When a dirty and untidy orange cat showed up in the prison yard，I was one of the first to go out there and pet it．I hadn’t touched a cat or a dog in over 20 years．I spent at least 20 minutes，knelt down behind the kitchen as the cat rolled around，relaxed．What he was expressing outwardly, I was feeling inwardly．It was an amazing bit of grace to feel him under my hand and note that I was reaching a life or another creature with something as simple as my care．
Over the next few days，there were other prisoners responding to the cat．Every yard period，a group of prisoners gathered there．They stood around talking and taking turns petting the cat．These were guys you wouldn’t usually find talking to each other．Several times I saw an officer in the group，not chasing people away, but just watching and seeming to enjoy along with the prisoners．Bowls of milk and water appeared along with bread, wisely placed under the edge of the dustbin to keep the birds from getting it．
The cat was obviously homeless and in pretty bad shape．People said that the cat came to the right place．He's getting treated like a king．This was true．but as I watched I was also thinking about what the cat was doing for us．There was a lot of talk about what's wrong with prisons in America．We need more programs．We need more psychologists or treatment of various kinds．Some may even talk about making prisons more kind．But I think what we really need is a chance to practise our own kindness．Not receive it，but give it．After more than two decades here，I know kindness is not a value that's encouraged．It's often seen as a weakness．
Instead，the culture encourages keeping your head down，minding your own business，and never letting yourself be weak．
The cat did my heart good to see the effect he had on me and the men here．By simply saying，”I need some help here”，he did something important for us．He needed us．And we needed to be needed．I believe we all do．
【小題1】Which of the following statements is true?

A．The cat was dirty because it was kept in prison．

B．The officer in the prison enjoyed petting the cat．

C．The prisoners prepared food for both the cat and birds．

D．The author realized the importance of practising kindness．

【小題2】We can infer from the third paragraph that______．

A．showing love to others can make prisoners strong

B．the American prison culture will be improved

C．the author is not content with the prison culture

D．caring for others is encouraged in American prisons

【小題3】What is the best title for the passage?

A．Caring Makes Us Human．	B．Prison Culture is Important．
C．Animals Need Care．	D．Everyone Needs to be Cared for．

【小題4】In Paragraph 2，the author mentioned that “Several times I saw an officer in the group，not chasing people away, but just watching and seeming to enjoy along with the prisoners．” to______ ．

A．show us the officer and prisoners get along well with each other

B．show us the American prison culture does need improvement

C．show us the officer and prisoners all like cat

D．show us the American prison culture is great

It is common and usual to see people freak out when they face challenges in their life. We all pass in different life problems and challenges. No one is free of life problems. Only a dead man faces no problem. As long as you are alive, challenges are everywhere.
How do you face problems and challenges in your life? Problems and challenges are the building blocks of your personality. They make you who you are. Besides, whether what happened in your life builds or destructs you depends on how you look at it. If you take your problems as troubles, they will be troubles and may cause destruction. If you take them as constructive tools, you are going to be built up on them.
Problems are everywhere. No one can avoid them. And they are good too. They open up a different look and opportunity if you are willing to see. When you face troubles, do not frustrate or freak out. Just cool yourself to think in a different direction. Think in a positive way. Every problem has its own good as well as bad sides. Focus on the good one. Look at the bright side.
Besides, there is always a good person, perhaps your mom or dad, or one of your friends, right beside you who can turn everything into your best if you are willing to turn to them. No matter what happens­, they will be there to help you. Trust them and they will never let you down. All you need to know is that you are loved wherever you are.
【小題1】What’s the meaning of the underlined phrase “freak out” in Paragraph 1?

A．feel shy.

B．feel upset.

C．keep up.

D．stay calm.

【小題2】In Paragraph 2, the writer implies that ______.

A．problems cause troubles

B．challenges can be avoided

C．a(chǎn)ttitude is everything

D．personalities are built on failures

【小題3】According to the last paragraph, when we're in trouble, we ______.

A．can only depend on our parents	B．a(chǎn)re not confident
C．should only believe ourselves	D．a(chǎn)re not alone

【小題4】What’s the writer’s purpose to write the passage?

A．To explain.	B．To compare.
C．To prove.	D．To encourage.

