A
J.K. Rowling to Release New Children’s Book “The Ickabog”
J.K. Rowling is making her return to children’s literature for a good cause. In a blog post published on her website Tuesday, the author announced that she will release a new story called The Ickabog, releasing new chapters weekly to help distract children in lockdown as a result of the novel coronavirus.
The author explained that she formulated(构想出) the idea for her new story while writing Harry Potter, and had the intent of publishing it after releasing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — the new story is not connected to Potter.
“Over time I came to think of it as a story that belonged to my two younger children, because I’d read it to them in the evenings when they were little, which has always been a happy family memory,” she wrote. However, amid the novel coronavirus, the author decided she wanted to publish her story free, “for children in lockdown.”
She will post new chapters every weekday between May 26 and July 10 on the Ickabog website. The Ickabog will be published in November 2020 in English in print, eBook and audio book formats.
Hoping to offer some relief to those affected by the pandemic, Rowling announced that, when the book is published, she will donate all author royalties(版税) to those impacted by the virus crisis.
21. Why does J.K. Rowling release her new book “The Ickabog”?
A. To make kids relax during the coronavirus lockdown.
B. To find another outlet to educate her two children.
C. To make her return to children’s literature.
D. To create a new cause after Harry Potter.
22. Where can kids read the book “The Ickabog” on June 22?
A. On the audiobook website. B. On the Ickabog website.
C. At original edition store. D. At eBook online store.
23. What kind of person is J.K. Rowling according to the passage?
A. Creative and determined. B. Graceful and outgoing.
C. Caring and productive. D. Patient and confident.
B
It had been a year since Susan, thirty-four, became blind. As a result of medical accident, she was sightless. All she had to depend on was her husband Mark.
Mark was an air-force officer and he loved Susan with all his heart. When she first lost sight, he decided to use every method to help his wife.
Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take the us, but she was now too frightened to go to work by herself. Mark suggested taking the bus with us an each morning and evening.
For two weeks, Mark, in military uniform, took the bus with Susan to and from work each day, he taught her to rely on her other senses, especially her hearing. He helped her make friends with the bus drivers who could watch out for her and save her a seat.
Each morning they made the journey together, and Mark would take a taxi back to his office, although that meant he had to travel through the city. Mark knew it was only a matter of time before Susan would be able to take the bus on her own. He believed in her.
Finally. Susan decided that she was ready to start the trip on her own. Monday morning arrived. She said goodbye and, for the first time, they went their separate ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday — Each day on her own went perfectly.
On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was getting off the bus, the driver said, “Miss, I sure envy you.” Susan asked the driver why. “You know, every morning for the past week, a fine-looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the comer watching you when you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady,” the bus driver said.
Tears of happiness poured down Susan’s cheeks. She was so lucky, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, the gift of love that can bring light where there is darkness.
24. What does the underlined sentence probably mean?
A. Susan had lost her sight because of Mark’s gift.
B. A gift was more important than sight.
C. Mark’s deep love had given Susan great strength.
D. Mark’s love had made Susan recover from blindness.
25. Why did Mark stand across the street and watch Susan?
A. Because he loved Susan very much and watched out for her safety.
B. Because Susan was not sure of herself and asked for his help.
C. Because he wanted to show others that he was a good husband.
D. Because he had nothing to do every morning after getting up.
26. Which of the following statements is right according to the passage?
A. Susan lost her sight in a car accident.
B. Susan lost her sight before she met Mark.
C. Susan went to work alone two weeks after her blindness.
D. Susan didn’t know the truth until the bus driver told her.
27. Which of the following can serve as the title?
A. Love is Sight B. Love is Blind C. Never Say Die D. Husband and Wife
