The 92-year-old, thin, calm and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, even
though she is nearly blind, moved to a nursing home today.
     Her husband of 95 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After hours of waiting
patiently in the hall of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when I told her the room was ready.
     As she walked slowly to the lift, I provided a true description of her tiny room, including the old sheets
that had been hung on her window. "I love it," she said with the happiness of an eight-year-old having just
been presented with a new puppy (小狗).
     "Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room... just wait."
     "That doesn't matter," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide ahead of time. Whether I like my
room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged. It's how I arrange my mind. I have already
decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. Each day is a gift, and as long as
my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away." She went on to explain,
"Old age is like a bank account. You take what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to put in a lot
of happiness in the bank account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling my memory bank." And
with a smile, she said, "All my memories are happy ones."
     Mrs. Jones was always happy in the nursing home and she died at the age of 108.

1. When she had to wait hours for her room to be ready, the old lady was _____.

A. angry
B. patient
C. surprised
D. excited

2. What did the writer say to the old lady when she moved slowly to the lift?

A. How her room was.
B. How big the room was.
C. How to get to her room.
D. What to do in the room.

3. What was the old lady's suggestion to the writer?

A. Remember something bad.
B. Arrange things every morning.
C. Remember the amount of money in the bank.
D. Put as many happy things as you can in the mind.

4. From the passage we know that the old lady has a(n) _____ attitude toward life.

A. subjective
B. objective
C. negative
D. positive

     She had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful brown
haired, freckle-faced image of innocence. Outside, it was pouring so heavily.
     We all stood there just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others annoyed because
nature messed up their hurried day. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and
dust of the world.
     Her voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance (昏昏欲睡) we were all caught in. "Mom, let's run
through the rain," she said.
     "No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Morn replied.
     This young child waited about another minute and repeated:"Mom, let's run through the rain."
     "We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
     "No, we won't, Morn. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tore at her Mom's
arm,
     "This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"
     "Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us
through this, he can get us through anything!'"
     The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I dare say you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently.
No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say.
     Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this
was a moment of affirmation in a young child's lifetime when innocent trust can be developed so that it will
bloom into faith,"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If get wet, well maybe we just
need washing," Mom said. Then off they ran.
     We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they rushed past the cars and they held their shopping bags
over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed
like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
     You may lose your material possessions, your money and even your health, but no one can ever take away
your precious memories. So don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories.

1. Which of the following is the closest in meaning to the underlined word "affirmation"?

A. happiness
B. approval
C. disagreement
D. love

2. What do we know about the mother in the story?

A. Her husband was cured of his cancer.
B. She was strong-willed and considerate.
C. She was in despair and pretended to forget what she said.
D. Her daughter completely understood the situation her family was in.

3. Which of the following may the author agree with?

A. The mother should not tell her child about the family misfortune.
B. Parents should act more bravely than their children.
C. Parents should grasp every opportunity to influence their children to grow well.
D. Children should learn to show gratitude and understanding to their parents.

