Would you BET on the future of this man? He is 53 years old. Most of his adult life has been a losing struggle against debt and misfortune. A war injury has made his left hand stop functioning, and he has often been in prison. Driven by heaven-knows-what motives, he determines to write a book.

The book turns out to be one that has appealed to the world for more than 350 years. That former prisoner was Cervantes, and the book was Don Quixote(《堂吉诃德》) . And the story poses an interesting question: why do some people discover new vitality and creativity to the end of their days, while others go to seed long before？

We've all known people who run out of steam before they reach life's halfway mark. I'm not talking about those who fail to get to the top. We can't all get there. I'm talking about people who have stopped learning on growing because they have adopted the fixed attitudes and opinions that all too often come with passing years.

Most of us, in fact, progressively narrow the variety of our lives. We succeed in our field of specialization and then become trapped in it. Nothing surprises us. We lose our sense of wonder. But, if we are willing to learn, the opportunities are everywhere.

The things we learn in maturity seldom involve information and skills. We learn to bear with the things we can't change. We learn to avoid self-pity. We learn that however much we try to please, some people are never going to love us-an idea that troubles at first but is eventually relaxing.

With high motivation and enthusiasm, we can keep on learning. Then we will know how important it is to have meaning in our life. However, we can achieve meaning only if we have made a commitment to something larger than our own little egos(自我) , whether to loved ones, to fellow humans, to work, or to some moral concept.

Many of us equate(将……等同于)  “commitment” with such “caring” occupations as teaching and nursing. But doing any ordinary job as well as one can is in itself an admirable commitment. People who work toward such excellence-whether they are driving a truck, or running a store-make the world better just by being the kind of people they are. They've learned life's most valuable lesson.

1.The passage starts with the story of Cervantes to show that _____________.

A.loss of freedom stimulates one's creativity

B.age is not a barrier to achieving one's goal

C.misery inspires a man to fight against his fate

D.disability cannot stop a man's pursuit of success

2.What does the underlined part in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A.End one's struggle for liberty.

B.Waste one's energy taking risks.

C.Miss the opportunity to succeed.

D.Lose the interest to continue learning.

3.What could be inferred from Paragraph 4?

A.Those who dare to try often get themselves trapped.

B.Those who tend to think back can hardly go ahead.

C.Opportunity favours those with a curious mind.

D.Opportunity awaits those with a cautious mind.

4.What is the author's purpose in writing the passage?

A.To provide guidance on leading a meaningful adult life.

B.To stress the need of shouldering responsibilities at work.

C.To state the importance of generating motivation for learning.

D.To suggest a way of pursuing excellence in our lifelong career.

    During the rosy years of elementary school(小学), I enjoyed sharing my dolls and jokes, which allowed me to keep my high social status. I was the queen of the playground. Then came my tweens and teens, and mean girls and cool kids. They rose in the ranks not by being friendly but by smoking cigarettes, breaking rules and playing jokes on others, among whom I soon found myself.

Popularity is a well-explored subject in social psychology. Mitch Prinstein, a professor of clinical psychology sorts the popular into two categories: the likable and the status seekers. The likables’ plays-well-with-others qualities strengthen schoolyard friendships, jump-start interpersonal skills and, when tapped early, are employed ever after in life and work. Then there’s the kind of popularity that appears in adolescence: status born of power and even dishonorable behavior.

Enviable as the cool kids may have seemed, Dr. Prinstein’s studies show unpleasant consequences. Those who were highest in status in high school, as well as those least liked in elementary school, are “most likely to engage(从事) in dangerous and risky behavior.”

In one study, Dr. Prinstein examined the two types of popularity in 235 adolescents, scoring the least liked, the most liked and the highest in status based on student surveys(调查研究). “We found that the least well-liked teens had become more aggressive over time toward their classmates. But so had those who were high in status. It clearly showed that while likability can lead to healthy adjustment, high status has just the opposite effect on us.”

Dr. Prinstein has also found that the qualities that made the neighbors want you on a play date—sharing, kindness, openness—carry over to later years and make you better able to relate and connect with others.

In analyzing his and other research, Dr. Prinstein came to another conclusion: Not only is likability related to positive life outcomes, but it is also responsible for those outcomes, too. “Being liked creates opportunities for learning and for new kinds of life experiences that help somebody gain an advantage, ” he said.

1.What sort of girl was the author in her early years of elementary school?

A.Unkind. B.Lonely. C.Generous. D.Cool.

2.What is the second paragraph mainly about?

A.The classification of the popular.

B.The characteristics of adolescents.

C.The importance of interpersonal skills.

D.The causes of dishonorable behavior.

3.What did Dr. Prinstein’s study find about the most liked kids?

A.They appeared to be aggressive.

B.They tended to be more adaptable.

C.They enjoyed the highest status.

