Papa’s jaw dropped when Mama told him that Sister had cheated on her final exams—not to succeed but to fail. “It’s unbelievable!” he said. “Sister has always been so proud of her good grades!”

“Yes, she has,” said Mama. “But it’s not unbelievable. It just shows how badly she wanted off the swimming team.”

“Wanted off the swimming team?” said Papa. “She never said anything about that to me.”

“Of course she didn’t,” said Mama. “She was afraid you’d blow your top. You already had her getting a swimming scholarship to college and winning gold medals at the Olympics. Can you imagine how much pressure she must have felt? For her, being on the team couldn’t have been much fun.”

“Oh, my gosh!” Papa said, clapping a hand to his forehead. “I’ve been so stupid! I just thought she’d want to be a champion swimmer because she’s so good at it.”

“It’s like anything else, dear,” said Mama. “No matter how good at it you are, if it stops being fun, you won’t want to do it anymore.”

Papa put his head in his hands.

“She must be really mad at me,” he mumbled. “Maybe I should say sorry to her.”

Sister’s footsteps could be heard on the stairs. She came into the kitchen and looked hopefully up at her parents.

“Honey,” said Mama with a smile, “your papa and I have decided that there’s no reason for you to be on the swimming team if you don’t want to.”

Sister’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Yippee!” she cried.

“And,” added Papa, “there’s no need for any more drills. I’m sure you’ll bring your grades back up all by yourself.”

Sister ran to Papa and jumped into his arms. She gave him a big hug. “I’m going to go play cards with Lizzy!” she said. “See you later!”

From the kitchen window, Mama and Papa watched their daughter run down the sunny road toward Lizzy’s house.

“It’s good to see her happy again,” said Mama.

“It sure is,” Papa agreed. “As for the swimming team, there’s always next year.”

“If?” Mama prompted him.

“Oh, right,” said Papa. “If she wants to.”

Mama smiled. “At least you’re learning, dear,” she said. She kissed him.

“Well, you know what they say,” Papa said. “Better late than never.”

1.The underlined expression “blow your top” probably means ________.

A. change your opinionB. become very excited

C. get very angryD. fall down with fear

2.Mama insisted that the child should do ________.

A. what she was willing toB. what she felt easy to

C. what she was able toD. what she felt right to

3.Which of the following words best describes Papa?

A. Cruel but reasonable.B. Crazy but confident.

C. Stubborn but honest.D. Ambitious but considerate.

4.Which might be the proper title for the passage?

A. Easier Said Than DoneB. Health Is Better Than Wealth

C. Better Late Than NeverD. Something Is Better Than Nothing

What's the most important thing in life?

People's answers vary greatly. For British scientist Robert Edwards, the answer is having a child. "Nothing is more special than a child," he told the BBC.

Edwards, the inventor of the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology—more commonly known as "test-tube (試管) baby" technology—passed away on April 10, 2013 at the age of 87.

"Edwards changed the lives of millions of ordinary people who now rejoice (高興) in the gift of their own child," said Peter Braude, a professor at King's College London. "He leaves the world a much better place."

Edwards started his experiments as early as the 1950s, when he had just finished his PhD in genetics. At that time, much of the public viewed test-tube babies as "scary", according to Mark Sauer, a professor at Columbia University, US.

Edwards and his colleague Patrick Steptoe faced opposition from churches, governments and media, not to mention attacks from many of their fellow scientists. "People said that we should not play God and we should not interfere with nature," Edwards once told Times. He said that he felt "quite alone" at the time.

"But Edwards was a fighter, and he believed in what he was doing," said Sauer. Without support from the government, the two struggled to raise funds to carry on. And in 1968 they finally developed a method to successfully fertilize human eggs outside the body.

The first test-tube baby was born on July 25, 1978. Her name was Is Louise Brown. Despite people's safety concerns, Brown was just as healthy as other children.

"IVF had moved from vision to reality and a new era in medicine had begun," BBC commented.

Ever since then, public opinion has evolved considerably. Couples who were unable to have babies began thronging (擁向) to Edwards' clinic. Nowadays, Reuters reports, some 4.3 million other "test-tube" children exist. Edwards received a Nobel Prize in 2010 and was knighted (封為爵士) by Queen Elizabeth in the following year.

Before his death, Edwards was still in touch with Louise. "He is like a grand dad to me," she said in an interview with the Daily Mail.

