【推荐1】The term modern art sounds like it means art that is popular at the moment, but in fact, modern art is a style that originated over 150 years ago, and includes artists that by now have attained classic status, such as Picasso, Matisse, and Gauguin. And what’s even more ironic (讽刺的) is that the movement they pioneered, considered revolutionary at the time, was inspired largely by an object of a traditional and ancient design.

As far back as the Renaissance, the primary European art movements emphasized conventional representation and adherence (遵循) to classical forms. But that began to change in the late 19th century as artists like Van Gogh and Cezanne expanded the boundaries of painting. Soon, a movement arose that sought to create an entirely new style of art, and one way of doing so was to look beyond Western civilization.

Henri Matisse showed his friend Picasso a mask he had acquired made by the Dan tribe of the Ivory Coast. The mask awoke Picasso’s curiosity, leading him to visit the Trocadero Ethnographic Museum in Paris in 1907. The visit was eye-opening for Picasso, who declared that African masks were what painting was all about. At this time, Picasso had been working on a painting of five naked women in a style that would later come to be known as Cubism. And while three of these ladies show facial features found in ancient Iberian art, a nod to Picasso’s Spanish heritage, the faces of the two on the right closely resemble African masks. Created in 1907 after hundreds of sketches and studies, “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” has been considered the first truly 20th century masterpiece, breaking with many previously held notions in art.

Inspiration from ancient cultures started one of the most revolutionary movements in art history, but were these artists playing the role of explorers or conquerors, stealing ideas and profiting from cultures they considered primitive? Questions like this deserve scrutiny (审查), as artists continue to redefine standards. Perhaps not too long from now, the bold innovations (单新) of modern art will be overturned by a new set of pioneers drawing inspiration from another unlikely source.

1. The style of European art didn’t experience any changes until__________

A．artists turned to nature for inspiration.

B．artists looked beyond western civilization.

C．artists began to emphasize self-expression.

D．artists expanded the boundaries of painting.

2. What can we learn about “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”?

A．It combined different cultural elements.

B．Its distinctive style invited much criticism.

C．It broke away from all conventional styles.

D．It was inspired by a visit to the Ivory Coast.

3. What does the author try to convey in the last paragraph?

A．Artistic creation involves imitation and innovation.

B．The pioneering role of modern artists is questionable.

C．Drawing inspiration from different cultures is essential.

D．It’s vital that the standards of art should change constantly.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．A Glimpse into Modern European Art

B．The Pioneering Figures of Modern Art

C．Why We Should Redefine Modern Art

D．How Ancient Art Influenced Modern Art

【推荐3】A valuable sketch (素描画) from World War I has turned up in a garage sale in Perth. It’s a sketch of soldiers playing soccer with a tin can during an unofficial truce (停战期) between German and Allied soldiers (同盟国士兵) on the Western Front in 1914. The artwork was drawn by an unnamed German soldier during the war on the Western Front.

The artwork was given to Private Jack Shelley, a British soldier, when he was defending the town of Frelinghien, France. The sketch is an important historical document, as it provides evidence that the tales of both sides at war socializing together are true. But for Jack’s family it has even greater value, since it was his prized possession.

Jessie Shelley, Jack’s great-granddaughter, has fond memories of the old man sharing stories about his experiences in the war. The family lost track of the artwork after Jack’s possessions were moved during the sale of his house when he died in 1984. “Great-grandpa had a tobacco tin with a dozen or so buttons from the uniforms of men from both sides. He told us all the details of every one of those buttons. To great-grandpa they represented real people he had known, some of whom couldn’t come home from the war. He had at least two buttons from German uniforms that he told us were exchanged between the men involved in the truce.” Jessie Shelley said.

On the day of truce in 1914, the soldiers came out of their trenches into no-man’s-land and shared food, drinks and cigarettes. Some even exchanged small gifts. The men even played football games together. Later, this spirit of cooperation continued in unofficial agreements between the sides to stop shooting at mealtimes and even at times when soldiers were working in the open.

