Today I was at the mall waiting for friends, when a lady wearing a knit hat and a sweater came up to me and, shivering, said, “I’m homeless. Would you mind buying me some food?”
In that split second, everything I’d learned since kindergarten flashed through my mind. Don’t talk to strangers … Be a good citizen … People will take advantage of you … Treat others as you wish to be treated … The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return … I guess love won the debate. “Sure,” I said. “What would you like?”
She thought and then said, “I’d like to get Chinese food.” We headed upstairs. On the way she told me about when she was a teenager. She remembers taking pictures for the yearbook with her best friend. She was in the band and played basketball. She got good grades and was a good student.
She ordered soup, an egg roll, white rice, and pepper chicken. I would normally think that was a lot, but she had probably barely eaten in the last few days. I got my usual – lo mein and General Tso’s chicken.
As we ate, we got to know each other. She asked if I played any instruments. I replied that I played the violin, cello, and guitar. She told me she played the flute, piano, guitar, and violin. In the middle of our meal, I realized something. And she thought of it at exactly the same time.
“So, what’s your name?” she asked.
“I’m Claire,” I said, startled at our exact same thought. “What’s yours?”
“Joyce,” she said with a smile.
We continued talking, and she asked my favorite subjects in school and if I wanted to go to college. “Hopefully,” I replied. “I’m interested in nursing.”
“I went to college for nursing,” she said.
I was taken aback. How could we have so much in common? Was she pretending so I’d feel sympathy for her? But her eyes were genuine as she said this.
Meanwhile I was eating my lo mein, picking around the cabbage and the other vegetables. Joyce said, “If you don’t like it you can take it back.” I told her that I liked it, but was not fond of the vegetables. She broke into a big grin. “You don’t like vegetables, huh? Neither did I. But now I do.” I immediately felt guilty. How could I be picking at my food across from someone who barely gets to eat at all?
I tried my best to finish, but she seemed to sense my guilt and said, “You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want it.” How could she know what I was feeling? I told her the dish was my favorite, but I just eat slowly.
She replied, “I used to like lo mein, but pepper chicken was my dad’s favorite, so I get that now.” Noticing that she used the word “was,” I assumed her dad had passed away. I found it sweet that she gave up her favorite in order to honor her dad.
She asked why I was at the mall.
“I’m waiting for friends. We’re going to see ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’” I replied, stumbling over the words a bit.
“‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’” she echoed in awe. “What’s that about?” I realized that she didn’t see commercials for movies.
I explained the basic plot and she chuckled. “A man who is born 80 years old and ages backwards! That sounds interesting.”
She got up to get a to-go box. “Would you like one?” she asked, but I refused. I realized that this food would probably last her for a few days, and I was glad she had ordered a lot.
“Would you like these?” I asked, gesturing at the food I had left untouched. “Oh, no, thank you,” she said. “This is enough.” I got up to throw my tray away, feeling guilty about wasting so much.
“I need to meet my friends now,” I explained. “It was so nice to meet you, Joyce.”
“You too, Claire,” she replied with a smile. “Thank you.”
I headed to the theater, and she went back downstairs. It sounds like a perfect coincidence, but I can’t help but think that some force compelled us to meet. I kept puzzling, Why is Joyce homeless? It seems so unfair. She shouldn’t need people to buy her dinner. She was a nurse. She got good grades. She took pictures for her yearbook. She was the person I hope to be in the future. What went wrong? How could such a good life be rewarded with horrible luck?
I feel lucky to have run into Joyce. She changed my outlook. She is still a wonderful person, despite what the world has done to her. I wish her the best, and can only hope that the force that brought us together will help her find what she deserves in life.
1.From the second paragraph we know that the writer _________.
A. debated with the girl over moral issues
B. hates having to make a quick decision
C. hesitated before she decided to reach out
D. fell in love with the girl at the first sight
2.The writer felt guilty for a moment because ________.
A. she was particular about food and also wasted so much
B. she was a strict vegetarian who ate very little
C. she didn’t order enough food for the girl
D. she urged the girl to take her share of food
3.Why did Joyce end up unemployed and homeless?
A. She was a victim of high education
B. She actually had some kind of mental disorder
C. She graduated with average grades
D. The reason is not yet given.
4.Which detail doesn’t show the coincidence in the story?
A. They both took interest in nursing.
B. They were about to ask names of each other at the same time.
C. When Claire headed to the theater, Joyce went back downstairs.
D. They were both musical lovers.
5.The writer was very happy to have met Joyce because______.
A. she didn’t know what she was going to be until then.
B. this chance meeting changed her attitudes towards life in a way.
C. she was glad to be able to pay for someone in need.
D. hopefully the force that brought them together may bring good luck to Joyce.
6.The passage is intended to _______.
