Junot Diaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

The winner in Culture critics’ survey is Junot Diaz’s first novel, about a bookworm called Oscar, who dreams of finding love. It also was named as the number-one book by the most critics. “It is a big deal for me to fall in love with a book whose topic is science fiction, fantasy and imagination,” says Elizabeth Taylor, the Chicago Tribune’s literary editor.

Edward P. Jones, The Known World

Set in 1855 on the plantation of Henry Townsend——born a slave, now a slave-owner—The Known World is a success, leading readers into a complex moral time without making simple judgments. Facing an early death, Townsend thinks about the future of his 50-acre Virginia plantation and the slaves he treats the way his former owner, now his teacher, taught him.

Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall

Mantel’s boldly reimagined legend of 16th Century Europe, told from the point of Thomas Cromwell, winning the Man Booker and National Book Critics Circle awards, was adapted to the stage and has been filmed as a new BBC miniseries(短剧). Mary Ann Gwinn, Seattle Times book editor writes, “I have never felt so completely buried into a character’s mind, not to mention a long ago and far-away place.”

Marilynne Robinson, Gilead

Rev John Ames, a small town minister, describes his life and anti-slavery tradition to his young son in beautiful language in this first part of Robinson’s trilogy (along with Home and Lila). “I can’t think of a living novelist who writes more seriously and profoundly about religious faith, which has become an almost forbidden topic in modern literature,” writes Dawn Raffel, who ranked Gilead first on her list. Critic Karen R. Long says, “This multi-generational story tells a desire for transcendence (超越), and makes a case for spiritual life in the 21st century—its own kind of miracle. Gilead will be read in 100 years.”

1.What can we learn from the passage?

A. Oscar likes reading books. B. Townsend worked in a church.

C. Rev John Ames likes farming. D. Thomas Gromwell won an Oscar Award.

2.What does Mary Ann Gwinn think of the book “Wolf Hall”?

A. She thinks it’s too dull. B. She doesn't like the character in the book.

C. She thinks it’s fascinating. D. She doesn’t like some contents in the book.

3.Which of the following books will have a far-reaching influence in the future?

A. Gilead B. Wolf Hall

C. The Known World D. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Something Fun

A person is on trial for murder in a court room in Oklahoma. There is strong evidence indicating guilt. However, the body is not found.

In the defense's(辩护）closing statement, the lawyer, knowing that his client is guilty and that it looks like he'll probably be convicted, resorted to a clever trick.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury(陪审团), I have a surprise for you all," the lawyer says as he looks at his watch." Within one minute, the person assumed dead in this case will walk into this court room," he says and he looks towards the court-room door. The jury, somewhat surprised, looks at the door eagerly. A minute passes. Nothing happens.

Finally the lawyer says," Actually, I made up the previous statement. But you all waited with expectation. I, therefore, put it to you that there is a reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was killed and insist that you return a verdict(裁决）of no guilty.

The jury, clearly confused, retires to discuss.

A very few minutes later, the jury returned and a representative pronouns a verdict of guilty.

“But how?” inquires the lawyer. “You must have had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door.”

Answers the representative, “Oh, we did look. But your client didn’t.”

1.Why was the person on trial according to the passage?

A. Because he couldn’t pay off the debts.

B. Because he was accused of murder.

C. Because he did not pay the tax in time.

D. Because he planned to cheat the jury.

2.Why did the lawyer come up with the trick?

A. To find the body. B. To annoy the jury.

C. To help his client. D. To save himself.

3.Why did the jury look at the door eagerly?

A. The lawyer’s words must be true.

B. They expected his family to come in.

C. They were surprised and taken in by the lawyer.

D. They thought the person on trial was escaping.

4.What did the representative’s answer mean in the last paragraph?

A. They firmly believed that nobody was killed.

B. The behavior of the client gave him away.

C. The jury still needed more evidence to prove it.

D. The lawyer’s words were worth thinking about.

Working well in a team requires full cooperation. It’s an important skill for almost every employee to have. Your ability to do your job is dependent upon others getting your work done, and others depend on you to get their work done.

