I have happy memories of trips to Europe, but my trip to Romania (罗马尼亚) was unique. When I was there as recalled, it was like being in a “James Bond” movie. My husband was born there, but his family sent him to study in Italy. Before he left, his mother told him, “As long as I write in pencil, don’t come back. When I write to you in pen, it’s safe to return.” But she never wrote in pen.
My husband lived a poor life in Italy. He applied to go to America, but there was a limit in number and he was rejected. He was accepted by Canada, though, and from Calgary he jumped onto a train to San Francisco. There he stayed —illegally. He became a US citizen when we got married. By then he was a charming European with a Romanian accent and the manners of a prince.
With seven years’ experience in America, a US passport, and two children later, he felt it was safe to visit Romania. He hadn’t seen his mother, two sisters, and two brothers since he was sixteen. We flew to Munich, Germany; picked up the German-made car we had purchased in the States; and drove to Romania via Austria and Hungary. When we reached Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, his family was waiting outside his sister’s house to greet us. After a long time of hugging, kissing, and crying, his family also hugged me, the American wife with two young children. They had great interest in me. Few Americans visited Romania at that time, and most Romanians had little chance to travel. I had brought an English-Romanian dictionary with me and managed to communicate, using only nouns, with no verbs. My Romanian improved, and the family’s stock of English words increased, but mostly I spoke in broken, New York-accented Romanian. The sisters loved their gifts of skirts and purses, the brothers loved the radios, and the children loved the candy. We made side trips to the Black Sea and enjoyed sightseeing in beautiful mountains. Dining at outdoor cafes to the music of violins was fantastic with fancy flavor, but nothing was as special as family dinners.
Romania didn’t have many dry cleaners. Most homes had old-fashioned washing machines but no dryers, and it was a hot summer. My husband’s relatives didn’t want to risk dirtying their clothes. Their solution was as simple as it was shocking: the women only wore their bras(胸罩) and slips (衬裙) at dinner table. The men were eating without shirts. They all had jobs, so time was precious. Having dinner without proper clothes was a small inconvenience compared with the effort of washing clothes —at least in my husband’s home, perhaps all across Romania. I, of course, having just met them, ate fully clothed. I washed my clothes by hand and hung them outdoors to dry.
On the last night of our three-week stay, we had a large family dinner. I was tired of washing my clothes. So I pulled my dress over my head and placed it on the chair behind me. All men and women applauded for my action. Even with my poor Romanian, I understood that they were saying, “She’s part of our family now.”
My children were 4 and 5 at the time, but they still have memories of that trip. They know how to say, “Good morning.” and “There are apricots (杏子) on the tree.” I can still say, “Do you speak Romanian?” and “I swim in the Black Sea.” But most of all, I remember sitting at a long dining-room table in my bra, enjoying meatballs with fresh garlic (大蒜).From Para.1, we learn that ________.
| A.a trip to Europe would be dangerous |
| B.the mother didn’t want to see her son |
| C.Romania might be unsafe at that time |
| D.the mother didn’t like to write in pen |
The writer’s husband became an American citizen through ________.
| A.experiences | B.application |
| C.illegal stay | D.marriage |
What made the writer feel special about the family dinner in Romania?
| A.The way people dressed . |
| B.The way people spoke. |
| C.The fantastic violin music. |
| D.The fancy food flavor. |
The writer was completely accepted by her husband’s family when ________.
| A.she offered gifts to the whole family |
| B.she spoke her husband’s language |
| C.she washed all the clothes by hand |
| D.she had dinner in bra like other ladies |
The writer shared her story to say ________.
| A.“East or west, home is the best” |
| B.“When in Rome do as the Romans do” |
| C.“Marry a dog and follow the dog forever” |
| D.“The course of true love never runs smooth” |
One of the most famous nursery rhymes(摇篮曲) in the English language is Mary Had a Little Lamb(羔羊).It has touched many children who have read it. It is about the deep love between a young girl and her pet lamb. The poem is from a true story that happened in the early part of the 19th century in the town of Sterling, Massachusetts, in the USA.
