On her first morning in America last summer, my daughter went out to explore her new neighborhood alone, without even telling my wife or me. Of course we were worried; we had just moved from Berlin, and she was just 8. But when she came home, we realized we had no reason to panic. Beaming with pride, she told us how she had discovered the little park around the corner, and had made friends with a few local dog owners.

When this story comes up in conversations with American friends, we usually meet with polite disbelief. Most are horrified by the idea that their children might roam(閑逛) around without adult supervision.

A study by the University of California has found that American kids spend 90 per cent of their leisure time at home, often in front of the TV or playing video games. Such narrowing of children's world has happened across the developed world. But German parents are generally much more accepting of letting children take some risks.

“We are depriving(剝奪) them of opportunities to learn how to take control of their own lives,” writes Peter Gray, a research professor at Boston College. He argues that this increases the chance that they will suffer from anxiety, depression, and various other mental disorders, which have gone up dramatically in recent decades.

I am no psychologist like Professor Gray, but I know I won't be around forever to protect my girls from the challenges life holds in store for them. And by giving kids more control over their lives, they learn to have more confidence in their own capabilities.

1.Hearing the author's daughter exploring the new neighborhood alone, his American friends feel ________.

A. worriedB. proudC. doubtfulD. terrified

2.We can conclude from Paragraph 3 that ________.

A. American kids enjoy playing at home

B. German parents are less protective than American parents

C. German kids like taking risks more than American kids

D. American parents don't limit their children's activities in their leisure time

3.It's implied from Professor Gray's words that ________.

A. parents should always be around their children to protect them from risks

B. more and more parents suffer from mental problems

C. children are having more opportunities to take control of their lives

D. giving children more freedom is beneficial to their mental development

4.Which of the following words can best describe the author's parenting?

A. Open-minded.B. Irresponsible.C. Careless.D. Protective.

Film director James Cameron first became interested in sea exploration when he was a little boy. His love for the ocean grew after he made the 1989 undersea adventure film The Abyss and the 1997 blockbuster Titanic, one of the most successful movies of all time. Following that big success, James Cameron decided to put his film career on hold to become an explorer.

In 2012, James Cameron made a journey to the deepest spot in the Mariana Trench, known as Challenger Deep. And now the great journey has been made into a documentary(記錄片) film, named James Cameron's Deep?sea Challenger 3?D.

In James Cameron's fantasy films, such as Avatar and The Abyss, the unexplored areas are decorated in colours and full of danger. But on his dive into Challenger Deep, the reality proved far different: white, deserted and dull.

“I felt like I had gone to another planet,” Cameron said after returning from the cold and dark place in the Western Pacific Ocean, nearly 7 miles below the surface. “I really have a sense of being separated and realize how tiny I am down in this big, black and unexplored place.”Cameron captured(獲取) the moon?like landscape of the deep sea and documented the sea creatures he observed in the ocean.

James Cameron's Deep?sea Challenger 3?D tells the story of Cameron's journey. It is a film about determination, danger and the ocean's greatest depths. The movie shows a unique insight into Cameron's world when he makes his dream a reality and makes history by becoming the first person to travel alone to the deepest point on the planet.

It's an exciting film and inspiring reminder that our beautiful planet still has a lot to explore.

1.When did James Cameron become interested in the ocean?

A. When he was in his childhood.

B. After his films The Abyss and Titanic.

C. After he achieved great success in movies.

D. When he began to explore the deep sea alone.

2.What is the unexplored ocean like?

A. Colourful and dangerous.

B. Boring and deserted.

C. White and attractive.

D. Small and dull.

3.What can we know about James Cameron's Deep?sea Challenger 3?D?

A. It is a film about the exploration of ocean creatures.

B. It is a story about Cameron's film?making dream.

C. It aims to attract more people to explore the deep sea.

D. It tells us about James' journey into Challenger Deep.

4.What is the best title for this passage?

A. The Great Dream of a Film Director

B. A film Director Exploring Deep Sea

C. James Cameron and His Documentary Film

D. The First Person to Make Films About the Deep Sea

The stories we share with one another are important. They show wisdom and provide inspiration. They are important to our development. But sometimes people choose not to tell.

