【推荐1】(The Guardian)More UK universities should be profiting from ideas
　　A repeated criticism of the UK's university sector is its noticeable weakness in translating new knowledge into new products and services.
　　Recently, the UK National Stem Cell Network warned the UK could lose its place among the world leaders in stem cell research unless adequate funding and legislation could be assured, despite an annual £40m spent by the Department of Health on all kinds of research.
　　However, we do have to challenge the unthinking complaint that the sector does not do enough in taking ideas to market. The most recent comparative data on the performance of universities and research institutions in Australia, Canada, USA and UK shows that, from a relatively weak starting position, the UK now leads on many indicators of commercialization activity.
　　When viewed at the national level, the __________ (interference) of the past decade have helped transformed the performances of UK universities. Evidence suggests the UK's position is much stronger than in the recent past and is still showing improvement. But national data masks the very large variation in the performance of individual universities. The evidence shows that a large number of universities have fallen off the back of the pack, a few perform strongly and the rest chase the leaders.
　　This type of uneven distribution is not strange to the UK and is mirrored across other economies. In the UK, research is concentrated: less than 25% of universities are receiving 75% of the research funding. These same universities are also the institutions producing the greatest share of PhD graduates, science citations, patents and license income. The effect of policies generating long-term resource concentration has also created a distinctive set of universities which are research-led and commercially active. It seems clear that the concentration of research and commercialization work creates differences between universities.
　　The core objective for universities which are research-led must be to maximize the impact of their research efforts. Their purpose is not to generate funds to add to the bottom line of the university or to substitute other income streams. Rather, these universities should be generating the widest range of social, economic and environmental benefits. In return for the scale of investment, they should share their expertise (expert knowledge or skill) in order to build greater confidence in the sector.
　　Part of the economic recovery of the UK will be driven by the next generation of research commercialization spilling out of our universities. On the evidence presented in my report, there are three dozen universities in the UK which are actively engaged in advanced research training and commercialization work.
　　If there was a greater coordination（协调）of technology transfer offices within regions and a simultaneous (happening at the same time) investment in the scale and functions of our graduate schools, universities could, and should, play a key role in positioning the UK for the next growth cycle.
1. What does the author think of UK universities in terms of commercialization?

A．They have lost their leading position in many ways.

B．They still have a place among the world leaders.

C．They do not regard it as their responsibility.

D．They fail to change knowledge into money.

2. What does the author say about the national data on UK universities’ performance in
commercialization?

A．It masks the fatal weaknesses of government policy.

B．It indicates their ineffective use of government resources.

C．It does not rank UK universities in a scientific way.

D．It does not reflect the differences among universities.

3. We can infer from Paragraph 5 that “policy interventions (in Paragraph 4)” refers to _____.

A．concentration of resources in a limited number of universities

B．compulsory cooperation between universities and industries

C．government aid to non-research-oriented universities

D．fair distribution of funding for universities and research institutions

4. What dose the author suggest research-led universities do?

A．Fully use their research to benefit all sectors of society.

B．Generously share their facilities with those short of funds.

C．Advertise their research to win international recognition.

D．Spread their influence among top research institutions.

【推荐2】All parents know that one of their most important tasks is to prepare their children for an independent life, but any parent can tell you that it’s hard to let go of your children. That balance between keeping your children safe and allowing them to learn from their own mistakes can be heartbreaking. Years of experience means that parents often do know best, but on the other hand, the young, being less bound by tradition, are often more creative, more able to find new solutions to old problems. Revolutions are led by the young.

Good teachers make the growth of critical thinking easier in their students, only to find that this can lead to a questioning of the teachers’ basic beliefs. Schools encourage. parents to become involved, but are often embarrassed when parents have reservation about some of the educational methods being used. Governments encourage unimportant groups to empower themselves in order to participate fully in the development process. And they are often surprised when the new leaders of these groups turn around and attack the policies of that same government. The rebellious(叛逆的) young and the newly unimportant groups are important in social development. They are not necessarily representatives of those they want to represent or not realistic in their demands, but their voices must be heard.

Good parents know that just forbidding particular behaviors does not prevent their children from finding ways to engage in these forbidden activities. Indeed, sometimes the forbidden fruit is more inviting, just because it is not accepted by authority. Parents must work with their children to educate them on the facts, know as much as possible about the lives of their children, provide a good example, encourage more wholesome activities but also support their children when they don’t follow what is expected of them. But the most important point is that they also need to learn how to let go.

