Scientists are urging that deep sea metal mining should be stopped temporarily. They warn in a report that it can cause severe and damaging effects on Pacific Ocean areas.
The recently-released report examined more than 250 published studies on deep Sea mining. The research was examined by the Deep Sea Mining Campaign- a collection of not-for profit organizations. The report centers on mining activities related to small metallic particles(金属颗粒)，called nodules, found on the seabed. The material can contain different metals. Increasing demand for these metals has led to a rise in deep-sea mining operations. The metals are commonly used in battery manufacturing and other technology products.
However, the scientists warn that mining for these nodules will cause irreversible(不可逆的) damage to an ocean already under pressure. The operations will affect areas across the South Pacific, including the nations of Kiribati, the Cook Islands, Nauru, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.
The report notes that a moratorium is the only responsible way to move forward until certain conditions surrounding deep-sea mining can be met. The scientists are calling for additional study to fully understand the environmental, social and economic risks.
Andrew Chin is the report's lead researcher. He says in a statement that nodule mining will likely result in the loss of sea life and cause damage to deep seabeds for thousands of years. He adds that the operations can put people at risk who depend on the ocean and its continued health.
A company planning to be one of the first to carry out mining operations in the area is Canada's DeepGreen, which aims to begin by 2024. It seeks to mine metallic nodules to be used in power systems for electric vehicles. DeepGreen Chief Executive Officer Gerard Barron defended the company's plans in reaction to the report. He said deep-sea mining offered the best alternative to surface mining, which has & long history of pollution and destroying forests and wildlife.
1. Why are deep-sea mining operations on the rise?| A．More metals are needed. | B．Surface mining is banned, |
| C．Battery industry is falling. | D．The seabed is easy to find, |
| A．Loose measure. | B．Thorough study. | C．Permanent deal. | D．Temporary stop. |
| A．Conditions surrounding deep-sea mining are great. |
| B．The damage caused by nodule mining is reversible. |
| C．Nodule mining can cause harm in various aspects. |
| D．People sure less likely to be affected by nodule mining, |
| A．Opposed. | B．Supportive. | C．Ambiguous. | D．Unconcerned. |
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REDUCING WATER POLLUTION IN THE LI RIVER
The beautiful Li River and its amazing surrounding scenery is one of the most wellknown tourist destinations in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It attracts millions of domestic and foreign visitors each year. However, its reputation as a top destination has had negative effects on the river’s water quality. This report looks at the problem of water pollution and some actions that have been taken to deal with it．Previously, water quality in the Li River had suffered greatly from an increasing volume of tourists, many of whom frequently threw garbage into the river. Many tour boats contributed to the problem too.
Kitchens on board were using lots of oil, which was often thrown into the water. The growth in tourism also meant the local population rose rapidly,as well as the number of commercial and industrial enterprises. Water pollution levels increased, with more household and commercial waste ending up in the river. In order to feed more people,more chemicals were used to increase crop production. These chemicals led to severe water quality issues,causing a decrease in the number of fish species. Local officials were concerned that the pollution was damaging the natural environment and felt that urgent steps should be taken to restore the river's original beauty.
A comprehensive initiative was started, with a number of measures that addressed the issues. The construction of waste water treatment facilities improved the water quality and water conservation.The collection and transport of household waste was also improved.Dozens of polluting enterprises were closed or moved. The local government set up strict regulations regarding further industrial development. New rules were also introduced regarding tour boat routes and garbage disposal methods. Furthermore, the local authorities began to use the media to spread environmental awareness and encourage greater use of clean energy. At the same time, they started to carry out inspections regularly and fine tourist organisations for abuse. With these measures,it is believed that the beauty of the Li River will be preserved for generations to come．
In addition,the ambitious “Water Ten Plan” is also now tackling water pollution across the country. Other initiatives,such as the “River Chief System”, hold senior officials responsible for reducing water pollution. With such campaigns in effect, China’s waterways are heading towards a clean and sustainable future.1. What’s the passage mainly about?
| A．The beauty of the Li River. |
| B．What some tourists did led to the water pollution. |
| C．Some measures to reduce water pollution in the Li River. |
| D．The ways to increase crop production. |
| A．Some tourists didn’t care about the Li River. |
| B．What have caused water pollution in the Li River? |
| C．Some tourists threw garbage into the Li River. |
| D．The local population rose rapidly. |
| A．The chemicals have caused a decrease in the number of fish species. |
| B．The reputation of the Li River has a negative effect on the river’s water quality. |
| C．The media has a good effect on encouraging greater use of clean energy. |
| D．The local government did nothing to protect the water quality in Li River. |
| A．people can do nothing to reduce water pollution in Li River |
| B．tourists are not allowed to visit the Li River |
| C．the local authorities never inspect the Li River |
| D．some measures have been taken to reduce water pollution in the Li River |
【推荐2】Imagine a world without insects. It might sound good at first without creepy-crawly bugs and annoying flies in your apartment. However, the consequences would be disastrous.
