相关试卷

But Sheeran decided to take a risk on himself, buying a one-way ticket to Los Angeles in 2010 after booking one gig (特约演奏). Looking for other gigs led to playing on Jamie Foxx's radio show and to using the recording studio in Foxx's home for free. And sleeping on Foxx's couch (长沙发).

"Within a month," Sheeran said, "of going there, with zero confidence, and ending up in one of the biggest movie stars in the world's house, recording...in my mind, I was like, ‘I must have something.' So, going back to England, I had this charged-up battery...and started making records, doing tours all over..."

Staying the course in the face of struggle and rejection (拒绝) is hard.

That's where Foxx stepped in for Sheeran. "‘You're great,'" Foxx recalled telling Sheeran. "I said, ‘I know you don't have anywhere to go, so you can take a rest here.'"

Most people give up in the face of adversity (逆境)—even if they are smarter, better connected, more talented or better funded than you. Success often comes down to perseverance (坚持). You can't win if you aren't around at the end.

You don't have to offer your couch. But you can be kind. You can offer a word of encouragement to a struggling friend. You can offer a little help to a struggling connection. Behind every startup is a person with a dream: a person living on couches and depending on strangers being kind. Once in a while, be one of those strangers. Because a little help may be all a person needs to keep going.

a practical tool to learn Chinese language and culture

Confucius said: "To educate somebody, you should start with poetry, and finish with music". The North American Guqin Association (NAGA) has developed a new class series that will combine (融合) poetry and music with guqin study and aims to deepen the appreciation of Chinese poetry and guqin culture through the exploration of guqin songs.

Course description

The classes will consist of lectures and practical sessions (课). Students will not only learn how to play guqin and sing poems by famous poets from different Chinese dynasties such as Farewell to Meng Haoran at Yellow Crane Terrace by Li Bai, but also will learn standard Chinese through these poems. At the end of the course, students will be able to sing at least five famous Chinese poems while playing guqin, and will have a broad appreciation of Chinese culture.

Fees and schedules

Please select the appropriate options from the schedule below.

Time: Sundays 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, 19/1/24, 26/1/24, 2/2/24, 9/2/24

Fee: $150 (one session) or $480 (4 sessions)

Venue (场地)

Union City, CA. Address to be announced after registration (登记). Public transportation is recommended.

Instruments

Instruments can be rented for the full 4 days' duration of the course which they can take home to practice with (normal cost $50). NAGA class sponsor will provide discounts for students who want to buy guqins in the class, with prices starting from only $199 (see the description of each model recommended).

Registration

The number of places is limited, and space is available on a first-come-first-served basis, so please register now! Please email yourregistration form (click here to download) directly to yaji@guqin.org and pay online at http://naga4dayguqinclass.eventbee.com. For more details, please emailyaji@guqin.org or call 1-415-857-3918.

(1)活动相关信息；

(2)活动反响。

注意：(1)写作词数应为80个左右；

(2)请按如下格式在相应位置作答。

参考词汇：气氛atmosphere，参与者participant

A Speech Contest on Cultural Heritage Protection

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The Grand Canal is the longest and (old) canal in the world. It forms huge inland waterway system in China, running from the capital Beijing in the north Zhejiang Province in the south

(build) in sections from the 5th century BC and completed and maintained (维持) by several(dynasty), it formed the backbone of China's inland communications system, which enabled the supply of rice (feed) the population. The Grand Canal reached a new peak in the 13th century, providing an inland shipping network consisting of more than 2, 000 km of artificial waterways, linked five of the most important river basins in China, including the Huanghe River and the Changjiang River. Still as major means of internal communication today, it (play) an important role in ensuring the prosperity (繁荣) and stability of China over the ages.

The Grand Canal bears witness to a remarkable and early development of hydraulic engineering (水利工程). It is an important technological achievement (date) from before the Industrial Revolution (工业革命). It is a perfect example of dealing with difficult natural conditions, as is reflected in the many constructions that are (full) adapted to the diversity and complexity of circumstances. It best demonstrates the technical capabilities of Eastern civilizations.

Take action and then let it go. If you have something you need to get done and you've been putting it off, the best thing for you to do to improve your attitude is to take action and then let it go. If it's going to happen, it will happen anyway, whether you worry about it or not!

How many times do you focus on the bad things that might happen in your life, rather than the good? We usually focus on what could go wrong in our lives rather than what could go right. In some respects we like to complain(抱怨), and it seems complaining has become our second nature that we don't even realize we are doing it.

