Finding true happiness is a universal aspiration (渴望). We all want it, but can we all have it? Genuine happiness is written all over our faces when we are truly contented, and, likewise, a forced smile does nothing to hide underlying sadness.
Believing that everyone can create their own lasting joy, Matthieu Richard has been declared the Happiest Man in the World. Richard earned his “happiest man” status after a series of laboratory tests in 2004. Richard has shared his thoughts on happiness with a worldwide audience. As an experienced speaker, he has explained his insights into happiness to everyone, from students to corporate groups. Looking inwards to find joy rather than relying on outer conditions, he believes, is the way to achieve well-being.
“It’s quite clear that the outer conditions are not enough. The way we interpret those outer conditions in our inner experience is what determines either a sense of well-being or misery. We love to go jogging for fitness and we do all kinds of things to remain beautiful, yet we spend surprisingly little time taking care of what matters most: the way our minds function. It’s the essential thing that determines the quality of our experience.” Besides this, Richard stresses that it is not what’s happening around us that makes us unhappy, but rather the way we choose to react to it.
The pursuit of happiness is becoming a modern obsession（痴迷）. As life becomes more complex, our ability to process our reactions to various outside influences comes under strain. “Genuine happiness” he says, “doesn’t mean pleasant feelings one after the other. It’s more like a series
of qualities that we can develop as skills — like openness, genuine love, compassion, inner strength and inner peace.”
1.Richard has been declared the Happiest Man in the World _______.
A. because he has shared his thoughts on happiness with a worldwide audience
B. after he has explained his insights into happiness to everyone
C. after a series of laboratory tests
D. because he tries his best to achieve happiness and well-being
2.According to Richard, what is the best way to achieve well-being?
A. Interpreting those outer conditions in our inner experience.
B. Looking inwards to find joy rather than relying on outer conditions.
C. Spending little time taking care of what matters most.
D. Reacting to various outside influences in the modern world.
3.What determines the quality of our experience?
A. The way our minds react to outer conditions.
B. Insights into happiness that we hold.
C. The constant pursuit of happiness in our life.
D. Those outer conditions affecting our happiness.
4.How can we pursuit happiness?
A. Go jogging for happiness.
B. Do everything to remain beautiful.
C. Make sure that our minds are functioning normally.
D. Develop necessary qualities.
Beginning college 
is exciting: new ideas to explore, new challenges to be met and many decisions to be made; your future begins here.
However, you will find college life is different from your previous school environment. Many of us can be easily defeated by the details of running a well-balanced life. While some of us may have the know-how, I guess there are more of us who can benefit from learning about the experiences of others who have walked the college halls before you.
The following you may find useful about life on campus:
•Plan well. There are so many new things to do at a new college or university. Give yourself time to make new friends and became familiar with the campus, but don’t forget why you are there. Give some time for social activities and manage your time wisely.
•If you don’t have a “system” for planning your time now (like a day timer, a computer data book), get one. Most of all, don’t depend on your memory.
•Don’t miss the guidelines. The restrictions, rules and regulations of all kinds can usually be found in your student’s handbook. Consider them well-balanced food for thought. What dates are importa
nt? What pieces of paper need to be handed in? What can / can’t you do in your student residence（住处）? Who has the right for what? What do you need to complete to graduate?
•Write the word “STUDY” on the walls of your bedroom and bathroom, and maybe it will help to write it on a piece of paper and stick it on the telephone, TV and the kitchen table. Consider this — you are paying thousands of dollars for your course. You pay every time you have to repeat or replace a course.
•Build your identity. This is the time for you to decide what to do and what not to do. Take as much time as you need to explore new ideas. Do not be afraid of the beyond. This is learning to make good choices.
1.What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To offer advice on college life.
B. To explain why college life is exciting.
C. To describe the importance of college life.
D. To persuade you to go to college.
2.According to the passage, why is it exciting to begin college life?
A. Because you will have more freedom at college.
B. Because you will no longer be afraid of the beyond.
C. Because you prepare for your future career and life there.
D. Because professors there will provide you with many new ideas.
3.The underlined word “know-how” refers to _________.
A. an understanding of college communities
B. practical knowledge concerning college life
C. college halls where rules and regulations are presented
D. an environment completely different from the one you’re used to
4.According to the passage, college students _________.
