I felt excited, curious and nervous at the same time. I was excited because I would be skipping(跳级)two grades. I was curious because I didn't know how high school students were taught. However, I was most nervous at the idea that I would be doing high school homework.
I had just walked into the class when the bell rang. This wasn't a good start. But the kid in front of me looked very friendly. Luckily, since it was the first day of school, my teacher talked for about half of the period and we just had the rest of the period to start the class. I didn't know what he was saying at first, but when I saw the problems on the paper, I knew what to do.
The next day, the kid said hi and I said hi back. We got into a conversation. It seemed that whenever I was talking to my friend, everyone stopped staring at (盯着看)me. Then the class started. It was easy. But I was still uncomfortable because I couldn't look around without meeting others’eyes, so I just kept my eyes on the whiteboard and on my textbook.
However, my friend didn't show up the next day, and the eighth graders just kept on staring at me. I didn't know why.
The next day everything changed. My friend was back to school. I was praised for my homework. Everyone stared at me less. Some started to be a little friendlier towards me. I felt at home at last here. My teachers also seemed pretty nice.If the author didn't skip, he should study in _________ .
| A．the fourth grade | B．the sixth grade |
| C．the seventh grade | D．the eighth grade |
What may make the author curious?
| A．What his old friends are doing. |
| B．How high school students study. |
| C．How he will do his high school homework. |
| D．What the eighth graders' homework is. |
Why did the author always keep his eyes on the whiteboard and the textbook?
| A．To pay attention to his teachers. |
| B．To attract his teachers' attention. |
| C．To follow his teachers' teaching. |
| D．To avoid meeting others' eyes. |
According to the passage, we know that the author ___________ .
| A．got along well with his new class very soon |
| B．felt sorry about having skipped two grades |
| C．had one friend in his class all the time |
| D．got used to others' stares in the classroom |
Lots of people like a good fright at Halloween(万圣节). Yet, the most frightening thing of all about the night is that twice as many children are killed while out and about on Halloween compared to any other day of the year, according to a study by Safe Kids Worldwide. It can also be a worrying time for others, especially elderly people living alone. But many people think it’s just harmless fun.
But is it harmless fun?
Police forces across Britain are giving warnings about Halloween night. They are asking all those wishing to celebrate Halloween this year to respect those who don’t want to join in.
Some forces, like West Mercia Police, have produced “Sorry, No Trick or Treat”posters which can be downloaded from their website, and put up in windows. They want people to send them to the old or anyone who may be frightened by ghosts(鬼) knocking on their doors.
A spokesman said: “Children should not call on houses where the posters are put up, neither should they call on strangers, as this can put young people at risk and also make some house owners anxious, especially those who are elderly or living alone.”
The police want all trick or treaters to remember that disturbing other people or throwing objects at their homes or cars are all criminal offences(刑事罪). “What may start off as a bit of fun could end up with someone getting a criminal record,” they warn. “Parents may want to consider having a Halloween party at home, instead.”
Kent Police are warning young people never to go into the home of someone they don’t know—and to remember not to frighten people.
Warwickshire Police are also warning that tricks may seem like harmless fun but can cause trouble to others. They say behaviour such as throwing eggs can quickly cross the line between being anti-social and causing criminal damage. This can result in fines of ￡2,500 for small offences.The study made by Safe kids Worldwide has found that _________.
| A．kids are afraid of Halloween |
| B．Halloween brings people no fun |
| C．kids are involved in criminal offences |
| D．Halloween night puts some kids at risk |
British police forces are making efforts to _________.
| A．put an end to trick or treat |
| B．control anti-social behaviours |
| C．punish those who frighten others |
| D．make Halloween safe trouble-free |
“Sorry, No Trick or Treat ” posters are designed to _________.
| A．ask people to respect the elderly. |
| B．make some people free from harm |
| C．warn little kids to behave themselves |
| D．express disagreement with Halloween |
Over the years, many cities and states have tried to put a tax(税) on sugary drinks. Last week, Berkeley, California succeeded. The city in northern California will charge a penny-per-ounce tax on most sugary drinks. The tax is expected to raise more than ＄1 million every year to fight against obesity(肥胖).
