Every spring, there are sports meetings at many middle schools. When students on the playground crowd into a circle and shout loudly, “One, two, one, two.” Do you know what game it is? It is tug of war (拔河).
Tug of war is a team sport between two teams at each end of a rope. It first came into being in China 2, 400 years ago. It is very popular in China and many other countries. But in other countries, their tug-of-war match is not the same as ours. They have eight men for each team, while we may have the match between two sides with equal number of men or women players. Of course, they are usually tall, strong and heavy.
For a tug-of-war match, we need a long thick rope. Each team stands at one end of the rope, holding it. There is a white line in the middle of the field. Then they try to pull the center of the rope to each of their own sides. The winning team is the one that pulls the other over the line.
Tug of war was once an Olympic sporting event. It lasted until 1920. Though it isn’t an Olympic sport now, people in many countries like playing it very much.
1. Tug of war first came into being in China 2, 500 years ago.2. In other countries, a tug-of-war team has eight men players.
3. The team that pulls the other over the line is the losing team.
4. Now tug of war is still an Olympic sport and many people like playing it.
5. The passage mainly talks about a popular team sport—tug of war.
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INFO BITES
Fight to the finish
In a match that was called “one of the greatest fights I’ve ever seen in my life” by fight commentator (评论员) Joe Rogan, Chinese MMA (mixed martial arts, 综合格斗) fighter Zhang Weili beat Polish fighter Joanna Jedrzejczyk on March 7.
Zhang, 30, and Jedrzejczyk, 32, squared off (打斗) in Las Vegas, with Zhang successfully defending her strawweight (草量级) UFC (终极格斗冠军赛) title. The fight was highly anticipated, as both women are known as top fighters among their peers.
Zhang’s training was cut by the novel coronavirus outbreak. It forced her to travel from Beijing to Thailand and then to Abu Dhabi before arriving in Vegas about a week later than planned, according to China Daily. Worse still, Zhang was offended (激怒) by a post on social media in which Jedrzejczyk seemed to make fun of the outbreak. In a mock poster that Jedrzejczyk posted, she wears a gas mask (防毒面具) standing behind Zhang.
Although the post was later deleted, Zhang said that she was fired up to make Jedrzejczyk pay for the tasteless joke in the octagon(八角格斗场).
In the end, Zhang scored a narrow win over Jedrzejczyk, with both ending up in the hospital due to the intensity (激烈程度) of their fight.
“All fighters deserve respect from one another in the octagon. I don' t like people hitting each other with trash talk," said Zhang following her victory. “We go for the championship with our punches (拳头) but we shall never end up being remembered as only talking with violence (暴力)."
“Now the virus situation is not just affecting China, but the whole world. I hope everybody in the world can stand together to fight the virus with a united effort,” she said.
By Mike Fuksman, 21st Century Teens staff
1. In which section can we read the news?| A．OUR WORLD | B．IN BRIEF | C．INFO BITES | D．21st CENTURY |
| A．Zhang won the title for the first time |
| B．both competitors are top fighters |
| C．the fight was likely to end very soon |
| D．Zhang couldn’t defend her title |
| A．She had to get training in Vegas. |
| B．She couldn’t arrive in Vegas directly. |
| C．Jedrzejczyk posted a mock poster online. |
| D．Jedrzejczyk wore a gas mask to take part in the match. |
4. What can we learn from Zhang’s words?
| A．We should listen to trash talk. |
| B．Competitors who talk trash can’t be respected. |
| C．Fighters can’t win without violence. |
| D．Everyone deserves respect. |
| A．we can read this piece of news in China Daily. |
| B．Mike Fuksman is a reporter in 21st Century Teens. |
| C．in order to win this match, Zhang kept training without break. |
| D．Only Jedrzejczyk was sent to the hospital because of the fight. |
Baseball is one of the favorite sports in the U.S.A. Children play baseball in sports field or in parks.
At summer picnics, there is often an informal baseball game. Boys and girls, the young and the old, take turns to beat. Each team has 9 players.
The baseball season goes from April to September. During this time, baseball matches are on TV and members of the important baseball teams become America’s heroes. At the end of season, the two top teams play against each other. Many baseball fans go along to watch the game. Millions of others listen to the radio and watch television. People seem to talk only about the result and the players.
American football is perhaps the most popular sport in the U.S.A. The football season begins when the baseball season ends. More people are interested in football than baseball when there is an important game. Thousands of people sit beside the radio or in front of the television set to hear or watch the result.
