As we grow old, we realize that we have so little time to read and there are so many great books that we’ve yet to get around to. Yet re-readers are everywhere around us. For certain fans, re-reading The Lord of the Rings is a conventional practice annually. One friend told me that Jane Austen’s Emma can still surprise him, despite his having read it over 50 times.
New sudden clear understandings can be gained from the process of re-reading. Journalist Rebacca Mead, a long-time Englishwoman in New York, first came across George Eliot’s Middlemarch at 17. Since then, she has read it again every five years. With each re-reading, it has opened up further; in each chapter of her life, it has resonated (引起共鸣) differently. Mead evidenced the large number of ways in which really good books not only stand the test of repeat reads, but also offer fresh gifts each time we crack their spines. These kinds of books grow with us.
Scientists have also recognized the mental health benefits of re-reading. Research conducted with readers in the US found that on our first reading, we are concerned with the “what” and the “why”. Second time round, we’re able to better appreciate the emotions that the plot continues to express. As researcher Cristel Russell of the American University explained, returning to a book “brings new or renewed appreciation of both the great book and its readers.”
It’s true that we often find former selves on the pages of old books (if we’re fond of making notes on the pages). These texts can carry us back to a time and place, and remind us of the kind of person that we were then. We’re changed not only by lived experience but also by read experience – by the books that we’ve discovered since last reading the one in our hand.
More so than the movie director or the musician, the writer calls upon our imaginations, using words to lead us to picture this declaration of love or that unfaithfulness in life. A book is a joint project between writers and readers, and we must pour so much of ourselves into reading that our own life story can become connected with the story in the book.
Perhaps what’s really strange is that we don’t re-read more often. After all, we watch our favourite films again and we wouldn’t think of listening to an album only once. We treasure messy old paintings as objects, yet of all art forms, literature alone is a largely one-time delight. A book, of course, takes up more time, but as Mead confirms, the rewards make it adequately worthwhile.The two books are mentioned in Paragraph 1 mainly to __________.
| A．attract the attention of readers |
| B．introduce the topic of the passage |
| C．provide some background information |
| D．show the similarity between re-readers |
The underlined expression “crack their spines” in Paragraph 2 refers to ________.
| A．recite them | B．re-read them |
| C．recall them | D．retell them |
It can be learned from the passage that __________.
| A．reading benefits people both mentally and physically |
| B．readers mainly focus on feelings on their first reading |
| C．we know ourselves better through re-reading experience |
| D．writers inspire the same imaginations as film directors do |
The purpose of the passage is to __________.
| A．call on different understandings of old books |
| B．focus on the mental health benefits of reading |
| C．bring awareness to the significance of re-reading |
| D．introduce the effective ways of re-reading old books |
In all one’s lifetime it is oneself that one spends the most time being with or dealing with. But it is exactly oneself that one has the least understanding of.
When you are going upwards in life you tend to overestimate yourself. It seems that everything you seek for is within your reach. When you are going downhill you tend to underestimate yourself, mistaking difficulties for your own incompetence.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself is to gain a correct view of oneself-aware of both one’s strengths and shortages. You may look forward hopefully to the future but be sure not to expect too much, for ideals can never be fully realized. You may be courageous to meet challenges but it should be clear to you where to direct your efforts. That’s to say so long as you have a perfect knowledge of yourself there won’t be difficulties you can’t overcome.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself needs self-appreciation. Whether you think you are a towering tree or a blade of grass, a high mountain or a small stone, you represent a state of nature that has its own value. If you earnestly admire yourself you’ll have a real sense of self-appreciation, which will give you confidence. As soon as you gain full confidence in yourself, you’ll be enabled to fight and overcome any adversity.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself also requires doing oneself a favor when it’s needed. In time of sadness, do yourself a favor by sharing it with your friends so as to change a gloomy mood into a cheerful one; in time of tiredness, do yourself a favor by getting a good sleep. As you are aware, what a person physically has is but a human body that’s vulnerable when exposed to the elements. So if you fall ill, it’s up to you to take a good care of yourself.