1. By saying “Revolutions are led by the young”, the author indicates that young people are more ________.

A．conventional	B．realistic
C．creative	D．heartbreaking

2. From the second paragraph we know ________.

A．teachers’ basic beliefs should be questioned by students

B．schools encourage parents to question their education methods

C．movement is satisfied with the new leaders’ attack on the policies

D．the voice of the rebellious young should be heard by the government

3. In order to educate children well, parents should ________.

A．forbid particular behaviors in their daily life

B．know them well and set a good example to them

C．educate them with facts and expect much of them

D．know as much as possible as their children

4. What is the best title of the passage?

A．Letting Go—for Children’s Independent life

B．Parents’ Tasks—in Children’s Development

C．Way of Growth—for the Young Groups

D．Teaching Methods—for Teachers and Schools

【推荐1】When travelers are planning their trips to Thailand, they usually go to the well-known places. Here, three lesser-known Thai cities that you should absolutely put on your bucket list.

Mae Hong Son

Where it is: On the border of Thailand and Myanmar, in the mountainous Thai province of the same name.

Why should you go: Because of its nearness to Thailand, visiting Mae Hong Son might feel like experiencing a little bit of Myanmar---there are some cultural shared areas, and it's unlike anything or anywhere else on the planet.

Sukhothai

Where it is About 230 kilometers north of Bangkok, Sukhothai is characterized by its relative remoteness.

Why should you go: Sukhothai is a UNESCO world Heritage City, due to lots of ancient temple ruins.

In fact, the city was the birthplace of Thai architecture and culture, so if you want to get a good taste of Thailand's history, there's nowhere better to be.

Khao Lak

Where it is: On Thailand's south-central coast. "Khaolak" translate in English to "Lak mountain". which is the highest peak in the area's hilly region.

Why should you go: If you are seeking a bit of peace, quiet, and serenely calm beachfront, Khao Lak is the place to go. It's a change of pace from many of Thailand's other cities, which are exciting, colorful, and bustling---and who doesn't need a moment to recharge every now and again?

1. Who will be most interested in Sukhothai?

A．Mountaineers	B．History lovers
C．Artists	D．Music lovers

2. What is the typical feature of Khao Lak?

A．It's calm and peaceful.	B．It's exciting and bustling.
C．It's busy and noisy.	D．It's rich and colorful.

3. Where does this text probably come from?

A．A business magazine.	B．A science textbook.
C．A travel brochure.	D．A news report.

【推荐2】Today’s modern travelers are journeying further to explore Europe off the beaten track, and bringing home new skills and experience. Here are 4 ideas for an unusual holiday in Europe.

Teach skiing in Austria

Austria is one of Europe’s top skiing destinations. If you’re looking for a more unusual way to spend a winter holiday, why not consider training to be a ski instructor there? You’ll gain a qualification that is recognized worldwide, and this programme includes a guaranteed paid instructor job at a ski resort once you have finished your training.

Volunteer in Transylvania

Transylvania is a top choice for an unusual European city break, with wonderfully preserved medieval towns and castles that inspired the famous novel Dracula. In addition, you can take your unusual holiday experience even further by volunteering in Eastern Europe’s largest bear reserve and working with bears.

Go diving in Spain

For a European holiday with a difference, take part in a plastic cleanup project based in Barcelona, help to empty plastic waste in the Mediterranean Sea and help protect the environment as you travel. This volunteer project combines diving with collecting plastic or other waste from the water, alongside giving you the chance to explore the city.

Explore Tuscany on horseback

Tuscany, one of the best places in Europe to explore on horseback, has witnessed a sharp increase in travelers. There are various activities that combine sightseeing with basic horse riding lessons and you can stay in Renaissance villas (文艺复兴风格的别墅) and farmhouses. You don’t need to have any experience for horse riding holidays, and they are a brilliant alternative to your typical guided tour.

1. What is special about the holiday in Austria?

A．It presents travelers with a certificate.

B．It trains teenagers to be volunteers.

C．It provides skiers with a free course.

D．It offers visitors job opportunities.

2. What can visitors do in both Transylvania and Spain?

A．Take up the work as volunteers.

B．Collect waste from beer making.

C．Get access to endangered animals.

D．Appreciate ancient castles and towns.

3. Which tour best suits riders?

A．The tour in Spain.

B．The tour in Austria.

C．The tour in Tuscany.

D．The tour in Transylvania.