Communicate well. Lack of communication is one of the biggest reasons of a team’s failure. Seek input from team members so they fell like a valuable part of the team. Communication establishes trust among team members. In addition, communicating well can help prevent and resolve conflict. Meet regularly to keep members involved and aware of your work progress. Post decisions where everyone in the team can see them.

Be flexible. In teamwork, priorities and responsibility can change instantly. Stay ready to shift focus. Training team members to be able to do parts of other team member’s jobs can be a valuable part of teamwork; being flexible helps to build appreciation for all the parts of the team.

Meet deadlines. Work hard to ensure you meet established deadlines when you work in a team environment. Others are depending on your work. Negotiate timelines with your teammates at the start of a project. Doing so allows you to have a say in how work gets accomplished.

Establish accountability. All team members must be responsible for the success and failure of the project. Although every team doesn’t need a leader, teams require a formal way to ensure everybody does his part. Try using meetings to report on progress.

Celebrate accomplishments and encourage the team. Senior executives may not always recognize the importance of some team members’ work. Share congratulations at team meetings and talk about whose work are invaluable in helping you get your work done.

1.What can you conclude from the first paragraph?

A. Working in a team means your work is separate.

B. Working in a team means your work is effective.

C. Being a member of a team means your work is independent.

D. Being a member of a team means your work is interdependent.

2.Which of the following deeds does not contribute to effective teamwork?

A. Keeping silent in a team discussion.

B. Being able to do parts of others’ job.

C. Acknowledging others’ work publicly.

D. Holding meetings to report on progress.

3.What does the underline word “accountability” refer to in the fifth paragraph?

A. Success B. Responsibility

C. Insurance D. Community

4.What is the best title of the passage?

A. How to Succeed in Communicating with Others

B. How to Work Effectively in a Team Environment

C. Ways to Work Well in Completing Projects

D. Ways to Improve the Efficiency of Employees

Researchers say current exercise guidelines are unrealistic and argue that doctors should sometimes advise small increases in activity instead. They warn the 150-minute weekly target is beyond the reach of some people — particularly older individuals. And striving to reach these goals could mean the benefits of lighter exercise are overlooked. But public health officials say current recommendations have proven benefits in lowering the risk of heart disease.

There is increasing evidence that inactivity is linked to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes(糖尿病) and some types of cancer. UK guidelines for adults recommend at least two-and-a-half hours of moderate activity a week, in short periods of 10 minutes or more.

But in two separate articles in the BMJ, experts argue the message needs to change, with greater emphasis on making inactive people move more. Prof Philipe de Souto Barreto at the University Hospital of Toulouse, advises people who are sedentary(久坐的) to make small incremental increases in their activity levels — rather than pushing to achieve current goals. He points to previous studies which show even short periods of walking or just 20 minutes of vigorous activity a few times a month can reduce the risk of death, compared to people who do no exercise.

In the second article, Prof Phillip Sparking of the Georgia Institute of Technology, says doctors should tailor their advice — particularly for older patients. He suggests using GP visits for people over 60 to discuss "realistic options" to increase activity — such as getting people to stand up and move during TV commercial breaks.

Prof Kevin Fenton at Public Health England, says: "Everyone needs to be active every day — short periods of 10 or more minutes of physical activity have proven health benefits, but getting 150 minutes or more of moderate activity every week is the amount we need to positively impact on a wide range of health conditions. "This includes reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes."

1.What is the current exercise goal mentioned in the passage?

A. 10-minute exercise. B. 20-minute exercise.

C. 60-minute exercise. D. 150-minute exercise.

2.What can we learn from the second paragraph?

A. A 10-minute exercise has little effect on the health.

B. Heart diseases happen easily to the old in activity.

C. Two-and-a-half hours of exercise is not necessary.

D. Inactivity easily brings about many serious diseases.

3.What is the suggestion of Prof. Philipe de Souto Barreto according to the third paragraph?

