Why do I volunteer with Big brothers / Big sisters of America? I have many reasons. Perhaps the biggest reason is that people once volunteered to help me.
Years ago, I was on the other side of the table. I was lonely and I felt lost. It’s a little embarrassing to talk about it now, but whatever the right direction in life was, I was going the opposite way. More than once, I found myself on the wrong path. If someone hadn’t stepped in when he did, I probably wouldn’t even be here now. I’d rather be in a prison or somewhere a lot smaller and deeper.
I’ve seen the work that big brothers / sisters have been doing all over the country and I’m pleased to be part of it. I’ve never done anything that made me prouder than my volunteer work. Big brothers and sisters helped me get over sadness and depression as soon as possible. Then, if I can help anyone like they helped me, I am willing to serve for as long as they will have me serve them. There are no words to describe the joy I get from helping somebody turn their life around. Every time I think that that’s me now, I’m proud and happy.
Volunteering is how I want to leave my mark on the world. I recommend volunteering work to everybody, especially to somebody who isn’t sure where they are going in life. Helping someone find their path is often the best way to find yours. Be a volunteer, and you will find your purpose in life.
小題1:What’s the main reason why the writer volunteers?

A．He has a lot of free time.

B．He is lonely and wants to be with others.

C．He wants others to know he is a good man.

D．He is grateful for what volunteers once did for him.

小題2:It is implied in Paragraph3 that the writer __________.

A．is eager to help others

B．often feels sad and depressed

C．hopes he will be helped at any time

D．travels around the country to help others

小題3:We can infer from the passage that the writer probably __________.

A．spent some days in prison

B．didn’t know his purpose in life

C．is dissatisfied with his life

D．doesn’t live a meaningful life

小題4:What is the writer’s purpose in writing this passage?

A．To share his past with us.

B．to ask for some volunteer work.

C．To encourage us to enjoy our life.

D．To call on us to do volunteer work.

Lakes, ponds, and beaches mean summer fun and cool relaxation from hot weather. But water also can be dangerous for kids if you don't take great care. Nearly 1,000 kids die each year by drowning.
Here are some tips to keep your kids safe in the water:
At the Lake or Pond
·Don't let little kids swim alone without adult supervision— lakes or ponds may be shallow near the bank and are suddenly deep sharply further out from shore.
·Ponds and lakes may hide jagged rocks, broken glass, or rubbish.
·Make sure kids wear foot protection; even in the water, they should wear socks or water shoes.
·Watch out for weeds and grass in the water that could trap a leg or arm.
·Most boating accidents, particularly among teenagers, are related to alcohol(飲酒). Be sure teens know about the dangers of alcohol, on and off the water.
At the Beach
·Teach kids to always swim when and where a lifeguard is on duty. Unlike the calm waters of a swimming pool, the beach has special dangers like currents and tides(暗流). Check with the lifeguard when you arrive to find out about the water conditions.
·Tell kids never to stand with their back to the water because a sudden wave can easily knock a child over.
·Teach kids that if they're caught in a dangerous wave, they should swim parallel（順行地） to the shore or should tread （踩）water and call for a lifeguard's help.
Whether at the lake or at the beach, teach your child to get out of the water during bad weather, especially lightning.
小題1:Which is the right behavior when swimming at the beach?

A．Go off the water without a lifeguard on duty

B．Go on swimming in a heavy rain

C．Go off the water before checking the water conditions

D．Call for help if caught in a dangerous wave

小題2:A child should_________ at a lake.

A．swim on his/her own

B．be careful about weeds and grass

C．swim without shoes on

D．drink only a little wine

小題3:Swimming at a beach is more dangerous than in a pool because          .

A．there are no lifeguards at a beach

B．there are currents and tides at a beach

C．the waters of a beach are more calm.

D．the waters of a pool are warmer

小題4:The passage is probably written for          .

A．students at school	B．kids who want to learn swimming
C．parents with little children	D．coaches who teach kids to swim

小題5:In which column(欄目) of a magazine can you find this passage?