Mary Sawyer (1806-1889) lived on a farm with her family.One day, when she was about nine years old, she saw a little lamb that had just been born and left behind by its mother. It was very weak and looked as if it would die at very moment.Mary took pity on the lamb and spent the whole night looking after it.Eventually, it grew strong and became a very close friend with Mary, following her everywhere she went.
One day, the lamb even followed Mary to school.At first she wanted to turn it back but her brother suggested that it would be fun to take the lamb to school.During the class, she hid the lamb under her desk.But when she was called to go to the front of the class, to her surprise, the lamb followed her.Though the students and the teacher thought it was funny to see a lamb at school, the teacher had to ask Mary to keep the lamb outside of the school.
That very day, a young man called John Roulstone was visiting Mary’s school. He was so moved by the love between the child and her little pet lamb that he wrote a poem which he handed to Mary the next day. His poem contained twelve lines.
Later, Sara Josepha Hale added another twelve lines to the poem and published it in 1930 under the title “Mary Had a Little Lamb”. The poem has become a classic, loved by children all over the world. The appeal (吸引力) of the poem lies not only in the funny idea of a sheep going to school but also in the true love between the little girl and her pet. The town of Sterling has honoured Mary’s lamb by building a statue (雕像) of the lamb with Mr Roulstone’s poem below the statue.What is the best title for the passage?
| A.Mary Had a Little Lamb |
| B. The Life of Mary Sawyer |
| C.The Origin(起源) of a Poem |
| D.An Animal Friend |
The underlined word “eventually” in the second paragraph most probably means .
| A.gradually | B.finally |
| C.fortunately | D.kindly |
Why did the poem become a classic?
| A.It had another twelve lines added. |
| B.It was written by a young man. |
| C.It describes the true love between a little girl and her pet lamb. |
| D.A statue of lamb was built in the town of Sterling. |
Which could be the right order of the following events according to the passage?
a.The poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb” became popular.
b.Mary’s brother suggested that she take the lamb to school.
c.People built a statue to honor the lamb.
d.Mary found a little lamb.
e.A young man was moved by the story and wrote a poem.
| A. d. b. e. a. c |
| B. d. e. b. a. c |
| C. d. e. b. c. a |
| D. d. b. e. c. a |
Which of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?
| A.Mary’s mother was also fond of the little lamb. |
| B.Mary wrote to John Roulstone and asked him to write the poem. |
| C.All children were allowed to take their pets to school in America. |
| D.Mary and the little lamb developed a very close friendship. |
Marie Claire Magazine is one of the top women’s health, beauty and fashion magazines in the world. It has over 14 million readers all over the world. Maire Magazine is published in 32 countries including France, the Untied States, Australia, China, the United Kingdom, Russia, Spain, Italy and many other nations.
Marie Claire Magazine has stood by its motto “More than a Pretty Face” since Jean Prouvost created it in France in 1937. It was soon released(发售) every Wednesday and was an immediate success. Unfortunately, because of World WarⅡ, it stopped printing in 1940. But it began again in 1954 as a monthly publication instead of a weekly one.
The magazine has provided women throughout the world with information on health, struggles and life stories of women. The magazine also focuses on current affairs all women would be interested in. It also has a part that specifically answers readers’ questions.
The magazine discusses all of the latest and hottest things in clothing and accessories(首饰). It also provides its readers with shopping information to help find the best deals for the latest fashions.
The cover of Marie Claire Magazine has been graced(使增光) by many famous faces. Although it is aimed at women, it broke new ground in 2003. The US publication featured a man—Tom Cruise on its cover for the first time. Marie Claire Magazine has continued to be a pioneer in the magazine industry.