The number of insects has dropped by more than half in the past decades, according to British biologist Dave Goulson, author of Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse. As insects make up most of the known species on this planet, this data is not good news, The Guardian reported on July 25.
Insects are indeed on the path to extinction, according to the first global scientific review of insect population decline, which was published in the journal Biological Conservation in January 2019. The researchers say intensive agriculture has been the main cause of the decline. Pesticides, in particular, destroy insect habitats. Urbanization and climate change are also significant factors.
“Unless we change our ways of producing food, insects as a whole will go down the path of extinction in a few decades,” the researchers wrote in the review. “The repercussions (影响) this will have for the planet’s ecosystems are catastrophic to say the least.”
What would happen to Earth without insects? It’s almost impossible to predict, but the consequences would be far-reaching. We need insects to pollinate (授粉) crops, recycle plant and animal material, keep the soil healthy and much more. Without insects, many animals would have nothing to eat, and the predators of those animals would go hungry as well. The ecosystem would be thrown off balance.
“If insect species losses cannot be halted, this will have catastrophic consequences for both the planet’s ecosystems and for the survival of mankind,” said Francisco Sanchez-Bayo at the University of Sydney, Australia, one of the authors of the review.
The first step to halting this process is “to engender a society that values the natural world, both for what it does for us and for its own sake”, Goulson suggests. “The obvious place to start is with our children, encouraging environmental awareness from an early age.”
1. What does the underlined word “disastrous” in paragraph 1 probably mean?| A．Highly helpful. | B．Very interesting. |
| C．Extremely terrible. | D．Impossible to predict. |
| A．Problems with intensive agriculture. |
| B．Causes of the decline in the insect population. |
| C．Factors causing insect habitat loss. |
| D．Influence of urbanization on insects. |
| A．They help slow down climate change. |
| B．They reduce the number of predators. |
| C．They have a great impact on the ecosystem. |
| D．They keep the soil dry and healthy. |
| A．Exploring the natural world often. |
| B．Providing insects with enough food. |
| C．Taking children to watch insects closely. |
| D．Raising public awareness of natural protection. |
【推荐3】Looking for a fun World Earth Day activity? You may want to try plogging, or picking up litter while jogging. The new “sport” is becoming extremely popular with runners worldwide, many of whom are posting photos of themselves and friends holding bags of trash on social media.
Originated from the word jogging and “plocka upp”, a Swedish expression which means “pick up”, plogging is the idea of Erik Alström. In 2016, after moving to Stockholm, Alström became increasingly agitated at the amount of trash on the road during his daily bike ride to work. Since picking up litter while on his bike was hard to do, Alström began making the activity part of his daily runs. “I was shocked by the amount of junk along the way,” he said, “The same trash could remain on the road for several weeks without anyone picking it up, so I started picking it up.”
Other joggers soon joined Alström, and, by the end of 2016, the activity became so popular that official “plogging” events, with groups of runners entering, began appearing suddenly all across Sweden. As plogging began turning up on social media, the new “sport” started to spread beyond Sweden, first to other European countries and then worldwide. The official online “Plogga” group now has members from over 40 countries, all the way from the United States to Thailand and Ecuador. Many school running clubs are also getting in on the action, posting photos of themselves after going plogging together or holding competitions that reward the runner with the heaviest trash bag.
According to Swedish fitness app Lifesun, a person burns about 288 calories while plogging for half an hour. This is about 50 calories more than he/she would burn when just jogging. So, why not put on your running shoes, take a trash bag or two and make every day World Earth Day?
