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阶段仿真检测(四) Unit 4 Behind beliefs
(时间：100分钟 满分：120分)
第一部分：阅读(共两节，满分50分)
第一节(共15小题；每小题2.5分，满分37.5分)
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。
A
Some people like modern art, while others say that is rubbish.But a cleaner who works in the Tate Gallery in London isn’t able to tell the difference.The woman, whose name isn’t known, mistook a work of art by the German painter Gustav Metzger for a bag of rubbish, and threw it out with other bags. The plastic bag, which contained pieces of paper and cardboard, was later recovered outside the gallery, but the artist thought that it was too damaged to be put on show again. 78 year old Mr Metzger explained that the exhibit, which he said was a copy of a similar work he had created in 1960, was meant to show that all art is temporary and “finite (有限的)”．
Embarrassed officials at the museum said that they had had to call a meeting with cleaners to explain which things should not be touched. They would not say whether Mr Metzger would be paid any compensation for the incident. However, to make absolutely sure the same thing would not happen again, they decided to cover Mr Metzger’s work every evening with a coloured cloth. In this way the cleaners arriving after the gallery had been closed to the general public would realize they should not touch it.
This is not the first time that museum cleaners have had trouble distinguishing exhibits from rubbish. In 2001, in another London gallery, a cleaner threw away a work by the well known British artist Damien Hirst. It was an arrangement of empty beer bottles, coffee cups, and overflowing ashtrays, which were meant to indicate the chaos in the life of an artist.
However, cleaners don’t always throw things away — sometimes they clean them! This was the case with a dirty bath, which was on show in a gallery in Germany. Without asking what the bath was doing in the gallery, the cleaners simply scrubbed it clean.
1．The officials of the museum covered Mr Metzger’s work so that ________.
A．the visitors couldn’t get close in the evening
B．they could get recovered soon
C．the cleaners wouldn’t make the same mistake
D．they would return to normal
2．Which of the following is NOT true
A．People have different opinions on modern art.
B．Mr Metzger would be paid much compensation.
C．A work of Damien Hirst was thrown away by a cleaner in 2001.
D．Some modern work is about the chaos of an artist’s life.
3．The last paragraph is written to show that________.
A．cleaners often make exhibits as clean as possible
B．cleaners can’t always differ exhibits from rubbish
C．exhibits are usually difficult to clean
D．exhibits are not always so beautiful
B
Many parents wonder why their children should study art. To some, art is nice but useless. They consider it unnecessary to human existence. To others, art is important and meets some human needs that can’t be met any other way.
So what is the purpose of art
The earliest art — cave drawings and the like — certainly had some important purposes. This type of art was a record of events, a means of sharing stories, and a way to pass on information. People created primitive (原始的) art to show the world around them — pictures were usually of animals, birds, plants, and humans in scenes of daily life, especially hunting.
In recent centuries, art has become more complicated. The spoken and written words have become our major means of communication, so art can be more than just a chronicle of historic events or a way to share stories, although it still can be those things as well.
Through art, artists share their feelings in a way that brings on something from the viewers. The feelings one experiences when viewing art may be pleasing or not. The artist is trying to express something; it’s up to you to figure out what that is. Art is a conversation between you and the artist; they put themselves into their work, and you bring yourself to your explanation of it. Because of the feelings that art can bring on — feelings that usually cannot be brought on by other means — art is necessary to human existence. Art meets our needs for self expression, communication, and our desire for connection with other humans across centuries and cultures.
Now, we can conclude that art is very important. Since it is important, kids should learn it.
4．What do we know about the primitive art
A．It didn’t have any important purposes.
B．It was mainly about people’s daily life.
C．It was created mainly to entertain people.
D．It was meant to help people understand the world.
5．What does the underlined word “chronicle” in Paragraph 4 mean
A．Tool. B．Mirror.
C．Guide. D．Record.
6．Paragraph 5 mainly shows art’s use of ________.
A．making a living B．explaining problems
C．exchanging feelings D．storing information
7．The text is meant to show that ________.
A．kids love art for a reason
B．children should study art
C．art is very important to humans
D．art is used for different purposes
C
John Bramblitt is an artist who learned to see through his paintbrush when his world went dark.Before going blind at the age of 30, he had never even painted before.But now his works are talked about around the world, and his experience is inspiring millions.Bramblitt is an artist whose work is defined by fearless and expressive palettes (调色板), and speaks_volumes.The meanings he expresses in his works are diverse.It is hard to imagine that the man behind the colorful paintings is a blind man.
Fourteen years ago, he suffered complications from epilepsy (癫痫) that left him irreversibly (不可逆地) blind.“When I first lost my sight I was really angry; I was so angry that I wouldn’t admit that I was angry.I was angry at everything.Everything in the world that was important in my life seemed to be taken away from me.I couldn’t leave my apartment by my own.I couldn’t read, and I couldn’t write anymore，” he said.