When was Marie Claire Magazine created?
| A.In 2003. | B.In 1937. |
| C.In 1954. | D.In 1940. |
Marie Claire Magazine includes sections(栏目) on _________.
①information on health
②clothing and accessories
③readers’ questions
④women’s struggles and life stories
⑤babies
⑥current affairs
⑦shopping information
⑧first aid
| A.①②③④⑤⑥ | B.①②③⑥⑦⑧ |
| C.①②③④⑥⑦ | D.①②④⑥⑦⑧ |
According to the passage, Marie Claire Magazine _________.
| A.provides information for women throughout the world |
| B.has been a monthly magazine since 1937 |
| C.never has men’s faces on its cover |
| D.pays little attention to readers’ responses |
What do we know about Marie Claire Magazine?
| A.It stopped printing for about 16 years because of World WarⅡ. |
| B.It has over 14 million readers in France, the Untied States and Australia. |
| C.It has more readers than any other magazine of the same kind. |
| D.It was released once a week and succeeded immediately at the beginning. |
Good health is the most valuable thing a person can have but one cannot take good health for granted. It is important to remember that the body needs proper care in order to be healthy. There are three things that a person can do to help stay healthy, eating right food, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.
Proper nutrition(营养) is important for good health. Your body cannot work well unless it receives the proper kind “fuel”. Don’t eat too much food with lots of sugar and fat. Eat plenty of foods high in protein(蛋白质), like meat, fish, eggs and nuts. Vegetables and fruits are very important because they provide necessary vitamins and minerals. However, don’t overeat. It is not helpful to be overweight.
Getting the proper amount of sleep is also important. If you don’t get enough sleep, you feel tired and easily get angry. You have no energy. Over a long period of time a little amount of sleep may even result in a change of personality(人的个性). Be sure to allow yourself from seven to nine hours of sleep each day. If you do, your body will feel strong and refreshed, and your mind will be sharp.
Finally, get plenty of exercise. Exercise makes the body stronger, strengthens the muscles(肌肉), and prevents you from gaining weight. It also improves your heart and lungs. If you follow a regular exercise program, you will probably increase your life-span(寿命). Any kind of exercise is good. Most sports are good for keeping the body in good shape: basketball, swimming, bicycling, running and so on. Sports are not only good for your body, but they are enjoyable and interesting, too.
If everybody were to eat the right foods, get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly, the world would be a happier and healthier place. We would all live to be much older and wiser.In order to keep good health, _________.
| A.we should eat much sugar and fat |
| B.we need a large amount of meat |
| C.we should take in proper nutrition |
| D.we must overeat vegetables and fruits |
Eating more and sleeping less _________.
| A.makes us healthier |
| B.helps keep our personality |
| C.gets us more energy |
| D.does harm to our health |
In the 4th paragraph, the writer wants to tell us _________.
| A.how we can strengthen our muscles |
| B.how important for us to take exercise |
| C.how we can increase your life-span |
| D.how enjoyable and interesting sports are |
The best title for the article should be “_________”.
| A.Eating and Exercising | B.Exercising Regularly |
| C.Staying Healthy | D.Sleeping Enough |
With so many places of interest, world-famous museums and tall buildings, there is always plenty to do in New York. However, sightseeing in New York City might not be the easiest or the cheapest experience.
