When I read a post about taking someone to the movies, I remembered something that happened a couple of years ago.
I used to drink Coca-Cola and they had a contest where there was a ___________ inside the bottle cap. You went to a website and entered the code and maybe you _________ something. I won some ___________ Cokes. But then, I won the Grand Prize！I was surprised and ___________.
The Grand Prize was free movies for a year. What that ___________ to be was that the company sent me 52 admission tickets for a local movie theatre — they _________ one movie a week was what free movies for a year _______. All of the tickets had expiration dates（失效期）later than a year from the day I _________ them. I used quite a few taking friends to see _________.
But the best thing I did with them was that I ____________ twenty-two tickets that I had left by that time, to the local Women’s Transition House. It is a place where women and their ____________ could go when they’re ______________ domestic violence or just a bad situation in general and get help to make a ______________ start.
My work team had decided we would be a charity through which we ______________ donations for that particular Christmas. I knew that the Women’s Transition House ______________ some childcare for the women ______________ they could go for job interviews and things like that.
I put those tickets in a(n) ______________ and wrote a note on the outside, asking the Women's Transition House staff to give the movie tickets to women there ____________ the holidays to have something ____________ to do, with or without their children. It made me ____________ happy to do this.
1.A.website B.sign C.code D.note
2.A.bought B.won C.downloaded D.sought
3.A.expensive B.cheap C.delicious D.free
4.A.skeptical B.delighted C.numb D.jealous
5.A.turned over B.turned up C.turned out D.turned down
6.A.figured B.tolerated C.foresaw D.identified
7.A.occurred B.mattered C.meant D.underlined
8.A.refused B.received C.presented D.lost
9.A.plays B.movies C.performances D.matches
10.A.sold B.abandoned C.distributed D.donated
11.A.children B.partner C.family D.parents
12.A.handling B.opposing C.fleeing D.defeating
13.A.steady B.fresh C.complete D.perfect
14.A.purchased B.managed C.controlled D.collected
15.A.provided B.accepted C.supported D.postponed
16.A.but B.so C.otherwise D.or
17.A.mailbox B.timetable C.pocket D.envelope
18.A.to B.before C.over D.with
19.A.controversial B.compulsory C.entertaining D.systematic
20.A.really B.nearly C.generally D.simply
Sometimes, when considering our own beliefs, we can find it challenging to accept other ways of life and rituals. However, close-mindedness and prejudice (偏见) are not the way to go, especially when there is so much we can learn about other cultures. Learning to accept and respect other cultures is an important step that opens your mind to the world around you and everyone’s unique differences.
Develop an open mind. Open the doors of your mind to accept what other people believe in. Try not to stereotype or brush things off when you haven’t actually taken a closer look yet. 1.
Take a look at history. The way some civilizations developed can be fascinating! 2. When you start studying, you’ll understand how things moved together to form the world we live in today. It’s a great piece of knowledge to have, so don’t rob yourself of it! There are plenty of books and sites available to fuel your curiosity. Appreciate the way different people fought for what they believed in, even if those beliefs differ from yours.
3..Sample some Italian or try your hand at cooking curry. Enjoy different foods and the different way meals are prepared. Don’t limit yourself, try everything and smile.
Talk to people. 4.It will help you understand that though they may believe and practice different things. That doesn’t make them strange or backward. Developing friendships with those from other cultures can be a really great experience.
Watching movies from different countries, like Bollywood movies or those on ancient happenings can be eye opening and help you appreciate different societies. If you’re into fashion, try sampling different culture’s dress and styles 5. If you’re having issues with racism and discrimination, try talking to someone to understand why you feel this way.
A.Try some new cooking.
B.Try doing something magical.
C.Try studying about ancient times.
D.Learn as much foreign culture as possible.
E.Talk with people from different cultures.
F.Try to get away from the personal opinions.
G.There are lots of magazines available on different fashions.
“When I grow up, I want to be a runner.” These words are spoken by thousands of Kenyan children. 50 percent of the Kenyan top runners are members of Kalenjin, one minority race of the country. They make up less than two percent of Kenya’s population. This fact has puzzled sports scientists. They have spent considerable time and effort trying to answer one question: What enables the Kalenjin people to run so fast?
