Snow White. Paper. Freak(怪人) . These are some of the not-so-nice names that I was called in sixth and seventh grade. That's because I was bom with a medical condition called albinism(白化病) , which I'11 have for the rest of my life.

   It's not just school that can be difficult,though. When I'm walking down the street,strangers stare. People come up and pet my hair,like I'm a little dog. Other times they talk to me like I'm 5 years old. My brain works just fine. Thank you very much!

   Living with the condition has its challenges. My skin bums really easily,so I have to wear sunscreen every day. I have trouble seeing super-small things and super-faraway things. Reading a menu or the chalkboard at school is hard,so I use a cool handheld telescope that works as a magnifier(放大镜) .I also have an eye condition called nystagmus,which makes it hard for me to focus. I use a cane(手杖) whenever I'm walking in an unfamiliar area to detect any obstacles(障碍物) .

   In eighth grade,things started to change for the better because I met a girl named Rachel,who is now my best fhend. She doesn't judge me. I love the fact that she doesn't care what anyone else thinks of her. It has helped me realize that I don't need to care what anyone thinks of me,either.

   There are actually benefits to my condition. For one,I might qualify for a scholarship. And I got a free iPad,because it helps enlarge some of the text I need to read at sphool. And check out my eyes!I have a special eye color. I iove looking unique.

   I know that I will always have to deal with being bullied and having visual problem,but when you go through stuff that's hard,it makes you a stronger person.

11. Why do people pet the author's hair?

   A. Because her hair looks beautiful.

   B. Because they want to comfort her.

   C. Because they think she looks strange.

   D. Because there is something on her hair.

12. The author uses a cane.

   A. to fight against bullying

   B. to support her body

   C. to help her to focus

   D. to find her way

13. What does the author learn from her friend Rachel?

   A. Never judge by appearances alone.

   B. Where there is a will,there is a way.

   C. Never care much about what people think of you.

   D. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

14. The illness makes the author learn to.

   A. be tough   B. be proud

   C. study hard   D. make friends

                                  Is conversation a lost art?

   The next time you eat at a restaurant,take some time to look around you. What do you notice? 1 How many of them are engaged(忙于) in face-to-face conversations? On the other hand,how many of them have their heads down using a smartphone?

   Thanks to smartphones and the Internet,we’ re able to text,email,or make phone calls all day long.2 Experts argue,however,that the types of communication made possible by modem technology have come at the expense of real,face-to-face conversations. Even though we re connecting more than ever,the exchanges aren't as deep as in-person conversations.

   Do we really spend that much time on electronic devices(设备), though? 3 According to a recent study,today's young Americans (ages 8-18) spend more than seven-and-a-half hours every day on electronic devices,such as smartphones,televisions,computers,and video games.

   So what's the big deal? Many experts have noted that a reliance(依赖) upon electronic communica- tions can have a negative effect on social skills and writing skills. 4 While digital communications teach certain skills and habits,face-to-face conversations teach other skills that are important for our overall well-being.

   5 Experts urge people to unplug more often. Set aside time without electronics to share face-to-face conversations with friends and family. Keeping a healthy balance between on-screen and off-screen discussions will make you a better communicator in all areas of your life.

   A. Researchers have found the answer is yes.

   B. Pay particular attention to the other people around you.

   C. How can we be sure we don't lose the art of conversation?

   D. When you're sad or lonely,a smile may make a huge difference.

   E. This can make it harder to keep healthy relationships as an adult.

   F. In many ways,v/e re communicating more than

   G. There's an average of 11 hours of media content in those seven-and-a-half hours.

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