Dear Friend,
     The recent success of children' s books has made the general public aware that there' s a huge market out
there.
     And there's a growing need for new writers trained to create the $ 3 billion worth of children' s books
bought each year...plus stories and articles needed by over 650 publishers of magazines for children and
teenagers.
      Who are these needed writers? They' re ordinary folks like you and me.
                                                              But Am I Good Enough?
      I was once where you might be now. My thoughts of writing had been pushed down by self-doubt, and I
didn't know where to turn for help.
     Then, I accepted a free offer from the Institute to test my writing aptitude(潛能), and it turned out to be the
inspiration I needed. 
                                                              The Promise That Paid Off
     The Institute made the same promise to me that they will make to you, if you show basic writing ability:
     You will complete at least one manuscript (手稿) suitable to hand in to a publisher by the time you finish
our course.
      I really didn' t expect any publication before I finished the course, but that happened, I sold three stories.
And I soon discovered that was not unusual at the Institute.
     Since graduation, I have authored 34 nationally published children' s books and over 300 stories and articles.              
                                                                      Free Test and Brochure
     We offer a free aptitude test and will send you a copy of our brochure describing our recognized homestudy courses on the basis of one-on-one training.
     Realize your writing dream today. There' s nothing sadder than a dream delayed until it fades forever.
                                                                                               Sincerely,
                                                                                      Kristi Holl, Instructor .
                                                                                  Institute of Children' s Literature

1. From the first three paragraphs, we learn that _______.

A. children' s books are usually bestsellers
B. publishers are making $3 billion each year
C. magazines for teenagers have drawn public attention
D. there is a growing need for writers of children' s books

2. When finishing the course, you are promised to _____.

A. be a successful publisher
B. become a confident editor
C. finish one work for publication
D. get one story or article published

3. Kristi Holl mentions her experience mainly to____.

A. prove she is a good instructor
B. promote the writing program
C. give her advice on course preparation
D. show she sold more stories than articles

     It' s not easy being a teenager ( 13至 19少年) -nor is it easy being the parent of a teenager. You can make
your child feel angry, hurt, or misunderstood by what you say without realizing it yourself. It is important to
give your child the space he needs to grow while gently letting him know that you'll still be there for him when
he needs you.
     Expeet a lot from your child, just not everything. Except for health and safety problems, such as drug use
or careless driving, consider everything else open to discussion. If your child is unwilling to discuss something, don' t insist he tell you what' s on his mind. The more you insist, the more likely that he'll clam up. Instead, let
him attempt to solve (解決) things by himself. At the same time, remind him that you' re always there for him
should he seek advice or help. Show respect for your teenager' s privacy (隱私). Never read his mail or listen
in on personal conversations.
     Teach your teenager that the family phone is for the whole family. If your child talks on the family' s
telephone for too long, tell him he can talk for 15 minutes, but then he must stay off the phone for at least an
equal period of time. This not only frees up the line so that other family members can make and receive calls,
but teaches your teenager moderation(節(jié)制). Or if you are open to the idea, allow your teenager his own phone
that he pays for with his own pocket money or a part-time job.

What does the phrase "clam up" in Paragraph 2 probably mean?

A. become excited
B. show respect
C. refuse to talk
D. seek help

     Some people think that as more and more people have televisions in their homes, fewer and fewer people
will buy books and newspapers. Why read an article in the newspaper, when the TV news can bring you the
information in a few minutes and with pictures? Why read the life story of a famous man, when a short
television program can tell you all that you want to know?
     Television has not killed reading, however. Today, newspapers sell in very large numbers. And books of
every kind are sold more than ever before. Books are still a cheap way to get information and enjoyment.
Although some books with hard covers are expensive, many books are printed today as paperbacks (平裝本),
which are quite cheap. A paperback collection of short stories, for example, is always cheaper that an evening
at the cinema or the theater, and you can keep a book for ever and read it many times.
     Books are a wonderful provider of knowledge and pleasure and some types of books should be in every
home. Every home should have a good dictionary. A good encyclopedia (百科全書(shū) ), though expensive, is
useful, too, because you can find information on any subject. Besides, you can have such books as history
books, science textbooks, cookbooks, and collections of stories and poems. Then from time to time you can
take a book of poems off your shelves and read the thoughts and feelings of your favorite poets.

