I never thought I would have a life-changing experience at Wal-Mart.
Although my thoughts were only on speed, the checkout line I was standing in wasn't moving as quickly as I wanted, and I glanced toward the cashier.
There stood a man in his seventies, wearing glasses and a nice smile. I thought, well, he's an old guy!
For the next few minutes I watched him. He greeted every customer before scanning the items. Sure, his words were the usual, “How's it going?” But he did something different—he actually listened to people. Then he would respond to what they had said and engage them in brief conversation.
I thought it was odd. I have grown accustomed to people asking me how I was doing simply out of robotic conversational habit. After a while, you don't give any thought to the question and just mumble something back. I could say, “I just found out I have six months to live,” and someone would reply, “Have a great day!”
But that wasn't the end.
He gave them the change, walked around the counter, and extended his right hand in an act of friendship. He looked at the customers in the eyes. “I sure want to thank you for shopping here today,” he told them. “You have a great day. Bye-bye.”
The looks on the faces of the customers were priceless. There were smiles and some sheepish grins. All had been touched by his simple gesture---and in a place they never expected. They would gather their things and walk out, smiling.
Of course, he did the same to me and I got to know his name, Marty.
Who was that guy? It was as if Sam Walton had come back from the dead and invaded this old guy’s body.
I had never walked away from that shop feeling like that.The checkout line the writer was standing in moved slower than expected because_______ .
A.the cashier couldn’t work as fast as others |
B.there were some big purchases |
C.the cashier did more than scanning the items |
D.the writer was not patient enough |
According to the writer, when common people ask you “How’s it going?”
A.they don’t really care what you may answer |
B.they are just practicing their conversation ability |
C.they are inquiring about your private information |
D.they don’t expect to hear any negative answers |
What was most customers’ reaction to Marty’s behaviors?
A.They thought it priceless. | B.They were in some way moved. |
C.They thought it awful and odd. | D.They felt somewhat offended. |
What can we infer about Sam Walton?
A.He might be Marty’s father or grandfather. |
B.He might be friendly and devoted to Wal-Mart. |
C.He might have died while working in the market. |
D.He might have come back from the dead once before. |
What does the writer intend to express through the text?
A.Our everyday life is always full of surprises. |
B.Most customers enjoy being treated this way. |
C.Being different is a good way of doing business. |
D.A little positive action can make a big difference. |
Her frozen fingers touched the flame trying to feel alive. She could feel the warmth but it was a cold heat, as if the candle was rejecting her.
Her arms turned red because of the cold, her short sleeved shirt not giving her enough warmth. The winter air grabbed(抓住) at her arms, causing her pain, but she didn’t mind. She knew she should put her jacket on, it was winter in Connecticut, but that would be giving up. Up here, in this tree she felt safe.
She looked at the candle, surrounded by hardening wax(蜡). She placed her fingers gently on the warm green wax. This candle was a reminder of her life inside that house, a life she would have to return to eventually.
As a child, she had gotten this candle. She spent all she had on it. The beautiful crystal box (水晶盒)had caught her eye. Five whole nickels(五分币)had brought her that candle.
She gave it to her mother for Mother’s Day. Her mother had managed a smile and put it on a shelf. “It’s very pretty, honey! I will put it right here.” Since then that candle had never been moved, never been lighted, sitting dusty on a cluttered shelf that no one could see. Later on, her parents got divorced.
By now the candle was colder than the air and the darkness was complete. The snow on the ground made the night lighter and less satisfying than it had been before the first snowfall. She liked the darkness because she felt safe in it. From the glances of her friends who liked the girl she used to be. From the boys who could never figure out who she was. From her guidance counselor(顾问) whose endless worried looks never made her feel any better.
No one was outside at this time of night. She was alone in the world, just how she liked it. Just as she was about to lean back against the branch, she heard a sound.
She heard footsteps breaking the ice in the snow, heading toward her. He was making his way toward the white fence at the edge of the building, right against the road. Normally she would have ignored this person and stayed on her branch faraway from human contact, but this figure had something with him. He trudged(吃力地走) toward the white fence carrying a case. The figure reached the fence, opened the case and took out a shiny object.[来源
She took her eyes off this figure only long enough to climb down the tree to get a better view of him. She reached the bottom and saw that the person had turned to face the street, sitting on the white fence that she and her friends once sat on. She stepped carefully on the ice, making her way toward him.
And then a beautiful sound of music came from the shiny object. She stopped and listened to it. She started walking towards the guy again. Just as she was about to step onto the snow banks, she slipped on the ice crashing to the ground. The figure turned around in surprise and a sudden recognition fell upon them both.The girl was hiding in the tree at deep night to ______.
A.keep herself from the cold |
B.wait for the boy to come |
C.want to be left alone |
D.seek safety from any hurt |
From the story, we can learn that ______.
A.the girl suffered a lot in her life |
B.the girl’s parents divorced because of her |
C.teachers and friends treated the girl badly |
D.the girl used to stay in the tree when feeling sad |
The underlined word “it” in the story refers to ______.
