【推荐2】A man once said how useless it was to put advertisements in the newspapers, “Last week,” said he, “my umbrella was stolen from a London church. As it was a present, I spent twice its worth in advertising, but didn't get it back.”

“How did you write your advertisement?” asked one of the listeners, a merchant.

“Here it is,” said the man, taking out of his pocket a slip cut from a newspaper. The offer man took it and read, “Lost from the City Church last Sunday evening, a black silk umbrella. The gentleman who finds it will receive ten shillings on leaving it at No. 10 Broad Street.”

“Now,” said the merchant, “I often advertise, and find that it pays me well. But the way in which an advertisement is expressed is of very importance. Let us try for your umbrella again. and if it fails, I'll buy you anew one.”

The merchant then took a slip of paper out of his pocket and wrote: “If the man who was seen to take an umbrella from the City Church last Sunday evening doesn't wish to get into trouble, he will return the umbrella to No. 10 Broad Street. He is well known.”

This appeared in the paper, and on the following morning, the man was astonished when he opened the front door. In the doorway lay at least twelve umbrellas of all sizes and colors that had been thrown in, and his own was among the number. Many of them had nines fastened to them saying that they had been taken by mistake and begging the loser not to say anything about the matter.

1. The result of the first advertisement was that ______.

A．the man got his umbrella back

B．the man wasted some money advertising

C．nobody found the missing umbrella

D．the umbrella was found somewhere near the Church

2. “If it fails, I’ll buy you a new one .” suggested that____.

A．he was quite sure of success

B．he was not sure whether he would get the umbrella hack

C．he was rich enough to afford a new umbrella

D．he did not know what to do

3. This is a story about _____.

A．a useless advertisement

B．how to make an effective(有效) advertisement

C．how the man lost and found his umbrella

D．what the merchant did for the umbrella owner

【推荐3】Lonely Planet collected a list of the top 10 countries to visit in 2020, taking you from blue Caribbean waters to thick European forests and beyond. Here are the destinations(目的地) not to miss.

1. Sri Lanka

Known for its timeless ruins and culture, attractive beaches and welcoming people, Sri Lanka is a key destination for anyone looking for a relaxing vacation full of beach lounging(懒散地躺着), wellness retreats（疗养院）and flavorful food to explorers in search of the next greatest sight.

When to visit: Sri Lanka is busiest December through March. However, the best weather can usually be found in April and September.

2. Germany

From cities filled with museums and nightlife to beautiful wildlife, Germany has something for everyone. Some tourist favorites include Berlin’s Museum Island, the Berlin Wall, The Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, and the Black Forest.

When to visit: Germany is most popular among tourists in July and August. Lonely Planet recommends heading over in the fall and spring.

3. Zimbabwe

The attraction of Zimbabwe is all about its gorgeous landscapes and extensive wildlife. Victoria Falls National Park is among the best spectacles to see in this southern African country. Take view of the rushing, mile-long waterfall from Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool next to the fall, and peer at its 328 feet drop.

When to visit: April and October bring sunny days and clear, cold nights, while July through September is the best time for wildlife viewing and white-water activities.

4. Panama

The country may be small, but there is a lot to do and see in Panama. Panama City is a diverse and busy city, and it is celebrating its 500th anniversary in 2020 by throwing a huge celebration.

When to visit: High season in Panama is during public holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. The best prices seen are usually between mid-April and early December.

1. Which country will you choose if you want to admire beaches?

A．Germany.

B．Sri Lanka.

C．Zimbabwe.

D．Panama.

2. What time is the best to see wild animals in Zimbabwe?

A．April.

B．October.

C．August.

D．December.

3. What can you do if you go to Panama in May?

A．Buy with least money.	B．Spend public holidays.
C．Join in a huge celebration.	D．Meet high season.

【推荐1】Wine and beaches, fireworks and music...our readers recommend some fantastic festivals.

Festa delTUva e del Vino, Italy

Set on the beautiful shores of Lake Garda, this grapes and wine festival takes over the small town of Bardolino for four days every October. With local wines, food, art projections, fireworks and live music. people come from miles around to celebrate. First and foremost, it’s about great wine, but it’s worth visiting to soak up the great atmosphere.