D.They performed well academically.

4.What is the best title for the text?

A.Be Nice—You Won’t Finish Last

B.The Higher the Status, the Beer

C.Be the Best—You Can Make It

D.More Self-Control, Less Aggressiveness

    As data and identity theft becomes more and more common, the market is growing for biometric(生物测量) technologies—like fingerprint scans—to keep others out of private e-spaces. At present, these technologies are still expensive, though.

Researchers from Georgia Tech say that they have come up with a low-cost device(装置) that gets around this problem: a smart keyboard. This smart keyboard precisely measures the cadence(节奏) with which one types and the pressure fingers apply to each key. The keyboard could offer a strong layer of security by analyzing things like the force of a user’s typing and the time between key presses. These patterns are unique to each person. Thus, the keyboard can determine people’s identities, and by extension, whether they should be given access to the computer it’s connected to—regardless of whether someone gets the password right.

It also doesn’t require a new type of technology that people aren’t already familiar with. Everybody uses a keyboard and everybody types differently.

In a study describing the technology, the researchers had 100 volunteers type the word “touch” four times using the smart keyboard. Data collected from the device could be used to recognize different participants based on how they typed, with very low error rates. The researchers say that the keyboard should be pretty straightforward to commercialize and is mostly made of inexpensive, plastic-like parts. The team hopes to make it to market in the near future.

1.Why do the researchers develop the smart keyboard?

A.To reduce pressure on keys. B.To improve accuracy in typing.

C.To replace the password system. D.To cut the cost of e-space protection.

2.What makes the invention of the smart keyboard possible?

A.Computers are much easier to operate.

B.Fingerprint scanning techniques develop fast.

C.Typing patterns vary from person to person.

D.Data security measures are guaranteed.

3.What do the researchers expect of the smart keyboard?

A.It’ll be environment-friendly. B.It’ll reach consumers soon.

C.It’ll be made of plastics. D.It’ll help speed up typing.

4.Where is this text most likely from?

A.A diary. B.A guidebook C.A novel. D.A magazine.

Need a Job This Summer?

The provincial government and its partners offer many programs to help students find summer jobs. The deadlines and what you need to apply depend on the program.

Not a student? Go to the government website to learn about programs and online tools available to help people under 30 build skills, find a job or start businesses all year round.

Jobs for Youth

If you are a teenager living in certain parts of the province, you could be eligible(符合条件) for this program, which provides eight weeks of paid employment along with training.

Who is eligible: Youth 15-18 years old in select communities(社区).

Summer Company

Summer Company provides students with hands-on business training and awards of up to $3,000 to start and run their own summer businesses.

Who is eligible: Students aged 15-29, returning to school in the fall.

Stewardship Youth Ranger Program

You could apply to be a Stewardship Youth Ranger and work on local natural resource management projects for eight weeks this summer.

Who is eligible: Students aged 16 or 17 at time of hire, but not turning 18 before December 31 this year.

Summer Employment Opportunities(机会)

Through the Summer Employment Opportunities program, students are hired each year in a variety of summer positions across the Provincial Public Service, its related agencies and community groups.

Who is eligible: Students aged 15 or older. Some positions require students to be 15 to 24 or up to 29 for persons with a disability.

1.What is special about Summer Company?

A.It requires no training before employment.

B.It provides awards for running new businesses.

C.It allows one to work in the natural environment.

D.It offers more summer job opportunities.

2.What is the age range required by Stewardship Youth Ranger Program?

A.15-18. B.15-24. C.15-29. D.16-17.

3.Which program favors the disabled?

A.Jobs for Youth. B.Summer Company.

C.Stewardship Youth Ranger Program. D.Summer Employment Opportunities.

假如你是新华中学的学生会主席李华，你校学生会应英国Westminster School邀请，下星期将到该校进行交流访问，向该校学生介绍中国传统文化。请你给该校联系人Mr. Smith写一封邮件，信的要点如下：

（1）感谢对方的邀请；

（2）询问食宿、活动安排和说明要介绍的传统文化内容；

（3）祝愿交流活动成功。

注意：（1）词数100左右；

（2）可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；

（3）开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。

参考词汇：食宿 accommodation

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am Li Hua, chairman of the Student Union of Xin Hua Middle School.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your attention! Best wishes!

Yours,

Li Hua

假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。

增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号（︿）），并在其下面写出该加的词。

删除：把多余的词用斜线（\）划掉。

修改：在错的词下画一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。

注意：1.每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；

2.只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起)不计分。

At lunch in the first day of my high school, I saw a girl sit alone. I decided to sit with her and we had pleasant chat. Late, we became close friends in the following three years. One day, he shared something touching with me. "Do you remember the day when you come over and sat next to me, wearing a big smile?" she asked me. "I wanted you to know how much special you were. I was disappointing at that time, but your smile made my day," she added.

