China is a land of bicycles. At least it was back in 1992 when I traveled the country. Back then everyone seemed to be riding a bicycle. Millions of them, all black. Cars were rare. Yet since my arrival in Beijing last year, I’ve found the opposite is true. There are millions of cars. However, people still use their bicycles to get around. For many, it’s the easiest and cheapest way to travel today. Bicycles also come in different colors---silver, green, red, blue, yellow, whatever you want.
It’s fun watching people biking. They rush quickly through crossroads, move skillfully through traffic, and ride even on sidewalks(人行道). Bicycles allow people the freedom to move about that cars just can’t provide.
Eager to be part of this aspect of Chinese culture, I decided to buy a bicycle. Great weather accompanied my great buy. I immediately jumped up on my bicycle seat and started home.
My first ride home was orderly (守秩序的). To be safe, I stayed with a “pack” of bikers while cars on the streets came running swiftly out of nowhere at times. I didn’t want to get hit. So I took the ride carefully.
Crossing the streets was the biggest problem. It was a lot like crossing a major highway back in the United States. The streets here were wide, so crossing took time, skill and a little bit of luck.
I finally made it home. The feeling on the bicycle was amazing. The air hitting my face and going through my hair was wonderful. I was sitting on top of the world as I passed by places and people. Biking made me feel alive.
1.According to the author, why are bicycles still popular in China today?
A. Because they are traditional and safe.
B. Because they are convenient and inexpensive.
C. Because they are colorful and available.
D. Because they are fast and environment friendly.
2.The author decided to buy a bicycle because he intended __________.
A. to ride it for fun B. to use it for transport
C. to experience local skills D. to improve his riding skills
3.How did the author feel about his street crossing?
A. It was boring. B. It was difficult.
C. It was lively. D. It was wonderful.
4.Which of the following best describes the author’s biking experience?
A. The author enjoyed showing off his biking skills.
B. The author was annoyed by the air while riding.
C. The author was praised by the other bikers.
D. The author took great pleasure in biking.
“Look, it’s Baldy!” A boy shouted in my direction across the playground. Even though I was
used to regular insults（侮辱）because of the 41 on my head, it was 42 horrible to hear. I sighed as I headed back to the class.
When I was just 20 months old, I suffered serious 43 after a bowl full of hot oil fell on my head. I was 44 to hospital and had to stay there for weeks while the doctors 45 to save my life. “Holly’s very 46 to be alive,” they told Mum and Dad. “But she’ll be 47 with scars on her head, and of course her hair won’t grow there.”
As a child, I cared much about my scars, so I 48 wore a scarf to cover them up when I left home. 49 I didn’t, people would call me horrible names like Baldy. Although my friends were always comforting me, they never 50 understood how it felt.
Then through the hospital I was 51 to a children’s burns camp, where children like me can get any help. There I 52 14-year-old Stephanie, whose burns are a lot more serious than mine. But she is so 53 that she never lets anyone put her down. “You shouldn’t 54 what people say about what you look like because we’re not different from anyone else, Holly, ” She 55 me. “And you don’t need to wear a scarf because you look great 56 it!” For the first time in my life I could speak to someone who’d been through something 57 . So weeks later, at my 13th birthday party, 58 by her bravery, I gave up my scarf and showed off my scars. It felt amazing not having to 59 away behind my scarf.
Now, I am 60 of what I look like and much happier, because I have realized it is your personality that decides who you are.
1.A. hat B. scarf C. scars D. cuts
2.A. still B. just C. never D. seldom
3.A. hunger B. cold C. defeats D. burns
4.A. rushed B. led C. invited D. forced
5.A. learned B. fought C. returned D. decided
6.A. happy B. lucky C. lonely D. poor
7.A. pressed B. occupied C. left D. painted
8.A. possibly B. usually C. finally D. nearly
9.A. Although B. Since C. If D. Before
10.A. correctly B. roughly C. easily D. really
11.A. promoted B. introduced C. reported D. carried
12.A. met B. recognized C. remembered D. caught
13.A. honest B. strong C. active D. young
14.A. write down B. agree with C. pass on D. listen to
15.A. promised B. encouraged C. ordered D. calmed
16.A. in B. for C. without D. beyond
17.A. similar B. strange C. hard D. important
18.A. allowed B. required C. guided D. inspired
19.A. hide B. give C. keep D. put
20.A. sick B. awake C. tired D. proud
-----Excuse me, but could I trouble you for some change?
------_______.Will pennies do?
A.I know B. Never mind C. I am sure D. Let me see
There are some health problems that, when ___in time, can become bagger ones later on.
A.not treated B. not being treated
C. not to be treated D. not having been treated
If what your friend comes up with surprise you, don’t reject it immediately. _____, imagine that it is true.
A. Thus B. Besides C. Rather D. Otherwise
Bears _____ fat stores throughout the summer and fall to have energy enough to last them through their winter sleep.
A.pack up B. build up C. bring up D. take up
