My dearest daughter, as I looked across at you sitting on the sofa watching The X Factor, I noticed that you are no longer a child, and that having just celebrated your 14th birthday, you are now a young woman starting a journey into becoming an adult woman. As I looked at you, I remembered myself at 14, and the vastly different places we are beginning this journey from.
Your identity as a mixed-race young woman, with an English father and a Pakistani mother, has already influenced how you place yourself in this world. As yet, you are unaware of the personal struggles that I took at the age of 25 to marry. How it felt when my mother refused to come to my wedding. The sharp criticisms of the Asian community that such marriages do not work out and always end in divorce. The confidence I had to grow, as we chose to live in a multicultural community, as I refused to be shamed into living in the leafier white suburbs.
Then, at the age of 30, I became your mum with all the joys and struggles this brought, as I refused the Asian traditions for a new baby's arrival. From your birth, your life could not have been more different from mine. I was brought up on a council estate, within a tight-knit extended Muslim family, through which poverty, racism and neglect were woven. I was never given the freedoms or the opportunity to experience new things. Now, as I hear you play your piano. I am grateful that you have these opportunities.
So many doors were closed to me as a young person, and as I fought for small steps of freedom, I soon learned that it was better to do what I wanted without the knowledge of my parents, and so deceit and deception(欺骗) became woven into my life too. The pressures to obey, to be a "good Muslim" girl and keep the family honour, were choking. Behind closed doors at home, the neglect and abuse took place. It was hidden, I felt the shame, lived with the fear and suffered alongside my sister and two younger brothers. Oh, the power we thought our parents had over us! I was convinced that one day my father would indeed beat us so hard that leaving us for dead, he would, as his threats said he would, bury us in the large back garden, and tell the school he had taken us back to Pakistan for good. My sister and I longed for a different blue sky to live under.
As a daughter of immigrant parents, I carried their hopes of a better education for their children--my own veins(血管) pulsing with the hard- work ethic(道德) and need to be grateful for the opportunity of a free education. And it was education that provided me with the strength to find my own blue sky. I fought to leave home to go to university at the age of 18, and never returned to live with my parents again.
Now as you explore your mixed-race heritage, which I hope we have supported you to do with visits to Pakistan and ensuring you go to multi-cultural schools, I want you to take the very best of all that is Asian with you as you become a woman.
I want you to know that although your journey has been vastly different. I am excited as I watch you standing on the threshold of becoming a woman for all the adventures and possibilities the future holds for you.
May you fly your blue sky with grace, confidence and hope as you find your place in this beautiful and crazy world.
Loving you now and always. Mommy
1.Mommy's mother refused to attend her wedding party because _________.
A. she struggled to break away from the family before it
B. her marriage was against the tradition of the community
C. she would leave the family to settle in the white suburbs
D. she refused the Asian tradition for a new baby’s arrival
2.What can be inferred from mommy's Muslim family life?
A. She was forced to drop out of school.
B. She behaved like a good Muslim girl.
C. She fought against her Muslim identity.
D. She suffered much abuse in the family.
3.From the fourth paragraph, we can see that Mommy was very _________.
A. determined B. realistic
C. ambitious D. tolerant
4.Mommy sends her daughter to multicultural schools to _________.
A. prepare the daughter for different adventures in future
B. ensure the daughter more opportunities to visit Pakistan
C. increase the daughter’s exposure to different cultures
D. encourage the daughter to grow up to be a better woman
5.We can learn from the passage that Mommy _________.
A. is regretful for giving her daughter the mixed-race identity
B. encourages her daughter to explore her origin and pursue her dream
C. won’t forgive her parents for the sufferings she had during childhood
D. criticizes the social traditions and prejudice in her community
University graduates Mallorie Brodie and Lauren Hasegawa, who invented a smartphone app that tracks construction defects（缺陷）for commercial builders, had a tiger by the tail.
Bridgit, which they founded in 2012, launched a cloud-based communications platform that helped manage defects on construction sites, which can delay projects and result in costly repairs if left unchecked. The smartphone application lets site supervisors take photos of cracks or damaged paint, share them with employees and track the problems to solution.