A．Education

B．Science

C．Entertainment

D．Sports

In this modern world, we rush around all day, doing things, talking, emailing, sending and reading messages. We are always on, always connected, always thinking, always talking. There is no ___1___ for stillness.
And when we are ___2 ___to be still because we’re in line for something, or waiting at a doctor’s appointment, or on a bus or train, we often ___3 ___something to do. Some will play with mobile devices, others will read something. Being still isn’t something we’re ___4___.
This comes at a ___ 5___: we lose that time for ___6__, for observing and listening. We lose peace.
And ___7___ yet: sometimes too much action is worse than no action at all. You can run around crazily, but get ___ 8___done.
Take a moment to think about ___9__ you spend your days. Are you constantly rushing around? Are you constantly reading and answering ___10 ___, checking on the news and the latest stream of information? Are you always ___11___through your schedule?
Is this how you want to spend your ___12___? If so, peace be with you. If not, take a moment to be ___13___. Don’t think about what you have to do, or what you’ve done already. ___14___be in the moment.
Then after a minute or two of doing that, consider your life, and how you’d ___15___ it to be. See your life with less movement, less doing, less rushing. See it with more stillness, more consideration, more ___16___.
Then be that vision.
It’s pretty simple: all you have to do is sit still for a little bit each day. ___17___you’ve gotten used to that, try doing less each day. Breathe when you feel yourself moving too___18___. Slow down. Be present. Find happiness now, in this moment, instead of ___19___ for it.
___20 ___ the stillness. It’s a treasure, and it’s available to us, always.

小題1:	A．place B．chance C．freedom D．time

小題2:	A．forced B．ordered C．invited D．told

小題3:	A．have B．find C．buy D．get

小題4:	A．familiar with B．curious about C．used to D．interested in

小題5:	A．cost B．risk C．loss D．danger

小題6:	A．play B．food C．sleep D．consideration

小題7:	A．further B．worse C．farther D．deeper

小題8:	A．everything B．a(chǎn)nything C．nothing D．something

小題9:	A．how B．where C．why D．whether

小題10:

A．questions B．problems C．phones D．messages

小題11:

A．walking B．rushing C．stepping D．going

小題12:

A．school B．youth C．work D．life

小題13:

A．silent B．patient C．still D．quiet

小題14:

A．Nearly B．Ever C．Just D．Already

小題15:

A．like B．decide C．choose D．need

小題16:

A．a(chǎn)ctivity B．research C．study D．peace

小題17:

A．Because B．Until C．Once D．Unless

小題18:

A．frequently B．slowly C．fast D．quickly

小題19:

A．a(chǎn)sking B．sending C．calling D．waiting

小題20:

A．Value B．Miss C．Owe D．Hold

Are you the type of person who always says“yes”？I’ve come to learn that it is very im-portant to learn to say NO！It’s okay. People are still going to like you. They may even respect you more because they know you are honest.
I，m not saying to say“no" to someone who really needs your help. I’m talking about re-fusing that meeting that you really do not want to attend or that birthday party that you don’t want to be a guest at.
Think for a moment how you feel when you say YES to something that you really don’t want to do. If you’re like I once was，you can’t sleep at night and you think about it too much. It weighs on your mind. You try to find ways out. Whatever you’re saying to yourself，if you really wanted to go，you wouldn’t have all of these thoughts.
So，why not just say NO from the beginning? Maybe you feel like if you don’t show up at the meeting（by the way，it is not one you must attend) your boss isn’t going to like you or your co-workers won’t respect you. Maybe you feel as if your mom，dad or sisters won’t love you as much if you don’t do everything for them that they ask every occasion.
If these people are your true friends，family members，or a good boss，they will like or love you the same no matter what. People treat you the way you teach them to，and if you’re some-one who always says“yes" then that’s what they，re expecting.
You need to do what is right for you. Of course we do have real obligations in life to ful-fill，but we do not have to do everything others want us to do.
小題1:Which of the following statements would the writer agree with？

A．We should try to do what our friends ask us to do.

B．We should help others in need.

C．Always saying“yes" means you are dishonest.

D．Always saying“no" means you are brave.

小題2:What does the underlined word，’ It" in Paragraph 3 refer to?

A．Saying "yes"．

B．A friend's birthday party.

C．Something you’re unwilling to do.

D．Something you think difficult to do.

小題3:The writer believes that if you say“no" to your family members，you’11＿·

A．have the same relationship with them as before

B．have a loose relationship with them

C．disappoint them

D．upset them

小題4:What would be the best title for the passage?

