Returning home from the grocery store (杂货店), 25-year-old Policano felt it necessary to help the elderly in her neighborhood to practice safer social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her friend Elkind joined her. They decided to start an organization called Invisible Hands Deliver (IHD).
They had a website up and running. The site allowed the elderly and other at-risk individuals to make requests for groceries and medicines to be delivered to them. The webpage also included a call for volunteers, which acquired more than 2,000 sign-ups.
The beauty of the IHD lies in its ability to meet the needs of those who are at higher risk of being attacked by the pandemic. When a request is submitted, it is forwarded to all volunteers within the community, so that anyone who is available can come forward to help. The delivery itself is contactless. Despite the physical distances, volunteers make an effort to connect with their beneficiaries, chatting with them from the other side of the door.
The efforts of the IHD would not have been effective without the help of modern scientific techniques and equipment. From the beginning, social media made it possible to spread the word and gather support within a short time. Digital inventions like web hosting servers and cloud platforms have also helped the IHD to meet the needs of their community.
Following its success in New York, the organization has spread its work to other areas of the United States. Their acts of kindness have also inspired similar networks to spring up in the world. The IHD is also supported by other organizations. “Armed with these resources, we can grow our efforts and further reduce the terrible impact of Covid-19,” said co-founder Policano.
Managed by a team of college students, the IHD has shown that one is never too young to make a difference. In a time when the pandemic has forced people apart, young people are in a main position to take advantage of technology and bridge the gap, bringing communities together. Elkind said, “We’re able to come together when the world feels like it’s pulling us apart. That’s the only way we pull through this, by pulling together.”
1. Why did Policano and Elkind create the IHD?| A．To offer necessary help to the aged. | B．To raise money for the local charity. |
| C．To maintain the safety of the community. | D．To provide part-time jobs for young people. |
| A．Government support. | B．High-quality service. |
| C．Advanced technology. | D．Special management. |
| A．Uncaring. | B．Confident. | C．Doubtful. | D．Confused. |
| A．Face-to-face communication matters. |
| B．Generation gap among people is unsolvable. |
| C．The pandemic is a serious danger to humans. |
| D．The young play a great role in rebuilding social ties. |
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【推荐1】Rhiannon Potkey writes about sports for a newspaper in Tennessee. She learned through that work that some young people did not have good sports equipment, or gear. She decided to do something about it.
Potkey started an aid group called Goods4Greatness. The charity connects teams and children who need sports equipment with donors. Like Aubree Munro, who is a player on the U.S.A. Women’s softball team. She was hoping to compete at the Olympics in Japan last year. When the event was delayed because of the COVID-19, Munro started cleaning out her home in Florida. She realized she had a lot of extra sports equipment. Munro had heard about Potkey’s organization. So she sent pictures of the gear she no longer needed. Potkey helped find people in Florida who could use the softball equipment.
Munro said by making the donation, she was “paying it forward.” One person who got some of her softball equipment was a girl who reminded Munro of herself when she was young. “That one was particularly special,” she said. “I had a lot of people who did really great things for me when I was growing up.” Munro said doing something nice for a stranger made her feel good.
Many people have donated to Goods4Greatness. The softball team at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina donated used equipment. Former U.S. Women’s Soccer star Julie Foudy donated 100 soccer balls. Colleges in states including Georgia, California and Colorado sent equipment, too.
Jarrett Walls is the tennis coach at a high school near Raleigh, North Carolina. He said many of his players never would have tried the sport if it had not been for the donation from Potkey’s charity. Last year, he said, only seven girls tried to play tennis. This year, he has about 30.
Potkey said, “I enjoy helping children play sports. I feel like there’s so much more need that I could help.”
