The Pomodoro technique is probably one of the most powerful techniques in all of learning. All you have to do is set a timer for 25 minutes, and then just focus as attentively as you can for those 25 minutes.

Now if you start focusing on and you’re working on, and then you look up at the timer and two minutes have passed. You may feel like you can’t hold on. And just let the thought go by, and return your focus to whatever you are working on. And when that 25 minutes is up you relax a little bit. You might wonder why that 25 minutes is the magic number, and the reality is we don’t really know. There’s not a lot of research on the Pomodoro technique, which is surprising because it’s so incredibly popular and people find it very useful.

But there’s an interesting tidbit (小趣闻) related to the Pomodoro technique, and that is that: when you just think about something that you don’t like very much, it stimulates a part of the brain that experiences pain. And so the brain naturally enough shifts its attention to something else, like Facebook or Twitter or something like that.

And what the Pomodoro technique does, when you do it you’re setting that timer. You don’t want to sit there and think, “I’m going to work on this problem and get it all finished. You just want to think, I’ve got 25 minutes where I just have to work on something. ” Don’t even think about what that thing is. What that does is it slips in under your brain’s radar. It doesn’t stimulate so much that pain in your brain; and then that pain in the brain, research has shown, lasts for 20 minutes.

So if you work for 25 minutes you will suddenly find yourself getting into the flow because you’ve gone past that painful period. So the Pomodoro technique is effective in many different aspects.

1. How does the Pomodoro technique work?

A．It boosts your concentration.

B．It helps your mind go faster.

C．It urges you to finish your work.

D．It shortens the pain time in your brain.

2. Which is an example of using the Pomodoro technique?

A．Reading a novel for 25 minutes.

B．Spending 25 minutes scanning WeChat.

C．Setting a timer for 25 minutes to do a tough task.

D．Attending a lecture for 25 minutes with two minds.

3. What can be inferred about the Pomodoro technique from Paragraph 2?

A．The first two minutes is vital.

B．25 minutes is a magic number.

C．More research is around the corner.

D．You may get discouraged when using it.

4. Why is the tidbit mentioned in Paragraph 3?

A．To further explain the Pomodoro technique.

B．To arouse interest in the Pomodoro technique.

C．To highlight how to use the Pomodoro technique.

D．To prove the effectiveness of the Pomodoro technique.

A new study, published this week in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, reveals that non-human animals’ tears are not so different from our own. The chemical similarities are so great, in fact, that the composition of other species’ tears—and how they’re adapted to their environments—may provide insights into better treatments for human eye disease.

Previously, scientists had studied closely only the tears of a handful of mammals, including humans, dogs, horses, camels, and monkeys. In the new study, Brazilian veterinarians analyzed the tears of reptiles and birds for the first time, focusing on seven species.

Tears, which are released from tear tubes, form a film over the eye that’s composed of three ingredients: mucus, water and oil. The mucus coats the eye’s surface and helps to attach the film to the eye, the water is a natural salty solution containing crucial proteins and minerals, and the oil prevents the eye from drying out.

Humans are the only known species to produce emotional tears; the expression “crocodile tears”, which refers to a person’s phony display of emotion, comes from the mysterious tendency of crocodiles to release tears as they eat.

But tears play key roles beyond weeping, notes Lionel Sebbag at Iowa State University, who was not involved in the new research. They help with vision by lubricating(润滑)and clearing the eye. They also protect the eye against infection and provide nutrition to the cornea, the eye’s clear outer layer, which lacks blood tubes, he says.

Learning how reptiles and birds’ use tears may also inspire new medications for conditions such as dry eye, which occurs when tear tubes don’t produce enough oil. The disease, common in cats, dogs and people, can sometimes lead to blindness.

5. What does the underlined word “phony” in Paragraph 4 mean?

A．Tricky.	B．Regretful.
C．Cold.	D．False.

6. Which statement does Lionel Sebbag agree with?

A．Weeping contributes to eye disease.

B．The cornea has rich blood tubes.

C．Tears oil and clear the eyes.

D．More tears mean better vision.

