2013届高三英语星级阶梯阅读练习 二星级6A My name is Amanda LaMunyon. I have Aspergers syndrome, a form of autism (自闭症). I dont see myself as a person with a disability. I share who I am when I paint, sing and write.I started writing poetry because I wanted to tell people what it was like to have Aspergers syndrome. I dont know how my life would be different without Aspergers, but I know I look at the world differently than most people. Im also learning that you dont have to be like everybody else. You just have to be confident in who you are.I discovered I could paint when I was 7. My math teacher Mrs. Brock loved one of my paintings so much that she hung it on the wall in her bedroom. I was so encouraged by her and since then my life has changed greatly.Soon after, people asked me to show my art for charity events. I began to donate prints of my work for charity auctions (拍卖). I was glad that I really made a difference. I learned that when you give, you receive happiness.I think it is very important for teens to express themselves. Its a way to know yourself more clearly. You can turn your thoughts and feelings into a piece of artwork or a poem.For example, when you paint, colors can help you express different emotions. When you write a poem, you have to get really honest with yourself and not be afraid to write down what you feel.Creativity makes you unique and sets you apart from others. Creative ideas also help you make your dreams come true. They help you look at things in a new way.I hope my story helps people to believe they can overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams. I like to encourage others. I know what encouragement has meant to me.56. The author mentions Mrs. Brock because she _.A. taught the author how to paintB. found the author had a gift for paintingC. influenced the authors later life greatly D. encouraged the author to change her life57. The author advises teens to _. A. learn more about themselvesB. express themselves in art C. show their thoughts to others D. dream big and go for it 58. Which of the following words can best describe the author?A. Lucky.B. Hardworking. C. Positive. D. Humorous. 59. What would be the best title for the text? A. Power of art B. Happiness of givingC. Importance of creativityD. Wonder of encouragementBA volcanic eruption in Iceland has sent ash across northern Europe. Airlines have stopped or changed the flights across the Atlantic Ocean, leaving hundreds of passengers stuck in airports. Grimsvom is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Europe. What makes Grimsvom different is that it lies under a huge glacier（冰川）of ice up to 12 maters thick. The hot volcano heats up the ice above it, which then forms a layer（层）of water between the glacier and the volcano This layer of water puts pressure on the volcano, keeping it stable, As the water flows out from under the glacier, the pressure lifts. The lava（岩浆）from the volcano then comes up to the surface. This is exactly what happened today. Now, airlines have to make changes to their flights so as not to fly through the clouds of volcanic ash. According to KLM. one of Europes biggest airlines, airplanes cannot go under the cloud or over it. Going through the cloud can result in ash getting stuck in the airplanes engines, causing damage to the plane. The eruption has also caused problems for animals in Iceland. The volcano left ash and sharp. Glass-like rocks all over the countryside. Farmers are keeping their animals inside to stop them from eating ash- covered grass to the sharp object. 60. What makes Grimsvom different from other volcanoes? A. It is below ice. B. It lies under the sea C. It is the largest volcano D. It is lava affects the airlines 61. What keeps Grimsvom still? A. The slow flow of water B. The low water temperature C. The thick glacier D. The water pressure 62. Which of the following is the result of the volcanic eruption? A. People stop traveling in Europe B. Airlines suffer from the loss of planes C. It becomes dangerous for animals to eat outside D. Farmers have lost many of their animals 63. This text is most probably taken from_ A. a research paper B. a newspaper report C. a class presentation D. a geography textbook. CDos and Donts in Whale(鲸) WatchingThe Department of Fisheries and Oceans has developed guidelines for whale watching in Johnstone Strait, where killer whales are found on a daily basis each summerIt is strongly recommended that vessel(船只) operators follow these guidelines for all kinds of whales Approach whales from the side, not from the front or the back Approach no closer than 100 meters, then stop the boat but keep the engine on Keep noise levels downno horns, whistles or racing of engines Start your boat only after the whales are more than 100 meters from you