Moving can be daunting – whether it’s to a new city or an entirely new country. The good news? Volunteering can be a great way to settle into a new community, meet people, and learn valuable skills.
Kajal Patil moved to the United States from India in February 2017. Having previously volunteered for two years as an assistant yoga teacher in her home country, Kajal was enthusiastic about volunteering and began looking for volunteer opportunities that match her interests. She was drawn to a volunteer opportunity to review applications on behalf of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), which aims to help Latin American and Caribbean business to bring positive changes to their societies and contribute more fully to economic development, prosperity and security in those places.
After connecting with the opportunity and successfully completing the application process, Kajal got to work. Her role involved reviewing 44 in-depth applications from potential candidates across Latin America and the Caribbean for a four-week fellowship in the U.S.. She was responsible for describing the business ideas presented by these candidates, assessing the social impact of their businesses, and determining the strength of candidates to carry out their plans. With almost 4,000 applicants in 2017, volunteers like Kajal were important members of the YLAI team.
Kajal says that this volunteer opportunity super-charged her existing skills, while helping her build new ones such as time management, business analysis, decision-making, planning, and presenting.
She is now looking for her next volunteer opportunity and reflects positively on her experience with YLAI. “A new country brings in a lot of new experiences and volunteering helped me to settle into a new environment,” adds Kajal. “By helping others, I felt needed in society. It promoted my confidence, and other people benefited too. Volunteering is a great opportunity to improve yourself, others, and the whole society.”
Whether you recently moved to a new place or are looking to expand your influence on your current community, find a volunteer opportunity to empower yourself, and others.
1. What do we know about Kajal?| A．She is an experienced volunteer. |
| B．She received education in the U.S.. |
| C．She founded a volunteer organization. |
| D．She worked as a professional yoga teacher. |
| A．Carrying out the selected business plans. |
| B．Assessing the applications of candidates. |
| C．Helping candidates think up business ideas. |
| D．Simplifying candidates’ application process. |
| A．It contributes to local economy. |
| B．It focuses on skills development. |
| C．It helps develop people’s interests. |
| D．It benefits individuals and society. |
| A．To share experience of volunteering. |
| B．To recognize the contribution of YLAI. |
| C．To suggest a way to settle into a new place. |
| D．To evaluate the benefits of volunteering abroad. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Charles Darwin was a very famous scientist who lived in the 1800s. His ideas about evolution (进化) completely changed the way scientists understand the natural world. He recorded his ideas in notebooks marked with letters of the alphabet (字母表), which have been considered extremely important for showing how he developed the evolution.
The Cambridge University Library had several of Mr. Darwin’s notebooks. The two that were missing were kept in a small box, and were last seen in 2000. In 2001, someone noticed that the box was missing. Luckily, the library had taken pictures of the notebooks’ pages, so the information wasn’t completely lost.
In 2020, the library made a huge effort to find the books. Workers searched through the 10 million books and other things in the library, but they didn’t find the notebooks. Finally, the library asked people around the world to help look for the books. They officially reported the missing notebooks as stolen so that the police around the world would search for them.
Nobody could ever have expected the way in which the notebooks were returned recently: in a pink gift bag with a note that said “Librarian, Happy Easter, X”. People at the library quickly recognized the blue box that the notebooks had been stored in. Inside a brown envelope they found the two missing notebooks, tightly wrapped in plastic. After the police had examined the package, library workers were able to open and carefully study the notebooks. They were pleased to learn that the notebooks were in good shape. They hadn’t been damaged and they weren’t missing any pages.
The timing of the return is perfect. The library was planning a show called “Darwin in Conversation”, which is set to open in July. Now the missing notebooks can be part of that show.