1. What can we learn about plogging from the text?| A．It was created on World Earth Day. | B．It encourages people to run to work. |
| C．It is enjoyed by worldwide travelers. | D．It is an environmentally friendly sport. |
| A．Familiar. | B．Doubtful. | C．Upset. | D．Interested. |
| A．The online group “Plogga”. | B．The Internet. |
| C．The government. | D．School clubs. |
| A．Making plogging a daily habit. | B．Doing more exercise to burn calories. |
| C．Improving the environment every day. | D．Celebrating this year's World Earth Day. |
Drayton believes that anyone can become an agent for change. The important thing is to simply give yourself permission. If you see a problem that you care about, you can help solve it. The young in particular are willing to accept this concept because at heart every child wants to grow into a happy, healthy, contributing adult. In fact ,It is many young people's ambition to set up programmes or businesses that improve social conditions. An excellent example is an Ashoka project started in 1995 in Dhaka, which handled the rubbish problem facing the city ,helped local farmers and provided an income for poor people there .
When Masqsood and Iftekhar began to study the problem of all the uncollected rubbish that lay in Dhaka’s streets. Attracting tats and disease , they discovered that 80% of it was natural waste . So they educated the poor people in the city to compost (把……制成堆粪)this waste . They knew that they would have a market for the end product because local farmers were struggling with chemical ferntilisers (化肥) which were expensive and had reduced the natural minerals in the soil over the years . At first , they were refused ,but once they were able to persuade that there was money to be made , the project took off. In 2009 sales were $14,000.
Drayton is optimistic that in ten years Ashoka will be making really serious, practical progress in bringing about social change by changing the way we look at economic development.
1. Which of the following could be the best title for the passage?| A．changemakers | B．Businessmen |
| C．Social Conditions | D．Rubbish Problem |
| A．the local farmers | B．Masqsood and Iftekhar |
| C．Drayton and his team | D．the poor people in Dhaka |
| A．considers Drayton's concept |
| B．gets permission from Ashoka |
| C．tries to improve social conditions |
| D．is a young, happy and healthy adult |
| A．changing | B．forgiving | C．cautious | D．Positive |
【推荐2】If there is one thing that people from different cultures around the world all love, it's good food. But, as time goes on, people's tastes tend to change. To help you stay up to date, the BBC recently predicted some food trends to look out for in 2020.
A fashionable food trend we may see in 2020 is a focus on environmentally friendly eating. People are becoming more aware of how their lifestyle choices impact the world around them. Therefore, some of these trends focus on living a healthier lifestyle and keeping the environment in mind.
One way to help the environment is by eating locally grown food and eating seasonal produce. “I believe in 2020 we will see the food focus move to seasonal eating, with more home-grown ingredients,” BBC television presenter and produce expert Chris Bavin commented.
You may also notice some people switching to a plant-based diet this year. The Vegan Society, a UK charity and the oldest of its kind in the world, calculated that the number of vegans (严格的素食者) in Britain has quadrupled (翻四倍) since 2014. They also predict that by 2025, a quarter of the UK population will be vegan or vegetarian and half will be “flexitarians” (半荤半素者).
“Flexitarians” mainly follow a plant-based diet, but will eat meat from time to time. They are also going to expect better quality meats, too.
“We're seeing a more considered approach to meat. Because some people are eating less of it, when they do eat it they want to make it count. They want to really enjoy it,” said Tor Harris, head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Waitrose, a British supermarket chain.
Another food trend to look out for in 2020 is eating with a focus on health. “I think yet again the interest in health-conscious dishes will grow,” English chef Tom Kerridge commented. High-protein and lower-calorie food will be the things to look out for, he said.
These fashionable food trends of 2020 seem to have the environment and health in mind. Which ones are you planning to try out for yourself?
1. What does the food trend focus on?| A．Environment and health. | B．Fashion. |
| C．Local and seasonal eating. | D．Plant-based diets. |
| A．by having a plant-based diet |
| B．by eating locally grown food |
| C．by eating seasonal produce |
| D．by eating good quality meat |
| A．Make it delicious. |
| B．Make sure how much it is. |
| C．Make it important and worthy. |
| D．Make a record of it. |
It was reported that Burbure and his family are in a celebratory mood. "It's a proud moment for all of us," his wife told DNAIndia.com．
I, on the other hand, am unable to share their enthusiasm．Don't get me wrong: I hope the 35-year-old Burbure lives forever, sells a million records and becomes an international celebrity．But his record—singing for 80 hours straight—is about as meaningful as most of the other curious but crazy feats listed in the Guinness Book of World Records．
Granted, I'm not qualified to speak on the subject．I've got no world records to my name, and I never expect to have any．Then again, maybe I am qualified to speak for those of us who have better things to do than train for years to sing an 80-hour medley（集成曲）of pop songs．
But let’s not just pick on poor Burbure．He’s not the only person chasing meaningless accolades（荣誉）．The Guinness Book of World Records is full of the names of people who at one time grew the longest hair, or built the biggest bicycle, or baked the largest cheesecake．
To all of these enterprising souls I ask, simply, "What was it all for?"