In a word, to get a thorough understanding of oneself is to get a full control of one’s life. Then one will find one’s life full of color and flavor. What is described in Paragraph 2 is to show that .
| A．a person is easy to estimate himself too high when succeeding |
| B．it is difficult for one to have a perfect knowledge of oneself |
| C．you should keep up high spirits whatever difficulties you meet |
| D．it is essential that a person get a thorough understanding of himself |
Remember not to expect too much of yourself when looking forward to the future because .
| A．your shortages might stop you succeeding |
| B．ideals can never be turned into realities |
| C．you are likely to lack enough courage |
| D．you haven’t understood yourself quite well |
Having a real sense of self-appreciation can enable one .
| A．to realize one’s shortages | B．not to be too proud |
| C．to gain enough self-confidence | D．not to go downhill |
If this passage is divided into three parts, the second part should consist of .
| A．Paragraph 2 and Paragraph 3 | B．Paragraph 2 to Paragraph 5 |
| C．Paragraph 3 to Paragraph 5 | D．Paragraph 4 and Paragraph 5 |
MIANYANG—At a corner of the city’s Jiuzhou Stadium, one of the biggest camps set up for those left homeless in the earthquake, 62-year-old Liu Yaorong was leaning against a window on Thursday.
Pointing to a quilt and clothes he received from the local government, he said: “These are all I have. My home collapsed in the quake, and everything in the town was flooded.”
He used to live in Xuanping town of Beichuan county which was destroyed by the quake. Adding to his misery, rivers blocked by landslides(山崩) led to flooding in the town.
But Liu said he was lucky because he was healthy, otherwise he would not have the energy to walk 10 hours on damaged and dangerous mountainous roads to escape the flood on Monday. He said the trip used to take him about 90 minutes when the roads were in good condition.
The journey was difficult and “rocks kept falling,” he said, showing injured legs and black, split toenails.
Liu said his three sons were working in eastern cities as migrant workers.
“I’ve been living alone in the mountains for more than 20 years. My wife died 30 years ago,” he said in a low voice.
During his journey to Mianyang, Liu said he saw many elderly people who chose to stay.
“Soldiers were persuading them to leave for fear of floods,” he said.
Talking about his home before the quake struck, Liu’s mood lifted. “I raised pigs and chickens, and grew vegetables. I could have rice, meat and greens almost every day,” he said.
“But now, I have only biscuits and instant noodles.”
Liu said one of his sons returned home from Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, after the quake, but left because the father refused to go with him.
“I don’t want to leave home. And I know it is difficult for them out there. How could I add to their burden?” he asked, his eyes red.
“I still want to go back to my home. Given a small piece of land, I could live by myself.”
It is learnt that resettlement plans for displaced people have not been finalized.
However, not every elderly person is as strong-willed as Liu.
Psychologists said the elderly need as much comfort as children. Lu Jianguo, a psychologist from Chengdu Medical College, said “We will first let them cry and tell their stories, and then help them regain confidence.”Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
| A．Liu Yaorong spent 8.5 hours more than usual covering the roads in escaping the flood. |
| B．The flood was followed by an earthquake in Xuanping in the same day. |
| C．Liu Yaorong was in time to escape the quake without being hurt. |
| D．Being healthy, Liu Yaorong was the only old man to escape the flood. |
The underlined word “ misery ”in the third paragraph most probably means “”.
| A．happiness | B．fortune | C．puzzle | D．suffering |
What’s Liu Yaorong’s attitude towards self-relief after the earthquake?
| A．Positive. | B．Negative. | C．Aggressive. | D．Dependent. |
What would be the best title for the news report?
| A．Elderly react more quickly to flood disaster |
| B．Elderly try hard to deal with quake disaster |
| C．Elderly prefer to stay at their own home |
| D．Elderly are well cared for by government |
Rafting the GRAND CANYON Welcomes You!
If you are looking for an exciting, fun and challenging white water tour, Rafting(筏运) the GRAND CANYON is here to help you plan the right tour for you. Whether you want to travel for two days or ten, hike in or not, go on an oar(船桨) boat or motorboat, through Class 3 or 6 water, we will help you find the trip that meets your needs.
For those who will be vacationing in the off-season, a rafting trip on the Native American Red River is available or a one-day trip is available on the Colorado River from Diamond Creek to Pierce Ferry.
Most of the trips depart from Lees Ferry, Arizona. We offer partial trips which allow you to get on or off at Phantom Ranch located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim. You can have a hike, and with proper planning the mule(骡子) ride up or down is also an option. Most trips occur between April and October.
Since all rafting on the Colorado requires a permit, planning and reserving your trip requires reservations well in advance. Please let us know when you would like to go and we will contact all the river concessionaires(特许权获得者) to help you find the best trip for you.
To talk to us or to make a reservation, call us toll free:
1-800-222-6966
or 702-655-6060
If you have any questions regarding a trip, please CLICK HERE to fill out our form. This will speed up the process of getting you accurate information regarding that trip.
If you would like to send us an email about something other than an upcoming trip you can contact us at info@raftingthegrandcanyon.com.
We look forward to helping you plan your trip!