A. People should spend less time on exercise.

B. People should lower their activity levels.

C. People should increase exercise properly.

D. People should achieve their current goals.

4.Which of the following is TRUE about current exercise guidelines?

A. They are impractical. B. They are reasonable.

C. They have no effect on us. D. They are popular with people.

Common-sense Safety Tips for Travelling Abroad

When a holiday is just around the corner, you may be planning a trip abroad. But to enjoy a worry-free adventure abroad, you also should pay attention to the following common-sense safety tips for travelling abroad.

1.

Another reason to take only carry-on carriage—besides avoiding baggage fees—is that the less you have to carry around, the more quickly you can move, if necessary. You should always have a free hand. Besides, you won’t be exhausted from dragging all those bags around. 2.

Lock it up.

Leave your hotel with only what you need and lock up the rest. Take a lock for your luggage just in case your hotel doesn’t offer a safe. 3. If you don’t need all your cash and cards, don’t take them all with you when you go out for a day of sightseeing or shopping. Also, leave your passport in the hotel. Make photocopies of all your important documents and leave the hotel with a copy of your passport plus a one photo I.D. Why? 4. If all of your identification is in it, imagine the trouble you have to go through to replace it all.

Think and Plan.

Always keep in mind that, when you travel abroad, you are in a place you don’t know well and you can always be a target. Trust your senses. 5.After your arrival, ask the hotel staff and locals about the areas you are thinking of visiting, especially at night. And you should walk in well-lit areas at night and know how to contact the local police with your cell phone or a payphone in a foreign country, if necessary.

A. Travel light.

B. Pay by credit card.

C. Imagine having your bag stolen off a restaurant table.

D. You should also make it a habit to take your watch with you.

E. Plus, dragging lots of luggage is a dead giveaway that you aren’t a local resident.

F. You should call ahead to be sure, especially if your luggage is made of cloth material.

G. You are smart and mature, so if something or some situation doesn’t feel safe, it probably isn’t.

When my kids were small, I started a tradition in our house of giving eight gifts over the course of the eight days of Hanukkah(光明节). I liked the idea of_________a candle every night and giving my children a gift to unwrap to _______. It was easy to go into a toy store and pick up something _______less than $10 each, or even $1 each (at the Dollar Store). My children didn't ask for anything much in particular and they _______whatever they got.

As the years progressed, I _______the tradition of eight gifts for each night of Hanukkah.

But this year, Hanukkah _______something else. My special-needs son decided that he wanted to _______a computer, and it was up to me to buy all the parts of it. When I wouldn't _______that, he decided he wanted a PlayStation. Then Amazon gift cards. Then money. And it became clear that it wasn't going to happen, he got _______.

I keep________him that Hanukkah isn't about greed or materialism. It's about the miracle of an oil lamp that ________for eight days. It's about being________of our heritage. It's about freedom.

But he ________. I know deep down that his obsessions(迷恋) are out of his ________, and definitely out of mine. Having a special-needs child is as________as it gets. Some days are better than others and not all holidays________the way I hope. But despite his unrealistic requests, he's a(n) ________child who is showing me the true meaning of life.

And as we enter a new year and light the ________approaching the time, I welcome his differences ________I learn how to turn negative requests into________ones.

