The English language is changing, and you are responsible! Whether we consider changes in grammar, spelling, pronunciation, or the very vocabulary of the language, you have played your part and continue to do so.
When we first learned basic grammar and spelling, perhaps in elementary school, we might have gotten the impression that these things were sacred. The rules that apply to such things might have been presented as unchanging and unchangeable. While this way might be helpful for teaching children, it is far from accurate.
The English language, like many others, is a living, growing, ever-evolving thing. Like it or not, you are involved in this change. These changes take many forms. Grammar and spelling have changed greatly over the years and centuries, with the spelling differences in different countries today a reflection of this. While the language of a thousand years ago might be called English, most of us would hardly recognize it today as the same language.
The first involves changes in the pronunciation of words. Many are familiar with the differences between the British and American ways of pronouncing certain words. In addition to these differences, the pronunciation of many words has changed over the years because of how you have decided to pronounce them. For example, consider the word "err." The traditional pronunciation of this word rhymes with the word "her." Older dictionaries show this to be the primary or only pronunciation. However, in recent years, more and more people have been pronouncing it so that it sounds like "air." Another change in the language involves the addition and removal of words. The makers of dictionaries decide which words deserve to be officially adopted as part of the English language. Through the centuries, many words have come from other languages. In fact, English has probably done this more than any other language in the world, which is why spelling and pronunciation rules for English have so many exceptions.
Of course, many slang words have been just short-lived fashions that have died out quickly. Others, though, have been adopted by mainstream society and become respectable, as have many technical terms. So then remember, the next time you repeat the newest expression to hit the street, or make up your own words, you may be contributing to the future of the English language.
1. When we begin to learn English, we think _________.| A．it is interesting to pick up a new language | B．English rules are wrongly presented in fact |
| C．grammar and spelling rules are unchangeable | D．only adults have the ability to affect a language |
| A．we can change the English language |
| B．many languages are changing over years |
| C．English has changed little in the past 1,000 years |
| D．there were main changes in grammar and pronunciation |
| A．people speak in different ways | B．people have adopted foreign words |
| C．it has been affected by American English | D．makers of dictionaries often change them |
| A．Foreign words involved in English. | B．The British speaks differently from Americans. |
| C．English language is changing over years. | D．You can change the English language. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】A student is learning to speak British English. He wonders: Can I communicate with Americans? Can they understand me? Learners of English often ask: What are the differences between British and American English? How important are these differences?
Certainly! There are some differences between British and American English. There are a few differences in grammar. For example, speakers of British English say “in hospital” and “Have you a pen?” Americans say “in the hospital!” and “Do you have a pen?”. Pronunciation is sometimes different. Americans usually sound theirs in words like “bird” and “hurt”. Speakers of British English do not sound theirs in these words. There are differences between British and American English in spelling and vocabulary. For example, “color” and “honor” are British, “color” and honor” are American.
These differences in grammar, pronunciation, spelling and vocabulary are not important, however. For the most part, British and American English are the same language.
1. According to this passage, a student who is learning to speak American English might be afraid that_______.| A．British people cannot understand him | B．American people cannot understand him |
| C．the grammar is too hard for him | D．the spelling is too hard for him |
| A．spelling | B．pronunciation | C．grammar | D．all of the above |
| A．British people | B．Americans | C．children | D．teachers |
| A．little | B．much | C．some | D．great |
【推荐2】“Baby signing”classes established to improve language skills actually make little difference to children’s development, according to new research. Scholars claimed there was no evidence that the lessons —in which babies are taught simple gestures to communicate their everyday needs —enable children to talk quicker than others.
In a three-year study, it was claimed that the method could make mothers more responsive to their children’s behaviors but failed to actually increase babies’vocabulary. An active home environment in which parents regularly talk to their children was much more effective, researchers warned. The findings will cast doubt on the movement —born in the United States—which has proved hugely popular among middle-class parents.
Baby signing is now a multi-million pound industry, with thousands of mothers and fathers paying for classes, books and DVDs, Young children are taught simple gestures for words and phrases to communicate their everyday needs, such as“milk”“more”“all gone”“food”and “tired”. It is claimed that the technique brings great benefits, including improving the relationship between mother and child, helping language development and even increasing a child’s intelligence.