Consider the negative effects of not sharing a story in the news: People are wondering if public health officials are holding back too much information about the recent outbreak of Ebola.

There is a danger in holding back stories that ought to be told. Bobette Buster said it was like this, “The fact is, history has shown us that stories not told can become like a dangerous genie (妖怪) left in a bottle. When they are finally uncorked, their power to destroy is set free.”

There are a number of reasons why we hide parts of our story: they often show our weaknesses or expose our disadvantages; they require courage and strength to share; and of course, there are some stories that should be kept secret—especially those that embarrass someone else.

Most of us have two selves: the one we display on the outside and the one we actually are on the inside. And the better we get at hiding the stories that show our true selves, the more damage we may be causing to ourselves and to others.

Honesty and openness is important. It proves we are trustworthy. It displays we are human. We are not perfect or better. It highlights the importance of hard work and personal development. Hard work may not allow us to overcome our disadvantages completely. But with hard work, we do not have to be restricted to our mistakes.

Does this mean we admit every weakness, every disadvantage, and every secret regret to everybody we meet? No, of course not. There is a time and a place and a certain level of relationship necessary for some stories to be told in an appropriate manner.

1.What’s the function of the example in Paragraph 2?

A. It reflects that people are concerned about the spread of Ebola.

B. It shows the bad effect caused by sharing a story.

C. It proves not sharing a story can cause trouble.

D. It concludes that one should share a story at a proper time.

2.One of the reasons why people are unwilling to share experiences is that ________.

A. story-sharing highlights the importance of hard work

B. people are used to exposing their weaknesses

C. people sometimes have no courage to share their stories

D. some stories make people feel sad

3.Which is close in meaning to the underlined word “uncorked” in Paragraph 3?

A. freedB. brokenC. unfoldedD. untouched

4.The writer aims to convince us to ________.

A. be open to people close to you by sharing some secrets

B. share stories appropriately for the good of others and ourselves

C. remove the dangers that can be caused by untold stories

D. realize the importance of being honest when making friends

根據(jù)短文內(nèi)容，從短文后的選項中選出能填入空白處的最佳選項（選項中有兩項為多余選項），并在答題卡上將該項涂黑。

How to get motivation for study?

Do you need motivation for doing your homework? 1.

Get Perspective

When you consider homework a drag, it might help to think about the reason why you do it. The work you do now really is important, even though it’s probably hard to see sometimes. 2. You see, you may not believe that you’ll need your algebra(代數(shù)) skills later in life, but algebra sets the stage for understanding principles of science, economics, and business.

3.

Most students have a special talent in one particular area, so they enjoy doing homework in that topic. Just pick one area you love and become the self-appointed expert in your school. Get a serious attitude! Think of yourself as the best at that topic, and then make it a reality. Once you do so, you will gain “confidence” in yourself and enjoy doing homework.

Get Competitive!

If you think you’re at a disadvantage to other students, you can turn things around by getting a competitive attitude. 4.Try to surprise everyone, including the teacher, by doing outstanding work.

Get Your Eye on the Prize!

If you get bored thinking about homework, you may need to focus on setting and reaching goals. For instance, if you are having trouble getting started on a big science project, then divide your project into steps and reward yourself each time you finish a step successfully. 5.

A. Get an Attitude

B. Get Confidence

C. Algebra is not easy for everyone to learn, but it is very useful.

D. In fact, it is real work that will form the foundation for your future.

E. If you feel like homework is pointless, you may find inspiration in the following tips.

F. Think of every project as a challenge and start to do your assignment better than anybody else.

G. Just focus your eye on the prize and try to make it happen, which will help achieve your dream.

閱讀下面短文，從短文后各題所給的四個選項（A, B, C, D）中，選出可以填入空白處的最佳選項，并在答題卡上將該項涂黑。

The most important lesson I learned in high school had nothing to do with maths or American history. It came at graduation, several minutes ________ I left Miramonte High School.

I was rather shy back then, content to hang around with my few friends and to concentrate on my ________. I was doing so well that by the end of senior year I had perfect ________ and enough credits to go to college.

