I was a freshman in college when I met the Whites. They were completely different from my own family, yet I felt at home with them immediately. Jane White and I became friends at school, and her family welcomed me like a long-lost cousin.
In my family, it was always important to place blame when anything bad happened.
“Who did this? ”my mother would scream about a dirty kitchen.
“This is all your fault, Katharine, ”my father would insist when the cat got out or the dishwasher broke.
From the time we were little, my sister, brothers and I told on each other. We set a place for blame at the dinner table.
But the Whites didn’t worry about who had done what. They picked up the pieces and moved on with their lives. The beauty of this was driven home to me the summer Jane died.
In July, the White sisters and I decided to take a car trip from their home in Florida to New York. The two older sisters, Sarah and Jane, were college students, and the youngest, Amy, had recently turned sixteen. Proud of having a new driver’s license(驾照),Amy was excited about practicing her driving on the trip. She showed off her license to everyone she met.
The big sisters shared the driving of Sarah’s new car during the first part of the trip, but when they reached less crowded areas, they let Amy take over. Somewhere in South Carolina, we pulled off the highway to eat. After lunch, Amy got behind the wheel. She came to a crossroads with a stop sign. Whether she was nervous or just didn’t see the sign no one would ever know, but Amy continued into the crossroads without stopping. The driver of a large truck, unable to stop in time, ran into our car.
Jane was killed immediately.
I was slightly injured. The most difficult thing that I’ve ever done was to call the Whites to tell them about the accident and that Jane had died. Painful as it was for me to lose a good friend, I knew that it was far worse for them to lose a child.
When Mr. and Mrs. White arrived at the hospital, they found their two daughters sharing a room. Sarah had a few cuts on the head; Amy’s leg was broken. They hugged(拥抱)us all and cried tears of sadness and of joy at seeing their daughters. They wiped away the girls’ tears and made a few jokes at Amy as she learned to use her crutches(拐杖).
To both of their daughters, and especially to Amy, over and over they simply said, “We’re so glad that you’re alive. ”
I was astonished. No blame. No accusations.
Later, I asked the Whites why they never talked about the fact that Amy was driving and had run a stop sign.
Mrs. White said, “Jane’s gone, and we miss her terribly. Nothing we say or do will ever bring her back. But Amy has her whole life ahead of her. How can she lead a full and happy life if she feels we blame her for her sister’s death? ”
They were right. Amy graduated from the University of California and got married several years ago. She works as a teacher of learning-disabled students. She’s also a mother of two little girls of her own, the oldest named Jane.How did the accident occur?
| A.Amy didn’t know what to do when she saw the stop sign. |
| B.Amy didn’t slow down so their car ran into a truck. |
| C.Amy didn’t stop at a crossroads and a truck hit their car. |
| D.Amy didn’t get off the highway at a crossroads. |
The Whites did not blame Amy for Jane’s death because _____.
| A.Amy was badly injured herself and they didn’t want to add to her pain |
| B.they didn’t want to blame their children in front of others |
| C.they didn’t want Amy to feel ashamed and sorry for the rest of her life |
| D.Amy was their youngest daughter and they loved her best |
From the passage we can learn that _____.
| A.Amy has lived quite a normal life |
| B.Amy has never recovered from the shock |
| C.Amy changed her job after the accident |
| D.Amy lost her memory after the accident |
阅读理解
阅读下列四篇短文,从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑。
The vast majority of fitness trackers count your steps and are worn around the wrist, but now there’s a device that’s designed to be worn like a necklace and monitors tiny movements to improve your posture.
The Fineck device aims to address neck pain by tracking tiny movement, spotting bad habits and suggesting exercises via an accompanying app. Made from silicone(硅)and titanium(钛), Fineck monitors a wearer’s movement, balance, posture and movement thanks to sensors inside. The Mountain View California-based firm says that a high percentage of people suffer from neck pain and associated problems, probably caused by more individuals doing office jobs, which generally involve leaning over computer keyboard.
The device contains sensors, several different types of instruments to monitor movement, plus a monitor to shake. It connects to an IOS app via Bluetooth so that wearers can see their bad habits and play “neck training” games. The app warns of health risks and records a user’s activity to build up a customer personal health description. The necklace shakes to give smart advice, such as reminding wearers to sit up straight. The app also allows users to set goals, like many other wearables do. “Fineck is the first wearable device for your neck that tracks your neck activity and warn you when you are in a bad posture for too long. You can also exercise your neck with Fineck’s interactive games.” The company writes on Kickstarter. “No matter where you are and what you are doing at office, on the go, or simply just feeling bored, Fineck will bring you enriched exercise experience through motion sensing games and therapies.”
It also claims that it is “the world’s first titanium wearable device”. The metal is widely used in fashion stuff that you can wear or carry to match your clothes because it is lightweight, durable and does not tend to cause allergic(过敏的)reactions. It also offers additional features such as shaking to indicate alerts on a user’s smartphone, but it is not currently clear whether it can also be used like bands, to count steps, and so on.