But research from Hertfordshire University has found no evidence that using baby signing helps to improve their language development. The scholars added,“Baby signing has become big business and mothers,particularly first-time mums or less confident parents, feel the pressure to do it. Some even think if I don’t do it and everyone else does, I must be a bad mother.”
However, baby signing experts hardly sustained the findings. Wendy Moat, 45, who has been running baby signing classes for three years, said that the classes encouraged speech development, and may help develop a higher IQ. She said“So many mums say that their children talk so well because they did baby signing when they were babies. Parents wouldn’t say it if they didn’t believe it.”
1. Which of the following may help improve children’s language skills?| A．Talking to them as much as possible | B．Using simple words and phrases |
| C．Buying them more books and DVDs | D．Creating a serious home environment |
| A．found | B．got rid of | C．supported | D．quit |
| A．Baby signing classes fail to improve children's language skills. |
| B．Baby signing classes increase children's intelligence. |
| C．How to improve the relationship between mother and child |
| D．How to teach children to communicate effectively. |
【推荐3】Every two weeks, the time period after which many people collect a paycheck, a language dies.
So concerning is the potential for language loss that the National Science Foundation this year launched the Documenting Endangered Languages program to advance knowledge related to endangered human languages. The launch of the program is even more urgent given the fact that about half of all current languages being used in the world have been classified at varying degrees of endangerment.
At the University of Arizona, which is an important site for language preservation, a number of researchers are involved in activities meant to document endangered and lost languages. Others are working to help preserve languages classified as "moribund", meaning that no children are learning their native languages as their first languages in their own homes.
A number of UA programs—some of them decades old—are dedicated to language preservation. Most recently, Christian Ruvalcaba, a graduate student, launched "The Language Capital Project "and is creating maps for corresponding website to help non-national language speakers to find and connect with one another.
"Languages allow people to create an identity for themselves and as community members", said Elizabeth Kickham, a visiting professor in the UA Department of Linguistics. "Language is so closely tied to culture: it not only reflects cultural practices, it is also influenced by them. Language and culture influence each other, so it’s difficult to separate them. You can, but you lose something when you do."
"One of the advantages of studying at the University of Arizona is the wealth of linguistic diversity to be found among the student population,” said Kickham, who involved her students in language preservation training this semester.
"Exposure to diverse populations, including languages, enables a richer understanding of the human experience," Kickham said. " Languages are beautiful. When people hear someone speaking a language they needn’t feel that the person doesn’t know how to speak English but rather that person has a wealth of resources."
1. Why did the National Science Foundation launch the program?| A．To bring back lost languages. |
| B．To develop endangered languages. |
| C．To increase understanding of endangered languages. |
| D．To investigate the number of endangered languages. |
| A．Where there is a website for lost languages |
| B．Where non-national language speakers live. |
| C．Where they can learn the national language. |
| D．Where they can communicate in their native language. |
| A．The influence of cultural practices. | B．The importance of diverse languages. |
| C．A need for language preservation training | D．A better understanding of different cultures. |
| A．Language Loss Calls for Preservation | B．Language Reflects Human Self-identity |
| C．Preserving Non-national Language | D．Identifying the Causes of Language Loss |
【推荐1】Santosh Jadhav, a 28-year-old farmer from Maharashtra’s Sangli district, had never dreamed he would be trending on YouTube tending to his land. But as you watch his videos on Indian Farmer—the channel he runs with his friend, Akash Jadhav, 27—you quickly understand why he is attracting millions of views.
Set up in 2018, Indian Farmer was a result of the two friends’ love of farming, technology and filmmaking. Their videos offer tips, advice and information on various aspects of agriculture, including direct-farming techniques, agriculture-related activities, new farming tools, and agricultural apps. In addition to explaining how agricultural markets function, the channel shares success stories from across the country. A section that draws the most attention features workable solutions to everyday problems and do-it-yourself mechanical quick-fixes.
“We were looking to do something together. Agriculture was something we had in common. Plus, we were young and idealistic—we wanted to do something with a social impact,” says Santosh.