Free,1-5 October

Quest festival, Vietnam

This is a weekend camping festival held just a 40-minute drive from Hanoi, bringing together locals and visitors in a celebration of underground live and electronic music culture. Held in the beautiful Son Tinh campsite, there are usually about 30 local and international DJs and 10 bands. There are also workshops, pop-up cafes, ire performances, dancing and much more.

Weekend tickets about ￡25,6-8 November

Estival, Switzerland

This is a free festival of jazz which takes place in the first weekend in July in the pretty squares and lakeside beaches and parks around the southern Swiss town of Lugano. People will enjoy the palm trees and summer air see some of Europe’s up and coming jazz bands.

Free, every July

Irish Redhead Convention, Ireland

A friendly gathering for all red-haired people is held in the small seaside village of Crosshaven where redheads from all over the world take part in light hearted events. There’s live music, art exhibitions, lectures and of course the traditional Parade of Redheads through the village led by the newly crowned Redhead King and Queen.

Free, every August

1. Jennifer, a girl with red hair, may be interested in        .

A．Estival

B．Quest festival

C．Festa deirtlva e del Vino

D．Irish Redhead Convention

2. What do these four festivals have in common?

A．They offer local food.

B．They have fireworks.

C．They are free of charge.

D．They have music activities.

3. Where can you probably find the text?

A．In a textbook.

B．In a magazine.

C．In a news report.

D．In a research paper.

【推荐3】It was the final climb on his quest to reach the highest summit on all seven continents. When Christopher Kulish finally reached Mount Everest’s 29,035-foot peak, he joined an elite group known as the “Seven Summits Club”. But the 62-year-old Colorado attorney died suddenly Monday after returning to the first camp below the mountain’s summit. He’s the second American to die in the past week after reaching Everest’s highest point. His family believes the cause was a heart attack, according to the Denver Post. “He saw his last sunrise from the highest peak on Earth,” his brother, Mark Kulish, said in a statement to the Denver Post. “We are heartbroken at this news.”

Last week, 55-year-old Donald Lynn Cash of Utah collapsed and died just after reaching the Everest peak. He too had reached the highest point on all seven continents. Including Christopher and Cash, at least 11 people have died on Mount Everest this year.

The deaths come among reports of overcrowding on the popular mountain. The Nepali government granted a total of 381 permits to climb Everest this year, a number that doesn’t include guides who are on the mountain as well. For some climbers, that traffic has meant longer wait times — some told the Himalayan Times the wait has exceeded two hours between the last camp and the peak. Mountaineer Vanessa O’Brien, who has also climbed the seven summits, said when there’s a crowd, being a more experienced climber won’t help you. “It doesn’t matter if you’re the best racecar driver in the world. If you’re stuck in traffic, you’re stuck in traffic,” she said in an interview.

And when a climber is stuck in that traffic, “their body is starting to deteriorate.” O’Brien, who set a record as the fastest woman to reach the highest peak on every continent, also said the descent is often harder than the climb.

Climbing expert Alan Arnette said there’s no simple explanation for the string of deaths. He said weather that has led to a shorter climbing season is one factor causing overcrowding. He also said the cost to climb Mount Everest has decreased, which means more people are making the journey. He urged the governments in charge of granting permits to limit how many people can be on the mountain at once.

Still, Christopher was no beginner. His family said he’d been mountain climbing for five decades. He arrived at the base camp nearly two months before his climb so he could give himself time to adapt to the conditions. When he made his journey, his family said he was climbing with a small group in almost ideal conditions after some of the overcrowding had cleared.

His brother described being a lawyer as a “day job” for Christopher. Climbing was his passion. “He was an inveterate climber of peaks in Colorado, the West and the world over,” Mark Kulish said. “He passed away doing what he loved.”

1. What do we know from Christopher?

A．He has reached the highest point on all seven continents.

B．He joined the “Seven Summits Club” at the base camp.

C．11 people following him died after reaching the Everest peak this year.

D．He died from a heart attack below the mountain’s summit.

2. What made longer wait times on Mount Everest?

A．Lacking guides.	B．Overcrowding.
C．Bad weather.	D．Getting Government’s permission.