A．Learn to Make a Right Choice	B．To Be Yourself
C．Do What You Want to Do	D．Learn to Say No

My l4-year-old son, John, and I spotted the coat which was hanging at a secondhand clothing store in Northampton Mass. While the other coats drooped(低垂), this one looked as if it were   36  itself up. The coat had beautiful tailoring, a Fifth Avenue label and a(an)   37  price of $28, which was popular just then with   38 , but could cost several hundred dollars new. This coat was even better, bearing that   39  of classic elegance（優(yōu)雅）. John tried it on and the fit was perfect.
John   40  the coat to school the next day and came home wearing a big smile. “Did the kids like your coat?” I asked. “They loved it,” he said,   41  folding it over the back of a chair and smoothing it flat. Over the next few weeks, a   42  came over John. Agreement replaced contrariness (作對) and reasoned discussion replaced fierce   43 . He became more mannerly and   44 , eager to please. He would generously loan his younger brother his tapes and lecture him   45  his behavior.
When I mentioned this incident to his teacher and   46  what caused the changes, she said laughing. “It   47  be his coat!” Another teacher told him she was giving him a good   48  not only because he had earned   49  but because she liked his coat. At the library, we ran into a friend “Could this be John?” he asked surprisingly,   50  John’s new height, assessing the cut of his coat and extending his hand, one gentleman to another.
John and I both know we should never   51  a person’s clothes for the real person within them.   52  there is something to be said for wearing a standard of excellence for the world to see and for   53  what is on the inside to what is on the outside.
For John it is a time when it is as easy to try on different approaches to   54  as it is to try on a coat. The whole world, the whole future is stretched out ahead, a vast landscape   55  all the doors are open. And he could picture himself walking through those doors wearing his wonderful, magical coat.

小題1:	A．turning B．showing C．holding D．hanging

小題2:	A．unreasonable B．expected C．a(chǎn)cceptable D．unbelievable

小題3:	A．a(chǎn)dults B．teenagers C．women D．strangers

小題4:	A．color B．style C．price D．size

小題5:	A．wore B．carried C．lent D．sent

小題6:	A．carefully B．comfortably C．casually D．quickly

小題7:	A．happiness B．matter C．smile D．change

小題8:	A．doubt B．a(chǎn)rgument C．fight D．war

小題9:	A．thoughtful B．handsome C．hopeful D．curious

小題10:

A．of B．with C．on D．a(chǎn)t

小題11:

A．discovered B．confirmed C．concluded D．wondered

小題12:

A．can B．should C．will D．must

小題13:

A．present B．mark C．word D．result

小題14:

A．it B．them C．this D．one

小題15:

A．taking up B．looking down to C．checking up D．looking up at

小題16:

A．trust B．exchange C．mistake D．regard

小題17:

A．Though B．But C．Since D．So

小題18:

A．matching B．a(chǎn)ttaching C．relating D．connecting

小題19:

A．career B．life C．study D．success

小題20:

A．how B．why C．where D．when

Do dogs understand us?
Be careful what you say around your dog. It might understand more than you think.
A border collie博德牧羊犬 named Rico recognizes the names of about 200 objects, say researchers in Germany. The dog also appears to be able to learn new words as easily as a 3-year-old child. Its word-learning skills are as good as those of a parrot or chimpanzee(黑猩猩).
In one experiment, the researchers took all 200 items that Rico is supposed to know and divided them into 20 groups of 10 objects. Then the owner told the dog to go and fetch one of the items and bring it back. In four tests, Rico got 37 out of 40 commands right. As the dog couldn't see anyone to get clues, the scientists believe Rico must understand the meanings of certain words.
In another experiment, the scientists took one toy that Rico had never seen before and put it in a room with seven toys whose names the dog already knew. The owner then told Rico to fetch the object, using a word the dog had never heard before.
The correct object was chosen in seven out of l0 tests, suggesting that the dog had worked out the answer by the process of elimination(排除法). A month later, Rico remembered half of the new names, which is even more impressive.          
Rico is thought to be smarter than the average dog. For one thing, Rico is a border collie, a breed (品種)known for its mental abilities. In addition, the 9-year-old dog has been trained to fetch toys by their names since the age of nine months.
It's hard to know if all dogs understand at least some of the words we say. Even if they do, they can't talk back. Still, it wouldn't hurt to sweet-talk your dog every now and then. You might just get a big, wet kiss in return!
小題1:From paragraph 2 we know that ____________..