The channel has certainly made a mark, as the numbers show. Since 2018, their channel has built a user base of 21.5 million, thanks to the affordable mobile data revolution and the increasing popularity of smartphones in India. While Akash takes charge of the production side of things, Santosh offers his hands-on knowledge obtained from running his family farm. According to them, the Indian Farmer channel adds an average of 60,000 subscribers and earns between 70,000 and 100,000 in revenue every month.
“Knowledge in this sector is often inter-generational: a farmer is limited to what the others nearby know and do. There was very little by way of books or culture channels that addressed the needs, mistakes and scarcities of farmers. Social media has changed things, enabling cross-sharing of knowledge, all for free,” Akash says.
1. What’s the channel’s most popular section?| A．Inspiring stories. | B．Advanced tools. |
| C．Practical solutions. | D．Agricultural activities. |
| A．Experienced and sociable. | B．Cooperative and devoted. |
| C．Conservative and diligent. | D．Courageous and humorous. |
| A．To show the economic gains. | B．To imply the cooperation relationship. |
| C．To highlight social media engagement. | D．To indicate the success of the channel. |
| A．Resources were available to address farmers’ needs. |
| B．Farming knowledge relies on books and the Internet. |
| C．Agricultural modernization is dependent on technology. |
| D．Social media facilitates free knowledge exchange in agriculture. |
【推荐2】Parents do not owe (欠) their children a college education, if they can afford it, they can certainly send them to a good university. But they needn’t feel guilty if they can’t. When children grow up and want to get married, their parents do not owe them an apartment. They do not have the duty to look after their grandchildren, either. If they want to do it, it must be considered a favor, not an obligation.
Do parents owe their children anything? Yes, they owe them a great deal.
One of their obligations is to give their children a sense of personal worth. Children who are always made to feel stupid and unworthy, constantly compared with brighter brothers, sisters, or cousins will become so unsure, so afraid of failing that they won’t try at all. Of course, they should be properly corrected when they do wrong, but it’s often better to let children learn from their mistakes by themselves in time. All their parents should do is to trust them, respect them, understand them and give them chances to try and fail. They must learn to stand failure. When criticisms (批评) are really needed, they should be balanced with a smile and a kiss. That is the way children learn.
Parents owe their children a set of solid values around which to build their lives. This means teaching them to respect the rights and opinions of others. Also, it means being respectful to elders, to teachers, and to the law. The best way to teach such values is by deed. A child who is lied to will lie. A child who sees no laughter and no love in the home will have difficulty laughing and loving.
No child asks to be born. If you bring a life into the world, you owe the child something.
1. What does the underlined word “obligation” in Paragraph 1 mean?| A．Duty | B．Burden | C．Excuse | D．Debt |
| A．Offer help but needn’t feel guilty if they can’t. | B．Look after their grandchildren for their kids. |
| C．Buy their kids a house. | D．Send their children to the university. |
| A．Blame them and tell them not to do that again. |
| B．Give them chances to learn from their mistakes. |
| C．Compare them with brighter brothers or sisters. |
| D．Correct their mistakes directly. |
| A．The reason why children feel stupid and unworthy. |
| B．How to teach children correctly. |
| C．The real duties that parents have to their kids. |
| D．The reason why parents owe their children something. |
【推荐3】Every year, thousands of teenagers participate in programs at their local art museums. But do any of them remember their time at museum events later in life? A new report suggests that the answer is yes — and finds that arts-based museum programs are credited with changing the course of alumni’s (毕业生的) lives, even years after the fact.
The Whitney Museum of American Art, the Walker Art Center and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles recently asked researchers to conduct a study to find out how effective their long-standing teen art programs really are. They involved over 300 former participants of four programs for teens that have been in existence since the 1990s. Alumni, whose current ages range from 18 to 36, were invited to find out how they viewed their participation years after the fact.
Among the alumni surveyed, 75 percent of them thought the teen art program experience had the most favorable impact on their own lives, beating the family, school and their neighborhoods. Nearly 55 percent thought that it was one of the most important experiences they had ever had, regardless of age. And two-thirds said that they were often in situations where their experience in museums affected their actions or thoughts.
It turns out that participating in art programs also helps keep teens keen about culture even after they reach adulthood: Ninety-six percent of participants had visited an art museum within the last two years, and 68 percent had visited an art museum five or more times within the last two years. Thirty-two percent of alumni work in the arts as adults.