Makers of sugary drinks are against the tax. They say picking out one product will not solve the obesity problem in America. They also argue that a tax is an attack on personal freedom. “Families should be able to make the choice for their kids without the government stepping in,” said Chris Gindlesperger, a spokesperson for the American Beverage Association(美国饮料协会).
Gindlesperger says that the fight against obesity is more successful when the government partners with industry. He shows how the beverage industry worked with President Bill Clinton’s administration is the 1990s. They introduced water, milk, and fruit juice into a large number of schools, which took the place of sugary drinks. More recently, the beverage industry listened to First Lady Michelle Obama’s suggestion that labels(标签)on sugary drinks be clearer. Containers of up to 20 ounces will show the total calories on the front.
Some people say a tax is a surefire way to help reduce obesity in the U.S. “There is clear evidence that taxes result in less consumption(消费) of sugary drinks,” says Dr. Rachel Johnson, a spokesperson for the American Heart Association. She points to Mexico as an example. The country put up a tax on sugary drinks in January, and sales have already dropped by 10%. What’s more, sales of healthier drinks have increased. Bottled water sales are up by 13%. Milk sales are up by 7%.
Another purpose of the tax is to raise money to fight childhood obesity. Money will be used to build playgrounds, create educational materials, and increase the sales of the healthier foods. “We’ve already helped reduce obesity to some degree,” says Dr. Johnson. “I’m confident that we’re going to see even bigger progress soon.”In the 1990s, sugary drinks in many schools _________.
| A．were charged a penny-per-ounce tax |
| B．were not as popular as they are today |
| C．were replaced by water, milk, and fruit juice |
| D．were not more than 20 ounces per bottle |
The underlined word “surefire” in Paragraph 4 can best be replaced by “_________”.
| A．good | B．stupid | C．strange | D．new |
Why does Johnson talk about Mexico?
| A．It is her favorite country. |
| B．She likes Mexican sugary drinks. |
| C．She tries to show a tax can help a lot. |
| D．It produces all kinds of sugary drinks. |
What is the purpose of this text?
| A．To ask kids to drink fewer sugary drinks. |
| B．To show how to fight childhood obesity. |
| C．To talk about different taxes in Berkeley. |
| D．To discuss if sugary drinks should be taxed. |
It’s not often a tomato is described as so sweet ‘whenever people see it they just want to hug it’—but this was no ordinary piece of fruit.
The heart-shaped tomato was grown by the retired worker, Rod Matless, who said he was surprised when he noticed it in his field. Mr Matless, 69, who had a heart attack a few years ago, was so taken aback by the fruit that he decided to sell it and donate(捐赠) the money to the British Heart Foundation. The 64g tomato was bought for ￡16 on eBay by a woman from Wales—who said she planned to give it to someone special.
Mr Matless, of Wymondham, near Norwich, said: ‘I spent a couple of days thinking about what to do with it and I wasn’t really sure, but this seems like a good use. I hope it will do someone somewhere a bit of good’. He added: ‘It’s very sweet—whenever people see it they just want to hug it.’ But with the tomato’s freshness a key factor(因素), Mr Matless was up against the clock to send it to its new owner before it went bad. He said: ‘I didn’t want to send someone something horrible(特别糟糕的). I probably could have raised a bit more money with more time but I was worried about it.’
‘It will certainly make a nice present for a loved one. I hope that they like it and I’m glad I got to help. It’s all been very good fun and I’ve really enjoyed growing this very special tomato.’We can learn from the text that the tomato grown by Rod Matless ________．
| A．is very big | B．is very sweet |
| C．is very special | D．is good for health |
The underlined part “taken aback by” in Paragraph 2 means ________．
| A．happy about | B．nervous about |
| C．surprised by | D．frightened by |
According to the text, the main problem for Rod Matless was ______．
| A．how to advertise the tomato |
| B．how to keep the tomato fresh |
| C．how to get a good price for the tomato |
| D．how to find a good owner for the tomato |
What is the main purpose of the text?
| A．To advise people to eat tomatoes. |
| B．To introduce a heart-shaped tomato. |
| C．To encourage people to buy Rod Matless’s tomato． |
| D．To describe a kind-hearted person—Rod Matless. |
Twelve-year-old twins Lily and Audrey Andrews are teaching kids how to cook in unusual ways with their creative recipes(食谱)．Growing up in Northern California, the sisters have created their very first cookbook. Jack and Jill caught up with the girls to talk about food.