More than 600 subcontractors used the pilot version in many building sites before the commercial version, called Closeout, officially launched.
Feedback(反馈)was so good that they began to wonder: Why limit their invention to a specific industry? Why not turn it into some kind of a handy tool for consumers too? This became their dilemma. In other words, should they stay the course or look for wider applications of their app?
The experts polled all agreed Bridgit should stay focused on its original goal. Ms. Hasegawa and Ms. Brodie took that advice.
As more business customers signed on, it became clear that they made the right decision. Since then, the company’s growth has been rapid.
Earlier this year, Bridgit launched Closeout ,which is designed so that even the least tech-savvy can use it easily. Today, the app is being used on sites across Canada and the United States and even by top general contractors(承包商).
In October, Bridgit was named to the Canadian Innovation Exchange’s top 20 list of Canada’s most innovative companies working in digital media and information and communication technology .
But Ms. Hasegawa and Ms. Brodie are not resting on their glories. They have also been collecting feedback on Closeout from customers, and they’ll launch a new version in the spring. It will target not only general contractors but developers and building owners, too.
1.The two graduates invented the smartphone application to _______.
A. track construction sites and commercial builders
B. provide a communication platform to share photos
C. avoid project delay or costly repairs in construction
D. enable supervisors to take and share photos of buildings
2.The underlined word in Paragraph 7 most probably means _______?
A. keen on technology B. weak in technology
C. addicted to technology D. good at technology
3.According to the passage, what may contribute to the graduates’ success?
A. Investing in your strengths B. Serving more customers
C. Innovating technology D. Simplifying technology
4.The graduates’ future plan is to _______.
A. launch a new application in the spring
B. collect feedbacks from customers on Closeout
C. include different people in construction industry
D. target more consumers from various industries
In mid-January, Cape Town officials announced that the world-class South African city of four million residents would run out of water on April 12. The date, nicknamed “Day Zero,” has since been postponed multiple times, thanks to the intense conservation efforts by locals, a sharp reduction in agricultural water usage, and a 10 billion-liter donation from the private reservoirs(水库) of the Groenland Farmers Association.
The city now has enough water to sustain the current level of usage until July 9, giving residents hope that the rainy season, which begins in June, will be more regular than has been the case lately.
Four years ago, Cape Town’s water disaster would have seemed impossible given that the city’s six dam, which can hold 230 billion liters of water, were filled to the brim. However, three years of low rainfall – a third of normal levels – and the ever-increasing population, have reduced the dams to puddles.
In an attempt to avoid Day Zero, the government has imposed a strict 50-liter daily limit for all households. Residents are being urged to reduce their water usage by making small changes like taking shorter showers and reusing bathing water to flush toilets. Those that use more have to pay heavy fines.
When Day Zero strikes, a million homes or about 75 percent of the city will lose access to running water. Residents will instead have to wait in line at the over 200 water distribution centers established around the city to obtain 25 liters a day.
Though conservation measures will help in the short run, only nature can solve the problem. If the city gets enough rainfall during its winter season from June to August, it will provide much-needed relief. However, the local officials are not sure it will happen.
1.What does the underlined word “brim” in the second paragraph probably mean?
A. bottom B. top edge
C. extended part D. central part
2.What effort is being made now to avoid Day Zero?
A. Limiting the daily usage of water to 25 liters.
B. Establishing 200 water distribution centers in the city.
C. Reducing the city population as much as possible
D. Restricting water usage in agriculture significantly
3.What does the last paragraph mainly want to convey?
A. Tomorrow is still unknown. B. Current efforts will pay off.
C. Man is at the mercy of nature. D. It’s time to make joint efforts.
4.What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
A. To inform us of the severe situation of water shortage in Cape Town.
B. To appeal to the world to come together to help people Cape Town.
C. To explain the cause of the severe water shortage in Cape Town.
D. To applaud the efforts by people in Cape Town to address water shortage.
London to Brighton Bike Ride
The start
The bike ride starts at Clapham Common tube station
Ride carefully
We put together as many facilities as possible to help ensure you have a trouble-free day. But we also rely on you to ride safely and with due consideration for other cyclists and road users. Although many roads are closed to oncoming traffic, this is not always the case and you should be aware of the possibility that there could be vehicles coming in the opposite direction.