This fascinating image of peace and humanity during the war has continued through the years. The sketch is a symbol of the potential for humanity, hope and kindness to exist in even the most violent circumstances.

1. In what situation was the sketch done?

A．In a garage.	B．On the front line
C．At a special sale.	D．During a soccer match.

2. Why is the sketch an important historical document?

A．It marks the ending of the war.

B．It explains the reason for the war.

C．It shows soldiers’ bravery in the fight.

D．It proves the peace between warring sides.

3. What did Private Jack Shelley say about the buttons in the tobacco tin?

A．They were collected in 1914.

B．They were from German uniforms.

C．Some of them represented his honor.

D．Some of their owners didn’t survive the war.

4. What impact did the day of truce have?

A．It brought about more truces.

B．It resulted in more celebrations.

C．It led to more official agreements.

D．It started wide information exchanges.

【推荐1】The Polish take great pride in their culture.Our culture has many different customs and traditions.I will discuss three of these traditions and customs.

The Polish will say “Dziekuje” (“thank you”) only after receiving their change.What I mean by this is that when you are in Poland，you should wait to say “thank you” until after you have been given your change back.If you do not，you are telling cashiers (收银员) that they can “keep the change”.Often，people visiting Poland will feel that things are very expensive，until they learn that they are giving the store clerk permission to keep the money that would have been given back.

Polish people break “bread” with their families during their Christmas Eve meal.The Christmas Eve celebration starts with the breaking of the Oplatek，which is a thin piece of “bread”．In my family，the eldest in the family (my grandfather) takes the big Oplatek and breaks it into large pieces that he then hands down to each of his four children (my aunt，uncles，and father)．Then，these family members break their pieces into smaller sizes and pass them out to their own children.Once the last piece is passed down to the youngest，we say a prayer (祷告) and eat the piece of thin bread.

Polish people celebrate “Imieniny”,or Name’s Day.This day is more important than one’s birthday.They often name their children after a saint (圣徒) whose day is closest to the date that they were born on.Then their saint’s day that they were named after becomes their “new” birthday.On Name’s Day，families and friends gather together and enjoy a variety of food，drinking，and dancing.

As you can see，Poland has a few very unique (独特的) traditions and customs.I honor my Polish culture and will pass it on to my own children because it is important to know one’s own culture.

1. In Poland，if you say “Dziekuje” before getting your change，___________ .

A．the store clerk will keep it

B．the product will be changed

C．the store clerk will check the money

D．the product will be returned to the store

2. On Christmas Eve，the author will receive “bread” from ________ .

A．his grandfather	B．his uncle
C．his aunt	D．his father

3. A Polish person’s Imieniny is   ________ .

A．a day to visit families and friends

B．more important than Name’s Day

C．near to his or her birthday

D．a day to honor a saint

4. What does the author think of Polish traditions and customs?

A．He feels proud of them.

B．He shows no interest in them.

C．He is worried about them.

D．He considers them very funny.

【推荐2】Throwing handfuls of bread to birds has long been seen as harmless enough. But in recent years, some scientists have suggested that bread might not do birds’ digestive systems any good, saying that as uneaten food rots down, the water quality worsens and algal blooms can occur. Plus, by encouraging birds to gather in one place, the build-up of droppings may result in outbreaks of disease too. Meanwhile, many cities have signs telling us not to feed pigeons and gulls, which are considered an “annoyance” due to the mess they make, and scattering bread inevitably attracts rats and mice.

It seems that the public has accepted these warnings, and that fewer of us now feed birds this way. In October, a sign went up in a Derbyshire park claiming that the local birds were dying of starvation, and urging visitors to feed them as before. When online posts about the notice went viral, feathers flew as people debated the benefits of handing out bread to birds.

Paul Stancliffe of the British Trust for Ornithology(BTO) points out that there’s insufficient scientific evidence for bread harming birds, adding that, as little research has been done, it could even turn out to be beneficial. ① “We just don’t know,” he says. Although bread is a heavily processed “unnatural” food intended for humans, that alone may be insufficient grounds for not feeding it to birds.