Losing his eyesight was a turning point in Bramblitt’s life.He calls it “the deepest, darkest hole”．But he eventually climbed out of that hole, by picking up the paintbrush.“I had thought about painting before.It might be horrible to say, but I didn’t think I’d be very good at it.When I lost my sight, I thought well I didn’t have to look at it anyway, so I thought I would give it a try，” he said.“When I first started painting, I never thought of showing it to anybody ever.It’s just something that I needed to do, to let it out.The whole thing of painting is really symbolic to prove that I still have some sort of perception (感知) that I could still see.”
He has never seen his wife or his young son, but it is clear he knows exactly what they look like.His portraits are proof that his fingertips (画像) are every bit as perceptive as his eyes once were.
Bramblitt’s art is gaining notice in galleries around the world.He can often be found in museums or at schools, teaching his technique and what he has learned about life and color to children.
8．What do the underlined words “speaks volumes” in Para.1 actually mean
A．Earns a lot. B．Means a lot.
C．Gains much respect. D．Succeeds in expression.
9．From “climbed out of that hole, by picking up the paintbrush” in Para.3 we can learn that ________.
A．it was painting that rescued him
B．it took him a lot to control his anger
C．the paintbrush helped him get over blindness
D．it seems he can see once he takes a brush
10．Which of the following is TRUE
A．It was harder for Bramblitt to paint after he was blind.
B．Bramblitt had more time to learn to paint after he got blind.
C．It was much better for the blind to learn to paint.
D．Bramblitt had been too afraid that his works looked bad to paint.
11．What do you know about Bramblitt
A．He has been almost fifty years old.
B．It is epilepsy that has made him a painter.
C．He didn’t get married before he went blind.
D．He painted his wife’s portraits before he was blind.
D
I walked into the kitchen. There I found my son was busy not doing his homework. “Jake! What are you doing Finish your homework! We have to leave for basketball practice in 10 minutes！” Every evening went on like this, with me asking my son to do this and that and him fighting me every step of the way.
Maybe you do, too. I know I put too much pressure (压力) on my son. But when all the other parents are talking about the great opportunities they are providing for their kids, such as special summer camps, foreign language learning, private tutors, and music lessons, I can’t help but worry that my son will be left behind if he doesn’t take part in these activities. I will imagine other kids getting six figure jobs out of junior high while mine is just sitting in the corner eating chips. And it’s all my fault.
So, in an effort to prepare my son for the competitive world, I fill his days with activities, so he can learn and grow. But now I’m afraid my “help” may actually hurt him.
A study, from 1981 to 1997, showed that kids experienced a 25 percent decrease in play time while time spent on homework increased by 145 percent. But was that bad I think it was.
A study by Professor Jean Twenge at San Diego State showed that our kids are more stressed out than before. And another study showed a surprising change in motivation (动机) over the years, with kids in the 60s and 70s being more motivated by intrinsic worth (内在价值) (self acceptance and honor) while kids today are more motivated by extrinsic worth (money, image and fame)．
And we’re the ones pushing them in that direction. So it’s time for us to stop!
12．What Jake was doing in the kitchen probably made the author ________.
A．angry B．bored
C．sad D．worried
13．It can be inferred from the passage that ________.
A．the author was asked to provide opportunities for Jake
B．Jake disliked the activities the author chose for him
C．Jake will have a bright future with the author’s help
D．the author worried that she would set a bad example to Jake
14．In what ways will the author’s “help” hurt Jake
a．Giving him little play time.
b．Making him suffer from more stress.
c．Making him have no chance to find a job.
d．Causing wrong ideas of human value in him.
e．Helping him get more competitive advantages.
A．a d B．a b d
C．a b c d D．a b c d e
15．The purpose of the passage is to ________.
A．warn kids of the danger of doing too many activities
B．show the importance of having intrinsic worth
C．persuade parents to give their kids more play time
D．tell parents how to choose activities for their kids
第二节(共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分)
阅读下面短文，从短文后的选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
How to Calm Down at Work
The workplace can be a stressful place.Anxiety，conflict，bad management and overwork can lead to frustration and stress. __16__
Keep something you like to look at within sight.A photo of a loved one or a favorite personal souvenir is the best example.Keep such an item somewhere you can glance at it whenever you wish to do so. __17__
Take a moment to engage in exercise.If you’re unable to leave your work area，stand and stretch for a moment.Muscle tension exercises can also help you calm down. __18__ For instance，start by squeezing all of your face muscles as tightly as you can for twenty seconds and slowly releasing them.
Write down the reason why you are upset. __19__ Getting your thoughts and feelings out on paper can help clarify the issue you’re having.Writing down your thoughts can even help you determine the best way to address your frustration or anxiety and move forward.
__20__ If you and another co worker are constantly frustrated with one another, set up a time to speak with him or her.Say something like, “Hey, Sarah, let’s sit down sometime soon and chat to make sure we’re on the same page about our upcoming project.”
A．Turn to your workmates for help.
B．Communicate with your workmates.
C．A vase of flowers on your desk is another good example.
D．Focus on one particular muscle or muscle group at a time.
E．Here are the steps you can take to help you calm down at work.
F．Engage your body by rolling your head, shoulder, and ankles while sitting.
