A popular saying goes, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” However, that’s not really true. Words have the power to build us up or tear us down. It doesn’t matter if the words come from someone’s else or ourselves --- the positive and negative effects are just as lasting.
We all talk to ourselves sometimes. We’re usually too embarrassed to admit it, though. In fact, we really shouldn’t be because more and more experts believe talking to ourselves out loud is a healthy habit.
This “self-talk” helps us motivate ourselves, remember things, solve problems, and calm ourselves down. Be aware, though, that as much as 77% of self-talk tends to be negative. So in order to stay positive, we should only speak words of encouragement to ourselves. We should alsobe quick to give ourselves a pat on the back. The next time you finish a project, do well in a test, or finally clean your room, join me in saying “Good job!”
Often, words come out of our mouths without us thinking about the effect they will have. But we should be aware that our words cause certain responses in others. For example, when returning an item to a store, we might use warm, friendly language during the exchange. And the clear will probably respond in a similar manner. Or harsh（刻薄的）and critical language will most likely cause the clerk to be defensive.
Words possess power because of their lasting effect. Many of us regret something we once said. And we remember unkind words said to us! Before speaking, we should always ask ourselves: Is it loving? Is it needed? If what we want to say doesn’t pass this test, then it’s better left unsaid.
Words possess power: both positive and negative. Those around us receive encouragement when we speak positively. We can offer hope, build self-esteem（自尊）and motivate others to do their best. Negative words destroy all those things. Will we use our words to hurt or to heal? The choice is ours.The main idea of the first paragraph is that ________.
| A．not sticks and stones but words will hurt us |
| B．inspiring words give us confidence |
| C．negative words may let us down |
| D．words have a lasting effect on us |
There is no sense for us to feel embarrassed when we talk to ourselves because _______
| A．almost everybody has the habit of talking to themselves |
| B．we can benefit from talking to ourselves |
| C．talking to ourselves always gives us courage |
| D．it does no harm to have “self-talk” when we are alone |
The underlined part in the third paragraph means that we should also timely _______
| A．praise ourselves | B．remind ourselves |
| C．make ourselves relaxed | D．give ourselves amusement |
The author would probably hold the view that ___________
| A．encouraging words are sure to lead to kind offers |
| B．negative words may stimulate us to make more progress |
| C．people tend to remember friendly words |
| D．it is better to think twice before talking to others |
In 1901，H. G. Wells, an English writer, wrote a book describing a trip to the moon. When the explorers(探险者）land on the moon, they discovered that the moon was full of underground cities. They expressed their surprise to the " moon people " they met. In turn, the " moon people " expressed their surprise. " Why, “they asked, " are you traveling to outer space when you don't even use your inner space?"
H. G. Wells could only imagine traveling to the moon. In1969，human beings really did land on the moon. People today know that there are no underground cities on the moon. However, the question that the “moon people “asked is still an interesting one. A growing number of scientists are seriously thinking about it.
Underground systems are already in place. Many cities have underground car parks. In some cities, such as Tokyo, Seoul and Montreal, there are large underground shopping areas. The " Chunnel " ，a tunnel(随道）connecting England and France, is now complete.
But what about underground cities? Japan's Taisei Corporation is designing a network of underground systems, called “Alice Cities “. The designer imagined using surface space for public parks and using underground space for flats, offices, shopping, and so on. A solar dome(太阳能穹顶）would cover the whole city.
Supporters of underground development say that building down rather than building up is a good way to use the earth's space. The surface, they say, can be used for farms, parks, gardens, and wilderness. H. G. Wells'”"moon people" would agree. Would you? The explorers in H. G. Wells' story were surprised to find that the “moon people " _________.
| A．knew so much about the earth |
| B．understood their language |
| C．lived in so many underground cities |
| D．were ahead of them in space technology |
What does the underlined word “it” (Paragraph 2) refer to?
| A．Discovering the moon's inner space. |
| B．Using the earth's inner space. |
| C．Meeting the “moon people “again. |
| D．Traveling to outer space. |
What sort of underground systems are already here with us?
| A．Offices, shopping areas, power stations. |
| B．Tunnels, car parks, shopping areas. |
| C．Gardens, car parks, power stations. |
| D．Tunnels, gardens, offices. |
What would be the best title for the text?
| A．Alice Cities—Cities of the Future |
| B．Space Travel with H. G. Wells |
| C．Enjoy Living Underground |
| D．Build Down, Not Up |
There was a story many years ago of a school teacher— Mrs. Thompson. She told the children on the first day that she loved them all the same. But that was a lie. There in the front row was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard. He didn't play well with the other children and he always needed a bath. She did not like him.
