A great French writer has said that we should help everyone as much as we can because we often need help ourselves. The small even can help the great. About this, he told the following story.
An ant was drinking at a small river and fell in. she tried her best to reach the side, but she couldn’t move at all. The poor ant got too tired but was still doing her best when a big bird saw her. With a pity, the bird threw a piece of wood. With it the ant reached the bank again. While she was resting and drying herself in grass she heard a man coming up. He was walking without shoes on his feet and carrying a gun in his hand. As soon as he saw the bird, he wished to kill her, and he would certainly do so, but the ant bit(咬) him in one of his feet and at that moment the bird flew away at once. It was an animal much weaker and smaller than the bird herself that had saved her life.
【小題1】 According to the French writer, we often need help from others, so we should _____ .

A．help others as much as we can

B．help the people who may be useful to us

C．get as much help as we can

D．first need to help ourselves

【小題2】Why could the bird fly away at once?

A．Because the bird could fly very fast.

B．Because the man hurt his feet himself.

C．Because the man didn’t want to kill her.

D．Because the ant bit the man in one of his feet.

【小題3】The writer tells this story to show ____  _. 

A．how brave the bird is

B．even the small can help the great

C．how an ant saved a bird

D．how clever the ant is

【小題4】The title of this story can be “___  __”. 

A．The Ant

B．Pity

C．Help

D．The Bird

What makes a gift special? Is it the price you see on the gift receipt? Or is it the look on the recipient's face when they receive it that determines the true value? What gift is worth the most?
This Christmas I was debating what to give my father. My dad is a hard person to buy for because he never wants anything. I pulled out my phone to read a text message from my mom saying that we were leaving for Christmas shopping for him when I came across a message on my phone that I had locked. The message was from my father. My eyes fell on a photo of a flower taken in Wyoming. and underneath a poem by William Blake. The flower, a lone dandelion standing against the bright blue sky, inspired me. My dad had been reciting those words to me since I was a kid. That may even be the reason why I love writing. I decided that those words would be my gift to my father.
I called back. I told my mom to go without me and that I already created my gift. I sent the photo of the cream-colored flower to my computer and typed the poem on top of it. As I was arranging the details another poem came to mind. The poem was written by Edgar Allan Poe; my dad recited it as much as he did the other. I typed that out as well and searched online for a background to the words of it. The poem was focused around dreaming, and after searching I found the perfect picture. The image was painted with blues and greens and purples, twisting together to create the theme and wonder of a dream. As I watched both poems passing through the printer, the white paper coloring with words that shaped my childhood. I felt that this was a gift that my father would truly appreciate.
Christmas soon arrived. The minute I saw the look on my dad's face as he unwrapped those swirling black letters carefully placed in a cheap frame, I knew I had given the perfect gift.
【小題1】The idea for a special gift began to form when the author was______.

A．doing shopping	B．having a debate
C．reading a message	D．leaving for Wyoming

【小題2】The author's inspiration for the gift came from_____.

A．a(chǎn) photo of a flower	B．a(chǎn) story about a kid
C．a(chǎn) call from the mother	D．a(chǎn) text about Christmas

【小題3】The underlined word "it" in Paragraph 3 refers to a poem by_____.

A．the father	B．the author
C．William Blake	D．Edgar Allan Poe

【小題4】What is the main purpose of the passage?

A．To show how to design images for gifts.

B．To suggest making gifts from one's heart.

C．To explain how computers help create gifts.

