too difficult for farmers to accept the method.
B. How to decrease the cost is the main issue.
C. The method is promising especially in agriculture.
D. Keeping plants alive means a lot for scientists.
US scientists say they have poured cold water on the theory that washing hands with hot water kills more germs (细菌) than unheated water. The small study of 20 people found using water at 15℃ (59F) left hands as clean as water heated to 38℃ (100F).
National Health Service (NHS) recommends that people wash their hands in either cold or warm water. In this study, scientists at Rutgers University — New Brunswick wanted to find out if popular assumptions about the benefits of warm or hot water and official guidance on hot water — given to the food industry in the US — held true. They asked 20 people to wash their hands 20 times each with water that was 15℃ (59F), 26℃ (79F) or 38 degrees (100F). Volunteers were also asked to experiment with varying amounts of soap. Before they started the tests, their hands were covered in harmless bugs. Researchers say there was no difference in the amount of bugs removed as the temperature of the water or the amount of soap changed.
Prof Donald Schaffner said, “People need to feel comfortable when they are washing their hands but as far as effectiveness goes, this study shows us that the temperature of the water used did not matter.”
However, the researchers accept their study is small and say more extensive work is needed to determine the best ways to remove harmful bacteria.
In the UK, NHS experts say people can use cold or hot water to wash their hands. They say hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds and stress the importance of using enough soap to cover the whole surface of the hands. Their guidance focuses on rubbing hands together in various ways to make sure each surface of each hand is clean.
1.What does the underlined phrase “poured cold water” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?
A. Proved.
B. Contradicted.
C. Created.
D. Accepted.
2.After they washed their hands with either hot or cold water, _______.
A. volunteers all didn't feel very comfortable
B. volunteers all talked about American food industry
C. volunteers still had much germ on their hands
D. volunteers nearly had the same amount of germ removed
3.How do researchers feel about their study?
A. It is popular.
B. It is convincing.
C. It is incomplete.
D. It is abstract.
4.Which of the following is the best title for the text?
A. Using Cold Water Instead of Hot Water
B. How to Use Cold Water to Wash Hands
C. It’s Better to Wash Hands in Cold Water
D. Washing Hands in Cold Water as Good as in Hot Water
I visited Copenhagen for the first time last Easter. As a student, I’m always strapped for cash, so I assumed I could only afford to breathe the air — but luckily everything about Copenhagen is breathtaking.
I was staying in an Airbnb, and rented a bike so I could cover more ground. One of the first places I visited was the Rundetaarn, or “round tower” built in the 17th century as an astronomical observatory. It has an equestrian staircase (a wide set of stairs big enough for horses to use) that went on and on. As I was going up, I stopped to visit the tower’s library hall. At the top, there’s a glass platform that gives a view 80-foot straight down, as well as a bell loft. Luckily, the views over Copenhagen from the top were well worth the climb.
After coming down, I hiked up to the Kastellet Fortress to see the famous Little Mermaid statue. Taking a photo with her was almost impossible with all the tourists crowding around — but sitting there and hearing the lapping waves of the deep blue Baltic Sea, waiting for the sun to set, was an unforgettable and calming experience.
The next day, I visited the Glyptotek art museum, exploring the grand exhibits. I looked into the marble eyes of many Roman gods, and walked down dimly lit staircases to see mummies from Egypt.
Before I unwillingly boarded the train back to the airport, I told myself that I must visit again — to experience the thrills of Tivoli Gardens, try more of the street food and everything else from this amazing city.
1.Why did the author rent a bike?
A. Because she loved to ride a bike.
B. Because she didn’t afford to rent a car.
C. Because she found nowhere to rent other vehicles.
D. Because she wanted to see as many attractions as possible.
2.What did the author find difficult at the Kastellet Fortress?
A. Finding a sitting place.
B. Having a photo taken with a statue.
C. Listening to the sound of waves.
D. Waiting for the sun to set.
3.Which of the following didn’t the author visit?
A. Rundetaarn.
B. Tivoli Gardens.
C. Glyptotek art museum.
D. Little Mermaid Statue.
4.What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
A. To remember a holiday.
B. To introduce a new attraction.
C. To share her travel experience.
D. To show her love of Copenhagen.
Summer Camps in Season!
STEM Camp July 10 to August 14, Cost: $180
90% of the jobs in the future will require STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education. We find ways to make learning fun and exciting for students to help ensure their futures. Campers take part in fun and engaging STEM activities! Register: www. stemcamp. ca or call 519-475-6600.
Kandalore June 15 to 28, Cost: $2,340
The finest traditional camp in Canada, provides the best of both canoe (独木舟) adventures and in-camp activities. For more than 65 years, Kandalore has given campers the opportunity to know and be themselves. We create a warm and supportive environment where kids can express their unique self, grow in self-confidence and build lifetime friendships. Register: www. kandlore. com or call 416-322-9735.
ESL Summer Camp June 25 to July 21, Cost: $5,500
Pickering College has an exciting ESL summer camp for students aged 12-18 who want to learn English and experience the wonders of summer at our 42-acre campus; students enjoy the excellent dormitory, dining, academic, and social facilities of one of Canada’s oldest independent schools. Register: www. pickeringcollege. on. ca or call 905-175-8900.
DEEP Summer Academy August 16 to 26, Cost: $465
We provide highly motivated high school students from across the world with the opportunity for advanced study in a variety of engineering, technology, business and science subjects. Organized by University of Toronto, DEEP is one of the most diverse pre-university engineering programs all over the world with scholarships. Register: www. outreach. engineering. utoronto. ca or call 416-946-0816.
1.Which number should you call if you want to improve your English?
A. 519-475-6600.
B. 416-322-9735.
C. 416-946-0816.
D. 905-175-8900.
2.When will the shortest camp start?
A. On July 10.
B. On June 15.
C. On June 25.
D. On August 16.
3.Where can you go if you are interested in the experience of adventure?
A. Kandalore.
B. STEM Camp.
C. ESL Summer Camp.
D. DEEP Summer Academy.
4.How similar are STEM Camp and DEEP Summer Academy?
A. They both offer scholarships for students.
B. They provide the same courses for students.
C. They both prepare students for their development.
D. They are both designed for international students.