4. The best title for the passage might be _____.

A. Run Through the Rain
B. Be a Determined Mother
C. Wait in the Rain
D. Have a wonderful experience

     Hilary Smith belonged to a good family. But by the age of twenty, he had spent all the money the good
old family had. He then had some trouble with the bank and was put in prison. He escaped from the prison
and ran to Australia without delay.
     Hilary did not like Australia, and Australia did not like Hilary. What he could do seemed to be one of two
things: die or work. Then he remembered that he was not alone in the world. He had an aunt.
     She was his father's only sister, but his father used to say she brought no glory to the family. Hilary, of
course, tried to discover what she had done. It seemed that she had failed to marry a nobleman. Instead, she
had chosen a husband who was connected with:"trade". Of course as soon as she became "Mrs. Parks", her
brother considered her dead. Later on, Mr. Parks died and left her a lot of money; but that did not bring her
back to life in her brother's opinion.
     Hilary discovered his aunt's address. Fortunately she remained faithful and honest to him even after she
fell ill. So Hilary's star shone again, and soon he moved into her house and lived as comfortably as a sailor
who had just reached harbour. He had only about a sixpence in his pocket.
     One thing was soon clear: his aunt was seriously ill, and nothing could cure her illness. Hilary was very
worried. Fate had found a home for him, and was now going to throw him out of it. There was only one
thing that could save him: her will.
     "Will?" she said, "yes, I have made one. That was when I was a girl and had not much money. I left all
my money to some religious people."
     "Didn't you make another will when you were married?" Hilary asked.
     His aunt shook her head. "No," she said in a low voice, "There was no need. When I finally had a lot of
money I found I had no relations."
     On the next day he went to the public library and examined a book of law. It told him what he already
believed. When a woman is married, an earlier will loses its value. A new will must be made. If no new will
is made, the money goes to the nearest relation. Hilary knew that he was his aunt's only relation. His future
was safe.
     After a few months had passed, Hilary's problems became serious. He badly needed money. He had
expensive tastes, and owed a lot of money to shopkeepers. They trusted him because his aunt was rich; but
the debt was terrible.
     Unfortunately his aunt did not want to discuss money matters at all. In the end they had a quarrel about
the small amount of ten pounds. Hilary was not very angry. He. began to wonder about a new problem. Was
it kind to want his aunt to live any longer? Was it not better for her to die now? While he was considering
what to do, his aunt told him that she was going to send for her lawyer. So she was going to make a new
will, Hilary thought. She might leave all her money to someone else. Soon he reached a clear decision. He
must do a great kindness to the poor old woman.
     One night when the old servant who had been nursing his aunt went off, he doubled the amount of some
medicine. The total amount was too great and it could just put her to sleep forever.
     "Thank you," his aunt took the glass from his hand with a grateful look. "I want, more than anything, to
sleep, and never to wake up again. Is that what you wish, Hilary? Don't blame me if I have some doubts
about what you intended to do. Sick people get these ideas, you know. One thing I ought to explain to you.
Mr. Parks never married me. He already had a wife and couldn't marry again. That made your foolish father
very angry with me... Well, if I am alive tomorrow I shall make another will in your favour. If I die tonight,
you'll get nothing... No, Hilary, don't try to take the glass away. If you do that, I shall know, and i don't want
to know. Goodnight, Hilary."
     Then, very carefully, she raised the glass to her mouth and drank.

1. From the story, we learn that Hilary's aunt was _____. 

A. bad-tempered and lonely
B. kind-hearted and wise
C. careless about money
D. cruel to her niece

2. Why did Hilary's father consider his aunt dead?

A. Because they lost contact with each other after her marriage.
B. Because she married a businessman with a wife against his will.
C. Because she broke away from the family for a better life.
D. Because he thought she was a shame to the family.

3. The underlined sentence "He must do a great kindness to the poor old woman" in paragraph 11 suggests that
    Hilary Smith _____.

A. was determined to put his aunt's life to an end
B. decided to do his aunt a favor to call in a lawyer
C. made up his mind to take good care of his aunt
D. would help his aunt to donate all her money to religious people

4. Which of the following is the focus of the story?

A. Hilary's aunt's money.
B. Hilary Smith's debts.
C. The intended murder.
D. Hilary's aunt's marriage.

5. According to the law book, _____.

A. Hilary's aunt is not allowed to make a new will
B. the money will go to Hilary after his aunt dies without a new will
C. Hilary's aunt must leave the money to the religious people after she dies
D. Hilary must look after his aunt till her death because he is the only relation

6. Which detail from the story is the climax (高潮) of the story?

A. Hilary escaped from the prison.
B. Hilary quarreled with is aunt about ten pounds.
C. Hilary's aunt drank the medicine her nephew prepared for her.
D. Hilary's aunt made a will to leave all her money to someone else.