G．The best way to figure out exactly what’s bothering you is to write it down.
第二部分：语言运用(共两节，满分30分)
第一节(共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分)
阅读下面短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
When we were kids, we didn’t think of success or failure in the way we think now. At that time we dived straight into __21__.
In high school, I developed a preference for art. However, I studied really hard about other things, aiming for a successful career in information science. While everybody supported me in continuing on the “path of success”， I felt really __22__ inside. Deep down I knew, I’m not this person everybody thinks I am — my heart was __23__ for something more meaningful. I wanted to do __24__.
My final year at college was also a __25__.I didn’t manage to graduate in time with my generation. Then I tried animation, design, and even music __26__ for a while, so different from the career that I was always __27__ to do.Needless to say, such “creative” __28__ brought me much satisfaction, but I was running out of money. I was stuck in a __29__ — finding a job or finishing my degree. I realized just a strong __30__ will not bring me across the river. I had to do the work with my own hands.
One day, I came across a former high school teacher. He was __31__ to hear I, one of his top students, wasn’t doing well. He then __32__ me to find my first job as a game developer. After starting work, my life started to improve.
__33__， I can see my goals and dreams have remarkably __34__ over the years. I often remind myself that although some dreams may __35__， you can always have your passion reborn again.
21．A.safety B．adventures
C．agreement D．conflicts
22．A.confident B．angry
C．peaceful D．empty
23．A.beating B．bleeding
C．aching D．answering
24．A.science B．art
C．sports D．business
25．A.success B．mess
C．relief D．panic
26．A.randomly B．wisely
C．secretly D．suddenly
27．A.reminded B．allowed
C．ordered D．meant
28．A.breakthroughs B．designs
C．routines D．exchanges
29．A.solution B．dilemma
C．negotiation D．compromise
30．A.desire B．relationship
C．influence D．commitment
31．A.amused B．proud
C．sad D．annoyed
32．A.helped B．invited
C．promised D．forced
33．A.Setting off B．Looking back
C．Backing out D．Holding on
34．A.settled B．reduced
C．changed D．advanced
35．A.step down B．come true
C．turn up D．die out
第二节(共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分)
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
Can knots (结) be a form of art？It is in China.There is a long history of using knots for decoration on clothing or to hang from the ceiling or on a wall.Skilled knot __36__(art) make complex knots that you can take back with you as souvenirs.They have a long history and a symbolic meaning even today.
People may have __37__(initial) made them to record information and convey messages __38__people started to write.One hundred thousand year old tools have been discovered that were probably used __39__(tie) and untie knots, and there is a __40__(refer) to knots in ancient literature.But it isn’t known when they started to be used symbolically or woven for art.
It is known that they __41__(use) for artistic decoration and to symbolize and express thoughts and feelings in the Tang Dynasty.The Tang Empire was a large one __42__(cover) most of the regions of modern China, and the __43__ (tradition) art form was carried on by succeeding generations __44__part of their culture.
Even today, Chinese knots are rich in symbolic meanings, and they therefore hold emotional value when given as gifts __45__passed down through families.
第三部分：写作(共两节，满分40分)
第一节(满分15分)
假定你是李华，想邀请外教Henry一起参观中国剪纸(paper cutting)艺术展。请给他写封邮件，内容包括：
1．展览时间、地点；
2．展览内容。
注意：1．词数80左右；
2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
第二节(满分25分)
阅读下面短文，根据其内容写一篇60词左右的内容概要。
Why do people like what they like Scientists have taken on the task of solving this mystery for ages. In the 1960s, psychologist Robert Zajonc conducted a series of experiments where he showed people nonsense words and random shapes. Afterward, he asked his subjects which they preferred out of everything they had been shown. In study after study, people always chose the words and shapes they had seen the most. Their preference was for familiarity.
This discovery was one of the most important findings in modern psychology. But the preference for familiarity has clear limits. People get tired of even their favorite songs and movies. On the one hand, humans seek familiarity, because it makes them feel safe. On the other hand, people love the thrill of something new. This change between familiarity and discovery affects us all the time — not just our preferences for pictures and songs, but also our preferences for ideas and even people.
For that reason, the power of familiarity seems to be strongest when a person isn’t expecting it. The opposite is also true: A surprise seems to work best when it contains some familiarity. Nobody knows this better than Raymond Loewy, who is considered to be one of the “fathers” of industrial design. He had a theory that he said could help artists sell anything to anyone. He called it MAYA — “Most Advanced. Yet Acceptable”. “To sell something surprising, make it familiar; and to sell something familiar, make it surprising，” he said.
One of Loewy’s final tasks was to add an element of familiarity to a truly new invention: NASA’s first space station. Loewy’s biggest contribution to the space station was that he insisted NASA install a window with a view of Earth. Today, tens of millions of people have seen this small detail in films about astronauts. It is hard to imagine a more perfect example of MAYA: a window to a new world can also show your home.
