【題目】閱讀理解
Winters are long and unforgiving in North Dakota. The winter of 1996 was especially brutal. It was a hard time in my own life too, A neck injury had kept me flat in bed for nearly a year. “Just in time for Easter,” my husband, Dick, said. But how could I feel the joy when the snow was four feet deep and I had months of painful physical treatment ahead?
I was doing the dishes one day, feeling hopeless when there was a tap against the glass. It was a branch of the troublesome cottonwood (棉白楊).Back in the fall of 1979, it was a new subdivision (分支) then, an eight-foot stick. The people who'd briefly occupied the house before us had placed the pipe from the pump next to it. The earth was so wet that the poor thing had fallen down, most of its bare root system pointing skyward, and blowing hopelessly back and forth in the cold wind. Dick decided to pull it out one day, but I disapproved of it.
“Look at how hard it's trying!” I said, pointing to the way it strongly kept hold of the earth. “It deserves a chance.”
Dick borrowed some tools. We packed dry soil around the tree and put up some stakes (樁) into the ground, making it stand upright. That winter was still terrible. Surprisingly, in the spring my “rescue stick” put forth a few leaves, then with lots of branches. The year after that, we were able to remove the stakes. By the 1990s that little stick was a giant, towering over the house.
Now the tapping at the window continued, louder as the wind picked up, almost as though to tell me to look up. At last, I did. I caught ray breath. In the window against the icy blue sky, thousands and thousands of fresh red buds were waving in the wind.
The tree was bursting with life and I had a wonderful Easter.
（1）What is the meaning of the underlined word “brutal” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?
A.busy.
B.hard.
C.long.
D.warm.
（2）How did Dick rescue the new subdivision?
A.By supporting the stick firmly.
B.By watering the stick regularly.
C.By distributing chemical fertilizer.
D.By gathering sticks day and night.
（3）What is the author's purpose in writing the last paragraph?
A.To inform us of the current condition of her cottonwood.
B.To imply that she'd spent the hardest time and felt hopeful.
C.To tell us that the tree had survived from the awful winter
D.To suggest what she was going to do for the coming festival.
（4）Which of the following can serve as the main idea of the passage?
A.A friend in need is a friend indeed,
B.There is no garden without its weeds.
C.Success is the accumulation of sweat,
D.Where there is life, there is hope.

By putting thoughts into words, you are telling yourself the logic (邏輯) behind what you think, feel, or only partly understand. Often, explaining a thought is the process of understanding. In other words, you increase your brain power by exercising your “explain power.”

Try this experiment. Explain how you’ll increase your brain power, even if you have no idea right now. Just start with anything, and create an explanation. For example, start with “I’ll learn chess,” or “I’ll read an article on the mind every week.” Explain how that will help. You’ll be surprised how often this becomes a workable plan, and if you actually do this, you’ll have a better understanding of your brain from now.

Another benefit of writing is that it helps you remember. Many, if not most, highly productive people are always taking notes. You can try keeping it all in your head, but if you keep a journal of your ideas the next time you’re working on a big project, you’ll probably have more success.

Want to understand a topic? Write a book about it. That’s an extreme example, but if you are learning something new, write a letter to a friend about it, and you will understand it better. Want to invent something? Write an explanation of the problem, why you want to solve it, and why it is worth solving, and you’re half-way there.

Writers don’t always write because they clearly understand something beforehand. Often, they write about something because they want to understand it. You can do the same. Writing will help bring you to an understanding. Give it a try.

【1】What would be the best title for the text?

A. A Way on How to Write.

B. Increase Your Brain Power through Writing.

C. How to Start Your Writing.

D. Brain Power Helps Improve Your Writing.

【2】According to the text, writing can help you a lot in the following ways EXCEPT _____.

A. the increase of your brain power

B. the ability to remember

C. the development of your interest in study

D. the better understanding of a topic

【3】The underlined sentence “you’re half-way there” in the fifth paragraph implies that ______.

A. you are already successful B. you still need to work hard

C. writing can help you walk half way D. You have been on the way to success

【4】What’s the main purpose of the writer writing the text?

A. To advise readers to start their writing. B. To explain the importance of writing.

C. To persuade readers to become writers. D. To increase readers’ brain power.

Some people enjoy shopping, smoking , food, work, or even chocolate. But I need exercise to get through each day. Some shake heads when they see me run through the town. Others get hurt when I refuse to try just one bite of their grandmother’s chocolate cake. They raise their eyebrows, surprised by my “no thank you,” or by my choice to have a salad. Over the years , I have learned it’s okay to just say “no.” I shouldn’t feel sorry for refusing food that I don’t want to eat.