I can't help smile each time I think of the scene, that shows me that a simple act of kindness can change lives greatly.

阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

David Katz was upset by all the plastic going into the ocean. To help solve the problem, he had a 1.（create）idea to treat plastic like money. Mr. Katz calls his idea the "plastic Bank". The goal of the Plastic Bank is to use plastic to help people solve the problems 2.(gradual）. The Plastic Bank adds a value to plastic waste by paying people to recycle it.

The program began in 2015 in Haiti, a poor island nation with many 3.（problem）of waste plastic. The Plastic Bank has 30 "markets" in Haiti. At the Plastic Bank markets, people can exchange the plastic they've collected for 4.they need. The Plastic Bank markets sell lots of things that local people need. The stores also allow plastic collectors to use the money they earn to pay 5.health care or school.

To make sure that the plastic 6.（recycle）, the Plastic Bank works with partners, who agree 7.（use）the plastic that is collected. When customers buy these products, which are labeled "Social Plastic", they know that they are both helping people in other parts of the world 8.keeping plastic out of the ocean. So far, the Plastic Bank 9.（keep） about 7 million pounds of plastic out of the ocean. It makes a great 10.（contribute）to the ocean.

    When Pan Ruibin set up Panwallzer in 2010, he went against the trend of leaving the hometown to work in a big city for a large company. Pan _________the job as a Japanese translator, returned to his home village and turned his hobby of knitting（针织）into a(n) _______. "My dream is to build a first-class brand like Chanel, and that is the _______ of Panwallzer," said Pan. _______ for its designs and handmade sweaters, Panwallzer has done well on its way to _______.

Despite doubts about whether people would still _______handmade sweaters when machine-made ones are easier to produce and cheaper, Pan _______ his business idea. "The customers I met online _______ me, but my major motivation（动力）was my _______ for saving the handmade knitwear industry."

Pan ________ his talent for knitting from the age of 6. He was taught by his mother, and ________ his skills by entering knitting ________ and won several times. By the time he was 10, he could knit a sweater as ________ as the middle-aged women in his village.

Pan ________ some villagers to help him make the sweaters. The number of ________ grew from 7 in 2010 to 60 this year. Pan has no intention of ________ for mass production, even though new orders are flooding into Panwallzer ________ due to its popularity on social media.

He believes producing a superior product is the __________ way to keep steady growth. Pan wants to __________ a customized（定制的）service through his sweater designs. "People buy your sweater not only because it is ________ but also because it is stylish," he said.

1.A.got B.quit C.changed D.started

2.A.habit B.need C.business D.adventure

3.A.chance B.reputation C.principle D.goal

4.A.Responsible B.Famous C.Eager D.Cheerful

5.A.success B.freedom C.knowledge D.happiness

6.A.exchange B.buy C.remember D.collect

7.A.gave up B.thought about C.kept off D.stuck to

8.A.led B.attracted C.encouraged D.forced

9.A.plan B.enthusiasm C.preparation D.secret

10.A.showed B.tested C.hid D.ignored

11.A.shared B.discovered C.explained D.improved

12.A.ceremonies B.meetings C.competitions D.parties

13.A.well B.usually C.hard D.carefully

14.A.ordered B.required C.hired D.begged

15.A.companies B.machines C.customers D.employees

16.A.keeping up B.speeding up C.slowing down D.holding down

17.A.roughly B.totally C.mainly D.slightly

18.A.right B.conventional C.abstract D.amazing

19.A.enjoy B.choose C.judge D.offer

20.A.handmade B.expensive C.cheap D.machine-made

    Impolite cellphone users are anywhere where there's a cellphone signal.1.. Could that be you? Follow our expert phone rules to avoid being rude and annoying.

●Know where not to use your phone. 2., so avoid talking on your cellphone or having it ring while in such places as hospitals, libraries and movie theaters. Turn your phone off if necessary.

●Don't talk too loudly. When in public, try not to raise your voice while on the phone. Generally you don't have to shout on the phone to be heard on the other end. In fact, doing so often makes it harder for you to be understood.3..

●Don't use your phone when having a meal with someone. If possible, turn it off. If you're waiting for an important call, let the person you're with know beforehand (事先) that you're expecting a call that you'll need to take.4.. If you have to, step away but don’t stay away any longer than a bathroom break.

●5..When you're in an enclosed space, or you can't put yourself 10 feet out of everyone's way, it's inappropriate to talk but it's potentially acceptable to receive and send text messages. But you'd better not text while doing anything requires you to be focused.