D．To describe the gifts the author has receive

There was a gardener who looked after his garden with great care. To water his flowers, he used two buckers. One was a shiny and new bucket. The other was a very old and dilapidated one, which had seen many years of service, but was now past its best.
Every morning, the gardener would fill up the two buckets. Then he would carry them along the path, one on each side, to the flowerbeds. The new bucket was very proud of itself. It could carry a full bucket of water without a single drop spilled . The old bucket felt very ashamed because of its holes: before it reached the flowerbeds, much water had leaked along the path.
Sometimes the new bucket would say, “See how capable I am! How good it is that the gardener has me to water the flowers every day! I don't know why he still bothers with you. What a waste of space you are!”
And all that the old bucket could say was, “I know I’m not very useful, but I can only do my best. I’m happy that the gardener still finds a little bit of use in me, at least.”
One day, the gardener heard that kind or conversation. After watering the flowers as usual, he said, “You both have done your work very well. Now I am going to carry you back. I want you to look carefully along the path.”
Then the two buckets did so. All along the path, they noticed, on the side where the new bucket was carried, there was just bare earth; on the other side where the old bucket was carried, there was a joyous row of wild flowers, leading all the way to the garden.
【小題1】What does the underlined word “dilapidated” probably mean?

A．Dirty

B．Dark

C．Worn-out

D．Plain-looking.

【小題2】What was the old bucket ashamed of?

A．His past.

B．His aging.

C．His manner.

D．His leaking.

【小題3】The new bucket made conversations with the old one mainly to

A．laugh at the old one

B．take pity on the old one

C．show off its beautiful looks

D．praise the gardener’s kindness

【小題4】Why was the old bucket still kept by the gardener?

A．Because it was used to keep a balance

B．Because it stayed in its best condition

C．Because it was taken as a treasure

D．Because it had its own function

In Japan, people will often go out to restaurants to treat guests. The reason for this is that Japanese homes are small. If you go out to eat with your workmates, it is a custom to share the bill equally, no matter how much you eat or drink yourself.
Japanese people use chopsticks to eat. But if you eat out, you can ask for a fork or a knife. These words have been adopted(采用) from the English language into Japanese. So if you say “fork” or “knife” to a waiter, he will probably understand you. If you eat in an expensive restaurant, waiters will usually place a hot towel on your table at the end of your meal. You can wipe your face and hands with this towel.
In Japan, you can see some people slurp (出聲地吃) their noodles. It is considered rude in Western restaurants, but is acceptable in Japan. Western people usually blow on hot noodles first and then eat them, while Japanese do the cooling down gesture (姿勢) when they actually eat. Many feel noodles do not taste good if they are cooled with the air. It is also normal to lift the noodle or soup bowl to mouth so that food doesn’t spill.
Eating with chopsticks requires proper manners. Never leave your chopsticks standing upright, especially not on rice. It is a symbol of death, and people will find this impolite if you are not at a funeral (葬禮). Never wave your chopsticks around, nor use them to move dishes around. If you are eating from a common bowl, use the back end of the chopsticks that you have not put in your mouth to dish the food out.
【小題1】Japanese people often treat their guests in restaurants because_____.

A．they need to share the bill equally

B．it is a traditional custom in Japan

C．dishes in restaurants are delicious

D．their homes can’t hold many people

【小題2】Which of the following can we learn from the text?

A．A hot towel is not offered in most ordinary restaurants in Japan.

B．You are asked to wipe your hands after a meal in a Japanese restaurant.

C．The Japanese always wait until the noodles become cool.

D．It is impolite to lift your bowl to your mouth in Japan.

【小題3】Which of the following is the main idea of the last paragraph?

A．How to use chopsticks in Japan.

B．When to use chopsticks in Japan.

C．The Japanese like using chopsticks.

D．Chopsticks are the symbol of Japan.

【小題4】Which would be the best title for the text?

A．Treating guests in Japan.

B．Table manners in Japan.

C．Eating tools in Japan.

D．Eating customs in Japan.

A young father was visiting an old neighbor. They were standing in the old man's garden，and talking about children. The young man said，“How strict should parents be with their children？”
The old man pointed to a string（繩子）between a big strong tree and a thin young one．“Please untie（解開）that string，” he said．The young man untied it，and the young tree bent（彎）over to one side． “Now tie it again，please，” said the old man，“but first pull the string tight so that the young tree is straight again．”
The young man did so．Then the old man said，“There，it is the same with children．You must be strict with them，but sometimes you must untie the string to know how they are getting on． If they are not yet able to stand alone，you must tie the string tight again．But when you find that they are ready to stand alone，you can take the string away．”
【小題1】The story is about ______.

