When you are hungry, what will you respond? Have your favorite meal and stay quiet after that?
1.______ But it never lets you know, because you keep it busy thinking about your friends or favorite
stars. So it silently serves your needs and never lets itself grow. When mind loses its freedom to grow,
creativity sets a full stop. This might be the reason why we all sometimes think "What happens next?",
or "Why can't I think?" 
     2.______ Why reading but not watching TV? It is because reading has been the most educative tool
used by us right from childhood. Since it develops other aspects of our life, we have to take help from
reading.
     When you read a book, of course you run your eyes through the lines and your mind tries to explain
something to you. 3.______ Now this seed is unknowingly used by you to develop new ideas. If it is
used many times, the same seed can give you great help to relate a lot of things, which you would have
never thought of in your wildest dreams!
     This is nothing but creativity. 4.______ Within no time you can start talking with your friends in
English or any other language and never run out of the right words.
     So, friends, do give food to your thoughts by reading, reading and more reading. 5.______ Go and
get a book!

A. The interesting part of the book is stored in your mind as a seed.
B. Why not do some reading while you are hungry?
C. Just like your stomach, your mind is also hungry.
D. Now what are you waiting for?
E. Hunger of the mind can be actually solved through wide reading.
F. Reading can help you make more friends, too.
G. Also this makes a significant contribution to your vocabulary.

     Twenty-first century humanity has mapped oceans and mountains, visited the moon, and surveyed the
planets. But for all the progress, people still don't know one another very well.
     That brings about Theodore Zeldin's "feast of conversations"- events where individuals pair with persons
they don't know for three hours of guided talk designed to get past "Where are you from?"
     Mr. Zeldin, an Oxford University professor, heads Oxford Muse, a 10-year-old foundation based on the
idea that what people need is not more information, but more inspiration and encouragement.
     The "feast" in London looks not at politics or events, but at how people have felt about work, relations
among the sexes, hopes and fears, enemies and authority, the shape of their lives. The "menu of conversation"
includes topics like," How have your priorities (優(yōu)先考慮的事) changed over the years?" Or, "What have you
rebelled against in the past?"
     As participants gathered, Zeldin opened with a speech: that despite instant communications in a globalized
age, issues of the human heart remain. Many people are lonely, or in routines that discourage knowing the
depth of one another. "We are trapped in shallow conversations and the whole point now is to think, which is
sometimes painful," he says. "But thinking interaction is what separates us the from the other species, except
maybe dogs...who do have generations of human interactions."
     The main rules of the "feast": Don't pair with someone you know or ask questions you would not answer.
The only awkward moment came when the multi-racial crowd of young adults to seniors, in sun hats, ties and
dresses, looked to see whom they would be "intimate" with for hours. But 15 minutes later, everyone was
seated and talking, continuing full force until organizers interrupted them 180 minutes later.
     "It is encouraging to see the world is not just a place of oppression and distance from each other," Zeldin
summed up. "What we did is not ordinary, but it can't be madder than the world already is."
     Some said they felt "liberated" to talk on sensitive topics. Peter, from East London, said that "it might take
weeks or months to get to the level of interaction we suddenly opened up."

1. What can the "conversations" be best described as?

A. Deep and one-on-one.
B. Sensitive and mad.
C. Instant and inspiring.
D. Ordinary and encouraging.

2. In a "feast of conversations",participants ____.

A. pair freely with anyone they like
B. have a guided talk for a set period of time
C. ask questions they themselves would not answer
D. wear clothes reflecting multi-racial features.