A.Learn to text

B.Focus on your messages

C.Some places are inappropriate for cellphone usage

D.Limit phone use during gatherings with your friends

E.Try not to hold a phone conversation at table

F.In addition, shouting on the phone disturbs people around you

G.Most people who are impolite don't even realize what they’re doing

    Very few animals except dolphins, chimpanzees (黑猩猩)，and elephants have ever passed the mirror test for self-recognition. Scientists believe they have found a fish able recognize itself in a mirror. The result is surprising because this ability is usually only found in animals with bigger brains. Even humans don't usually pass the mirror test until they are about a year and a half old.

To test the wrasse (隆头鱼), a small fish in the sea, scientists put each wrasse in a tank with a mirror. They gave the fish a chance to get used to the mirror and watched their reactions. At first, the wrasses challenged the "other fish" by swimming up to the mirror and "fighting" them with the mouth. But soon the wrasses seemed to understand that something funny was happening. They began to swim toward the mirror upside down or in other unusual ways. It was like they were testing whether the fish in the mirror were really themselves.

Once the wrasses seemed used to the mirror, the scientists gave the wrasses a mark by putting the fish to sleep and injecting something under their skin. Some of the fish got a brown mark. Other fish got a clear "mark" that didn't have a color and couldn't be seen in a mirror.

After looking in the mirror, the wrasses with the brown marks would rub the area with the mark against the sand in the bottom of the tank. Then they would go back and look in the mirror again, as if checking if the mark was still there. But when wrasses with brown marks were put in tanks without mirrors, they didn't try to rub their marks away. And wrasses with clear "marks" didn't either, even when they could see themselves in the mirror.

The unexpected results are making some people look hard for other ways to explain how the wrasses reacted. So even though the wrasses seem to have passed the mirror test, the scientists will need some time to reflect on exactly what that means.

1.Why do the scientists feel surprised about the result?

A.The fish has a big brain.

B.Elephants failed to pass the mirror test.

C.Chimpanzees are as clever as dolphins.

D.The fish succeeded in passing the mirror test.

2.What did the scientists take notice of about the wrasses at first?

A.They swam in unusual ways.

B.They were unaware of themselves in the mirror.

C.They thought the mirror interesting.

D.They wanted to challenge themselves.

3.How did the fish with brown marks react in the mirror test?

A.They would rub the area with the mark against sand.

B.They would pay no attention to marks.

C.They would rest in the bottom of the tank.

D.They would swim upside down to the mirror.

4.Which can be a suitable title for the text?

A.Why Are Fish Smarter than Expected?

B.Do Colors Affect the Experiment?

C.How Is the Mirror Test Conducted?

D.Can Fish Recognize Themselves in the Mirror?

    The TV series, The Longest Day in Chang'an, which was shown on Chinese online platforms last summer became a hit soon. Since then, it has been shown on partnering streaming platforms and TV networks abroad. Some websites overseas also offered the program to their users paying for it— the first time a Chinese series was broadcast as paid content abroad.

"I was amazed by the overseas audience's love for this show," Cao Dun, director of The Longest Day in Chang'an, told Bejing Review. "I was worried that they wouldn't understand the complex political structure of the Tang dynasty. But in reality the show is prompting foreign audiences to research Tang dynasty's history to better understand the plot. "

The unique culture in ancient China is not a barrier but a bridge to connect with foreign audiences. In the TV series, every figure is given enough space to flesh out his or her character. Telling stories of ordinary Chinese people that resonate (引起共鸣) with the audience might be the way to communicate with the world. "The success of the TV series shows that beauty is a universal language crossing borders," he told Beijing Review.

His ambition is to distinguish Chinese dramas from the TV shows in the rest of the world. "The TV series is a step in my plan to tell Chinese stories to the world," Cao said. "After describing the impressive beauty of the Tang dynasty, I am looking for several plays that tell stories of today's China. I don’t want to copy any country's production. Chinese dramas have to be built on our rich culture and Chinese people's everyday life," Cao added.

1.What do we know about the TV series?

A.It was put on overseas, when first released.

B.It can be appreciated for free.

C.It is about the development of the Tang dynasty.

D.It was very popular once it was shown.

2.What does the underlined word "prompting" in paragraph 2 probably mean?

A.Requiring. B.Reminding.

C.Encouraging. D.Informing.

3.What made the TV series a success?

A.Stories of ordinary people. B.Recognition of beauty.

C.Diversity of Chinese culture. D.Personalities of every figure.

4.What is Cao Dun’s ambition?

A.To tell Chinese stories to the world. B.To make a successful TV series.

C.To show China’s different nationalities. D.To learn the ancient political structure.

Dear Jack,

I remember the moment— it truly hit me that your autism (自闭症) lasted forever. I had already mentally planned our trips up north with the boys. I was going to spend endless hours playing baseball with you— like Grandpa did with me.

When we said goodbye to kindergarten I knew it was real. I spent some time being sad. Now you are 8. You still have no words. We have never had one of those father-son moments I pictured when you were a baby. But I'm learning that's OK. I still have unbelievable things to offer as your dad, even if they weren't the things I originally expected.