But my good record soon became a fear to my well-being．In early June of senior year, the headmaster called me into his office. He asked me to give a leave-taking speech at graduation．I looked at him, my heart ________ fast. This was the reward for my hard work? I said something, but not very clearly, and hurried away from the office.

I was ________ about the decision, though finally agreeing to take up the task. I wasn't the only speaker—I would ________ the honor with five other students．Still, I was uncertain whether the task was beyond me. How in the world would I give a speech to hundreds of people?

Graduation day soon arrived and, as ________, I was nervous．I'd been practicing my speech for days, and I had it ________. But I had ________ been so terrified in my life. The first half hour of the ________ passed, and then my ________ came. My name was announced. I ________ to reach the platform without falling down. But within minutes, I finished my speech, ________ back to my seat.

Now I still have the ________ of that speech. My voice trembled a little, but ________ it was clear and strong. I'm proud of that tape．I achieved ________ I'd never dreamed — I spoke in front of hundreds of people．Although I didn't realize it at the time, the successful completion of that speech gave me the ________ to participate in class at college, to give oral reports, and to eventually break free of my ________.

I never would have chosen to give a speech at graduation. But I'm ________ I did. I know it may well ________ to be one of my shining moments.

1.A. beforeB. afterC. whenD. while

2.A. hobbiesB. interestsC. gamesD. subjects

3.A. mannersB. relationshipC. scoresD. characters

4.A. burningB. breakingC. achingD. beating

5.A. doubtfulB. optimisticC. generousD. hesitant

6.A. shareB. bringC. spareD. give

7.A. intendedB. hopedC. expectedD. planned

8.A. thrownB. printedC. memorizedD. completed

9.A. everB. neverC. alwaysD. hardly

10.A. lessonB. taskC. ceremonyD. match

11.A. momentB. dayC. chanceD. decision

12.A. managedB. triedC. wantedD. succeeded

13.A. passingB. headingC. handingD. sitting

14.A. photoB. tapeC. paperD. word

15.A. partlyB. immediatelyC. franklyD. mostly

16.A. everythingB. anythingC. nothingD. something

17.A. respectB. confidenceC. freedomD. excuse

18.A. shynessB. prideC. stupidityD. courage

19.A. afraidB. sureC. gladD. puzzled

20.A. turn offB. turn outC. set offD. set out

Shopping in Singapore is really a pleasure for tourists. The Great Singapore Sale1. (hold) every year, usually during the summer months. Singapore’s famous shopping stores welcome a great number of visitors from all over the world. 2. (they) shopping hours last till midnight. During this time, nice and cheap goods are 3.sale for tourists to choose from. Tourists can also try delicious food there and experience the Singaporean night life.

Certain stores offer discounts of up to 70% or even 4. (high) if people use their credit cards. For tourists 5. hold a special Tourist Card, they can enjoy a lot of benefits, such as discounts on 6. (watch), jewelry and cosmetics. The card also 7. (give) discounts when you visit local attractions such as Singapore Zoo.

It is well worth 8.(wander) around the different shopping districts of Singapore during this 8-week Singapore Sale. Orchard Road is 9.(sure) the best place for shopping in the city. A large number of restaurants and clubs can be found in this area. Marina Bay includes both big departments and small shops, 10.almost everything you would want to buy can be found here.

假定英語課上老師要求同桌之間交換修改作文，請你修改你同桌寫的以下作文。文中共有10處語言錯誤，每句中最多有兩處。每處錯誤僅涉及一個單詞的增加、刪除或修改。

增加：在缺詞處加一個漏字符號()，并在其下面寫出該加的詞。

刪除：把多余的詞用斜線(＼)劃掉。

修改：在錯的詞下劃一橫線，并在該詞下面寫出修改后的詞。

注意：1. 每處錯誤及其修改均僅限一詞；

2. 只允許修改10處，多者（從第11處起）不計分。

Dear Sir,

Thank you for invite me to the summer English course in your school. As for your choice between the two courses, I prefer a four-week course because it will give me more time to do some traveling and make a few new friends. Of all the subject I’m learning at school, I like English best. I had learned English for 6 years but my spoken English remains poorly. So I hope to take this chance improve it. If possible, I’d like to stay with a family in a few days in order that I can learn about any customs in England, which I’m particularly interested in. I believe I will have a wonderful time in this summer.