Then Mrs. Thompson got to know that Teddy was actually a very good boy before the death of his mother. Mrs. Thompson was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when, like all her other students, Teddy brought her a Christmas present too. It was his mother's perfume (香水）.
Teddy said, “Mrs. Thompson, today you smell just like my Mom used to.” After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she stopped teaching reading, writing and math. Instead, she began to teach children.
Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. The boy's mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he improved. By the end of the sixth grade, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class.
Six years went by before she got a note from Teddy. He wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. He went to college. Mrs. Thompson got two more letters from him with the last one signed “Theodore F. Stoddard, M. D. (医学博士）”.
The story doesn't end there. On his wedding day, Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, “Thank you, Mrs. Thompson, for believing in me. You made me feel important and showed me that I could make a difference. "
Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back, “Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you. " In what way did Mrs. Thompson change?
| A．She taught fewer school subjects. |
| B．She became stricter with her students. |
| C．She no longer liked her job as a teacher. |
| D．She cared more about educating students. |
Why did Teddy thank Mrs. Thompson at his wedding?
| A．She had kept in touch with him. |
| B．She had given him encouragement. |
| C．She had sent him Christmas presents. |
| D．She had taught him how to judge people. |
Your relationship with your partner may end due to several reasons. It's a stressful and unpleasant situation. As your loving and caring partner isn't with you, you may feel lonely and helpless. How-ever, keep in mind that it isn't the end of happiness in your life. There are so many interesting things that you can enjoy. You can overcome a breakup (破裂）and take pleasure in life by trying different ways.
Immediately after the breakup, give yourself some time to drain(排除）out your emotions. During this period, you may cry, howl in anger or grieve (悲伤）for the unfair treatment that you received from your partner. Let all painful emotions drain out of you.
Don't frequently recollect the pleasant or sad moments from the past. Avoid looking at the mementos of your former relationship. Don't only blame your partner for what has happened. Try to find out your mistakes. Think about improving yourself, which will be helpful for your future relationships. Engage yourself in your work or in social activities. Get involved in your favorite hobby.
Your family members and friends are the backbone that will support you in your toughest times. You can share your feelings and problems with them in order to get their support. Enjoy picnics and outings with them. Don't often talk about your past.
You need to change your attitude in order to overcome a relationship breakup. You should have a positive approach towards your life. Don't take it as a total failure. Try to change your lifestyle and take another chance. Try to find the person who can bring about positive changes in your life.
Don't get frustrated and disappointed due to a breakup. A cheerful and hopeful future is still waiting for you. This can give you a new chance to enjoy your life. Which of the following is mainly discussed in the passage?
| A．The disadvantages of a breakup. |
| B．The causes of a breakup. |
| C．Tips for overcoming a breakup. |
| D．The ways to build a good relationship. |
According to the passage, a breakup _________
| A．is caused by a stressful and unpleasant situation |
| B．is a new start for you to take pleasure in life |
| C．is not a failure at all |
| D．means a possible end of happiness in life |
In order to overcome your grief caused by a relationship break-up, you should _________.
| A．ask a doctor for help |
| B．keep yourself busy |
| C．only recall past pleasant moments |
| D．share your future plans with your parents |
Which of the following is the wrong way to overcome a relation-ship breakup?
| A．Drain out your painful emotions as soon as possible. |
| B．Seldom discuss your past with your family members. |
| C．Treat your life in a positive and optimistic way. |
| D．Never blame your partner for the breakup. |
The passage is most probably taken from _________.
| A．an advertisement |
| B．a scientific report |
| C．a book about health |
| D．a magazine about lifestyle |
When asked about happiness, we usually think of something extraordinary, an absolute delight, which seems to get rarer the older we get.
For kids, happiness has a magical quality. Their delight at winning a race or getting a new bike is unreserved(毫无掩饰的).
In the teenage years the concept of happiness changes. Suddenly it's conditional on such things as excitement, love and popularity. I can still recall the excitement of being invited to dance with the most attractive boy at the school party.
In adulthood the things that bring deep joy—love, marriage, birth—also bring responsibility and the risk of loss. For adults, happiness is complicated (复杂的）.