Wake up early every day. I am a real support of early rising. It brings me closer to the feeling of starting again. When you plan to wake up early and intend to make each day a good one, you'll find your attitude will change.

Remember to forgive the limitations of others. Instead of getting angry, try to forgive. Most people don't understand why they do the things they do or say the things they say. It is through your forgiveness that you will improve your attitude. Holding on to displeasure will only cause you more harm than good because most people don't realize how their limitations affect others anyway!

A. Be grateful for everything you have.

B. So often we get angry with other people.

C. What about trying something different now?

D. You can choose whether to have a good or a bad attitude.

E. Expect the best out of every situation instead of the worst.

F. Holding on and worrying is a complete waste of your time.

G. You'll feel in control of your life rather than just going through life in a rush.

There are a lot of potential explanations for this. Wage growth has slowed while necessities such as housing and medical care have grown more expensive. The rise of easy credit has made overspending easier than ever. And the number of people who make a budget is decreasing.

Now, a team of U.S. and Canadian economists have proposed a new explanation for the declining savings rate, one rooted in individual psychology. At its heart lies a simple observation: Spending is a lot more visible than not spending. Humans are social creatures, and we have a tendency to evaluate our own standing in life relative to how our friends and neighbors are doing. We want to keep up with the Joneses, and stay ahead of the Smiths. Because of this, when we see other people spending money we have a tendency to believe that we can — or should — be spending too. Nowadays, changes in the media landscape have made other people's spending more visible than ever. That, in turn, is making all of us spend even more — and save even less.

David Hirshleifer, one of the economists, said that "it's easy to think that you're saving enough because you are not throwing luxury parties or taking expensive journeys the way some people you know are." But, he warned, "those journeys and parties may not really be typical of your acquaintances — they just stand out in memory."

The economists imply that finding ways to make non-spending more visible might help individuals develop more realistic views of overall spending and saving behavior. "Make a special effort to notice when your friends are careful with money, such as holding on to their 15-year-old car," Hirshleifer said.

Branson Scenic Railway

This Polar Express train travels from the historic Branson station to the "North Pole" and back, all in 90 minutes. There's an onboard reading of The Polar Express with hot cocoa and biscuits provided. When you arrive at the "North Pole", Father Christmas will get on the train to give every child a small gift. Don't miss the 20 best small towns for Christmas lights all the way, which are very beautiful and make more kids love the ride.

Tickets: $44/ grown-up, $34/ child

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Take a ride aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, whose one-hour Santa Express train leaves its historic station for a ride through Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest to the "North Pole". Families enjoy a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas, a visit with Father Christmas and beautiful Christmas songs. Kids receive some candies and small gifts. Children under age four ride for free.

Tickets: $47/ grown-up, $31/ child

New Hope & Ivyland Railroad

All travel aboard this North Pole Express that goes through scenic Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The 90-minute journey includes hot chocolate, biscuits, and Christmas songs. Children can wear pajamas (睡衣) and will each receive a bell gift during a visit with Father Christmas.

Tickets: $81/ grown-up, $30/ child, $15 age 3 and under

Strasburg Railroad

Since 1959, the Strasburg Railroad has had its Santa' s Paradise Express, a 45-minute journey to Paradise, Pennsylvania and back to the Strasburg station. During this journey, kids can meet Father Christmas and children aged 11 and under can receive a gift. Be sure to have your child bring a letter to Father Christmas and a self-addressed, stamped envelope (信封) and Mrs. Claus will make sure Father Christmas sends a reply.

Tickets: $39/ person

When I was a kid, Mom used to cook food for us. One night after (spend) a long hard day at work, Mom placed a plate of bread jam and (extreme) burnt toast (烤面包) in front of my dad, I was waiting (see) if he noticed it. However, while eating his toast was made of my Mom, Dad just asked me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, I do remember I heard Mom apologizing to Dad for burning the toast. I'll never forget what Dad said, "Honey, I love burnt toast."

Later that night, I (go) to kiss Daddy goodnight and asked him if he really liked his toast burned. He gave me big hug and said, "Your mamma put in a long hard day at work today, really (tire). Besides, a burnt toast never hurts but cold words do!"

What I've learned over the years (be) that learning to accept each other's faults is one of the most important (key) to creating a healthy, growing and lasting relationship.

Working, or simply being busy, can be a hard habit to break. When workaholics aren't busy working—or doing something to promote their work—they feel anxious and guilty. They hang onto jobs for dear life and do everything they can to make sure they're essential.

