【推荐1】Lots of people avoid books. They read emails, websites and papers for work, but not books. They are busy, but even if they have time, they would rather relax on their computers or in front of the TV.     1     However, I think there are lots of benefits of reading, which screen-based activities don’t have.

    2     Looking at screens can be very stressful for your eye muscles, and clearly you should avoid looking at screens for an hour before bed to get a good night’s sleep.

    3     I often forget the time or things around me! Reading is a great way to switch off before you go to bed, because you think more about the world of the book, rather than the real world, so you can truly relax. I know you can be transported to a different world in a film or a TV show, but I think books do it better.

I also enjoy hearing what people are doing and finding out what they think. Reading gives me the chance to get to know hundreds of new people! It also teaches you to see things from other people’s point of view, and understand other people’s decisions or opinions. With a book, you can hear everything a character is thinking or feeling.     4    

So my challenge for you is this: to read a book for 15 minutes every single day for a month. Take 15 minutes when you are waking up, going to bed, eating lunch, or having a coffee. If you read a lot, why not try 15 minutes of an English book?     5     Good luck, and happy reading!

A．One thing I personally love reading, is being transported to another world.

B．If you make it, why not pass the challenge on to someone else?

C．You have a better understanding of the whole world.

D．Everyone is different and has their own interests.

E．You really can be inside someone else’s head!

F．Reading can get rid of your stress.

G．It’s better for your eyes.

【推荐2】Reading is an interesting and useful activity. You should like it.     1    . You will improve your brain power. This shouldn't come as a shock. Studies suggest reading makes you smart. Unlike watching television，which requires no thought process，reading is an active learning experience that will keep your mind sharp （even in old age）.

    2     Reading more books means you will have more knowledge. The more strategies and resources your brain will store, the more likely you will succeed.

You will absorb yourself in a new world.     3     At times like this，I like to dive into a good fiction book for an escape into another world，forgetting about my problems. Whether you want to travel to the land of the Hobbits，a galaxy far away or a tropical destination in a romance novel is up to you. You'll come back refreshed after a mini﹣vacation to a fresh and exciting place in the world words.

You will improve your vocabulary.     4     I couldn't imagine how I would write articles like this if I didn't actively aim to expand my vocabulary.

You will entertain yourself for a low price. If you're looking for entertainment on a budget，you can't beat books.     5     It's never been easier to entertain yourself for hours at a time for the low cost of a few dollars.

A．Here are some good reasons for it

B．Reading helps you save more money

C．You will increase your chances of success

D．You're supposed to learn some practical tips for it

E．Electronic reading tools are becoming more popular

F．Sometimes our daily life can start to feel dull，dry or depressing

G．The more words you're able to use， the better you will be at expressing yourself

【推荐1】No country in the world has more daily newspapers than the US. There are almost 2,000 of them, as compared with 180 in Japan, 164 in Argentina and 111 in Britain. The quality of some American papers is extremely high and their views are quoted all over the world. Famous dailies like the Washington Post or the New York Times have a powerful influence all over the country. However, they are not national newspapers in the sense that The Times is in Britain or Le Monde is in France, since each American city has its own daily newspaper. The best of these presents detailed description of national and international news, but many tend to limit themselves to state or city news.

Like the press in most other countries, American newspapers range from the “sensational” which feature crime and gossip (闲谈), to the “serious”, which focus on factual news and the analysis of world events. But with few exceptions, American newspapers try to entertain as well as give information, for they have to compete with the attraction of television.

Just as American newspapers satisfy all tastes, so do they also try to attract readers of all political parties. A few newspapers support extremist (极端主义的) groups on the far right and on the far left, but most daily newspapers try to attract middle-of-the-road Americans who are moderate (中立的). Many of these papers print columns by well-known journalists of different political and social views, in order to present a balanced picture.

As in other countries, American newspapers can be either responsible or irresponsible, but it is generally accepted that the American press serves its country well and that it has more than once courageously exposed political scandals (丑闻) or crimes, for instance, the Watergate Affair (水门事件). The newspapers drew the attention of the public to the horrors of the Vietnam War.

1. There are fewer national newspapers in       .

A．the US than in Britain or France

B．France than in the US or Britain

C．Britain than in the US

D．France than in Britain

2. Why do most American newspapers try hard to entertain their readers?

A．Because they have to give factual news in an interesting way.

B．Because they have to keep up a good relation with them.