Please do not attempt reckless overtaking while riding---remember it is NOT a race.
______________
If you have an accident, ask a marshal for help; they are in contact with the support/emergency services. To call for help from our motorcycle marshals, give a ‘thumbs down’ signal. The marshal will do all he/she can to help, providing he/she is not already going to a more serious accident. If a motorcycle marshal slows down to help you, but you have just stopped for a rest and don’t need help, please give a ‘thumbs up’ signal and he/she will carry on. Remember---thumbs down means ‘I need help’.
In case of breakdown
Refer to your route map and make your way to a Mechanics Point. Mechanical assistance is free when you show your Rider Identity Card; you just pay for the parts.
Refreshment stops
Look out for these along the route. Most are organized by voluntary clubs and their prices give you real value for money. They are also raising money for their local communities and the British Heart Foundation, so please give them your support.
Rain or shine---be prepared
In the event of very bad weather, watch out for signs to wet weather stations en route. Good waterproofs, like a cycle cape, are essential. Our first aid staff can only supply bin liners and by the time you get one you may be very wet. However, the English summer is unpredictable---it may also be hot, so don’t forget the sun protection cream as well!
If you have to drop out
We will try to pick up your bike for you on the day. Call Bike Events(01225310859) no more than two weeks after the ride to arrange collection. Sorry, we cannot guarantee this service nor can we accept liability for any loss or damage to your bike. Bike Events will hold your bike for three months, after which it may be disposed of. You will be charged for all costs incurred in returning your cycle.
1.Which of the following subtitles might be suitable for the blank?
A. Emergency service B. Attracting assistance
C. Marshal’s job D. Contacting the marshal
2.Which of the following is WRONG about the Bike Ride?
A. The weather at the time of the Bike Ride is quite changeable
B. The drinks or waters along the way may be cheaper than usual
C. You don’t need to pay to replace a broken part of the bike
D. If you give up halfway and abandon your bike, it may be lost.
One morning, I walked down the path to my car and right into a huge spider web that had appeared overnight.
I felt _______for not having seen it or having _________ myself of the web tendrils （须状物）, and went
______my way. During the meeting with our client, I saw a look of pure _______ crossed his face. After I went to the _________, I figured it out.
The next morning, the ______ same scene occurred, and I felt even more foolish. _______a moment, I thought I should not _______ myself.
On the third day, I was ______to look for the web – the spider had rewoven it,_______this time off the path in the bushes.
How surprising it was to _______that the spider and I had learned the exact same _______ in the same amount of time.
It is _______ for certain things in life to happen to you. There will be heartbreak, _______, and days where you feel like you aren’t special or purposeful. You cannot let these _______ you. If you don’t _______ yourself to move past what happened and what was felt, you will _______ your future with that pair of glasses, and nothing will be able to change that _______.
As a saying _______, “The only mistake in life is the lesson not _______.” (Albert Einstein)
1.A. angry B. frustrated C. impatient D. foolish
2.A. removed B. rid C. reminded D. accused
3.A. in B. on C. by D. down
4.A. surprise B. excitement C. curiosity D. embarrassment
5.A. meeting room B. waiting room C. bathroom D. sitting room
6.A. funny B. single C. very D. strange
7.A. Within B. Before C. After D. For
8.A. forgive B. blame C. annoy D. comfort
9.A. worried B. due C. anxious D. careful
10.A. but B. and C. otherwise D. still
11.A. prove B. confirm C. admit D. realize
12.A. thought B. approach C. lesson D. trick
13.A. unhappy B. common C. regular D. heart-breaking
14.A. confusion B. conquer C. consensus D. calculation
15.A. disappoint B. weaken C. trap D. break
16.A. promise B. allow C. deny D. require
17.A. look at B. reflect on C. prepare for D. think about
18.A. saying B. occurrence C. future D. judgment
19.A. has B. goes C. spreads D. says
20.A. given B. taught C. learned D. addressed
In her talk, Lee focused on joy and _______ we can all find – and create – more of it in life.
A. what B. where
C. when D. how