3. Why did Christopher arrive at the base camp so early before climbing?

A．To wait for his friends.	B．To learn about the mountain.
C．To clear the traffic jam.	D．To adapt to conditions earlier.

4. What does the underlined word “inveterate” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A．Experienced.

B．Famous.

C．Excellent.

D．Addictive.

【推荐1】ENTRESTO is a Heart Failure (HF) medicine that helps your heart so you can keep on doing what you love. It’s for people with the type of Heart Failure where the heart is enlarged and too weak to pump properly. ENTRESTO helps improve your heart’s ability to pump blood to the body. In the largest Heart Failure study ever, ENTRESTO was proven superior at helping people stay alive and out of the hospital compared to enalapril, a leading HF medicine.

Important Safety Information

ENTRESTO can harm or cause death to your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat HF if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should either take ENTRESTO or breastfeed. You shouldn’t do both. Also, don’t take ENTRESTO if you:

● are allergic to any of the ingredients in it.

● have had an allergic reaction including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat or trouble breathing while taking a type of medicine called ARB.

● take an ACE inhibitor medicine. Don’t take ENTRESTO for at least 36 hours before, or after you lake an ACE inhibitor medicine.

● take a medicine that contains aliskiren while having diabetes.

Possible Side Effects

● angioedema (血管性水肿). It may cause trouble breathing and death. Get emergency help right away if you have symptoms of angioedema or trouble breathing. Don’t take ENTRESTO again if you have had angioedema while taking ENTRESTO. People who are Black or who have had angioedema may have a higher risk of having angioedema when taking ENTRESTO.

● low blood pressure.

● kidney problems.

You are encouraged to report other negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www. fda.gon/ medwatch, or call I-800-FDA-1088.

To learn more information about ENTRESTO, visit www. entresto.com, or call 1-8888-ENTRESTO.

1. According to paragraph 1, ENTRESTO ________.

A．helps people stay active	B．is a leading HF medicine
C．is for people with a novel virus	D．improves heart’s ability to pump blood

2. Who should be prevented from taking ENTRESTO?

A．A mother with diabetes.

B．A woman with a baby to breastfeed.

C．A person who had an allergic to alcohol.

D．A man who took an ACE inhibitor medicine.

3. What do we know about the side effects of ENTRESTO?

A．They consist of three types altogether.

B．They can be severe enough to cost one’s life.

C．They’re reported on www. fda. gov/ medwatch.

D．They’re more likely to happen on white people.

4. Where is the passage probably taken from?

A．Drug Instruction.	B．Social Survey.
C．Science Report.	D．Medical Record.

【推荐2】Advertising gives useful information about which products to buy. But modern advertising does more than gives news about products and services. Today’s advertisements, or ads, try to get consumers to buy certain brands. Writers of advertising are so skillful that they can, sometimes persuade a consumer to wear a certain kind of clothing, eat a special kind of cereal, or see a movie. Consumers might never even want a product if they did not see or hear advertisements for it.
　　For example, you probab1y do not need the newest cereal in the supermarket. There are probably many cereal brands on your kitchen shelves. You may not have space on a shelf for another. But if you see ads about a new cereal that is your extra-tasty and has a free prize in the box, you may want it.
Advertising must get attention. To be effective, it must be exciting, entertaining, or provide some pleasure. The secret of writing good advertising copy is to offer a good idea as well as a product. The idea is what the ad is really selling. One example is an ad that says eating a certain cereal will make a person do well in sports. That cereal brand may sell better if consumers think it offers strength and energy.
1. What is discussed in this passage?

A．The content of modern advertising.

B．The skills of modern advertising.

C．The results of modern advertising.

D．The writing of modern advertising.

2. According to the passage, a good advertisement should        ____________.

A．be both persuasive and effective

B．give people useful information

C．show people a product

D．show people a new idea of a product

3. From the passage, we know that ___________________ .

A．modern advertising has less effect on customers

B．once customers see ads about a new cerea1, they are sure to buy it

C．cereal can make people strong

D．cereal is a kind of food which is popular among people

4. What can we infer from the passage?

A．Customers can easily be persuaded by advertisements.

B．Customers should be persuaded by advertisements.

C．It’s impossible for customers to buy a product without advertisements.

D．Customers buy products according to their demands rather than the advertisements.