1. According to the passage, ____ may be the most popular sport in the U.S.A.| A．baseball | B．soccer |
| C．American football | D．volleyball |
| A．9 | B．18 | C．10 | D．16 |
| A．Americans always become heroes in September. |
| B．Some baseball players become famous during the match time. |
| C．Americans enjoy baseball the best. |
| D．It seems that people have no interest in sports. |
| A．watching game |
| B．listening to the radio |
| C．watching TV |
| D．all above |
| A．in spring | B．in summer |
| C．in autumn | D．in winter |
【推荐3】In almost(几乎) every big university in the United States, football is a favorite sport. American football is not like soccer.
Players sometimes kick the ball, but they also throw the ball and run with it. They try to take it to the other end of the field; they have four chances to move the ball ten yards. They can carry it or throw it. If they move it to the end of the field, they can receive six points. This is called a touch-down.
It’s difficult to move the ball. Eleven men on the other team try to stop the man who has the ball. If the man does not move the ball ten yards, his team kicks the ball to the other team.
Thousands of people come to watch it when there is a football game. They all shout loudly for their favorite team. They dance and jump while they are yelling. Each team plays ten or eleven games each season. The football season usually begins in September and ends in November. If a team is very good, it may play another game after the season ends. The best teams play again on January first. Many people go to see these games and many others watch them on TV.
1. There are ________ on each team.| A．ten players | B．eleven players | C．twelve players | D．thirteen players |
| A．go home | B．carry the ball ten yards |
| C．run with it | D．kick the ball to the other team |
| A．on Christmas | B．after the season ends | C．on New Year’s Day | D．on Sunday |
【推荐1】Look at any group of teens, and you’ll probably see big differences among them. These differences are caused by adolescence (青春期) . Let’s learn about some changes about it.
Physical Changes
Over the past summer, Phil noticed his voice beginning to change. Acne (青春痘) is appearing on Marie’s face. Changes such as these mean the arrival of adolescence. Other changes that occur include the growth of body hair. The shape of your body changes, and you grow taller. Although these situations can be troubling, remember that they are only temporary (暂时的).
Mental (心理的) Changes
During adolescence, you begin to think about things in new ways. You learn to express different opinions or points of views. You will begin to recognize your own values and beliefs. You will also become aware of how your opinions, decisions, and actions influence others. You might be happy one moment and sad the next. Talk about your feelings with others. This will help you manage your feelings in a healthy way.
Social Changes
You become more independent. Your parents may give you more responsibility. For example, you may be asked to help prepare meals.
During this time, your friends are going through changes like you and can understand how you feel. As a result, their opinions and actions may influence you. Choose friends that support you and influence you in a positive way. This will help you make good choices during your teen years.
For all of these changes above, you should accept them that come with this period of growth and development. And then prepare for successful adulthood.
1. Why are there big differences among a group of teenagers?| A．Because their physical situations are different. |
| B．Because they are more independent and responsible. |
| C．Because they are going through adolescence. |
| D．Because they may enter their adulthood soon. |
| A．continue | B．happen | C．develop | D．keep |
①Think about things differently.
②Recognize their own values and beliefs.
③Believe their abilities in achieving their goals.
④Know how their opinions, decisions, and actions influence others.
| A．①②③ | B．①③④ | C．①②④ | D．②③④ |
【推荐2】Sometimes your friends start to talk about a new video game or a new app they have downloaded. It sounds pretty cool, and your friends really seem to like it. You become so interested in it that you want to buy it too. Has this ever happened to you?
In the US and in places around the world, there is a similar feeling of wanting the newest, greatest tech gadgets (小玩意). There is a big attraction to getting the latest technology even though people may not need it. But why is this?
As to(关于) these technologies, there’s initial (最初的) excitement that gets people’s attention, according to Richard Larson, a director at MIT, US. If there’s a big group of people who want these things, you want to be a part of the excitement too.
One of the major US companies that really take advantage of this is Apple. It comes out with a new iPhone with very small changes every year. But people still flock (涌入) to the stores even if they have just bought the previous phone.
However, buying these things may not always be the best choice. You could be buying things that you don’t really need and spending too much money just for the right to show it off to your friends.
Not only that, but our need to always be on our phones or playing video games takes up a lot of time in our lives. So is this excitement over technology a good or a bad thing?
1. According to the passage, if many of your classmates are talking about a new phone that comes out lately, you may ________.| A．dislike is and walk away | B．ask them to buy one for you |
| C．tell them not to talk about it | D．be interested in it and join the discussion |
| A．people want to be different | B．People like to follow the crowd |
| C．new technologies are not that useful | D．people’s excitement comes easily and goes easily |
| A．a part of group | B．the store | C．the company Apple | D．the previous phone |
| A．Buying a new iPhone is the best choice | B．People sometimes buy things to show off |
| C．People may not need the things they have bought | D．People may spend too much time on tech gadgets |
【推荐3】A small talk with others doesn't have to be painful, even if it's with your boss. Believe it or not, it can be fun. A small talk with others is also an art and you can learn a lot from it.