1. Why did Potkey set up Goods4Greatness?| A．To collect used sports equipment. |
| B．To inspire her to write about sports. |
| C．To help young people who need sports equipment. |
| D．To encourage more high school girls to play tennis. |
| A．Because she had an accident. |
| B．Because the event was put off. |
| C．Because she lacked sports equipment. |
| D．Because she wanted to help a stranger. |
| A．To get others to remind you of something special and valuable. |
| B．To come up with an idea to donate second-hand sports equipment. |
| C．To do something special for others to make yourself feel pleased. |
| D．To do good for someone as a thanks for the help others give you. |
| A．Approval. | B．Disapproval |
| C．Sceptical. | D．Casual. |
【推荐2】Jahkil Jackson is the creator of the famous Project I Am. Through the project, Jahkil looks to raise awareness for reducing homelessness in Chicago and beyond.
Even at a very tender age, his deeds already drew the recognition of former U. S. President Barack Obama in 2017. Jahkil also pushes to motivate and influence fellow kids to get more active and useful in their communities. When he was five years old, Jahkil assisted his aunt in distributing food to the homeless in Chicago. Then the little boy was unhappy to find out that people could not afford a home. He was always eager to find out how he could offer help to people. And he would be mad for not being able to give money to anyone asking for help on the streets. He was determined to help the homeless in every way he could.
That strong desire later gave birth to the Project I Am, his nonprofit organization, which focused on helping the homeless people. He founded it at the age of eight, and has since then never looked back on his journey of charity.
Through Project I Am, Jahkil Jackson reaches out to the homeless by distributing “Blessing bags”. Provided in the blessing bags are diverse kinds of materials to help the needy, including wipes, hand sanitizers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, bottled water, among other things.
Jahkil Jackson is also one of the key workers in Dream for Kids, another nonprofit organization founded by Tom Tuohy, a social entrepreneur. Jahkil met with Tuohy at a Holiday for Hope event organized by the Dream for Kids. From there, he became the youngest ever student in the YES (Youth Enterprise Solution) program by the Dream For Kids. He has been working with them since then.
1. For what purpose did Jahkil create Project I Am?| A．To get awards. | B．To collect money. |
| C．To do charity. | D．To make friends. |
| A．Doing voluntary work. | B．Giving out daily necessities. |
| C．Donating money to the poor. | D．Offering shelters for the homeless. |
| A．Friendly and sociable. | B．Kind-hearted and generous. |
| C．Energetic and powerful. | D．Innocent and thoughtful. |
| A．New Homes for the Homeless | B．An Anti-poverty Project in Chicago |
| C．Do Your Charity at an Early Age | D．Jahkil Jackson and His Blessing Bags |
【推荐3】“It’s like riding a bike” is a common comment when you want to remind someone that it’s hard to forget a basic skill. But what if you don’t know how to ride a bike?
This was something Annette Kruger, an avid (热衷的) cyclist, saw that was true for many women in Berlin, including refugees, who’d moved to there. Whether they weren’t allowed or didn’t have the opportunity to learn, these women had never experienced the health benefits and independence that cycling offers.
That is why, seven years ago, Kruger started Bikeygees, a non-profit organization focused on teaching women to ride a bike. The group members gather for two hours for training sessions every week. Advanced riders can borrow bikes and helmets for free to practise on their own.
The group also teaches women how to fix bikes, instilling (逐步培养) a sense of self-sufficiency, says Kruger. If they can do bike repairs, ride and learn the German rules of the road, they are awarded with a bike kit, including a bike, a helmet, a bike lock and bike tools. More than 500 bikes have been donated so far, and Kruger says the goal is to eventually provide all participants with their own bikes. To date, the group has taught more than 1,400 women and has met in more than 20 locations within Germany, including in emergency shelters.
Participants have said that riding a bike allows them not only freedom of movement — some of the women use them to bring their children to school—but also hope for the future. Kruger says that she can see the impact that concentrating on a new skill has on the women. “We can’t replace what someone lost in their life, but we can offer something new. The success is measured in the smiles of the riders when they conquer another bike skill. She recalls one student in her 60s who continued to practice through a bitter winter.” She said, “This is a dream for me. I have been waiting my whole life to do this.”
