Many people write to newspaper and magazines to express their opinions. Letters to the editor must carry the writer’s full name, address and telephone number, although the information is not necessary for publication. This requirement to provide personal particulars is a clear indication that writers are held responsible for what they say. When a writer wants his voice heard, he needs to claim ownership of his voice. Responsibility is the name of the game.
“People today prefer living together to putting their signatures on a marriage certificate because they refuse to accept responsibility for the relationship,” said social worker Ken Yip, “and this is what is causing a lot of family problems.” When we sign a paper, for example, a business contract or a bank document, the signature is a seal of consent, an agreement to take the matter seriously. Most governments and many organizations will not process written complaints if they do not bear the writer’s signature. The absence of a signature, they explain, tells us that the writer cannot be too serious and therefore does not deserve a reply.
There are people who wish to remain anonymous (匿名的) for various reasons. Multi-billionaire Mr. King donates generously to charity several times a year. He gives simply because he wants to help but not for the publicity his donations may bring, and he does not want his good deeds to make news. In other cases, people insist on anonymity because they are afraid of the consequences of revealing their identity. Crime witnesses may be willing to assist the police, but most are unwilling to give their names when reporting a crime.
Name or no name? The answer is very personal and lies in how much we want to get involved. We all have a name. It is a matter of responsibility to use it when we make a statement, a claim or an accusation. We all want to honor our own name, and it is only by stamping our expression of an opinion with our own name that we honor what we say.
1. What does the writer mean by saying “Responsibility is the name of the game”?A.Writers need to provide their personal information in the game. |
B.Publication must bear the writer’s full name, address and phone number. |
C.Writers should be responsible for their names. |
D.Names are required to indicate writers’ responsibility for what they say. |
A.not get a reply |
B.help to end a relationship |
C.be accepted all the same |
D.become a family problem |
A.hesitant to make a donation |
B.unwilling to draw public attention |
C.afraid of an accusation |
D.ready for involvement |
A.honor and writers |
B.identity and signature |
C.signature and responsibility |
D.anonymity and signature |
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【推荐1】A character in one of Shakespeare's plays once said, "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." Any of these could apply to the modern day sportsmen. Many still argue about the nature of talent. Some claim that people are born to be sportsmen, while others say it is only through devotion and hard work that they achieve their abilities. Arguably though, it is not until their talents are acknowledged by the public that they truly have greatness fallen upon them.
With this acknowledgement of their "greatness" come all the trappings of modern day celebrity:money, power, influence and responsibility. For better or for worse, like it or hate it, modern sportsmen are the role models of children everywhere. These children will grow up admiring their heroes, devoting their lives to copying their every move, and wanting above all to be like them. Due to this fascination,particularly with the massive influence of the media, it is more important than ever for these sportsmen to acknowledge their responsibility.
In the past few months alone, there have been many examples of questionable behaviors from sports icons. Sport stars of the present day are often mirroring the very worst aspects of society, a fact that the self-righteous(自以为是的) anger of the modern press has been quick to point out. It would be wrong for us to expect sportsmen to be saints. It would also be wrong for us to think that their behavior is markedly different from the sportsmen they grew up watching, but with the all-seeing eye of modern media it is a different world,and different standards must be expected.
Of course there is no obligation for sportsmen to be good role models. There are no prison sentences, no fines, no community service—unless their behaviors are illegal. Unless they break the law, it is entirely up to them as to whether or not they think their behavior is appropriate. Furthermore, measuring the true influence their decisions have on their followers is absolutely impossible. Some will rise against their idols, seeing them in a new light and condemning their actions. Others may copy their heroes' actions, using them as a shield when accused of the same crimes.
It is undeniable that the actions of sportsmen will influence the lives of those who worship them. Modern day sportsmen are almost ideals of today's world, and their actions are watched carefully by millions over the world. Some may complain against it, denying their influence on these children's lives. Others may be aware of it but not respect it, while many may both be aware of it and respect it. In a word, you do not choose whether you are a role model. All you can do is to decide how to act when greatness is thrust upon you.