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阶段仿真检测(四) Unit 4 Behind beliefs
(时间：100分钟 满分：120分)
第一部分：阅读(共两节，满分50分)
第一节(共15小题；每小题2.5分，满分37.5分)
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。
A
Some people like modern art, while others say that is rubbish.But a cleaner who works in the Tate Gallery in London isn’t able to tell the difference.The woman, whose name isn’t known, mistook a work of art by the German painter Gustav Metzger for a bag of rubbish, and threw it out with other bags. The plastic bag, which contained pieces of paper and cardboard, was later recovered outside the gallery, but the artist thought that it was too damaged to be put on show again. 78 year old Mr Metzger explained that the exhibit, which he said was a copy of a similar work he had created in 1960, was meant to show that all art is temporary and “finite (有限的)”．
Embarrassed officials at the museum said that they had had to call a meeting with cleaners to explain which things should not be touched. They would not say whether Mr Metzger would be paid any compensation for the incident. However, to make absolutely sure the same thing would not happen again, they decided to cover Mr Metzger’s work every evening with a coloured cloth. In this way the cleaners arriving after the gallery had been closed to the general public would realize they should not touch it.
This is not the first time that museum cleaners have had trouble distinguishing exhibits from rubbish. In 2001, in another London gallery, a cleaner threw away a work by the well known British artist Damien Hirst. It was an arrangement of empty beer bottles, coffee cups, and overflowing ashtrays, which were meant to indicate the chaos in the life of an artist.
However, cleaners don’t always throw things away — sometimes they clean them! This was the case with a dirty bath, which was on show in a gallery in Germany. Without asking what the bath was doing in the gallery, the cleaners simply scrubbed it clean.
语篇解读：本文是一篇记叙文。有些人喜欢现代艺术，而有些人不喜欢。本文介绍了在美术馆工作的清洁工错误地将现代艺术作品当成垃圾扔掉的故事。
1．The officials of the museum covered Mr Metzger’s work so that ________.
A．the visitors couldn’t get close in the evening
B．they could get recovered soon
C．the cleaners wouldn’t make the same mistake
D．they would return to normal
解析：选C 细节理解题。根据第二段中的“However，to make absolutely sure the same thing would not happen again, they decided to cover ... with a coloured cloth.”可知，他们这样做的目的是避免清洁工再次犯同样的错误，即C项正确。
2．Which of the following is NOT true
A．People have different opinions on modern art.
B．Mr Metzger would be paid much compensation.
C．A work of Damien Hirst was thrown away by a cleaner in 2001.
D．Some modern work is about the chaos of an artist’s life.
解析：选B 细节理解题。根据第一段第一句可知A项表述正确；根据第二段第二句可知B项表述错误；根据第三段第二句和最后一句可知C、D两项表述正确。故选B项。
3．The last paragraph is written to show that________.
A．cleaners often make exhibits as clean as possible
B．cleaners can’t always differ exhibits from rubbish
C．exhibits are usually difficult to clean
D．exhibits are not always so beautiful
解析：选B 推理判断题。最后一段通过讲述清洁工误把现代艺术作品当成脏东西而扔掉的事来说明清洁工并不总是能分清现代艺术作品与垃圾，即B项正确。
B
Many parents wonder why their children should study art. To some, art is nice but useless. They consider it unnecessary to human existence. To others, art is important and meets some human needs that can’t be met any other way.
So what is the purpose of art
The earliest art — cave drawings and the like — certainly had some important purposes. This type of art was a record of events, a means of sharing stories, and a way to pass on information. People created primitive (原始的) art to show the world around them — pictures were usually of animals, birds, plants, and humans in scenes of daily life, especially hunting.
In recent centuries, art has become more complicated. The spoken and written words have become our major means of communication, so art can be more than just a chronicle of historic events or a way to share stories, although it still can be those things as well.
Through art, artists share their feelings in a way that brings on something from the viewers. The feelings one experiences when viewing art may be pleasing or not. The artist is trying to express something; it’s up to you to figure out what that is. Art is a conversation between you and the artist; they put themselves into their work, and you bring yourself to your explanation of it. Because of the feelings that art can bring on — feelings that usually cannot be brought on by other means — art is necessary to human existence. Art meets our needs for self expression, communication, and our desire for connection with other humans across centuries and cultures.
Now, we can conclude that art is very important. Since it is important, kids should learn it.
语篇解读：作者认为艺术很重要，孩子应该学习艺术。
4．What do we know about the primitive art
A．It didn’t have any important purposes.
B．It was mainly about people’s daily life.
C．It was created mainly to entertain people.
D．It was meant to help people understand the world.
解析：选B 细节理解题。根据第三段的“People created primitive (原始的) art to show the world around them — pictures were usually of animals, birds, plants, and humans in scenes of daily life, especially hunting.”可知，艺术一开始主要是关于人们的日常生活的。
5．What does the underlined word “chronicle” in Paragraph 4 mean
A．Tool. B．Mirror.
C．Guide. D．Record.
解析：选D 词义猜测题。第三段说艺术一开始主要是用来记录日常生活的，第四段指出后来艺术变得更为复杂了，不再仅仅是对历史事件的“记录”了。
6．Paragraph 5 mainly shows art’s use of ________.