(     )1. Not everything you see is what it appears to be.
(     )2. He who loses freedom loses all.
(     )3. Misfortune tests true friendship.
(     )4. Union gives strength.
(     )5. Precious things are for those that can prize them

                                                                            A
     A wolf was almost dead with hunger. A housedog saw him, and asked, "Friend, your irregular life will
soon ruin you." "Why don't you work steadily as I do, and get your food regularly?' "I would have no
objection," said the wolf, "if I could only get a place." "I will help you," said the dog. "Come with me to my
master, and you shall share my work." So the wolf and the dog went to the town together. On the way the
wolf saw that there was no hair around the dog's neck. He felt quite surprised, and asked him why it was
like that? "Oh, it is nothing," said the dog. "Every night my master puts a collar around my neck and chains
me up. You will soon get used to it." "Is that the only reason?" said the wolf. "Then good-bye to you, my
friend. I would rather be free."
                                                                            B
     Two men were traveling together, when a bear suddenly met them on their path. One of them climbed
up quickly into a tree and hid himself in the branches. The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat
on the ground, and when the bear came up and felt him with his nose, and smelt him all over, he held his
breath, and pretended to be dead as much as he could. The bear soon left him, for he will not touch a dead
body. When he disappeared, the other traveler slid down from the tree, and asked his friend what it was the
bear had whispered in his ear. "He gave me this advice," his companion replied. "Never travel with a friend
who deserts you at the approach of danger."
                                                                            C
     A prince had some monkeys trained to dance. Being naturally good at learning, they showed themselves
most excellent pupils, and in their rich clothes and masks, they danced as well as any of the courtiers. Their
performance was often repeated with great applause, till on one occasion a courtier, bent on trick, took from
his pocket a handful of nuts and threw them upon the stage. The monkeys at the sight of the nuts forgot their
dancing and became (as indeed they were) monkeys instead of actors. Pulling off their masks and tearing
their robes, they fought with one another for the nuts. The dancing show thus came to an end in the laughter
and jokes of the audience. 
                                                                            D
     A cock was once walking up and down the farmyard among the hens when suddenly he noticed something
shinning in the grass. "Ho! ho!" said he, "that's for me," and soon rooted it out from beneath the grass. It
turned out to be but a pearl that by some chance had been lost in the yard. "You may be a treasure," sighed the
cock, "to man, but for me I would rather have a single corn." 
                                                                            E 
     Lion was awakened from sleep by a Mouse running over his face. Rising up in anger, he caught him and
was about to kill him, when the Mouse pitifully begged, saying:"If you would only spare my life, I would be
sure to repay your kindness." The Lion laughed and let him go. It happened shortly after this that the Lion was
caught by some hunters, who tied him by strong ropes to the ground. The Mouse, recognizing his roar, came
up, and bit the rope with his teeth, and setting him free, exclaimed:"You joked the idea of my ever being able
to help you, not expecting to receive from me any repayment of your favor. But now you know that it is
possible for even a Mouse to grand benefits on a Lion."
                                                                            F
     An old man on the point of death had his sons aside to give them some parting advice. He ordered his
servants to bring in a bunch of sticks, and said to his eldest son:"Break it." The son strained and strained, but
with all his efforts was unable to break the Bundle. The other sons also tried, but none of them was successful
"Untie it," said the father, "and each of you take a stick." When they had done so, he called out to them:"Now,
break," and each stick was easily broken.

     One night, Mrs Riley, an elderly woman, was walking along a dark, London street. She was carrying her
handbag in one hand and a plastic carrier bag in the other. There was nobody else in the street except two
youths. They were standing in a dark shop doorway. One of them was very tall with fair hair, the other was
short and fat with a beard(胡须).
     The youths waited for a few moments, and then ran quickly and quietly towards Mrs Riley. The tall youth
held her from behind while the other youth tried to seize her handbag.
      Suddenly, Mrs Riley threw the tall youth over her shoulder. He crashed into the other youth and they both
landed on the ground. Without speaking, Mrs Riley struck both of them on the head with her handbag, and
walked calmly away.
      The two surprised youths were still sitting on the ground when Mrs Riley crossed the street towards a
door with a lighted sign above it. Mrs Riley paused, turned round, smiled at the youths and walked into the
South West London Judo(柔道) Club.

1.The two youths were standing in a dark shop doorway because ________.

A. they had nothing to do
B. they were homeless
C. they were waiting for a victim(牺牲品)
D. they were guarding the shop

2. What did Mrs Riley do to the two youths?

A. She hurt them seriously.
B. She taught them a lesson.
C. She reported them to the police.
D. She sent them to a judo club.

