【推荐1】Tips for avoiding traffic jams:

The radio has more than just music. Check the local news station for the latest traffic report. Or go online and check traffic cameras before you set out. If there is a jam, you'll be prepared and can try another route.

Take the road less traveled. Although highways may be the most direct route, back roads can be much less crowded, which can save you from the frustration of the stop­and­go traffic.

Rush hour isn't just a lovely nickname. It means the morning and afternoon traffic lasts for several hours, but they're still called “rush hour” for a reason — everyone's on the road and in a hurry to get somewhere. Treat rush hour like bad weather — if you don't have to go anywhere, stay off the roads.

Tips for those unavoidable traffic jams:

Don't break the law. You've gone 30 feet in 30 minutes and all of a sudden you see people using the shoulders (紧急停车道). Don't behave like them. Not only is this illegal, but also there's a good chance they'll get caught or cause even more problems.

Pay extra attention to zig­zaggers (Z字形行进者). When some people are anxious, they may start changing lanes (车道) every 5 seconds or cut you off. Keep checking your windows and mirrors for these lane changers.

Look for an escape. If it is possible to exit the road safely, do it.   Use a GPS unit, and you can change your route mid­trip if needed.

Be courteous. Good manners could help you avoid a possible accident. Allow people in from a lane that is ending. Speeding up to keep them out increases your chances of an accident.

1. To avoid traffic jams, we are advised to do the following EXCEPT ________.

A．getting traffic news before leaving	B．choosing back roads
C．avoiding rush hours	D．changing lanes frequently

2. What should we do when there are zig­zaggers?

A．Keep checking the mirrors.	B．Stop and let them go first.
C．Sound the horn loudly.	D．Drive quickly to keep them out.

3. What does the underlined word “courteous” in the last paragraph mean?

A．Energetic.

B．Polite.

C．Careful.

D．Honest.

4. In which part of a magazine can this passage be found?

A．Entertainment.

B．Life.

C．Market.

D．Advertisement.

【推荐3】Wanna soften the blow of a hangover?

A hangover refers to the headache and sick feeling that you have the day after drinking too much alcohol. If you are looking for something to nurse your hangover, you will find the following right ideas.

1. ASIAN PEAR JUICE

Have some extra Asian pears at home? Run them through your juicer before your next night out. According to researchers at Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, just 7.4 ounces of Asian pear juice is enough to soften the blow of a hangover. The scientists say that the juice interacts with enzymes that break down alcohol, speeding up your metabolism and leaving less surplus alcohol for your body to absorb. There’s just one catch: The juice must be consumed before you drink anything else in order to be effective.

2. MUSIC

Anyone who’s ever suffered through a massive hangover knows that sound is the enemy. But while your roommate’s 9 a.m. tap dancing practice might exacerbate (加剧) your symptoms, music may have the opposite effect. Research has shown that listening to music can provide relief to migraines, which are similar to hangover headaches. As long as the music is pleasant and suits your taste, it should help to drown out the chorus of pain laying in your mind. Head sensitivity isn’t the only symptom music helps with. According to researchers at the University of Edinburgh, listening to your favorite music also eases pain.

3. EGGS

The best way to tackle a hangover with food is to eat while you drink. Chowing down after the damage has already been done may distract you from your turmoil for a short while, but it won’t soothe your physical symptoms. There are a few exceptions: Eggs, for example, have hangover-fighting potential thanks to a special ingredient. The food is packed with cysteine, an amino acid that breaks down the drinking byproduct acetaldehyde (乙醛). So whether you prefer to enjoy brunch out or at home, make sure your meal includes eggs in some form.

1. According to the passage, the author may agree with the following EXCEPT______.

A．Asian pear juice can help soften the blow of a hangover if you drink it before anything else.

B．Your roommate can make you suffer less from a hangover by practising tap dancing at 9.

C．Eggs are said to contain a special ingredient that may soothe the symptoms of a hangover.

D．Enjoying your favorite piece of music is an efficient way to fight the pain of a hangover.

2. The passage is most probably taken from ______.

A．a textbook	B．a science fiction
C．a health magazine	D．an advertisement

【推荐1】Unlike many other exchange students, my school focused on arts such as singing, acting, dancing, and many other talents, so there wasn’t much room for sports. Honestly, in the beginning, I was a little sad because I wanted to participate in basketball. However, I did not let that disappoint me. After a while, I took a pause for some self-reflection. I remembered how much I like to sing even though I don’t think I’m good at it. I then thought to myself, “why not be the one to try acting?”

After my first week, I loved the school! My art classes feel like a break from reality and the scenery at my school makes me feel as though I am in some talent-based American high school movie. Every morning, we are welcomed with the beautiful voices from my teachers. At lunch, we are entertained with musical performances by any student who wishes to sing.