1. It can inferred from the passage that ____.

A. TV programs are a chief provider of knowledge
B. cinemas are the best choice in getting information
C. reading is a cheap way of learning and having fun
D. newspapers are an expensive way to enjoy oneself

2. What does the sentence "Television has not killed reading, however." underlined in the second paragraph
    suggest?

A. People only need reading, though.
B. Reading is still necessary today.
C. Reading is more fun than television.
D. Watching television doesn't help reading.

3. Which of the following is mainly discussed in the last paragraph?

A.Types of books.
B. Kinds of dictionaries.
C. Lists of history books.
D. Collections of stories and poems.

4. What can we learn from the passage?

A. Fewer and fewer people will buy books.
B. A good dictionary should be kept in every home.
C. Books with hard covers sell better than paperbacks.
D. More people like TV programs about famous men.

     Everyone dreams of changing the world. But can teenagers really make a difference? And how can they go
about it?
      Michael Norton's book 365 Ways to Change the World is a good starting point. The book gives an idea or
task for every single day of the year. The tasks include volunteering at a local homeless shelter and planting a
tree.
     The book says that one simple act, no matter how small, can help someone in need. It may even influence
other teens to do something.
     Nathan Anthony, a student at Enochs High School in Modesto, Califomia, US, agrees. " It is impossible to
get anything in life without giving something to someone or making an effort at school or work," Anthony said.
     Another Enochs student, Ariane Mota, has the same opinion." Giving is our way of repaying those who help us," she said." Whether it is a helping hand or a donation, we should help others to improve their day or life."
      But how often do teens see peers (同齡人) helping a stranger or doing something nice for someone?
According to Anthony, not a lot. He and Mota both believe this needs to be changed.
     "I help my friends by reminding them that their lives are better than those less fortunate people," Anthony
said." Humor is also a great tool."
     So whether you're helping to find a cure (療法) for cancer or simply smiling at a stranger, do something
every day to help change the world for the better.

1. What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Everyone should dream of changing the world.
B. Everyone is responsible for making the world better.
C. We should help others to improve their life.
D. Humor is a great tool to help people.

2. 365 Ways to Change the World is a book on ______.

A. small acts to change the world
B. the importance of changing the world
C. how to be a volunteer
D. how to plant trees

3. What opinion do Anthony and Mota have in common?

A. Give first if you want to get.
B. It is impossible to get anything in life.
C. Giving things to others means donation.
D. It is necessary to make others helpful.

4. The underlined word " this" in Paragraph 6 probably refers to____.

A. repaying those who help us
B. improving their day or life
C. teenagers not helping often
D. doing something nice for others

     At one time or another most farmers have problems with mice. This is especially true for grain farmers.
Mice eat a lot of grain. They also carry diseases (疾病) ,which people can get from eating or touching grain
the mice have made dirty. Farmers can use special grain storage buildings or they can kill the mice. However,
both methods can be costly. Farmers must buy materials to build the special grain storage buildings or
chemical poisons to kill the mice.
     Here is a way to kill mice without spending a lot of money. It is a simple but effective kind of mouse trap.
The method is first used by some farmers in the west African country of Mali. An agricultural expert in Mali
reported about the Mali mouse trap in a magazine. The expert reported that his gardener caught 150 mice in
just one night. The gardener used four traps. The trap is easy to make. First, remove the top from a 20 liter
metal or plastic container (容器). Put it in a hole in the ground. The top edge of the container should be the
level with the surface of the ground. Fill the container with water to within eight centimeters of the top. Add
tiny pieces of grain wastes. They should float on the water. Also put some wastes on the ground near the trap.
During the night, mice will come out to eat the grain wastes. They will fall into the container and drown.
Replace the food in the trap every night.