C．Because they have to write about crime and gossip.

D．Because they have to compete with television.

3. How do many American newspapers attract readers of different political preference?

A．By avoiding carrying articles about extremists.

B．By supporting extremist groups from time to time.

C．By printing articles representing different political viewpoints.

D．By inviting middle-of-the-road Americans to write articles for them.

4. The passage is mainly about       .

A．the advantages and disadvantages of American newspapers

B．the characteristics of American newspapers

C．the development of American newspapers

D．the functions of American newspapers

【推荐2】Nowadays, we can read almost all "truths" on social media sites. But are they really reliable? Sites such as the micro-messaging service, the social networking site and the photo-sharing app Instagram might "misrepresent the real world", according to a study by computer scientists from McGill University and Carnegie Mellon University.

The scientists warn that gathering information about public views and trends from these sites is unwise. There are still large parts of the population who do not take part in social media activities. Also, there's a risk that many social media users are under-represented. Instagram, for example, appeals to younger adults in urban areas while Pinterest is used mainly by females aged 25 to 34. And only 5 percent of the micro-messaging service users are over 65 years old, according to the study. However, this is not the only issue, according to the scientific team. The design of a website can influence how people behave online, creating what the researchers call "Internet bias". For example, micro-blogging sites such as Weibo promote "popular" stories. It saves time for some but it also limits readers' choice of what they see. In the end, many people open those stories and make them more "popular". But it's not because they choose those stories. Rather, it is because the content is right in front of them.

Besides, it's possible that not everyone on your social networks is real. There might actually be a few fake accounts among them. Fake "bots" pretend to be humans and are often included when measuring or predicting human behaviors online.

The findings might be more important than you would think, since many social media studies are used to inform and justify decisions and investments among the public and in industry and government, according to Derek Ruths, an assistant professor of Computer Science at Mc Gill University.

If the team is right, you might have to think carefully next time you say, "It's true, you know; I read it on Weibo."

1. Why does the author mention the micro-messaging and Instagram?

A．Because they are the best social media sites today.

B．Because they are not in favor of the current study.

C．Because the public are sharing truths on these sites.

D．Because information on these sites may not be reliable.

2. How is the passage developed?

A．By giving examples.	B．By making comparisons.
C．By dividing into groups.	D．By analyzing causes.

3. Which word can best describe the author's attitude toward information on social media sites?

A．Ambiguous.

B．Favorable.

C．Disagreeable.

D．Cautious.

4. What's the author's main purpose in writing the passage?

A．To analyze why information gathered from social media sites may not be trustworthy.

B．To remind readers of things they should watch out for when using social media.

C．To point out the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

D．To recommend popular social networking sites for readers.

【推荐3】Letters

Comments on the March Issue

40 Smart Ways to Save at the Supermarket Your caution not to fall for fake sales reminded me of when I was a stock boy at my neighborhood grocery in the 1950s. One time, we got a delivery of off-band vegetables. I priced them at ten cents a can. I don’t think we sold more than six cans -- until I put up sign that said “Special: Nine for $1.” I set them out Thursday evening, and by noon on Saturday they were gone. Edward Deckerd, Perrywille, Missouri

Trapped Inside a Glacier Reading about John All’s experience on Mount Himlung was very inspiring to me. A man with 15 broken bones and bleeding internally being able to climb up a 70-foot wall of ice and survive for 18 hours at 20,000 feet is something that I would have though to be impossible. I am 16 years old and a lifelong reader. Out of all the great content in Reader’s Digest, stories like his are the ones I enjoy the most. Sam Kieffer, Richardson, Texas

Bill’s Last, Best Gift Track Grant’s article resonated（与……产生共鸣）deeply with me. Twelve years ago, my husband, Don, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. As his caregiver, I, too, learned to appreciate the people and things around me and not to sweat the small stuff, and in the long run, I became a much better person. Don also gave me his last, best gift of love and peace. Antia Lawrence, San Diego, California

Dishes Professional Chefs Cook in the Microwave Microwaving live lobsters in inhumane and cruel. Because lobsters feel pain, Switzerland has recently outlawed the practice of boiling them live. A similar law was passed in Italy, where it is now illegal to put lobsters on ice before cooking them. I hope you provide an update to your story promoting humane practices instead of cruel and violent ones. Janet Toole, Phoenixville, Pennsylavnia

1. How did Antia Lawrence react to her husband’s diagnosis?

A．She felt very painful.	B．She gained some life lessons.
C．She paid more attention to her own health.	D．She showed deep sympathy for her husband.

