J. K. Rowling frequently shows there is magic every day. Her Harry Potter series has helped people through times of stress and depression and she is always there to deliver wise words of encouragement.
She is one celebrity who is very active on Twitter. So when a single dad named Matt Burke sent her a message thanking her for the series, she noticed. Her series had helped strengthen his relationship with his 9-year-old daughter Bailey.
He included a link to his article titled Being a Broke Parent. He explained how he hadn’t found a level of financial stability that allowed him to pay bills on time and take his daughter on more activities and events. The family also doesn’t have the Internet or TV, which means there’s no “digital babysitter” and he has to rely on his own creative ways to bond with his daughter. Since he received the series, the main thing that has occupied them these days is reading books together.
Burke admits that he thought he was “too cool” for the books when they first came out and he was in his twenties, but he’s loving reading them now. “We switch off chapter by chapter reading them out loud,” Burke explains. “This not only allows her to get more used to reading aloud in front of someone, but it gets me directly involved in something she loves, and it gives me the chance to be very dramatic when I read my chapters and bring myself into the characters in the book, which has proven to be a ton of fun.”
After hearing Burke’s story, Rowling said how honored she was when Harry Potter was a part of his family’s life and offered Burke more books. Besides, people are also offering to send Burke more books as gifts. For Burke, this experience, far more than gifts, will be what he treasures.
1. What is implied in Burke’s words in Paragraph 4?| A．He has found it interesting to read the series. |
| B．He was too old to understand the series better. |
| C．He has chosen a better way of reading the series. |
| D．He hopes to play a role in the drama in the future. |
| A．Unique. | B．Normal. |
| C．Precious. | D．Funny. |
| A．J.K.Rowling chooses to help improve kids’ health. |
| B．J.K.Rowling gives a magical gift to a single father. |
| C．J.K.Rowling has a deep influence on others’ growth. |
| D．Burke comes to know J.K.Rowling through her series. |
| A．She guided him how to write a good story. |
| B．She encouraged him when he was in trouble. |
| C．Her books helped him through times of confusion. |
| D．Her books helped him improve his bond with his daughter. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Ask any readers who their favorite fictional character in a novel is and you’ll likely get a detailed explanation about the beloved character that they admire. It might even sound like they’re talking about a person they know.
In a study, researchers looked at the brains of a group of people over nine days. Half of the group read the novel Pompeii, and half didn’t. After examining, researchers found the readers’ brains showed heightened connectivity (连通性) in some areas. This is likely because the brain imagines the movement and emotions of the character they read about in the book. Even though the participants were then asked not to read the novel, they kept this heightened connectivity. We call that a “shadow activity”, almost like a muscle memory. So even after you’ve finished a book, your brain keeps those benefits for some time afterwards.
It has been suggested that people who read a lot of fiction become more empathic (移情作用的), because fiction is a simulation (模仿) of social experiences, in which people practice and improve their interpersonal skills. The people who not only read fiction, but felt a high level of “emotional transportation” while reading --- as compared to people who weren’t taken by the story or who read non-fiction---displayed higher levels of empathy when tested. Increase of empathy is important for people because empathy is positively related to creativity, performance at work and cooperative behaviors.
Besides, reading improves “Theory of Mind”. It is “the ability to understand that others have mental states that are different from one’s own.” Of various activities, reading novels has been found to improve this ability, while watching television programs or movies has been found to do just the opposite --- a reduced understanding of others and weaker cognitive (认知的) development overall.
Maybe we should put more of a priority on novel-reading. And many readers believe that reading a novel is far better and more meaningful than watching any movie. As David Kidd of the New School study said, “Fiction is not just a simulator of a social experience; it is a social experience.”
1. What is implied in the Paragraph 2?| A．Reading novels is just a waste of time. |
| B．Reading novels can help people become happy. |
| C．Reading novels increases connectivity in our brain. |
| D．Reading novels helps enhance our memory greatly. |
| A．They tend to be emotional in social experiences. |
| B．They understand the emotions of people better. |
| C．They like to talk about their favorite characters. |
| D．They are more sensitive to everything. |
| A．It distinguishes your views from those of others. |
| B．It contributes to your cognitive development. |
| C．It reduces your empathy for others a lot. |
| D．It changes your overall mental states. |
| A．Preference. | B．Authority. |
| C．Exposure. | D．Evaluation. |
【推荐2】Reading has been on the decline for years. One of the reasons for the decline in book sales is the leaps and bounds in technology. Why do you buy a book when you can conveniently buy audiobooks （有声读物）instead? Here are 4 of the best audio books you can find.