My definition of happiness is “the capacity for enjoyment “. The more we can enjoy what we have, the happier we are. It's easy to overlook the pleasure we get from the company of friends, the freedom to live where we please, and even good health.
I experienced my little moments of pleasure yesterday. First I was overjoyed when I shut the last lunch-box and had the house to myself. Then I spent an uninterrupted morning writing, which I love. When the kids and my husband came home, I enjoyed their noise after the quiet of the day.
Psychologists tell us that to be happy we need a mix of enjoy-able leisure time and satisfying work. I don't think that my grand-mother, who raised 14 children, had much of either. She did have a network of close friends and family, and maybe this is what satisfied her.
We, however, with so many choices and such pressure to succeed in every area, have turned happiness into one more thing we've got to have. We're so self-conscious about our “right “to it that it's making us miserable. So we chase it and equal it with wealth and success, without noticing that the people who have those things aren't necessarily happier.
Happiness isn't about what happens to us—it's about how we see what happens to us. It's the skillful way of finding a positive for every negative. It's not wishing for what we don't have, but enjoying what we do possess. As people grow older, they _________.
| A．feel it harder to experience happiness |
| B．associate their happiness less with others |
| C．will take fewer risks in pursuing happiness |
| D．tend to believe responsibility means happiness |
What can we learn about the author from Paragraphs 5 and 6?
| A．She cares little about her own health. |
| B．She enjoys the freedom of traveling. |
| C．She is easily pleased by things in daily life. |
| D．She prefers getting pleasure from housework. |
What can be inferred from Paragraph 7?
| A．Psychologists think satisfying work is key to happiness. |
| B．Psychologists' opinion is well proved by Grandma's case. |
| C．Grandma often found time for social gatherings. |
| D．Grandma's happiness came from modest expectations of life. |
People who equal happiness with wealth and success _________.
| A．consider pressure something blocking their way |
| B．stress their right to happiness too much |
| C．are at a loss to make correct choices |
| D．are more likely to be happy |
What can be concluded from the passage?
| A．Happiness lies between the positive and the negative. |
| B．Each man is the master of his own fate. |
| C．Success leads to happiness. |
| D．Happy is he who is content. |
Now 23，Ye Dong got his diploma in June 2010. But he has barely left the campus. He still eats in the canteens and studies in the classrooms. Living close is convenient and familiar, he said.
Around almost every college and university in China are cheap apartments and bungalows for rent, where lots of graduates like Ye live. They live and look like enrolled students, but they aren't. Such kind of graduates is called “school-drifters “. It became a popular search keyword and triggered wide media coverage and further academic research.
“The number is increasing over the years. A simple reason is that each year the number of graduates rises, while the employment rate remains basically the same. A large portion of the unemployed become school-drifters. Some previously employed also come back after a short, unsatisfying work experience.”according to Hu Jiewang, a sociology professor at Jiaying University in Guangdong province.
Ye landed a job as a production assistant in a local jewelry company in March last year but quit two months later. " The 2，400-yuan($360) a month salary was high among my classmates, but the job was too tiring. I had only one day off every week and the working hours were too irregular, “he said.” Entering society made me feel hollow. "
Hu said most of the school-drifters aim to enter grad school. Some hope to find a better job ； some want to stay in big cities ； and some are simply fearful of the intensely competitive job market.
" Living on school resources " ，Hu said, " is a way of cutting living costs. But they do have some resource conflict with currently enrolled students”.
Why don't drifters return home? " From ancient times the Chinese have had the notion that ‘ going out’ and ‘ going to colleges' were good. Anybody coming back home without achievements is a loser, “Hu said.
After graduation and entering society, many graduates felt lost. As a result, the number who stayed in school——for further education, for better opportunities, or for the comfort——increased. " School-drifters” are a group of university students who _________.
| A．have dropped out but wouldn't leave the campus |
| B．have finished school but wouldn't leave the campus |
| C．have finished school but haven't got their diplomas |
| D．haven't passed their Graduation Exams |
Why did Ye abandon his job in a local jewelry company?
| A．He was too lazy. |
| B．He wasn't pleased with the job. |
| C．The salary was low. |
| D．The jewelry company was very good. |
As " school-drifters " ，they can _________.
| A．reduce their expenses | B．make more friends |
| C．decrease pressures | D．make more money |
The passage is mainly about _________.
| A．a new social phenomenon |
| B．an event taking place in the campus |
| C．how to deal with “school-drifters” |
| D．“school-drifters “are hated by people |