Some jobs are so demanding that there is not a free moment to do something else than to recover and rest. Most physicians have great difficulty starting or even maintaining a hobby. But there are exceptions.
Take Menno Baars for instance. He works full time as a cardiologist(心脏病专家)in a hospital in Holland. "Full time" might still be an understatement-as a cardiologist he spends about 60 hours a week in the hospital. However，after a long day of work，he likes to come home and spend hours doing what is his great passion: painting.
How can he find the time and energy to live a life that few others can pursue?" "Actually it is quite simple. If you like what you do, you will find a way to do it. Don't get me wrong. I love cardiology, but it is not a very creative profession," says Baars."It is a specialty that is based on strict treatment guidelines, without much room for your own ideas and creativity. That is why painting as a hobby is so wonderful. There are no rules and I can do whatever I want."
Although there are no rules in painting, for Baars it is still some sort of a custom. The only thing that reminds the painter Baars of the cardiologist Baars is his white coat and his surgical gloves which he wears every time he is painting." I sometimes start at 10 at night and can continue working until 4:30 in the morning and still make it to work on time that same day," says Baars."That is the advantage of my training as a medical specialist. I get used to making crazy hours and long nights."
You would think that someone who is so driven by his passion for painting was already fascinated by art as a little kid." Not at all," says Baars unexpectedly." I never dreamed of becoming a painter. My parents expected me to finish college and pursue a professional career. I only realized my passion for painting after having completed medical school. Once I was attracted by a painting of Miro, but could not afford it. So I decided to paint myself. I just started painting lines, but within minutes a beautiful dove was on the canvas. I suddenly realized this is what I want to do."
A successful doctor. A successful painter. It seems unfair to have the two identities in one person. What do his fellow cardiologists think of his passion for painting？“They accept it and actually appreciate it as well. You see，if I was a cardiologist who provided suboptimal(未达最佳标准的)care for his patients，they would not agree. My chairman told me a few years ago in the hospital that he would rather see me reading cardiology books at night than see me holding a paint brush.”
“I used to pack a lot of ideas into each painting-different shapes，colors and so on. I still have tons of ideas，which is not the problem. But I do strive for more simplicity. To depict a simple idea clearly is my goal. Also my technique has improved over time. When I started out，the paint would sometimes flake(剥落)if the basis was not good，but that doesn't happen anymore these days.”
Menno Baars never has any doubts when he is painting. However，he does like the response he gets from the most important woman in his life. His wife is the first to see each newly-finished painting." Sometimes when I finish a new painting in the middle of the night, I wake her up to see if she likes it. She doesn't always like to be woken up, but she always gives an honest answer.
Even if she doesn't like it, for me the painting is finished. I won't change it afterwards. It is more of the feeling that once my wife has seen it, it is ready to be presented to the rest of the world."
1. Why does Menno Baars like painting?| A．Because he dislikes rules very much. |
| B．Because he feels bored with his work. |
| C．Because he wants to pursue a career as a painter. |
| D．Because he finds painting a creative process. |
| A．help him work late into the night | B．make himself feel easy and comfortable |
| C．remember his identity as cardiologist | D．remind himself to work on time next morning |
| A．when he completed a beautiful painting | B．when he was a very young child |
| C．to live up to his parents' expectations | D．to spend his leisure time at home |
| A．They can't hide their envy at his success. |
| B．They don't expect too much of his paintings. |
| C．They think he should put his job as a doctor first. |
| D．They don't think he should spend time painting. |
| A．full of different colors | B．clearly convey a simple idea | C．special with creative ideas |
| D．improve with modern techniques | ||
| A．will probably feel very disappointed | B．will still keep the painting and have it presented |
| C．will accept her advice and change the painting | D．will never ask for her opinion any more |
相似题推荐
Leadership is the most significant word in today’s competitive business environment because it directs the manager of a business to focus inward on their personal abilities and style. Experts on leadership will quickly point out that “how things get done "influences the success of the outcomes and indicates a right way and a wrong way to do things. When a noted leader on the art of management, Peter Drucker, coined the phrase “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things,” he was seeking to clarify the distinctions he associates with the terms.
When Stephen Covey founder and director of the Leadership Institute, explored leadership styles in the past decade, he focused on the habits of a great number of highly effective individuals. His Seven Habits of Highly Effective People became a popular bestseller very quickly. His ideas forced a reexamination of the early leadership example,which centered on the feature that was found in the character ethic and the personality ethic. The former ethic suggested success was founded on modesty, loyalty, courage, patience, and so on. The personality ethic suggested it was one’ s attitude, not behavior, that inspired success, and this ethic was founded on a belief of positive mental attitude.
