“Chances are we have all experienced shyness in our lives, and shyness has been associated with negative outcomes—characteristics like difficulty maintaining eye contact, and feelings of humiliation(丢脸) are known to be part of a shy person’s characters. It’s these traits that tend to affect some shy individuals’ ability to connect,” says C. Barr Taylor, a professor of psychology at Stanford University.

“But while shyness can often be seen as a bad thing, there are ways to use the personality trait to your advantage,” Taylor says. Below are some common shy habits and how you can learn to make them benefit you:

Shy people usually reflect inwardly (在内心) a lot. But according to Taylor,all that thinking may not always be a bad thing and it should be viewed as a way you can think actively as you go into a situation. So, for shy people who feel worried about facing a particular challenge or event, Taylor advises slowly approaching the fearful situation if you start to feel anxious. By facing what you are not feeling secure about, Taylor says, you will feel less anxious. “Our brains are amazing—they can become well adapted,” he says. “If you put yourself in a fearful situation, you will get a sense that you are going to do it.” What’s more, shy individuals care deeply about what others think of them, and if it is addressed healthily, they can use it to their advantage to form social connections.

Shy people are observant and often pick up on parts of their conversation or surroundings that others may not. “Just because you are shy, that does not mean you are not used to social situations,” Taylor says. “It can actually become a source of strength as you are the observer in the room.” In a study out of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, researchers found an association between college-age adults who were shy and the ability to better identify expressions of sadness and fear compared with those who weren’t shy. In addition, a shy person has a born drive to absorb a conversation, so they can be great at conversation.

1.In the opinion of C. Barr Taylor, we should .

A.think positively of shyness

B.try to get rid of shyness

C.attempt to be a little shy

D.often help those shy people

2.The passage mentions the study by Southern Illinois University just to show that .

A.shy people use rich facial expressions

B.shy people are good at observing others

C.shyness can be used to reduce anxiety

D.shyness can be used in social connections

3.We can know from the passage that shy people .

A.are good at getting used to a new environment

B.often attach much importance to others’ opinions

C.hate to think a lot before taking an action

D.are good at overcoming their feeling of insecurity

完形填空,阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中,选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。

That Christmas Eve, the streets of Boston were crowded with tourists and locals in various clothes. It seemed that everyone was accompanied by someone else laughing. ________ , I was alone.

My ________ was in Puerto Rico. My family and friends had gone home during their holiday break. Dusk was falling, and the inevitable (不可避免的) ________ to my empty apartment brought tears to my eyes. I ________ someone would come out of their homes to ask me inside to a ________ room with a Christmas tree decorated with presents.

I stopped at the local market, feeling even more ________ as people filled their baskets with goodies, which ________me of the gifts we received as children in Puerto Rico on Christmas Day. I ________ my family parties: the dancing. Thinking of this, I wanted to ________ for being alone.

In front of the church down the ________, a manger (马槽) had been set up, with Mary, Joseph, and the barn (畜棚) animals in expectation of the ________ of baby Jesus in the midnight. I stood with my neighbors watching the ________. As I walked home, I realized that the ________ of Joseph and Mary wandering from door to door seeking shelter was much like my own history. ________ Puerto Rico was still a wound in my heart as I ________ with what I had become in 15 years in the United States. I’d regretted the losses, but I ________ for the first time and recognized what I’d gained. I was independent, educated, healthy, and adventurous. My life was ________ before me, full of possibility.

Sometimes the best gift is the one you ________yourself. That Christmas, I gave myself credit for what I’d ________ so far and permission to go forward, unafraid. It is the best ________ I’ve ever received, the one that I most treasure.