The Power of Now
Published in 2000. The Power of Now explains a journey---a journey that encourages you to dismiss your analytical （分析白勺）mind and set aside yourself as well. The author, Eckhart Tolle, guides you through these transitions with easy words and phrases. The purpose of this book is to help you pay more attention io the current moment—the “ now”.
The Alchemist
It talks about the journey of a boy named Santiago who travels from Spain to Egypt in search of riches. Along the way, he meets three characters, a woman, a man who thinks he's a king? and the alchemist（练金术士）. These characters help guide Santiago to his goal, but over time that goal changes. It moves away from worldly riches to something deeper and more meaningful.
The Power of Habit
Written by Charles Duhigg, 77ie Power of Habit- talks all about the power behind habits using various cases and plots to present Duhigg's points. In the book. Duhigg turns complex systems and methods into easily digestible stories that people and businesses can relate to.
Outliers
Written by Malcolm Gladwell, this book has popularized the idea that practicing 10,000 hours in total will make you an expert in that area. It also covers other aspects about what many of today's great people do in their daily life and how they have become successful in their own field.
1. Why did Eckhart Tolle write The Power of Now?| A．To encourage people to travel. |
| B．To tell people to focus on the present. |
| C．To meet different people's curiosity. |
| D．To give advice to the business man. |
| A．Wealth. | B．Fame. | C．Wisdom. | D．Friendship. |
| A．The Power of Now | B．Outliers |
| C．The Power of Habit | D．The Alchemist |
【推荐3】Four Wilderness First Aid Books You Should Read
Mountaineering: Essential Skills for Hikers and Climbers
Author: Alun Richardson
Price: $ 13.59
The book not only contains information about wilderness first aid but also attempts to teach you safety and survival skills from hiking basics to winter adventure planning. It stands out because of its detailed visual (视觉的) diagrams that explain the right and wrong ways to use different techniques.
Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills
Author: The Mountaineers
Price: $21.99
In its 9th edition, the book has become a gold standard for anyone planning to spend significant time in the backcountry. Written by climbers for climbers, this book has everything you need to know to stay safer, from basic first aid to staying safe in avalanche terrain (雪崩地形).
Wilderness Medicine : Beyond First Aid
Author: William M Forgey
Price: $12.79
The book does a great job of breaking down how to survey, evaluate and stabilize your patient or situation, manage the person’s physical symptoms (症状), and know what questions to ask. It covers a wider range of possible injuries and treatment options than some other wilderness first aid books. Besides, it is easy to read and understand.
Medicine for Mountaineering and Other Wilderness Activities
Author: James Wilkerson
Price: $ 32.95
This book is for you if you are someone with a background in medicine. The text is written assuming you have prior medical knowledge. Many doctors and nurses like this book because they can practise basic medical diagnosis (诊断) regularly by recognizing the symptoms of medical emergencies in this book.
1. What’s the price of the book written by climbers?| A．$32.95. | B．$21.99. | C．$13.59. | D．$12.79. |
| A．The steps to judge the condition of patients. |
| B．The advice on how to plan winter adventures. |
| C．Visual diagrams showing treatment options. |
| D．The ways to practise confusing medical diagnosis. |
| A．Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills. |
| B．Wilderness Medicine : Beyond First Aid. |
| C．Mountaineering: Essential Skills for Hikers and Climbers. |
| D．Medicine for Mountaineering and Other Wilderness Activities. |
【推荐1】Tips on Presentation Skills
Even with a snappy (漂亮的)opening, after 10 minutes, most audiences will lose 75 percent of their listening capacity.
Effective speakers understand that wandering presentations are impossible to understand and are guaranteed to lose an audience. Behind every powerful speech is a solid outline matching with the goal of the presentation. One basic structure is an “open,body and close” approach.
Nonverbal communication, such as dress and gestures,can dramatically influence the acceptance of a presentation. A speaker's dress should match his audience and the significance of the event. For example, a speaker presenting to a corporate audience should wear a suit. Dress specifics will vary from speaker to speaker, but the key is choosing clothes that enhance(增加),not distract,from the message.