In the 1980s, the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust (WWT) carried out a comparative study of different flocks of mute swans, and the birds that consumed the most bread had weaker muscles, implying that a bread-heavy diet might be the cause. “Our official line is that bread is okay for ducks, geese and swans, but only in moderation,” says WWT’s Peter Morris. “However, this advice comes with several other warnings.” ② The first is that it’s best offered in winter, when there is less plant and insect food around. In spring and summer, too much artificial food may not be a good idea, since young birds have to learn how to look after themselves and natural food will contain a wider range of nutrients to help them grow.

“Just like us, birds need a varied diet to stay healthy,” says a spokesperson for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds(RSPB). “Although ducks, geese and swans can digest all types of bread, too much can leave them feeling full without giving them all of the important vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need.” ③

When bird feeding first became popular in the UK in the 19^th century, some Victorians encouraged tough love, arguing that such handouts would only make our feathered friends lazy and dependent on welfare. ④ Morris says that there is a theory that wild birds can get “hooked” on easy meals, losing interest in other types of food. Another danger, he says, is that birds fed regularly end up accustomed to humans, placing themselves at greater risk of predation(捕食).

1. How can feeding birds with bread affect our urban life?

A．Birds’ mess can attract many rats and mice.

B．Birds’ gathering in one place disturbs our peace.

C．Bread goes bad and the water quality will suffer.

D．Human beings are likely to be infected with bird flu.

2. If birds rely on a bread-heavy diet, there is a strong possibility that ________.

A．they will become bigger in size with stronger muscles

B．lack of certain nutrients negatively influences their health

C．their digestive system will be damaged by artificial food

D．they would soon choose bread rather than natural food

3. Where does the sentence “Such moralizing sounds old-fashioned nowadays, but may have a grain of truth.” best suit?

A．①

B．②

C．③

D．④

4. What is the best title for this passage?

A．Is feeding birds a wise choice?	B．Why not feed our bird neighbours?
C．Can we treat birds as friends?	D．When do birds need our food aid?

【推荐3】People are being attracted to Facebook with the promise of a fun, free service without realizing they’re paying for it by giving up large amounts of personal information. Facebook then attempts to make money by selling their data to advertisers that want to send targeted messages.

Most Facebook users don’t realize this is happening. Even if they know what the company is up to, they still have no idea what they’re paying for Facebook because people don’t really know what their personal information is worth.

The biggest problem, however, is that the company keeps changing the rules. Early on, you keep everything private. That was the great thing about Facebook—you could create your own little private network. Last year, the company changed its privacy rules so that many things—your city, your photo, your friends’ names—were set, by default (默认) to be shared with everyone on the Internet.

According to Facebook’s vice-president Elliot Schrage, the company is simply making changes to improve its service, and if people don’t share information, they have a ＂less satisfying experience＂.

Some people think this is more about Facebook looking to make more money. Its original business model, which was about selling ads and putting them at the side of the page, totally failed. Who wants to look at ads when they’re online connecting with their friends?

The privacy issue has already landed Facebook in hot water in Washington. In April, Senator Charles Schumer called on Facebook to change its privacy policy. He also urged the Federal Trade Commission to set guidelines for social-networking sites.

I think that whatever Facebook has done so far to invade our privacy is only the beginning, which is why I’m considering stopping using it. Facebook is a convenient site, but I’m upset by the idea that my information is in the hands of people I don’t know. That’s too high a price to pay.

1. According to the text, Facebook is ____________.

A．losing more customers	B．becoming a more useful site
C．improving its service gradually	D．stealing and selling users’ information

2. At the beginning Facebook’s business model includes selling ____________.

A．its service	B．ads
C．its products	D．personal information

3. Why do Facebook make changes to its rule?

A．To provide better service to its users.

B．To follow the Federal guidelines.

C．To encourage its users’ communication.

D．To gain its users’ more personal information.