You have taught me to be patient. You have taught me that it's OK to be different and to be sad when life doesn't go as planned. You have taught me that it is OK to talk about those feelings and fight for what is right. Stand up and say this is wrong, and encourage others to stand up for you and say the same.

My job on this earth is to create a world for you and other kids like you. Be the voice you don't have, and build the kind of community which I want to see you grow up in. I used to shy away from contacting people with disabilities or just not consider them. Before you were born, I was so caught up in my own world that I probably wouldn't have even noticed. Now, I see things differently. I notice. You did that for me. And hope my example will do that for others.

Your mom and I have spent 8 years trying to find your voice. And honestly, we don't know if we ever will. I promise you I will spend my life keeping you safe and making this world better for you.

1.To whom is the text written?

A.The author's son. B.The author's wife.

C.The author's father. D.The author's friend.

2.What can be learned about the author?

A.He's at a loss what to do to help Jack.

B.He's to blame for Jack s present condition.

C.He has changed his attitude to the disabled.

D.He hasn't accepted the reality up to now.

3.How does the author sound in the text?

A.Sympathetic. B.Caring.

C.Regretful. D.Indifferent.

4.In which section of a magazine may this text appear?

A.Science. B.Entertainment.

C.Sports. D.Relationship.

Four Bookstores Worth Visiting Around the World

◆ Word on the Water

London, England

This floating bookstore in the Regent's Canal is known as "The London Bookbarge". Formerly mobile, it has now found a permanent home where visitors can browse all year round, warm themselves up by a wood-burning fire in the winter and enjoy the performances of music and poetry on the rooftop stage in the summer.

+44 7976886982, https://www.atlasobscura.com

◆ EL Ateneo Grand Splendid

Buenos Aires, Argentina

This theater-turned-cinema-turned-bookstore is an example of the connection between the performing arts and books. It preserves the traditional ceiling and special curtains of the former theater and books line the walls, including where the audience once sat in box seats.

+54 1148136052, https://www.atlasobscura.com

◆Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller

Melbourne, Australia

This shop sells only antique and second-hand books. Visitors can search for the strange collection of owl figurines (猫头鹰雕像) scattered throughout or they can check out the shelves to find classics，such as a collection by Jane Austen printed in 1833 selling for ＄15, 000.

+61 (0)396548506, https://www.kaycraddock.com

◆ Zhongshuge Bookstore

Hangzhou, China

Each location of this Chinese bookstore chain is architecturally unique, but the location in Hangzhou stands out. Stairs and seats built into round bookshelves combined with mirrored ceilings give the optical illusion (视觉幻象) of countless books. Other optical illusions include a tunnel of books and what appears to be a long roller coaster of books in the children's book room.

+86 057188003279, https://weibo.com/67661899

1.To appreciate poetry shows, you'll dial___________.

A.+54 1148136052 B.+44 7976886982

C.+61 (0)396548506 D.+86 057188003279

2.Which of the following once had different functions?

A.Word on the Water. B.Zhongshuge Bookstore.

C.EL Ateneo Grand Splendid. D.Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller.

3.What is the Chinese bookstore mentioned above famous for?

A.Its special designs. B.Its floating locations.

C.Its performing arts. D.Its second-hand classics.

假定你是李华，你校将于4月18日上午9:00开设有关中国戏剧的线上专家讲座。请你给交换生Jack写一圭寸邮件，邀请他到你家一起观看，共同感受中国传统文化。

注意:

1. 词数100左右；

2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

Dear Jack,

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有 10处语言错误,每句中最多有两处。每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。

增加:在缺词处加一个漏字符号(∧ )，并在其下面写出该加的词。

删除:把多余的词用斜线(\)划掉。

修改:在错的词下划一横线,并在该词下面写出修改后的词。

注意1..每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；

2.只允许修改10处，多者(从第11处起)不计分。

Working on the farm was quite a experience! Our teacher told us that how a city farm in our neighbourhood was looking for young people to helping with the animals. City farms were a great way for people to get amazed experiences of country life. We can learn more about animals and plant and even take part working on the farm. So I spoke to the manager, but a few days later I was looking after the horses on the farm. I was proud of myself when he helped a young boy to ride a horse for the first time. It real meant a lot to him and to me!

阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Acupuncture (针灸)is a traditional Chinese medical practice of treating 1.( variety) physical and mental conditions. It gained respect and interest in the United States after New York Times journalist James Reston 2.( visit) China with President Nixon and needed an operation. Chinese doctors used acupuncture on Reston after surgery 3.( reduce) his pain, and his recovery was swift. Curious about this, Reston was allowed to watch surgery on patients 4.received acupuncture for anesthesia (麻醉). Patients talked with their doctors during the operation and then walked back to their rooms 5.their own.