A．making a living B．explaining problems
C．exchanging feelings D．storing information
解析：选C 段落大意题。第五段主要说明艺术的情感交流的作用。
7．The text is meant to show that ________.
A．kids love art for a reason
B．children should study art
C．art is very important to humans
D．art is used for different purposes
解析：选B 主旨大意题。根据第一段第一句“Many parents wonder why their children should study art.”和最后一段可知，作者主要通过阐述艺术的重要性来表明孩子需要学习艺术。
C
John Bramblitt is an artist who learned to see through his paintbrush when his world went dark.Before going blind at the age of 30, he had never even painted before.But now his works are talked about around the world, and his experience is inspiring millions.Bramblitt is an artist whose work is defined by fearless and expressive palettes (调色板), and speaks_volumes.The meanings he expresses in his works are diverse.It is hard to imagine that the man behind the colorful paintings is a blind man.
Fourteen years ago, he suffered complications from epilepsy (癫痫) that left him irreversibly (不可逆地) blind.“When I first lost my sight I was really angry; I was so angry that I wouldn’t admit that I was angry.I was angry at everything.Everything in the world that was important in my life seemed to be taken away from me.I couldn’t leave my apartment by my own.I couldn’t read, and I couldn’t write anymore，” he said.
Losing his eyesight was a turning point in Bramblitt’s life.He calls it “the deepest, darkest hole”．But he eventually climbed out of that hole, by picking up the paintbrush.“I had thought about painting before.It might be horrible to say, but I didn’t think I’d be very good at it.When I lost my sight, I thought well I didn’t have to look at it anyway, so I thought I would give it a try，” he said.“When I first started painting, I never thought of showing it to anybody ever.It’s just something that I needed to do, to let it out.The whole thing of painting is really symbolic to prove that I still have some sort of perception (感知) that I could still see.”
He has never seen his wife or his young son, but it is clear he knows exactly what they look like.His portraits are proof that his fingertips (画像) are every bit as perceptive as his eyes once were.
Bramblitt’s art is gaining notice in galleries around the world.He can often be found in museums or at schools, teaching his technique and what he has learned about life and color to children.
语篇解读：此前从来不知还有画家是盲人，失去了光明的世界如何绘出缤纷的色彩？John Bramblitt便是创造奇迹的盲人画家。
8．What do the underlined words “speaks volumes” in Para.1 actually mean
A．Earns a lot. B．Means a lot.
C．Gains much respect. D．Succeeds in expression.
解析：选B 词义猜测题。根据画线处下文“The meanings he expresses in his works are diverse.”可知，他在作品中表达的意义是多种多样的。由此可知，他是一个用大胆的和具有表现力的调色板来表现作品的艺术家，而且他的调色板也表达了很多含义。
9．From “climbed out of that hole, by picking up the paintbrush” in Para.3 we can learn that ________.
A．it was painting that rescued him
B．it took him a lot to control his anger
C．the paintbrush helped him get over blindness
D．it seems he can see once he takes a brush
解析：选A 细节理解题。根据第二段“When I first lost my sight I was really angry; I was so angry that I wouldn’t admit that I was angry.I was angry at everything.”可知，当“我”刚开始失明的时候，“我”很生气，“我”如此地生气以至于“我”不承认自己生气。“我”对每件事情都生气。再根据第三段“He calls it ‘the deepest, darkest hole’．”可知， 失明对于Bramblitt来说就像是掉入万丈深渊。但是当他开始画画时，他走出了人生的低谷，所以说是绘画挽救了他。
10．Which of the following is TRUE
A．It was harder for Bramblitt to paint after he was blind.
B．Bramblitt had more time to learn to paint after he got blind.
C．It was much better for the blind to learn to paint.
D．Bramblitt had been too afraid that his works looked bad to paint.
解析：选D 推理判断题。根据第三段“‘I had thought about painting before.It might be horrible to say, but I didn’t think I’d be very good at it.When I lost my sight, I thought well I didn’t have to look at it anyway, so I thought I would give it a try，’ he said.”可知，“我”之前也想过画画，但是“我”认为“我”不擅长画画。失明后，“我”不必担心看到自己的画(难看)，所以才敢于试一试。由此可推知，Bramblitt在失明以前就有过画画的想法，但因为害怕画得不好而不敢尝试。
11．What do you know about Bramblitt
A．He has been almost fifty years old.
B．It is epilepsy that has made him a painter.
C．He didn’t get married before he went blind.
D．He painted his wife’s portraits before he was blind.
解析：选C 推理判断题。根据倒数第二段“He has never seen his wife or his young son, but it is clear he knows exactly what they look like.”可知，他从未见过他的妻子和孩子，但是他很清楚地知道他们长什么样子。由此可推知，他是在失明之后结婚的。
D
I walked into the kitchen. There I found my son was busy not doing his homework. “Jake! What are you doing Finish your homework! We have to leave for basketball practice in 10 minutes！” Every evening went on like this, with me asking my son to do this and that and him fighting me every step of the way.