1. What did Darwin write in his notebooks?| A．Scientists’ ideas about society. |
| B．The stories of his family. |
| C．His thoughts of evolution. |
| D．The development of the alphabet. |
| A．The library wanted to turn to the police for help. |
| B．The library didn’t want to take on responsibility for the loss. |
| C．The library discovered a librarian stole the notebooks. |
| D．The library realized the notebooks couldn’t be found. |
| A．Proud. | B．Nervous. | C．Unconcerned. | D．Surprised. |
| A．They will be on exhibition. |
| B．They will be hidden forever. |
| C．They will be sold on a show. |
| D．They will be returned to the owner. |
【推荐2】While walking outside one morning. I saw the most beautiful thing ever.
It was early, and I was walking on dewy (带露水的) grass down to the horse stables — my mind on the day’s chores.
Suddenly a blazing (耀眼的) flash erupted (爆发) straight from the ground, about 15 feet in front of me, and shot up into the sky. Its brilliance (光彩) stopped me dead. What could make such a bright light? Could it be a diamond? I waited to see if it would repeat, but it didn’t.
I walked slowly toward it, but saw nothing. I stared down at the grass, searching for gold or some kind of metal — again, nothing. I dropped down to my knees for a closer look. Suddenly, I saw it. The rising sun hit the grass’ dewdrops at the perfect angle (角度), sending brilliant light into the sky. It was as if I had just discovered a tiny new world.
It was unbelievable! How could such a powerful flash come from something so small? On another day, I would have crushed it under my feet. It was as though the unseen world was giving me a heads-up. “Hello, look at what’s around you.” it said. I’ve never forgotten that moment.
So next time you’re out, take some time to notice nature, whose beauty most of us never even see. Our world contains so much beauty if we would just take time to admire it. Look at the brilliant colors and detailed patterns of small flowers that cover playing fields — we walk all over them without a second look. Watch a bee harvesting pollen (花粉), so busy with a purpose, or tiny ants going about their day, or birds singing and fluffing (抖动) their wings. Stop and stare at the beautiful colors of practically any flower on Earth. All of these natural creations are breathtaking (令人惊叹的) —if only we took the time to notice them.
Appreciate nature, and you'll find a new secret each day to keep in your heart. It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
1. How did the author feel when he discovered that dew made the flash?| A．Disappointed. | B．Bored. | C．Amazed. | D．Satisfied. |
| A．Lesson. | B．Message. | C．Hope. | D．Break. |
| A．He didn’t like plants or animals. | B．He was probably busy with his life. |
| C．He probably didn't live a good life. | D．He was dying to make good money. |
| A．To tell people the secrets hidden in nature. |
| B．To show that small things can be powerful. |
| C．To stress the importance of living a comfortable life. |
| D．To encourage people to enjoy the beauty of nature. |
【推荐3】WELCOME TO THE VIRTUAL REALITY CINEMA AMSTERDAM
World's First Reality Cinema
Going to the VR CINEMA offers you the opportunity to watch movies like you've never done before. You can see 360 degree movies using a VR headset. In the VR CINEMA, ringing mobile phones and noisy visitors belong to the past. Furthermore, traditional red cinema chairs or the big white screen are nowhere to be found. Instead, a Samsung Galaxy S6 (smart phone) together with the Samsung Gear VR (virtual reality glasses) transports you to a wholly new world. Headphones shut out background noise, and above all, offer super sound quality. Turning chairs allow you to freely look around and see what's happening above, below, behind, in front, on the right and on the left side of you. So no sore neck, we promise.
In the VR CINEMA, you will experience 30 minutes of the coolest virtual reality films. We proudly present four film selections in different themes in order to please every virtual reality lover. Are you brave enough for our scary films? Will you lose yourself in VR documentaries from around the globe? Do you prefer to go on an adventurous journey like no other? Or do your kids want to swim with dolphins, interact with magical characters, and experience the moving stories beyond imagination? Supernatural, Documentary, Journey and Fun are waiting for you!
For kids, young and older ones, there's the cheerful and colorful selection. The only thing you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the VR experience of your choice.