This is why our team of real, life-long New Yorkers have created the New York Pass. If you want to find the best of what this amazing city offers as well as save time and money during your visit, the New York Pass is something you should be interested in. In 2014, New York Passes have been used over 2,500,000 times. Get your Pass today and join the big savings it offers:
| Free Tickets to More Than 70 places of interest Free Entry(进入) to best places of interest in NYC: Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Top of the Rock, Circle Line River Cruise, Madame Tussaud’s, Food & Wall Street Tours, MET, MoMA & Guggenheim Museum. |
Over $1300 worth of entrance fees(费用) That’s how much it would cost if you went sightseeing in New York and visited all the places of interest that New York Pass grants entrance to---without using the Pass. |
| Line skipping privileges(特权) As a New York Pass holder, you are entitled to fast track entry to some of New York City’s places of interest – a great benefit saving you time, so you can see even more! |
Free & Fast Collection Choice Not enough time for delivery? Opt(选定) for collection and you will be able to pick up your passes at Times Square just a few minutes after placing your order. |
| Special Offer: 15% Off(打折) 3 and 7 Day Passes Buy online & Save in New York City Offer Ends: Thu 20 Dec 2014 Available online only---in New York City you will have to pay a full price |
|
| Product |
Original(最初的) Price |
| One-day adult pass |
$85 |
| One-day child pass (age 4-12) |
$60 |
| Two-day adult pass |
$130 |
| Two-day child pass (age 4-12) |
$110 |
| Three-day adult pass |
$180 |
| Three-day child pass (age 4-12) |
$140 |
| Seven-day adult pass |
$230 |
| Seven-day child pass (age 4-12) |
$165 |
The purpose of this passage is to _________.
| A.show people tickets fee of places interest in New York |
| B.explain something about New York Pass |
| C.introduce places of interest in New York |
| D.encourage people to buy New York Pass |
What could be the lowest price for a Two-day adult pass and a Three-day child pass?
| A.$250.5. | B.$ 270. | C.$249. | D.$263. |
Which of the following is true about New York Pass?
| A.Its holders needn’t pay for the places it covers. |
| B.Its holders can save up to $1300 entrance fees. |
| C.Its holders needn’t queue to enter the places it covers. |
| D.It can be picked up at Times Square at any time after you order it. |
The underlined phrase “are entitled to” most probably means “_________”.
| A.have a specia name |
| B.have a special right |
| C.have a special time |
| D.have a special saving |
First lady Michelle Obama has some advice for some Tennessee High School graduates: Strike your own path in college and life and work to overcome(克服) difficulties with determination and courage.
The first lady told the 170 graduates that she spent too much of her own time in college focusing on academic achievements. While her success in college and law school led to a good job, she said, she ended up leaving to focus on public service.
“My message to all of you today is this: Do not waste a minute living someone else’s dream.” she said. “It takes a lot of real work to discover what brings you joy… and you won’t find what you love simply by checking boxes or padding your GPA(夸大成绩).”
She said the school reminded her of her own high school experience in Chicago. “My No. 1 goal was to go to a high school that would push me and challenge me.” she said. “I wanted to go somewhere that would celebrate achievement, a place where academic success wouldn’t make me a target(目标) of laughing at or bullying, but instead would be a badge of honour(荣誉的象征).” But Mrs. Obama said pitifully that not all students have the same opportunities. “Unfortunately, schools like this don’t exist for every kid,” she said. “You are lucky.”
The first lady told graduates that failure may be a part of their college lives and careers, and that how they respond to any difficulties will define them. “That’s when you find out what you’re really made of in those hard times.” she said. “But you only do that if you’re willing to put yourself in a position where you might fall.”
Overcoming difficulties has been the hallmark(特征) of many great people, she said. “There’s this guy Barack Obama… he lost his first race for Congress, and now he gets to call himself my husband.” The first lady joked: “I could spend a whole afternoon talking about his failures.”
What’s the purpose(目的) of Michelle’s visit to Tennessee High School?
| A.To give a speech to the graduates. | B.To help Obama win respect. |
| C.To welcome new students. | D.To give the graduates some advice. |
According to Michelle, _________.
| A.it’s enough for the students to study well at school |
| B.she was a target of laughing at or bullying when studying at school |
| C.it’s lucky for the students to study at Tennessee High School |
| D.most great people met with difficulties on their way to success including Obama |
Why did Michelle mention Obama in the last paragraph?
| A.To make the students know more about Obama. |
| B.To offer an example of overcoming difficulties. |
| C.To give advice on how to be a great man. |
| D.To talk about his failures. |