广西桂林市2016-2017学年高一下学期英语期末考试试卷

    Denny Parker lived in a bad place. Because of a youth gang（帮派）, he wanted to leave the area. The gang often caused trouble in the high school. As he was walking out of history class one day, Denny bumped（撞上） into another student. “Sorry,” he said, and kept walking. But he was stopped. Turning around, he found himself facing a very large， angry boy. It was Bill Douglas, a member of the gang!

    “Hey，you pushed me!” Bill cried.

    “Come on, Bill,” answered Denny, “I said I was sorry.”

    “You're going to be sorry,” Bill said. “I will give you a lesson after school.”

    “Oh, no,” thought Denny, hurrying to his next class. “I'm in trouble now.” The more he thought about it， the more fearful he became.

    Then a word came to Denny's mind—courage. He decided to face it with courage. He had nothing to lose—except a few teeth. After school, many students waited on the corner. News had spread that there would be a fight． Bill Douglas and his gang were waiting, too.

    “Hey, Parker,” Bill laughed as Denny walked near. “Let me teach you a lesson.”

    Denny answered loudly, “Well, come on. I'm not afraid.”

    There was silence. Then the students began to applaud（鼓掌）.They cried, “Denny! Denny!” The noise was very loud. The gang members ran away one by one. Denny won with his courage.

    Last month, high school teacher Charles Tandy gave away his television. “I'm not the sort of person who thinks that television is a complete waste of time—some programs can actually be quite educational,” he says. “I just wanted to be able to have more conversations with my friends and family, and TV prevents you a lot of programs aren't suitable for their children.

    But some experts are now arguing that television is making the world a better place. Paul Wood, and Australian psychologist, has studied the effect of TV in many different countries. He says that educational programs don't bring many benefits. However, popular different countries. He says that educational programs don't bring many benefits. However, popular dramas about everyday life are helping to improve people's lives in various ways. He says, for example, that such programs increase understanding about the sorts of problems that teenagers have, particularly ones that damage their education.

    Lucan Hobbs, professor of media studies, says that the issues that surround TV may be even wider. “In some countries, popular music competitions and reality shows have made many people believe that anyone can be famous, even though this may not be true. This is having a big effect on the way young people see society and could continue to do so in the future.” He says.

    There may be on final reason why people see TV differently. Over the last 50 or 60 years, the world has learned to deal with TV. We realize that I can bring a few benefits and we are no longer afraid of it. But now there is something else to consider—the Internet. By comparison, the gentle television set in the corner of every sitting room seems almost friendly.

    Most of us lead a busy life.We think, “If I reached my goal, then I would be happy”, or “If I could get a better job, then I would enjoy life.” But why not enjoy life right now?

    Firstly, take time to notice and appreciate the beauty in your own surroundings. “There is a great big world of wonder and beauty around us!” And as Brodersen explains, “Look for the beauty of the sunrise and of a friend's smile that brightens your day. Open your eyes to see the beauty you might not normally see. Doing so helps to cheer you up.”

    Secondly, taking time to experience some simple pleasures also can bring joy to your heart and ease your stress. Take me for example.One universal simple pleasure is finding things that make you laugh. Make time to laugh every day.

    Thirdly, don't take your family and friends for granted. Rich, rewarding relationships add greatly to the enjoyment of life. When you think of someone, why not call, e-mail or write them?As Wayne Lawton explains, “Invest time in relationships. Remove the attitude, what's in it for me? Happiness is found in putting other's interests, desires and concerns ahead of our own whenever possible. Selfishness is a dead-end street.”

A. Be aware of beauty in nature.

B. So please treasure relationship.

C. You don't need to travel far to find beauty.

D. Driven by the “urgent”, we forget to enjoy life.

E. In my spare time, I enjoy collecting stamps and reading novels.

F. A short e-mail or phone call can make a world of difference to someone.

G. I delight in simple things like my favorite tea drink, a bubble bath or family photos.

    In spite of the fun and laughter, 13-year-old Frank Wilson wasn't happy. It was1 that he received all the gifts that he wanted. And he also 2 the big Christmas dinner with the family members.3, Frank wasn't happy because this was his first Christmas without his brother, Steve, who was killed in a car accident. Frank 4 his brother.

    Frank said good-bye to his family members and said that he was leaving a little earlier to see a friend, and from there he could walk home. Since it was cold outside, Frank 5 his new jacket. It was his favorite gift. He placed the other gifts on his new sleigh（雪橇）. Then Frank6.

    As Frank went down the street toward home, through one front window, he saw a room with old 7 hanging over an empty fireplace. A woman was seated nearby, crying. The stockings 8 him of the way he and his brother always 9 theirs side by side. The next morning, they would find gifts.

    Then Frank had a 10. He knocked at the door. “Yes?” the11voice of the woman. “May I come in?” asked Frank. “You are very welcome,” she said,12 his sleigh full of gifts and thinking he wanted to 13 gifts. “But I have no food or gifts for you. I have 14 for my own children.” “That's why I am here,” Frank said. “Please15 whatever gifts you would like for your children from the sleigh.” “Why? God bless you!” the16woman answered. She took some candies, a toy plane and a doll. Finally, the stockings were 17. “Thank you so much!” the woman said. “You are welcome,” Frank said and left.

    Frank's 18was full of happiness. Then he gave his jacket to a poor boy. At last, he gave away all his gifts.19Frank was worried how he could 20to his parents that he had given his gifts away, he was very happy.