1. According to the passage,  _____ used the mouse trap first.

A. an agricultural expert in the west Africa
B. farmers in the United States
C. an American gardener
D. farmers in Mali

2. What does the passage mainly tell us?

A. A simple and effective method used by farmers to kill mice.
B. Methods used by farmers to kill mice.
C. Farmers have problems with mice.
D. How to kill mice.

3. Which of the following can't protect grain from being eaten by mice?

A. A special grain storage building.
B. Chemical poisons.
C. A mouse trap.
D. A hole in the ground.

4. Which is probably the trap mentioned in the passage?

     What do you do if you suddenly have the chance to visit Australia for the first time but only have one day
to spend there? Why not just stay in Sydney, I advise. You'll find you can do a lot in Australia from there. And
here's how:
     Wander along the South Circular Quay and chances are you'll come across an Aboriginal (土著居民) or
two playing a didgeridoo (迪吉里杜管) But there's not much left of the Aboriginal heritage (遺產(chǎn)) in Sydney.
It's a deep wound which even now remains very painful. A more exciting way to experience Aboriginal culture
is to take a trip on the Tribal Warrior, a respected old pearling lugger (打撈珍珠的小帆船). Now it is being
used as a tourist ship offering tours of Sydney Harbor. The tours, run by Aboriginals, take in some of the most
popular sights of the harbor( such as the Sydney Opera House).
      Of all the sporting heroes Australia has produced, Sir Donald Bradman is widely considered the greatest. So
it's nice to meet him-or at least a life-size model of him-face to face in the imaginative little museum within the
famous Sydney Cricket (板球) Ground. The stadium has been hosting cricket matches since the 1850s. You
can also meet ancient worthies such as Frank Spofforth and Tiger O'Reilly here.
      You really don't need to go any further than Sydney to experience the excitement of one of the country's
great national hobbies, surfing. Bondi Beach is in a suburb (郊區(qū)) of Sydney easily reachable from the center.
What a life! You can leave the office and within half an hour be out riding those waves at Bondi. Never surfed
before? Head for Lets Go Surfing, a Bondi school offering surf classes for beginners and experienced surfers
alike. If you've ever been interested in surfing, do it here.

1. By taking a trip on the Tribal Warrior, you can ______ .

A. buy pearls from Aboriginals
B. see the Sydney Opera House
C. learn how to play a didgeridoo
D. circle around the Sydney city

2. What do we learn about the Sydney Cricket Cround?

A. We can talk with Australian sporting heroes there.
B. We can visit a museum owned by Bradman there.
C. It is a famous cricket stadium with a long history.
D. It has been used as a cricket museum since 1850.

3. From the last paragraph, we can learn that ______.

A. Bondi Beach is a bit far from Sydney's center
B. Lets Go Surfing is a surf school for beginners only
C. surfing is the most popular sport in Australia
D. people living in Sydney can go surfing after work

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the passage?

A. How to Do Australia in a Day
B. Most Popular Sights of Sydney Harbor
C. Let's Experience Australian Culture
D. Holiday Experiences at Bondi

     It doesn't have to be war. But sometimes, it is. As the caretakers of the family, mothers mainly control the
family's course through the trouble of their daughters' adolescent (青春期的) years. As such, they often feel it
their duty to make sure that each member survives and grows stronger. As a result, mothers often feel a greatly
increased burden (負(fù)擔(dān) ) during their daughters' adolescence.
     It's far from easy to live with someone who is experiencing rapid changes in how she looks,thinks and feels. Mostly, girls' changing bodies usually make their mothers uncomfortable. Just when girls are turning into
shapely young women, mothers are often in or near midlife. It may be difficult to live with adolescent daughters who remind them of their ever diminishing (減少的 ) youth.
     Mothers mainly describe feeling scrutinized (細(xì)察) by their teens. As one mother put it," Living with my
daughter is like having my own personal X-ray machine." This is because your daughter's effort to develop her
own individuality (個(gè)性) drives her to examine your every action. This is totally different from her early
childhood, when you often could do no wrong or were the"best mother in the world".
     Some women have a hard time dealing with trouble, so their teenage daughters' challenging behavior is
particularly unwelcome. Thinking back to when your daughter was a little girl, you probably expected her to
get into quarrels with others. Since your daughter has reached adolescence, you may believe that your daughter
should be beyond all that. She should know how to get along with people-especially with you.
     Remember that this period passes, and mothers and daughters often end up close friends. But for now,
you're the adult, so enjoy the sufferings.