1. In Paragraph 1, the author tries to emphasize________.A.sportsmen become great when their gifts are recognized by people |
B.sportsmen achieve greatness through their devotion and efforts |
C.different ways for sportsmen to achieve success and greatness |
D.the core characteristic to become great sportsmen nowadays |
A.role models usually have positive influence on their fans |
B.sportsmen have the right to behave freely within the law |
C.all the fans will follow their heroes' actions |
D.no obligation is given to sportsmen |
A.palled off | B.removed from | C.related to | D.forced on |
A.To advise the media to choose proper events to report. |
B.To inform the public that sportsmen are no role models. |
C.To remind the sportsmen of their social responsibilities. |
D.To argue that sportsmen should not be expected as herons. |
【推荐2】Parenting styles have evolved over the years in response to the rapid social changes. Whether it is tapping technology or applying the best parenting practices, parents nowadays generally invest more time in finding out how best to raise their child.
Modern parents have access to the internet and social media for ideal parenting advice and tips. There are also numerous parenting groups for different age groups on social media that parents can join. A parent can post questions from how to manage the constant cries of an infant to how to talk to a moody teenager, and chances are, the parent will be flooded instantly with advice and relevant articles. The availability of resources has helped modern parents to be more involved and supportive of their children’s development, academically, emotionally and socially. Modern parents are also keener to find out about effective parenting methods to raise disciplined and confident children.
Meanwhile, one of modern parenting styles, helicopter parenting, arises. When parents become over-involved, over-concerned and over-controlling, they start helping children with what they are capable of on their own, for example, selecting activities and friends for them. Such a parenting style can restrict the children’s ability to handle responsibilities independently. Children might be ill-equipped with life skills such as operating a stove or monitoring their schoolwork. Overprotecting children from failures may also be prevented from developing resilience (韧性) and acquiring skills like problem-solving.
On the other hand, parents in the past tended to supervise (监管) less. Children were given more control over how they managed their schoolwork and the friends they chose to play with. They were often expected to shoulder the responsibilities of caring for younger siblings and managing household chores. Living in the preinternet era, parents were less informed about different parenting approaches and personalities.
There is no one right way to raise a child and there is no need to doubt about the best parenting style. Each child is unique and should be raised differently by parents who are present, but not hovering (盘旋);who are supportive but not controlling; and who protect but not spoil.
1. What does the author explain by mentioning “an infant” and “a moody teenager” in paragraph 2?A.Devotion to kids. |
B.Easy access to guidance. |
C.Effective parenting. |
D.Tricky parenting problems. |
A.Its benefits. | B.Its influence. |
C.Its characteristics. | D.Its type. |
A.They had strengths and weaknesses in parenting. |
B.They were wiser than modern parents in1 parenting. |
C.They were to blame for child development prospect. |
D.They contributed to the children’s well-rounded abilities. |
A.To recommend how to parent wisely. |
B.To appeal to learn from modern parents. |
C.To inform how parenting has changed. |
D.To introduce two parenting strategies. |
【推荐3】Going to a gallery can be really enriching for children, but how to get them through the door? According to a psychologist Michael Atar, there’s an art.
With digital distractions everywhere, the thought of taking your kids to an art gallery — and they actually enjoy it — seems a huge challenge. It’s commonly thought that art galleries are anything but child-friendly places — they are usually described in popular media as stuffy and serious, demanding intense and extended periods of concentration for meditation in the backstory and meaning locked within each golden frame.
That common view depressingly makes galleries the least-visited heritage attractions for British families. Research has found that trips each year to theaters and castles far outnumber those to galleries, with a survey revealing that 35 percent of families have never been there at all. This is a crying shame as being exposed to art holds profound significance for the development of young minds, both intellectually and emotionally.
