Passage One

When I was 14, I got tired of school and left my hometown in search of my fortune in big cities. One day I was 1 in the street when I noticed an old beggar at the corner. After 2 me for some time he asked me, “Boy, come with me and I have something good for you.” Feeling 3 and puzzled I followed him to a small house.

The beggar first asked me to wait for a moment. A few moments later, he returned with a couple of old 4 . “There are two things that I want to 5 you, young man,” said he. “The first is to never 6 a book by its cover, for it can fool you.” He 7 , “I bet you think Im a 8 , dont you, young man?” I said, “Well, uh, yes, I guess so, sir.” “You are 9 , but Im sure you are a dropout,” he said 10 . I got shocked.

“Well, young man, Ive got a little 11 for you. I am one of the 12 men in the world. I have probably everything any man could ever want. A year ago, my wife passed away. I 13 there were certain things I had not yet 14 in life, one of which was what it would be like to live 15 a beggar on the streets. For the past years, I have been going from city to city and doing just that.”

“The second is to learn how to 16 . There is only one thing that people cant take away from you, your 17 .” Then, he reached forward, caught my 18 and put them upon the books.

The beggar then 19 me back on the streets near where we first met. His parting 20 for me was to never forget what he taught me. I headed for my home that very day and returned to my school the next day.

1. A. shopping B. wandering C. running D. singing

2. A. watching B. questioning C. examining D. hearing

3. A. scared B. nervous C. curious D. impatient

4. A. cookies B. drinks C. photos D. books

5. A. show B. teach C. help D. give

6. A. buy B. judge C. admire D. borrow

7. A. went on B. held on C. kept up D. ended up

8. A. teacher B. seller C. beggar D. worker

9. A. perfect B. smart C. confident D. wrong

10. A. naturally B. anxiously C. firmly D. happily

11. A. surprise B. gift C. lesson D. advice

12. A. greatest B. wealthiest C. strongest D. oldest

13. A. recommended B. remembered C. realized D. referred

14. A. educated B. purchased C. satisfied D. experienced

15. A. like B. at C. with D. by

16. A. survive B. cheat C. read D. research

17. A. health B. wisdom C. appearance D. money

18. A. arms B. heads C. shoulders D. hands

19. A. followed B. led C. forced D. drove

20. A. character B. step C. request D. figure

Passage Two

It was Mothers Day, but our mother was far away from us. I decided to drive to the 1 with my wife and our children to 2 flowers.

After we arrived, we went hiking, played games, and collected all kinds of flowers and so on. How happy we were! Finally, 3 , we had to start our car and got ready to go back home. While the kids chattered and I drove, my wife sat behind me, surrounded by her flowers, a(n) 4 look in her eyes.

Suddenly my wife 5 to me, “Stop the car. Stop right here!” 6 I could ask her what had happened, she was out and 7 up a nearby grassy hill with the lilacs (丁香花) still in her arms. At the 8 of the hill was a nursing home and, because it was such a beautiful spring day, the 9 were outdoors talking with relatives.

My wife went up the hill, where an elderly patient was sitting in her 10 , alone with her back to most of the others. My wife 11 the flowers to her and said something. The patient 12 her head and smiled. They talked for a few 13 before my wife ran back. As the car 14 away, I found in the mirror the woman 15 with the lilacs.

“Mom,” the kids asked, “who was that? Why did you give her our 16 ? Is she somebodys mother?” My wife said, “I didnt know the old woman. But it is Mothers Day. And she seemed so 17 . Who wouldnt be cheered by flowers? 18 ,” she added, “I have all of you, and I still have my 19 , even if she is far away. That woman needed those flowers more than I did.”

Now, every May, our own yard is 20 with lilacs. Every Mothers Day we drive to the countryside to gather flowers and sow more seeds in our yard. And every year I remember that lonely old woman in her wheelchair, and her smile on her face.