Congratulations! For all of your painstaking effort, you became a footnote in a thick book that no one reads, except for you and the person who will eventually surpass you, with one more hour of singing, a few more centimeters of steel or a few more pounds of cheese．
After all, records are made to be broken．
1. From the text, we can conclude that the author _________．
| A．thinks singing for 80 hours straight is completely meaningless |
| B．feels it a pity he was not invited to share the happiness with the Burbures |
| C．is quite worried about Burbure’s vocal cords |
| D．has no Guinness records, so he admires Burbures’ feat |
| A．become an international celebrity |
| B．know all about Guinness records |
| C．practice a great deal |
| D．bear great stress for fear of injury |
| A．after the 80 hours of singing, Burbure could no longer speak |
| B．Burbure’s wife didn’t support his attempt to make a Guinness record |
| C．many have criticized Burbure for his stupid behavior |
| D．challenging a Guinness record may be harmful to the health |
| A．positive | B．impressed | C．negative | D．touched |
【推荐1】We live in a world where it's often not easy to find someone to trust. A smiling person always inspires trust. Even economists consider that smiles are valuable.A smile may increase other people's trust by about 10%.
People may also smile when they are caught doing bad things.According to a study made by LaFrance and Hecht，this can in fact be to their own advantage.We have a tendency to be kinder towards those who make mistakes if they wear a smile while being caught.Even a guilty smile may help you get away pretty easily when you make mistakes.
We may also smile when we hear a piece of good news.In this case，women tend to smile more often than men.Smiling can also be a means of reducing the pain caused by a troubling situation.Even if we force ourselves to smile when we don't want to，this may be enough to lift our spirits just a little bit.
When we feel angry or anxious，our attention tends to narrow down.We can no longer see what's going on around us and we can only notice what is in front of us.But if we smile，we feel better and increase flexibility of our attention and the ability to think.Smiling can help us focus and understand better.
“Keep on smiling，and the world will smile with you.”One of the greatest social pleasure is to smile and be smiled to in return，especially because this comes like a natural thing.
People who smile often live longer.A study based on some pictures taken of some baseball players suggested that those who used to smile a lot survived about 7 years longer than those who did not smile very often.
1. The passage mainly talks about .| A．the benefits of smiling |
| B．the occasions when you smile |
| C．the ways of smiling |
| D．the reasons why people smile |
| A．admit their mistakes |
| B．show they are excited |
| C．avoid blame or punishment |
| D．prove they are kind |
| A．men seldom smile at a piece of good news |
| B．smiles can be helpful whatever the situation is |
| C．we should force ourselves to smile whenever it is |
| D．in general，men are more likely to smile than women |
| A．if we smile, it is hard to be smiled to |
| B．if we smile, others will smile to us in return |
| C．if we want to smile, the world will smile to us in time |
| D．if we smile sometimes, we will make the world full of smiles |
【推荐2】Poet William Stafford once said that we are defined more by the detours (绕行路) in life than by the narrow road toward goals. I like this image. But it was quite by accident that I discovered the deep meaning of his words.
For years we made the long drive from our home in Seattle to my parents' home in Boise in nine hours. We traveled the way most people do: the fastest, shortest easiest road, especially when I was alone with four noisy, restless kids who hates confinement (限制) and have strong opinions about everything.
Road trips felt risky, so I would drive fast, stopping only when I had to. We would stick to the freeways and arrive tired.
But then Banner, our lamb was born. He was rejected by his mama days before our planned trip to Boise. I had two choices: leave Banner with my husband, or take him with me. My husband made the decision for me.
That is how I found myself on the road with four kids, a baby lamb and nothing but my everlasting optimism to see me through. We took the country roads out of necessity. We had to stop every hour, let Banner shake out his legs and feed him. The kids chased him and one another. They'd get back in the car breathless and energized, smelling fresh from the cold air.
We explored side roads, catching grasshoppers in waist-high grass. Even if we simply looked out of the car windows at baby pigs following their mother, or fish leaping out of the water, it was better than the best ride down the freeway. Here was life. And new horizons.
We eventually arrived at my parents' doorstep astonishingly fresh and full of stories.