He is a granddad to millions, in fact.

1.What’s the article mainly about?

A. The first test-tube baby.

B. A new era in medicine.

C. The inventor of IVF technology.

D. The changes IVF technology has brought.

2. The writer quoted Peter Braude to ________.

A. show how difficult it was for Edwards to do his work

B. describe what kind of person Edwards was

C. explain why he is loved by all children

D. comment on his achievement

3.The underlined word "opposition" in Paragraph 6 is closest in meaning to "________"

A. attackB. supportC. testD. influence

4.What is the correct order of events in Edwards' life?

a. He received a Nobel Prize.

b. He struggled to raise funds.

c. The first test-tube baby was born.

d. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

e. He succeeded in fertilizing human eggs outside body.

f. He started his experiments on IVF technology.

A. f-e-b-c-a- d B. f-b-e-c-d-a C. f-b-e-c-a-d D. f-e-d-a-c-b

Robots make me nervous—especially the ones which seem to think for themselves. I was embarrassed to admit this till I heard that Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, felt the same way.

Gates said in an interview with the social networking and news website Reddit: “I am in the camp that is concerned about super intelligence. First the machines will do a lot of jobs for us and not be super intelligent．That should be positive if we manage well. A few decades after that though the intelligence is strong enough to be a concern.”

Well, maybe I don’t have to worry about my computer and kitchen equipment yet. After I use them I can always pull the plug. But in the future, machines might find a way to prevent us from switching them off. There’s a terrible thought!

Maybe the problem with computers too clever for us is not that they are evil like some we’ve seen in sci-fi movies. What could put us in danger is that they might be too efficient. That’s what philosopher Nick Bostrom from Oxford University believes. He says that machines are indifferent (漠然) to humans and in pursuit of their own goals，the destruction of people might be just additional damage. Bostrom gives us an example: A machine which might have as its only goal to produce as many paperclips as possible might look at human bodies as extra material for paperclips and go after you. Because it is, well, a machine, it would not take pity on you.

It’s a good thing that American writer Isaac Asimov thought about how far robots can go and left us his three rules of robotics. They state that a robot may not hurt a human being or allow the human being to come to harm.

I’m glad my machines at home are “dumb”. All my cleaner wants to take over is the carpet in my living room. Let’s hope they don’t create an appliance which wants to take over the world!

1.The author quoted Bill Gates’ words in Paragraph 2 in order to make the text ________.

A. better-knownB. more persuasive

C. better-organizedD. more interesting

2.An intelligent paperclip machine would harm us because ________.

A. it is much cleverer than us

B. it would take over the world

C. it would see us just as material

D. it has the strong feeling of destroying us

3.How does the author feel about Isaac Asimov’s rules of robotics?

A. OptimisticB. SympathyC. DisappointedD. Regretful

4.What does the text mainly focus on?

A. The benefits of future robots.

B. The new applications of robots.

C. The concern for super intelligence.

D. The popularity of robots in the future.

根據(jù)短文內(nèi)容,從文后的選項中選出能填人空白處的最佳選項。選項中有兩項為多余選項。

iPad vs textbooks

What if you could have your whole backpack at the touch of your fingertips? In the first month of the Apple iPads release, 25 million were sold! People all over the world use iPads for all sorts of different things, but one of their finest qualities is the ability to be a textbook. ___1.____

To begin with, iPad are less expensive. Textbooks become outdated and schools have to buy new books, but with an iPad schools can update them for free. _2.__ Schools don’t have to spend $500 every year for iPads because they last a while and can be updated.

___3.__ Students usually have multiple classes, which results in multiple textbooks. Heavy backpacks filled with books can cause back problem. A solution to that is an iPad, which only weighs 1.33 pounds and can hold all of a student’s textbooks.

Thirdly, schools should get rid of their textbooks and get iPads because they have more capabilities. Some might think all of the apps are distracting, but the apps actually make iPads more efficient. 4._ _ Textbooks cannot do those tasks, but iPads can easily do them with just a tap of the fingertip.

Lastly, iPads are a better choice for schools instead of textbooks because these devices allow students to access their learning anywhere at any time. _5.___ With iPads, they find it easier to get their homework done.

In conclusion, schools should get rid of their clumsy textbooks and switch to iPads. iPads have allowed this generation to have their entire backpack in the palm of their hands.