A. arouse readers’ curiosity
B. explore social problems
C. teach readers a lesson
D. share a sweet personal story
Many people have never heard of Mesothelioma and are unaware of its symptoms. Although considered a rare form of cancer, each year the number of cases grows. With the prevalence(流行)of this disease on the rise, it is critical to understand why and how Mesothelioma develops and what courses of action can be taken in the event of diagnosis. The following is a list of frequently asked questions and answers that will provide you with some information on Mesothelioma, and the legal issues surrounding it.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor found in the mesothelial cells of an organ. The organs where this form of cancer is most commonly found are the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Pleural Mesothelioma is cancer of the lung lining(组织,膜)and is the most common form of Mesothelioma.
What causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos(石棉). Asbestos is often found in building materials used before the mid 1970's. In addition, materials such as pipes, boiler insulation, floor, ceiling and roof tiles may contain asbestos.
How much asbestos exposure will cause Mesothelioma?
Generally, the probability of developing this form of cancer is in accordance with the length of time you are exposed to asbestos. Also, your health is at risk if your exposure to asbestos is intense. It should be noted that Mesothelioma has a latency(潜伏)period of 20 to 50 years. This means that you may develop the disease long after your exposure to asbestos. On average, people tend to develop Mesothelioma somewhere between 35 and 40 years after exposure.
How quickly does Mesothelioma progress?
The onset of Mesothelioma is quite slow. Patients will begin to experience symptoms such as lower back pain and chest pain. These symptoms may also be accompanied by weight loss, fever and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, once Mesothelioma develops, it quickly becomes aggressive and treatment must be sought immediately.
Can Mesothelioma be treated?
Doctors are able to use several traditional methods of cancer treatment for Mesothelioma, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Like all forms of cancer, detecting the disease at the earliest stage possible greatly increases the patient's chances for survival. If you have worked in an industry such as construction or suspect that you may have been exposed to asbestos, be alert for symptoms and contact your doctor immediately.
What legal courses of action can be taken?
Anyone suffering from Mesothelioma is entitled to compensation from asbestos manufacturers. Additionally, if you are the spouse or child of someone who has died from Mesothelioma, you are entitled to file a claim and seek compensation.
1.The authors intends to _______.
A. tell the readers how important it is to know more about Mesothelioma.
B. provide more information about Mesothelioma
C. give advice on how tto avoid developing Mesothelioma
D. tell the readers how terrible Mesothelioma is
2.We can learn from the text that _______.
A. Asbestos is to blame for Mesothelioma.
B. Even if a person is exposed to asbestos for a while, he will die soon.
C. All the employees can ask for compensation from asbestos manufacturers.
D. Mesothelioma is a cancer familiar to many people.
3.The following are the symptoms of Mesothelioma EXCEPT ______.
A. frequent headache B. lower back pain
C. chest pain D. difficult breathing
4.Which of the following would be the best title for the text?
A. Terrible Mesothelioma
B. Mesothelioma is around us
C. Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma
D. Mesothelioma in on the rise
5.If you work in an industry exposed to asbestos, you should ________.
A. give up the job immediately
B. ask for a rise from your boss
C. file a claim and seek compensation
D. go to hospital and have your body examined
1.In what section of a newspaper will you probably read the advertisements?
A. Geography B. Education C. History D. Environment
2.What do Science Museum Oklahoma and Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse have in common?
A. Aiming at science
B. Introducing animals
C. Offering imaginary roles
D. Enjoying a trip to the universe
3.Emma has a tight schedule and has to work from 10am-5pm every day. If she wants to visit a museum, which website will she probably login to get more information?
A. http://www.jasminemoran.com/
B. http://www.museumgreatplains.org/
C. http://tulsaairandspacemuseum.com/
D. http://www.sciencemuseumok.org/
4.Which of the following can be learned from the advertisements?
A. Visitors can enjoy family fun in all the museums except the Museum of the Great Pains.
B. Visitors can experience something related to culture in the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
C. Visitors can phone (405) 382-0950 if their children want to enjoy role-playing programs.
D. Visitors can explore an adventure of outer space in 601 NW Ferris Ave Lawton, OK.
5.What may be the purpose of the writer writing the passage?
A. To show his knowledge of museums
B. To provide some information on museums
C. To attract attention from the readers
D. To entertain readers
When Chinese student Du Juan brought her American boyfriend home two years ago to use the toilet, her Japanese roommate became so upset that she shouted in English: "I hate you."
Du, then 21 and an undergraduate at Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts, was shocked. So was her boyfriend.
"Later I realized that she didn't literally mean what she said and that she was not aware of the full meaning of the word 'hate' in English," said Du. "It was more a problem with translation," she added.
Cultural differences can cause confusion about what words or even actions mean, an issue that has come to the forefront recently following the arrest of a Chinese doctoral degree student in New Jersey.