There are two basic ways to see growth: one as a product, the other as a process. People have generally viewed personal growth as an external（外部的） result or product that can easily be identified and measured. The worker who gets a promotion, the student whose grades improve, the foreigner who learns a new language--- all these are examples of people who have measurable results to show for their efforts.
By contrast, the process of personal growth is much more difficult to determine, since by definition it is a journey and not the specific signposts or landmarks along the way. The process is not the road itself, but rather the attitudes and feelings people have, their caution or courage, as they go through new experiences and unexpected obstacles. In this process, the journey never really ends; there are always new ways to experience the world, new ideas to try, new challenges to accept.
In order to grow, to travel new roads, people need to have a willingness to take risks, to be faced with the unknown, and to accept the possibility that they may “fail” at first. How we see ourselves as we try a new way of being is essential to our ability to grow.
These feelings of insecurity and self – doubt are both unavoidable and necessary if we are to change and grow. If we do not face and overcome these internal fears and doubts, if we protect ourselves too much, then we cease to grow. We become trapped inside a shell of our own making.
【小題1】A person is generally believed to achieve personal growth when______..

A．he has given up his smoking habit

B．he has made great efforts in his work

C．he is interested in making anything new

D．he has tried to determine where he is on his journey

【小題2】In the author’s eyes, one who views personal growth as a process would______.

A．judge his ability to grow from his own achievements

B．succeed in climbing up the social ladder

C．face difficulties and take up challenges

D．a(chǎn)im high and reach his goal each time

【小題3】When the author says “a new way of being” (para. 3), he is referring to _____.

A．a(chǎn) new way of taking risks

B．a(chǎn) new approach to experiencing the world

C．a(chǎn) new system of adapting to change

D．a(chǎn) new method of finding ourselves

【小題4】For personal growth, the author may not support __________.

A．curiosity and more chances

B．being quick in self – adaptation

C．open – minded to new experiences

D．a(chǎn)voidance of internal fears and doubts

Most people agree that it’s important to have a sense of humor. Having the ability to laugh can help one overcome anxiety, and make better decisions in difficult situations. People with a well-developed sense of humor appear to be happier, and some are healthier as well. This suggests that having a sense of humor is good for you. Humorless people may find themselves being treated as a fool, and become anxious and upset.
A sense of humor also plays an important role in human relationships. However, not everyone has a sense of humor. People with developmental disabilities (發(fā)展性能力喪失) can sometimes have no sense of humor, or have a very strange one.
A number of factors affect a person’s sense of humor, with the age probably being the main one. Young children are often highly amused by simple jokes or shows, while teenagers prefer to enjoy the ironic (諷刺的) events. Educational level, culture, and religious faith also affect one’s sense of humor. While Christians, for example, may have a deep appreciation of jokes about the Bible, others may find them disrespectful.
Many people believe that a sense of humor is something that develops on its own, and that you cannot teach someone to understand why jokes, certain comments, situations or events are funny. However, things can be done to enhance one’s sense of humor. Children, for example, benefit from being told jokes and encouraged to laugh, although some children’s jokes might seem rather strange to adults. If you have children, try to encourage them to tell jokes and think about what makes things funny. And it will help them develop a sense of humor.
【小題1】The purpose of the passage is to _______.

A．explain what influences a person’s sense of humor

B．tell readers the importance of being healthy

C．explain how to make better decisions

D．tell readers how to understand jokes

【小題2】What does the underlined word in Paragraph 4 “enhance” probably mean?

A．Enjoy.

B．Reduce.

C．Improve.

D．Prevent.

【小題3】According to the passage, which of the following isn’t talked about in our passenger?

A．Culture.	B．Age
C．Educational level.	D．Family backgrounds.

“The first and best of victories for a man is to conquer himself; to be conquered by himself is, of all things, the most shameful,” says Plato. Self-control is at the root of all the advantages. Let a man give in to his impulses (沖動) and feelings, and from that moment he gives up his moral freedom.
A single angry word has lost many friends. When Socrates found in himself any temper or anger, he would check it by speaking low in order to control himself. If you are conscious of being angry, keep your mouth shut so that you can hold back rising anger. Many a person has dropped dead in great anger. Fits of anger bring fits of disease. “Whoever the gods would destroy, they first make them mad.” “Keep cool,” says Webster, “anger is not argument.” “Be calm in arguing,” says George Herbert, “for fierceness (狂怒) makes error a fault.”
To be angry with a weak man is to prove that you are not strong yourself. “Anger,” says Pythagoras, “begins with foolishness and ends with regret.” You must measure the strength of a man by the power of the feelings he conquers, not by the power of those which conquer him. Self-control is man’s last and greatest victory.
If a man lacks(缺乏) self-control he seems to lack everything. Without it he can have no patience, no power to govern himself; he can have no self-confidence(自信心), for he will always be controlled by his strongest feeling. If he lacks self-control, the very backbone and nerve of character are lacking too.
【小題1】What’s the main idea of the passage?_____