Location: Oosterdokskade 5, 1011 AD Amsterdam The Netherlands
Tel: +31(0) 627006916
E-mail: mail@thevrcinema.com
Ticket Price: ￡12.5
Opening hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 14:00-21:00
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00-22:00
1. What is the VR CINEMA like?| A．It has a big white screen. | B．It is full of noisy visitors. |
| C．It is quipped with red chairs. | D．It offers 360 degree movies. |
| A．Join the swimming club. |
| B．Experience the touching unimaginable stories. |
| C．Act as magical characters. |
| D．Lose yourself in VR documentaries only from America. |
| A．To introduce new VR films. | B．To present VR film schedules. |
| C．To report development of VR films. | D．To attract people to the VR CINEMA. |
【推荐1】Tully is a 13-year-old cat who recently met his new best friend, Ken Johnson. Johnson, 72, describes their relationship as “love at first sight”. Both are seniors looking for friends.
Creating this type of match is exactly what the Feline Urban Rescue and Rehab (FURR) organization aims to do. They create the perfect situation for seniors that have lots of love to give and cats that need it the most. The organization is run mostly by volunteers and their services include helping seniors who want to adopt (收养) cats but can hardly afford it.
Johnson was one of those people. He’s always been a cat lover and wanted to adopt one, but his financial problem made it difficult. One day, Johnson came across a notice from FURR that advertised the Seniors 4 Seniors program, which covers medical bills and unexpected costs for cats that are adopted by seniors. He applied to the program, got accepted and then the match with Tully was made! Johnson said, “Tully has made me the happiest I’ve been in years. He’s my little partner, and we have a great friendship.”
The organization has paired 11 senior citizens and cats to date, and hopes to continue bringing joy to more people and cats by making more matches. The support they give their seniors goes way beyond the financial aspect. Once cats are under FURR’s care, they do not have to return to shelters if their owners are unable to care for them for any reason.
Adopting pets greatly improves the pets’ quality of life. They now have a loving home. One of the most beautiful things about the Seniors 4 Seniors program is that it is clear to see how much better the seniors’ life is now too. Not only does pet ownership reduce loneliness for the elderly, but it also helps improve their memory and provides various emotional benefits.
1. What is the main task of FURR?| A．To improve the services of the nursing home. |
| B．To raise money for animal protection programs. |
| C．To closely connect homeless cats with the elderly. |
| D．To provide more job opportunities for seniors. |
| A．His experience in caring for animals. |
| B．The financial help from FURR. |
| C．The encouragement from his friends. |
| D．An improvement in his financial situation. |
| A．It provides free medical care for seniors. |
| B．It develops cats’ ability to survive in the wild. |
| C．It teaches seniors to take care of themselves. |
| D．It offers long-term support to cats and their owners. |
| A．It is beneficial to the parent-child relationship. |
| B．It helps more animals return to nature. |
| C．It attracts interest from young people. |
| D．It brings about a win-win result. |
【推荐2】Catherine Krestyn furnished (布置家具)her home mainly with hard rubbish, such as the chairs, doors and lamps, which have been collected from the street where she lives. And it’s a way of life she’s sharing with her community in the hope of making a difference.
Catherine leads a 6,000-strong online group called Boroondara Hard Rubbish Rehome, where members upload pictures of their hard rubbish piles for eager locals to find. She started the group in 2022 with her childhood friend Jennie Irving, hoping to build a community of thrift (节俭)where they lived. The pair have stopped more than 7,000 kg of hard rubbish going to landfill since they founded the group.
Some items are ready as they are, like chairs and lamps, and others take a bit of effort to clean up, like the old, wooden doors.
Local teacher Ruth Polgar discovered the group while surfing the Internet and has since decorated her classroom with second-hand items, including artwork she has rehomed from a neighbour. “We regularly take unneeded items from the group and use them for our school projects,” she says.
Running the group can be really challenging for Catherine. But she doesn’t resent those who have to let go of their possessions because of stressful circumstances. “If you’re downsizing or if you’re clearing an old house, quite often you’re desperate for access to easy options,” she says. “Hard rubbish piles are often that option.”