Maybe you do, too. I know I put too much pressure (压力) on my son. But when all the other parents are talking about the great opportunities they are providing for their kids, such as special summer camps, foreign language learning, private tutors, and music lessons, I can’t help but worry that my son will be left behind if he doesn’t take part in these activities. I will imagine other kids getting six figure jobs out of junior high while mine is just sitting in the corner eating chips. And it’s all my fault.
So, in an effort to prepare my son for the competitive world, I fill his days with activities, so he can learn and grow. But now I’m afraid my “help” may actually hurt him.
A study, from 1981 to 1997, showed that kids experienced a 25 percent decrease in play time while time spent on homework increased by 145 percent. But was that bad I think it was.
A study by Professor Jean Twenge at San Diego State showed that our kids are more stressed out than before. And another study showed a surprising change in motivation (动机) over the years, with kids in the 60s and 70s being more motivated by intrinsic worth (内在价值) (self acceptance and honor) while kids today are more motivated by extrinsic worth (money, image and fame)．
And we’re the ones pushing them in that direction. So it’s time for us to stop!
语篇解读：为了提高儿子的竞争力，作者把儿子的时间安排得满满的，但现在她认为这样做不好。
12．What Jake was doing in the kitchen probably made the author ________.
A．angry B．bored
C．sad D．worried
解析：选A 细节理解题。当作者走进厨房发现她的儿子没有做作业之后她冲着儿子大声喊叫，由此可知作者很生气。
13．It can be inferred from the passage that ________.
A．the author was asked to provide opportunities for Jake
B．Jake disliked the activities the author chose for him
C．Jake will have a bright future with the author’s help
D．the author worried that she would set a bad example to Jake
解析：选B 推理判断题。根据文章第一段最后一句中的“...him fighting me ...”可知作者的儿子不喜欢作者给他安排的那些课外的课程以及活动。
14．In what ways will the author’s “help” hurt Jake
a．Giving him little play time.
b．Making him suffer from more stress.
c．Making him have no chance to find a job.
d．Causing wrong ideas of human value in him.
e．Helping him get more competitive advantages.
A．a d B．a b d
C．a b c d D．a b c d e
解析：选B 细节理解题。根据文章的内容可知作者自认为的帮忙让她的儿子几乎没有时间玩耍、会让作者的儿子压力重重，而且还有可能会让他有错误的人生观，由此可知答案为B。
15．The purpose of the passage is to ________.
A．warn kids of the danger of doing too many activities
B．show the importance of having intrinsic worth
C．persuade parents to give their kids more play time
D．tell parents how to choose activities for their kids
解析：选C 写作意图题。根据文章后四段的内容可知，作者写本文的目的是说服其他家长要给孩子们多一些玩耍的时间。
第二节(共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分)
阅读下面短文，从短文后的选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
How to Calm Down at Work
The workplace can be a stressful place.Anxiety，conflict，bad management and overwork can lead to frustration and stress. __16__
Keep something you like to look at within sight.A photo of a loved one or a favorite personal souvenir is the best example.Keep such an item somewhere you can glance at it whenever you wish to do so. __17__
Take a moment to engage in exercise.If you’re unable to leave your work area，stand and stretch for a moment.Muscle tension exercises can also help you calm down. __18__ For instance，start by squeezing all of your face muscles as tightly as you can for twenty seconds and slowly releasing them.
Write down the reason why you are upset. __19__ Getting your thoughts and feelings out on paper can help clarify the issue you’re having.Writing down your thoughts can even help you determine the best way to address your frustration or anxiety and move forward.
__20__ If you and another co worker are constantly frustrated with one another, set up a time to speak with him or her.Say something like, “Hey, Sarah, let’s sit down sometime soon and chat to make sure we’re on the same page about our upcoming project.”
A．Turn to your workmates for help.
B．Communicate with your workmates.
C．A vase of flowers on your desk is another good example.
D．Focus on one particular muscle or muscle group at a time.
E．Here are the steps you can take to help you calm down at work.
F．Engage your body by rolling your head, shoulder, and ankles while sitting.
G．The best way to figure out exactly what’s bothering you is to write it down.
语篇解读：本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了能帮助人在工作中镇静下来的一些方法。
16．选E 空格前一句说工作场所可能是一个充满压力的地方，焦虑，冲突，糟糕的管理和过度工作可能会导致沮丧和压力。E项“这儿就有一些你可以采纳来帮助你在工作中镇静下来的措施”与上文语义衔接且符合下文的叙述，故选E。
17．选C 本段主要叙述的是放一些你喜欢的东西在视力范围内，而C项说在桌上放一瓶花就是另外一个好的例子，承接上文，故选C。
18．选D 空格前一句说肌肉伸展训练也能够帮助你镇静下来，而D项说一次关注一个特定(部位)的肌肉或肌肉组，前后语义衔接，故选D。
19．选G 空格前一句说写下你沮丧的原因，而G项说准确地弄清使你烦恼的原因的最好方法就是把它写下来，与上文逻辑一致，故选G。空前的“Write down”也是提示词。
20．选B 根据空处所在位置可知，空处为段落主题句。本段讲的是如果你和你的同事一直对彼此感到失望，那就找些时间和你的同事交流一下。B项“与你的同事交流”概括准确，故选B。
第二部分：语言运用(共两节，满分30分)
第一节(共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分)
阅读下面短文，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
When we were kids, we didn’t think of success or failure in the way we think now. At that time we dived straight into __21__.