Although the question seems simple, finding the answer has proven to be difficult and controversial. A team of Danish sports scientists spent 18 months and discovered the Kalenjins had remarkably slow heart rates even when running long distances. The Kalenjins live in high-elevation（高海拔） villages in the Rift Valley in western Kenya. People living at high elevations produce more red blood cells, which aid in the transport of oxygen throughout the body. Because the air is thinner and contains less oxygen at high elevations, the body produces more red blood cells. Scientists believe there is a connection between increased red blood cells and low heart rates and that both may enable high-altitude athletes to outperform those who train at low altitudes. The Danish scientists also studied the bodies of the Kalenjins and compared them to those of the Danes. They found that the Kalenjins have longer “birdlike” legs. The Kalenjins also have lower body mass indexes (a measure of body fat based on weight and height) and shorter bodies than Danish people.
As a result of the Danish study, some scientists made the conclusion that the Kalenjins possess what is called a “speed gene(基因)”. However, Kenyan runners were offended by this conclusion They credited their success to hard work and endless hours of training.
Although the controversy over the “speed gene” remains unsolved, British runner Mo Farah’s experience offers an interesting perspective on the subject. In 2005, he realized he wasn’t meeting his potential as a runner. A group of Kenyan runners were training in England then. After he accidentally observed the Kenyans’ strict training routines and dedication to their sport, Farah said it was like a switch had been turned on in his head. He began eating healthy foods, going to bed early, and training harder than he had ever trained in his life. As a result, Farah’s running career exploded. He has won seven world and Olympic titles in the 5000m and regularly beats Kenya’s top runners!
Farah’s story proves what Kenyans have known all along. Regardless of genetics, their success would not be possible without hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and mental toughness. Their “secret” is simple. Train hard, run fast, and never give up.
1.What interested the sports scientists?
A.Kenyan sports history.
B.Kanlenjins’ running ability.
C.Kanlenjins’ training methods.
D.Kenyans’ enthusiasm for sport.
2.According to Danish scientists, what leads to the Kanlenjins’ success?
A.Physical condition. B.Hard training.
C.Living style. D.Strong will.
3.How did Kenyan runners think about Danish research result?
A.Convincing. B.Astonishing.
C.Unacceptable. D.Important.
4.Why is Mo Farah’s story mentioned in the passage?
A.To show running methods count.
B.To encourage British athletes.
C.To prove effort pays off.
D.To support gene theory.
Inventor, physicist, surveyor, astronomer, biologist, artist… Robert Hooke was all these and more. Some say he was the greatest experimental scientist of the 17th century. In the course of his work, he cooperated with famous men of science like Isaac Newton, and the great architect Christopher Wren.
Hooke's early education began at home, under the guidance of his father. He entered Westminster School at the age of 13, and from there went to Oxford, where he came in contact with some of the best scientists in England. Hooke impressed them with his skills at designing experiments and inventing instruments. In 1662, at the age of 28, he was named Curator of Experiments at the newly formed Royal Society of London — meaning that he was responsible for demonstrating (展示) new experiments at the society’s weekly meeting. Hooke accepted the job, even though he knew that the society had no money to pay him!
Watching living things through a microscope was one of his favourite pastimes. He invented a compound microscope for this purpose. One day while observing a cork (软木塞) under a microscope, he saw honeycomb-like structures. There were cells — the smallest units of life. In fact, it was Hooke who invented the term “cell” as the box-like cells of the cork reminded him of the cells of a monastery (修道院).
Another achievement of Hooke’s was his book Micrographia, which introduced the enormous potential of the microscope. It contains fascinating drawings of the thing he saw under the microscope. The book also includes, among other things, ideas on gravity, light and combustion (燃烧) that may have helped scientists like Newton when they were developing their own theories on these phenomena.
Hooke made a valuable contribution to astronomy too. A crater (火山口) on the moon is named after him in honour of his services to this branch of science.
1.Which is the possible reason why Hooke accepted the job as Curator of Experiments?
A.He liked designing experiments.
B.His family needed his support.
C.He wanted to please the famous scientists in England.
D.His parents couldn’t afford his education.
2.What does the underlined word “pastimes” in paragraph three mean?
A.Jobs B.Experiments
C.Hobbies D.Structures
3.Which of the following is TRUE according to the text?
A.Hooke went to Oxford in 1645.
B.Hooke was well paid in the Royal Society of London.
C.Hooke made a contribution to medicine.
D.Hooke's book Micrographia may have helped Newton.
4.The last paragraph is to prove that ________.