Though the study is the first of its kind to explore the impact of teen-specific art programs in museums, it reflects other research on the important benefits of engaging with the arts. A decade of surveys by the National Endowment for the Arts found that the childhood experience with the arts is significantly associated with people’s income and educational achievements as adults. Other studies have linked arts education to everything from lower dropout rates to improvement in critical thinking skills.
1. What is the main function of paragraph 1?| A．To make a comparison. | B．To propose a definition. |
| C．To provide the background. | D．To present the subject. |
| A．To change the course of alumni’s lives. |
| B．To introduce the art museums. |
| C．To explore the impact of teen art programs. |
| D．To invite people to participate in the art programs. |
| A．Students are more influenced by the family and school. |
| B．Teen art programs in museums are highly beneficial. |
| C．Many teens fail to realize the great value of art programs. |
| D．Most experiences in museums are boring for today’s teens. |
| A．They are intended to attract more adults. |
| B．They are designed to support art museums. |
| C．They create adults who are culturally aware. |
| D．They provide many job opportunities for adults. |
| A．All prove the good effects of art education. |
| B．All suggest the need to improve museum programs. |
| C．All show the growing popularity of art programs. |
| D．All focus on the link between art and education. |
【推荐1】Some school leaders are left without a clear answer in the debate about whether fitness classes should be required to meet a school’s curriculum (课程) requirements.
To explain the issue, MSNBC analyzes a major study of physical education programs conducted by Cornell University. The study, based on information from 37,000 high school students’ responses to surveys from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), reveals that most students do not believe gym class is effective. This has led nearly all states to create and pass new bills (议案) to improve public schools’ fitness education programs.
Unfortunately, while many states have increased the time students spend in gym class, Cornell’s study found that adding 200 more minutes of time to gym class each week did not produce big changes. Even by adding 200 more weekly minutes, the studies showed that boys generally took part in only 7.5 minutes of more activity per day, while girls only joined in activity 8 additional minutes each week.
Attempting to explain these disappointing results, Cornell’s lead professor of policy analysis and management claims, “The rest of the extra gym time is likely spent sitting — most likely standing around passively while playing sports like softball or volleyball that don’t require constant movement.” Similarly, a study of fitness classes in Texas elementary schools also found that the majority of students spent the class time inactive; specifically, the data suggested that students were only taking part in exercise or movement for about 3 minutes during the entire class period.
Despite the results, the lead professor of the Cornell’s study does not necessarily believe that gym classes should be stopped in public schools, arguing, “We’re not saying schools should get rid of physical education,” but “there has to be a meaningful change in the curriculum.”
1. What does the underlined word “This” refer to in paragraph 2?| A．The survey from CDCP. |
| B．The debate on fitness classes. |
| C．The finding of Cornell’s study. |
| D．The change in fitness education. |
| A．By asking a question. | B．By listing figures. |
| C．By making a comparison. | D．By giving examples. |
| A．To show students had no rest in gym classes. |
| B．To show the finding differed from Cornell’s study. |
| C．To prove students did not have many sport choices. |
| D．To prove the added gym time made little difference. |
| A．Time for more effective fitness classes. |
| B．Time for longer periods of gym classes. |
| C．Time to collect more students’ responses. |
| D．Time to stop fitness classes in public schools. |
【推荐2】Body language plays a big role in communication as it gives us messages about the other person that we can understand nonverbally, just basing the understanding on our feeling. There are four types of body language to be aware of.
Eye contact is one of the most direct and powerful facial expressions. Eyes are always talking. The use of eye contact varies significantly from culture to culture. In some regions, direct eye contact is often considered a sign of trustworthiness. So, if you're in America, you should know soft, attentive eye contact would convey honesty. However, a hard, unblinking stare will send a very different message, similar to the meaning of direct eye contact in some regions.
Gestures can be used to emphasize certain meanings. Pressing fingers together to form steeple（尖塔）shows interest and determination. Touching the nose or rubbing eyes indicates discomfort. A hand on the back of the neck may indicate you are not interested in a conversation.
Body posture can be positive or negative. A firm handshake will give the impression of honesty. Folding arms across your chest is protective. People with arms folded, legs crossed and bodies turning away reject messages. A head held straight up signals a neutral（中立的）attitude. A head sidewards indicates interest. A head down is negative.