| A．If used correctly,technology can help keep audience's interest. |
| B．This can't happen if a speaker is too worried about his/her own reaction. |
| C．If the goal is to inform,information may be structured by cause and effect |
| D．Voice tone and speed are well-known topics when it comes to presentation skills. |
| E．It means a speaker must work throughout the speech to draw listeners into the presentation. |
| F．Message acceptance is a two-way communication process and requires audience agreement. |
| G．And keep movement close to the body to ensure gestures are emphasizing key points but not distracting from the message. |
| Something Different with Franklin Cox, What’s On Around the City Looking for something a bit “different” this week, visit Phyllis Radelifme’s new exhibit - My Environment - at the Century Arts Center. Ms. Radcliffe has a unique way of viewing the things around her! I must admit that I didn’t really understand some of her works. For example, “Flowers” didn’t really seem to have any flowers in it, and I didn’t see any cars in her “Traffic Jam.” But her use of color is truly amazing. If you’re looking for a way to expand your horzons, go take a look. |
| Weekend Hopping with Gillian Madsen, Northeastern News Last Sunday I went to see a new modem art exhibit by a young woman named Phyllis Radcliffe at the Century Arts Center. The whole gallery was filled with bizarre paintings and sculptures with names like “Flowers” and “Houses”, but I didn’t see anything that resembled any of those objects at all Instead. I saw a bunch of things that looked like my 8-year-old granddaughter brings home from art class at school! I don’t know anything about modern art, but I do know that staying at home and watching an old movie on video would have been a lot easier on my brain. |
 | New Discoveries with Sylvia Whitcombe, Modern Art Lowers’ Digest I am delighted to recommend Phyllis Radcliffe’s new exhibit My Environment, now showing at the Century Arts Center. Ms. Radcliffe has evolved as an artist since her first show three years ago. Her use of color and form is breathtaking and her style shows a real passion for everyday thing in her life. While this exhibit may not be for everyone, I’m certain that many of you will find it both interesting and inspiring. |
| A．ancient | B．strange |
| C．remarkable | D．patriotic |
| A．Phyllis Radcliffe’s first art show | B．beyond our understanding |
| C．well worth seeing | D．somewhat childish |
| A．She has a unique interpretation of things around her. |
| B．She is quite talented in using colors and forms. |
| C．She is one of the greatest modern artists of the day. |
| D．Her works are disagreeable to the taste of some people. |
【推荐3】China’s TikTok, which has taken the world by storm, is working its magic in its home nation, too.
The Chinese version of TikTok, called Douyin, has amassed (累积) 400 million daily active users, parent company Byte Dance (字节跳动) revealed in its annual report this week. This is an impressive growth for the addictive video app, which had 250 million daily active users in January last year.
The report, which describes users’ behavior and trends, shows the cultural difference between China and the US, said Katherine Wu, an investor at New York-based firm Notation Capital.
Things that trend in these two countries are completely different. For example, knowledge-based content is extremely popular in China, but less so in the U.S. Also, those creators that did the most dance videos in China are users born in the 60s, while in the US, it seems that it’s mostly teenagers who are creating the dances.
Byte Dance claimed that Douyin has established itself as the largest knowledge, culture and art platform in China. 14.89 million “knowledge-based content videos” were shared on the app last year, it claimed. For example, one of the world’s most valued startups claimed that the number of users who posts videos about chemistry reached 130 million people last year. “On the art and culture front, videos related to those topics had 543.1 billion plays on Douyin last year.” it claimed.
Education has become a main use case for Byte Dance. TikTok, which is estimated to have earned more than $50 million last year, already counts educational content as one of the most consumed categories on its app across the world. The app launched an educational campaign in India last year, where it has amassed more than 200 million users.
1. The difference in trends between China and the US reflects the difference in ________.| A．culture | B．education |
| C．knowledge | D．hobby |
| A．Music videos | B．Knowledge-based videos |
| C．Humorous videos | D．Videos about chemistry |
| A．analyzing reasons | B．showing survey results |
| C．stating arguments | D．providing statistics and examples |
| A．To introduce the app --TikTok. |
| B．To help customers use TikTok. |
| C．To reveal the popularity of TikTok. |
| D．To recommend TikTok to customers. |
【推荐1】Throughout all the events in my life, one in particular sticks out more than the others. As I reflect on this significant event, a smile spreads across my face. As I think of Shanda, I feel loved and grateful.
It was my twelfth year of dancing, and I thought it would end up like any other year: stuck in emptiness, forgotten and without the belief of any teacher or friend that I really had the potential to achieve greatness.
However, I met Shanda, a talented chorcographer (编舞者). She influenced me to work to the best of my ability, pushed me to keep going when I wanted to quit, encouraged me and showed me the importance of courage. Throughout our hard work, not only did my ability to dance grow, but my friendship with Shanda grew as well.
With the end of the year came our show time. As I walked backstage and saw many other dancers, I hoped for a good performance that would prove my improvement. I waited anxiously for my turn. Finally, after what seemed like days, the loudspeaker announced my name. Butterflies filling my stomach, I took trembling steps onto the big lighted stage. But, with the determination to succeed and eagerness to live up to Shanda’s expectations for me, I began to dance. All my troubles and nerves went away as I danced my whole heart out.