4. What is the author’s attitude toward Facebook?

A．Admirable.	B．Negative.
C．Unclear.	D．Supportable.

【推荐1】A new study, a project of the researchers from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, finds that a fitness tracker (健康追踪器) probably does not help with weight loss.

The trackers are designed to record your physical activity. They are usually worn around the wrist (手腕),   where they record a person's heart rate. The research team looked at two groups of people. The first wore a fitness tracker and took part in health consultation with experts for best weight loss plan. The researchers compared this group with people who only got health consultation.

The study found that those only speaking with the health experts lost nearly 6 kilograms, but those using a fitness tracker lost only 3.5 kilograms. John Jakicic the lead researcher, questioned the use of these trackers for weight loss.

The study involved 470 people age between 18 and 35. Some of them were overweight, while others were considered obese. Over three fourths of them were women. All were told to increase physical activity and start on a low-calorie diet. They had their weight measured once every six months. After six months, researchers divided the group into two parts: one continued with monthly consulting, while members of the other group were given a fitness tracker. Eighteen months later, both groups showed great improvements in fitness, physical activity and diet, with no big difference between groups. However, when it came to losing weight, the people who only spoke with experts lost nearly twice as much weight.

Jakicic said, “The study's findings are important because effective long-term treatments are needed to deal with America's obesity.”More information is needed, he added, to learn how to best use these trackers to help adults who want to lose weight.

1. Both groups of people in the study were asked to           .

A．start on a high-calorie diet.	B．wear a fitness tracker
C．consult experts	D．record their heart rates

2. Why does Jakicic think the findings are important?

A．Wearing fitness trackers hardly helps people lose weight.

B．Physical activity and diet have no effect on weight loss.

C．Dealing with obesity needs effective long-term treatments.

D．There are great differences in health between both groups.

3. What can we infer about the study mentioned in the text?

A．The study went on for about two years.

B．More than 120 men took part in the study.

C．Health consulting helps lose almost 6 kilograms.

D．Wearing a fitness tracker is useful for keeping slim.

4. The purpose of the text is to           .

A．describe how the researchers carried out the study

B．show regular consulting for weight control is necessary

C．persuade readers to wear fitness trackers for weight control

D．warn women are more likely to suffer from weight problems

【推荐2】Taj Mahal,India

Taj Mahal means “Crown of the Palaces". Its construction began in 1632 and took 21 years,and the total cost came out to 32 million rupees, which equals more than eight hundred million USD. The project was overseen by a board of architects led by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.

Hungarian Parliament Building,Hungary

Seven years after the city of Budapest was established, the parliament of Hungary, called the Hungarian Diet, wanted a building constructed to represent the nation's sovereignty(主权）． The building's construction, which took 19 years to complete, required 100,000 people and included 40 million bricks,500,000 precious stones,and 88 pounds of gold.

Chateau de Chambord,France

The mixture of French medieval and Renaissance architecture took 28 years to complete (though never fully) and originally served as a hunting lodge for King Francis I. Although the structure was considered to be designed by Domenico da Cortana, it is said that Leonardo da Vinci was also involved.

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. Russia

The oldest landmark in Russia's St. Petersburg is also the location of the world's tallest religious bell tower at 122 meters tall. The cathedral was built between 1712 and 1733,designed by Domenico Trezzini under the ruler of the Russian empire at the time, Peter the Great.

1. Why was Hungarian Parliament Building built?

A．To provide the king with a place to live in.

B．To show the power of the nation.

C．To serve as a hunting place.

D．To be a landmark.

2. Which of the following took the longest time to build?

A．Taj Mahal.

B．Hungarian Parliament Building.

C．Chateau de Chambord.

D．Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral.

3. Where is the world's tallest religious bell tower?

A．In India.

B．In Hungary.

C．In France.

D．In Russia.

【推荐3】Twenty-five years ago, most young Britons wanted a career in law, to be a doctor, or, if they were creative enough, to take up singing. But today, things stand differently.