A. These tablets are perfect for busy students.

B. Secondly, iPads cost less and are more popular.

C. Therefore, they can use the saved money for other programs.

D. iPads have already replaced textbooks in over 600 American counties.

E. Moreover, in high school, textbooks have an average of 4.8 pounds each.

F. Schools have every reason to do away with their school books and switch to iPads.

G. iPads absorb the need to buy calculators, dictionaries, and other items that are found within the device.

閱讀下面短文，從短文后各題所給的四個選項(A、B、C和D)中，選出可以填入空白處的最佳選項。

Uncle Bruce has been my most influential role model. I admire him because he has me into the person I am today by teaching me about respect and responsibility and that anything having takes a lot of hard work.

The most important thing he has me is how to think. He always says, “You can learn something from everyone, it’s what not to do.” He always does what he , If he says, “I’ll pick you up at seven on Thursday,” it will , Also, Bruce is the kind of person who actually you.

Uncle Bruce was in the army for 20 years and went through some terrible , but he hasn’t let them affect him .After hearing his stories about alcohol-and drug-related , I have no interest in doing anything that could me or my friends. He is also the only person who truly believes I can it to West Point. He has done everything within his to help me achieve that goal.

Uncle Bruce is my hero because he is that I want to be when I’m his age. He is smart, financially , and gives back to his community. There is no way I can him for all he’s done, He is the one whose can change the way I look at something. I’ve never told him that I love him, has he told me, but we love each other and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m not he’s perfect, but I can’t imagine without him how that he is here.

1.A. shaped B. promoted C. trained D. blessed

2.A. like B. about C. worth D. from

3.A. directed B. taught C. encouraged D. improved

4.A. so that B. as if C. even if D. now that

5.A. wants B. supports C. promises D. advises

6.A. matter B. happen C. succeed D. insist

7.A. sticks to B. points at C. comes at D. listens to

8.A. experiences B. diseases C. drills D. daptations

9.A .materially B. positively C. barely D. negatively

10.A. tendencies B. statistics C. references D. misfortunes

11.A. sink B. test C. harm D. exploit

12.A. make B. take C. bring D. seize

13.A .management B. access C. patent D. power

14.A .everybody B. nobody C. everything D .nothing

15.A. secure B. shaky C. proper D. messy

16.A. praise B. repay C. present D. recharge

17.A. strength B. honesty C. opinion D. standard

18.A. or B. nor C. either D. so

19.A. saying B. proving C. expressing D. demanding

20.A. travelling B. studying C. working D. living

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

The British have many 1. (tradition) but there is nothing more quintessential (典型的) than 2. (take) afternoon tea. We know the Brits have a love affair with drinking tea, with more than 160 million cups drunk every day, but it was the invention of afternoon tea 3. turned tea-drink into a popular pastime.

This sociable feast involves drinking good quality tea 4. (comfort)

while nibbling (小口吃) on nice sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and a selection of small cakes. And, of course, it can only happen in the afternoon! Afternoon tea, which 5. (design) as a light snack to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, dates back to the 1840s. It went on to become a 6. (fashion) social occasion for the upper classes.

Now there is a resurgence (復蘇) in its 7. (popular) in the UK and it is available to anyone who can afford it. 8. it can be enjoyed at home, the best way to experience it is at a smart hotel or café. But if you’re thinking of visiting such a place 9. (enjoy) a plate of sweet and savory treats with a steaming hot brew, remember the rules you must follow to avoid 10. (ask) to leave.

短文改錯

請修改下面的短文。短文中共有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。

It is well-known that good habits do us good. Entered high school, I took delight in having fast food and often eat too much. In the end, I was so serious overweight that I suffered a lot from my awkward appearance. It made matters worse was the fact that my classmates made a fun of me at times. From now on, I made up my mind to avoiding snacks. In the meanwhile, I took off jogging to lose weight. To my surprise, it was not long until I did succeed in creating my new appearance. Only then I start to appreciate the importance of developing a good habit.

每年都有許多人出國旅游，一些人的不文明行為引起了社會的廣泛關(guān)注。某英語報社正在舉行以“文明出國旅游”為主題的討論。假定你是李華，請你給報社專欄編輯寫一封信，呼吁大家做文明游客。要點如下：

1. 尊重習俗；

2. 不高聲喧嘩；

3. 其它。

注意 1. 詞數(shù)100左右；

2. 可以適當增加細節(jié)，以使行文連貫；

3. 開頭語已為你寫好。

Dear Editor,

I’ve read your discussion on how to behave properly when traveling abroad.