Jack and Jill: How did you two become interested in cooking?
Audrey: When we were younger, we watched cooking shows on the Food Network instead of cartoons. We were hooked and began doing anything we were allowed to do in the kitchen.
JJ: Who taught you both how to cook?
Lily: Our mom and dad taught us the basics, but when we were about 6 years old, we took cooking classes with one of our mom’s friends who is a cook. We have also taken adult classes at our local cooking school.
JJ: Do you have a favorite dish you like to cook?
A: In the winter, Lily and I love making hot soup. In the summer, we’re always coming up with new salads. We love cooking with friends and family, and one recipe that everyone can help us with is our Beef Stir Fry.
JJ: For the eater who wants to start cooking and trying new foods, where do you suggest they begin?
L: Start by adding new things to foods you already enjoy! Try to add a little curry(咖喱) to your favorite chicken dish. Start small, and slowly you’ll be open to trying tons of new things!
The underlined word “hooked” in Paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to “________”.
| A．worried | B．frightened | C．surprised | D．interested |
The twins began to learn to cook ________.
| A．from their parents |
| B．from their mom’s friend |
| C．when they went to school |
| D．when they were 6 years old |
What dish do the twins like to cook the most?
| A．Hot soup. |
| B．New salads. |
| C．It is up to the season. |
| D．It depends on their family. |
The twins advise the eater who wants to cook to ________.
| A．create lots of new things |
| B．cook the chicken dish first |
| C．prepare well before cooking |
| D．try something new little by little |
Bradford’s Crossword Solver’s Dictionary
Anne R. Bradford has been compiling (编纂) her Crossword Solver’s Dictionary since 1957, so the latest edition is based on over 50 years of crossword solving! Every word in this dictionary has appeared as a solution to a real crossword clue. With easy-to-read clear text design, this is an invaluable reference for both difficult and quick crosswords.
B10134 Paperback 896pages
￡12.99￡9.99
Mary Berry Cooks
The nation’s best-loved home cook invites you to share the secrets of her favorite dishes. Mary Berry Cooks features an all-new collection of 100 mouth-watering, simple recipes() for any occasion. From delicious dinners such as Slow-Roast Shoulder of Lamb or Cottage Pie with Dauphinoise Potato Topping to special summer lunches as Fiery Red Rice Salad and Summer Pudding, this is the perfect kitchen companion.
B10062 Hardback 320pages
￡20.00 ￡16.99
Computing for Seniors
This leading computer guide explains in easy steps how to use the Internet, email, Skype and online shopping, plus how to manage your computer settings safely and securely. Updated for Windows 8 and for Office 2013, it also sets out to make Tablet PCs, touchscreens and apps easier to be used, to give you confidence in your computing skills.
B10133 Paperback 240 pages
￡10.99￡9.99
Philip’s Complete Road Atlas Britain and Ireland 2014
Voted Britain’s clearest and most detailed road atlas in a consumer survey, the 2014 edition of Philip’s Complete Road Atlas Britain and Ireland contains 160 pages of road maps and clearly marked service areas. It also includes 10 big city approach maps and 6 extra-detailed town and city plans. (280 words)
B10132 Paperback 248 pages
￡14.99￡9.99If you are a housewife, you may choose .
| A．B10132 | B．B10062 |
| C．B10134 | D．B10133 |
Both Bradford’s Crossword Solver’s Dictionary and Computing for Seniors .
| A．have the same discount |
| B．have similar pages |
| C．are in paperback |
| D．are the latest edition |
Which of the following can be a guide for travelers?
| A．Crossword Solver’s Dictionary |
| B．Computing for Seniors |
| C．Philip’s Complete Road Atlas |
| D．Mary Berry Cooks |
The text is probably taken from .
| A．A travel guide | B．A textbook |
| C．A book review | D．An advertisement |