The Fineck has a battery life of around seven days and takes one hour to charge. It is available to pre-order via Kickstarter from $69(£44)and is due to ship in March next year.What helps the Fineck device to deal with neck pain?
| A.An accompanying app. | B.A necklace |
| C.Computer keyboard. | D.A remote control |
Besides allowing people to set goals, the iOS app also_____.
| A.improves your posture and suggests exercises |
| B.exercise your neck and does office jobs |
| C.alerts you to health risk and records your activity |
| D.counts your steps and addresses neck pain |
Which of the following statements is true?
| A.The Fineck takes an hour to charge and is available at any time. |
| B.Movie stars like to wear necklace made of silicone to match their clothes. |
| C.The device count the steps to help wearers to see their bad habits. |
| D.Neck-ache is something caused by using computers too much. |
We can infer from the passage that the Fineck device will_____.
| A.actually not cause allergic reactions. |
| B.enrich your life by providing “neck training” games |
| C.monitor a wearer’s movement due to the material it is made of |
| D.help to correct your improper postures |
阅读理解
阅读下列四篇短文,从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑。
Previously, I heard a story about a mother who had two daughters. She loved them very much, but two girls would fight with each other from their earliest years. As they grew older, they became total strangers. They had no contact with each other when they were adults.
This caused the mother great pain. Then, later, she had an idea. She decided to write a letter to them. In this letter, she told them how much she loved them, and how she wanted them to love each other in this way. She also gave them news of herself, and some guidance on how they might live happier lives.
When the letter was ready, she wrote out one copy for each daughter, but these copies were special. Each copy contained only every second sentence of the original letter. The copy for one daughter had only the even(偶数的) sentences, and the other daughter’s copy contained only the odd sentences. Neither copy made sense on its own. Neither contained the fullness of the mother’s message.
When the two daughters received their letters, they were puzzled. If they really wanted to know what the letters said, they would have to put the two letters together, and read them as one. That meant they must approach one another again in mutual(彼此的) love and respect.
For a long time, the mother waited in vain. Both daughters tried to understand the half-letter, but they each blamed the other for not helping them. Each daughter thought she knew her mother better.
Then one day, when the mother had almost given up hope, there was a knock at the door. There they stood, together. “We’ve come home,” they said at the same time. “We’ve finally put our letters together, and we’ve come to say how much we love you, Mum.” Then she hugged them both, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, and welcomed them back home. Why did the mother give her daughters incomplete letters?
| A.She wanted to tell them her good news and bad news. |
| B.She hoped they would ask her for more information. |
| C.She hoped they would approach each other and make up. |
| D.She thought she could change their attitude towards her. |
It can be inferred from the passage that _____.
| A.love can neither be bought nor sold |
| B.faults are thick when love is thin |
| C.without respect, love can’t go far |
| D.love can help enemies become friends |
What is the best title for this passage?
| A.An Unusual Letter |
| B.A Mother’s Endless Love |
| C.Special Daughters |
| D.Deep Love from Daughters |
阅读理解
阅读下列四篇短文,从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑。
Metrorall (地铁)
Each passenger needs a farecard to enter and go out. Up to two children under age five may travel Free with a paying customer.
Farecard machines are in every station. Bring small bills because there are no change machines in the stations and farecard machines only provide up to $5 in change.
Get one ticket of unlimited Metrorall rides with a One Day Pass .Buy it from a farecard machine in Metro stations .Use it after 9:30 a,m. until closing on weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays .
Hours of service
Open: 5am Mon-Fri7 a.m Sat-Sun
Close: midnight Sun-Thur. 3 a.m Fri-Sat. nights
Last train times vary. To avoid missing the last train, please check the last train times posted in stations.
Metrobus
When paying with exact charge, the fare is $1.35. When paying with a SmarTripⓇcard, the fare is 1.25.
Fares for senior/disabled customers
Senior citizens 65 and older and disabled customers may ride for half the regular fare. On Metrorail and Metrobus, use a senior/disabled farecard or Smar/TripⓇcard. For more information about buying senior/disabled farecard, SmarTripⓇcards and passes, please visit MetroOpensDoors .com or call 202-637-7000 and 202-637-8000.
Senior citizens and disabled customers can get free guide on how to use proper Metrobus and Metrorall services by calling 202-962-1100.
Travel tips (提示)
Avoid riding during weekday rush periods –before 9:30 a.m. and between 4and 6p.m.
If you lose something on a bus or train or in a station, please call Lost &Found at 202-962-1195.At what time does Metroarll stop service on Saturday ?
| A.At midnight. | B.At 3 a.m. |
| C.At 5 a.m. | D.At 7a.m. |
What is good about a SmarTripⓇcard ?