There is a link between health problems and workaholism. Just because work itself is a respectable pursuit(追求) doesn't mean that an addiction to it is any less damaging than other sorts of addictions. A number of studies show that workaholism has been associated with a wide range of health problems, such as anxiety and heart disease.

Besides health problems, being a workaholic brings other negative effects as well. A study published in the American Journal of Family Therapy found that working too much negatively influenced an employee's marriage. This isn't surprising, since if you're married to your work, it can be difficult to be married to anything, or anyone, else. There have also been studies looking at the influence of workaholic parents on their children and the news isn't good. Adult children of workaholic fathers experienced more depression and anxiety and a weaker sense of self.

However, there are also many positive aspects to working hard and to an increasing devotion to career. Hard work can bring great rewards. For many, it's how they develop feelings of self-worth and confidence and purpose. If you have a workaholic in your life, you might point out the things he or she is missing out on while at work, whether it's a child's soccer game, a good book, or a yoga class. Seek to understand why the person feels the need to work so much and support them in finding a solution.

The grown-ups often tell us that we don't know what pressure is. But we as high school students have our own levels of pressure. For example, all school activities require high grade points. Then, getting your homework turned in on time seems simple, but you still hope to have a life outside of school as well. Many students in their high school years start their first job, so now you have school in the mornings, followed by responsibilities needing to be taken care of at home and then you're off to work. By the time you are done there, you are too tired to finish your school work, but you stay up late to try and return to school feeling sleepy the next day. What good is that?

Let's not forget about peer (同龄人) pressure. All high school students meet with it at some point in their lives. High school can be a place where students are made fun of, singled out and pointed at.

My point is, it is a whole lot more challenging to be a student in high school than grown-ups believe. Our pressure may not include paying bills or taking care of a family, but I'm sure if grown-ups in our lives could go back to school today, they would be surprised at how much it has changed.

I don't want you to think for a minute that there aren't good moments and memories while we are students. My mum always tells me to enjoy it while I can. I know that the world outside of school is often hard and that the responsibilities are serious. That's exactly why I know that the attention I give to my future is important in leading me to a career that will allow me to contribute to society.

The most notable rule is designed for students. Every afternoon at 4:30, Mr. Li stops serving other customers and reserves that time exclusively for students from the nearby school. Why does he do this? He says he has made a promise to the students to always have a warm snack ready for them when their classes end. He believes that the students' happiness is of great importance, so other patrons have to wait.

Mr. Li also aims to be highly efficient. To save time, he has a signature phrase that all his customers know well. Politely, he always says, "Please open your plastic bag." This simple request helps him pack the chicken cutlets more quickly, so the hungry students don't have to wait for too long. It's a small rule, but it makes a significant difference. And he even has an amusing rule regarding quality. If a chicken cutlet isn't cooked to perfection, he gives it to the customer for free. He wants every customer to get the best — tasting food from his stall.

These special rules make buying chicken cutlets from Mr. Li a fun and pleasant experience. Customers feel that they get more than just food; they also receive a smile and excellent service. His kind and clever rules have turned his small stall into the most popular spot in the town.

I was born in a small town, and was well fed by my parents. Every day my father worked long hours in a glass factory, so that my family could live comfortably.

However, my father could not earn much money to meet all household expenses. I, who dreamed of becoming a doctor, was just a student of average academic achievement in school, for which I could not get my favorite course to study. Instead, I joined a bachelor's degree course, completed it, and eventually got a job in a company.

While my life was going on with no dramatic change, my father continued to work in the factory, so that he did not have to depend on me. After one year of work, at my parents' request I got married to a girl from a neighbouring town, and at the same time got a promotion in my job. In the years that followed, my wife gave birth to three kids and we had a happy family.

However, when I began to earn a handsome salary, I also started to live luxuriously (奢侈地), spending money like water. As a consequence, I was neither able to manage all the household expenses, nor pay for the children's education and other basic necessities.

It so happened that my father fell sick, and as a result, could not continue his work in the factory. He came to the company where I worked and requested me to give some money for his treatment. I, who was now trapped in financial trouble. shouted at him, complaining, "You never gave me what I needed and wanted, and it took me more than 10 years to get settled. Now, while I am again struggling for money, you are not doing anything to help me, but instead are a burden to me! So, please don't come to me again." Hearing these words, my father left sadly.

注意：

1. 续写词数应为150左右;

2. 请按如下格式在相应位置作答。

Walking home with a heavy heart, I encountered a small boy selling toys.

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The poor boy's story gave a shock to my heart.