1. According to the first paragraph, the "war" should happen between _____.

A. mothers and fathers
B. parents and children
C. mothers and daughters
D. fathers and sons

2. What does the second paragraph mainly tell us?

A. Dealing with trouble may hurt mothers.
B. Mothers become older and older.
C. Daughters' growth affects mothers.
D. Mothers often fall behind society's development.

3. Why do mothers often feel scrutinized by their daughters?

A. Daughters have X-ray machines.
B. Daughters are building their own personalities.
C. Daughters are strict with mothers' appearance.
D. Daughters are making jokes on mothers.

4. What is mothers' expectation of their adolescent daughters?

A. They are friendly to people.
B. They can face life's challenges.
C. They make quarrels with others.
D. They should do no wrong.

     Compassion is a desire within us to help others. With effort, we can translate compassion into action. An
experience last weekend showed me this is true. I work part-time in a supermarket across from a building for
the elderly. These old people are our main cus- tomers,and it's not hard to lose patience over their slowness.
But last Sunday, one aged gentleman appeared to teach me a valuable les- son. This untidy man walked up to
my register (收款機(jī) ) with a box of biscuits. He said he was out of cash (現(xiàn)金), had just moved into his
room, and had nothing in his cupboards. He asked if we could let him have the food on trust. He promised to
repay
me the next day.
     I couldn't help staring at him. I wondered what kind of person he had been ten or twenty years before,
and what he would be like if luck had gone his way. I had a hurt in my heart for this kind of hu- man soul, all
alone in the world. I told him that I was sorry, but store rules didn't allow me to do so. I felt stupid and unkind
saying this, but I valued my job.
     Just then, another man, standing behind the first, spoke up. If anything, he looked more pitiable."Charge it
to me," was all he said.
     What I had been feeling was pity. Pity is soft and safe and easy. Compassion, on the other hand, is caring
in action. I thanked the second man but told him that was not allowed either. Then I reached into my pocket
and paid for the biscuits myself. I reached into my pocket because these two men had reached into my heart
and taught me compassion.

1. The aged gentleman who wanted to buy the biscuits___.

A. promised to obey the store rules
B. forgot to take any money with him
C. hoped to have the food first and pay later
D. could not afford anything more expensive

2. Which of the following best describes the old gentleman?

A. Kind and lucky.
B. Poor and lonely.
C. Friendly and helpful.
D. Hurt and disappointed.

3. The writer acted upon the store rules because____.

A. he wanted to keep his present job
B. he felt no pity for the old gentleman
C. he considered the old man dishonest
D. he expected someone else to pay for the old man

4. What does the writer learn from his experience?

A. Wealth is more important than anything else.
B. Helping others is easier said than done.
C. Experience is better gained through practice.
D. Obeying the rules means more than compassion.

     Clothes play a critical part in the conclusions we reach by pro- viding clues to who people are, who they
are not, and who they would like to be. They tell us a good deal about the wearer's back- ground, personality,
status, mood, and social outlook.
     Since clothes are such an important source of social informa- tion,we can use them to influence people's
impression of us. Our appearance assumes particular significance in the initial phases of interaction that is
likely to occur. An elderly middle-class man or woman may be alienated (疏遠(yuǎn)) by a young adult who is
dressed in an unconventional manner, regardless of the person's education, background, or interests.
     People tend to agree on what certain types of clothes mean. Adolescent girls can easily agree on the
lifestyles of girls who wear certain outfits (套裝), including the number of boyfriends they like- ly have had
and whether they smoke or drink. Newscasters, or the announcers who read the news on TV, are considered
to be more convincing, honest, and competent when they are dressed conserva- tively. And college students
who view themselves as taking an active role in their inter-personal relationships say they are concerned about
the costumes they must wear to play these roles successfully. Moreover, many of us can relate instances in
which the clothing we wore changed the way we felt about ourselves and how we acted. Perhaps you have
used clothing to gain confidence when you waited for a stressful situation, such as a job interview, or a court
appearance.
     In the workplace, men have long had clear precedents (先例) and role models for achieving success. It has
been otherwise for women. A good many women in the business world are uncertain aboutthe suitable mixture
of" masculine" and"feminine" charac- teristics they should express by their professional clothing. The vari- ety
of clothing choices to women has also been greater than that available for men. Male administrators tend to
judge women more favorably for managerial positions when the women display less "feminine" grooming (打扮)-shorter hair, moderate use of make- up, and plain tailored clothing.

