When my students ask me why I live in a tiny house, they ask it in light of all the “sacrifices(犧牲)”I an making. They know that I have moved from a large apartment in the city to a small custom-built home on wheels in the backyard woods. They know I forego running water, Internet connection, sewage(下水道), and reliable phone reception.

However, it was possible for me to be truly happy while living with very few material things. My body responded well, in health, fitness and mood, to a schedule more consistent(一致的)with the natural day and night cycle. Observing the daily sunset, hosting friends for days at a time, reading, writing letters to my families and friends and exploring natural wonders in my spare time all were free and invaluable experiences.

What was necessary to my survival proved to be a rather short list-healthy food, clean and drinkable water, heat source, weather-protecting shelter, weather-suitable clothing, equally important friends and mental and physical stimulations(刺激).

When I returned to life in the US, I couldn’t help but sense a deep and uneasy belief that life suddenly changed. I felt disconnected with many things- the earth, others, my food source, my waste disposal, the natural cycle of my body and the productive interests. These are the things I once cared for but now find myself too busy to enjoy. How was it that I was earning literally 40 times my Peace Corps salary and was less healthy, satisfied and intentional in my daily schedule? I found myuself asking-what is it to be rich anyway? Therefore, last August I let go of most of my possessions and moved into a tiny house on wheels because I wanted to see if I could live a more enjoyable lifestyle. So far so good. No inconvenience has made up for the many positive benefits that continue to come from this change in lifestyle. I believe that I have made the right decision.

1. What does the underlined word “forego” in the first paragraph probably mean?

A. Give away. B. Take along.

C. Care for. D. Go after.

2.What interested the author most when living in the tiny house?

A. The natural living schedule.

B. Busy and invaluable experiences.

C. The happiness of the simple life.

D. The very few material possessions.

3.What did the author feel when he returned to the US?

A. He was behind the times.

B. He wouldn’t enjoy the modern life.

C. He was rich enough to enjoy the city life.

D. He was disconnected with the outside world.

Singapore is building an airport where indoor trees, waterfalls and a ‘rain vortex’ sit alongside check-in queues, waiting rooms and baggage carousels(傳送帶).

Where once sat a car park, there will soon be thousands of trees and plants across 22,000 sq metres of landscaped indoor parklands. This will be joined by a 40m-high indoor waterfall, expected to be the world’s tallest. These are the plans for the new 3.5 hectare ‘Jewel’ development at Singapore’s Changi Airport, scheduled to open in 2018; a five-storey, 134,000 square metre complex, mixing natural outdoor plants with modern airport facilities.

“The aim behind the introduction of such lush(茂盛的) landscaping is purely to provide all visitors with a memorable experience, one where they are surrounded by nature and greenery,”says Philip Yim, Chief Executive Officer of Jewel Changi Airport Development.

Promised sustainability（持續(xù)性） measures include “extensive usage of photovoltaic panels（光電板）”to produce renewable energy, as well as encouraging the use of natural lighting and a “high efficiency” air-conditioning system.

The indoor waterfall, named the “Rain Vortex”, will make use of special lighting effects to change at night into what is promised to be a dramatic light and sound show. “The Rain Vortex is one example of how sustainable design plays an important role in the planning of the attraction,” says Yim. ‘In the event of a rain storm, the power of the rain water will flow naturally through the oculus. The excess rain water collected will be used for irrigation of the landscaping at Jewel.’

Yim quotes the popular reputation Singapore enjoys as “the garden city”, where greenery is recognised as an essential part of the urban landscape, an attractive image which clearly inspires Jewel’s design.

However, it remains to be seen whether, beyond the aesthetic (審美的) appeal, Jewel can add genuine environmental things to something as un-environmental as an international airport.

1. What can we learn about the “jewel” development Singapore’s change Airport?

A. It is being built on an old car park at present.

B. It has been planned and is being built.

C. It will be the world’s tallest airport.

D. Acts of kindness can make a difference.

2. To keep the airport developing sustainably, it is advised to .

A. use no electric lights

B. use more air-conditioners

C. make full use of natural water

D. try to produce renewable energy

3.What can we infer about the Rain Vortex?

