During my high school years, the most important thing was what I was wearing to the Friday night dance and who I was taking. Although college was talked about, it was the least of my worries.
When I was graduating eighth grade and starting high school, my older brother was graduating twelfth grade and going onto college. For my graduation, he gave me a card in which he wrote, “Enjoy your four years…, they go by fast.” I remember not believing him then, but looking back…, he was right. Those four years shaped who I was as a person, pushed me to my limit and encouraged me to become an adult.
However, I was so completely absorbed in my junior and senior years of high school, that when someone spoke of college I brushed it off. I wasn't ready to leave my comfort zone of having all of my closest friends together and knowing what every single day was going to be like . Studying was something I did only AFTER I nailed my half-time dance performance. I knew my parents wanted me to go to college, so I told them I would go to community college and I didn’t worry about my SAT scores.
When my senior year passed and everyone graduated and went off to their own college ,I started to wish I had done the same. My friends were living away, meeting new people, discovering new places, and I was living at home and driving to and from class every day. It seemed exactly like high school. I hated it! I thought college was supposed to be different! Why didn’t I take more time to research colleges and do the same? I ended up loving college and wishing I had four years to enjoy the campus atmosphere instead of two.
My advice to anyone thinking about attending college is to think about it very seriously and look into all of your choices well ahead of time. Now I have graduated and I am working full time and I would do anything to go back to my high school days for a second chance!
| A．He had a gift for dance.. |
| B．He wanted to go to community college |
| C．He was well prepared for the exam. |
| D．He believed his brother would help him. |
| A．buried himself in his study all the time |
| B．lived in the school except on holidays |
| C．enjoyed talking about future college life |
| D．drove to and from class every day |
| A．He advised the author to value the years. |
| B．He encouraged the author to leave his comfort zone. |
| C．He wished the author to have more dance. |
| D．He suggested the author aim at a community college. |
| A．Lonely | B．regretful | C．angry | D．pleased |
Application Form
Before an applicant can be invited to take part in an assessment, an application form should be returned to the Admissions Office, and the application fee of HK$1,000 cannot be returned. For overseas applicants wishing to pay in currencies other than HK dollars, the fee is US$145. Checks are also good for payment to “Chinese International School”.
The application should include:
※ Applicants’ academic report from the last school year.
※ A recent passport-sized photo (attached to the application form).
※A copy of the applicant’s Hong Kong ID card or a passport showing a valid Hong Kong visa.
※ Only for applicants applying under a Corporate Nomination(提名) Right: A company letter confirming the nomination.
Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. Applicants who would like to re-apply for another academic year are asked to submit a new application and application fee.
Acceptance
Applicants will be informed of their acceptance status in writing by postal mail. Initial(最初的) offers for Reception will be sent out from late March once all assessments have been completed.
Some applicants who have been assessed may be held on a reserve list. Acceptances may also be made on a conditional basis among the applicants on the reserve list.
Applicants who have been assessed but who have not been admitted are welcome to reapply for the next academic year. Please note that such applicants will be asked to submit a new application and application fee.
Confirmation of Acceptance and Enrollment(录取)
Once an applicant has been admitted, the applicant family will be asked to confirm acceptance and hold the student’s place with immediate payment of the required fees for the Nomination Right (HK$ 500), plus the sum of HK$ 7,500 as the first tuition (学费) payment.
In addition, enrollment will not be considered complete until the following have been received, normally one month before the start of the new school year:
※ Physical examination results
※ Tuition (first month) According to the passage, if the applicants reapply for an academic year,.
| A．a new application and application fee are to be required |
| B．applicants on a reserve list needn’t be assessed |
| C．the application fee can be reduced to a half |
| D．the initial application form should be returned to the Admissions Office |
. Which of the following is true?
| A．Once applicants are refused, they can’t apply for it again |
| B．Applicants held on a reserve list will not be admitted |
| C．Applicants don’t have to get a company letter to confirm their application |
| D．The applicants should show either a Hong Kong visa or a Hong Kong ID card |
. According to the Application Process, the first tuition payment is ______.
| A．HK$ 500. | B．HK$7, 500. | C．HK$1, 000. | D．US$ 145. |
. If an applicant has been admitted, the applicant family .
| A．will be asked to submit a new application |
| B．will receive physical Examination results |
| C．will be asked to only pay the first month fee |
| D．will be asked to confirm acceptance and pay the fees |
Homelessness is a huge problem all over the world. It’s said that each day there are about 1 million people living on the streets in the US. It is a serious problem which should be dealt with effectively.