According to a survey by Tesco Mobile, a UK company, the “dream job” of young people aged between 16 and 25 in the UK is a video blogger, or “vlogger” (视频博主). The survey, carried out among 1,002 people, found that as much as 40 percent of them put vlogger as their number one choice on a list of ideal careers.

This change is undoubtedly as a result of the Internet and social media. They have made it so much easier to reach audience of the world, without having to enter a career in show business in the traditional way.

In the past, the biggest stars were trained by the Hollywood studios; now, anyone with a computer camera can become a star. Vloggers are the big stars of today because they are normal people interacting with their fans about everyday life.

However, what people see is only the bright side of being a vlogger and they fail to notice the fact that only those who are successful earn fame and fortune. For every success there are hundreds of others who never get off the starting line. There are the dreams that come true and the dreams that remain dreams forever.

Although being vloggers is popular, some young people choose to follow careers that don’t necessarily earn them fame, but allow them to make good use of the Internet to share their hobbies. Young Israeli David Leshaw, for example, runs a business called the Finishers Club. It’s an online platform for runners to keep a record of their races. His job allows him to express his enthusiasm, and is always a learning experience. And that's enough for him.

1. What is the passage mainly about?

A．Most young Britons choose to be vloggers as their job.

B．The Internet is influencing young Britons’career choice.

C．The Internet is taking the place of traditional studios.

D．Young Britons can not find jobs without the Internet.

2. Why do more and more young Britons choose to be vloggers?

A．Vloggers can earn greater fame and more money on the Internet.

B．There is too much competition in the traditional show business.

C．The Internet makes it convenient to enter show business.

D．Anyone with a computer will surely become a star.

3. What can we infer from Paragraph 5?

A．Only a few vloggers can be famous and wealthy.

B．A vlogger can not earn fame and fortune.

C．People often see the bright side of being a vlogger.

D．Dreams will always remain dreams.

4. What do young people like David do on the Internet?

A．Learn from others.	B．Become an online hit.
C．Hold running races.	D．Combine jobs with hobbies.

【推荐1】There is a paradox improving education in America: The system is failing to prepare many kids for success, but we have spent so much on the system that isn’t practical. We have a big influence on teaching and learning within our existing schools: on the playground during recess.

Most elementary school headmasters will tell you that recess is the toughest time of the school day. It’s when most problems happen, and too often problems from the playground come over into the classroom, creating distractions for students.

Americans are usually pretty nostalgic about recess, but a lot has changed since we were kids. When I was growing up in Washington, D.C., I had the chance to play outside, every day after school, during weekends and all summer long. The older kids taught the younger kids a lot of rules — from how to pick teams to how to quickly end quarrels — and as the younger kids became the older kids, we passed on this culture of play to the generation behind us.

But kids don’t get to play outside and be unsupervised the way we used to. And so when kids come to school, they don’t bring those skills with them. The fights and quarrels that have replaced the recess we remember can be discouraging for kids and educators.

Schools generally put up with the problems on the playground because they don’t know how to deal with them, but it turns out that rescuing recess is pretty easy. All it takes is one grown-up who has a love for play and the skills in creating an environment where students can play happily.

1. Which of the following is the best title of the passage?

A．How can kids enjoy their recess

B．Why do kids need recess

C．A misunderstanding about improving education

D．Ways to get rid of the problems caused by students in the classroom

2. What do most elementary school headmasters think about the recess time?

A．It will make students too excited in the classroom.

B．It will make students do damage to the playground.

C．It will make teachers discover their students’ problems.

D．It will make students pay less attention to their lessons.

3. In the past, the older kids ________.

A．had no time to play outside

B．often got involved in quarrels with the younger kids

C．could manage the younger kids successfully

D．passed on this culture of play to their parents

【推荐2】Day 1 Arrival/Harbin

Places to visit: Central Street, Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Art Fair

Upon arriving in the ice city Harbin in the early afternoon, you will be met by local English-speaking guide at Harbin airport or railway station and then start your trip from the Central Street.