3. In paragraph 6, "they would be 'intimate '" is closest in meaning to "_____".

A. they would have physical contact
B. they would have in-depth talks
C. they would be close friends
D. they would exchange basic information

4. From the passage, we can conclude that what Zeldin does is _____.

A. an attempt to promote thinking interaction
B. one of the maddest activities ever conducted
C. a try to liberate people from old-fashioned ideas
D. an effort to give people a chance of talking freely

     One of my favorite posters says, "Life is a test. It is only a test. Had this been a real life, you would have
been instructed where to go and what to do." Whenever I think of this humorous bit of wisdom, it reminds
me not to take my life so seriously.
     When you look on life and its many challenges as a test, or series of tests, you begin to see each issue you
face as an opportunity to grow, a chance to discover more about life. Whether you're being bombarded with
problems, responsibilities, or even insurmountable (不能超越的) difficulties, when looked on as a test, you
always have a chance to succeed, in the sense of overcoming what is challenging you. If, on the other hand,
you see each new issue you face as a serious battle that must be won in order to survive, you're probably
meeting with a very rocky journey. The only time you're likely to be happy is when everything is working out
just right. And we all know how often that happens.
     As an experiment, see if you can apply this idea to something you are forced to deal with. Perhaps you
have much pressure from your parents or you have a demanding boss. See if you can redefine the issue you
face from being a "problem" to being a test. Rather than struggling with your issue, see if there is something
you can learn from it. Ask yourself, "Why is this an issue in my life? What would it mean and what would be
involved to overcome it? Could I possibly look at this issue any differently? Can I see it as a test of some kind?" 
     If you give this strategy (策略) a try, you may be surprised at your changed responses. It has become far
more acceptable to me to accept things as they are.

1. When you begin to look on life as a test, you will find ____.

A. you are bombarded with problems and responsibilities
B. you're meeting with a very rocky journey
C. you have many opportunities to grow
D. you have to go to school to take tests every day

2. When you see each new issue as a serious battle, you ____.

A. will have more chances to succeed
B. are likely to become happy all your life
C. will know how often it happens
D. are probably to experience a bitter life

3. According to the passage, you'd better look on life as a test when ____.

A. you try to get the meaning of the poster
B. you have an easy-going boss
C. you are carrying out an experiment
D. you are in a rocky journey

4. According to the passage, what is the author's attitude towards life?

A. He considers life as a test.
B. He doesn't dare face his hard life.
C. He thinks life is full of humorous wisdom.
D. He thinks life is not only a test but also a serious battle.

     One day, a young man was cleaning out his late grandfather's belongings when he came across a bright
red envelope. Written on the front were the words, "To my grandson." Recognizing his grandfather's
handwriting, the young man opened the envelope. A letter inside read:
Dear Ronny,
     Years ago you came to me for help. You said, "Grandpa, how is it that you've accomplished so much in
your life? You're still full of energy, and I'm already tired of struggling. How can I get the same enthusiasm
that you've got?"
     I didn't know what to say to you then. But knowing my days are numbered, I figure that I owe you an
answer. So here is what I believe.
     I think a lot of it has to do with how a person looks at things. I call it "keeping your eyes wide open".
     First, realize that life is filled with surprises, but many are good ones. If you don't keep watching for
them, you'll miss half the excitement. Expect to be thrilled once in a while, and you will be.
     When you meet up with challenges, welcome them. They'll leave you wiser, stronger, and more capable
than you were the day before. When you make a mistake, be grateful for the things it taught you. Resolve to
use that lesson to help you reach your goals.
     And always follow the rules. Even the little ones. When you follow the rules, life works. If you think you
ever really get by with breaking the rules, you're only fooling yourself.
     It's also important to decide exactly what you want. Then keep your mind focused on it, and be prepared
to receive it.
     But be ready to end up in some new places too. As you grow with the years, you'll be given bigger shoes
to fill. So be ready for endings as well as challenging beginnings.
     Sometimes we have to be brave enough to move from the familiar to the unfamiliar. Life isn't just reaching
peaks. Part of it is moving from one peak to the next. If you rest too long in between, you might be tempted
to quit. Leave the past in the past. Climb the next mountain and enjoy the view.
     Dump things that weigh you down emotionally and spiritually. When an old resentment, belief, or an
attitude becomes heavy, lighten your load. Shed those hurtful attitudes that slow you down and drain your
energy.
     Remember that your choices will create your successes and your failures. So consider all the pathways
ahead, and decide which one to follow. Then believe in yourself, get up, and get going. 
     And be sure to take breaks once in a while. They'll give you a renewed commitment to your dreams and
a cheerful, healthy perception of the things that matter the most to you.
     Most important of all, never give up yourself. The person that ends up a winner is the one who resolves
to win. Give life everything you've got, and life will give its best back to you.
                                                                                                                                       Love always, 
                                                                                                                                       Grandpa