A. It is convenient for old people.
B. It saves money for its users
C It can be bought at any train
D. It is sold on the InternetWhich number should you call if you lose something on the Metro?
| A.202-962-1195 | B.202-962-1100 |
| C.202-637-7000 | D.202-637-8000 |
What should you know about farecard machines?
| A.They start selling tickets at 9:30 a.m. |
| B.They are connected(连接) to change machines. |
| C.They offer(提供) special service to the elderly(老人). |
| D.They make change for no more than(仅仅) $5. |
阅读理解
阅读下列四篇短文,从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑。
Scottish pupils recently were part of a new scheme that allowed them to take their exams online. Those examinations provided a glimpse of the future in May when 120 candidates in 10 centers in Scotland sat in front of computers to take a multiple-choice online exam. Although candidates were using a computer mouse instead of a pen, in all other ways the exam was the same as normal.
Exam rooms were set out to ensure that only the candidates and the teachers were able to see the individual screens. The online answers were sent directly to a safe area. According to the students at St Ninian’s in East Renfrewshire who took an online French exam, it was definitely the most motivated they had ever felt when taking an exam.
“I could go as fast as I wanted to, rather than as slow as everyone else wanted to,” said one. “It was better than looking back and forth between the questions,” said another. One pupil even described it as fun.
Their head teacher, Dorothy Graham, was not so surprised, “They are so used to doing things on computers that it seems natural for them. The boys liked it because they didn’t have to worry about how neat their work was.” The only things that worried her were power cuts and systems’ crashing.
It’s thought that online exams could be the norm (常态) in about five years. However, last year there were warnings about computerizing exams in England and Wales. It’s thought that it could be unfair to some students if they come from homes without access to a computer. In the first paragraph the underlined word “candidates” probably means _________.
| A.teachers who are supposed to prepare the test |
| B.people who grade the students’ papers |
| C.teachers who oversee the students in the exam rooms |
| D.pupils who take the online exam |
Pupils who take this kind of exam _________.
| A.do not need to write the answers down |
| B.must write the answers clearly with a mouse |
| C.have to answer the questions very quickly |
| D.can answer the questions for as long as they like |
Why do people think it is unfair to some students without computers at home?
| A.Because they are not able to take the exam at home. |
| B.Because they can’t be allowed to take the exams if they don’t have computers at home. |
| C.Because they can’t operate computers as well as those who have computers at home. |
| D.Because they are worried about how neat their work is. |
According to the head teacher, pupils won’t be able to take the exam if _________.
| A.they don’t have a computer at home |
| B.the computer system breaks down |
| C.the teacher sees individual screen |
| D.they take pens into the exam rooms |
We can learn from the passage that it is mainly about ________.
| A.computers in modern schools |
| B.taking exams online |
| C.testing computers in classroom |
| D.taking a multiple-choice exam |
阅读理解
阅读下列四篇短文,从每小题后所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该选项涂黑。
Let’s face the facts. On most occasions, some things may seem impossible, but in every impossibility, there is possibility. Impossible situations don’t last forever. While it might be impossible for one, it could still be possible for another. In a word, everything is possible.
Someone once said, “Success belongs to those who can look at challenges offered by the world as an inspiration.” So your challenges are golden opportunities for success. How can there be wonders if there are no difficulties? You need challenges to show your ability and success comes from the problems you face. Those who refuse to give in come out smiling.
Robert X. Perez once said, “The seeds of success spring from failure’s ashes; failure is not defeat and it just directs you in the right direction. To fail is to understand what you should not do. Remember it and don’t give up until your goal is achieved.”
What should you do when you face difficulties? Jasbeen says, “Yeah, life is difficult, but you shouldn’t give up. You should have a positive and calm attitude towards all your difficulties and make the best of them. You may learn something new. You can accept failure and develop mental toughness. Mental toughness is to see the long-term pains rather than be put off by short-term pains. Once you have this toughness, you have an advantage of winning.”
The only thing in life you ever really regret is the chances you didn’t take. You will only regret when you are faced with the consequences of not taking chances and seizing the moment. Take every chance you can!
Everything you’ve done in life may be good or bad, but no matter what you may do, you must try your best. You must do something meaningful and do it right now.Paragraph 3 mainly tells us that _________.
| A.what failure means |
| B.failure often happens |
| C.failure can help you achieve success |
| D.how to achieve one’s goal |
When faced with difficulties we are advised to _________.
| A.be optimistic and learn to see the long-term pains |
| B.know that each difficulty is a short-term pain and try to avoid it |
| C.think of the difficult life others may have |
| D.find out your own advantages and be strong |
Which of the following is true according to the author?
| A.We should try to make the most of every chance. |
| B.We should create more problems for your success. |
| C.Those who always have difficulties are more successful. |
| D.There are no impossible situations for anyone in the world. |
The passage is mainly about _________.
| A.how to face challenges |
| B.how to be successful |
| C.how to hold the hold the chances in life |
| D.how to turn impossibilities into possibilities |
We are most likely to find the passage in _________.
| A.an advertisement for customers |
| B.a story for young children |
| C.a speech for young students |
| D.a guide for those competitors |