There are two main reasons for people leaving their homes: poverty and less affordable houses due to bad economic conditions. Other reasons include: domestic violence, divorce, and mental illness. Living without a home makes people main targets of violence activities and besides, these homeless people have to face the following difficulties on a daily basis.
They have to move about, carrying their belongings, which makes it difficult for the charity and the government to help them. They have limited access to bathrooms and restrooms and are forced to live in dirty conditions, making them easy to be attacked by diseases. They have limited access to health-care facilities in case of emergency, and almost no access to education as they have no money. They are often ill-treated by society, which makes them unfriendly, often ending up being involved in activities connected with crime like selling drugs or guns.
Homelessness is not something that happened overnight --- it has been in the country for decades. The society usually believes those living on the street to be mentally unstable. This belief is partially true. Most of them are normal people just like you and me.
The federal government is doing all it can to help but it is not enough, so the ordinary citizens have to stand up and try to help whenever it’s possible. There are various organizations, such as charity organizations that are working constantly to make sure that homeless people find a shelter to live in. the united efforts have helped millions of people return to their normal lifestyle. However, there is still a long way to go before a better situation is created for all the homeless.How many reasons are mentioned for people having no home to live in?
| A．Five | B．Four | C．Three | D．Two |
The homeless are usually treated as __________.
| A．a danger to society |
| B．having mental problems |
| C．physically disabled people |
| D．being too lazy to do anything |
Which of the following are mentioned to help solve the problem of the homeless?
① the government② homeless people ③ charity organizations ④ the ordinary citizens
| A．①②③ | B．①②④ | C．①③④ | D．②③④ |
What can we learn from the passage?
| A．Most homeless people died of hunger and cold. |
| B．The homeless should work hard to change their own situation. |
| C．The homeless people have nothing to take when they move about. |
| D．The homeless problem is a serious problem that need solving effectively. |
Winter is a very special time in Northern Norway. Winter also means skiing, and Narvik can offer some of the best skiing in Norway. The view and light change frequently and no two days are the same. For many people, the northern lights are an unforgettable sight, and in Narvik the sky is especially clear and great for watching at night.
The tourist season lasts from February to April, although May can be fascinating too, often with fantastic dry snow and an unbelievable light lasting well into the evening.
Ski hire
It is possible for adults and children to hire skiing equipment such as snowboards. All equipment is prepared for us. If you would like to book your equipment, please email Narvikfjellet.
Cross-country skiing
There are 12 kilometers of cross country ski run in Narvik. You need to bring your own skis as there is no cross-country hire. However, equipment can be bought at local sports shops in and around Narvik.
Off-piste skiing（非场地滑雪）
In order to explore Narvik’s off-piste opportunities you need to know the dangers when choosing routes. It is suggested that you bring necessary equipment such as a shovel（雪铲）and a GPS locator. Ask Narvikfjellet for an experienced guide. With a guide you can explore Narvik’s special off-piste areas in a safe manner.
Sometimes it is nice to do something different and not everybody enjoys skiing. Then you can go horse-riding, or visit the local museums.
Price examples for the 2012--2013 season
| Time |
Children(8-15years) |
Adults |
| 1 day |
NOK 230 |
NOK 325 |
| 3 days |
NOK 590 |
NOK 835 |
| 5 days |
NOK 815 |
NOK 1,170 |
| 7 days |
NOK 970 |
NOK 1,375 |
| Children 0-7 years can enjoy the service for free |
In Northern Norway, the tourist season may last ______.
| A．one month | B．two months | C．three months | D．four months |
What can we know from the passage?
| A．You can book skiing equipment through the Internet. |
| B．You are provided with skiing equipment for free. |
| C．Narvik is located in the south of Norway. |
| D．Narvik is open to adults and children over eight. |
When you go off-piste skiing, the following are a must EXCEPT ______.
| A．a shovel | B．a horse | C．a guide | D．a GPS locator |
If Mr. and Mrs. Smith stay in Narvik with their six-year-old daughter for three days in 2012,they should pay ______.
| A．NOK 1,160 | B．NOK 1,425 | C．NOK 1,670 | D．NOK 2,260 |
My husband and I were once in Nepal(尼泊尔)to see sunrise over the Himalayas.
One morning we awoke to total darkness at 5 o’clock.As we rushed through a town with cameras in hand,I noticed the calm,gentle way the Nepalese people greeted the morning.One man boiled a huge pot of milk tea,and other villagers gathered around his fire,cupping their hands around small glasses of the steaming sweet mixture.It was fascinating,but not to be left behind,we joined the stream of tourists moving quickly up to the lookout point.