1. A. downtown B. street C. countryside D. supermarket

2. A. gather B. plant C. buy D. send

3. A. then B. still C. yet D. though

4. A. amazed B. bored C. tired D. pleased

5. A. apologized B. shouted C. called D. talked

6. A. As B. Before C. When D. Until

7. A. went B. fell C. rolled D. jumped

8. A. back B. top C. foot D. edge

9. A. doctors B. villagers C. visitors D. patients

10. A. yard B. room C. garden D. wheelchair

11. A. handed B. threw C. packed D. showed

12. A. lifted B. dropped C. shook D. swung

13. A. words B. topics C. minutes D. quarters

14. A. put B. speeded C. dragged D. pulled

15. A. waved B. danced C. circled D. ran

16. A. money B. food C. flowers D. gifts

17. A. sick B. weak C. kind D. lonely

18. A. Surely B. Generally C. However D. Besides

19. A. daughter B. aunt C. mother D. sister

20. A. filled B. decorated C. planted D. painted

Passage Three

A passenger told an stewardess (女乘務(wù)員) that he needed a cup of water to take his medicine when the plane just took off. She told him that she would 1 him the water in ten minutes.

Thirty minutes later, when the passengers ring for service 2 , the stewardess flew in a hurry. She was 3 so busy that she 4 to bring him the water. 5 a result, the passenger was 6 up to take his medicine. She hurried 7 to him with a cup of water, but he 8 it.

In the following hours on the 9 , each time the stewardess 10 the passenger she would ask him with a smile whether he needed help or not. But the passenger never took 11 of her.

When he was going to 12 off the plane, the passenger asked the stewardess to 13 him the passengers booklet (小冊(cè)子). She was very 14 . She knew that he would write down 15 words, but with a 16 she handed it to him.

Off the plane, she opened the booklet, and 17 a smile, for the passenger 18 , “On the flight, you asked me whether I needed help or not for twelve times in 19 . How can I refuse your twelve 20 smiles?”

Thats right! Who can refuse the twelve sincere smiles from a person?

1. A. collect B. drop C. handle D. deliver

2. A. warned B. stopped C. sounded D. broke

3. A. kept B. remained C. improved D. loaded

4. A. meant B. forgot C. attempted D. recalled

5. A. Without B. For C. As D. Beyond

6. A. held B. taken C. picked D. put

7. A. beyond B. down C. towards D. over

8. A. appreciated B. refused C. drank D. forgot

9. A. flight B. spot C. scene D. service

10. A. served B. informed C. arranged D. passed

11. A. demand B. focus C. notice D. attention

12. A. take B. get C. put D. go

13. A. tell B. make C. write D. hand

14. A. sad B. angry C. surprised D. interested

15. A. mad B. common C. sharp D. traditional

16. A. pity B. smile C. laugh D. tear

17. A. forced B. pretended C. wore D. burst

18. A. wrote B. ran C. heard D. read

19. A. return B. exchange C. turn D. all

20. A. delighted B. sincere C. regular D. enough

Passage Four

Sometimes the difficulty in your life can help you struggle less, which I learned by studying fish.

When I was young, time was always 1 for us. But my father would never set it aside and tried his best to 2 us. On Sundays, my father would ask me to go 3 with him. As he said, “Our food may be poor but our life must be 4 .” Therefore, our best times together were spent trying to catch a fish.

5 there was another side of my father. He had a temper (脾氣), and sometimes he got 6 and would hit me. In those moments of uncontrolled rage (憤怒) he could 7 see things in his way; he would never let me 8 an argument. I was held under his 9 , unable to break out. When I 10 with him, he struck me in the face. It didnt hurt me, but it left 11 sad, powerless and disappointed. As usual, 12 what happened that week, we would fish together on Sunday.

Years later, I 13 my interest in fish to graduate school in biology. I was always a 14 student, but I didnt have much 15 . I felt it was beaten out of me by my father. I tried to find my direction but just ended with a complete 16 . Then one night something 17 happened. I was researching how fish swim upwards against the flowing water and 18 that they could surf with the help of the running water without using much muscle. I suddenly realized that difficulty could 19 help you struggle less.

I quickly finished my article, which made the cover of Science Magazine, and I received my PhD. from Harvard in 2009. Now I can take the 20 of my fathers violence and move through it. This is different from forgiveness. Its the way I choose to define the events in my life—by my response to them.