1. What did the women in Berlin obtain from Bikeygees?| A．Opportunities to learn German. | B．Chances to move away from Berlin. |
| C．Attention to their living conditions. | D．Fitness and freedom to get around. |
| A．Industrious. | B．Innocent. | C．Ambitious. | D．Careful. |
| A．It has made large profits. | B．It becomes increasingly popular. |
| C．It offers more bikes than needed. | D．It allows beginners to practise individually. |
| A．A prospect of future life. | B．A movement for women. |
| C．The capacity to earn money. | D．The freedom of their children. |
【推荐1】The proposal for a new Indonesian capital city has been on the cards ever since the country gained independence from the Dutch in 1945. The political and economic crises which followed have long delayed the plan, but current president, Joko Widodo, now appears determined to make the move a reality. The government officially confirmed that the capital will be moved from Jakarta to a new location within Kalimantan, part of the island of Borneo in Indonesia.
A number of factors are likely to have influenced the decision to forge ahead with the move, but it seems likely that Jakarta’s environmental problems are chief among them. Built on swampy(沼泽的)ground, Jakarta is sinking, in some parts at a rate of 20cm a year. Experts predict that most of northern Jakarta could sink beneath the sea by 2050. What’s more, Jakarta is rarely mentioned without reference to its extreme levels of traffic jams and air pollution. There could be other reasons too. John McCarthy, an expert on land use in Kalimantan at the Australian National University Crawford School points to a potential desire to spread wealth throughout Indonesia. “Jakarta is the most highly developed core of Indonesia which sucks all the money and opportunities from other areas,” he says. “I think there’s logic in splitting the economic and political capital.”
But the location of this new political center is proving controversial. Some environmental groups are concerned that the chosen location in East Kalimantan will increase logging and destruction of nearby forests, home to orangutans and other endangered species. Indonesia’s planning minister previously told reporters that the new capital will be a sustainable “forest city” that won’t result in the destruction of protected forests, but how exactly this would work has not yet been explained.
Despite these challenges, the government is now putting its plan in motion. But even if this new capital is built, Jakarta will still need protection. Home to ten million people, the city simply can’t be neglected.
1. What is the Indonesian government’s new plan?| A．Building a forest city. | B．Developing resources of Borneo. | C．Electing a new president. | D．Relocating the capital city. |
| A．To reduce land pollution. |
| B．To seek better living environment. |
| C．To make full use of swampy ground. |
| D．To balance the economic growth between cities. |
| A．It may cost a lot of money. | B．It may destroy the local ecosystem. |
| C．It may disrupt many residents’ normal life. | D．It may cause the decline of the old capital city. |
| A．Ignored. | B．Ranked. | C．Repaired. | D．Damaged. |
【推荐2】Xie Zhiyu arrived at the stadium alone as he prepared to make his debut CEHD at the World Atletics Championships in Budapest. It was a busy summer of competition for Xie, who also made his debut at the Asian Athletics Championships 2023 and the FISU World University Games in Chengdu.
The 23-year-old hurdler (跨栏运动员) resembles more a backpacking student than a professional athlete. Indeed, he only graduated from Peking University’s School of Journalism and Communication in July, and will continue to pursue his master’s degree at the university’s Department of Physical Education. Balancing training and coursework has proved challenging, but he did it. Similar to his high school days, track time is often limited to between just over an hour and three hours on weekdays.
Xie fell short of qualifying for the men’s 400m hurdles final at the World Athletics Championships. However, this marked the first time in eight years that a Chinese athlete had advanced this far in the event. Although disappointed not to reach the final. Xie stressed that his first world championships were about more than the results. “I’m absorbing, learning and enjoying the competition. It’s been an amazing experience,” he said.
At the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, he secured his first medal at a global champion ship, earning a bronze in the 400m hurdles with a personal best of 48.78 seconds, a mere 0.08 seconds away from qualifying for the Paris Olympics. “It’s been an unforgettable summer of highs and lows,” he reflected. With Paris 2024 within touching distance, he is determined to continue his upward curve on the track. “I will work even harder back home. Hopefully, I can qualify for the Olympics,” he said.