The top was crowded when we arrived,but after 10 minutes of cold waiting,the assembled group gave up.“The cloud cover is too heavy,”one said.Then one by one they rushed down the hill to the next item on their sightseeing list.I was disappointed as well,but suddenly I noticed a small Nepalese boy absently playing with a stick and shooting quick glances at the clouds.He must know something we don’t,I thought.I decided to wait with him.
The boy and I didn’t have to wait long.Moments later,a tiny stream of golden light burned through one thick cloud,then another.Rose-colored fog warmed the backs of the clouds,and suddenly the morning sun stole a glance around the side of the mountain,mile above where I’d expected it to be.
Nothing I’d seen before prepared me for the moment the clouds withdrew with bowed heads,and the magnificent Himalayas were revealed before,around,and above me.I sat in astonishment,not breathing,not daring to look away,certain that God had placed me here at the backdoor of Earth to show me what Heaven really looks like.I certainly got the message.Never again will I rush a sunrise.I now know Nature will supply her fruits to me only when I am truly ready to receive them.What does “It” in Paragraph 2 most probably imply?
| A．The darkness of the town in the morning. |
| B．The huge pot of milk tea boiling on the fire. |
| C．The way the local people welcomed the day. |
| D．The stream of tourists rushing to the lookout point. |
The author decided to wait with the Nepalese boy because _____.
| A．she felt kind of having faith in him |
| B．the restless tourists disappointed her |
| C．that boy was praying to the sun with a magic stick |
| D．she had nothing more to see on her sightseeing list |
What can be concluded from the passage?
| A．Do in Rome as the Romans do. |
| B．God helps those who help themselves. |
| C．Time and tide wait for no man. |
| D．Fortune rewards those having patience. |
The State Council declared Wednesday it would restart China's nuclear power program, ending the hiatus（中断）in nuclear construction since Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster last year.
China has been the most courageous country in building nuclear power, with the largest number of plants currently under construction. Nuclear power is facing a tough time in developed countries. The Japanese public is demanding the closure of all the country's nuclear power plants. China is at the forefront of nuclear power development. But it has been forced into this position.
Rapid economic development coupled with improvements in people's life both demand more electricity. It is impossible to exploit fossil resources forever as the supply of coal, oil and natural gas is limited. China has no choice but to develop nuclear power.
China must be the safest user of nuclear power. It should become a leading country in developing nuclear power technologies and increasing the world's knowledge of nuclear power.
It needs to do at least two things. First, it needs to promote safety in nuclear power plants, based on the technologies of the West. The former Soviet Union, the US and Japan all had severe nuclear accidents, proving there are risks. China should try to remove these risks.
Second, China should establish effective communication mechanisms（机制）between the government, power plants and the public. It's wrong to think the government can control every aspect of nuclear power plant construction.
The opposition to nuclear power program in developed countries has prevented them from building new plants, but they already have many. These governments are reluctant to close these plants despite strong opposition, because they cannot find better substitutes.
Nuclear power only occupies 1.8 percent of China's current electricity grid（输电网）, much lower than the proportion in many developed countries. China's nuclear power plan should introduce the advantages of the technologies of other countries and also be creative in providing security. Its space technology is not the most advanced, but its launch safety measures have proven to be among the best.
China's high-profile high-speed railway development has drawn a lot of controversy, as will the active attitude towards developing nuclear power. But China cannot just copy what the developed countries have done. The development of nuclear power must be unique to China and it must be a ground-breaking success. But now, the real test lies ahead. In the third paragraph the writer focuses on ______.
| A．the reason why China is to develop nuclear power |
| B．the difficulty China has in developing nuclear power |
| C．the measures China will take to develop nuclear power |
| D．the benefits China will have by developing nuclear power |
What attitude do people in developed countries have towards nuclear power program?
| A．Supportive. | B．Opposed. | C．Indifferent. | D．Objective. |
. If the Chinese government is to develop nuclear power, it needs to ______.
| A．copy exactly what the developed countries have done |
| B．depend entirely on domestic scientists and technologies |
| C．avoid people’s involvement in nuclear power plant construction |
| D．do everything in its power to guarantee safety in nuclear power plants |
What is the future of China’s nuclear power program according to the text?
| A．It will be unique but can hardly pass too many tests. |
| B．It will be full of controversy but carried out firmly. |
| C．It will be on a smooth way to a ground-breaking success. |
| D．It will receive much opposition from developed countries. |