(Please NO Travel Agents.)If you want to enjoy rafting, you can travel .
| A．both in the off-season and the busy season |
| B．only in the off-season |
| C．only in the busy season |
| D．only between April and October |
All the following activities are recommended EXCEPT .
| A．hiking | B．swimming | C．rowing a boat | D．animal riding |
Which of the following is most likely to be a customer of Rafting the Grand Canyon?
| A．Travel agents. |
| B．River concessionaires. |
| C．A couple who are planning their honeymoon. |
| D．An athlete who wants to have a rest after an injury. |
It is reasonable to say that every teenager can be affected by peer pressure (从众心理) at some point. Every day, in any high school, peer pressure has a major influence over the behavior of teenagers. It can be as subtle (微妙的) as being persuaded to be late for class or as extreme as a dangerous drug. Whether subtle or extreme, peer pressure can have damaging, sometimes life changing, and even serious results.
“Teens don’t often consider the long-term results that some behavior can cause,” said Terri Price, a researcher. “Peer pressure can be very difficult to handle for many teens because of their fears of not fitting in”. Peer pressure has always been part of teen life, but teens experience it differently than their former generations did in the past. Sources of peer pressure have increased because of the Internet and other electronic communications.
Recognizing peer pressure can be as simple as noticing that you have been asked to do something that you are not comfortable with. “Listen to your instinct （直觉） , which is a sign for whether something is right or wrong. If it feels wrong, then most likely it is. ”says Price.
Teens are in a time of life when they are still discovering who they are. Many teens are influenced by peer pressure because of their insecurities (不安全感). This can make them helpless especially when their self-control is weak or they lack healthy support, causing them to take risky behavior or turn to unhealthy support.
Dealing with peer pressure is a topic of concern for teens. People can say, “Just say no,” but the truth is that the statement is easier said than done.The underlined word “it” in Paragraph 2 refers to .
| A．the Internet | B．teen life |
| C．peer pressure | D．the fear of not fitting in |
You can know whether a teen suffers peer pressure by watching .
| A．whether he often surfs the Internet | B．whether he can get security |
| C．whether it is subtle or extreme | D．whether he feels comfortable with it |
Why are teens easily influenced by peer pressure?
| A．Because they don’t have the feeling of safety. |
| B．Because they are afraid of fitting in or being accepted. |
| C．Because they need support for their health. |
| D．Because they have nobody to turn to when in trouble. |
According to the passage, we can know that dealing with peer pressure is
| A．easy | B．hard | C．a new topic | D．an impossible task |
Think about what you had for lunch: Was it a hamburger? A chicken sandwich? Barbecue? What about vegetables? Would it surprise you to learn that what you eat can affect the whole planet?
It can—in a big way. New studies show how food and its production affect the globe and its warming climate. You’ve probably heard of global warming : The temperature is on the rise because humankind has been releasing (排放) amounts of gases into the atmosphere. One of these greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide（二氧化碳）.
What does this have to do with food ? A big part of the carbon dioxide that we put in the atmosphere every year comes from the process of making and eating food. The production of meat contributes a lot of that carbon diode. And much of meat’s contribution comes from beef , which is responsible for releasing even more warming gases into the atmosphere.
The process of making a hamburger ,for example, requires a lot of energy. A cow has to be fed and raised on farmland, and cow waste is a major source of methane (沼气) — an especially powerful greenhouse gas. The cow has to be killed. The meat has to be processed (加工) and shipped to a shop, which takes fuel . Most of the cow won’t even be used for meat that people eat. By the time a hamburger finally lands on a dinner plate, it has made a heavy effect on the environment.
We can reduce the production of global-warming gases by eating less beef .Other kinds of meat like pork and chicken do less harm to the environment—at least in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases released.
All kinds of meat are harder on the planet than vegetables. To grow and eat a pound of potatoes, for example, sends less than one-quarter pound of carbon dioxide into the air. So changing our diet to less meat and more vegetables, as it turns out, may do the world some good.The questions asked in the first paragraph are used to _____.
| A．show the author’s concern about food safety |
| B．express the author’s puzzlement at what to eat |
| C．remind readers of something delicious to eat |
| D．introduce the topic to be discussed in the passage |
What is the bad news for meat-eaters?
| A．Meat producing can cause global warming |
| B．Most cows are raised not for people to eat |
| C．There is a lot of carbon dioxide in meat |
| D．Animals begin to die off because of global warming |
Which is the most environment-friendly food according to the passage?
| A．Beef | B．Carrot | C．Pork | D．Chicken |
The author wrote the passage in order to _____.
| A．explain the importance of eating meat | B．advise people to keep a balanced diet |
| C．encourage people to choose a greener diet | D．introduce some healthy foods to people |