Beyond simply offering aesthetics (美学), art galleries serve as invaluable educational and instructional resources, fostering creativity, critical thinking and empathy. Here, children have the opportunity to engage in diverse perspectives, cultures and moods, with each painting, sculpture or photograph telling a story, inviting young viewers to interpret and connect with the artwork, and offering them different ways of seeing the world. But how can we get them engaged?
First, dispose of the idea of galleries being old-fashioned, outdated institutions to the dustbin. Similarly, see engagement with art being far wider than a collection of dry facts about the artist and history. Rather than trying to make kids “fit in” with fixed labels of a gallery, instead make the art gallery fit in with kids, defining their encounters on their terms. Besides, what really matters is that children build a connection with art. To encourage this, you can make it into a game, either with or without a reward, with simple quizzes such as, “Who can guess the artist?” or, “Who can identify the period it was made?” Also, don’t spend too long in the gallery for children naturally have shorter attention spans than adults, limiting your visit to 45 minutes in a gallery is perfect for stopping boredom creeping in.
1. What is the author’s attitude towards the common view on art galleries?A.Critical. | B.Supportive. | C.Tolerant. | D.Uncertain. |
A.They lift children’s moods. | B.They foster educational excellence. |
C.They give opportunities to create artworks. | D.They offer diverse ways to perceive the world. |
A.To define artistic terms. | B.To emphasize tradition. |
C.To link kids with art by games. | D.To make kids fit in with galleries. |
A.Make Art Fun | B.Take Kids to Art Galleries |
C.Art Galleries Won’t Die Easily | D.Kids Say No to Art Galleries |
【推荐1】The Polish take great pride in their culture.Our culture has many different customs and traditions.I will discuss three of these traditions and customs.
The Polish will say “Dziekuje” (“thank you”) only after receiving their change.What I mean by this is that when you are in Poland,you should wait to say “thank you” until after you have been given your change back.If you do not,you are telling cashiers (收银员) that they can “keep the change”.Often,people visiting Poland will feel that things are very expensive,until they learn that they are giving the store clerk permission to keep the money that would have been given back.
Polish people break “bread” with their families during their Christmas Eve meal.The Christmas Eve celebration starts with the breaking of the Oplatek,which is a thin piece of “bread”.In my family,the eldest in the family (my grandfather) takes the big Oplatek and breaks it into large pieces that he then hands down to each of his four children (my aunt,uncles,and father).Then,these family members break their pieces into smaller sizes and pass them out to their own children.Once the last piece is passed down to the youngest,we say a prayer (祷告) and eat the piece of thin bread.
Polish people celebrate “Imieniny”,or Name’s Day.This day is more important than one’s birthday.They often name their children after a saint (圣徒) whose day is closest to the date that they were born on.Then their saint’s day that they were named after becomes their “new” birthday.On Name’s Day,families and friends gather together and enjoy a variety of food,drinking,and dancing.
As you can see,Poland has a few very unique (独特的) traditions and customs.I honor my Polish culture and will pass it on to my own children because it is important to know one’s own culture.
1. In Poland,if you say “Dziekuje” before getting your change,___________ .A.the store clerk will keep it |
B.the product will be changed |
C.the store clerk will check the money |
D.the product will be returned to the store |
A.his grandfather | B.his uncle |
C.his aunt | D.his father |
A.a day to visit families and friends |
B.more important than Name’s Day |
C.near to his or her birthday |
D.a day to honor a saint |
A.He feels proud of them. |
B.He shows no interest in them. |
C.He is worried about them. |
D.He considers them very funny. |
【推荐2】Mobile phones and Personal Digital Assistants have varied precious metals and plastic. When we choose to recycle mobile phones and other such devices, it not only helps to conserve the valued resources within, but it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions that occur during manufacturing and processing.
The U. K. produces about 55 pounds of e-waste per person. Mary Creagh MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit, mentions that the household e-waste, which makes up a large number of cell phones, is piling up in a “tsunami of e-waste”.