【推荐3】3D technology has now hit its third era of mainstream popularity. But unlike the 3D technology in the 1950s or the 1980s, the current 3D market doesn't seem to be about to crash.

The next market for 3D movies appears to be the home market. While some home video releases have included anaglyph （立体）glasses, consumers have only recently had the chance to buy true 3D-capable televisions. 3D-ready televisions offer a 3D mode that works with a pair of battery-powered LCD shutter lenses. These glasses differ from polarized lenses（偏光镜片）as they contain liquid crystal displays that are synchronized（同步）with the video display to let light pass through at specific intervals. Shutter lenses have to be kept synchronized with the display either through a cable or wireless signal.

Despite recent advances in technology, 3D remains an imperfect and relatively expensive technology. People who like watching TV often blame the fact that 3D versions of films aren't as sharp or rich in color as their 2D versions. Polarized glasses also reduce peripheral vision（周边视觉）and leave viewers focused on the center of the screen. Newer 3D technologies will hopefully overcome these shortcomings.

Besides modest improvements, 3D producers are also working to break through the next significant barrier in 3D display. A number of auto stereoscopic （自 动立体的） displays are currently being designed. Like stereoscopic screens, auto stereoscopic screens display two images that are merged into one to cause a 3D effect. However, auto stereoscopic screens get rid of the need for glasses entirely. Using lenticular （透镜的） screens, auto stereoscopic displays produce a changeable image depending on the angle at which a person views the screen.

To date, this technology is only being employed for smaller devices like cellphones. Currently, the auto stereoscopic effect is difficult to achieve on larger screens because it requires the viewer to view the screen from a direct and constant angle. But at the current rate of advancing technology it shouldn't be too long before viewers are able to sit down at home or in a theater and enjoy a true 3D experience without the need for glasses.

1. What do we know about the liquid crystal displays?

A．They let the light from the screens through at any time.

B．They function when the video display is working.

C．They are built into the polarized lenses.

D．They can reduce peripheral vision on the screen.

2. What shortcoming do recent 3D versions of films have?

A．They are not available in the market now.

B．They are watched through polarized glasses.

C．Their images aren't clear and colorful.

D．Viewers have to centre on the screen.

3. Unlike stereoscopic screens, what features do auto stereoscopic screens have?

A．They make viewers focus on the screen centre.

B．They display two images merged into one.

C．They can be viewed without glasses.

D．They need to be viewed from different angles.

4. Which of the following best describes the attitude of the author towards 3D technology?

A．Positive.

B．Indifferent.

C．Critical.

D．Doubtful.

【推荐1】Movies we have enjoyed

Gattica Samantha Wynter from Mexico finds this movie interesting because it examines the results of genetic engineering of humans in the future. It shows the struggles of Victor, a man born naturally and with imperfections, to succeed in a world of genetically-designed, perfect humans.

Central Station Stella Tupinamba from Brazil reviews this excellent Brazilian film which was recently nominated(提名) for Academy awards. This movie which features the talented actress, Fernanda Montenegro, in Stella’s words, is “like a prize” for Brazilians. It’s a very special film. Don’t miss it!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Masako Kanki from Japan was pleased to find the movie so faithful to the book, but a little disappointed in the lack of character development. Nonetheless, she found the movie fantastic and is eagerly looking forward to viewing more movies based on Harry Potter books.

Life is Beautiful Akiko Tanaka from Japan feels this Italian movie is a very special one. She found the story very beautiful, but very sad. She tells us the basic story of this heartrending movie, which shows us we should never forget what happens during wars.

1. Which type does the movie Gattica belong to?

A．Science fiction.

B．Cartoon.

C．Thriller.

D．War movie.

2. What can we know from the reviews?

A．Central Station is a prize for Brazilians.

B．Victor is a successful man in the real world.

C．Akiko Tanaka was very sad when she found the story.

D．Masako Kanki wants to see more movies from Harry Potter books.

3. Which movie is not changing the original?

A．Gattica.	B．Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
C．Life is Beautiful.	D．Central Station.

【推荐2】For many of us, summertime means road trips to the beach or mountains, or at the very least some additional dust and bird poop on the exterior of our vehicles. The extra dirt leads us to do one of two things: wash our car in the driveway or head to the car wash. But which choice is better for the environment?