The effectiveness of acupuncture left Reston such a deep 6.(impress) that he wrote a front-page article in the New York Times about his operation upon returning to the United States. “A leading medical specialist 7.( send) by Premier Chou En-lai removed my appendix (阑尾).I was conscious in 8. whole process. ”

The National Institutes of Health ( NIH) began to sponsor some of their top 9.( physician) to visit China to investigate acupuncture and its possible functions in western medicine. With years going by, acupuncture has earned 10. (it) a great reputation across the world with magical effect.

Biking through my PhD

Overcoming my initial struggles in the Netherlands to start my PhD has been like riding a bike.

I ____in a hilly, seaside city in China without cycle paths, and biking was ____for me. Now, my Dutch neighbour was telling me I had to __

It took me around a month to feel __ cycling. After half a year, I was starting to enjoy it. For me, a helpful __ for dealing with Dutch traffic was to make a lot of noise as I ____: loud laughs, “look out”, “watch it” , and so on. These ____other cyclists into keeping away from me, and prevented the __ that had seemed unavoidable when I started.

This pattern, of a time of struggle ____by fun, was repeated with other ___ of my life in Utrecht. There were more “bikes” that I____ to learn how to ride. One of them was ____management. In Utrecht, I don't see people working ____time. As for working at the weekend, _____it. I initially assumed that nobody was working very hard, because of their shorter ___.

But after a few months, I ____that the other PhD students were all ___ focused on their work during that eight-hour working ____, whereas I was taking endless “ breaks” when I could have been focusing on my studies.

Cycling has become a __ of my growth, freedom and__ adjustment to PhD life in the Netherlands. And I have formed a good habit of working while I work and playing while I play.

1.A.went through B.worked out C.grew up D.got around

2.A.necessary B.dangerous C.convenient D.normal

3.A.travel B.decide C.advance D.learn

4.A.nervous B.anxious C.sensitive D.comfortable

5.A.trick B.plan C.tendency D.instruction

6.A.shouted B.jogged C.rode D.warned

7.A.cheated B.persuaded C.guided D.frightened

8.A.races B.ruins C.crashes D.competitions

9.A.followed B.presented C.supported D.appreciated

10.A.backgrounds B.occupations C.studies D.aspects

11.A.hesitated B.needed C.remembered D.failed

12.A.time B.finance C.business D.personnel

13.A.special B.regular C.extra D.valid

14.A.cancel B.forget C.select D.avoid

15.A.hours B.vacations C.weekdays D.distances

16.A.regretted B.supposed C.argued D.realized

17.A.completely B.considerately C.hurriedly D.repeatedly

18.A.practice B.section C.period D.evaluation

19.A.weakness B.symbol C.symptom D.remark

20.A.ambitious B.successful C.objective D.adventurous

    Exploring work possibilities is quite an emotional challenge for people. The desire to simplify the process by focusing on one attractive option, instead of keeping your eyes open for even more possibilities to add to your list, can be very strong. Naturally, we'd rather make a decision and get on with our lives. 1. However, putting off a decision until after you have done your detective work can pay off in ways you can't even imagine now. So, learn to explore work possibilities as though it was a treasure hunt.

Uncertainty is not the only challenge holding you back. 2. You may be unwilling to ask strangers about their work or to ask your colleagues for help because you fear rejection. Or, you may fear failure. Don't let these fears block your search. Remember that one definition of success is u doing your very best to realize your dreams. “ 3.

There are three ways to learn about work possibilities that you already know exist and to discover more possibilities.

1. The easiest and quickest way is to read career information materials available on the Internet, in newspapers and magazines.

2. 4.They can give you an “ insider's opinion. “ Spend your time with people as constructively as possible by asking about the local situation or other things not covered in print materials.

3. The best way to learn about the work is to “ try it on for size “ by getting some related experience.

5.That greatly increases your ability to “mix and match” information later on to discover, or even create, work possibilities that would be ideal for you.

A.Identify your own ability.

B.Explore as many options as possible.

C.We wouldn't like to live with uncertainty.

D.The only way you can fail is to do nothing.

E.Talk to people who are knowledgeable about the work.

F.The following is what you should do to explore work possibilities.

G.Fear is most likely the biggest emotional challenge to successful career building.

    A drug designed entirely by artificial intelligence is about to enter clinical human trials for the first time. The drug, which is intended to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD)(强迫症),was discovered using Al systems from Oxford-based biotech company Exscientia. While it would usually take around four and a half years to get a drug to this stage of development, Exscientia says that by using the Al tools it's taken less than 12 months.