1. A. peaceful B. generous C. miserable D. extreme

2. A. survive B. raise C. devote D. satisfy

3. A. cooking B. shopping C. skating D. fishing

4. A. rich B. independent C. precious D. typical

5. A. Until B. Unless C. But D. However

6. A. anxious B. sad C. angry D. disrespectful

7. A. totally B. only C. absolutely D. probably

8. A. repeat B. communicate C. express D. win

9. A. will B. feeling C. destination D. responsibility

10. A. scolded B. competed C. struggled D. argued

11. A. him B. me C. us D. them

12. A. according to B. in spite of C. thanks to D. as with

13. A. showed B. shared C. lost D. followed

14. A. good B. lazy C. scared D. naughty

15. A. power B. confidence C. faith D. creativity

16. A. disaster B. joke C. success D. failure

17. A. adventurous B. particular C. wonderful D. incredible

18. A. discovered B. wondered C. expected D. considered

19. A. simply B. finally C. actually D. fortunately

20. A. chance B. spirit C. wisdom D. energy

Passage Five

My mother had been in a deep sleep for three days. She was 88 years old and had 1 the end of a long illness. I 2 for round-the-clock nursing care for her and did not 3 her during those three days. On the fourth 4 , I called my husband to 5 me up home so that I could get some clean clothes there.

After a quick breakfast at my house, I showered, got dressed, and then threw a few 6 into a shopping bag. We got back into the car and 7 to buy some daily goods. 8 , I changed my mind and thought I should go to my mother as soon as possible. Something 9 me told me to do that. I hurried to the hospital and found my mothers nurse 10 to see me. “Its some kind of miracle (奇跡)!” she said. “Your mothers eyes are open!” Rushing into my mothers bedroom, I was 11 to see my mother lying there and staring straight ahead. Was she still 12 ? I found my heart started 13 . But then she turned and looked straight at me 14 to ask, “Where am I?” Or, perhaps, “Where am I going?” I held her weak body gently, and spoke to her 15 , “Mum, I love you.” And then I could feel that she was 16 .

“When she opened her eyes,” the nurse said, “I said to your mother, ‘Theres your daughter. Just 17 on before she gets here. And she managed it. She 18 for you.”

Thinking about the 19 that something told me not to stop for anything on the way back to my 20 , but to hurry as fast as I could so that I was able to say goodbye to her, I believe that it was deep love that made me keep company with my mother to the last minute.

1. A. left B. found C. reached D. passed

2. A. called B. arranged C. sought D. made

3. A. visit B. comfort C. attend D. leave

4. A. morning B. afternoon C. night D. noon

5. A. take B. get C. pick D. put

6. A. dollars B. notebooks C. clothes D. soaps

7. A. began B. decided C. promised D. managed

8. A. Fortunately B. Expectedly C. Surprisingly D. Suddenly

9. A. inside B. behind C. around D. beyond

10. A. angry B. disappointed C. happy D. surprised

11. A. worried B. shocked C. puzzled D. excited

12. A. healthy B. alive C. strong D. confident

13. A. working B. shaking C. beating D. racing

14. A. as if B. even if C. so as D. in case

15. A. loudly B. softly C. normally D. firmly

16. A. peaceful B. miserable C. scared D. gone

17. A. stay B. watch C. hold D. keep

18. A. waited B. depended C. believed D. sent

19. A. idea B. opinion C. fact D. thought

20. A. house B. office C. work D. mother

Passage Six

On an autumn afternoon I was doing my homework at home when a sound of a violin flowed into my ears. I was so 1 that I jumped to see what it was. A young 2 , standing in the wind, was lost in playing her violin.

The music was so 3 that I listened quietly. Lost in the music, I didnt 4 that I had been standing there for so long but my 5 did not seem to disturb her.

Every day she played the violin there and I would watch her 6 . I was the only audience. 7 we didnt know each other, I thought we were already good friends. I 8 she also liked me. However, one afternoon, when I was listening 9 , the sound suddenly stopped. To my 10 , the girl came over to me.