All Catherine wants to do is give her community a way to reduce their waste, and to send a message to those in charge that things need to urgently change.
“The government has big targets around sustainable development leading into 2030. We want to start speeding that up even sooner,” she says. “We’re suffering from our own waste really, so anything that we can all do on a practical level helps. We should first make lifestyle choices and be prepared to go second-hand.”
1. Why did Catherine set up Boroondara Hard Rubbish Rehome?| A．To create a community of thrift. | B．To donate her collection to charity. |
| C．To collect hard rubbish for locals. | D．To decorate the houses for the homeless. |
| A．She prefers second-hand items. | B．She buys items on the Internet. |
| C．She supports Catherine’s cause. | D．She teaches art at a local school. |
| A．Feel angry about. | B．Feel pleased with. |
| C．Show sympathy for. | D．Show interest in. |
| A．Setting ourselves a big goal. | B．Giving throwaways a second life. |
| C．Meeting the government’s requirements. | D．Replacing old furniture regularly. |
【推荐3】A project in Britain is trying to deal with the loneliness of the old by asking young people to work as volunteers to help the old.
Lorna Burnett was paired with 15-year-old Ailsa, a schoolgirl, through the Reading Friends project. Lorna used to read two to three books every week when she was a librarian. In her 40s, she developed a serious eye disease and her vision became worse and worse. Finally, she was unable to read or watch television for any length of time without her eyes hurting.
Not only have Lorna’s reading periods with Ailsa helped to reconnect her with her love for literature, they have also built a strong intergenerational friendship. “I chose a book and she would come along and read it to me,” Lorna said.
Since the Reading Agency started the program in 2017, they have introduced tens of Reading Friends periods across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England.
According to the organisation’s website, “Loneliness is an important health and wellbeing problem for older people. Research shows that reading together can help older people to build social networks and connect with others. Fact also shows that reading has a good influence on cognitive functions (认知能力) and wellbeing and can reduce the risk of dementia (痴呆).”
Ruth Sheppard from Bannock bum High School is responsible for connecting schoolchildren like Ailsa with the program and she says that it has had an amazing influence on the young people. “We have wonderful young people at our school and we want to get them into the community,” Sheppard said. “It has been fantastic to see them become more confident as well as improving their reading ability and social skills. They are meeting community members like Lorna that they are making friendships with, and all the library workers also help them.”
1. What does the underlined word “vision” in Paragraph 2 mean?| A．View. | B．Sight. | C．Strength. | D．Confidence. |
| A．By reading books to her. |
| B．By looking after her carefully. |
| C．By collecting good books for her. |
| D．By helping her with her library work， |
| A．To explain the bad influence of loneliness. |
| B．To introduce the health condition of the old. |
| C．To show the necessity of running the program. |
| D．To encourage young people to join the program. |
| A．The program is also good for the students. |
| B．The program needs more students like Ailsa. |
| C．The program has won the support of communities. |
| D．The program is highly thought of by many students. |
【推荐1】When Simon Cane was in the second grade, he began learning about all the ways humans have an impact on the environment and really took those classroom lessons to heart in a way that set him apart from his schoolmates at his elementary school, P. S. 81, in the Bronx. “He told me we drove too much and made too much pollution,” his dad, Jonathan Cane, told Runner’s World. So Simon convinced his parents to start hanging their clothes to dry, taking the stairs instead of elevators, and other “green” measures.
“For much of kindergarten and first grade I rode my bike to Simon’s school with him on the back,” Jonathan said. As Simon got bigger, though, it wasn’t practical for him to ride on the back — because there was no place to put away Simon’s bike. So, most of the time they drove the 1.5 miles to school.
But in 2019, when Simon was going into third grade, the 8-year-old boy came up with a new way to help the planet: running the 1.5miles to P. S. 81. And Jonathan promised his son he’d join him for as long as he wanted.