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Museum of the History of Medicine

The collections exhibited here are mainly medical instruments, especially those from the 16th to the 19th century. Among the most prized artifacts are the surgical (外科的) knife used for Louis XIV's operation in 1686, and the wooden anatomical (解剖的) model ordered by General Napoleon Bonaparte in Italy in 1796.

Open time: 2:00 pm — 5:30 pm, Monday to Saturday (Closed on Thursday)

Duration: 1 — 2 hours

Charge: €3.50 (Discount price: £2.50)

Museum of Perfume

Though it's not often considered as essential as sight or sound, scent has a profound effect on memory, mood and experience. The Museum of Perfume is dedicated to exploring the approach and history behind perfume making.

Open time: 9:00 am — 5:30 pm

Duration: <1 hour

Charge: free

Museum of Fairground Arts

The Museum of Fairground Arts is more like a 19th-century carnival than a museum. Almost everything, from the curiosity cabinets to the merry-go-rounds, demands interaction. Objects can be touched, and there's a possibility of playing with old fairground attractions or riding old merry-go-rounds operated by the guide.

Open time: 11:00 am — 4:30 pm

Duration: 1 — 2 hours

Charge: €18.8 — Adults

€12.8 — Children from 6 to 11 years old

Free — Children under 6

Curie Museum

It was on the site of the Curie Museum that the field of radioactivity (放射性) was revolutionized. In its original laboratory, Marie Curie spent 20 years at work at the height of her career. Today, the lab, preserved with some of its original equipment and archives, and its neighboring galleries tell the story of the Curie family's impact on science and the history of radioactivity in cancer treatment.

Open time: 1:00 pm — 5:00 pm, Wednesday to Saturday

Duration: <1 hour

Charge: free

Last Friday, our school held a spectacular "Culture Festival". Among the various class presentations, my classmates and I decided to put on a short English play, aiming to showcase our linguistic talents. To my great honor, I was chosen to play the role of a king. In the days leading up to the event, I devoted every night to rehearsing (彩排) my lines until I could recite them fluently. By the eve of the performance, I was filled with self-confidence and eager to act it out.

However, as the clock ticked down to the final ten minutes before the curtain rose, disaster struck. I suddenly realized that my crown — the most crucial prop (道具) — had disappeared without a trace. I rummaged (翻找) through my belongings anxiously, searching my bag, looking down under the chair, and even scouring behind the heavy stage curtains, but my efforts were in vain. The crown was nowhere to be found.

Overwhelmed by a wave of panic, I stood there, my mind racing. "How on earth can I step onto the stage without a crown?" I muttered to myself, feeling completely helpless. Just then, my best friend, Jack, rushed over to check on me. Instantly noticing my pale face and trembling hands, he sensed that something was wrong and asked what had happened. I explained the terrible situation about the missing crown. Jack paused for a moment, scanning the surroundings with a sharp eye, until his eyes landed on some old newspapers and a bottle of glue (胶水) lying on a nearby table. A mysterious smile spread across his face as he patted my shoulder reassuringly (安慰地) and declared, "Don't worry. Leave it to me."

注意：1.续写词数应为150左右；

2.请按如下格式在答题卡上作答。

Without hesitation, Jack picked up the newspapers and started folding them quickly.

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To my surprise, the audience loved the play.

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1.表示理解并安慰；

2.给出具体的建议（至少两点）；

3.鼓励他坚持下去。

注意：1.词数80左右；

2.可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；

3.开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。

Dear Peter,

I'm sorry to hear that you are having trouble learning Chinese.

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Yours,

Li Hua

The Great Wall of China is more than just a wall; it is a symbol of Chinese civilization. (list) as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it winds its way through the northern part of China, covering (approximate) 21,196 kilometers.

In ancient times, the emperors (order) the construction of the wall to defend their lands against invaders. It was a huge project. Workers had to carry heavy bricks to remote mountains, was a great challenge for them. What made the work even harder was the lack of modern machines. Despite the difficulties, the wall was finally completed. It served a strong barrier for centuries., over time, parts of it fell into (ruin) due to natural disasters and human activities.

Today, the Great Wall attracts millions of tourists from home and abroad. (stand) on the wall, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery. It is widely believed that the Great Wall represents the wisdom and (determine) of the Chinese people. It is cultural treasure that should be protected forever.

Every weekday, exactly after the second class, a loud bell rings across the campus. Almost immediately,4 of students pour out of the classrooms and gather on the playground.5 I was confused at first. "Why do they run in the middle of the school day?" I wondered. In my home country, we have PE class, but we never run6 the whole school together like this, let alone with such passion and discipline (纪律).

