Every year, usually in November, famous British people go to London for a special award ceremony Pride of Britain Awards. It celebrates Britain’s heroes—ordinary people who have shown bravery in a dangerous situation or who have done a lot to help others. When the nation needs a bit of cheering up, maybe we need more people like Dante Marvin.
Dressed in a tiny white suit, Dante was focused on in a wheelchair. He was a pocket rocket of positivity, taken to the stage with a loud “What’s up, London?” like a rock star. Dante Marvin told all celebrities present that he would not let a bone disease get in the way of his Raising efforts. Despite his own illness, he inspires everyone he meets. He often beams at others and works hard to spread happiness to others as an ambassador for the children’s charity, Variety.
Dante, 11, from Liverpool, suffers much more than most. He had 16 broken bones in his mum Rachael’ s body and was born with fragile bone disease and scoliosis (脊柱侧凸). He has broken 92 bones in his life—as a sneeze or slap can injure him—and has received 17 separate operations to insert metal chips. Rachael says, “I don’t prevent Dante doing anything. He just gets on with it. He hates seeing other children sad. If I take him to the hospital, he is more bothered about the crying children and tries to comfort them. I am so proud of him.”
Dante is so grateful for his new yellow wheelchair that has been donated by Variety. He said, “My message to anyone with a disability is ‘don’t give up.’ He reminds people of his motto—there are no disabilities, just abilities. Presenting Dante with the award—Child of Courage, Jason Manford, a famous comedian, asked if he’d like to be a comedian and Dante told him he never stops laughing.
1.Who is Pride of Britain Awards intended for?
A.Special talents. B.Civilian heroes.
C.Outstanding children. D.Super stars acting modestly.
2.What’s the meaning of the underlined word “beams” in paragraph 2?
A.Glares. B.Fires.
C.Smiles. D.Guesses.
3.What does the author mainly want to tell us in paragraph 3?
A.Dante’s suffering and quality of helping others.
B.The importance of good family education.
C.Examples of Dante’s spreading happiness.
D.The symptom of fragile bone disease.
4.What can be inferred according to the text?
A.Dante’s dream is to be a comedian.
B.Jason Manford is a humorous host.
C.The award helps achieve one’s goal.
D.Dante is always optimistic and joyful.
Great Albums
Golden Hour
By Kacey Musgraves
Price: $10.49
It’s no surprise that many people forecast Golden Hour will be one of the best country albums of the 2010s. Country music superstar Musgraves makes listeners feel like she is speaking directly to them, thanks to her honesty and attention to detail. Although Musgraves is famous for her clever wordplay and humorous expressions about small-town life, she says she likes more direct songwriting.
Honky Tonk Time Machine
By George Strait
Price: $11.49
Honky Tonk Time Machine is a successful return for the best country music singer of all time. Radio stations often play it. Though you can listen to this album at home, the cover is a good enough reason for owning the album. The album is a must for fans of George or true country music.
Stronger Than the Truth
By Reba McEntire
Price: $9.49
If you are a country music fan, then this album is for you. There is something for everyone on this album. As the Queen of love songs, McEntire has some beautiful songs and she sings them to perfection. This may be her best country album to date.
Under Pressure
By Logic
Price: $9.49
On this album, the American rap singer talks about his growth. Under Pressure is a how of Logic’s life, his new fame, and most importantly, his family. Although Logic shows his skillful flow on this album, what makes it really special is the autobiographical (自传的) detail. The album is actually a successful project for a guy who worked hard.
1.What do we know about Kacey Musgraves?
A.She often talks with her fans face to face.
B.She cares about detail in golden hour.
C.She is the best songwriter in the 2010s.
D.She likes writing in small towns.
2.Whose music style is different from the other three?
A.Kacey Musgraves. B.George Strait.
C.Reba McEntire. D.Logic.
3.Which album is the most expensive?
A.Golden Hour. B.Stronger Than the Truth.
C.Honky Tonk Time Machine. D.Under Pressure.
听下面一段独白,回答以下小题。
1.What kind of music did young Margie like?
A.Country music. B.Rock. C.Jazz.
2.When did Margie get her first guitar?
A.At the age of 5. B.At the age of 6. C.At the age of 17.
3.What was Margie’s high school life like?
A.She focused on her music.
B.She did poorly in schoolwork.
C.She had an active social life.
4.What does the speaker think of Margie?
A.She should work harder.
B.She has a bright future.
C.She is too young to be famous.
听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。
1.What does the woman like to do in her free time?
A.Go camping. B.See foreign films. C.Stay with her family.
2.How does the man find photography?
A.Boring. B.Difficult. C.Interesting.
3.What are the speakers going to do this weekend?
A.Hold a photography exhibit.
B.Take a photography class.
C.Visit the art gallery.
听下面一段较长对话,回答以下小题。
1.Why did the man go to Chicago?
A.To work. B.To go sightseeing. C.To visit his friends.
2.What made the man unpleasant?
A.He got a traffic ticket.
B.He missed the train.
C.He couldn’t find a parking lot.
3.How much does the woman offer to lend to the man?
A.$100. B.$150. C.$200.
What does the woman mean?
A.She has little free time.
B.She doesn’t earn much.
C.She didn’t get a raise.