Yours truly,

Li Hua

假定你是李華，計劃寒假找份兼職工作。下面的招聘廣告引起了你的注意，請根據(jù)要點（箭頭所指內(nèi)容）寫一封申請信。

注意：

1. 詞數(shù)100左右；

2. 可適當增加細節(jié)使行文連貫；

3. 開頭已經(jīng)給出，不計入總詞數(shù)。

Dear Mr. Smith,

I’ve read your advertisement for an assistant teacher for a children’s winter camp.

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Yours sincerely,

Li Hua

Master painter Zhang Daqian (1899-1983) was well known for having a large number of friends and students. Among them, painter Li Qiujun was special.

They got to know each other through Li's elder brother, who was one of Zhang's best friends.

They admired each other's artistic talent and became confidants, which resulted in a romantic relationship.

In 1948, Zhang produced Spring Clouds Amid Autumn Landscape, a mountain-and-water ink painting featuring gongbi (meticulous brushwork), as a gift for Li's 50th birthday.

A year later, Zhang permanently departed from the mainland, and traveled and exhibited around the world before settling down in Taipei in 1976.

After leaving the mainland, he often said that he missed Li, who died in Shanghai in 1973.

Spring Clouds Amid Autumn Landscape will be auctioned in Hong Kong on Oct 4.

The painting not only marks a friendship between the two painters, but it deserves special attention because it shows Zhang at the top of his game as he sought to master the mountain-and-water style, according to C.K. Cheung, head of Sotheby's Chinese painting department.

Sotheby's will auction the work at its major autumn sale, which runs from Oct 1 to 5.

Cheung says the painting's composition and Zhang's attention to details reflect his incorporation of traditional touches, especially from Song Dynasty (960-1279) paintings, while also developing his own style.

1.The underlined word “confidants” in paragraph 3 probably means ________.

A. enemiesB. collegesC. friendsD. painters

2.How old was Li Qiujun when she died?

A. 50B. 75C. 78D. 84

3.According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true?

A. Spring Clouds Amid Autumn Landscape was originally a gift for Li's 50th birthday.

B. Zhang Daqian permanently departed from the mainland in 1949.

C. Sotheby's will auction Spring Clouds Amid Autumn Landscape in Hong Kong.

D. Li Qiujun's elder brother was also one of ZhangDaqian's students.

A new international study shows that some people's biological clock plays a powerful role for their life expectancy, regardless of lifestyle choices.

Published in the latest issue of Aging on Wednesday, the study has found the most definitive evidence to explain why some people keep healthy lifestyle but die younger than others.

Geneticist Steve Horvath from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), led a team of 65 scientists around the world to record age-related changes to human DNA, analyse blood samples collected from 13, 000 people and estimate their lifespan.

A higher biological age, regardless of actual age, consistently predicts an earlier death, the study says.

"You get people who are vegan, sleep 10 hours a day, have a low-stress job, and still end up dying young," Horvath said in a statement. "We have shown some people have a faster innate aging rate."

The findings discovered that 5 percent of the population ages at a faster biological rate, which translated to a roughly 50 percent higher than average risk of death at any age.

"The great hope is that we find anti-aging interventions that would slow your innate aging rate," Horvath said, adding that "this is an important milestone to realizing this dream."

1.Some people keep healthy lifestyle but die younger than others because ________.

A. their biological clock is not powerful enough

B. the most definitive evidence has been found

C. they have a higher actual age than others

D. they ages at a relatively faster biological rate

2.How was the study conducted?

A. By collecting and analyzing data.

B. By interviewing lots of people.

C. By researching previous studies.

D. By studying different lifestyles.

3.According to the study, it can be inferred that ________.

A. people who keep healthy lifestyle tend to live longer

B. people’s lifespan can be predicted by their age

C. 5 percent of people are believed to have a faster innate aging rate

D. anti-aging interventions have proved to slow the innate aging rate

4.Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?

A. We all should keep healthy lifestyle

B. Geneticist finds anti-aging interventions

C. Biological clock predicts life expectancy

D. Horvath builds an important milestone