1.A.Once B.However C.Besides D.Therefore

2.A.destination B.dream C.office D.hometown

3.A.return B.adaption C.attraction D.invitation

4.A.lied B.thought C.wished D.believed

5.A.close B.noisy C.splendid D.warm

6.A.pleased B.depressed C.amazed D.moved

7.A.reminded B.informed C.told D.excused

8.A.organized B.attended C.missed D.enjoyed

9.A.complain B.cry C.hope D.look

10.A.street B.market C.room D.apartment

11.A.recovery B.treatment C.arrival D.celebration

12.A.program B.growth C.film D.scene

13.A.love B.kindness C.story D.shadow

14.A.Leaving B.Seeing C.Visiting D.Blaming

15.A.lived B.fought C.agreed D.struggled

16.A.desired B.wanted C.gained D.lost

17.A.still B.already C.never D.even

18.A.press B.give C.attract D.imagine

19.A.planned B.valued C.shared D.accomplished

20.A.lesson B.thank C.gift D.letter

书面表达

假定你是陈华,你的朋友Kate计划写一篇关于世界主要国家中学生课外阅读时间的小论文。她给你发了邮件询问有关情况,请写一封英文邮件进行回复。

内容主要包括:1.你校同学课外阅读投入时间;

2.分析这种状况的原因;

3.你的观点。

注意:1.词数100左右;

2.可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯;

3.邮件开头和结尾已为你写好(不计入总词数)。

Dear Kate,

Thank you for your email. Now I would like to tell you something about the extracurricular reading in our school.

From July to October every year, about a quarter of the world’s blue whales feed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. But the whales currently face a major threat in their favorite feeding area. Ships carrying cargo (货物）sail in the same area at the same time. All too often, the whales’ paths and the ships’ travel lines overlap (重叠)，and a ship will hit a whale.

According to a new study, these ship strikes have become a serious threat to the overall population of the world’s blue whales. Only about 10,000 of the creatures still exist worldwide. Blue whales are the largest known animals ever to live on Earth. Even so, if hit by a container ship, a blue whale will likely die from its injuries.

In 2007 alone, large ships killed five blue whales in the waters off San Francisco and Los Angeles, California. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that because there are so few whales already, losing three to five from the California whale population every year is a significant loss. “The estimated population of blue whales in this part of the Pacific is 2,500”, says Sean Hastings, a NOAA analyst. “So every whale counts toward this species moving off the endangered-species list.”

Now, marine scientists must figure out how to protect the whales from the giant container ships. One very simple program is already under way in the Santa Barbara Channel, a waterway that separates mainland California from the nearby Channel Islands.

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary has asked large container ships passing through the area to voluntarily slow down. Sailing slower will allow the ships’ crew (船员）more time to change course before hitting a whale.

Several of the world’s largest shipping lines are set to participate in the new program. For every ship that passes through the Santa Barbara Channel at or below the reduced speed of 12 knots (海里 / 小时），the company that owns the ship will be paid $2,500.

1.From Paragraph 1, we can know that_____.

A. people intend to illegally hunt blue whales for money

B. large ships often carrying goods may pollute the sea

C. there is fewer fish in blue whales’ favorite feeding area

D. the container ships may hit the blue whales frequently

2.Why is the death of several whales regarded as significant loss to the world's blue whales?

A. Because other blue whales will be scared away.

B. Because the number of the blue whales is so small.

C. Because blue whales are the largest animals in the world.

D. Because many blue whales get killed throughout the year.

3.According to Sean Hastings，it’s inferred that .

A. the blue whales are still on the endangered-species list.

B. the number of the blue whales is decreasing sharply.

C. most of the world’s blue whales live in the Pacific Ocean.

D. blue whales are often disturbed by other endangered creatures.

4.What are the last three paragraphs mainly about?

A. The basic responsibility of a sailor.

B. The world’s largest shipping lines.

C. Measures to protect the blue whales.

D. Ways to slow down the speed of the ships.

短文改错

下文中共有10处错误，每句最多两处，错误涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。

增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号（︿），并在其下面写出该加的词。

删除：删除多余的词用斜线（\）划掉。

修改：在错的词下画横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。

注意：1. 每处错误及其修改仅限一词；2. 只允许修改10处，从11处起不计分。

I as well as my parents are going to New York City this month. I had been looking forward to going there for long time. It is one of the beautiful city all over the world. There are many places of interests where you can learn something you can’t learn it in school. I’d also like to see the Empire State Building. Unfortunately, the Twin Towers were destroyed in September 11, 2001, and I would have the chance to see them by himself. Now I am getting ready for the excited trip. I am sure it will be an unforgettable experience.

Fascinated with images from the Mars Rover? It turns out you don’t have to go to space. The following spots may look like they are on another planet, but they are right here on earth.