In high school, I developed a preference for art. However, I studied really hard about other things, aiming for a successful career in information science. While everybody supported me in continuing on the “path of success”， I felt really __22__ inside. Deep down I knew, I’m not this person everybody thinks I am — my heart was __23__ for something more meaningful. I wanted to do __24__.
My final year at college was also a __25__.I didn’t manage to graduate in time with my generation. Then I tried animation, design, and even music __26__ for a while, so different from the career that I was always __27__ to do.Needless to say, such “creative” __28__ brought me much satisfaction, but I was running out of money. I was stuck in a __29__ — finding a job or finishing my degree. I realized just a strong __30__ will not bring me across the river. I had to do the work with my own hands.
One day, I came across a former high school teacher. He was __31__ to hear I, one of his top students, wasn’t doing well. He then __32__ me to find my first job as a game developer. After starting work, my life started to improve.
__33__， I can see my goals and dreams have remarkably __34__ over the years. I often remind myself that although some dreams may __35__， you can always have your passion reborn again.
语篇解读：本文是一篇夹叙夹议文。作者通过叙述自己在成长过程中的学习经历告诉我们：虽然有些梦想可能会消失，但通过努力你仍可以让你的激情再生。
21．A.safety B．adventures
C．agreement D．conflicts
解析：选B 根据上文“When we were kids, we didn’t think of success or failure ...”及下文中“我”的经历可知，那时我们直接投身于冒险(adventures)中。
22．A.confident B．angry
C．peaceful D．empty
解析：选D 虽然大家都支持“我”继续走这种“成功之路”，但“我”内心是感觉非常空虚的(empty)。
23．A.beating B．bleeding
C．aching D．answering
解析：选C 根据上文并结合下文“I wanted to do __24__.”可知，“我”并不是大家想象的那样，“我”内心渴望(aching)着更有意义的东西。
24．A.science B．art
C．sports D．business
解析：选B 根据上文“In high school, I developed a preference for art.”及下文内容可知，此处为原词复现，即“我”想去学习艺术(art)。
25．A.success B．mess
C．relief D．panic
解析：选B 根据下文“I didn’t manage to graduate in time with my generation.”可知，此处表示“我”大学的最后一年也是一团糟(mess)。
26．A.randomly B．wisely
C．secretly D．suddenly
解析：选A 根据下文“... so different from the career that I was always __27__ to do”可知，此处指然后“我”试着学习动画制作、设计，甚至随意地(randomly)学习了一段时间的音乐，和“我”一直想要从事的职业如此不同。
27．A.reminded B．allowed
C．ordered D．meant
解析：选D 参见上题解析。be meant to do sth. “意欲做某事”，符合语境。
28．A.breakthroughs B．designs
C．routines D．exchanges
解析：选A 根据上文“Then I tried ...for a while”和下文“brought me much satisfaction”可知，这些“创新性的”突破(breakthroughs)给“我”带来了很大的满足。
29．A.solution B．dilemma
C．negotiation D．compromise
解析：选B 根据上文“but I was running out of money ”和下文“finding a job or finishing my degree”可知，“我”陷入了进退两难的境地(dilemma)。
30．A.desire B．relationship
C．influence D．commitment
解析：选A 仅有强烈的欲望(desire)是不能克服困难的。
31．A.amused B．proud
C．sad D．annoyed
解析：选C 根据空后的“I, one of his top students, wasn’t doing well”可知，作为老师最好的学生之一，没有取得好的成就，所以此处表示老师对“我”感到伤心(sad)。
32．A.helped B．invited
C．promised D．forced
解析：选A 根据语境可知，此处指老师帮(helped)“我”找到了第一份工作。
33．A.Setting off B．Looking back
C．Backing out D．Holding on
解析：选B 根据空后的“I can see my goals and dreams have remarkably __34___ over the years ”可知，此处指作者回顾过去(Looking back)。
34．A.settled B．reduced
C．changed D．advanced
解析：选C 回顾过去，这些年来，“我”的目标和梦想变化(changed)显著。
35．A.step down B．come true
C．turn up D．die out
解析：选D 根据空后的“you can always have your passion reborn again ”可知，“我”经常提醒自己，虽然有些梦想可能会消失(die out)，但激情总能再生。
第二节(共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分)
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
Can knots (结) be a form of art？It is in China.There is a long history of using knots for decoration on clothing or to hang from the ceiling or on a wall.Skilled knot __36__(art) make complex knots that you can take back with you as souvenirs.They have a long history and a symbolic meaning even today.