The Central Street was originally built in 1898 when there were abundant of Russian businessmen in Harbin. It's a good place to see architectural styles and taste different cuisine.

In the evening, you will visit the Ice Lantern Fair in Zhaolin Park. You can see pretty ice sculptures when the ice sculptures are lit, which looks like a magical world.

Day 2 Harbin

Places to visit: Siberian Tiger Park, Ice and Snow World

In the daytime you will make an adventure in the Siberian Tiger Park, the largest natural park for wild Siberian tigers of China, even in the world. There are over 500 Siberian tigers in this park. Here you can see wild tigers closely and take some fantastic photos.

In the evening you will go to visit the Ice and Snow World. It is full of awesome ice and snow sculptures created by artists from all around the world.

Day 3 Harbin/Departure

Places to visit: Winter Swimming Performance, Ice Activities

As the Ice City, Harbin is an ideal place to have winter swimming activities. The average temperature here is - 18 °C in winter and many local people had got used to taking winter swimming. You can see all kinds of people males, females, from youth to 70 years old men swim through the frozen surface of the Songhua River. Also there is Winter Swimming Competition held in Harbin every year.

In the afternoon you will take your own arranged train or flight back home.

1. Who is the passage intended for?

A．People in the local areas.

B．Visitors from abroad.

C．Artists interested in ice.

D．Children fond of magic.

2. What can you see on the second day in Harbin?

A．Wild Siberian tigers of China.

B．Special architectural styles.

C．The swimming competition.

D．Different delicious dishes.

3. What can we know about Harbin in winter according to the text?

A．The temperature there is about -18 °C on average in winter.

B．People living there get accustomed to swimming.

C．The Songhua River is the only frozen river there.

D．Winter Swimming Competition is held every month.

【推荐3】Best Bites of Beijing is published on Fridays and covers the latest happenings in the capital’s dining scene. Here you will find weekly updates of new restaurants, seasonal menus, good deals and trends for the foodie in you. For comments or recommendations, email jiangwj@chinadaily.com.cn.

Easter afternoon tea at the Peninsula Beijing

Easter fun starts this weekend at the Peninsula Beijing, where families can enjoy a Champagne Sunday brunch, an Easter egg hunt and other festive activities. The hotel will also upgrade its legendary Peninsula Afternoon Tea for this special occasion, which will be handcrafted by Executive Pastry Chef Frederic Moreau. Expect classic and chocolate scones served with homemade caramel mango jam, lemon curd and clotted cream and Easter-inspired pastries. Easter afternoon tea is priced at 398 yuan for two, available from April 14 to 17.

Easter buffet at New World Beijing Hotel

It is not too early to start planning for your next weekend if you have young children. Do not miss fun Easter activities, sweet treats, egg decorating and face time with the Easter Bunny. The Easter brunch at Tian Tan Kitchen offers it all. The brunch is priced at 148 yuan per person with half price for children ages 6-12.

More Easter fun: Food, music, and games

If you have the entire day to spend with your children on Easter Day, head to the City Weekend Easter Party on April 16. Children shorter than 90cm eat for free when dining with their parents during brunch (288 yuan per adult). Live music will feature children’s songs in both English and Chinese. The Spartan Junior Race will have the little ones crawling, climbing, tumbling and jumping through a number of obstacles. There will also be other games for parents and kids, such as “Draw Something”, “Guess the Baby” and “Kids Darts Game”. The party will be held from 10am to 4pm.

1. If you want to contact Best Bites of Beijing you can reach them by      .

A．phone

B．letter

C．email

D．Wechat

2. When is Easter afternoon tea priced at 398 yuan for two?

A．From April 6-12	B．From April 14-17
C．From April 16-18	D．From April 14-27

3. If you want to pay less with your 6-year-old child who is 89cm tall, which place is the best choice?

A．New World Beijing Hotel	B．City Weekend Easter Party
C．The Peninsula Beijing	D．The Spartan Junior Race