A. It can transform into a dramatic show at anytime.

B. Its design will be a great success environmentally.

C. It will produce water to irrigate plants.

D. A rain storm may make it look prettier.

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。

How to Develop Courage by Overcoming Daily Fears

Sometimes when thinking of courage, we think it only applies to rare and uncommon situations. Yet our ordinary lives can also be full of courage, even if we are not facing the end of a gun, a wild animal or a dangerous criminal. Courage doesn't just mean doing heroic acts. 1. In fact, where there is fear on a daily basis, there are opportunities for you to show your courage. Here are some suggestions to develop courage by overcoming daily fears.

● Recognizing your fears.

By realizing that you're fearful, you are more likely to get to the bottom of what your fear is. 2. You might come to understand that you're afraid of failing or taking chances. You may be fearful simply because you don't have confidence in yourself. The key is not to dwell on your fear, but rather to understand what it is what you're worried about.

● Ask yourself what is the worst that can happen.

If you hesitate to take action, ask yourself this: What's the worst that can happen? Then prepare to accept it. Then go on to improve on the worst. Is failure the worst thing that can happen? No, absolutely not. 3. Doing nothing is actually the worst thing that can happen. When you take no action, you are assured of getting nowhere.

● Take action.

Courage comes from taking action. 4. You need to act to overcome your fear. Your action may put you into discomfort, but you have to just do it. And your action can prevent you from being stuck.

●5.

To build up your confidence, you need to do the same thing over and over again. Soon you will discover that less courage is needed because you have already gained mastery. You are able to move decisively forward.

A. Share your fears with others.

B. Practice, practice and practice.

C. So you are already in a comfort zone.

D. You cannot think courage comes just in one day.

E. Each undesired result is just one more step towards your goal.

F. Finding out what is truly holding you back.

G. You needn't wait for an emergency to occur to develop courage.

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。

Chris's parents were proud of him when he graduated from college. But it's been six months and he hasn't gotten a(n) yet. In fact, he hasn't looked for it . He has no idea what he wants to do and he's always thinking of his old grad school(校友).

He's at home with his parents and their relationship are getting tense, especially with his father, who Chris for being lazy and afraid to the real world.

Chris thinks his dad is being totally , after all, he's only young once and he needs some "space". During a recent , Chris said, "I'm not you, Dad. I have my own way of doing things. I want a job I ." His dad replied, "That's a nice , but in the end they call it "work" because it's about making a productive living—not having fun."

There are many youngsters like Chris who are having trouble getting with a serious job and becoming self-reliant. Some, like Peter Pan, just don't want to grow up. Some are afraid of a wrong decision or of being rejected. Others are of what psychologists call "magical thinking." They believe that when the time is right, everything will fall into place, so they good chance to come knocking or until they feel encouraged to take their next step.

Unfortunately, it doesn't that way. What's important is to begin. Things happen and opportunities most often when we're moving, not standing . The ability to keep developing or being more is very important. Basic physics says it's easier to the course of a moving object than to start movement at the beginning. In the end, it's not really about finding yourself, it's about making yourself.

The first steps are the ­­_ , but the key to success in anything is getting started.