A.leaning back against the branch |
B.being alone in the world |
C.not being disturbed at night |
D.it being dark with snow around |
From the end of the story, it can be known that the girl _______.
A.knew the person |
B.knew what the object was |
C.realized her wishes |
D.would never feel alone any more |
Hi, everybody.Over the past couple months, most of the political headlines you’ve read have probably been about the government shutdown and the launch of the Affordable Care Act(平价医疗法案).And I know that many of you have rightly never been more frustrated with Washington.
But if you look beyond those headlines, there are some good things happening in our economy.And that’s been my top priority(优先考虑)since the day I walked into the Oval Office.
After decades in which the middle class was working harder and harder just to keep up, and a punishing recession(衰退)that made it worse, we made the tough choices required not just to recover from crisis, but to rebuild on a new foundation for stronger, more durable economic growth.
Five years later, we have fought our way back.Our businesses have created 7.8 million new jobs in the past 44 months. Another 200,000 Americans went back to work last month.
The American auto industry has come back with more than 350,000 new jobs –-- jobs putting out and selling the high-tech, fuel-efficient cars the world wants to buy. And they’re leading the charge in a business that has added jobs for the first time since the 1990s –-- a big reason why our businesses sell more goods and services “Made in America” than ever before.
We decided to stop our addiction to foreign oil.And today, we produce more renewable energy than ever, more natural gas than anybody, and for the first time in nearly 20 years, America now produces more oil than we buy from other countries.
We decided to fix a broken health care system.And even though the task has been rough, so far, about 500,000 Americans gain health coverage starting January 1st.And by the way, health care costs are growing at the slowest rate in 50 years.
And one more thing: since I took office, we’ve cut our deficits (赤字) by more than half.And that makes it easier to invest in the things that create jobs –-- education, research, and so on.
Imagine how much farther along we could be if both parties were working together.Think about what we could do if the few didn’t hold the economy hostage (人质) every few months, or waste time on dozens of votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act rather than try to help us fix it.
In the weeks ahead, I’ll keep talking about my plan to build a better bargain for the middle class.Good jobs.A good education.A chance to buy a home, save, and retire.And yes, the financial security of affordable health care.And I’ll look for any willing partners who want to help.
Because of your hard work and tough sacrifices over the past five years, we’re pointed in the right direction.But we’ve got more work to do to keep moving that way.And as long as I’m President, I’ll keep doing everything I can to create jobs, grow the economy, and make sure that everyone who works hard has a chance to get ahead.Thanks, and have a great weekend.Which of the following is not the reason for people’s frustration with the government?
A.The government shutdown |
B.Unemployment rate |
C.The addiction to foreign oil |
D.Cancelling the Affordable Care Act |
Why does the president mention more goods and services “Made in America”?
A.To show that American goods and services are very popular. |
B.To indicate that American people should be dependent on themselves. |
C.To show that the employment rate has been increased. |
D.To show that American auto industry enjoys high technology. |
What’s the meaning of the underlined word “repeal”?
A.put an end to | B.try hard to fix | C.make stronger | D.get accustomed to |
According to the speech, which of the following can be implied?
A.American people have every reason to feel frustrated with the government. |
B.Health care costs are growing at the slowest rate in 50 years. |
C.The president feels sorry that the economy is not moving in the right direction. |
D.Some government officials don’t agree with the president on the medical care system. |
Suppose you work in a big firm and find English very important for your job because you often deal with foreign businessmen. Now you are looking for a place where you can improve your English, especially your spoken English. Here are some advertisements(广告) about English language training from newspapers. You may find the information you need.
Global English Centre
General English in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
3-month (700 yuan), 6-month (1,200 yuan) and one-year (2,000) courses.
Choice of morning or evening classes, 3 hours per day. Mon.~Fri.
Experienced college English teachers.
Close to city centre and bus stops.
Tel: 67605272
Add: 105 Zhongshan Road, 100082
Modern Language School
Special courses in English for business, travel, banking, hotel management and office skills.
Small classes (12~16 students) on Sat. & Sun. from 2:00~5:00 p.m.
Native English teachers from Canada and USA.
Language lab and computers supplied.
3-month course: 1,050 yuan; 6-month course: 1,850 yuan.
Write or phone: Modern Language School, 675 Park Road, 100056
Tel: 67353019
The 21st Century English Training Centre
We specialize in effective teaching at all levels.
We offer morning or afternoon classes, both of which last three months and a half at a cost of 800 yuan.
We also have a six-week TOEFL preparation class during winter and summer holidays.
Entrance exams: June 1 and Dec. 1.
Only 15-minute walk from city centre.
Call 67801642 for more information.
The International House of English
Three/Six-month English courses for students of all levels at a very low cost: 60 yuan for 12 hours per week, convenient (方便的) class hours:
9:00~12:00 a.m. and 2:00~5:00 p.m.
A four-month evening programme for developing speaking skills (same cost as day classes).
Well-trained Chinese and foreign teachers with experience in teaching English as a second foreign language.
Free sightseeing and social activities.
Very close to the Central Park.