A.Hooke was the greatest experimental scientist of the 17th century
B.Hooke was good at making discoveries
C.Hooke's contributions were not limited to one field
D.Hooke was one of the greatest astronomers
A couple of weeks ago, my grandfather was explaining his favorite expression. "Nothing is ever easy? The following day, as I tried to complete my day's work, I happened to notice a bumblebee（大黄蜂）on the skylight（天窗）.The skylight was particularly high up, but I thought removing the bee would take no more than five minutes. An hour later, the bee still remained. All that had changed was that the living room was a mess and that 1 was dizzy from looking up into the sunlight. I did not expect to waste an hour on an insect so tiny, but by doing so, I understood what my grandfather meant.
It is not only time that we tend to underestimate — we don’t account for unexpected costs. We often imagine what can work in our favor but we seldom think of all the negative things that could a fleet us. However, it is important to remember that your day or week or year might nor go as planned, and that is completely normal. It is perfectly acceptable to feel challenged — even at a task you thought was simple — because that is part of life.
If you can accept that nothing will ever be easy, then life might seem slightly more manageable. In middle school. I thought high school might be easier because I could choose the classes I wanted to take. In high school I thought college might be easier because I could have a schedule（计划）best suited for myself. Yet each time, I was both wrong and disappointed. After accepting that school wouldn't（and shouldn't）be easy. I found myself with a more positive altitude and improved results.
Of course, there should be preparations made to account tor expenses or time. Doing so can only help you accomplish your goals in a better way. However, there is no need to beat ourselves up when something stands in our path. Maybe we cannot see a bee coming our way, but we can always give ourselves the extra time to catch it.
1.Why did the author mention his experience of removing a bee?
A.To share something unforgettable with us.
B.To lead us to what the author learned from it.
C.To show the unexpected costs it caused.
D.To tell us how easy it is to waste our rime.
2.Why do things often tum out to be different from what we expect?
A.We often don't take lime seriously.
B.We tend not to have enough money.
C.Unexpected things can happen.
D.It is easy to feel challenged.
3.According to the text, what does the underlined phrase "beat ourselves up" mean?
A.lo hit or kick ourselves hard, many times
B.to blame ourselves too much
C.to encourage ourselves to work hard
D.to give up ourselves
4.What is the author's purpose of writing this article?
A.To encourage people to make greater efforts.
B.To explain how to make preparations.
C.To tell us what to do when something gets in our way.
D.To persuade us not to expect things to be easy.
Holidays in Spain not only mean visiting the tourist attractions or enjoying the thrills of bullfight, but also are charming because of the various options for entertainment in Spain.
Getting in
Reaching Spain by air from London to Barcelona takes 2 hours; London to Madrid is 2 hours and 20 minutes and to Malaga is 2 hours and 45minutes. The journey from New York to Madrid is 8 hours and 35 minutes.
Things to do
If you want affordable entertainment and leisure in Spain, go to the streets. In Spain, walking across the streets is known as the “paseo”, in which the entire Spanish families move forward clapping out flamenco rhythms. This is the best occasion to know Spanish culture better.
If you want some indoor options for fun, come to the movie houses, which are luxurious and provide the bar service. Here, you can watch films translated into Spanish and be prepared to watch horror films, cowboy films, etc. If you have a taste for drama and play, you can enjoy performances in theaters, where you can watch plays of Spanish authors as well as translations of foreign plays. There are typical nightclubs which are open till 2:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m., and you need to be formally dressed up.
There are circuses of very high quality and also a lot of options for sports lovers. Soccer has attained even more popularity than bullfight in Spain. Then, there are other sports like boxing, bicycle races, horse races, and in the Basque region, handball.
Tips
Though you may think that this country is warm, it can be very cold in winter, so you need proper clothing when you come here. Further, direct exposure to sunlight for long duration should be avoided to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
1.How long does it probably take a tourist to fly to Madrid from London?
A.120 minutes. B.140 minutes.
C.165 minutes. D.515 minutes.
2.Where is the most suitable place to learn about Spanish culture?
A.The streets. B.The nightclubs.
C.The movie houses. D.The Basque region
3.What can you do in the movie houses in Spain?
A.Enjoy the thrills of bullfight.
B.Dance clapping out flamenco rhythms.
C.Experience the bar service and watch various films.
D.Watch plays written by Spanish or foreign authors.