During my second week of school, I was required to perform my first five-minute play with my class partner. I was a bit nervous, but I gathered courage and did it. By chance, a staff person from the school office saw my performance. After school, on my way to the bus station, she called me and informed me she had recommended me and some other students to participate in an upcoming two-day workshop. I first thought she was teasing me. When I got home, I found out she’d also sent an email to my host mom.

My host mom is very busy, but she planned her schedule around the activity. My mom picked me up from school and drove me to the workshop which was an hour from my school. After the workshop, we were presented with tickets to watch the play the following day. After the show, I met with the actors, thanked and congratulated them. On our way home, I was smiling so much that my cheeks hurt. I appreciate my host family and school for giving me this experience.

1. How did the author overcome her displeasure?

A．By playing basketball.	B．By taking a rest.
C．By changing her hobby.	D．By talking with her host mom.

2. What can we learn from the text?

A．The school is superior to her former one.

B．The school’s beautiful scenery and art classes appeal to her.

C．She does nothing but sing at the new school.

D．Every day in the school is monotonous for her.

3. How does the author feel on hearing the words of a staff person?

A．She was too nervous to speak a word.	B．She couldn’t believe her ears.
C．She was proud of her performance.	D．She felt kind of sorrowful.

4. What kind of person is her host mom?

A．Considerate.

B．Optimistic.

C．Complicated.

D．Indifferent.

【推荐2】If your roommate snores (打鼾) in a way that is affecting your sleep every night, you’ll need to address the situation as soon as possible. Doing so wisely, however, is likely to increase your chances of finding a workable solution that everyone is happy with.

First and Foremost, Mention It to Your Roommate.

If your roommate snores a lot, you’ll have to bring it up if you’re ever going to move toward a solution.     1    Avoid angry accusations like “You snore so much!” or “Why are you snoring like that all the time?”

Remember That Snoring Can Mean Some Other Issues.

Don’t just view snoring as a bad habit; it can be a medical issue for some people, too. The various causes of snoring should help you keep in mind that this isn’t something that can just be fixed, like a dirty roommate or one who takes your stuff all of the time.     2    

Find Some Temporary (暂时的) Fixes.

As you and your roommate work to find long-term solutions to the snoring problem, look into some short-term fixes first. Can you get earplugs?     3     Rearrange the beds of your room so they aren’t so close? Perhaps you can ask your roommate to avoid alcohol before bed, or look into getting and using a white noise machine.

    4    

Your roommate might just need to change some sleeping habits; similarly, they might also have some serious medical concerns which aren’t going to be fixed quite so easily. If that is the case, turn to some long-term fixes. Know that it’s perfectly okay for one of those fixes to be finding another roommate. Sleep is important — for both of you. Keep Things Pleasant and Friendly.

    5    Would you want someone for example, taking video of your snoring and posting it online somewhere? Definitely not. Your roommate’s snoring isn’t an intentional act designed to make your life horrible. Consequently, aim for understanding and patience as you both work to find a solution.

A．Look into Long-term Fixes.

B．For example, you’ve been told you snore a bit.

C．How you bring the topic up, however, matters a lot.

D．Ask your roommate to try to sleep on the other side?

E．It doesn’t have to mean anyone is doing anything wrong.

F．Consider how you’d want to be treated if you were in your roommate’s shoes.

G．Be patient and considerate as your roommate looks into what’s causing the snoring.

【推荐3】School life is a very important part of one’s life. It provides opportunity for study and discipline (纪律). It is also a preparatory period for entering public life.

School helps students understand discipline better.     1     They show good behavior in the classroom, playground, library and other places.

School is a meeting place for students and teachers. School life is generally a period of youth.    2     They read together, play together and sit together. At this time, they have early dreams which will come true as they grow older.

    3     Students take part in games and competitions. School also gives opportunity for the budding (崭露头角) poets, scientists, writers, doctors and painters. It is in school that the students enjoy the pleasure of achieving their goals.

    4     In school, teachers try to lead students away from bad thoughts. And at the same time, they teach them good qualities.

In the library, in class and in competitions, students get chances to improve themselves. Above all, in examinations they try to show their best sides. Thus, they get the opportunity to take part in more activities. School has clearly a healthy influence on students. But some students are satisfied with bad friends and try to avoid the influence of their teachers.     5    

A．In school, all the students study together.

B．School is the right place to realize early dreams.

C．Those students will miss the joys of their school life.

D．Teachers are those who guide the students on the right path.

E．School life is of great importance to both students and parents.

F．Good quality of discipline is developed in pupils.

G．School provides chances for students to fill their brain with knowledge.