A．how to take care of young trees

B． how strict parents should be with their children

C．how the young father should get on with his old neighbor

D． how to tie and untie the string

【小題2】The young man untied the string ______.

A．in order to throw it away

B． so that both of the trees would grow straight

C．only to find that the thinner one bent over to one side

D． in order to let the old man teach him

【小題3】When can the string be taken away？______.

A．When the old man has left

B．After you have untied it

C．When the young man has untied it next time

D．When the young tree grows strong enough

【小題4】In the story the relation（關(guān)系）of the big strong tree to the thin one is like that of ______.

A．the young father to the old neighbor

B．parents to their children

C．the old neighbor to the children of the young father

D．grown ups to their parents

AAAGH! The Generation 90s is coming!
Wearing earphones, using complex Net language and constantly text messaging friends, the Gen-90s following the Gen-80s begin to make their world debut (初次登臺).
Each generation or age group has its own symbols and lifestyle. Read on and judge for yourselves if you fit the Gen-90s group
Earphones
These little devices seem to grow on the heads of the Gen-90s. They might lead to MP3, MP4 or MP101 players, giving these young people a plugged-in, cool and perhaps self-addicted look, of course, life is not always music to the ears.
Martian language
They have created their own code-like online language. It’s a mixture of English, Japanese and Chinese that perhaps only Martians can understand. This is an imaginative generation, though they need to be careful to keep it out of their term papers.                 
Self-Portrait
Saying “cheese” to their own digital cameras is usual for this generation. A little bit of narcissism (自戀) never hurts anyone. It helps them reflect a little on their own lives．But be aware of the risks of posting private photos online.
Text-messaging
They can type their mobile phones as fast as they can speak. This is a generation that respects efficiency. However, oral communication is important and will never go out of style.
【小題1】According to the passage, if you belong to the Gen-90s , you will ____________ .

A．just appreciate yourself and ignore others’ strengths.

B．have your own symbols and lifestyle.

C．have the same symbols and lifestyle of the Gen-80s．

D．like music and dance very much.

【小題2】According to the text, the writer will choose ______ as a good example to the Gen-90.

A．Li Hua likes music and always wearing ipod

B．Zhang Chao is not only an imaginative boy but do everything efficiently.

C．Lily is a shy girl and she doesn’t like making friends.

D．Fangfang likes being taken photos and often posting them on line.

【小題3】According to this passage, which is FALSE?

A．Not all teens are cautious about posting photos．

B．They type their mobile phones so fast that it can catch the speed of speaking.

C．The Gen-90s have a preference for some music players, and even regard them as a necessary part of life.

D．They don’t use the cool and complex online language in formal writing.

【小題4】The main idea of the passage is about________.