In contrast to each of these ideas, Covey advocates that leaders need to understand universal principles of effectiveness, and he highlights how vital it is for leaders to first personally manage themselves if they are to enjoy any hope of outstanding success in their work environments. To achieve a desired vision for your business, it is essential that you have a personal vision of where you are headed and what you value. Business leadership means that managers need to “put first things first,” which implies that before leading others, you need to be clear on your own values. Abilities and strengths are seen as trustworthy.
1. What is the main idea of the passage? (no more than 11 words)2. Under what condition are people likely to succeed, in terms of the personality ethic? (no more than 13 words)
3. How can leaders enjoy outstanding success in their work environments, according to Stephen Covey? (no more 6 words)
4. What is the meaning of the underlined word “vision”?(no more than 2 words)
5. In your opinion how to be good leaders?(no more than 20 words)
【推荐2】Surfing the Internet for fun will make you a better employee, according to an Australian study.
The University of Melbourne study shows that people who use the Internet for their own reasons at work are about 9 percent more productive than those who do not. Study author Brent Coker said, "Surfing the Internet at times helps increase an employee's attention."
"People need to relax for a bit to get back their attention," Coker said on the university's website.
"Having a short break, such as a quick surfing of the Internet, helps the mind to rest itself, leading to a higher total Internet attention for a day's work, and as a result, increases productivity (生产效率)," he said.
According to the study of 300 workers, 70 percent of people who use the Internet at work surf the Internet for their own reasons during office hours. Among the most popular surfing activities are searching for information about products, reading online news, playing online games and watching videos. "Firms spend a lot of money on software to block their employees from watching videos, using social networking sites or shopping online," said Coker. "That's not always a good idea."
However, Coker said the study looked at people who surfed the Internet in moderation (适度), or were on the Internet for less than 20 percent of their total time in the office. "Those who spend too much time surfing the Internet will have a lower productivity than those without." he said.
1. What does the University of Melbourne study mainly show?| A．People who surf the Internet are good employees. |
| B．Not everyone surfs the Internet for fun during office hours. |
| C．Surfing the Internet for fun at times during office hours increases productivity. |
| D．The Internet is becoming more and more important in people's life. |
| A．organize | B．separate |
| C．protect | D．stop |
| A．Spending too much time surfing the Internet reduces productivity. |
| B．Those who never surf the Internet have the lowest productivity. |
| C．Most people don't surf the Internet in moderation during office hours. |
| D．People should spend as little time as possible surfing the Internet. |
【推荐3】How to Work From Home
As more companies across nearly every industry accommodate an increasing number of employees wishing to forego (摒弃) the morning commute and office pantry footfall, remote work has become an increasingly easy and breathlessly practical option for many who seek it.
Here is a modest guide to becoming a successful remote employee. It’s a culmination (巅峰) of what I’ve learned along the way.
Don’t sleep where you work. Whether it’s a rented office space or a den converted (转换) into a home office or a cabin in the woods for that matter, find a space away from your bedroom to work.
Plan against distractions.
Trying to mix work and free time runs the danger of never quite powering down or shutting off.
| A．Get into your groove. |
| B．Set boundaries if you’re working at home. |
| C．Close your work chat programs and emails and consider yourself “out for the day,” and “home now.” |
| D．I can comfortably and productively contribute a solid day’s work from almost anywhere. |
| E．And it can lead to burnout and depression from feeling like you’re always on and available. |
| F．There are many things that contribute to becoming a successful work-from-home employee. |
【推荐1】I have been dancing since I was 14 years old, when my best friend dragged me to an after-school dance class. I enjoyed that dance class so much that I have been dancing ever since. After every dance class, however, I always have to stretch out my legs and back, as dancing can be quite a tough workout! It feels like as much exercise as going to the gym—but dancing is not widely considered to be a sport.
Many dancers would argue that dancing is a sport, as it requires great physical stamina (耐力), strong muscles and impressive flexibility. No matter what style of dance you are participating in, you will always be using all of your muscles while dancing and this can often be for several hours a day. Additionally, in the more traditional dance styles (such as ballet and contemporary dance), men often lift their female dance partners up in the air. The strength that dancers need means that they are often just as athletic as footballers, runners or swimmers.
On the other hand, many people argue that dance is an art form. Dances often exhibit emotion, show characters and tell stories. Dancing to music is creative and visually appealing to the eyes and ears. It is easy to see why many people consider dance to be an art form. I personally believe that dance is both a sport and an art. I believe that a great dancer will be a mixture of an athlete and an artist.