1. What can we learn about Xie?| A．He gained his master’s degree in PE, | B．He balanced training and coursework. |
| C．He lacked training time on weekends. | D．He attended four competitions this summer. |
| A．Failed in. | B．Engaged in. | C．Competed in. | D．Succeeded in. |
| A．48. 62 seconds. | B．48.70 seconds. |
| C．48. 78 seconds. | D．48. 86 seconds. |
| A．Independent and brave. | B．Considerate and modest. |
| C．Confident and outgoing. | D．Optimistic and determined. |
【推荐3】The big fire in April that tore through the Notre Dame Cathedral(巴黎圣母院) in Paris is still fresh in people’s minds. The 800-year-old landmark suffered great damage to its top, but thankfully the most valuable religious relics and cultural treasures were undamaged.
So a US publishing company GoArchitect organized the People’s Design Competition to invite designers, worldwide to share their ideas of rebuilding the French landmark. The open call attracted more than 200 proposals from 56 countries and regions. In the end, Chinese architects Cai Zeyu and Li Sibei won the competition with their striking design. They are both the post-90s generation.
Named “Paris Heartbeat”, the design replaces the old top with a kaleidoscope(万花筒) of multifaceted mirrors, which is combined with a mirror roof, reflecting the ever–changing urban environment.
The kaleidoscope is the floating “time capsule”, at the top using magnetic levitation(磁悬浮) technology, which is meant to open every half century. The “time capsule” moves up and down, breathing and beating together with the city.
“I believe that the ‘time capsule’ can be achieved with present technology,” Cai told the Global Times.
The pair hoped that their design, Paris Heartbeat, could meet people’s high expectations for the rebuilding. As Cai and Li told GoArchitect, “Notre Dame witnessed Parisian history. It burns, survives and co-breathes with the ever-changing world…The 2019 fire will mark a new era.”
Though people still don’t know what kind of design the French government will choose, it’s clear that people around the world hope that the lost beauty of Notre Dame will come back. Once rebuilt, it will certainly become a permanent part of history and the Parisian skyline again.
1. What's the purpose of the People’s Design Competition?| A．To promote peace. | B．To amuse Parisians. |
| C．To reconstruct the Cathedral. | D．To develop tourism. |
| A．By listing figures. | B．By giving examples. |
| C．By making a comparison. | D．By making an explanation. |
| A．It remains to be seen whether “Paris Heartbeat” will be adopted. |
| B．The French government organized the People’s Design Competition. |
| C．The Notre Dame Cathedral was completely damaged in the big fire. |
| D．The kaleidoscope is designed using traditional architecture technology. |
| A．An entertainment magazine. | B．A newspaper. |
| C．A geography textbook. | D．A guide book. |
【推荐1】Egypt ranks among the world’ s oldest civilizations and is famous for its ancient pyramids.
The virus killed off Egypt ‘s tourism and with it, the livelihoods of millions. Like Ashraf - - unable to feed his family, he kept his favourite camel, but had to sell two others. “It has been tough on everyone,” he says. “I have no money.
The ancient attractions are now reopening, but they’ re empty except for a few local visitors. It’ s a blow after tourism had just recovered from years of disorder.
Tour guide Shahenda loves taking tourists around her country. Since the pandemic, she’s lost a thousand holiday bookings.
According to Khalid Al-Anany, tourism minister, Egypt lost around one billion dollars per month and it’s expected that the country will still lose a lot of money during the next coming weeks and months.
| A．Restoring tourism will take time. |
| B．It’s time that the government took action. |
| C．A camel’s food alone costs six dollars a day. |
| D．For now, she’ s only sightseeing with her husband. |
| E．Tourists have to overcome lots of difficulties before reaching the pyramids. |
| F．There is no question it is a place loved by tourists all across the globe. |
| G．Thanks to the progression in technology, you can easily apply for Egypt visa in no time. |
【推荐2】As hundreds of thousands of people continue to die each day from this disease, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic(流行病) continues to impact almost every aspect of daily life for the global population.