1.A. reward B. job C. education D. advice

2.A. seriously B. constantly C. publicly D. naturally

3.A. studying B. sharing C. living D. communicating

4.A. admires B. warns C. reminds D. blames

5.A. face B. enter C. create D. seek

6.A. uncomfortable B. unforgettable C. unreasonable D. unfashionable

7.A. report B. conflict C. year D. development

8.A. enjoy B. lack C. need D. offer

9.A. time B. attitude C. plan D. idea

10.A. relaxed B. started C. confused D. annoyed

11.A. drawing B. judging C. making D. following

12.A. victims B. partners C. volunteers D. assistants

13.A. seek for B. turn to C. wait for D. benefit from

14.A. matter B. continue C. work D. help

15.A. remain B. lose C. prove D. appear

16.A. alone B. still C. up D. outside

17.A. cautious B. successful C. anxious D. considerate

18.A. follow B. complete C. design D. change

19.A. but B. and C. so D. then

20. A. wisest B. best C. hardest D. slowest

閱讀下面材料，在空白處填入適當(dāng)?shù)膬?nèi)容（1個單詞）或括號內(nèi)單詞的正確形式。

One day an ant was drinking at a small stream and fell in. She made all efforts 1.__________(reach) the side, but made no progress at all. The poor 2. (tire) ant was still bravely doing her best when a dove saw her. Moved by her 3. (determine) and perseverance, the bird threw her a blade of grass, 4. supported her like a raft, and thus the ant reached the bank again. While she was resting and drying 5. (she) in the grass, she 6. (hear) a man come near. He was walking along barefooted 7._______ a gun in his hand. As soon as he saw the dove, he wished to kill it. He would certainly have done so, but the ant bit him in the foot just as he raised his gun to fire. He stopped to see 8. had bitten him, and the dove 9. (immediate) flew away. It was an animal much 10. (weak) that had saved her life.

根據(jù)每句中所填詞的首字母或所給漢語意思補全句子，注意用所選詞的恰當(dāng)形式填空。

1.Our parents are always c____________ about our health and happiness, no matter where we are.

2.I would be g____________ if you could give me some advice on how to improve my English.

3.Although we hadn’t seen each other for ages, I _____________ (辨認(rèn)出) him at first sight.

4.He looked calm, but a___________, he was very nervous.

5.He was stubborn, but he was _____________ (說服) to change his mind in the end.

6.Be d_____________ to do what you like, and you will make it.

7.Hearing the good news that he had been admitted into his dream university after so many years of hard work, his parents couldn’t help b____________ into tears.

8._________________ (祝賀) to you on your success!

9.When I entered the room, I found he was b_____________ in his work, so he didn’t notice me come in.

10.Work hard and you will make progress in your studies _______________ (逐漸地).

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。錯誤涉及一個單詞的增加、刪除或修改。

增加：在缺詞處加一個漏詞符號（∧），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：在錯的詞下面畫一橫線，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。

Time and tide wait no man. My mother is becoming a middle-age woman quietly. She had been busy running after us all the years. My father is very busy every day outside. But the heavy burden falls on my mother's shoulder. Because my school is far from my home, I have to go to school by the train and my mother sees me off at the station every time. I often choose a seat where is close to the window, so I can see her. However, I always can't help run tears from my eyes. All the buildings and people outside the window disappear. I wave gentle to my mother and I look at her till the view of her back disappears. Up to now, even if he is busy, she still does it as usual. The view of my mother's back will never change in my heart.

假如你是李華，你從學(xué)校的布告欄中看到通知說，學(xué)校廣播站打算招聘一位英語播音員，請你根據(jù)以下要點，寫一封自薦信，介紹自己。

1. 寫信原因；

2. 受過廣播方面的專業(yè)訓(xùn)練，擅長英語；

3. 希望獲得該職位。

注意：

1. 字?jǐn)?shù)100詞左右；

2. 可以適當(dāng)增加細節(jié)，以使行文連貫；

3. 開頭語和結(jié)語已為你寫好。

參考詞匯：廣播站 radio station；廣播員 broadcaster

Dear Sir or Madam,

I'm Li Hua, a student in Class 8, Grade 1. ­­­­­­­­________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

You may complain that there are too many tests on the way to college entrance, but an increasing number of students want to take one more. That is the Scholastic Aptitude Test, or SAT, an American test for students who intend to apply for college admission.

Chen Huanlu, aged 18, from Shandong Province took part in the SAT subject tests (SAT 2) in Hong Kong on June 2. She has also been scheduled to take the SAT reasoning test (SAT 1) in October.

“I hope to study environmental engineering at an American university, where I may have more opportunities to get cutting-edge (前沿的) knowledge in this area,” said Chen.

However, not all SAT test takers want to apply to American universities.

“I wanted to see how I would do when faced with plenty of stress and also to evaluate (測評) my scholastic level by an American standard. The SATs made my school life more diverse,” said Senior 2 student Zhou Yuxiang from Sichuan Province.