However, whether you consider dance to be an art or a sport, the important thing is to enjoy it! Dancing is a great way to make new friends and it’s a really fun way to exercise!
1. Why did the author fall in love with dancing?| A．Because she got inspired by her best friend. |
| B．Because she found the dance class was for free. |
| C．Because dancing might be the best form of exercise. |
| D．Because dancing was the most challenging task. |
| A．A ballet dancer should be tall and strong. . |
| B．In some ways dancers are similar to athletes. |
| C．Most dancers find it hard to practice for several hours. |
| D．The traditional dance styles often cost more energy. |
| A．Because they think it is just like watching a play. |
| B．Because dancing merely brings amusement. |
| C．Because they think it is funny to watch dance. |
| D．Because dancers tell stories while dancing. |
| A．Fashion. | B．Sport. | C．Life around the world. | D．Music. |
【推荐2】Have you always wanted to learn to play tennis, but you’ve been unsure of where to start? Do you love watching Rafael Nadal or Serena Williams dominate the courts, and hope to be just like them?
Find a place to play.
You can play tennis at your local park, a gym, or tennis club. Search online or ask friends where the best local courts are. Most parks let you play for free, but you’ll probably need to pay membership fees to play anywhere else.
You can practise basic serving techniques in any large, open space.
Buy tennis supplies.
Before you buy tennis clothes, ask your gym or club if they have any clothing requirements. If not, any loose, comfortable athletic clothes will be fine.
Find an opponent.
Once you learn the basics, you’ll need an opponent to practise tennis with. Ask anyone you see playing at your local court if they’d be interested in helping you learn.
| A．Buy tennis clothes. |
| B．Stricter clubs may require you to buy tennis shoes. |
| C．Playing tennis can help you build speed, power, and fitness. |
| D．But it’s best to spend as much time as possible on actual courts. |
| E．Figuring out the different areas of the tennis court is the first step. |
| F．You don’t need to buy professional grade tennis supplies right away. |
| G．If not, try asking friends, family, or even searching online for a local tennis association. |
【推荐3】Having a hobby has a lot of advantages, from lower levels of stress to an increased sense of purpose. But what if you don’t actually have a hobby you love? You’re not alone. Many people are trying to find meaningful hobbies.
Change what you already enjoy into a hobby.
Even if you don’t have a hobby, there’s one activity that you enjoy.
Think about your childhood interests.
Start trying things.
If you really want to find a hobby you love, you need to accept that not everything you try is going to become a hobby. Think of anything you might find interesting and take a class.
| A．If you like it, keep doing it. |
| B．In this case, you can join a football team. |
| C．When you were a kid, what did you like to do? |
| D．Chances are there’s a way to change it into a hobby. |
| E．Join organisations or groups where you can try things out. |
| F．Here are a few strategies you can use to find a hobby you truly love. |
| G．Searching on the Internet is a great way to explore different hobbies. |
【推荐1】As a child, I had a library phobia. I associated going to the library with doing research for a school project or a book report. I defined reading as work, and books came from the library, so going to the library for fun was out of the range of my thinking. As hard as they tried, my parents could not get me interested in reading. They purchased a few of the Hardy Boys series.
The books collected dust. The closest I came to wanting to read was The Big Green Book by Robert Graves, with illustrations by Maurice Sendak, a gift from my aunt. Its lead character, a boy of about 8, my age, discovered a book of magic spells. I was fascinated spells were not in the book, but I drew an imaginary magic circle with a long stick in my bedroom, stood inside the circle, took three deep breaths and made up my own spell. I never became invisible, which was my goal. This was my favorite book. I read it again and again. Certainly no need to go to the library.
Eventually, I started reading novels in my 20s. To avoid going to the library, which was only seven blocks from my Brooklyn home, I joined various book clubs. I didn’t mind having to buy a book a month as long as I didn’t have to go to the library.
My library phobia was cured 23 years ago when my family moved to Long Island. The East Meadow Public Library, a two-block walk from our home, became a regular destination for me and my family. My children were introduced to books through the children’s section with free programs that even my wife and I enjoyed. My children made friends, and my wife and I made friends with the parents.
My library card is faded, the edges are ragged and I renew my membership time and time again. I have given up mail-order books, and when I go to a store that sells books, I snap pictures of the book jackets that enthral me and put the book on reserve at the library.