I grew brave with the trip back home and creative with my disciplining technique. On an empty section of road, everyone started quarreling. I stopped the car, ordered all kids out and told them to meet me up ahead. I parked my car half a mile away and read my book in sweet silence.
Some road trips are by necessity fast and straight. But that trip with Banner opened our eyes to a world available to anyone adventurous enough to wander around and made me realize that a detour may uncover the best part of a journey-and the best part of yourself.
1. Why did the author use to take freeways to her parents' home?| A．It was less tiring. |
| B．It would be faster and safer. |
| C．Her kids would feel less confined. |
| D．She felt better with other drivers nearby. |
| A．Freeways are where beauty hides. |
| B．Getting close to nature adds to the joy of life |
| C．Enjoying the beauty of nature benefits one's health |
| D．One should follow side roads to watch wild animals |
| A．To give herself some time to read. |
| B．To order some food for them. |
| C．To play a game with them. |
| D．To let them cool down. |
| A．Charm of the Detour |
| B．The Road to Bravery |
| C．Creativity out of Necessity |
| D．Road trip and Country Life |
【推荐3】When we talk about positive thinking, we often use terms having to do with our hearts — open heart, pure heart or joyful heart. But new research from Duke University is making a closer connection, finding that a positive attitude may be helpful to people who have angina (心绞痛)，a common heart condition.
Symptoms of this condition include chest pain or pressure because the heart is not receiving sufficient oxygen. Patients who displayed optimistic thought patterns, including having positive expectations about recovery, were 40 percent less likely to be hospitalized or require surgery than those who were not optimistic, according to the study. The researchers collected data from 2,400 patients who had diagnoses of angina.
An interesting additional finding from the patients' questionnaires was that the most optimistic patients were also the least likely to have histories of heart attack, heart failure or heart disease.
The researchers did not declare a causal relationship between positive thinking and better heart disease outcomes, however. There are multiple possible reasons for the results of the study, including the idea that patients who are healthier to begin with are more likely to expect to recover and regain good health.
But the study does represent a new way of looking at the situation. Now, in addition to a body of research that examines the relationship between depression and heart health, there is a new way of inquiry that asks whether positive thinking could be used as a strategy to improve outcomes.
Lead researcher Alexander Fanaroff, a fellow in the department of cardiology (心脏病学) at the Duke University Medical Center, told the Duke Chronicle that his next research question will find ways to improve attitudes among heart patients.
Perhaps his subjects could reflect on the word of the writer Anthony J. D'Angelo: "Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart."
1. How can people with angina get better according to the study?| A．By expecting more. | B．By thinking positively. |
| C．By getting timely surgery. | D．By taking more exercise. |
| A．To explore how to improve patients’ attitudes. |
| B．To find out the ways to treat heart patients. |
| C．To learn the causes of heart diseases. |
| D．To test if positive attitudes help with health. |
| A．Optimistic people hardly get heart attack. |
| B．People's attitudes decide their overall health. |
| C．How positive thinking benefits heart health is unclear. |
| D．The reason why patients recover well is that they have no depression. |
| A．Keep positive to get rid of illness |
| B．Angina, a kind of serious condition |
| C．Depression, a key cause of heart attack |
| D．Positive thinking makes hearts healthier |
【推荐1】Greg Kloehn, an artist in Oakland, California is using his skills to help the homeless. He builds very small shelters that make life on the streets a little more comfortable. The structures offer the homeless some safety and protection from bad weather. Each little house also has wheels on the bottom so it can go wherever its owner goes.
Greg Kloehn has given away at least 20 tiny houses. Several are on the roadside near an active railroad. On a recent day, Mr Kloehn stops at one to visit Oscar Young. The two men hug. Inside his little shelter Mr. Young gets relief from cold nights on the streets. Mr Kloehn also visits Sweet-Pea, another friend who also lives in one of the little homes the artist built. She says it keeps her safe and protects her possessions.
In the mornings, Mr Kloehn searches the streets for building materials. He gathers what he can and takes it to his studio. There, he puts the houses together. Empty coffee bags become roof material. A washing machine door and refrigerator part become windows. Nails, screws and the sticky glue hold all the pieces together. The artist also attaches a small electrical device to the house. The device is powered by the sun.
Some of the people living on the streets once had normal houses of their own. But some of the people say they have learned to live with less and they are thankful to that man.
Mr Kloehn says his work is not a social project. He says he is just someone using his skills to help his homeless neighbors.