A．a(chǎn)nimals are as clever as human beings

B．dogs are smarter than parrots and chimpanzees

C．chimpanzees have very good word-learning skills

D．dogs have similar 'learning abilities as 3-year-old children

小題2:Both experiments show that             .

A．Rico is smart enough to get all commands right

B．Rico can recognize different things including toys

C．Rico has developed the ability of learning mathematics

D．Rico won't forget the names of objects once recognizing them

小題3:Which of the following statements is true?

A．The purpose of the experiments is to show the border collie's mental abilities.

B．Rico has a better memory partly because of its proper early training.

C．The border collie is world-famous for recognizing objects.

D．Rico is born to understand its owner's commands.

小題4:What does the writer want to tell us?

A．To train your dog.

B．To talk with your dog.

C．To be friendly to your dog.

D．To be careful with your dog.

Are you   1  for a place in the southwest of China? If your answer is “yes”, why not pay a trip to Shangri-la, which is   2  mysteries and beauty.
The world “Shangri-la” first appeared in the 1993 novel Lost Horizon   3  the British writer James Hilton. He described a beautiful kingdom where three rivers   4  together and snow-capped mountains reached to the sky, with fields of long grass covering the earth. In this perfect world lived people who had discovered how to stay   5  forever.
Three mountains are covered with snow and tower   6  the land. These snowy mountain tops form   7  beautiful picture that we can’t wait to fly there.
Lakes,   8  by vast grasslands, look like diamonds. Sheep, cows, horses and animals feed   9  on the green grass and the forests around are   10  to lots of birds and animals. In this heavenly world, people live in perfect harmony with nature.

小題1:	A．tired B．thirsty C．hungry D．a(chǎn)ngry

小題2:	A．full of B．lack of C．short of D．fill with

小題3:	A．with B．by C．for D．to

小題4:	A．put B．got C．joined D．formed

小題5:	A．calm B．still C．young D．the same

小題6:	A．over B．a(chǎn)bove C．on D．beyond

小題7:	A．so a B．such a C．such D．so

小題8:	A．covered B．surrounded C．separated D．divided

小題9:	A．simply B．deeply C．mostly D．finally

小題10:

A．family B．room C．space D．home

Snow falls in the Earth’s extreme North and South throughout the year. However， the heaviest snowfalls have been reported in the mountains of other areas during winter. Snow is even known to fall near the Equator (赤道)，but only on the highest mountains.
Snow contains much less water than rain, but much of the water the world uses comes from snow. Melting snow provides water for rivers, electric power stations and agricultural crops. In the western United States, mountain snow provides up to seventy-five percent of all surface water supplies.
Snowfall helps to protect plants and some wild animals from winter weather. Fresh snow is made largely of air trapped among the snow crystals (晶體). Because the air has trouble moving, the movement of heat is limited. Snow also influences the movement of sound waves. The surface of the snow takes in, or absorbs, sound waves. As snow grows older or if there have been strong winds, it can become hard and flat. Then, the snow，s surface will help to send back sound waves.
Snow may be beautiful, but it can be deadly. It is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people. Many people die in traffic accidents on roads covered with snow and ice or from being seriously stuck in the winter storm. Others die from heart attacks caused by too much physical activity out in the cold.
People may not be able to avoid living in areas where it snows often. However, they can avoid becoming victims of snowstorms. People should stop driving and stay at home until the storm has passed. People living in these areas should carry emergency supplies in their vehicle. These include food，emergency medical supplies，and extra clothing to stay warm and dry.
小題1:Mountain snowfall _____.

A．is heavier than that in the South and the North Poles

B．has never occurred near the Equator of the earth

C．brings less of the water the world uses than rain does

D．provides up to seventy—five percent of water supplies worldwide

小題2:Snow protects plants and wild animals from cold weather by _____.

A．supplying much more air	B．limiting heat movement
C．a(chǎn)bsorbing strong winds	D．sending back sound waves

小題3:Snow can be deadly mainly because it can _____.