_______________________________________________________________________________

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Yours,

Li Hua

On a Saturday night at home while relaxing with friends, a dog showed up at the house. In an attempt to find the legal owner and return the dog, we knocked on the door of the legal owner and an old man opened the door. This was the start of an interesting week.

The old man sat down, made himself at home, and gifted us the dog. After a brief visit, he left, and we were now the proud owners of this dog. It takes experience and knowledge to know that our lifestyle can’t satisfy the needs of this dog; the owner that gifted us the dog was mismatched for him as well.

Three attempts to return the dog to his old owner failed. (I think he was avoiding us.) Because our lifestyle didn’t allow us to give this poor dog the attention he needed, he disturbed the neighbors. They got involved. After we shared the story, they gained a new perspective and wisely stepped in to help us find a solution.

One week later it was decided that dog would be picked up from us by the old neighbor. He would then return it to the previous owner who was more equipped to care for it.

When faced with unexpected challenges in life, it helps to see everyone’s perspective. We have to look at one another’s perspective to solve a problem with honesty, experience and knowledge. That’s the sign of a leader. Although the old neighbor typically has little to do with leadership, it did bring a neighborhood together to understand one another and work as a team to solve a problem.

1.Why was the dog taken to the author’s home?

A. To find food to eat.

B. To seek a proper owner.

C. The author was friendly to him.

D. The old man couldn’t feed him.

2.What did the author find after he was gifted with the dog?

A. He didn’t like the dog at all.

B. He could deal with dog easily.

C. The old neighbor was cheating him.

D. It was unsuitable for him to keep the dog.

3.What does the author intend to stress in the text?

A. The value of team spirit.

B. The smartness of the old neighbor.

C. The importance of leadership skills.

D. The need for calmness in front of challenges.

I was always blamed for watching too much cartoons. As I have said goodbye to my teenage, I shift to watching more movies to prove that I was a grown-up. Surprisingly, I found that movies have something in common with cartoons. They are unrealistic.

Sometimes movies give people hope, including the hope of justice, the hope of tomorrow and almost everything else. A great number of people were once touched by certain movies. From time to time, movies try to deliver some decisive ideas to the audience. In this way, movies do cheer up many people to go on with their lives.

It seems that there is a set formula in movies. We usually see the hero or heroine in the movies suffer a lot in the opening. Gradually and likely, the destination of them always comes to a turning point. So they have to struggle or make some important choices. Then the movie ends up with a happy finale. Or at least the hero finally manages to face his poor life with great courage somehow. However, when audience watch movies in the cinema, most of them just follow the story. Few of them may ask, “Will it happen in the real life？”

Movies are also imitating the real life. Thus a movie, just like a novel, can never be the same as the real life. The setting of a movie is so ideal that we could hardly find it out in reality. The moviemakers just try their best to persuade the audience to believe the story is true. In a word, it is all just make-believe.

For quite a long time, I think that the adults’ world is realistic in the opposite way of the children’s cartoon. However, the movies from the adult world turn out to be a made-up thing. At the very moment, I suddenly realize that movies are somewhat of the adult’s fairy tales or cartoons.

To sum up, other than false comfort such as movies and tales, we are more in need of the maturity of mind, so that we can face our lives bravely and correctly.

1.With time going on, the author shifts to watching more movies because he thinks that_____.

A．they give him hope of justice and tomorrow in life

B．they are for adult and that he is now an adult

C．they help him forget the real world

D．they are similar to cartoons he used to watch

2.Which of the following is true about the type of movies the author mentions?

A．The hero or heroine simply has met no difficulty at all.

B．The hero or heroine is able to deal successfully with any problems.

C．Sometimes there are cartoon characters in the movies.

D．The audience know they are simply foolish stories.

3.The underlined word “make-believe” in Paragraph 4 probably means_____.

A．something imagined to be real

B．something too ideal to believe

C．a(chǎn) happy ending all the audience desire

D．a(chǎn) belief that is based on facts

4.According to the author, which of the following is the side effect of the movies?

A．People may be confused by them.

B．Movies can usually improve real life.

C．Film fans just follow the movie stories.

D．False comfort may mislead the audience.