1. What can we learn about the book The Big Green Book?| A．It inspired the author with some ideas. | B．It appealed to the author’s parents. |
| C．It contained some magic spells. | D．It is a gift from the author’s uncle. |
| A．To go to book clubs. | B．To read novels. |
| C．To start a school. | D．To purchase books on his own. |
| A．He formed a new family. | B．He moved to a new place. |
| C．He wanted to meet targeted people. | D．He came to know more about his family. |
| A．Puzzle. | B．Frighten. | C．Attract. | D．Escape. |
【推荐2】While walking outside one morning. I saw the most beautiful thing ever.
It was early, and I was walking on dewy (带露水的) grass down to the horse stables — my mind on the day’s chores.
Suddenly a blazing (耀眼的) flash erupted (爆发) straight from the ground, about 15 feet in front of me, and shot up into the sky. Its brilliance (光彩) stopped me dead. What could make such a bright light? Could it be a diamond? I waited to see if it would repeat, but it didn’t.
I walked slowly toward it, but saw nothing. I stared down at the grass, searching for gold or some kind of metal — again, nothing. I dropped down to my knees for a closer look. Suddenly, I saw it. The rising sun hit the grass’ dewdrops at the perfect angle (角度), sending brilliant light into the sky. It was as if I had just discovered a tiny new world.
It was unbelievable! How could such a powerful flash come from something so small? On another day, I would have crushed it under my feet. It was as though the unseen world was giving me a heads-up. “Hello, look at what’s around you.” it said. I’ve never forgotten that moment.
So next time you’re out, take some time to notice nature, whose beauty most of us never even see. Our world contains so much beauty if we would just take time to admire it. Look at the brilliant colors and detailed patterns of small flowers that cover playing fields — we walk all over them without a second look. Watch a bee harvesting pollen (花粉), so busy with a purpose, or tiny ants going about their day, or birds singing and fluffing (抖动) their wings. Stop and stare at the beautiful colors of practically any flower on Earth. All of these natural creations are breathtaking (令人惊叹的) —if only we took the time to notice them.
Appreciate nature, and you'll find a new secret each day to keep in your heart. It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
1. How did the author feel when he discovered that dew made the flash?| A．Disappointed. | B．Bored. | C．Amazed. | D．Satisfied. |
| A．Lesson. | B．Message. | C．Hope. | D．Break. |
| A．He didn’t like plants or animals. | B．He was probably busy with his life. |
| C．He probably didn't live a good life. | D．He was dying to make good money. |
| A．To tell people the secrets hidden in nature. |
| B．To show that small things can be powerful. |
| C．To stress the importance of living a comfortable life. |
| D．To encourage people to enjoy the beauty of nature. |
【推荐3】You always found me on a basketball court or with a ball in my hand. It taught me many things about life. It also taught me that success requires hard work.
I played the sport up until one day my plans were cut short. I had my knee broken, unfortunately, terminating my career as a player. Giving up basketball was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life.
I did not want to lose that part of my life forever. I decided to realize my dream of basketball from a different angle; I signed up to coach a seventh grade basketball team. I’m not going to lie, at first I was a bit apprehensive. After all, I was only a senior girl in high school coaching a seventh grade basketball team.
My basketball team consisted of seven seventh grade girls and we practiced twice a week for one hour. It was not a lot of time, which often made it difficult to make progress in skill development. However, my skills were able to develop, but not in basketball. As a coach, I am supposed to be the one teaching them. But the girls that I coached did not realize that while they were learning, so was I. My players taught me many things like patience and confidence, and above all, a better understanding of myself as a person. They taught me how to be a good role model, and how to hold myself accountable for my choices. They taught me how to heighten my love for the game, and heighten my love for seven girls I didn’t know I could grow so close to. Thank you for helping me grow as an individual and as a coach.
1. What broke the author’s dream of being a basketball player?| A．Shortage of time. | B．A serious injury. | C．Lack of hard work. | D．A terrible illness. |
| A．Concerned. | B．Consistent. | C．Considerate. | D．Communicative. |
| A．Making choices. | B．Basketball skills. | C．Confidence building. | D．Self recognition. |
| A．She has parted with the girls. | B．She will go for further education. |
| C．She has stepped out of her shadow. | D．She makes a living by training the girls. |