Zhai Tiantian, who studied at the Stevens Institute of Technology, has been accused of trying to set fire to a campus building and of making threats to a professor who gave him a low mark. No physical altercation took place but Zhai reportedly said something along the lines of "at worst, I will risk anything on the line." The professor called the campus police.
According to the indictment sheet（起诉书）, Zhai is facing the serious charge of making a terroristic threat.
For a few days, Chinese media mistranslated, or misunderstood, the charges and reported that Zhai was being charged with terrorism.
Some language experts have speculated（推测） that the disagreement between Zhai and the professor can also be chalked up to cultural and linguistic differences. "What Chinese people regard as acceptable speech may be regarded by Americans as threats," said Luo Gang, the Chinese Consulate's Overseas Chinese Affairs consul. "This is an unfortunate incident. Even though Zhai intended no harm, he has done himself a great deal of harm."
Du, now 23, said she supports Zhai's actions in fighting to save his academic career, but added he needs to learn more about communication in a foreign language.
"Chinese students in a foreign country must prepare more in terms of languages and conversation skills to avoid misunderstandings," she said.
1.What does the underlined word “altercation” mean？
A. fight B. check C. education D. experiment
2.By saying “It was more a problem with translation”, what does Du Juan mean?
A. Translation was not the real problem, as Du Juan and her roommate can both speak English.
B. Du Juan can not understand what her roommate meant at all.
C. Her roommate didn’t know what “hate” really meant in daily conservation.
D. Her roommate spoke such poor English that she felt angry.
3.Which of the following statements about Zhai Tiantian is true?
A. He set fire to a campus building.
B. He argued with a professor because he received a low mark.
C. He has received a doctor’s degree at the Stevens Institute of Technology.
D. He is facing a serious charge because he murdered the professor.
4.What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Du Juan’s unpleasant experience abroad.
B. Confusion caused by translation.
C. Conservational skills in a foreign country.
D. Cultural differences between China and America.
Steve, a twelve-year-old boy with alcoholic parents, was failing. Surprisingly, he could read. 21 his good reading skills, Steve had been failing since first grade. Steve was a big boy, yet, he went unnoticed... 22 Miss White.
Miss White was a smiling, beautiful, young lady. For the first time in his 23 life, Steve couldn’t take his eyes off his teacher; yet, 24 he failed. In the middle of the first term, the entire seventh grade was 25 for basic skills. Steve hurried through his tests, and 26 to dream of other things, as the day passed slowly. One day, Miss White’s 27 voice broke into his daydreams. “Steve!” Startled (吓了一跳), he 28 to look at her. “Pay attention!” She began to 29 the test results. “You all did pretty well,” she told the class, “ 30 one boy, and it breaks my 31 to tell you this, but...” She hesitated, pinning Steve to his seat with a sharp 32 . “... The smartest boy in the seventh grade is failing my class!”
After that, Steve still 33 do his homework. “Just try it,” Miss White said one day. “Steve! Please! I care about you!” Wow! Suddenly, Steve got it! Someone cared about him? Someone, so beautiful and perfect, cared about him! Steve went home from school, 34 , that afternoon.
The following Monday he arrived at school on time, and waited for Miss White to enter the classroom. She walked in, all sparkle and smiles! Immediately, she gave a 35 on the weekend homework. Steve was the first to 36 his paper. With a look of 37 , Miss White took his paper. Steve walked back to his desk, his heart beating strongly within his chest.
Miss White’s face was in total 38 ! Suddenly, her face broke into a bright smile. The smartest boy in the seventh grade had just 39 his first test! From that moment 40 was the same for Steve.
1.A. In honor of B. In spite of C. In addition to D. In case of
2.A. to B. before C. until D. upon
3.A. rich B. young C. fresh D. simple
4.A. still B. even C. also D. forever
5.A. observed B. corrected C. selected D. tested
6.A. struggled B. agreed C. continued D. declared
7.A. cheerful B. impatient C. enthusiastic D. shy
8.A. decided B. managed C. turned D. forgot
9.A. go over B. run over C. turn over D. hand over
10.A. except B. due to C. as for D. up to
11.A. will B. record C. heart D. back
12.A. pain B. stare C. sense D. contrast
13.A. wouldn’t B. needn’t C. mustn’t D. shouldn’t
14.A. amused B. doubtful C. approved D. thoughtful
15.A. survey B. speech C. report D. quiz
16.A. give up B. hand in C. turn down D. come across
17.A. respect B. curiosity C. surprise D. fear
18.A. victory B. shock C. sadness D. confidence
19.A. escaped B. taken C. missed D. passed
20.A. nothing B. something C. anything D. everything
I am told that the new law will come into ________ on January 1st next year.
A. effect B. use C. service D. existence