“We did a test run one day in August, and decided to give it a go. To be honest, I thought he’d blink (眨眼) after it got really cold or rainy, but he never did,” Jonathan said.
He recalled one day when the weather was particularly bad. “It’s raining out there today,” he told Simon. And Simon said, “Well then we’re going to get wet!” He took pride in toughing it out, and it became a fun family routine.
Since the start, Simon has run with his dad and their black dog, Lola, and has even inspired his mom, Nicole Sin Quee, to join in. They soon became known as “the family that runs to school”.
1. What can we infer about Simon when he was in the second grade from the first paragraph?| A．He was unwilling to take the stairs. |
| B．He often helped his family wash clothes. |
| C．He cared about taking care of the environment. |
| D．He was more intelligent than most of his schoolmates. |
| A．His father carried him on the bike. | B．His father drove him there. |
| C．He went to school by running. | D．He took the school bus there. |
| A．He was so hesitant. | B．He was quite impatient. |
| C．He was very stubborn. | D．He was rather determined. |
| A．They leave their black dog at home when they run. |
| B．Simon’s mother was persuaded to run by her husband. |
| C．Simon’s mother participates in the run influenced by him. |
| D．They run to Simon’s school only in order to build their bodies. |
【推荐2】My cellphone rang while I was working on my computer. I looked at the phone and saw it was my 17-year-old son, Tom. I quickly picked it up. “Mom, I got a 71 on the test. I did it.” With those few words, I could feel staudented in my heart.
Living in New York State, students cannot graduate from high school unless they pass at least five exams: one in English, one in science, two in history and one in math. For most students, who work hard, attend class, and do their homework, it isn’t that hard. But for Tom, who is dyslexic(朗读困难的), it is such a real challenge that some teachers have feared that Tom would never be able to even attempt, never mind achieve.
We were honest with him about his trouble, letting him know that there was nothing to be ashamed of. Some people learn differently. If he was willing to work, we would help him find a way to do as much as he could in his academic career. All that was standing in his way was this math test. He had taken it three times and did better each time, but he continued to fail. He was starting to get a bit tired of me saying this was a marathon(马拉松) not a sprint(冲刺). My heart broke each time we would get the failing results.
“Mom, thanks. I love you. Thanks for believing I could do this.”
For one of the few times in my life, I really had nothing to say. For that one brief moment I knew, really, really, knew that everything we did was worth it.
1. What does the underlined word “staudented” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?| A．calm. | B．ached. | C．excited. | D．broken. |
| A．Students in New York State can graduate from high school if they pass four exams. |
| B．Students in New York State needn’t to learn math even if they want to graduate. |
| C．It is a challenge for Tom to graduate from high school. |
| D．It is very hard for most students in New York State to graduate from high school. |
| A．English | B．math | C．science | D．history |
| A．She felt grateful and relaxed. | B．She felt proud and satisfied |
| C．.She felt surprised and bitter. | D．She felt worried and anxious. |
【推荐3】Over the years, as I dealt with the pressure of finishing my Ph. D. and starting my post-doctor, I had grown more competitive. I pushed myself to be t ho first to generate thrilling results and to publish in high-impact journals. Those who could have been collaborators (合作者) became rivals I hated.
But the effect of this competitive character was exactly the opposite of what I had hoped for. When I encountered scientific problems, I thought I had to solve them myself instead of asking for help. The pressure became overwhelming. I began to feel alone and lost. I became less and less productive.
I emailed my mentors (导师), explaining that I had put myself second and the job first for too long. They told me that I wasn’t the first academic to feel that way, and that I wouldn’t be the last. They agreed that I should take the time I needed to take care of myself. So, with my mentors’ support and an uncertain future, I left.
Back home, I spent time with family and friends and opened up about my struggles. At first, I was ashamed. But the more I talked about my demons, the more other people told me about their own. I also started to receive emails from my workmates. After a few lines asking how I was, many expressed worries about how they were managing the stress of academic life. Vulnerable (脆弱的) researchers were poking their heads out of their shells. Our relationships deepened. I began to feel less alone.