1. What are the advantages of the small shelters ____________.① saving power and energy
② decorating the streets where they are
③ protecting possessions of the homeless
④ earning fame for Mr. Kloehn
| A．①④ | B．①② | C．①③ | D．③④ |
| A．an act of kindness has made people simple and grateful |
| B．Greg Kloehn has sold at least 20 tiny houses |
| C．the government has got involved in the action |
| D．the shelters are immovable |
| A．kind and creative |
| B．modest and funny |
| C．generous and rich |
| D．helpful and proud |
| A．An artist creates homes for the homeless. |
| B．A more comfortable shelter on the streets. |
| C．Helping others makes the world more beautiful. |
| D．An artist makes a living by designing small shelters. |
【推荐2】Life In The Future
What life will be like in the future is difficult to predict. It is, however, possible to use models to make forecasts about future developments. One way to catch a glimpse of the future is to examine some of the major trends in contemporary society.
Transportation
Current trends (趋势) indicate that transportation is becoming cleaner, faster and safer. Public transportation is already well developed in most urban areas of China. New technology is being used to make sure that the cars, taxis, buses and trains we use do not pollute the air. A good example of how transportation is changing is the new maglev train, which is environmentally friendly, energysaving and travels at an amazing speed 430 km/h. To ensure safety, the train is controlled by an advanced computer system. Scientists are also developing new fuels and engines that will let us travel without worrying about whether we are polluting the environment.
Business
It will not be business as usual in the future. Many companies and consumers have already begun reforming the way they do business. Ecommerce, or business done on the Internet is becoming more and more popular as people discover the advantages of online shopping. The Internet also makes it easier for companies to keep in touch with customers and companies in other countries. For people who do go out for shopping, shopping is no longer just a necessity. It has become a form of entertainment. Instead of searching a crowded store for basic goods, such as food and clothes, people want to go to a pleasant mall and combine shopping with fun.
1. Which of the following is not the feature of future transportation?| A．It will be greener. | B．It will be safer. |
| C．It will be faster. | D．It will be cheaper. |
| A．It is business done on the Internet. |
| B．It is business related to electricity. |
| C．It is business related to electronics. |
| D．It is business done by electricians. |
| A．In the mall people can not only shop but also have fun. |
| B．The future mall will be as large as a small city. |
| C．People can do anything in the future mall. |
| D．The future mall will offer everything people need. |
【推荐3】After exactly a year of staying at home, we have adapted to socializing digitally, in short bursts of time.Remember in Before Times you could head to the gym after work and then get dressed for dinner and a night out? The pandemic(疫情) has changed this. Our social batteries have run out of charge. It's been a long time since we had to perform our social role for an extended period.
For 23-year-old Hafsa, the excitement of her friends and family to restart their social lives has left her astonished. “ At the minute my parents are planning a trip abroad and I keep postponing getting back to them with a date,” she explains. “They don't know it's because of all of this. Just the thought of being in a room full of people is scary, it's like going back to school.”
Heather Garbutt, psychotherapist of the Counselling & Psychotherapy Centre says communication is key to recharging your unused social battery. “Take it slowly and don't immediately organize a large get-together,” she advises. “Go for a walk with somebody for no more than half an hour and gently get used to being with people again. It may actually be a shock to our system which has been shut down to some degree to cope with absence. We may have that longing to be with others, but that doesn't mean we are free from anxiety. It would be good to start off with a conversation about what it's going to be like when you are all together again.”
She says finding some causal topics to discuss also works. Acknowledge that many of you may feel a bit awkward after being physically apart for so long. It's a bit like learning to walk again after you've broken a limb. It may all be off-balance to begin with but you will find a new steadiness with practice. Whatever happens post-pandemic, your loved ones can't judge if you want to take it easy and not engage in the festivities immediately. We are recovering from a post-pandemic stress disorder, after all.
1. What has become of us after a year of staying at home?| A．We are addicted to chatting with people online' |
| B．We may feel it impossible to go back to normal |
| C．We are quite looking forward to being with people. |
| D．We may find it hard to socialize with others like before. |
| A．Anxious. | B．Excited. |
| C．Astonished. | D．Guilty. |
| A．Pay a visit to a close friend and stay over. |
| B．Hang out with your friends for several hours. |
| C．Have a brief chat about your future get-together. |
| D．Ignore those who are anxious about connecting with others. |
| A．What Can Help Repair Our Social Networks? |
| B．How Can We Restore Our Social Batteries? |
| C．When Can We Speed Up Our Reunion Plan? |
| D．Why Did the Pandemic Mess Up Our Social Life? |