“You must like 11 ,” she said. “Yes. And you play very well. Why did you stop?” I asked. Suddenly, a 12 expression appeared on her face and I could 13 something unusual. “I came here to see my grandmother, but now I must 14 . I once played very badly. It was your listening every day that 15 me,” she said. “In fact, it was your playing that gave me a meaningful 16 ,” I answered. “Let us be friends.” Both the girl and I 17 .

There are many kinds of 18 . Some are always with you, but dont 19 and support you. Some say a few words to you, but these words are 20 to you. Many people will step in your life, but only true friends leave footprints.

1. A. angry B. curious C. touched D. moved

2. A. girl B. boy C. man D. woman

3. A. familiar B. loud C. attractive D. clear

4. A. imagine B. care C. recognize D. realize

5. A. judgment B. existence C. praise D. show

6. A. face B. performance C. body D. violin

7. A. Though B. If C. As D. Since

8. A. doubted B. wondered C. believed D. promised

9. A. carelessly B. patiently C. devotedly D. nervously

10. A. shock B. joy C. sorrow D. interest

11. A. music B. singing C. violin D. playing

12. A. happy B. sad C. delighted D. satisfied

13. A. make B. smell C. feel D. consider

14. A. remain B. practice C. play D. leave

15. A. encouraged B. comforted C. admired D. hurt

16. A. day B. month C. autumn D. afternoon

17. A. hesitated B. smiled C. silenced D. disagreed

18. A. friends B. stories C. experiences D. lessons

19. A. notice B. understand C. fight D. remind

20. A. similar B. sensible C. close D. meaningless

Passage Seven

“What kind of Thanksgiving can I provide?” I said to myself. Living in a small house and still jobless, I 1 to make ends meet.

Still, I counted my blessings (知足) when I 2 that a young family in a nearby home lost 3 because of a flash fire. I watched as the entire community went to the 4 : a church provided shelter; others gathered food, bedding and clothing. Lines of busy people willingly gave their time 5 their money.

The afternoon before Thanksgiving, two women came to our house 6 donations (捐贈(zèng)物品). Although we had little to 7 , I helped carry items to their car, 8 in my heart to give more.

As we stood outside 9 , my little Helen, only three, screamed, “Wait! Dont anybody move.” She rushed into the house, complaining, “We 10 something!”

I looked apologetically at the ladies, but 11 I could follow her, Helen was back outside, carrying her 12 toy bear, which I had made for her birthday just two months before.

“Mommy,” her green eyes searched my 13 , “the little girl doesnt have any toys. I have to give it to her.”

My heart quaked. I thought about the few 14 Helen had and how many hours I had spent sewing this one. Now she wanted to 15 it away. We stood in silence, the ladies 16 at me. I struggled with my feelings. I thought of all the things we needed and didnt have.

Everyone held their 17 as I bent down to face Helen. “Of course, Helen,” my voice nearly 18 . “Youre right. We forgot the toy. How 19 of you to remember!”

And I 20 my own heart would never be as big as the one pounding (砰砰地跳) in my daughters little chest.

1. A. struggled B. decided C. prepared D. happened

2. A. expected B. announced C. learned D. believed

3. A. nothing B. something C. anything D. everything

4. A. trouble B. rescue C. experience D. work

5. A. except for B. instead of C. rather than D. as well as

6. A. collecting B. reporting C. requiring D. allowing

7. A. eat B. do C. spare D. sell

8. A. refusing B. offering C. waiting D. wishing

9. A. watching B. laughing C. chatting D. dancing

10. A. needed B. find C. send D. forgot

11. A. since B. before C. when D. though

12. A. expensive B. favorite C. friendly D. ugly

13. A. face B. head C. heart D. body

14. A. books B. clothes C. friends D. toys

15. A. take B. throw C. give D. put

16. A. aiming B. shouting C. keeping D. staring

17. A. words B. steps C. breath D. hands

18. A. broke B. failed C. appeared D. stopped

19. A. proud B. thoughtful C. natural D. clever

20. A. admitted B. wished C. explained D. realized

Passage Eight

It was the last day of final examination in a large eastern university. On the steps of one building, a group of college students gathered, discussing the 1 to begin in a few minutes. On their faces was 2 . This was their last exam before their graduation.