People may have __37__(initial) made them to record information and convey messages __38__people started to write.One hundred thousand year old tools have been discovered that were probably used __39__(tie) and untie knots, and there is a __40__(refer) to knots in ancient literature.But it isn’t known when they started to be used symbolically or woven for art.
It is known that they __41__(use) for artistic decoration and to symbolize and express thoughts and feelings in the Tang Dynasty.The Tang Empire was a large one __42__(cover) most of the regions of modern China, and the __43__ (tradition) art form was carried on by succeeding generations __44__part of their culture.
Even today, Chinese knots are rich in symbolic meanings, and they therefore hold emotional value when given as gifts __45__passed down through families.
语篇解读：本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了中国结的发展历史和今天的作用。
36．artists 考查名词复数。根据该句中的“make complex knots that you can take back with you as souvenirs”可知，“Skilled knot”作主语，其中Skilled knot对空处进行修饰，此处缺名词，表示“人”，故可以确定应用名词artist；该词为可数名词，且其前无限定词修饰，故此处应用复数。
37．initially 考查副词。根据该句中的动词“made”可知，空处修饰该动词，故用副词形式。
38．before 考查介词。在开始用文字书写之前，人们起初可能用它们去记录和传递信息。before意为“在……之前”，符合语境。
39．to tie 考查非谓语动词。be used to do sth.为固定搭配，意为“被用来做某事”。
40．reference 考查名词。根据空前的不定冠词“a”并结合语境可知，此处表示“一本关于结的参考书”，故用refer的名词形式。
41．were used 考查动词的时态和语态。根据该句中的时间状语“in the Tang Dynasty”可知，此处陈述的事情发生在过去，故用一般过去时；根据语境可知，结在唐朝被用作艺术装饰并被用来表达思想情感；主语they和动词use之间是被动关系，故填were used。
42．covering 考查非谓语动词。分析该句结构可知，a large one和动词cover是逻辑上的主谓关系，故用现在分词作后置定语。
43．traditional 考查形容词。根据空后的“art form”可知，空处修饰该名词短语，表示“传统的艺术形式”，故用形容词形式。
44．as 考查介词。根据语境可知，该处表示作为他们文化的一部分，这种传统的艺术形式被代代相传。as表示“作为”，符合语境。
45．or 考查连词。由空前的“given as gifts”和空后的“passed down through families”可知，空处为选择关系，故填or。
第三部分：写作(共两节，满分40分)
第一节(满分15分)
假定你是李华，想邀请外教Henry一起参观中国剪纸(paper cutting)艺术展。请给他写封邮件，内容包括：
1．展览时间、地点；
2．展览内容。
注意：1．词数80左右；
2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
参考范文：
Dear Henry，
I am writing to invite you to attend the Chinese paper cutting art exhibition to be held in the art gallery from 8：00 am to 5：00 pm next Sunday in our city center.
Paper cutting is a traditional art form in China, which has a history of more than 1,500 years. People often beautify their home with paper cutting during festivals and weddings. In this exhibition, you can see paper cutting with all kinds of patterns. In addition, there are famous artists who will perform how to cut paper on the spot. I wish that you could grasp this opportunity to learn traditional Chinese culture further.
Looking forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely，
Li Hua
第二节(满分25分)
阅读下面短文，根据其内容写一篇60词左右的内容概要。
Why do people like what they like Scientists have taken on the task of solving this mystery for ages. In the 1960s, psychologist Robert Zajonc conducted a series of experiments where he showed people nonsense words and random shapes. Afterward, he asked his subjects which they preferred out of everything they had been shown. In study after study, people always chose the words and shapes they had seen the most. Their preference was for familiarity.
This discovery was one of the most important findings in modern psychology. But the preference for familiarity has clear limits. People get tired of even their favorite songs and movies. On the one hand, humans seek familiarity, because it makes them feel safe. On the other hand, people love the thrill of something new. This change between familiarity and discovery affects us all the time — not just our preferences for pictures and songs, but also our preferences for ideas and even people.
For that reason, the power of familiarity seems to be strongest when a person isn’t expecting it. The opposite is also true: A surprise seems to work best when it contains some familiarity. Nobody knows this better than Raymond Loewy, who is considered to be one of the “fathers” of industrial design. He had a theory that he said could help artists sell anything to anyone. He called it MAYA — “Most Advanced. Yet Acceptable”. “To sell something surprising, make it familiar; and to sell something familiar, make it surprising，” he said.
One of Loewy’s final tasks was to add an element of familiarity to a truly new invention: NASA’s first space station. Loewy’s biggest contribution to the space station was that he insisted NASA install a window with a view of Earth. Today, tens of millions of people have seen this small detail in films about astronauts. It is hard to imagine a more perfect example of MAYA: a window to a new world can also show your home.
参考范文：
After years of research, psychologist Robert Zajonc discovered that familiarity accounted for people’s preference. (要点1) However, our preference is always affected by the change between familiarity and surprise. (要点2) Raymond Loewy showed a full understanding of this and created MAYA, a theory helping increase sales. (要点3) His design of NASA’s first space station is considered a perfect example of the theory. (要点4)