The main concerns with either choice are the amount of fresh water being used and the types of chemicals used to remove the dirt. Both of these concerns can be closely monitored when washing the car at home, says Katy Gresh, spokeswoman for the Southwest Region of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. She advises car owners to put aside a set amount of water for the entire wash. “It’s just like brushing your teeth,” she says, “You don’t want to leave the water running of more than you need for the job.” But even following this advice comes with an environmental risk: Washing your car in the driveway or street flushes the dirty water into storm drains.

John Schombert, executive director of 3 Rivers Wet Weather, his organization works to educate the public about storm sewers (下水道) and water runoff, keeping this untreated water from entering the Allegheny region’s waterways. “We ask people to, consider washing their cars on lawns or other permeable (透水的) surfaces where the water gets absorbed,” Schombert says. “Soil can break down and help filter (过滤) those things,” Schombert says. “Storm sewers are not made for waste disposal.” Even when car owners use natural soaps to wash their cars, which Schombert says are probably ineffective at breaking down grease anyway.

The commercial car wash down the street knows full well the rules regarding wastewater in storm sewers. According to the International Carwash Association (ICA), professional car washes must use water reclamation systems. These mandated processes not only keep the dirty water out of storm sewers and regular water treatment systems, but they also work to reduce water usage at commercial facilities.

1. What worries people when they have their cars washed?

A．The dirt cannot be removed easily.

B．Larger quantities of water are wasted.

C．The washing ways do no good to their cars.

D．The used chemicals are harmless to the environment.

2. What’s the disadvantage of washing cars at home?

A．It is not easy to deal with.

B．It cannot clean the dirt completely.

C．It consumes a larger amount of water.

D．It does much damage to the environment.

3. What is John’s company mainly about?

A．Purifying untreated water.

B．Helping the public protect waterways.

C．Advocating controlling soil and water loss.

D．Raising the public’s awareness of air protection.

4. What can be the best title of the text?

A．Do you put car washing at risk?

B．Which is better: Car wash or DIY?

C．Why dish washers are better than hand washing?

D．Do Americans use less water than they did years ago?

【推荐3】One of the best uses of technology is to make life easier.

A new product from Microsoft Corporation can do just that for people who have trouble seeing. They may be blind or visually impaired. The product, an app, is currently available for free for Apple’s iPhone and iPad. The app is called Seeing AI. “AI” is short for artificial intelligence, a term for computers with an ability to think and learn like human beings.

Seeing AI uses both a camera and artificial intelligence to identify places, objects and people. The app then announces what the camera sees so users will know what is in front of them.

People can also use Seeing AI to learn words in English. With the app open, you can point your iPhone or iPad at any object and it will say what the object is. With Seeing AI, users can hear a description of not just objects, but other people. It can even tell you about their emotions. It will not just say that someone is smiling. The app will say that the person is happy. Or surprised. Or angry. People can use the app when going to a store or supermarket. It can read product bar codes so users will know whether a can is filled with fruit or dog food. Microsoft says Seeing AI will soon be able to identify banknotes so people know whether they are holding a bill that is worth $100 or $1.

At restaurants, diners can use the new app to hear a list of drinks and other menu offerings. It can recognize both food choices and prices. People can use the app to read signs and get directions, although Microsoft warns against using it for navigation（导航） purposes.

One of the more interesting tools of Seeing AI is its ability to read documents. The app can read documents aloud and even help a user position them on the center of the electronic device.

The app is currently available in just the US, Canada, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore---however, Microsoft says that the app will be available in other countries and districts soon.

1. Who is Seeing AI intended for?

A．people working at the restaurant

B．people having visual disabilities

C．people buying goods in the supermarket

D．people having difficulty in learning languages

2. Microsoft warns users not to use Seeing AI for___________.

A．describing a person	B．navigating
C．reading documents	D．reading product bar codes

3. What can we infer about Seeing AI?

A．It was developed by Apple	B．It can be used on computers.
C．It identifies things only by the camera.	D．It makes blind people’s life easier.

4. What will happen to Seeing AI?

A．It will soon be available on Android.

B．It will replace people’s eyes.

C．It will have more new functions

D．It will only be used in European countries.