1.A. buying B. donating C. lighting D. drawing

2.A. celebrate B. present C. send D. play

3.A. with B. for C. of D. from

4.A. ate B. threw C. liked D. drank

5.A. held up B. gave in C. handed in D. kept up

6.A. made B. became C. found D. designed

7.A. build B. buy C. use D. watch

8.A. rely on B. learn from C. agree to D. dream about

9.A. calm B. happy C. selfish D. upset

10.A. telling B. warning C. promising D. accusing

11.A. lays B. hangs C. waits D. burns

12.A. tired B. proud C. afraid D. lack

13.A. nodded B. slept C. insisted D. failed

14.A. mind B. sight C. control D. place

15.A. wonderful B. dangerous C. interesting D. challenging

16.A. run out B. break down C. work out D. put down

17.A. strange B. amazing C. bad D. energetic

18.A. candles B. lamps C. torches D. lanterns

19.A. when B. as C. unless D. until

20.A. relative B. possible C. reasonable D. positive

A mouse, because of an 1.(luck) chance, made close friends with an evil frog. One day, 2.frog played a trick on the mouse by 3.(tie) a foot of the mouse to his own. At first, both of them joined together and the frog4. (lead) his friend toward the pool in which he lived, and didn’t stop5.he reached the side of the water. Then the frog suddenly jumped into the water and the mouse was pulled in with6.(he). The frog enjoyed the water and swam in it around, happily crying7.if he had done a great deed. The unhappy mouse died soon in the water, and his dead body floated around on the surface,8.(fasten) to the foot of the frog. A hawk saw the dead mouse, suddenly flew down towards it, caught it and flew away. The frog, still tied to the leg of the mouse, was also carried off as a9.(prison), and it10.(eat) by the hawk. Harm hatch, harm catch.

假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。

增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号(∧)，并在其下面写出该加的词。

删除：把多余的词用斜线(\)划掉。

修改：在错的词下划一条横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。

注意：1. 每处错误及其修改均仅限一词。

2. 只允许修改10处，多者(从第11处起)不计分。

As is known to we all, America’s national pastime is baseball. It has played in the country since the first settlers arrive. It was a national ball what was liked by many Americans at that time. Although baseball possibly developed from an English game, it is now thought of like an American sport. From the Little League to the Major League, player of all skill levels enjoy testing their power on the “ Field of Dreams”. Famous players, exciting music but the standard stadium food of hot dogs, popcorns and peanuts are popularly among Americans. In a fact, Americans make go to the baseball game a favorite summer outing for many Americans nowadays.

假如你是某中学英文报编辑李华，学校将举办一次50周年校庆作品展示（exhibition），请你用英文写一则作品征集启事。要点如下：

1. 作品主题：反映校园生活，表达祝福；

2. 作品形式：诗词、照片、画作等；

3. 截止日期：9月1日。

注意： 1. 词数100左右；

2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；

3. 开头语已为你写好，不计入总词数。

Back in 2001, Pen Hadow and I traveled to the North Pole. One morning we’d just taken down our tent and started skiing. Pen was in front, and I was following him. Suddenly I got a strange feeling that something was behind us. I stopped, looked back and saw a polar bear, walking towards us.

Pen and I planned to stay where we were, try and look big, and frighten it away. Pen had a shotgun that we’d bought in Russia. That was his job. My job was to look big and to take off my skis, hold the skis in the air, make lots of noise, and frighten away the bear. Pen raised the gun and fired into the air. However, it jammed and failed to work.

The bear was walking towards us. Pen tried again, but again it didn’t work. Then he walked towards the bear, and I thought, “Wow, Pen’s gone completely mad. He’s going to get eaten. What should I do?”

I thought maybe I could throw a ski at it or stab (刺) it with a ski pole or something. Suddenly, the bear stopped. Pen stopped. Bang. The gun went off in the air. There was a big cloud of smoke that I thought surprised Pen and me more than it surprised the bear. The animal looked up, looked down, turned around and walked off. Pen turned round and said, “Quick, get the camera and take a photograph,” and that was when suddenly I felt really nervous. I couldn’t even undo the zip on our bag.

That was the morning of the second day of this journey. We were out there for two months — fifty-nine days, but we never saw another bear that close.

1.What happened to the author and Pen?

A. They lost their way.

B. They felt terribly ill.

C. They broke their tent.

D. They were followed by a bear.

2.Which of the following can best describe the author and Pen?

A. Calm and brave.

B. Caring and proud.

C. Honest and friendly.

D. Careful and humorous.

3.Who frightened the bear away in the end?

A. The author. B. A hunter. C. Pen. D. Another animal.

4.In the text, the author mainly talks about _____.

A. his discovery in the North Pole

B. his experience in the North Pole

C. why he traveled to the North Pole

D. how he traveled across the North Pole