2. According to Sam Kieffer’s letter, what can be learn about John All?

A．He is an expert in mountaineering

B．He wrote the article entitled Trapped Inside a Glacier.

C．Not all people could survive in the same situation as he did.

D．His story is the best one that Sam Kieffer has ever read in Reader’s Digest.

3. Who is likely to disagree with what is said in the commented article?

A．Edward Deckerd.	B．Antia Lawrence.
C．Sam Kieffer.	D．Janet Toole

【推荐2】Buying gifts for friends and family can be one of the most difficult parts of the holiday season. But don’t worry! We can help! Here are some gift ideas to suit all pockets.

E-Skateboard

For a friend who used to skateboard as a teen but has got a bit out-of-shape over the years, how about an electric skateboard? Control your speed with the remote control (遥控) and let the wind blow through your hair as you race down the street. Though it is not cheap, it might be worth trying.

Pillow (枕头) Speaker

With the speaker, you can fall asleep to the sound of waves, your favorite broadcast, or a relaxing song. With earphones, the cable (耳机线) can be uncomfortable to sleep on. But this little flat speaker is placed under the pillow, and the sound can only be heard by the person resting on the pillow.

Key Finder

This is the perfect gift for people who’re always looking for their keys. Attach the key finder to your key chain, and by using your phone you can make the key finder ring to let you know where it is. It can also warn you if your keys are too far away from you. If you drop your keys, the key finder app keeps track of the last place of your keys and displays the location on the map.

TV Back Light

Leaving the lights on when watching a movie is too bright, but if you switch them off, it tires your eyes. This LED strip solves that problem and makes your movie experience even more enjoyable. You can change the color of the lights to suit your mood using a remote control. And it’s under ten dollars. So if you’ re saving money, this might be something to consider.

1. What is special about pillow speaker?

A．It will make no noise to others.	B．It can be controlled remotely.
C．It can switch songs all by itself.	D．It can increase your sleep time.

2. If you can’t remember where you left your keys, the key finder app will_________.

A．make your phone ring	B．bring back your memory
C．show you their last position	D．send a message to your phone

3. What do these gifts have in common?

A．They are cheap gifts.	B．They suit people of all ages.
C．They are good for health.	D．They belong to tech gifts.

【推荐3】PRINT PRODUCTION MANAGER WANTED

A famous printing company, now well established in the UK and in the Far East, wishes to set up a manufacturing base in Europe. An experienced manager, responsible to the Production Director, is required to assist in setting up the department and will then take charge of the day-to-day work.

The successful applicant will have had experience of modern methods and machines especially in the printing, multicolour work and finishing processes. He / She will have had at least three years’ experience in cost-effective management. A good working knowledge of English is essential.

We offer excellent pay and prospects, with 4 weeks’ holiday a year plus public holidays, a company car, and a company pension scheme(养老金制度).

Interviews will be arranged in the nearest city to the applicant’s home.

Write, with CV, to the Personnel Manager, Box 32507, Daily News, Kemsworth Street, Comston. United Kingdom SG186 37AH.

ASSISTANT PRINT PRODUCTION MANAGER

An internationally recognized printing company is seeking to set up a manufacturing plant in Europe.

We are appointing an assistant (male or female) to our Print Production Manager.

The job-holder will carry out duties involving the buying of paper and of finishing equipment, will liaise (联络) with the supervisors of the various production lines, and will assist the Production Manager.

At least three years’ experience on one or more lines as well as supervisory experience is needed.

A working knowledge of English is required to communicate with colleagues in the UK.

We offer excellent pay, prospects, holidays, pension scheme, sick pay, etc.

Write to the Manager, Box 3526. Broad Street, Northby, Millshire BK 57PX.

1. What do the two printing companies have in common?

A．They are well-known all over the world

B．They offer excellent pay and sick pay

C．They require at least three years’ experience

D．They prefer to hire a man manager

2. According to the first advertisement, what will the applicant living in a small village do?

A．write to Box 3526 to get more information about this job

B．get the result on TV

C．be interviewed in a city

D．get in touch with the Personnel Manager by telephone

3. What can we infer from the two advertisements?

A．The companies want to do business in Europe and the Far East.

B．Applicants should write to the company first.

C．The companies haven’t got telephones to save money.

D．Cars are necessary for the successful applicants.