A．the Gen-90s’ happy life

B．the difference between the Gen-80s and the Gen-90s

C．the Gen-90s’ unique lifestyle and some practical warnings

D．the similarities between the Gen-80s and the Gen-90s

The sun is shining when I get on No. 151 bus. We passengers sit jammed together in heavy clothes. No one speaks. That’s one of the unwritten rules of Chicago commuting. Although we see the same faces every day, we prefer to hide behind our newspapers. The phenomenon is striking: people who sit so close together are using those thin sheets of newsprint to keep their distance.
As the bus approaches the Magnificent Mile, a voice suddenly rings out: “Attention! Attention!” Papers rattle (發(fā)出細小聲). Necks crane (伸長). “This is your driver speaking.”
We look at the back of the driver’s head. His voice has authority.
“All of you put your papers down.”
The papers come down, an inch at a time. The driver waits. The papers are folded and placed on our laps.
“Now, turn and face the person next to you. Go ahead.”
Amazingly, we all do it. Still, no one smiles.
I face an older woman, her head wrapped tightly in a red scarf. I see her nearly every day. Our eyes meet. We wait, unblinking, for the next order from the driver.
“Now, repeat after me…” It is a command, delivered in the tones of a drill sergeant (操練軍士). “Good morning, neighbor!”
Our voices are weak and timid. For many of us, these are the first words we have spoken today. But we say them at the same time, like schoolchildren, to the strangers beside us.
We smile and can’t help it. We have said it; the barrier has been broken. Good morning, neighbor. It is not so hard after all. Some of us repeat it. Others shake hands. Many laugh.
The bus driver says nothing more. He doesn’t need to. Not a single newspaper goes back up. I hear laughter, a warm sound I have never heard before on bus No. 151. This day is starting off better than most.
【小題1】On hearing the sudden utterance of “Attention!”, the passengers ___________.

A．stopped reading and put down their newspapers immediately

B．sat still without response

C．looked up from the newspapers to see who was speaking

D．were frightened

【小題2】The underlined word “commuting” in Paragraph 1 most probably means ___________.

A．long-distance ride

B．daily traveling between home and work

C．communication technology

D．behavior patterns

【小題3】Which of the following is true according to the passage?

A．The passengers on the crowded bus were so absorbed in reading their newspapers that no one spoke.

B．When the bus driver said nothing more, the passengers picked up and read their newspapers again.

C．The passengers didn’t follow the driver’s instruction at first.

D．The passengers were physically close together but mentally they kept each other at a terrible distance.

【小題4】What would be the best title for the text?

A．The Warmth of Communication

B．The Exchange of Information

C．The Power of Observation

D．The Attitude to Loneliness

A fried of mine named Paul received an automobile from his brother as a Christmas present. On Christmas Eve when Paul came out of his office, a naughty street boy was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it. “Is this your car, Mister?” he asked..
Paul nodded, “My brother gave it to me for Christmas.” The boy was surprised. “You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn’t cost you anything? I wish…” He hesitated（猶豫）.
Of course Paul knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the boy said made Paul think all the way.
“I wish ,” the boy went on, “that I could be a brother like that.”
Paul looked at the boy in surprise, adding, “Would you like to take a ride in my automobile?”
“Yes, I’d love that.” After a short ride, the boy turned and said, “Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?”
Paul smiled, He thought he knew what the boy wanted. But Paul was wrong again. “Will you stop where those two steps are?” the boy asked.
He ran up the steps. Then in a while Paul heard him coming back, but he didn’t come fast. He was carrying his little crippled（傷殘） brother. He pointed to the car and said, “There it is, Buddy, just like I told you up stairs. His brother gave it to him for Christmas. And some day I’m going to give one just like it and then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Christmas windows that I’ve been trying tell you about. ”
Paul got out and lifted the boy to the front seat. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride.
That Christmas Eve, Paul learned what “It is more blessed to give” means.
【小題1】The naughty street boy wished to _____________ .

A．have a brother like Paul’s

B．get a present from his brother

C．become a brother like Paul’s

D．take a ride in his automobile

【小題2】When the boy asked for a ride home, Paul thought the boy wanted to ______________.

A．play a trick on him

B．own a car like Paul’s

C．pick up someone important to him.

D．show off by riding home in a car

【小題3】What did the boy want to show to his crippled brother?

A．His pride.

B．His bravery.

C．His love.

D．His generosity.

【小題4】What would be the best title for text?

A．A brother like that

B．A Christmas present

C．A boy’s crippled brother

D．An unforgettable Christmas

【小題5】(Originally created)  The last sentence “It is more blessed to give” in this story means following EXCEPT____.

A．It is better to help than to get helped.

B．The more help you give to others, the happier you will feel.

C．To help other people is a way to make a person to become a true man.

D．To give away all your wealth, otherwise, you won’t be blessed by God.