The drug, known as DSP・1181, was created by using algorithms (算法)to examine potential compounds (化合物),checking them against a huge database of parameters, including a patient's genetic factors. Speaking to the BBC, Exscientia chief executive Professor Andrew Hopkins described the trials as a “ key milestone in drug discovery “ and noted that there are “ billions” of decisions needed to find the right molecules (分子)for a drug, making their eventual creation a “ huge decision. “ With Al, however, “the beauty of the algorithms is that they are unknowable, so can be applied to any disease.”

We've already seen multiple examples of Al being used to diagnose illness and analyze patient data, so using it to engineer drug treatment is an obvious progression of its place in medicine. But the Al - created drugs do bring about some relevant questions. Will patients be comfortable taking medicine designed by a machine? How will these drugs differ from those developed by humans alone? Who will make the rules for the use of Al in drug research? Hopkins and his team hope that these and a great many other questions will be explored in the trials, which will begin in March.

1.What is special about the drug designed by Al?

A.It's a better cure for OCD.

B.It has no side effect on humans.

C.Its development takes less time.

D.It doesn't need clinical human trials.

2.Which is a key factor in creating the drug according to Paragraph 2?

A.Trials. B.Algorithms.

C.Compounds. D.Molecules.

3.How does Hopkins feel about the way of drug creation?

A.Optimistic. B.Doubtful.

C.Disappointed. D.Puzzled.

4.What can be the best title for the text?

A.Medical Trials by Al B.An Example in Medical Trials

C.A Creation in Al Development D.Al - designed Drugs to Be on Trial

    George Nakashima always insisted that he was a simple woodworker, not an artist. Even though major museums exhibited his works and the director of the American Craft Museum called him a national treasure, Mr Nakashima rejected the label of artist. For almost fifty years he simply went on shaping wood into beautiful chairs, tables, and cabinets.

Nakashima had a clear goal. He intended each piece of furniture he made to be as perfect as possible. Even making a box was an act of creation, because it produced an object that had never existed before. Initially Nakashima used local wood, sometimes from his own property. Later, he traveled to seek out English oak, Persian walnut, African zebra wood and Indian teak. He especially liked to find giant roots that had been dug out of the ground after a tree was taken down. Nakashima felt that making this wood into furniture was a way of allowing the tree to live again.

Most furniture makers prefer perfect boards, but Nakashima took pleasure in using wood with interesting knots (节疤)and cracks. These irregularities gave the wood personality and showed that the tree had lived a happy life.

He never failed to create an object that was both useful and beautiful. One early piece Nakashima designed was a three-legged chair for his small daughter, Mira, to use when she sat at the table for meals. The Mira chair became so popular that Nakashima later made both low and high versions. Another famous piece, the Conoid chair, has two legs supported by bladelike feet. Always, Nakashima's designs were precise and graceful, marked by a simplicity that revealed his love for the wood.

As the years passed, Nakashima's reputation grew and his work received many awards. His children Mira and Kevin, now adults, joined the team of crafts - people in their father's studio. Nakashima's dream of integrating work and family had come true.

1.Which of the following best describes Nakashima?

A.Generous and outgoing. B.Honest and simple.

C.Capable and friendly. D.Creative and modest.

2.Why was Nakashima called a national treasure?

A.His art work made trees live again.

B.He used precious wood materials.

C.His chairs were beautifully designed.

D.He was devoted to making furniture.

3.What can we learn about Nakashima from the last two paragraphs?

A.He loved his work and family.

B.He made chairs of the same style.

C.He sought for a simple life and art.

D.He was lost in researching the wood.

4.What can be inferred about Mira and Kevin?

A.They had an art studio of their own.

B.They still lacked the ability to create art works.

C.They had a common interest with their father.

D.They enjoyed the same reputation with their father.

    At Englands University of Plymouth, Professor Eduardo Miranda has been programming pairs of robots to compose music. Miranda's robots have simple “ vocal cords”(声带)and are programmed to sing and to listen to each other. The robots' unique warbling sounds (颤音) do not perfectly match the human voice, but each machine is exactly sharing music with the other in a new and unique way.

Each robot is equipped with speakers, software that mimics the human voice, a mouth that opens as it “sings,” a microphone for ears, and a camera for eyes. The robots also move. Miranda hopes that by studying his robot vocalists, he can discover something about how and why humans create, perform, and listen to music.

When the robots sing, first one robot makes six random sounds. Its partner responds with more sounds. The first robot analyzes the sounds to see if their sequences (序列)) are similar. If they are, it nods its head and commits the sounds to memory, and the second robot notices and “memorizes” the musical sequence, too. If the first robot thinks the sounds are too different, it shakes its head and both robots ignore the sounds. Then the process continues.

Miranda set up an experiment in which he left the two robots alone in his study for two weeks. When he returned, his little warblers had, by imitating each other, not only shared notes but combined them. The product of their cooperation was far from symphonic, but the robots had begun to combine the notes into their own self-developed “songs”.