Some talked of jobs they already 3 ; others of jobs they would get. With all this knowledge of four years of 4 , they felt ready and able to run the world.

The exam, they knew, would be 5 . The professor had said they could bring any books or 6 they wanted. But they were not allowed to talk to each other during the test.

Happily they 7 the classroom. The professor 8 the papers to them. And smiles 9 as the students found there were only five questions.

Three hours passed 10 the professor began to 11 the papers. The students no longer looked confident. On their faces was a frightened expression. No one spoke as the professor faced the class.

He looked at the 12 faces before him, and asked, “How many completed all five questions?”

Not a hand was raised. “How many answered four?” Still no 13 . “Three? Two?” The students shifted restlessly in their seats. “One, then? Certainly somebody finished one.” But the class remained 14 . The professor put down the papers. “That is exactly what I 15 ,” he said.

“I just want to 16 on you that, even though you have completed four years of engineering, there are still many things about the 17 you dont know. These questions you could not answer are relatively 18 in everyday practice.” Then, smiling, he added, “You will all 19 this course, but remember—even though you are now college graduates, your education has just 20 .”

The years have obscured the name of this professor, but not the lesson he taught.

1. A. plan B. problem C. exam D. study

2. A. confidence B. disappointment C. indifference D. sadness

3. A. employed B. knew C. found D. designed

4. A. experience B. practice C. life D. college

5. A. difficult B. easy C. confusing D. strange

6. A. pens B. news C. papers D. notes

7. A. entered B. noticed C. loved D. passed

8. A. handed in B. showed off C. passed out D. passed away

9. A. froze B. missed C. disappeared D. appeared

10. A. after B. until C. before D. since

11. A. mark B. collect C. check D. observe

12. A. touched B. interested C. worried D. calm

13. A. questions B. ideas C. hands D. answers

14. A. sad B. moved C. anxious D. silent

15. A. expected B. did C. solved D. got

16. A. impress B. turn C. look D. depend

17. A. college B. subject C. test D. knowledge

18. A. hard B. popular C. similar D. common

19. A. fail B. pass C. win D. focus

20. A. ended B. improved C. increased D. begun

Passage Nine

After graduation, I conducted a pet shop of my own. 1 I bought the pets that people didnt want any more and sold them to others at a 2 price. One day, I found that I had bought a(n) 3 dog somehow. How I regretted! She was by far the funniest-looking dog Id ever seen. Thin curly hair 4 covered her apple-shaped body. Her small 5 always seemed surprised and 6 . Worse still, her tail looked like a rats tail.

I wondered how I could 7 myself to buy such a dog. And how could I 8 to sell the dog out. Then I called her Minnie. I thought Minnie had a sweet personality, 9 . “No one should judge her only by her looks,” I thought. So I advertised Minnie in the local 10 , “Funny-looking dog, well behaved, needs loving family.”

When a young man called, I 11 him that Minnie was strange looking. The boy on the phone told me that his 12 sixteen-year-old dog had just died. They 13 Minnie by all means. I gave Minnie a good bath and did up what was left of her hair. Then we waited for them to arrive.

At last, an old car pulled up in front of my shop. Two 14 raced to the door. They hugged Minnie into their arms and

15 her out to their grandfather, who was waiting in the car. I hurried 16 them to see his reaction to Minnie.

Inside the car, the grandfather 17 Minnie in his arms and touched her soft hair. She smelled his face. Her rat-tail wagged around so quickly that it looked like it might fly off her body. It seemed that Minnie was 18 with the old man.

“Shes 19 !” the old man laughed. I was 20 that Minnie had found the good home that she deserved. Suddenly, I saw that the grandfathers eyes were a milky white color—he was blind.