3. The story tells about an elderly woman who ___________.

A. went shopping at night
B. was on her way home
C. had just left a shopping center
D. had a skill of self-defence

     When I learned that my 71-year-old mother was playing Scrabble-a word game-against herself, I
knew I had to do something. My husband suggested we give her a computer to play against. I wasn't
sure my mother was ready for it After all, it had taken 15 years to persuade her to buy an electric cooker.
Even so, we packed up our old computer and delivered it to my parents' home. And so began my mother's
adventure in the world of computers.
     It also marked the beginning of an unusual teaching task for me. I've taught people of all ages, but I
never thought I would be teaching my mother how to do anything. She has been the one teaching me all
my life: to cook and sew: to enjoy the good times and put up with the bad. Now it was my turn to give
something back.
     It wasn't easy at the beginning. There was so much to explain and to introduce. Slowly but surely, my
mother caught on, making notes in a little notebook. After a few months of Scrabble and other games, I
decided it was time to introduce her to word processing (文字处理) This proved to be a bigger challenge
(挑战) to her, so I gave her some homework I asked her to write me a letter, using different letter types,
colors and spaces.
     "Are you this demanding with your kindergarten pupils?" she asked. 
     "No, of course not," I said. "They already know how to use a computer."
    My mother isn't the only one experiencing a fast personal growth period. Thanks to the computer, my
father has finally got over his phone allergy (过敏反应). For as long as I can remember, any time I called,
my mother would answer. Dad and I have had more phone conversations in the last two months than we've
had in the past 20 years.

1. What does the author do?

A. She is a cook.
B. She is a teacher.
C. She is a housewife.
D. She is a computer engineer.

2. The author decided to give her mother a computer _____.

A. to let her have more chances to write letters
B. to support her in doing her homework
C. to help her through the bad times
D. to make her life more enjoyable

3. The author asked her mother to write her a letter _____.

A. because her mother had stopped using the telephone
B. because she wanted to keep in touch with her mother
C. so that her mother could practice what she had learned
D. so that her mother could be free from housework

4. After the computer was brought home, the author's father _____.

A. lost interest in cooking
B. took more phone calls
C. played more games
D. began to use it

     There are a lot of things that happen to me in China but would certainly never happen in the US. One of
those things is being called"strong".
     The first time was last December. I was walking across the high school campus in Guangzhou where I
taught when a student in a gray scarf waved hello. I smiled and waved back, but then she stopped and called
my name."You're so strong!" She smiled and pointed at what appeared to be my right arm.
     I looked down at my arms. Let's get one thing clear: I'm a very skinny guy. Once, while rehearsing for a
high school talent show, I was told by the teacher in charge that I couldn't participate in the men's shirtless
dance routine because my visible rib cage (胸腔) would frighten the audience.
     "I'm so what?""You're so strong!" she repeated."Um, thanks!" I didn't know what else to say, so we both
waved goodbye.
     The next morning I stepped into my oral English classroom only to be greeted instantly by a unanimous
(异口同声的) "Waaa!" of shock and admiration."What?" I asked."You're so strong!" shouted a boy from the
back of the class.
     "Okay, will someone tell me what that means?" I was curious as to the real reason for such praise. So I
turned to the monitor, gesturing for him to speak.
     "We just mean, you look very strong today," he offered earnestly.
     "What?! You mean like this?" I curled (卷起) my arm like a body-builder.
      "No! But it's so cold, and you're only wearing a short-sleeved shirt."
     Oh, I got it. My"strength" had less to do with my muscle and more to do with my apparent ignorance of
the cold weather.

1. From the passage we can learn that the author is _______.

A. an American teacher
B. an American student
C. a Chinese teacher
D. a Chinese student

2. The author used the example of being refused to join in the dance routine to show that ______.

A. many people worry about his bad health
B. actually he isn't physically strong at all
C. he is as strong as a body builder
D. being called "strong" often happens to him

3. The underlined word "she" in the 4th paragraph refers to ______.

A. a stranger he met on the way to work
B. the teacher in charge of the dance routine
C. the girl who joined in the rehearsing
D. the girl he met on the campus

4. Which of the following is the best title for the passage?

A. Am I Strong or Do I Need a Sweater
B. The Chinese Culture or the Western Culture
C. How I Can Get Stronger in Winter
D. How We Can Tell Two Different Cultures Apart