A. needn’t learn from those who went to college before them
B. should spend as much time as possible on social activities
C. should know what they have rights for on campus
D. are supposed to repeat or replace at least one course
An 80-year-old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45-year-old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow(乌鸦) rested on their window.
The father asked his son, “What is this?”
The son replied “It is a crow.”
After a few seconds the father asked his son the second time, “What is this?”
The son said, “Father, I just now told you; it is a crow.”
After a little while, the old man again asked his son the third time, “What is this?”
At this time some expression of anger was felt in the son’s tone when he said to his father, “It is a crow, a crow.”
A little later, the father again asked his son the fourth time, “What is it?”
This time the son shouted at his father, “Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again? Although I have told you so many times? It is a crow. Are you not able to understand this?”
A little later the father went to his room and came back with an old diary which he had kept since his son was born. On opening a page, he asked his son to read that page. The following words were written in it:
Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa. When a crow was sitting on the window, my son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times. I did not at all feel angered. I rather felt affection for my innocent(单纯的) child.
So ……
If your parents reach old age, do not look at them as a burden, but be kind to them. Be considerate to your parents.
1.How many times did the father asked his son the same question?
A. Twice. B. Three times.
C. Tour times. D. Twenty-three times.
2.What was written in the diary mainly shows_________.
A. the son’s foolishness B. the father’s loneliness
C. the father’s love for his son D. the son’s curiosity
3.After reading the diary, the son most probably felt_________.
A. very disappointedB. even angrier
C. rather happyD. deeply ashamed
4.What lesson should we learn from the passage?
A. We should be considerate to our parents.
B. It’s important to be a great father.
C. We should form the habit of keeping a diary.
D. Old diaries have extraordinary values.
The morning had been a disaster. My tooth was aching, and I’d been in an argument with a friend. Her words still hurt: “The trouble with you is that you won’t put yourself in my place. Can’t you see things from my point of view?” I shook my head stubbornly（固执地）and felt the ache in my tooth. I’d thought I could hold out till my dentist came back from holiday, but the pain was really unbearable. I started calling the dentists in the phone book, but no one could see me immediately. Finally, at about lunchtime, I got lucky.
“If you come by right now,” the receptionist said, “the dentist will fit you in.”
I took my purse and keys and rushed to my car. But suddenly I began to doubt about the dentist. What kind of dentist would be so eager to treat someone at such short notice? Why wasn’t he as busy as the others?
In the dentist’s office, I sat down and looked around. I saw nothing but the bare walls and I became even more worried. The assistant noticed my nervousness and placed her warm hand over my ice-cold one.
When I told her my fears, she laughed and said, “Don’t worry. The dentist is very good.”
“How long do I have to wait for him?” I asked impatiently.
“Come on, he is coming. Just lie down and relax. And enjoy the artwork,” the assistant said.
“The artwork?” I was puzzled.
The chair went back. Suddenly I smiled. There was a beautiful picture, right where I could enjoy it: on the ceiling. How considerate the dentist was! At that moment, I began to understand what my friend meant by her words.
What a relief!
1.Which of the following best describes the author’s feeling that morning?
A. Upset.B. Nervous.C. Satisfied.D. Cheerful.
2.What made the author begin to doubt about the dentist?
A. The laughing assistant of the dentist.
B. The dentist’s being as busy as the other dentists.
C. The surroundings of the dentist’s office.
D. The dentist’s agreeing to treat her at very short notice.
3.What did the author learn from her experience most probably?
A. Strike while the iron is hot.
B. Put oneself in others’ shoes.
C. Have a good word for one’s friend.
D. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
假如你的朋友Mike邀请你参加他的生日Party，你因故不能参加。请你写封信向他道歉并说明情况。
内容提示：
母亲生病住院需要照顾。
买了件礼物寄去以示祝贺。
注意：字数100左右。开头和结尾已为你写好。
Dear Mike,
I am terribly sorry to tell you that I am unable to attend your birthday party next Thursday evening. That is owing to the fact that
Yours
Li Hua
Three years ago I failed an important exam in my life and became a student in a ordinary school. Disappointing as I felt at the shabby campus and the poorly-equipped classroom, I found the teachers patiently and considerate. Besides, I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere in class. I decided make the best of it. I worked hard and get along well with my teachers and classmates. Whenever I had difficulties, they were always available. Soon, I became one of the top student in my class, and which greatly increased my confidence and got him motivated.
My experience tell me that it is not what you are given but how you make use for it that determines who you are.