1. According to the passage, the way we dress _____.

A. provides clues for people who are critical of us
B. indicates our likes and dislikes in choosing a career
C. has a direct influence on the way people regard us
D. is of particular importance when we get on in age

2. From Paragraph 3 we can see young adults believe certain types of clothing can _____.

A. change people's conservative attitudes toward their lifestyle
B. help young people make friends with the opposite sex
C. make them competitive in the job market
D. help them achieve success in their interpersonal relationships

3. Many career women find themselves in difficult situations because _____.

A. the variety of professional clothing is too wide for them to choose
B. women are generally thought to be only good at being fashion models
C. men are more favorably judged for managerial positions
D. they wonder the extent for them to display the feminine qual- ities through clothing

4. What is the passage mainly about?

A. Dressing for effect.
B. How to dress appropriately.
C. Managerial positions and clothing.
D. Dressing for the occasion.

     In many ways, the earliest periods of photography are the most satisfying. Learning to use the controls is
easy and comes quickly, and you can measure the results in terms of sharp and correctly de- veloped pictures.
Once you have mastered that, you can start on the second step of your photographic work. Using these basic
skills in the wide variety of situations to give the pictures you want, noticing what you see through the
viewfinder and turning that into the most effective picture become totally interesting.
     All good photographs have one thing in common: there is no doubt what the subject of the picture is meant
to be. Every photog- rapher must use those same standards to his or her work, not only to finished results but
to the subject before he or she takes it. Always work out quite clearly what the subject of the picture is to be
and why you are taking the picture. For example, "I am going to take a picture of this street to show the
different styles and ages of the buildings and that people have been living,working and shopping in them since
time began." By doing this you have a better idea of what to include in the picture and what to leave out. How
often have you been shown photographs taken by people away on a trip some- where? The judgment is always
similar, something about"the car park is out of the picture to the left",or " you can't quite see from this picture
but if you go up the street". The photographs are usual- ly collections of buildings, people, parked cars,
possibly a distant look of an ancient church, and best of all, a figure which you are told is Aunt Henrietta,
disappearing in the middle distance. When photographers show you their pictures, they have a clear idea of
what they want to bring to your attention, but it often does not ap- pear in the picture. If they had given just a
little of their time to think about their future judgment before taking the picture, then the picture would relate its
own story. Good pictures can show their sub- jects quickly and easily.

1. What does the first sentence of the passage mean?

A. The skills of photography are not as satisfactory nowadays as before.
B. The earliest pictures were the best pictures people have ever taken.
C. The present-day photography depends more on technology than on art.
D. Learning to produce a sharp and correctly developed picture is only the first step
     in photography and is easily learned.

2. What will it bring you if you decide the purpose of the photo- graph in advance?

A. It will allow you to leave out unnecessary material.
B. It will allow you to stand in the best place.
C. It will help you to vary the subjects of your pictures.
D. It means you will waste less time.

3. Many photographers fail because____.

A. their pictures include both buildings and people
B. everything is not clear in their pictures
C. the subjects of their pictures are not obvious
D. the explanation given for their pictures is mistaken

4. What book is this passage most likely taken from?

A. A book on photography for news reporters.
B. A book on how to photograph people.
C. A book on choosing the right camera.
D. A book on improving photographic techniques.