As I walked up to the judge to receive my first place shining, gold trophy (奖杯), I realized that dance is not about becoming the best. It was about loving dance for dance itself, a getaway from all my problems in the world. Shanda showed me that you could let everything go and just do what you feel at that moment. After all the doubts that people had in me, I believed in myself and did not care what others thought. Thanks to Shanda, dance became more than a love of mine, but a passion.
1. What did the author think her dancing would be for the twelfth year?| A．A change for the better. | B．A disappointment as before. |
| C．A proof of her potential. | D．The pride of her teachers and friends. |
| A．By offering her financial help. | B．By entering her in a competition. |
| C．By coaching her for longer hours. | D．By awakening her passion for dancing. |
| A．Nervous. | B．Dynamic. | C．Courageous. | D．Enthusiastic. |
| A．Success lies in courage. | B．Adversity helps one grow up. |
| C．A good teacher matters. | D．Reputation comes from hard work. |
【推荐2】Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh has pushed his body to the limit to raise awareness of threats to our oceans and now he is doing it again — preparing to swim the length of the English Channel.
“The English Channel is the Everest of swimming. It always has been the Everest of swimming and it always will be, because it’s such a tough swim. It’s long and cold and full of jellyfish,” Pugh said in London on Tuesday, as he officially launched The Long Swim, which marks the start of a global action to urge governments to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030.
Pugh will set off from Land’s End in Cornwall this week and will swim 560 km to Dover in Kent over 50 consecutive days. He is aiming to swim five hours, averaging around 10 — 20 km each day.
Pugh has seen horrific changes in the world’s oceans over the past three decades. “Our oceans are neither clean, nor are they healthy. Every single year, I’m seeing more and more plastic pollution. I’m seeing it on the surface and at the bottom of the oceans. I’m seeing the fish eating the plastic and the birds eating the plastic and they are dying. If we eat the fish, we are also eating the plastic,” he said.
Pugh, born in Plymouth, wanted to bring this urgent message home with his latest challenge. His aim is also to put pressure on the British government to establish more secure Marine Protected Areas around the United Kingdom and its overseas territories.
1. Why did Lewis Pugh try to swim the English Channel?| A．To break the world record. | B．To develop swimming skills. |
| C．To call for conservation of ocean. | D．To challenge the limit of his body. |
| A．No one has ever swum the Channel. | B．The Everest cannot match the Channel. |
| C．Swimming the Channel is a tough job. | D．The major risk of the swim is jellyfish. |
| A．The fish. | B．The plastic. | C．The birds. | D．The water. |
| A．The Polluted English Channel | B．A Tough Swimming Journey |
| C．Swim to Protect the Seas | D．An Endurance Swimmer |
【推荐3】When Zhu Caiping,73,was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (认知障碍) three years ago, she found that anxiety, depression and even looking down on herself became normal in her life. It was not until last year, after she participated in a reality show and became a restaurant server, that her situation began to improve dramatically.
The restaurant in Shanghai where she works is the Forget Me Not Café. It shares the goal of providing job opportunities for elderly people who have Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairments.
“I provide basic services for guests, such as pouring water, serving and taking orders. I can now remember all the dishes on the menu,” said Zhu, who has come to the restaurant three times a week since February and works three hours a day. “The colleagues take good care of us. They never allow us to deliver hot dishes such as soups. The guests are also very tolerant of us, because sometimes we make mistakes.”
Because of memory loss, Zhu writes down all the information she wants to remember on sticky notes, such as the names of the volunteers and teacher as well as English words.
“People with cognitive impairment actually refuse and fear to communicate with society, but this will worsen their condition.” She added, “With the deterioration (退化) of brain function, they may gradually lose memory and the ability to take care of themselves and might even see the loss of emotions.” In addition to the job opportunities for the elderly, information about cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease is posted on a board outside the restaurant to help people recognize symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible.
As China faces an aging population, the increasing number of seniors with cognitive impairment has become a significant social issue. “We should feel lucky that the whole of society is concerned about the seniors, especially for people like us. The neighborhood committee always checks on our situation and watches for other elderly people with symptoms.” Zhu said.
1. What can we know about Zhu Caiping?| A．She is a pop star performing at a live show. |
| B．She is suffering from severe cognitive impairment. |
| C．She is a full-time restaurant server in a Shanghai café. |
| D．She makes efforts to be equal to the job. |
| A．Understanding and cheerful. | B．Angry and violent. |
| C．Forgetful and upset. | D．Delighted and energetic. |
| A．make more people know something about cognitive impairment. |
| B．seek donation from the citizens around the restaurant. |
| C．offer more job opportunities to the elderly suffering from the disease. |
| D．provide treatment for people who has cognitive impairment. |
| A．Life Story of Zhu Caiping | B．Cognitive Impairment |
| C．Forget Me Not | D．Fighting a Terrible Disease |