A．Self- control is important for a man.

B．We should learn to be strong.

C．A man who keeps cool won’t lose any game.

D．The great heroes in history knew how to control themselves.

【小題2】What does the underlined sentence in Paragraph 2 mean?______

A．If you are mad, the gods will kill you.

B．If you lose your temper first, gods will kill you first.

C．If you can’t control yourself, you will be crazy.

D．If the gods want to kill you, they will make you mad first.

【小題3】Which of the following is NOT true, according to passage?_______

A．The first and best of victories for a man is to conquer himself.

B．You will make a small mistake serious if you don’t keep cool.

C．You must measure a man’s strength by the power of the feelings which conquer him.

D．Anger begins with foolishness and ends with regret.

【小題4】Which of the following can’t help you avoid anger, according to the passage?_____

A．Being calm in arguing.

B．Checking your temper or anger by speaking low.

C．Keeping your mouth shut.

D．Trying to make the other angry first.

In the animal kingdom, weakness can bring about aggression in other animal. This sometimes happens with humans also. But I have found that my weakness brings out the kindness in people. I see it every day when people hold doors for me, pour cream into my coffee, or help me to put on my coat. And I have discovered that it makes them happy.
From my wheelchair experience, I see the best in people, bur sometimes I feel sad because those who appear independent miss the kindness I see daily. They don’t get to see this soft side of others often. We try every way possible to avoid showing our weakness, which includes a lot of pretending. But only when we stop pretending we’re brave or strong do we allow people to show the kindness that’s in them.
Last month, when I was driving home on a busy highway, I began to feel unwell and drove more slowly than usual. People behind me began to get impatient and angry, with some speeding up alongside me, horning (按喇叭) or even shouting at me. At the moment I decided to do something I had never done in twenty four years of driving. I put on the car flashlights and drove on at a really low speed.
No more angry shouts and no more horns!
When I put on my flashlights, I was saying to other drivers, “I have a problem here. I am weak and doing the best I can.” And everyone understood. Several times, I saw drivers who wanted to pass. They couldn’t get around me because of the stream of passing traffic. But instead of getting impatient and angry, they waited, knowing the driver in front of them was in some way weak.
Sometimes situations call for us to act strong and brave even when we don’t feel that way. But those are few and far between. More often, it would be better if we don’t pretend we feel strong when we feel weak or pretend that we are brave when we are scared.
【小題1】The author has discovered that people will feel happy when ______.

A．they offer their help

B．they receive others’ help

C．they feel others’ kindness

D．they show their weakness

【小題2】The author feels sad sometimes because ______.

A．he has a soft heart

B．he relies much on others

C．some people pretend to be kind

D．some people fail to see the kindness in others

【小題3】What did the other drivers do when they saw the flashlights?

A．They speed up to pass.

B．They waited with patience.

C．They tried their best to help.

D．They put on their flashlights too.

【小題4】 In this passage, the author advises us to ______.

A．handle problems by ourselves

B．a(chǎn)ccept help from others

C．a(chǎn)dmit our weakness

D．show our bravery

【小題5】Which of the following is the best title for the passage?

A．A Wheelchair Experience.

B．Weakness and Kindness.