7. What might be the best title for the text?

A．Tears, a Barrier to Eyes

B．A Better Treatment for Eye Disease

C．Non-human Tears Promise New Cures

D．Other Species’ Tears Are Similar to Humans’

8. What is Paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．The source of tears.

B．The composition of tears.

C．The classification of tears.

D．The definition of tears.

“Hey, how are you doing? What grade are you in? What's your favorite book? Yeah, I got it.” If you thought you’d walked into a library with a greeting like that, you wouldn’t be too far off. In fact, you’ve entered the workplace of Courtney Holmes, the Storybook Barber

Two years ago, Dubuque Iowa held its first annual Back to School Bash, offering needy families a chance to learn about free resources in the community. Holmes agreed to take part in it. He was holding down two jobs at the time one with the city’s public works department, the other as a barber. Saturday was his busiest haircutting day, but he chose to devote his time to underprivileged (底层的) kids so they’d look sharp on that first day of classes. But then he had a sudden idea. “The kids should earn their free haircut by having to read a book to me.” Holmes said.

The idea was so popular that he continued it the first Tuesday of every month for the next two years. Five-to ten-year-old kids would hold a favorite book, settle into the barber chair, and read aloud while Holmes Gave them a haircut. If they had any difficulty, Holmes was there to help. After the haircut, they’d review the book, from the characters and vocabularies to the themes — just like in school, only more fun. “These kids are eager to learn.” said Holmes. “And they are able to open their hearts there.”

Holmes admits he, too, benefits from the activity. “There was a seven-year-old boy who struggled through his book, shuttering (口吃 )over words even though he didn’t have a stutter,” said Holmes. He had the boy take the book home and practice. “When the child came back next time. He read it with no problems. That inspired me.”

9. Why did Holmes take part in Back to School Bash?

A．To reduce the parent’s pressure.	B．To earn more money.
C．To help poor kids look good.	D．To work in the local schools.

10. How often did Holmes provide free haircuts during the two years?

A．Once a year.	B．Every Tuesday.
C．Every weekend.	D．Once a month.

11. What can we learn about Holmes’ young customers?

A．There are more boy’s than girls.	B．They are students with reading problems.
C．They learn more here than in school.	D．They get along well with Holmes.

12. What can we best describe Holmes as?

A．A responsible social worker.	B．A hard-working barber.
C．A kind-hearted volunteer.	D．A busy and loving parent.

Portland Rose Festival 2021

May, 2021

Multiple Locations in Portland

The Portland Rose Festival, for more than a hundred years,begins the summer with Memorial Weekend festivities. The celebration lasts about two weeks and includes fireworks, all-floral and light parades, a city fair, boat races, a half marathon, live music, fleet week and ends with the Rose Cup Races. Children enjoy the Junior Rose Festival with their own parade and a royal court. The Rose Festival Court is made up of high school girls as part of a scholarship program.

Rocklahoma Music Festival 2021

May, 2021

Catch the Fever Music, Pryor, Oklahoma

The annual rock festival, known as Rocklahoma, is back for another rockin’ year! The rock festival takes place in Pryor, Oklahoma over several days. The festival is an outdoor, all-ages event. The show is divided into four main stages, with the biggest names in rock taking over. Concert-goers are encouraged to camp out on the grounds and stay close to the action.

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2021

June, 2021

Manchester, Tennessee

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is an iconic annual event in Manchester, Tennessee that features four days of assorted styles of music, art, camping, comedy and much more. There is plenty of music, art, comedians and other activities to keep everyone moving in this great, friendly atmosphere. The view is amazing, the festival is life changing and attendance is growing each year.

Tomorrow world 2021

September, 2021

Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia

Tomorrow world is an unforgettable venue based on Belgium’s Tomorrow land. Hidden deep in the forest of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, the landscape is breathtaking full of lush green foliage. As a result, their annual festival is a perfect mix of nature and creative fun.

13. Which festival should you go if you want to get close to nature?

A．Portland Rose Festival.

B．Rocklahoma Music Festival.

C．Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.

D．Tomorrow world.

14. What do Portland Rose Festival and Rocklahoma Music Festival have in common?

A．They have a history of over 100 years.

B．They will be held in the same month.

C．They have a half marathon race.

D．They are divided into four main stages.