Zhou, aged 17, a top student in his school, was inspired by some of his friends. They have taken this test and been admitted to American universities, including Harvard and Yale. Last winter vacation he took a 20-day SAT course at Chengdu New Oriental School.

“As I prepared for the test in the following months, I was forced to balance my everyday schedule better. Fortunately I was optimistic enough to have undergone the most difficult time,” he said.

In May and June, Zhou flew alone to Hong Kong to sit for the SAT1 and SAT2.

“They are both the standards which have been set for us to reach. What we should do more sensibly is to try harder to prepare for them. Survival of the fittest (適者生存) is true both in America and in China. That is something I have learnt beyond the SAT itself,” he said.

1. The SAT is a test designed mainly for _________.

A. Chinese students who want to go to college in America

B. American students who intend to apply for college admission in China

C. students who plan to apply for American universities

D. students who want to learn about the survival of the fittest

2. What can we learn about Chen Huanlu according to this passage?

A. She doesn’t like the college entrance examination in China.

B. She has taken part in both SAT 1 and SAT 2 in June.

C. She is interested in environmental issues.

D. She wants to get cutting-edge knowledge from SATs.

3. By taking Zhou Yuxiang for example, the author wants to tell us that ________.

A. all the students who take SATs intend to apply to American universities

B. some SAT takers simply regard the SAT as a challenge

C. he just takes the test for fun

D. SAT 1 and SAT 2 have something in common

4. What do Chen Huanlu and Zhou Yuxiang have in common?

A. They both took part in the SAT subject tests in Hong Kong.

B. They are both students of Senior 2.

C. Both of them attended a SAT course at New Oriental School.

D. Both of them came from the top schools.

A company advertised in the newspaper for a sales position. Details of the prerequisite (必備條件), salary and benefits were given. It was also clearly stated that applicants needed to take an aptitude test (能力傾向測試) and an interview. However, looking at the whole advertisement, one could not find any contact information of the company.

Most interested applicants thought that it was the company’s HR department’s carelessness or a printing error. They therefore waited patiently for the newspaper to publish an amendment. But instead of waiting for the newspaper to publish the company details, another three applicants took the initiative to find out the company’s contact information themselves.

Tim did a search on the Internet. By typing the company’s name, he easily obtained all the information including its contact number. Lisa called up the local telephone number search service and found out the company’s office number. She called up the office and got the required contact information. Donna put in a greater effort in her search. She remembered seeing a poster by the same company in the city so she drove all the way down and made a few rounds to search for it. She finally found it together with the company’s contact information.

Three days after that advertisement was published in the newspaper, most interested applicants were still waiting eagerly for an amendment. On the other hand, the application letters and resumes of Tim, Lisa and Donna had already reached the hands of the company’s HR manager. They were then called up for an interview. During the interview, all went well and immediately they were hired. The three of them were a little surprised at how fast things went on. They were expecting for an aptitude test as stated in the advertisement. The HR director answered them, smiling, “Our test is hidden in the advertisement itself. To be a good salesperson in this age, he or she has to be broad-minded and very importantly, does not follow rigid (死板的) steps or rules. You are all clever and agile. In a short time, you’ve managed to find ways of contacting us. It shows clearly that you have passed the test with flying colors!”

The fools sit around waiting for their chances whereas the wise actively take actions with great initiative (主動權(quán)) .

1. According to the passage the company wanted to test the applicants’ ______.

A. sales skills

B. carefulness

C. attitude

D. initiative

2. Whose search skill is the easiest of all?

A. Tim’s. B. Lisa’s.

C. Donna’s. D. None.

3.What can we infer from the passage?

A. The HR manager of the company made a mistake.

B. The company meant to omit (遺漏) its contact information.

C. The HR manager of the company was unfit for his / her job.

D. A printing error occurred in the advertisement in the newspaper.

4. The writer wants to tell us through this passage that ______.

A. no contact information seen in an advertisement might not be the company’s mistake

B. applicants should be careful not to be fooled by the company’s advertisement

C. opportunity always belongs to whoever is active and broad-minded

D. there are many successful chances to be found in this age