C．Weakness and Strength

D．A Driving Experience

Along with more than 300 other seniors, I marched into the stadium on the afternoon of May 10. The audience burst into deafening cheers, whistling and clapping.
It was as if a Hollywood superstar had walked on stage. And indeed, every single senior that day was a star of the once-in-a-lifetime moment—the commencement.
Seated, I waited anxiously for the opening address. As a foreign exchange student, I was not able to receive a diploma. However, I still had the wonderful feeling of being part of things. Like the other graduates, I was dressed in marron cap and gown(方帽長袍).
Our principal, Mr. Glover, delivered a short, warm greeting. The US national anthem followed and then, hands on chests, a solemn Pledge of Allegiance(對美國的忠孝宣誓).
Students who had excelled academically gave farewell speeches. Then came the core (核心) of the commencement. Hundreds of names were announced. Each graduate walked across the stage to receive his or her diploma from the principal. From the different cheers each graduate got, we had the funny sense that it was a kind of competition of who could cheer the loudest.
To be honest, the presentation of diplomas got boring. But it wasn’t boring for those receiving the diploma: they would treasure the moment the principal placed the sacred brown document in their hands for the rest of their lives.
A new page in the book of that person’s life had turned. They were glimpsing their futures: futures of challenge, hardship, perhaps loneliness too, which would take all of their courage.
【小題1】What’s the article mainly about?

A．An American high school’s graduation ceremony.

B．The opening ceremony of a sports meeting.

C．A presentation of college diplomas.

D．A US college’s farewell party.

【小題2】Which of the following statements about the author is FALSE?

A．She was one of the graduates.

B．She was a foreign exchange student.

C．She was excited to receive her diploma.

D．She felt it great to be at the ceremony.

【小題3】The right order of the following events is________.
a. Diplomas were presented to graduates.
b. Students gave farewell speeches.
c. The US national anthem was played.
d. The principal gave a short, warm speech.
e. Seniors went into the stadium.

A．b-c-a-d-e

B．c-d-b-e-a

C．d-b-e-a-c

D．e-d-c-b-a

【小題4】From the text, we can conclude that_______.

A．a(chǎn) diploma ensures a good job

B．a(chǎn) diploma guarantees a bright future

C．the commencement symbolizes the beginning of a new stage in life

D．everyone felt excited at the presentation of the diploma

People say teenagers are no good. They make too much noise in shopping malls; they drive carelessly up and down America’s main streets. And at least some of the time those things are true.
But we shouldn’t forget that there are hard moments in the life of a teenager too.
I watched such a moment not long ago at a woman’s funeral which happened in a church. A teenage grandson stepped forward. Softly he began:“I want to share a few values that Nana taught me. She never failed to see light in any situation. When our family dog would attack her, what would Nana say? Oh, what beautiful markings that dog has.” That was Nana.
“She was a strong woman who often lived in the shadow of my grandpa, who was a successful businessman in this city. But she was the one behind the scenes who provided the strength and support for Grandpa’s career,” he said, with a voice now trembling. “That was Nana’s way.”
Finally, in a voice breaking free of sorrow, he looked up and said, “Nana taught me courage. She put up a fight to the end, when she died peacefully, which is how she lived her life. That was Nana’s way, and I hope I can carry on in the same manner.”
There are no hearts as sensitive as those of teenagers, because everything is happening to them for the first time. The trouble with teenagers is that they haven’t learned to be controlled. When that boy rose to speak about the woman who had been his dearest friend, his honest voice dragged each of us out into the open where we could no longer hide. I was moved and learned a lot.
【小題1】According to the first paragraph, ______. 

A．peopledon’tthinkhighlyoftheteenagers

B．youngpeoplearelivingahardlife

C．peopleshouldn’tforgetyoungpeople

D．youngpeopleshouldkeepquietbeforethepublic

【小題2】From the boy’s speech, we know his grandmother ______.

A．hadgreatinfluenceovertheboywhenshewasalive

B．likeddogsverymucheveniftheyoftenattackedher

C．couldseeeverythingaroundherthoughshewasold

D．wasaweakwomanlivingintheshadowofhisgrandpa

【小題3】We can infer from the passage that the boy ______. 

A．wasfilledwithsadnessandgaveupfinishinghistalk

B．wasalwaysverygoodatexpressinghimself

C．practicedalotinordertogiveamovingspeech

D．hadgreatdifficultyinacceptingthelossofNana

【小題4】The writer wanted to tell the readers ______. 