The position of speakers and listeners face-to-face, side-by-side or back-to-back, can send powerful messages. In a group, when the leader faces the group and turns toward the one who is speaking, this conveys strong attention. When two people are communicating, competitors more possibly sit facing each other while partners sit side-by-side.
1. Which of the following body language can mean or express honesty?| A．A head sidewards or touching the nose. |
| B．Attentive eye contact or a firm handshake. |
| C．A firm handshake or folded arms across one's chest. |
| D．Attentive eye contact or folded arms across one's chest. |
| A．Touching the nose or rubbing eyes. |
| B．Folding arms across your chest. |
| C．Putting a hand on the back of the neck. |
| D．Pressing fingers together to form a steeple. |
| A．Feel down. | B．Care for. |
| C．Turn down. | D．Agree with. |
| A．Facial expressions. | B．Gestures. |
| C．Body posture. | D．Space relationships. |
“There are factors present in blood from young mice that can recharge an old mouse’s brain so that it functions more like a younger one,”says Dr. Tony from Stanford University School of medicine. In the study published in Nature Medicine, mice aged 18 months were given injections of the blood taken from mice aged 3 months. The injected mice performed better on memory tests than mice of the same age that had not been given the blood. Dr. Tony said it was not known whether the same was true of humans, but a trial was planned.
A research center in UK said the treatment restored certain aspects of learning and memory in mice, but was of unknown importance to humans. The research, while very interesting, did not test the type of brain damage that was seen in dementia, which is not a necessary consequence of ageing.
Meanwhile, two similar studies by a separate team have thrown more light on how young blood may benefit the old, in mice at least. A substance in the blood of mice previously shown to have an anti-ageing effect on heart muscle also improved brain cells, according to a Harvard team. The research, published in Science, found the blood factors encouraged the growth of brain cells in old mice, and restored their sense of smell. The same chemical also improved muscle power of aged mice, the researchers found.
1. The underlined word in paragraph 1 probably means _________.
| A．change | B．destroy |
| C．speed | D．increase |
| A．proving the possibility to live longer. |
| B．showing the importance of scientific research. |
| C．publishing the study in Nature Medicine. |
| D．treating an age-related disease successfully. |
| A．memory | B．muscle power |
| C．fur color | D．brain cells |
| A．supportive | B．objective |
| C．negative | D．doubtful |
【推荐1】Welcome Aboard
This Ride Guide will help you navigate through the city. Inside, you will find important information on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) streetcars, buses, subway trains and stations.
Streetcars
The TTC is planning its new, low-floor streetcars to replace its current streetcars. The streetcars entered service in 2018 on 510 Spadina line. These new vehicles are large, fully-accessible, air-conditioned, and more comfortable with no internal steps.
Express & ‘Rockets’
The TTC operates express or limited-stop rocket services on 25 bus routes. All of the services operate during peak periods from Monday to Friday, and some of the services also operate at off-peak times. Five of the routes are premium-fare Downtown Express routes. Customers travelling on these routes pay a premium (额外费用) fare that is double the regular TTC fare. All other express and rocket routes charge regular TTC fares.
Subway Service
TTC subways operate weekdays and Saturdays from approximately 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sunday service operates from approximately 9 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Holiday start times vary. Trains are fast and frequent running every two to six minutes at all times of the week. Convenient connections are made at stations with TTC buses and streetcars.
1. What is scheduled to be offered on the TTC?| A．Low-floor streetcars | B．Express service |
| C．Subway service | D．Rocket service |
| A．Non-stop rockets on 25 bus routes. |
| B．Trains running around the clock. |
| C．Streetcars with internal steps. |
| D．Premium-fare Uptown Express routes. |
| A．2:30 a.m. | B．4 p.m. |
| C．6 a.m. | D．8 a.m. |
【推荐2】You know all about the dangers of exhaustion. You even know that working too many hours affects your productivity, and yet there’s always one more task that needs finishing one more email to write, or one more impatient customer or boss who doesn’t want to wait till Monday. Here are some tips that may help you deal with pressure at work when you feel exhausted.
Don’t save sleeping time.