1. A. After all B. In fact C. At all D. In total

2. A. higher B. lower C. affordable D. possible

3. A. small B. wounded C. ugly D. sick

4. A. fully B. simply C. easily D. hardly

5. A. head B. eyes C. body D. tail

6. A. inspired B. sad C. lovely D. excited

7. A. allow B. force C. accept D. understand

8. A. try B. plan C. manage D. agree

9. A. too B. then C. still D. though

10. A. market B. office C. paper D. book

11. A. warned B. explained C. suggested D. refused

12. A. grandmothers B. grandfathers C. fathers D. mothers

13. A. sold B. received C. wanted D. borrowed

14. A. gentlemen B. ladies C. guards D. kids

15. A. rushed B. walked C. drove D. pulled

16. A. before B. beside C. behind D. beyond

17. A. beat B. comforted C. tied D. killed

18. A. satisfied B. disappointed C. similar D. familiar

19. A. terrible B. perfect C. boring D. ordinary

20. A. angry B. puzzled C. thankful D. surprised

Passage Ten

Susan, thirty-four, became blind as the result of a medical accident. She was suddenly thrown into a 1 world. She had to depend on her husband Mark for everything.

At first Susan was so 2 that she wanted to end her life. How could she 3 the reality that she could see nothing 4 she was still so young? Her husband, an airforce officer, became 5 to use every means possible to 6 her.

Finally, Susan calmed down and felt ready to return to her job. For two weeks Mark taught her how to rely on her other

7 , especially her hearing, to make out where she was and how to get used to her new 8 . He helped her be friends with the 9 who could watch out for her, and save her a seat.

Two months later, Susan 10 to try the trip herself. Monday morning arrived. For the first time, they went their 11 ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday... She was 12 it! She was going to work all by herself!

On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to 13 as usual. As she got on the bus, the driver said, “Miss, I sure envy you.” Curious, Susan asked the driver why.

“You know, every morning for the past week, a handsome 14 in military uniform (軍裝) has been standing across the corner 15 you when you get off the bus. He 16 you cross the street 17 and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a 18 and walks away. You are one 19 lady,” the bus driver said.

Tears of happiness poured down Susans cheeks. She was so lucky for he had given her a gift more powerful than 20 , a gift she didnt need to see to believe—the gift of love that can bring light where there is darkness.

1. A. quiet B. dark C. noisy D. deaf

2. A. sad B. busy C. tired D. worried

3. A. receive B. realize C. accept D. understand

4. A. but B. since C. though D. when

5. A. impatient B. determined C. upset D. worried

6. A. save B. encourage C. treat D. excite

7. A. senses B. feelings C. behaviors D. bodies

8. A. situation B. background C. environment D. occasion

9. A. passers-by B. policemen C. doctors D. drivers

10. A. refused B. preferred C. decided D. planned

11. A. separate B. scheduled C. similar D. familiar

12. A. working B. doing C. helping D. trying

13. A. shop B. play C. work D. travel

14. A. husband B. manager C. conductor D. gentleman

15. A. watching B. observing C. noticing D. admiring

16. A. sees off B. looks out C. makes sure D. watches out

17. A. slowly B. safely C. hurriedly D. freely

18. A. warning B. whistle C. shout D. salute

19. A. proud B. lucky C. unfortunate D. attractive

20. A. money B. love C. sight D. appearance

Passage Eleven

One morning, Jack got the news from his mother that his old neighbor Mr Belser died last night. Jack was dumbfounded (目瞪口呆).

It had been a long time 1 Jack saw the old man. College, career, and life itself got in his way. In fact, Jack had to 2 to realize his dreams. So he was always busy working for his promising 3 . But this time, he decided to 4 Belsers funeral. Mr Belsers funeral was 5 . He had no children and few relatives. “The box is 6 ,” Jack suddenly said to his mother. “What box?” his mother was 7 . It was a small gold box that Mr Belser 8 locked on top of his desk and his mother never knew of it. All hed ever told Jack was “the thing I 9 most”. “Now Ill never know what was so important to him,” Jack said to himself.