1. The underlined part "But knowing my days are numbered" implies that ____.

A. his grandpa could count days
B. his grandpa's each day was important
C. his grandpa knew he was dying
D. his grandpa was eager to tell the young man

2. Why did the young man's grandpa write this letter?

A. Because he wanted to recall his whole life.
B. Because he wanted to tell his grandson how great he was.
C. Because he wanted to explain how to keep energy.
D. Because he wanted to show how to succeed.

3. The young man's grandpa may agree ____.

A. how a person looks at things has nothing to do with one's future
B. we should be thankful for what mistakes teach us
C. successful life is just reaching peaks
D. it's not so important to decide exactly what you want

4. According to the passage, ____.

A. learning to give up is very important
B. we'd better stay in the familiar
C. obeying little rules doesn't matter
D. taking breaks once in a while is good for us

     I live in Hollywood. You may think people in such an attractive, fun-filled place are happier than others.
If so, you have some mistaken ideas about the nature of happiness.
     Many intelligent people still equate happiness with fun. The truth is that fun and happiness have little or
nothing in common. Fun is what we experience during an act. Happiness is what we experience after an act.
It is a deeper, more abiding emotion.
     Going to an amusement park or a ball game, and watching a movie or television, are fun activities that
help us relax, temporarily orget our problems and maybe even laugh. But they do not bring happiness, because
their positive effects end when the fun ends.
     I have often thought that if Hollywood stars have a role to play, it is to teach us that happiness has nothing
to do with fun. These rich, beautiful individuals have constant access to glamorous parties, fancy cars,
expensive homes, everything that spells "happiness".
     But in memoirs (回憶錄), celebrities reveal the unhappiness hidden beneath all their fun: depression,
alcoholism, drug addiction, broken marriage, troubled children and profound loneliness.
     The way people stick to the belief that a fun-filled, pain-free life equates happiness actually reduces their
chances of ever obtaining real happiness. If fun and pleasure are equated with happiness, then pain must be
equated with unhappiness. But, in fact, the opposite is true: More times than not, things that lead to happiness
involve some pain.
     As a result, many people avoid the very endeavors that are the source of true happiness. They fear the pain
inevitably brought by such things as marriage, raising children, professional achievement, religious commitment,
civic or charitable work, and self- improvement.

1. What does the author want to tell us?

A. He lives in Hollywood, so he feels unhappy.
B. The true meaning of happiness.
C. In fact, famous people are not very happy.
D. Happiness is not equal to fun.

2. What is many intelligent people's viewpoint about happiness?

A. Happiness just means having fun.
B. Happiness is not equal to fun.
C. Happiness means doing what you like.
D. Happiness means being rich.

3. What does the underlined word "equate" in the second paragraph mean?

A. compare
B. think
C. similar or connected
D. match

4. According to the passage, the author may agree ____.

A. amusement park can bring us happiness
B. fun will bring some happiness to us
C. pain will bring us happiness
D. efforts can bring us happiness