With the help of his warbling robots, one of Miranda's goals is to create music that no human would ever compose. Miranda believes the robots are ideal for this purpose because they would not be influenced by any existing musical styles or rules.

1.Which is closest in meaning to the underlined word “mimics” in Paragraph 2?

A.Substitutes. B.Interrupts.

C.Controls. D.Copies.

2.What did the two robots do during Miranda's experiment?

A.They interacted with each other.

B.They ignored the unique sound.

C.They learned to sing better than humans.

D.They committed random sounds to memory.

3.What does Miranda want his robots to do?

A.Sing as well as humans do. B.Create new styles of music.

C.Memorize a variety of music. D.Promote traditional musical forms.

4.What is the text mainly about?

A.Future robots. B.Special songs.

C.Music by robots. D.Experiments by Miranda.

Improving your lifestyle through sports

Do you want to lead an active lifestyle? Are you passionate about sports? Have you thought about making new friends? Come on down and sign up for any of our classes at our exclusive launch!

Date: 5 April

Time: 10 a. m. to 7 p. m.

Place: VibraSquare Atrium

We offer classes like badminton, tennis, basketball and volleyball for everyone from the age of 10 to 40. Come on down to learn more about our classes as well as our special rates. All our classes are conducted by certified coaches.

A Mystery Gift will be given to the first 50 people who sign up for any sports class with us!

Highlights of our launch event:

• 1 p. m. : Talk on balancing sports and studies by Dr Claire Leow

• 3 p. m. : Autograph signing session by professional badminton player Kate Wee, winner of the recent Singapore Open

• 5 p. m. : Talk on how sports can benefit one's lifestyle by Mr Ryan Tan

• 6 p. m. : Free tennis clinic for children conducted by Michael Ismail, a former professional tennis player

To register for the above events, please contact Michelle at 6234 6226 or email sports@ edufit. com

Limited places available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Take part in a sure-win lucky draw when you enter for any sports class on the day of our launch! Prizes include VibraSquare Mall vouchers (票券),Wellness & Fitness sports clothing and many more j

Official Sponsors:

VibraSquare Mall Wellness & Fitness Glizard Drinks

1.What can we know about the Mystery Gift?

A.It is available anytime during April.

B.It is given to the first fifty class applicants.

C.You may choose vouchers or clothing.

D.Each participant of the launch event can get one.

2.When will kids attend the launch event if they are fond of tennis?

A.At 1 p. m. . B.At 3 p. m. . C.At 5 p. m.. D.At 6 p. m..

3.What is the main purpose of the text?

A.To report the sports events. B.To introduce healthy lifestyles.

C.To advertize the sports classes. D.To give advice on making friends.

听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。

1.What is mentioned as a relaxing way?

A.Being concerned about the progress.

B.Thinking about reducing stress.

C.Breathing deeply and slowly.

2.What is one of the most frequent problems during relaxation?

A.Physical condition.

B.Disturbance from outside.

C.Wandering mind.

3.When can you use the relaxing way for a problem situation?

A.After you have 10 practice sessions.

B.When you are picking up the kids.

C.Before your annoyance starts.

4.Who are the probable audience of the talk?

A.Kids. B.Parents. C.College students.

听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。

1.Why was Jane unhappy about living in the dormitory?

A.She disliked the food.

B.She lacked personal space.

C.She had no washing machine.

2.Where did Jane have meals?

A.In the dormitory. B.In her own kitchen. C.In the school canteen.

3.How many hours was the dining hall open every day?

A.Three. B.Five. C.Six.

4.What is the dialogue mainly about?

A.Social activities. B.College life. C.Dorm buildings.

听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。

1.How do most readers find Island Intrigue” 2

A.Absurd. B.Boring. C.Thrilling.

2.What kind of books do the speakers both like?

A.Horror stories. B.Science fictions. C.Adventures.

3.What will the speakers do?

A.Exchange books.

B.Go to the library together.

C.Fix a time to communicate ideas.

听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。

1.What follows the Guest of Honour's speech?

A.The headmaster's speech.

B.The Variety Show.

C.The baseballl match.

2.What are the speakers talking about?

A.Film shows. B.Sports games. C.School events.

听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。

1.What is the probable relationship between the speakers?

A.Host and guest.

B.Reporter and interviewee.

C.Shop assistant and customer.

2.What will the speakers do first?

A.Visit a friend.

B.Enjoy a ballet performance.

C.Have dinner together.

What do the speakers most possibly do?

A.Use less plastics.

B.Cut plastics out of life.

C.Collect plastics in the ocean.

What will the man help do?

A.Find a volunteer.

B.Get willing hands.

C.Prepare for the conference.

When will Sally see the dentist?

A.At 8: 00. B.At 9: 30. C.At 10: 30.