So what drives me to roll out of bed at 5:00 a.m.? What gives me the reason to just say no to ice cream? Commitment. A commitment to change my life with a way that reduces daily anxiety, increases self –confidence and energy, extends life and above all improves my body shape. This is the point where a smile appears on my face as I look at myself in the mirror or try on my favorite pair of jeans that now fit just right. It’s through commitment and sweat that I can make a difference within myself inside and out.

【1】Why is there a smile on the author’s face in the morning?

A. Because she sees her family sleeping peacefully.

B. Because she finishes her favorite exercise.

C. Because she enjoys the interesting DVD.

D. Because she feels a sense of achievement.

【2】What does the underlined word “commitment” in the last paragraph mean?

A. Good health. B. Firm belief.

C. A strong power. D. A regular habit.

【3】What can we learn about the author from the text?

A. She acts in a strange way.

B. She wants to look different from others.

C. She aims to develop a good body shape.

D. She has difficulty getting along with others.

When the boys grew up, they were asked to manage the father’s business. The elder son was absorbed in the business. From morning till late in the evening, he was busy working. Within a few years, he ran the business very well and even expanded (擴大) it.

What about the younger son? He didn’t have much to do except have a good time. But the father believed that his favorite son would be a success. If the elder son could be a successful businessman, surely the younger one, with a higher education, would do much better.

A few years later, the results of his decision became clear. Uninterested in business, the younger son continued spending his time enjoying himself. And he went out of business. But the elder son’s far smaller share (份) of business had expanded and he had proved himself to be a good decision maker.

Ashamed at the turn of events, the father met the elder son and was angry with the younger one. The elder son, who was listening to all this quietly, suddenly said he wanted to set up an independent business and live on his own.

“Why?” asked the father.

“I blame (責(zé)備) one person for the way my brother has turned out, and it’s not him. You can’t blame children for the faults (過失) of their parents, can you?” asked the elder son.

【1】Before the younger son went into the father 9s business, he ________.

A. was well-educated at school

B. had achieved great success

C. often looked down upon his brother

D. was interested in business

【2】Why did the father treat the two sons differently?

A. the elder son didn’t work hard

B. the younger son was hardworking

C. no one knew why he did it

D. he wanted to do an experiment

【3】Which is NOT the reason for the younger son’s going out of business?

A. he himself didn’t work hard

B. his father didn’t educate him properly

C. he was not interested in business at all

D. he was busy working every day

【4】What does the text really want to teach us?

A. Once something is done, you should do it well.

B. Parents are responsible for children’s development.

C. Interest is the most important for success.

D. One has responsibility for what he himself has done.

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。

My cousin and I usually stay out late with some friends on Saturday evenings, left Grandpa alone at home. It was so cold yesterday, however, that none of us wanted to suffer from the frozen wind outside．So after dinner we stay at home sitting around a fire and listening to Grandpa tell his experiences in Second World War. In fact they sounded familiar to us, so we were still listening attentively so as to make him be happy. Now and then we asked Grandpa some questions, that he answered in a humorous way. We burst into laughing from time to time and he laughed too. Full of joy, we all felt especially warm in the cold evening．

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。

Last night it snowed heavy. When Susan and I got up in this morning, we found the whole garden was covered with thick snow. So we decided clear the path. We got two spades but began our work at once. We both worked so hard that the path was clear soon. Seen this, our father felt very surprising. He smiled happily at us, telling us that we have done a good job and that he was proud for us. Finally Father gave us some pocket money as a reward for the Spring Festival. Susan and I was happy because we had all got the money through labor.

【題目】完形填空
I was 15, She looked like she was over 70. But on that day, I think she 1 me more than anyone else.
Walking into church that Sunday was 2. I had 3 let anyone see me cry. But I 4 I would cry that day. My grandfather was suddenly ill. The doctors said he might not live much longer. Everyone else in my family was crying. I felt 5 inside, too.
I went to the 6 that day to pray. There, I 7 a lady sitting at the end of my row. She was smiling. I closed my eyes and8 for my grandfather to get better. Soon, tears came to my eyes. I tried to hold them back so that others wouldn't 9 I brought my head up and opened my eyes. I saw a hand in front of me handing me a10
The old lady was sitting next to me,11 She didn't say a word. She just gave me a tissue (紙巾) and a smile. I12 to thank her, but only13 came out. Then she took my hand, I looked into her 14 They were clear and blue, and they made me feel 15 Her smile said to me: I am with you. Everything will be 16, I closed my eyes again. When I opened them, she was gone. I never saw her again.
My grandfather died the next week. We all cried a lot more,17 when I thought of that old lady's warm smile，I felt a little 18.
How did she know how I was19? I 20 I could see her again, to say thank you.
（1）A.understood B.minded C.valued D.surprised
（2）A.boring B.funny C.hard D.necessary
（3）A.always B.never C.once D.often
（4）A.wondered B.decided C.insisted D.knew
（5）A.anxious B.angry C.nervous D.sad
（6）A.beach B.church C.house D.meeting
（7）A.recognized B.admired C.promised D.noticed
（8）A.prayed B.expressed C.sang D.planned
（9）A.laugh B.blame C.notice D.cry
（10）A.bottle B.book C.candy D.tissue
（11）A.crying B.smiling C.pointing D.staring
（12）A.tried B.used C.ran D.managed
（13）A.sounds B.smiles C.tears D.signs
（14）A.ears B.hairs C.nose D.eyes
（15）A.painful B.upset C.determined D.peaceful
（16）A.fine B.different C.ordinary D.perfect
（17）A.Therefore B.Even C.Before D.But
（18）A.unusual B.better C.worse D.normal
（19）A.changing B.doing C.feeling D.thinking
（20）A.wish B.expect C.believe D.doubt