15. What is special for kids at the Junior Rose Festival?

A．They can take part in boat races.

B．They can listen to live music.

C．They can have their own parade.

D．They can take part in running races.

I was walking in a park on a cool autumn morning. The view was charming, and a pleasant breeze(微风) was kissing my face _______.

Then I saw a mother and her little baby. The mother wore _______ clothes that seemed to be found in a dustbin—How easy it is for fortunate people to _______ away things they don’t need, and they do this _______ thinking of the unfortunate! She was holding her baby, protecting her from the morning _______ and expecting some money from strangers so that she could _______ food for both of them. It was then that I realized how _______ I had been in my whole life for living a rich life.

Then a man _______ some money and food to the mother, and as she took them, her face was _______ as if she had been the happiest person in the world. And why not, she could now ________ her baby at least for the day.

Actually, happiness doesn’t ________ luck, your financial or your physical conditions, but only on yourself. It is just a ________ in your hands. If you choose to be happy, ________ can stop you from it.

How ________ it is that one observation(观察) can change your life! Life has a lot to offer if you observe very closely. One who observes can ________ real happiness.

21.

A．strongly

B．gradually

C．gently

D．normally

22.

A．expensive

B．wonderful

C．perfect

D．dirty

23.

A．move

B．push

C．throw

D．send

24.

A．for

B．in

C．within

D．without

25.

A．cold

B．light

C．sound

D．fact

26.

A．save

B．buy

C．pick

D．share

27.

A．wealthy

B．special

C．successful

D．lucky

28.

A．donated

B．lent

C．promised

D．sold

29.

A．sinking

B．shining

C．shaking

D．falling

30.

A．improve

B．protect

C．deliver

D．feed

31.

A．go on

B．come out

C．depend on

D．turn out

32.

A．symbol

B．strength

C．voice

D．choice

33.

A．nothing

B．something

C．anything

D．everything

34.

A．comforting

B．amazing

C．disappointing

D．satisfying

35.

A．invent

B．lose

C．discover

D．ignore

46. 假设你是李华，你的英国好友Henry最近来信询问你的暑假安排。请你根据以下要点用英语回一封信，说明你的计划，并阐述理由。
要点：
1.休息；
2.读书；
3.陪伴父母;
4.参加社会活动。
注意:
1.词数80左右；
2.可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
参考词汇：社会活动 social activities
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47. 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

We were bathed in the sunshine of weekend when an adventurous idea hit me, to go to Panisha Island for a brand new weekend with my brother Jack! Actually, Jack was a good partner, quick-minded and no-panic in trouble.

An adventure waited for us ahead. It was only a little after 12:00 o'clock and it couldn’t hurt to go on a little exploration time. Could it?

We didn’t want to play games at home anyway so I asked Mum, “Can we go to Panisha Island to explore?”

“Oh alright! I guess it’s only a short boat ride away. Be back by 5:00 o'clock!” Mum answered us.

Thanked Mum and got on our blue bike. We got to the pier(码头) and bought a two-way ticket to Panisha and back. The sea air blew on our face like silk. I stared out into the sea. I must have stared for a while because soon I heard, “PANISHA ISLAND!”.

The moment we got off the boat, we were fascinated with everything around, the clear waler, the blue skies, the singing of the birds… but we had no time to appreciate these. We impatiently rushed to what was called Tiger Jungle, surrounded by vast expanses of jungle with various puzzles and traps waiting for us to explore. Lizards, birds, and lots and lots of bugs... Suddenly a rabbit sprung out, staring at us, as if to ask us where we were from. Bees and spiders were also annoying to unprepared us. Seeing a snake winding its way in the bushes farther, I let out a scream! Jack smiled slyly(顽皮地) and commanded me to be calm.

A tough passageway led us to natural pools, shallow waters with fishing spots, overgrown bushes and even a plane crash site. “Why not catch some fish here?” I excitedly suggested. Jack was hesitating when a roar(吼叫), like a true tiger, came out from the farther jungle! Jack thought hard and decided to get back quickly.

注意：
1,续写词数应为150左右；
2,请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Suddenly I missed a step and fell into the pool.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

There was not much time left for the return trip.

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