my primary role in life? No, because over the year, I took great pride (26) ________ the fact that
my identity was not dependent on theirs. But, surprisingly, yes. (27) ________ (be) a different
kind of mother defines me now.
The missing comes at unexpected moments: seeing the school bus drive by, starting to put too
many plates on the table… When they have doubts about friendships or job prospects, I can only
say, “I’m sure you will figure it out.”
And yet, the spaces (28) ________ (empty) by loss are more than filled by what I’ve found. I
now have the chance (29) ________ (see) them as the whole world does but also like no one else
ever will. As adults I happened to help create.
The rooms (30) ________ the boys used to live look vacant. I feel sadness but also joy. I
knew they would leave, but they will find their way back.
My home is empty. But overflowing.
Section B
Directions: Fill in each blank with a proper word chosen from the box. Each word can be used
only once. Note that there is one word more than you need.
A. Address B. fascination C. governed D. imposing E. offensive
F. originally G. overlooking H. rebellion I. reminder J. randomly K. swept
Palaces are known for their beauty and splendor, but they offer little protection against
attacks. It is easy to defend a fortress (堡垒), but fortresses are not designed with the comfort of
king or queen in mind. When it comes to structures that are both(31) ________ and well-fortified
the classic European castle is the pinnacle (小尖顶)of design. Across the ages castles changed,
developed ,and eventually fell out of use, but they still command the (32) ________ of our
culture.
Castles were (33) ________ built in England by Norman invaders in 1066. As William the
Conqueror (34) ________ through England, he fortified key positions to secure the land he had
taken. The castles he built allowed the Norman lords to retreat to safety when threatened by
English (35) ________. Castles also served as bases of operation for offensive attacks. Troops
were summoned to, organized around, and deployed from castles. In this way castles served both
(36) ________ and defensive roles in military operations.
Not limited to military purposes, castles also served as offices from Which the lord would
administer control over his fiefdom(领地). That is to say, the lord of the land would hold court in
his castle. Those that were socially beneath the lord would come to report the affairs of the lands
that they (37) ________ and paid tribute to the lord. They would (38) ________ disputes, handle
business, feast, and enjoy festivities. In this way castles served as important social centers in
medieval England. Castles also served as symbols of power. Built on prominent sites (39)
________ the surrounding areas, castles constantly loomed in the background of many peasants’
lives and served as a daily (40) ________ of the lord’s strength.
III. Reading Comprehension
Section A
Directions:For each blank in the following passages there are four words or phrases marked A,
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