At the beginning, the run was7 for me. My legs felt like lead (铅) and I gasped for breath, wanting nothing more than to stop and rest. But seeing my classmates running8 and shouting slogans gave me the9 to keep going. With time, I got used to the fast10. I found that running as a11 creates a special bond. The sound of thousands of footsteps is like a powerful drumbeat. It is12 to see everyone united as one, moving forward with a single heartbeat.

Now, I actually look forward to this run. It is not just about13 fit. It is a perfect way to14 stress from endless homework. When we run, we leave our15 behind and feel the power of youth, embracing a refreshed mind and a stronger body.

In a world full of noise, truly listening to someone is a rare and valuable gift. Active listening is more than just hearing words. Here are some tips to help you become a better listener.

Pay Full Attention

When you're in a conversation, give the speaker your undivided attention. Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and make eye contact. Thus non-verbal cue shows the speaker that you are focused on them and that what they are saying is important to you. It also helps you to pick up on their body language and other non-verbal signals.

Show You're Listening

This can be as simple as nodding your head occasionally. A simple nod can show you understand, and an occasional "uh-huh" or "I see" can encourage the speaker to continue. These small signals show that you are listening attentively and following their train of thought without interrupting (打断) their flow.

Avoid Interrupting The Speaker

Interrupting sends the message that you think your own thoughts are more important than the speaker's. It can be discouraging for the speaker and can break their concentration. Wait for them to pause before you ask questions or offer your own viewpoint.

Respond Properly

Active listening is a model for respect and understanding. You are gaining information and viewpoint. Be open and honest in your response, but always be respectful. Share your own thoughts and feelings without judging or ignoring what the other person has shared.

A. It shows respect and patience.

B. Try to finish their sentences for them.

C. You are not there to immediately solve their problems.

D. Stay focused and listen carefully to the person speaking.

E. It's about understanding the complete message being sent.

F. Ask clarifying questions if you are confused about something.

G. Use your own body language and gestures to express your attention.

Knezevic and his colleague Jelena Stanisic created the five-meter-tall sculpture of a panda and four cubs. Knezevic, known locally for snow-sculptures like penguins and gorillas, had never built on this scale. The "Panda Family" took nearly a week due to uncooperative weather. Weather changes caused the snow to compress (压缩), losing almost two meters in height. "We had to give up the original sitting design and improvise (即兴创作)," Knezevic explained, noting that climbing the slippery snow pile and shaping with poor-quality snow were the biggest challenges.

The sculpture became an instant hit on Jahorina Mountain, site of the 1984 Winter Olympics. The ski center attracts up to 150,000 visitors per season. "Visitors are overjoyed, especially children. The "Panda Family" has become a popular spot for selfies and photos," said Knezevic. He emphasized that in an era of technology and social distancing, spending creative time in nature is more important than ever.

"To me, a panda symbolizes peace, victory, and friendship — unique, adorable, and exotic," Knezevic said. An online search for China's Harbin Ice Snow Sculpture Festival inspired (启发) him to build large snow sculptures. He used acrylic paint for the panda's black spots. Pandas symbolize strength, peace, and harmony in Chinese culture, with their black and white seen as a balance of Yin and Yang.

Stanisic remarked that visitors' excitement exceeded expectations. "Nature gave us abundant snow, and we allowed ourselves to be childish for a moment. Growing into a good adult is the goal, but happiness lies in keeping that inner child alive," she said.

During the Han Dynasty, the festival became more important. Rituals to worship (祭祀) ancestors and gods were common, and setting off firecrackers to scare away evil spirits grew popular. The Tang and Song Dynasties added more customs, such as putting up Spring Festival couplets and giving red envelopes. These traditions were closely connected to old beliefs and farming life, with the hope of bringing a good harvest and luck for the next year. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, New Year's Eve had become a time for family reunion, shown in the tradition of the big family dinner. This history shows how the festival mixed cultural, historical, and family elements to become what it is today.

Chinese New Year's Eve is deeply meaningful in culture. It represents the refreshment of life and the start of a new cycle. It is a time for family, marking both an end and a new beginning. The reunion dinner on this night is especially important because itepitomizes unity and togetherness, which are key values in Chinese culture. This meal is not just about food; it is a special moment for family members to come together, give thanks, share good wishes, and hope for happiness and success in the coming year.

The influence of Chinese New Year's Eve now reaches far beyond China. Chinese communities all over the world celebrate it, often adding their own local customs. Through these global celebrations, Chinese New Year's Eve not only helps preserve Chinese cultural traditions but also builds cross cultural understanding and appreciation.