1. The four drones(无人机)are listed in order of ________.
| A．popularity | B．sales |
| C．price | D．size |
| A．DJI Mavic Pro 4K Foldable Camera Drone |
| B．DJI Spark Alpine White |
| C．DJI Phantom 4 4K Camera Drone |
| D．ProFlight Maverick Folding Camera Drone |
| A．its maximum speed is the highest |
| B．users can pilot it just by moving fingers |
| C．it can be controlled by a smartphone |
| D．it takes up the least space when folded |
【推荐2】Blue Planet II's latest episode(一集) focuses on how plastic is having a disastrous effect on the ocean and slowly poisoning our sea creatures. Researchers recently also found that sea creatures living in the deepest place on Earth, the Mariana Trench，have plastic in their stomachs. Indeed, the oceans are drowning in plastic．
Though it seems now that the world couldn't possibly function without plastics， plastics used by consumers are a remarkably recent invention. The first plastic bags were introduced in the 1950s; the same decade that plastic packaging began gaining in popularity in the United States. This growth has happened so fast that science is still catching up with the change. Plastics pollution research, for instance, is still a very early science．
We put all these plastics into the environment and we still don't really know what the outcomes are going to be. What we do know, though, is disturbing. Ocean plastic is estimated to kill millions of marine animals every year. Nearly 700 species，including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by it. One in three leatherback turtles, which often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, have been found with plastic in their bellies. Ninety percent of seabirds are now eating plastics on a regular basis. By 2050, that figure is expected to rise to 100 percent．
And it's not just wildlife that is threatened by the plastics in our seas. Humans are consuming plastics through the seafood we eat. I could understand why some people see ocean plastic as a disaster, worth mentioning to the same degree as climate change. But ocean plastic is not as complicated as climate change. There are no ocean trash deniers （否认者）, at least so far. To do something about it, we don't have to remake our planet energy system．
This is not a problem where we don't know what the solution is. We know how to pick up garbage．Anyone can do it．We know how to dispose （处理） of it. We know how to recycle. We can all start by thinking twice before we use plastic products. Things may seem ordinary, like using a reusable bottle or a reusable bag. But when taken collectively, these choices really do make a difference．
1. Why is plastics pollution research still a very early science?| A．The plastics pollution research is too difficult． |
| B．Plastics have produced less pollution than coal． |
| C．The world couldn't possibly function without plastics． |
| D．Plastics have gained in popularity too fast for science to catch up． |
| A．By statistics． |
| B．By quotations from leading experts． |
| C．By using examples from his own experience． |
| D．By comparison and contrast． |
| A．Climate change is caused by human activities． |
| B．Climate change is not as simple as ocean pollution． |
| C．Climate change is less important than ocean pollution． |
| D．Ocean plastic is more complicated than climate change． |
| A．Ocean pollution is a global issue． |
| B．The oceans become choked with plastic． |
| C．Blue Planet II has left viewers heartbroken． |
| D．Plastics gain in popularity all over the world |
【推荐3】From San Francisco, Las Vegas is about 600 miles away and can easily be reached by taking a plane or traveling by bus or car. There’s no direct train service between cities, but travelers in search of a fun road trip have the choice of taking a few scenic detours (弯路).
The Best Time to Travel to Las Vegas
With summer temperatures frequently exceeding (超过) 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius), you won’t find too many people visiting this desert city between the months of June and August. Wintertime is actually considered high season, since this is when travelers from around the U.S. usually come to escape the colder temperatures in other parts of the country. Hotels are usually booked up. For the best weather and the smallest number of crowds, a visit during the spring or fall months is ideal.
The Most Scenic Route to Las Vegas
The scenic route to Las Vegas will add a few hours to your trip, but it’s a lot more entertaining and you can see some beautiful landscapes along the way. Your choices are to move north to Lake Tahoe, which will add about three hours of driving to your trip, or go through Yosemite and Death Valley National Parks, which will add about four to six hours of driving. If you’re taking the scenic route, you may consider camping overnight.
What to Do in Las Vegas
You don’t have to be the gambling (赌博) type to have a good time in Las Vegas. The city offers plenty to entertain travelers of all kinds, from headlining shows from world-class performers, to beat-pumping nightclubs and family-friendly attractions like the thrill rides at Stratosphere Tower.
1. If you want the cheapest way to get from San Francisco to Las Vegas, which kind of transportation is best?| A．Take a bus there. | B．Fly there. | C．Drive a car. | D．Go there by train. |
| A．visit the city in summer |
| B．book the hotel in advance in high season |
| C．go outside when the temperature exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit |
| D．consider camping overnight in the city if the hotels are full |
| A．Gambling. |
| B．Beat-pumping nightclubs. |
| C．The thrill rides at Stratosphere Tower. |
| D．Headlining shows from world-class performers. |