     Many people influenced various aspects of my life, based on their personal characteristics, accomplishments,
and values. I have been fortunate to have had numerous teachers and professors who I respect for their patience
and intelligence. There are artists that have inspired me by their natural talents and original creativity. I value
many political leaders, who have inspired me by their contributions to society, and their ability to change our
futures. But of all the people I have known in my life, the person I admire most is my father.
     As the youngest girl in my family, I always considered myself to be "Daddy's little girl". While I grew up, it
always made me sad to see so many of my friends and neighbors without a father or father-like figure around.
This helped me appreciate how my father always takes an interest in his children's lives. In every aspect of my
life my father continuously pushes me to excel, so I could accomplish my work outstandingly among my people.
Whenever I feel like giving up, or have a question or a concern, I know I can always call on him for advice.
From him I have also learned that sometimes you have to put others' needs ahead of your own, but you should
make sure you are not taken advantage of by others. His strength seems to be unbreakable during hard times,
and he is extremely determined to accomplish anything he sets his mind on, no matter how tiny it is. I highly
respect him for how he stands up for what he believes in, and will never back down. I have always admired his
open mind, compassion (同情) for people, and sense of understanding. He is a very reserved man, but to
everybody's surprise, he has a great sense of humor, and always knows how to put a smile on the faces of his
wife, his children and his friends.
     Living in his affection and instruction, I am very proud of my father. He also professes (聲稱(chēng)) how proud
he is of his children, and is still there to support us in whatever we are involved in.

1. What is the best title for the passage?

A. How my father loved me
B. My father-the person I admire most
C. I am the apple on my father's eye
D. My father-the one who influenced me most

2. Which of the following could not be used to describe the author's father?

A. Considerate and humorous.
B. Affectionate and open-minded.
C. Knowledgeable and sociable.
D. Energetic and helpful.

3. Which of the following can best explain the underlined word "excel"?

A. Do better than others.
B. Show off.
C. Be cleverer than others.
D. Keep healthy.

4. According to the underlined part, the father was telling the author to ____.

A. try to be good to those who were worth making friends with
B. try to take advantage of those who were friendly to her
C. think about others and help them, so that she could make them server her
D. think about others and help them, but not to be made use of in a negative way

5. What can we infer about the author?

A. She appreciated her father because he solved all the problems for her.
B. She considered her father humorous and was often made to laugh by him.
C. She had sympathy for the fatherless.
D. She was outstanding in work because her father pushed her hard.

     The quality of patience goes a long way toward your goal of creating a more peaceful and loving self.
The more patient you are, the more accepting you will be of what life is, rather than insisting that life be
exactly as you would like it to be. Without patience, life is extremely frustrating. You are easily annoyed
and bothered. Patience adds some ease and acceptance to your life. It's important for inner peace. Becoming
more patient involves opening your heart to the present moment, even if you don't like it. If you are stuck
in a traffic jam, late for an appointment, being patient would mean keeping yourself from building a mental
snowball before your thinking gets out of hand and gently reminding yourself to relax. It might also be a
good time to breathe as well as an opportunity to remind yourself that, in the bigger scheme of things, being
late is "small stuff".
     Patience is a quality of heart that can be greatly enhanced with deliberate practice. An effective way that
I have found to deepen my own patience is to create actual practice periods-periods of time that I set up in
my mind to practice the art of patience. Life itself becomes a classroom, and the curriculum is patience. You
can start with as little as five minutes and build up your capacity for patience over time. What you'll discover
is truly amazing. Your intention to be patient, especially if you know it's only for a short while, immediately
strengthens your capacity for patience. Patience is one of those qualities where success feeds on itself. Once
you reach little milestone-five minutes of successful patience-you'll begin to see that you do indeed have the
capacity to be patient, even for longer periods of time. Over time, you may even become a patient person.
     Being patient will help you to keep your perspective (洞察力). You will see even a difficult situation, say
your present challenge, isn't "life or death" but simply a minor obstacle that must be dealt with. Without
patience, the same scene can become a major emergency complete with yelling, frustration, hurt feelings, and
high blood pressure.

1. In the first paragraph, the expression "building a mental snowball" can be best replaced by _____.

A. imagining a big snowball
B. awaiting a result calmly
C. taking a deep breath
D. losing your patience

2. It's implied in the second paragraph that _____.

A. the quality of patience is very hard to develop
B. patience should become a school course
C. you'll get more than expected from practicing patience
D. the quality of patience will lead you to success

3. People without patience will treat the challenge as _____.

A. a minor obstacle
B. a matter of life or death
C. the small stuff
D. a great chance

4. The best title of this passage should be _____.

A. To Be More Patient
B. How To Practice Patience
C. The Advantages Of Patience
D. Relationships Between Patience And Success