Three months later, I was prepared to go back to the science that I loved, and I now had a foundation to be more open with my colleagues. I understood that we all struggle sometimes, and that collaboration can be more powerful than competition.
With a bit of time, collaboration has replaced competition. Working with others and seeking help doesn’t weaken my value or contributions; it means we can all win. I no longer feel lonely and unhappy.
1. How did the author feel after adopting a competitive approach?| A．Empowered and successful. | B．Overwhelmed and isolated. |
| C．Motivated and productive. | D．Ashamed and annoyed. |
| A．He was always the last. | B．He needed some time to readjust. |
| C．He got serious homesick. | D．He failed to care about himself. |
| A．Trying to be open with others. | B．Starting to walk out regularly. |
| C．Being more confident in research. | D．Tending to be happier than ever. |
| A．From competition to cooperation | B．From selfishness to selflessness |
| C．From problems to solutions | D．From uncertainty to certainty |
If you are hunting a chance to improve yourself in English, TOP ENGLISH CITY will be a smart choice. We are members of "the International Language Workshop" and enjoy both of the good honor in English teaching and high quality of our teaching team. We provide affordable, excellent English training programs for those who want to improve both their English knowledge and their language skills.
In TOP ENGLISH CITY, you will be a top English-speaker among your competitors and enjoy the advantage that your competitors have not. You will be proud of being a member of TOP ENGLISH CITY.
Courses designed:
Basic Studies… Sat. 8:00-10:00 a. m.
Intermediate（中级）Spoken English… Sun. 8:00-10:00 a. m.
Standard Spoken English… Sat. 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Basic Business English… Sun.8:00-10:00 a.m.
Intermediate Business English… Sun. 7:00-9:00 p.m.
TOEFL Super Studies… Sun. 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Children's Weekend… Sat. &. Sun. 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact:
Room 807 American Plaza Tianhexi Rd, 510150 Guangzhou
Tel: 86668888-8807
Part II
ENGLISH SALON
A place for you to practise your English, to exchange your English learning experiences, to know more about the culture of English-speaking countries, to make more friends who can speak very good English.
You will have free talks, famous English films and songs appreciation, English lectures and games; all are for you to improve yourself in English in the special, full-of-fun Salon.
How to Join:
We are a group with membership system, so if you want to join our group, please make an application to the Tianhe Office of Top English City, filling in the applying forms. You will be given a salon ID card, and becomes our member.
The Qualifications（条件）:
You must be fluent in English-speaking or / and an English lover. Those who are now learning English in the Top English City will be advantageous.
For more information, please contact: Mr Jiu Chan at: 47129198 English Salon, your best friend! Join Right Now!
1. Which of the following can be the best title for Part I_________?| A．Top English City, your smart choice! | B．If you want to learn English, we can teach you! |
| C．Top English City, the best English! | D．We have what you want! |
| A．Standard Spoken English | B．Intermediate Business English |
| C．TOEFL Super Studies | D．Children's Weekend |
| A．Basic Studies and Standard Spoken English. |
| B．Intermediate Spoken English and Basic Business English. |
| C．Standard Spoken English and TOEFL Super Studies. |
| D．Intermediate Business English and TOEFL Super Studies. |
| A．be a university graduate |
| B．be a student learning English in the Top English City |
| C．be an English lover or can speak English well |
| D．make more friends and know more about the culture of the English |
【推荐2】On December 26, 2004, hundreds of tourists relaxed on Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park’s beaches. But at mid-morning the park’s elephants began crying wildly and running away from the ocean and up a nearby hill. The puzzled keepers could tell the animals were worried about something but what?
What the keepers did not know was that a 30-foot wall of water was headed straight toward them. This tsunami(海啸) had been caused by an earthquake more than 1, 000 miles away in the Indian Ocean. When the huge wave hit the coast, it caused severe damage. Many people died. The elephants, however, were not swept away by the water. They stood safely on the hill.