Not only does a good night’s sleep improve your mood and cognitive(认知的) ability, but it helps you grow brain cells. Sleep deprivation(匮乏) is associated with a lot of mental and physical illness, and will actually make you age more quickly. Whatever else you have to forego to give way to work and meet the demands of your crazy job, make sure getting a good night’s sleep every night is one of your priorities.
Get plenty of exercise.
Exercise is a known mood elevator and stress killer, as well as something that your body needs to remain healthy. There’s evidence that a daily two-mile walk can help your cognitive function. So fit some exercise in your schedule every day or follow Steve Jobs’ example and conduct meetings while walking.
Take brief breaks during the day.
Even a few minutes between meetings and phone calls will make a big difference. And also, go outside during these breaks. Sunlight and fresh air can do a lot of good.
Put a vacation on your calendar.
Having a vacation on your calendar will give you something to look forward to. And as the date approaches, do not reschedule whatever happens. Taking a vacation will give your mind a rest. You might be surprised at how reinvigorated(振作的) and inspired you’ll be getting back to work.
Schedule evening and weekend activities.
This will give your week some variety ---- it won’t all be about your job. It will be better if your off-hours activities involve other people you care about, such as your spouse, partner, kids, or friends.
1. What might be the purpose of the passage?| A．To show the danger of stress and overwork. |
| B．To tell us some skills of improving work efficiency. |
| C．To persuade people not to work overtime. |
| D．To tell us how to get through high-stress times at work. |
| A．Carry out. | B．Focus on. |
| C．Give up. | D．Get over. |
| A．Conduct meeting while walking. | B．Save sleeping time. |
| C．Take a vacation. | D．Plan weekend activities. |
【推荐3】Independent living at home is the ideal for every aging person. But a fall or other health-threatening incidents can change everything rapidly.
The wearable “panic buttons” introduced in the late 1980s were a great advance. But they only work if people actually wear them and can reach the button in an emergency. Today there are passive wearables that automatically detect falls, and camera-based systems to monitor elder safety.
Coming from a 40-year career in the semiconductor and wireless communication field, Rafi Zack decided to find a better alternative. “People aren’t devoted to wearing small devices 24/7, and camera-based systems are an invasion（侵犯）of privacy,” he points out, “The most challenging aspect is a fall. How fast we can detect a fall matters because the medical situation worsens quickly. Sometimes people stay on the floor for a long time. We have to find out how to solve that problem.”
Zack is a co-founder, CEO and vice president of R&D at EchoCare Technologies which has developed ECHO (Elderly Care Home Observer), a cloud-connected monitor based on radar technology and machine learning.
Because radar sees through walls, one ECHO unit fixed on the ceiling or wall can monitor one person (or two persons, in a future version) in a standard-sized apartment in a senior living facility. The device detects falls, breathing difficulties, drowning in a bathtub and other dangerous events. It gives out warnings to potential health worsening conditions by continuously monitoring and analyzing the person’s location, posture（姿势）, motion and breath. EchoCare tested the device in the United States, Japan, Australia and Israel. ECHO was certified（认证）in 2019 in Japan with the most aging population in the world.
“Bathrooms were the main testing area where about 17,000 deadly accidents happen annually.” said SMK Director and Executive Vice President Tetsuo Hara. “Bathroom makers, home security service providers and nursing homes are highly interested in EchoCare’s solution.” Zack noted, “As more and more elder people live alone as a result of social distancing, there is an increased need to monitor them without the burden of wearables or privacy-invading cameras.”
1. What’s the advantage of ECHO over “panic buttons”?| A．It has camera-based systems. | B．It has been widely accepted. |
| C．It can function without cameras. | D．Its buttons can be easily reached. |
| A．It is designed to send out warnings regularly. |
| B．It monitors dangerous health-related events. |
| C．It was certified in many developed countries. |
| D．It detects more than one person at the same time. |
| A．It’ll become more popular with the elderly. |
| B．It’ll stop 17,000 deaths happening annually. |
| C．It’ll be used in nursing homes and hospitals. |
| D．It’ll help elderly people to live an active life. |
| A．An Advanced Medical Instrument |
| B．A High-tech Monitor for the Elderly |
| C．The Invention of a Healthcare Device |
| D．The Improvement of a Medical Facility |