For further information call 674322308.You work from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day. Which school will you choose?
A.Global English Centre and Modern Language School. |
B.Global English Centre and The International House of English. |
C.Modern English Centre School and The 21st Century English Training Centre. |
D.The 21st Century English Training Centre and The International House of English. |
The 21st Century English Training Centre is different from the other three schools in that___.
A.its teaching quality is better |
B.it is near to the city centre |
C.its courses are more advanced |
D.it requires an entrance examination |
You will probably prefer to go to The International House of English because it________.
A.offers free sightseeing and social activities |
B.has a special course in spoken English |
C.costs less than the other schools |
D.has native English teachers |
If you take the evening programme at The International House of English, you will pay____.
A.60 yuan | B.240 yuan | C.720 yuan | D.960 yuan |
Where was I? The room was dark and quiet. My head hurt really badly. I shouted, “Help! Help! Can anybody help me?”
After a while somebody came in. The room was so dark that I couldn’t see his face clearly. The man turned on the light and said with a sharp voice, “Ah! Sweetie, do you still remember who I am?” I was shocked. Oh, my God! I cried, “You are Michael Zey, the man I charged with murder! Why are you here? You should be in prison!”
“You never thought about the result of charging a gang(犯罪团伙)leader, did you? Because of you, I was in prison for 15 years. You ruined my life!” His voice was very cold. My face was pale with fear. He was here to take revenge(报复)!
“Please, let me go! Don't hurt me! Please!” I asked him. “Dr. Calment, you are smart enough to know it is impossible. Now, I give you two choices. One is shooting your head. It is the quickest way. The other is cremation(火葬). Your husband and you will be together forever. It’s quite romantic. Don't you think?” He spoke angrily. “What? My husband? He is innocent!” I shouted at him.
Suddenly, he took hold of my head and said, “You will pay for what you have done to me.” He took out a gun from his bag.
“Help! Help! Can anybody help me?”What might have happened to the writer before the man came in?
A.She had taken his place and become a gang leader. |
B.She had come to this place to see her husband. |
C.She wanted to pay for what she had done to Michael Zey. |
D.She had been beaten terribly. |
Which of the following words can best describe how the writer felt when the story happened?
A.Surprised. | B.Terrified. | C.Amazed. | D.Puzzled. |
What does the underlined word “it” in the fourth paragraph refer to?
A.To let her go. | B.To hurt her. | C.To take revenge. | D.To stay in prison. |
Riding School:
You can start horse-riding at any age. Choose private or group lessons any weekday between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. on Saturdays). There are 10 kilometres of tracks and paths for leisurely rides across farmland and open country. You will need a riding hat.
Opening Hours: Monday through Friday:9:00 a.m. ~ 8:30p.m.
Phone: (412) 396-6754 Fax: (412) 396-6752
Sailing Club:
Our Young Sailor’s Course leads to the Stage Sailing qualification. You’ll learn how to sail safely and the course also covers sailing theory and first aid. Have fun with other course members afterwards in the clubroom. There are 10 weekly two-hour lessons (Tuesdays 6p.m.~ 8p.m.)
Opening Hours: Tuesdays: 6:00p.m.~ 8:00p.m
Phone:( 412)396-6644Fax: (412) 396-6644
Diving Centre:
Our experienced instructors offer one-month courses in deep-sea diving for beginners. There are two evening lessons a week, in which you learn to breathe underwater and use the equipment safely. You only need a swimming costume and towel. Reduced rates for couples.
Opening Hours: Monday and Friday: 6:30p.m.~ 8:30p.m
Phone: (412)396-6312Fax: (412) 396-6706
Medical Center:
The staff of the Medical Center aim to provide convenient and comprehensive medical care to students and staff of the university. The center is well equipped and the staff here are trained to deal with a broad range of medical problems. Both female and male doctors as well as nursing staff are available for consultation. Also, all kinds of medicines are sold here and are cheaper for students than other drugstores.
Opening Hours: 24 hours from Monday to Sunday
Phone: ( 412)396-6649Fax: (412) 396-6648
Watersports club:
We use a two-kilometre length of river for speedboat racing, and water-skiing. A beginners’ course consists of ten 20-minute lessons. You will learn to handle boats safely and confidently but must be able to swim. The club is in a convenient central position and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lessons all through the day.
Opening Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00a.m.~ 4:00p.m
Phone: (412)396-6899 Fax: (412) 396-6890If you want to swim and enjoy activities which are fast and a bit dangerous, you should join _______ .
A.Sailing Club | B.Riding School |
C.Watersports Club | D.Diving Centre |
If you are planning to explore the ocean depths, you should attend your lessons at_______ .
A.24 hours from Monday to Sunday |
B.Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m.~ 10:00 p.m. |
C.Tuesdays: 6:00 p.m.~ 8:00 p.m. |
D.Monday and Friday: 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:30 p.m. |
If you want to do an activity one evening a week and get a certificate in the end, you can go to _____ .
A.Sailing Club | B.Diving Centre |
C.Watersports Club | D.Riding School |