A．theyoungpeopleweretooweaktofacecertainfacts

B．theyoungpeoplehavelearnedtocontrolthemselves

C．theadultscouldlearnsomethingvaluablefromtheyoung

D．theadultsshouldteachtheyounghowtodealwiththedeath

It is common and usual to see people freak out when they face challenges in their life. We all pass in different life problems and challenges. No one is free of life problems. Only a dead man faces no problem. As long as you are alive, challenges are everywhere.
How do you face problems and challenges in your life? Problems and challenges are the building blocks of your personality. They make you who you are. Besides, whether what happened in your life builds or destructs you depends on how you look at it. If you take your problems as troubles, they will be troubles and may cause destruction. If you take them as constructive tools, you are going to be built up on them.
Problems are everywhere. No one can avoid them. And they are good too. They open up a different look and opportunity if you are willing to see. When you face troubles, do not frustrate or freak out. Just cool yourself to think in a different direction. Think in a positive way. Every problem has its own good as well as bad sides. Focus on the good one. Look at the bright side.
Besides, there is always a good person, perhaps your mom or dad, or one of your friends, right beside you who can turn everything into your best if you are willing to turn to them. No matter what happens, they will be there to help you. Trust them and they will never let you down. All you need to know is that you are loved wherever you are.
【小題1】What’s the meaning of the underlined phrase “freak out” in Paragraph 1?

A．Feel shy.

B．Stay calm.

C．Keep up.

D．Feel upset.

【小題2】 In Paragraph 2, the writer implies that ______.

A．problems cause troubles

B．a(chǎn)ttitude is everything

C．challenges can be avoided

D．personalities are built on failures

【小題3】 According to the last paragraph, when we’re in trouble, we ______.

A．can only depend on our parents

B．a(chǎn)re not alone

C．should only believe ourselves

D．a(chǎn)re not confident

【小題4】What’s the writer’s purpose to write the passage?

A．To encourage.

B．To compare.

C．To prove.

D．To explain.

Bugs Bunny’s Hoping Carrot Hunt In this game you are Bugs Bunny. And your goal is to reach the finish line. A carrot truck has spilled its loads! Gather as many carrots as you can, and when you get the big carrot, you’ll be able to jump even higher! Instructions: Use the mouse to move Bugs left and right, and click to jump a gap while gathering carrots. Category: Action

Mushroom Madness You are in charge of protecting several farms. It’s up to you to make sure the mushrooms there reach maturity before the animals in the forest get their hands on them. Use your swatter(蒼蠅拍) to fight off anything that comes near them; use heavier weapons if necessary. Instructions: Slap any creature that comes near your mushrooms. Use the mouse to control the swatter. If you see a “power up”, click to use it. Collect coins to buy upgrades after each level. Category: Action

Rudolph’s Kick and Fly Santa’s little helpers have worked all year preparing for Christmas. When Santa finally leaves to deliver his presents, the elves head down to the snowfields with Rudolph, the reindeer, to play their favorite game: Kick and Fly! Instructions: 1. Use the mouse to aim, and click to launch an elf. 2. While in the air, click again to catch, and to gain extra height. 3. The goal is to collect as many Christmas decorations as possible, and get 10 points for each one. Tips: If you’re heading towards an obstacle, be sure to avoid it! Category: Action

Click Flick Your mission is to save chicks falling from the sky. Use your trampoline(蹦床) to bounce them up and direct them into a nest. But hurry—if you don’t, many chicks will fall and lose their lives. There will be falling bombs, worms, nuts and eggs and you can get extra points by collecting the worms and nuts. Save the amount of chicks shown to unlock the next level! Instructions: Move the chicks left and right using keys or the mouse. Category: Adventure

【小題1】If a player wants to become stronger to drive animals away, he should try to _____.

A．find a “power up” or use heavier weapons

B．collect falling bombs as quickly as possible

C．click the elf while it’s in the air

D．get the big carrot while running

【小題2】If a player has collected some worms and nuts, he _____.

A．is playing Mushroom Madness

B．will lose the game quite soon

C．will get 10 points for each one

D．will get extra points and get ahead

【小題3】Which of the following statements about the games is TRUE according to the passage?

A．Bugs Bunny needs to be fast to win the game.

B．All four games are in the same category.

C．Players can only use the mouse to control the targets.

D．The number of elves decides whether a player wins.

【小題4】In which game are there obstacles you must avoid?

A．Bugs Bunny’s Hopping Carrot Hunt.	B．Mushroom Madness.
C．Rudolph’s Kick and Fly.	D．Click Flick.