Most Europeans change their cell phone every 18 to 24 months. The next time you have a new phone, don’t throw your old one anywhere or slide it into a drawer to gather dust. Either recycle it or if it still does its job well, consider donating it to a program that serves essential technology to low-income groups and individuals. There are also some recycling programs that work with community organizations and schools to collect unused cell phones as fundraising projects.
Apple accepts taking back the old iPhones to recycle and reuse them through its Renew pro-gram. In 2015, Apple recycled 90 million pounds of electronic waste. The composition thus recovered includes 23 million pounds of steel, 13 million pounds of plastic, and nearly 12 million pounds of glass. There were some high-value recovered materials too—2.9 million pounds of copper (铜), 6.6 pounds of silver, and 2.2 pounds of gold!
We live in threatening times when our planet is subject to risks that shouldn’t be ignored. With the decreasing metal reserves, the valuable metals inside cell phones are more precious than ever.
Let’s walk the talk and not just crawl when it comes to protecting our natural resources. Every human being on the planet has a responsibility to do their part in stopping e-waste by choosing to recycle mobile phones.
1. What can we know about e-waste from Mary Creagh MP’s statement?A.It is alarming in amount. | B.It is kept in people's houses. |
C.It is made up of cell phones. | D.It is mainly produced in the U. K. |
A.Sell it to raise funds. | B.Put it in a secret place. |
C.Keep it to continue its job. | D.Give it away for a worthy cause. |
A.To warn us of the decrease in metal. |
B.To remind us to care about our planet. |
C.To show the benefits of recycling e-waste. |
D.To inform us of the various components of e-device. |
A.Recycle Mobile Phones: Let's Think |
B.Recycle Mobile Phones: Let's Donate |
C.Recycle Mobile Phones: Let's Be Careful |
D.Recycle Mobile Phones: Let's Be Responsible |
【推荐3】A couple of years ago, Ashok Goel was overwhelmed by the number of questions his students were asking in his course on artificial intelligence. Goel teaches computer science at Georgia Tech, sometimes to large classes, where students can ask thousands of questions online in a discussion forum. Professor Goel already had eight teaching assistants, but that wasn’t enough to deal with the increasing number of daily questions from students.
When students feel confused and reach out with questions that go unanswered, their motivation to continue begins to fade. Professor Goel decided to do something to improve this situation and his solution was to create a virtual assistant named Jill Watson, which is based on the IBM Watson platform.
Goel and his team developed several versions of Jill Watson before releasing her to the online forums. At first, the virtual assistant wasn’t too great. But Goel and his team sourced the online discussion forum to find all the 40, 000 questions that had ever been asked since the class was launched. Then they began to feed Jill with the questions and answers. After some adjustments and enough time, Jill was able to answer the students’ questions correctly 97% of the time. The virtual assistant became so advanced and realistic that the students didn’t know she was a computer. The students, who were studying artificial intelligence, were interacting with the virtual assistant and couldn’t tell it apart from a real human being. Goel didn’t inform them about Jill’s true identity until April 26. The students were actually very positive about the experience.
The goal of Professor Goel’s virtual assistant next year is to take over answering 40% of all the questions presented by students on the online forum. The name Jill Watson will, of course, change to something else next semester. Professor Goel has a rosy outlook on the future of artificial intelligence, believing it will be widely applied.
1. What did Professor Goel find in the online course?A.The course was too difficult for students. | B.Most students dropped out of his course. |
C.Students’ questions were too many to handle. | D.Assistants’ capacity made students unsatisfied. |
A.She was easily identified as an AI. | B.She turned out to be a great success. |
C.She was released online as the first version. | D.She could answer all the questions correctly. |
A.Hopeful. | B.Sensitive. | C.Adventurous. | D.Cautious. |
A.An online computer course benefits students. | B.An Al team develops online discussion forums. |
C.A knowledgeable AI assists in online education. | D.A new outlook promises online AI development. |