【題目】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短文。短文中共有10處錯誤，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（∧），并在此符號下面寫出該加的詞。
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。
3). 不按要求格式改錯不得分。
例如:
It was very nice to get your invitation to spend ∧ weekend with you. Luckily I was completely free then, so I'll the am to say “yes”. I'll arrive in Bristol at around 8:00 p.m. in Friday evening.On this morning I got up early and went to school as usually, only to find there were nobody in the classroom because it is Sunday. “How a bad memory I have!” I couldn't help laughing. Stand in front of the school gate, I began to wonder what to do next. Suddenly a good idea occurs to me. “Why not get together with some good friends for a picnic in such a fine weather?” I immediately telephoned some of my best friends, but they all agreed to join me. About two hours late, we finally arrived a pleasant park with trees and flowers here and there. We really enjoyed us greatly.

【題目】為增進(jìn)中美學(xué)生友誼并加深對彼此文化的理解，你校將與美國高中舉辦中美學(xué)生交流活動，現(xiàn)面向全校學(xué)生招募活動志愿者。假如你是李華，對此活動很感興趣，請根據(jù)下列要點寫一封自薦信。
要點：1).活動的主題；
2).自我介紹；
要求：1).詞數(shù)：100左右；
2).可合理增加細(xì)節(jié)，以使行文連貫。

Nellie Bly’s adventures came about because of her work for the New York World paper. Pretending to be mad, Bly was admitted to an asylum (精神病院), which was hardly fit for humans. The articles she wrote not only changed how reporters did research, but the situation of hospitals. Her next adventure was one that made her world-famous: Bly made a trip around the world. She set out on November 14, 1889 and made it back to New York in a time of 72 days, 6 hours and 11 minutes. .

Freya Stark

Freya Stark was one of the best loved travel writers in English, and her long life held plenty of adventure. Her traveling life began in the late 1920s. She was the first European woman to enter Luristan in Iran. In the mountains, she mapped out the area for westerners for the first time. Returning from this adventure, she wrote the first of nearly thirty books on travel that are still read today. She continued traveling until the end of her life.

Annie Smith Peck

Annie Smith Peck achieved academic success in her twenties. She was one of the first women professors in North America and the first woman to study archaeology (考古學(xué)) in Greece. However, when she was 44, Peck took up mountain climbing while in Europe, becoming the third woman to climb up the Matterhorn. The northern top of Mount Huascarán was renamed in her honor. She continued to climb into old age.

Louise Boyd

Born into wealth, Louise Boyd was the "first woman to reach the North Pole in an airplane, in 1955. Her first Arctic (北極) adventure was in 1926 when she spent time filming and photographing the environment of the Arctic. Her most famous adventure was taking part in the hunt for famous adventurer Roald Amundsen, who had disappeared while helping an Italian airship. She led five adventures in Greenland, and an area of Greenland was named Louise Boyd Land in her honor.

【1】Nellie Bly was famous all over the world because she __________.

A. was the first woman adventurer in New York

B. worked for a famous newspaper

C. traveled around the world

D. set up a new asylum

【2】According to the text, Annie Smith Peck ___________.

A. stopped climbing mountains at the age of 44

B. was the first European woman to enter Luristan

C. was the first woman expert in archaeology in the world

D. was honored by having a mountain top named after her

【3】Louise Boyd went to the Arctic in 1926 to __________.

A. become the first woman to reach the Arctic

B. search for Roald Amundsen

C. take photos of the Arctic

D. help an Italian airship

【4】What did the four people have in common?

A. They all led adventurous lives.

B. They all achieved academic success.

C. They were all good at writing articles.

D. They all became famous in the 20th century.