A week later after work Jack 10 a package. Inside were Belsers gold box and a 11 . Jacks hands shook as he read it. “ 12 my death, please send this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. Its the thing I value most in my life.” A small 13 was tied to the paper. 14 Jack unlocked the box with it and found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Inside he found another note: “Jack, thanks for your 15 ! —Harold Belser”

“Such was the thing he valued most.” Jack 16 the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and 17 his appointments for the next two days. “Why?” Janet, his assistant asked. “I need some time to 18 with my son,” he said. “Oh! By the way, Janet... thanks for your time!”

Life is not 19 by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our 20 away. Time has a way of getting away from all of us... TAKE THE TIME... NOW.

1. A. before B. since C. unless D. until

2. A. struggle B. plan C. study D. pretend

3. A. fortune B. opportunity C. future D. business

4. A. host B. visit C. drop D. attend

5. A. poor B. simple C. honorable D. crowded

6. A. broken B. gone C. old D. dirty

7. A. puzzled B. excited C. curious D. sad

8. A. remained B. stayed C. kept D. got

9. A. miss B. hate C. impress D. value

10. A. bought B. rented C. received D. found

11. A. note B. letter C. envelope D. book

12. A. Towards B. After C. Near D. At

13. A. watch B. ring C. key D. button

14. A. Anxiously B. Nervously C. Disappointedly D. Tearfully

15. A. time B. help C. kindness D. return

16. A. repaired B. examined C. held D. cleaned

17. A. made B. cancelled C. prepared D. checked

18. A. argue B. talk C. live D. spend

19. A. decided B. judged C. measured D. proved

20. A. money B. gold C. breath D. time

Passage Twelve

Ella Fant was a middle-aged lady who lived with her only son John in a small house. She 1 John very much. In her eye he couldnt do anything 2 . Every morning she would give him breakfast 3 bed and bring him the papers to read. It isnt completely true that he was too lazy to work—in fact he had tried a few 4 . First of all he was a window-cleaner and in his first week he managed to 5 at least six windows. Then he became a bus conductor and on his second 6 a passenger stole his bag with all the fares (車費(fèi)) collected. He 7 lost his job as a postman 8 he sent off all the letters when he should have taken them to peoples houses. It seemed that there was 9 suitable work for him. So he 10 to join the army. Mrs Fant was so 11 about this that she told the 12 to all her neighbours. “My John is going to be a soldier,” she said. “He is going to be the best soldier there 13 was, I can tell you!”

Then the great day came 14 he was to march past the palace in the parade (接受檢閱的隊(duì)伍). His 15 mother travelled to the city early in the morning to be sure of getting a good 16 in the crowd.

The parade was full of sound and colour. But when John and his fellow soldiers came in 17 , some of the people watching couldnt help 18 laughing at the one who couldnt keep pace with the others as they marched along.

But Ella Fant, who was filled with 19 , shouted at the top of her voice, “Look at them! Theyre all out of step 20 my John! Isnt he the best!”

1. A. believed B. cheated C. trusted D. loved

2. A. wrong B. great C. good D. strange

3. A. to B. at C. in D. by

4. A. projects B. works C. tasks D. jobs

5. A. destroy B. drop C. break D. clean

6. A. day B. try C. route D. chance

7. A. thus B. even C. once D. only

8. A. beside B. unless C. because D. though

9. A. some B. such C. less D. no

10. A. began B. promised C. managed D. decided

11. A. excited B. worried C. anxious D. curious

12. A. incident B. change C. news D. matter

13. A. yet B. ever C. still D. just

14. A. where B. since C. when D. that

15. A. proud B. talented C. selfish D. sad

16. A. time B. position C. experience D. impression

17. A. need B. danger C. time D. sight

18. A. laughing B. crying C. shouting D. screaming

19. A. tears B. happiness C. surprise D. regret

20. A. of B. beside C. with D. except

Passage Thirteen

He lost his arms in an accident that caused the death of his father. Then his 1 became his shadow, never leaving him alone for years. 2 writing with his toes, he was completely unable to do anything in his life.

As the two brothers grew up together, they had their 3 of problems and they would often quarrel. Then one day, his younger brother decided to 4 separate from him, living his own life as many 5 people do. So he was heart-broken and didnt know what to do.