Scientists have long suspected that animals sense natural disasters before humans do. People have told stories of dogs refusing to go outside and sharks swimming to deeper waters before a hurricane. After the 2004 tsunami, people said they saw tigers, monkeys, and water buffalo escaping to higher ground before the waters rushed in. Even in the hardest-hit areas of southern Asia, there were few animal deaths.
It's unlikely that an animal’s so-called sixth sense comes from some magical power to see into the future. Experts believe that animals may be more sensitive than humans to changes in temperature and other environmental conditions that take place before a natural disaster. The elephants in Sri Lanka, for example, may have picked up vibrations from within the Earth, a sign that earthquake was coming. Because vibrations in the ground travel much faster than an ocean wave, the elephants may have felt the earthquake that caused the tsunami well before the tsunami itself came to the coast.
A few scientists are calling for a system to track reports of strange behavior in people’s pets, hoping that these reports can serve as a warning system that a natural disaster is about to happen. But Marina Haynes, an animal behavior scientist at the Philadelphia Zoo, says, “It would be an unreliable way to predict disasters. It can be difficult to know what an animal is doing. Is the animal nervous because an earthquake is about to happen or is it frightened because there is an enemy nearby?”
1. What happened to the elephants in Yala National Park on December 26, 2004?| A．They died in the natural disaster. |
| B．They were disturbed by the tourists. |
| C．They moved from the hill to the seaside. |
| D．They behaved strangely before the tsunami. |
| A．giving examples |
| B．making comparisons |
| C．telling interesting stories |
| D．showing research findings |
| A．changes in temperature | B．a kind of chemical power |
| C．continuous shaking movement | D．serious environmental pollution |
| A．Positive. | B．Doubtful. |
| C．Hopeful. | D．Supportive. |
【推荐3】There are many reasons to skip deep-fried fast food, one of which is the challenge of dealing with used cooking oil. But researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered amusing method of transforming this useless waste product into an affordable plastic ink for 3D printers. And there’s more good news! The ink can breakdown naturally, unlike conventional 3D printing resins (树脂).
Professor Andre Simpson is director of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto. He first became interested in the idea when he got a 3D printer around three years ago. After noticing that the molecules (分子) used in commercial resins resembled fats found in cooking oil, he wondered whether such a molecule could be created using waste cooking oil.
Using old cooking oil from a local McDonalds restaurant close to a campus, Professor Simpson and his research team applied a one-step chemical process in the lab, using about one liter of used cooking oil to make just under half of that amount in resins. The resin was then used to print a plastic butterfly that was structurally and thermally (热地) stable. This means that it won’t crumble or melt above room temperature.
Speaking to Goodnet, Professor Simpson outlined his high hopes for the creative and cheaper route to recycling that waste cooking oil: “Normally 3D printing resins come from fossil fuels, but by recycling used cooking oil into a high value product, we hope it will reduce the financial barriers, which should be a win-win for the environment.
Professor Simpson is also excited that the new lower cost of this 3D printing material will open up access to the near-limitless creative opportunities. “We hope that as the resin can be made very cheaply, it could reduce the 3D printing cost, so the technology is available to everyone,” he explains.
1. How do the researchers deal with the waste cooking oil?| A．Produce 3D printers from it. |
| B．Make plastic inkfor3D printers from it. |
| C．Throw it away as waste products. |
| D．Use it as 3D printing resins directly. |
| A．Swell up | B．Get up | C．Break up | D．Heat up |
| A．They are much stronger. | B．They can be recycled easily. |
| C．They are lower in cost. | D．They won’t breakdown naturally. |
| A．Researchers Invent New 3D Printers. | B．Waste Cooking Oil Finds a New Life. |
| C．3D Printing Resins Bring More Hopes. | D．A High-tech Product Changes Our Lives. |