* Socotra Island, Indian Ocean

The largest of the four-island Socotra Archipelago, the island has about 250 species of plants that are not found anywhere else in the world. This includes the canopy-topped dragon’s blood tree, which has blood-red resin(树脂）that runs down if the trunk is cut deep. It can grow to 10 feet with a bulbous(球根的）trunk that swells with water absorbed in case of dry weather.

See it for yourself: There are regular flights from the Yemen capital of Sanaa on(Felix Airways) ($ 180 each way)

* Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona

This wilderness in Northern Arizona/southern Utah is home to some of the most striking landscapes in the American Southwest. The nearly 300,000-acre site is known for its abundance of colorful shale（页岩）and Navajo sandstone that has been eroded(侵蚀）by the elements to create cliffs that rise as high as 3,000 feet. In the northwest of the park is the Coyote Buttes, where you’ll find The Wave, a wall of red sandstone that twists and turns in a way that just doesn’t look natural ---but is.

See it for yourself: Permits are required to hike in Vermilion Cliffs. Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch permits are available at on-site pay stations or in advance ($5 per person).

*Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The huge size of the Perito Moreno Glacier is unbelievable---it is more than 50 miles in length and 500 feet deep. The terminus(终点）of the glacier is Lago Argetino, where a 50-foot blue-hued ice wall rises from the lake. The Perito Moreno is also one of the only glaciers left on earth that is still growing.

See it for yourself: Many tour companies offer day trips to Perito Moreno from El Calafte. Viator’s full-day tour includes transportation from a local hotel and a guided tour for $ 106 per person.

1.Which is true about the canopy-topped dragon’s blood tree?

A. It grows where there is little rain.

B. It has blood-red skin.

C. It is shaped like a dragon.

D. It stores water for dry season.

2.What do we know about The Wave?

A. It is created in a natural way.

B. It is created by waves.

C. It is as high as 3,000 feet.

D. It looks quite natural.

3.How much does a couple pay for a trip to Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina?

A. $106 B.$ 212 C.$ 360 D. $ 420

4.Where does the text probably come from?

A. A geography book. B. A tourist guidebook.

C. A news report. D. A TV program.

完形填空

阅读下面短文, 从短文后各题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。

A white-bearded ancient man was walking over the hills and valleys of the world. On his back he carried a bag which moved uneasily as if something was trying to escape from it, but he ________ it between his shoulders and walked on.

He was Father Time, travelling forever, and the bag he ________ was filled with Tomorrows, all struggling to get out.

Each ________ at twelve o’clock, he opened the bag and ________outa Tomorrow, just one, with its wings of________ , and its shining feathers rose with hope. All the rest were kept ________ by Time’s strong hands and pushed________ in the bag.

Down flew the Tomorrow ________ its lovely feathers, but as it touched the ________ , off fell its blue wings and it changed to a(n) ________ white bird which could not fly. It had become a Today. Everyone knows that Today isn’t as ________ as Tomorrow , for Today can be held in one’s________ , accepted, unloved, but Tomorrow is full of mystery and beauty. It is ________ by all the world. Even those with ________ hope sigh, “Tomorrow may bring a(n) ________ . Tomorrow’s life will be different.”

Everybody tried to ________ the Tomorrow before it fell to the ground. They thought if they ________ beforehand what the Tomorrow carries, they could ________ for it. So they put great nets on the trees, seeking to catch one ________ it changed his feather. Yet although they tried every means, the birds ________ and flew to the ground as Todays.

1.A. settled B. relaxed C. excited D. worried

2.A. laid B. lifted C. placed D. bore

3.A. night B. morning C. afternoon D. dawn

4.A. fetched B. got C. flew D. took

5.A. pink B. white C. black D. blue

6.A. off B. back C. out D. away

7.A. deep B. far C. over D. along

8.A. striking B. beating C. moving D. shaking

9.A. grass B. tree C. earth D. floor

10.A. especial B. beautiful C. lovely D. ordinary

11.A. familiar B. common C. wonderful D. bad

12.A. heart B. head C. mind D. hands

13.A. desired B. forgotten C. noticed D. seen

14.A. much B. little C. few D. some

15.A. change B. advice C. shock D. suggestion

16.A. hold B. keep C. catch D. protect

17.A. watched B. guessed C. knew D. expected

18.A. look B. prepare C. wait D. long

19.A. after B. before C. when D. as

20.A. struggled B. refused C. fought D. escaped

短文改错

文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。错误涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号(∧)，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。

删除：把多余的词用斜线( \)划掉。

修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。

注意：1.每处错误及其修改均仅限一词 2.只允许修改10处，多者(从11处起)不计分

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for hold such a wonderful party for me before the day of your returning to Australia. I really can’t thank you enough for that you’ve done for me during my visit.