The COVID-19 has devastated economies and caused great challenges to healthcare and food systems around the world. Globally, billions of people have been ordered to stay at home as a result of lockdowns. Social distancing and lockdowns have reduced diagnosis(诊断) rates of infectious diseases by reducing social contact.
However, individuals have avoided seeking help for other health problems due to lockdowns and avoidance of medical settings, leading to reduced diagnosis and treatment despite the problem still being there. Meanwhile, even in diagnosed cases, treatment for diseases and conditions such as cancer had to be put off in many cases due to the immediate threat of COVID-19 consuming health systems and their resources. Scientific research around the world has also focused on COVID-19, potentially delaying research and breakthroughs on other diseases.
Before the pandemic, around half of the world’s population did not have access to essential healthcare, and this number has been increased by the pandemic. Healthcare systems across the globe need to become more accessible and need to be prepared for future pandemic-like events in a way that will reduce the impact on the management of other diseases.
Overall, it is generally believed that no country was fully prepared to handle a pandemic, particularly one at the degree of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most significant lessons that can be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of political will in its role in protecting people from pandemic diseases. In order to ensure that the world is better prepared for the next new infectious agent, public health systems must remain committed to developing adequate surveillance (监察) programmes and prompt diagnostic techniques.
1. The underline word “devastated” in Paragraph 2 most probably means “_________”.| A．destroyed | B．resisted |
| C．secured | D．boosted |
| A．In order to lighten people’s mental health burden. |
| B．Reducing social contact can make it less likely to infect COVID-19. |
| C．Because the bad weather prevents people from going out. |
| D．Because all public transport is halted. |
| A．People should learn to protect themselves from infection. |
| B．Health systems need to become more accessible and improve their technologies. |
| C．Government should take more strict prevention measures. |
| D．People should stay at home and reduce social contact. |
| A．How the COVID-19 infects people. |
| B．The measures used to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. |
| C．The effects of the COVID-19 and lessons learned from it. |
| D．The causes of the outbreak of the COVID-19. |
【推荐3】The COVID-19 forced 57th Street Books in Chicago to close its doors. Director Jeff was worried. Customers couldn’t come to the shop. His main advantage over online bookstores has disappeared overnight.
Jeff says he was lucky. Customers stepped up, offering gifts and support. Similar stories have played out over the past two years in cities and towns around the country. Though independent bookstores were forced to close during the pandemic, many found ways to connect with and help their community.
Before the pandemic, bookstores were already having a hard time competing with online bookstores. Then came COVID-19. It broke supply chains and caused labor shortages. But many stores turned things around with new ideas. Some put books outside for viewing and started events online. Others set up bookselling hotlines, sold books out of cars, and improved their tools for e-commerce. Some bookstores offered COVID testing or collected food for people in need. “Having an independent bookstore in your community is an important place to build community,” says Samira, an author of books for young adults.
One young fan of 57th Street Books is Adele Sorkin, 11. Members receive early copies of books in exchange for writing reviews. “I think of the bookstore as a biscuit jar,” Adele says. “It’s something special and fun that is always there for you.”
“If we reimagine bookstores and make an effort to support them, then bookstores can long survive. You can support your local bookstore and buy books there, or check if an author is making an appearance there, Recommend the store to a friend. Young people are responsible for creating a society that values bookstores and a shared love of literature,” Jeff says.
1. What made Jeff feel lucky?| A．His bookstore set up a community. |
| B．Customers came to help with support. |
| C．He put books outside free for his readers. |
| D．His bookstore had an advantage over online bookstores. |
| A．How they managed to survive during the COVID-19. |
| B．How they failed business because of COVID-19. |
| C．What customers expect them to be like in the future. |
| D．What new steps they took to beat online bookstores. |
| A．It offers a jar of cookies for its regular customers. |
| B．It holds various fun events for its young readers. |
| C．It gives new books to its members for their reviews. |
| D．It holds regular COVID testing for its community. |
| A．Recommending good bookstores to people. |
| B．Working out a way to develop bookstores. |
| C．Improving bookstores to meet the needs of readers. |
| D．Making the society value books and bookstores. |