A 6 misfortune happened to a girl, too. One night she tried to 7 meals for her sick mother, only to overturn the kerosene (煤油) light on the stove, resulting in a fire which took her 8 away.

Though her elder sister in another city 9 her willingness to take care of her, she was 10 to learn to be completely independent. At school, she 11 studied hard.

One day, the boy and the girl were both invited to 12 on a television interview program and asked to 13 something on a piece of paper with their toes. The boy wrote: my younger brothers arms are my arms; 14 the girl wrote: broken wings, flying heart.

They had both 15 the same pain, but their different attitudes determined the nature of their lives. It is true that life is unpredictable. Disaster can strike at 16 time. If you choose only to complain and 17 , it will always follow you 18 you go. But if you decide to be 19 , the hard moment will 20 to be one when new hopes will arise.

1. A. older sister B. uncle C. younger brother D. mother

2. A. Instead of B. Except for C. Thanks to D. In spite of

3. A. share B. goal C. agreement D. favor

4. A. leave B. work C. come D. live

5. A. selfish B. normal C. wealthy D. determined

6. A. different B. strange C. special D. similar

7. A. prepare B. offer C. have D. order

8. A. ears B. toes C. feet D. hands

9. A. explained B. showed C. pointed D. discussed

10. A. satisfied B. excited C. determined D. disappointed

11. A. hardly B. often C. always D. sometimes

12. A. sing B. dance C. say D. appear

13. A. type B. draw C. write D. copy

14. A. while B. when C. since D. unless

15. A. hidden B. suffered C. discovered D. overcome

16. A. one B. no C. any D. this

17. A. comfort B. discourage C. watch D. escape

18. A. whenever B. wherever C. if D. because

19. A. silent B. noisy C. weak D. strong

20. A. turn out B. bring about C. come up D. give off

Passage Fourteen

I grew up in a community called Estepona. I was 16 when one morning, Dad told me I could drive him into a 1 village called Mijas, on condition that I took the car in to be 2 at a nearby garage. I readily accepted. I drove Dad into Mijas, and 3 to pick him up at 4 pm, then dropped off the car at the 4 . With several hours to spare, I went to a theater. 5 , when the last movie finished, it was six. I was two hours late!

I knew Dad would be angry if he 6 out Id been watching movies. So I decided not to tell him the truth. When I 7 there I apologized for being late, and told him Id have 8 as quickly as I could, but the car had needed major repairs. Ill never forget the 9 he gave me. “Im disappointed you 10 you have to lie to me, Jason,” Dad looked at me again. “When you didnt 11 , I called the garage to ask if there were any 12 , and they told me you hadnt yet picked up the car.” I felt 13

as I weakly told him the real reason. A 14 passed through Dad as he listened attentively. “Im angry with 15 . I realize Ive failed as a father. Im going to walk home now and think seriously about 16 Ive gone wrong all these years.” “But Dad, its 18 miles!” My protests and apologies were 17 . Dad walked home that day. I drove behind him, 18 him all the way, but he walked silently.

Seeing Dad in so much 19 and emotional pain was my most painful experience. However, it was 20 the most successful lesson. I have never lied since.

1. A. lonely B. small C. distant D. familiar

2. A. kept B. washed C. watched D. serviced

3. A. agreed B. planned C. determined D. promised

4. A. village B. community C. garage D. theater

5. A. However B. Then C. Therefore D. Still

6. A. worked B. found C. thought D. picked

7. A. went B. ran C. walked D. hurried

8. A. started B. left C. arrived D. come

9. A. word B. face C. look D. appearance

10. A. find B. decide C. believe D. feel

11. A. turn up B. drive out C. go away D. come out

12. A. questions B. problems C. mistakes D. faults

13. A. ashamed B. frightened C. nervous D. surprised

14. A. nervousness B. sadness C. silence D. satisfaction

15. A. you B. myself C. me D. yourself

16. A. where B. how C. why D. when

17. A. meaningless B. useless C. helpless D. worthless

18. A. asking B. persuading C. begging D. indicating

19. A. physical B. practical C. personal D. natural

20. A. indeed B. always C. also D. almost