Whether you admit or not, music is rooted in our daily life, weaving its beauty and emotion through our thoughts, activities and memories. So if you’re interested in music theory, music appreciation, Beethoven, Mozart, artists and performers, we hope you’ll spend some time here and learn from those music articles of note for all ages and tastes.
When I first started studying the history of music, I did not realize what I was getting into. I had thought that music history was somewhat of an unimportant pursuit（追求）. In fact, I only took my history of classical music class because I needed the credits（學(xué)分）. I did not realize how really attractive music history was. You see, in our culture many of us do not really learn to understand music. When I began to learn about the history of Western music, however, it changed all that for me.
When most of us think about the history of music, we think of the history of rock music, we assume that the history is simple because the music is simple. In fact, neither is the case, The history of music, whether you’re talking about classical music, rock music, jazz music, or any other kind, is never simple.
Even when the class was over, I would not stop learning about the history of music. It had attracted my interest, and I wanted more.
【小題1】What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To advise readers to learn about music.

B．To show he has a good knowledge of music.

C．To ask readers to share their experience.

D．To prove that music has a long history.

【小題2】Why did the author take the history of classical music class?

A．He was very interested in classical music.

B．Classical music would bring him fame.

C．Classical music was very important to him.

D．He wanted to get the points from the course.

【小題3】The underlined word “assume” in the third paragraph probably means “____________ ”.

A．see

B．mean

C．think

D．wonder

【小題4】What did the author do after the class was over?

A．He became tired of music history.

B．He kept on learning about music history.

C．He found music was difficult to learn.

D．He began to take part in music activities.

【小題5】(Originally created) What can we infer about the author according to the passage?

A．He didn’t like music at the beginning.

B．He prefers history to music.

C．He doesn’t study hard at school.

D．The students in his school need some credits in other subjects besides the credits in their majors before they graduate from their college.

Our spiritual intelligence quotient (精神智商)，or SQ, helps us understand ourselves, and live fuller, happier lives.
Though we're all born with SQ, most of us don’t even realize that we have it. Fortunately, you don't have to sign up for classes to learn how to improve your SQ. Here are some simple steps that can lead you to this new level of understanding.
Sit Quietly. The process of developing spiritual intelligence begins with solitude (獨處) and silence. To tune in to your spirit, you have to turn down the volume (強度) in your busy, noisy, complicated life and force yourself to do nothing at all. Start small by creating islands for silence in your day. In the car, instead of listening to the music, use the time to think. At work, shut the door to your office between meetings, take a few breaths and let them out very, very slowly. Enjoy the stillness in your home after the kids are finally in bed.
Step Outside.  For many people, nature sets their spirit free. Go outside to watch a beautiful sunset. If you are walking with the dog, take the time to admire flower in bloom; follow the light of a bird and watch clouds float overhead.
Ask Questions of Yourself. Ask open-ended questions, such as "What am I feeling? What are my choices? Where am I heading?"
But don't expect an answer to arrive through some supernatural form of e-mail. "Rarely do I get an immediate answer to my question," says Reverend Joan Carter, a Presbyterian minister in Sausalito, California. “But later that day I suddenly find myself thinking about a problem in a perspective(角度) I never considered before.”
Trust Your Spirit. While most of us rely on gut(本能的) feeling to realize danger, spiritual intelligence pushes us, not away from, but towards some action that will lead to a greater good.
【小題1】The passage is mainly about          .

A．what your SQ is and in what way it can benefit our life

B．what your SQ is and in what way it can be improved

C．the relationship between your SQ and your life

D．a(chǎn)dvantages and disadvantages of SQ

【小題2】The underlined phrase "tune in to your spirit" in the third paragraph probably means to _____.

A．get your spirit relaxed	B．keep up your spirit
C．keep seated quietly	D．change your spirit

【小題3】The author mentions the example of Reverend Joan Carter to show that            .

A．there are no immediate answers to your questions

B．e-mails can't keep working out a problem

C．the more questions you ask, the better answers you'll get

D．changing your way of thinking might help you solve a problem