I remembered vividly the day I arrive here. I was deeply impressed by your kindness or the beautiful scenery of your city. Everything was more awesome than visiting the splendid Mount Huang on third day. And the memory will surely last a lifetime. I’m also glad to have made many friends here, to whom I hope to see again in the future.

I believe this visit will promote the friendship and understanding between the Australian and Chinese student. Once again , I want to extend my most sincerely gratitude to all of you.

Thank you.

Four Simple Keys to Transform Your Life

The Power of Choice．Every one of us makes countless choices every day．Every choice we make has an impact on our lives．Even insignificant choices can affect what we experience and how we feel．When hunger strikes, we can reach for a healthy, nutritious snack, or we can choose the sugar high of junk food．The more important the decision, the greater its effect．For instance, how do I act towards that person who treated me badly? Do I generally choose to be passive, or do I actively set clear intentions and create what I want in my life? Every choice we make, however big or small, affects us in some way．

How Do You Make Choices? If you are interested in living a richer, fuller life, there is a foundation upon which you can base all of your decisions which can make life better not only for you, but also for those around you．This foundation is to choose based on what's best for all．Imagine a world where every parent, spouse（配偶）, friend, teacher, businessperson, and politician truly did their best to choose what's best for all involved in every decision they made We would certainly live in a more caring, supportive world．

It's the Intention．"But how do I know what is really best?" you might ask．The answer is simple．It doesn't matter．What matters is not the choice you make, but rather the intention behind your choice．What matters is that whatever decision you make, you are clear in your intention of choosing based on what's best for all．If it later turns out that you made what appears to have been a bad choice, there's no need forguilt．Knowing that you did your best to choose with a sincere desire for what's best for all, your conscience stays clear and open．This then allows you to more easily learn from your mistakes, and to live with a clear heart and mind．

What's Best for Me, Too! Choosing what's best does not mean you have to always sacrifice yourself for others．An overly(过度的) exhausted mother can lose her temper easily．Some time off for this mother might seem selfish, yet in the long run, it can help her to be a better mother to her children．So as we move through each day of our lives, let us remember to include ourselves as we do our best to choose what's best for all．

1.Which of the following is FALSE?

A．Whenever hunger strikes, we will reach for a junk snack

B．Every choice, however big or small, has an influence on us．

C．Even small choices affect how we feel．

D．We make choices every day．

2.How should we make choices?

A．To be interested in a richer, fuller life．

B．To make life better for ourselves．

C．To imagine a world where everyone did their best．

D．To choose based on what's best for all．

3.Why does the author say, “What matters is not the choice you make, but rather the intention behind your choice”?

A．Because the choice you make is not important．

B．Because you may have made a bad choice．

C．Because this allows you to stay clear and improve．

D．Because there is no need for guilt．

4.How to choose what is best for us?

A．We need to devote all our life to others．

B．We need to put away some time for ourselves．

C．We need to sacrifice ourselves for others．

D．We need to be selfless every minute．

短文改错

假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。每处错误仅涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。

增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号（∧），并在其下面写出该加的词。

删除：把多余的词用斜线（﹨）划掉。

修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。

注意：1. 每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；

2. 只允许修改10处，多着（从第11处起）不计分。

My soccer coach retired in last week．I wanted to do anything special for him at his retirement party．My mum makes the better biscuits in the world，so I decide to ask her for help．Mum taught me some basic step of baking．I insisted on doing most of the baking myself. I thought the biscuits were really well．My only mistake was that I dropped some on the floor after I was packing them up．

At a party, my coach, with a biscuit in his mouth, asked surprisingly who made them and joked,“I might have to retire again next year just get some more of these biscuits.”

My favorite picture at the party is of my coach and me enjoy the biscuits with happy laughter!