A．cause road accidents

B．make people stuck in winter storms

C．lead to heart attacks

D．make people victims of snowstorms

小題4:What will the text probably tell us following the last paragraph? _.

A．How to drive during snowstorms

B．Where we can get emergency supplies

C．How to prevent heart attacks out in cold

D．Why we should stay warm and dry in winter

Remembering names is an important social skill. Here are some ways to master it.
Recite and repeat in conversation.
When you hear a person’s name, repeat it. Immediately say it to yourself several times without moving your lips. You could also repeat the name in a way that does not sound forced or artificial.
Ask the other person to recite and repeat.
You can let other people help you remember their names. After you’ve been introduced to someone, ask that person to spell the name mad pronounce it correctly for you. Most people will be pleased by the effort you’re making to learn their names.
Admit you don’t know.
Admitting that you can’t remember someone’s name can actually make people relaxed. Most of them will feel sympathy if you say. “I’m working to remember names better. Yours is right on the tip of my tongue. What is it again?”
Use connections.
Link each person yon meet with one thing you find interesting or unusual. For example, you could make a mental note: "Vicki Cheng -- tall, black hair." To reinforce your associations, write them on a small card as soon as possible.
Limit the number of new names you learn at one time.
When meeting a group of people, concentrate on remembering just two or three names. Free yourself from remembering every one. Few of the people in mass introductions expect you to remember their names. Another way is to limit yourself to learning just first names. Last names can come later.
Go early.
Consider going early to conferences, parties and classes. Sometimes just a few people show up on time. There’re fewer names for you to remember. And as more people arrive, you can hear them being introduced to others --- an automatic review for you.
小題1:How will most people feel when you try hard to remember their names?

A．They will be moved.

B．They will be upset.

C．They will be delighted.

D．They will be discouraged.

小題2:If you can't remember someone's name, you may                  

A．tell him the truth

B．tell him a white lie

C．a(chǎn)sk him for pity

D．a(chǎn)sk others to help you

小題3:When you meet a group of people, it is better to remember             

A．a(chǎn)ll their names

B．a(chǎn) couple of names first

C．just their last names

D．a(chǎn)s many names as possible

小題4:What does the text mainly tell us?

A．Tips on an important social skill.

B．Importance of attending parties.

C．How to make use of social skills.

D．How to recite and repeat names.

Every year Chris Brogan posts his three words for a new year. many others and I have followed his lead for the past three or four years. They helped me a lot. My words for last year were “passion”, “focus” and “delegate” and I stayed true to them. This year, 2013, my goals are more personal and less professional.
FOCUS
Focus is making a repeat appearance on my list this year because I’m too much of a multitasker. The problem is that I have trouble finishing one thing with so many things calling me. When I was working as a writer, all my projects were handled via a schedule, I’m putting a fitness and housekeeping routine into my schedule.
HEALTH
I get so busy taking care of everyone else, and I forget to take care of myself and this has to change. My health suffers and my weight suffers. I have to get my health in check , not only for me but because I promised my 9-year-old son. I’ll make good food and lifestyle choices. I miss being thin, and it’s time to get it back.
CELEBRATE
What good is having it if I’m not taking time to enjoy it? I have a wonderful job, a happy family, and so much to be thankful for. So how come I spend all my time working? Last summer my family took our first vacation in four years, the best thing I’ve done for myself and my family in a long time. This year, I’m making sure to take time to enjoy life and celebrate its many blessings.
Do you have any words for 2013?
小題1:The underlined word “multitasker” probably refers to a person who          .

A．makes a living by writing

B．a(chǎn)lways fails to finish a task on time

C．has several things to do at the same time

D．pays more attention to fitness and housekeeping

小題2:Why does the writer have “HEALTH” as one of his three words?

A．He wants to take better care of others.

B．He’s gaining weight and feeling bad.

C．He did not take any exercise in the past.

D．He got the idea from his son.

小題3:What can we learn from the passage?

A．The word “CELEBRATE” can remind the writer to enjoy life.

B．The writer has a vacation with his family every four years.

C．The word “FOCUS” can help the writer focus on his family.

D．The writer used to be overweight for lack of exercise.

小題4:The best title for the passage might be      .

A．Three Words for 2013	B．Health Should Go First
C．Keep Organized	D．Goals for 2013