Here's how to enjoy making a small talk.
1. Understand current events(时事). Make a small talk about news, sports, weather, or politics. Of course, politics will not make all men happy.
2.Make a talk about a piece of clothing. Ask where it comes from or other questions
3.Share an anecdote about your day. Did you lose your keys or find $10? Maybe you ate at a new restaurant recently, or found a great new CD. When you make a small talk, you will share the little things in life with others.
4.Ask what movies or books they’ve seen or read recently. Someone once asked me that a party. And we had a good conversation about the book I was reading
5.Talk about TV. Share your favourite TV shows- they are interesting to discuss! Make a small talk about pop culture. It is easy and fun.
6.Recall your past conversations with the same person. Ask if his son is still ill or how the holiday went. A small talk with others is easier when your memory is good.
7.Relax. Enjoy yourself.
If you use these tips for making a small talk, you'll be relaxed.
1. How many tips does the speaker talk about?| A．5. | B．6. | C．7. | D．8. |
| A．News. | B．Sports. | C．Politics. | D．Pop culture. |
| A．趣事 | B．言行录 | C．秘史 | D．丑闻 |
| A．wear good clothes | B．be careful | C．read them a book | D．relax |
| A．A small talk with others is also an art. |
| B．A small talk can make you share the little things in life with others. |
| C．It's boring to discuss TV shows when making a small talk. |
| D．A small talk is harder if you haven't met the speaker before. |
【推荐1】People often need to take some medicine when they catch a cold or a cough. Now here are the instructions on how to take medicine and store it.
Cold medicine-tablet（药片） Adults: One tablet a time. Take two tablets in 24 hour. 12-18 years of age: One tablet. Take only one tablet in 24 hours. Store at 20℃-25℃. Take the medicine 60 minutes before eating food. |
Cold medicine-syrup（糖浆） 2-4 years of age: 4 ml (0. 8 teaspoon) a time 5-6 years of age: 5 ml (1 teaspoon) a time 7-12 years of age 7. 5 ml (1 and 1/2 teaspoons) a time Adults: 10 ml (2 teaspoons) a time Don't take it more than three times in 24 hours. Kid under 2 years old can't take it. |
Enclose（附）： Honey（蜂蜜）can help you stop colds and coughs, too. Kids between 2 and 5 years old should take 1/2 teaspoon of honey 30 minutes before going to bed. A full teaspoon for kids between 6 and 11 years old, and two teaspoons for kids from 12 to 18 years old. Just remember NO HONEY FOR KIDS UNDER TWO YEARS OLD. |
1. How often should an adult take the tablet?
| A．Once a day. | B．Twice a day. | C．Three times a day. | D．Four times a day. |
| A．18 months old | B．36 months old | C．6 years old | D．18 years old |
| A．one tablet or 5 ml of syrup | B．two tablets or 5 ml of syrup |
| C．one tablet or 7.5 ml of syrup | D．two tablets or 7. 5 ml of syrup |
| A．0. 5 teaspoon. | B．0.8 teaspoon. | C．1 teaspoon. | D．2 teaspoons. |
| A．a stomachache | B．a backache | C．. a toothache | D．a cold |
【推荐2】Sydney Fredette is very busy. Not only is she a high school student, but she has also set up her own organization, Beary Merry Christmas. She volunteers(志愿) to offer services to poor children and families in Orange Country in California, US.
To remember her best friend who died of cancer nearly 10 years ago, Fredette decided to offer services to those in Orange Country who are less lucky than she is.
She began with the easy idea of collecting donated(捐赠) Build-A-Bears, the popular toy animal that is made by children themselves in the stores’ workshops. Fredette then gave them as presents to the homeless children in California during the holiday season.
With donations at more than 100 bears a year, Fredette and volunteers hold activities every year, where volunteers not only give out the bears, but also clothing, meals, and other things.
Not wanting to limit(限制) the giving to just the holiday months, Fredette held other activities for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Halloween, offering the chance to her volunteer team to make a difference through the year.
“I love making friends with the people I offer services to,” Fredette said. “It’s so cool to hear their stories and see how happy they are.”
Fredette even built a public food bank and offered a self-development class to students in her school.
She plans to stay local and continue to help out in her hometown.
1. What can we learn about Beary Merry Christmas?| A．It holds one activity a year. | B．It buys bears from the stores. |
| C．It gives out bears and other things. | D．It offers services around America. |
| A．likes telling people stories | B．is pleased with what she has done |
| C．dreams of being a teacher | D．plans to leave California for study |
| A．Offering a food bank | B．Improving local schools |
| C．Giving back to society | D．Getting on well with others |
【推荐3】Look at the clothes line (晾衣绳). It’s Mrs. White’s. Many(许多) clothes are on it. The green shirt is Tom’s. The orange T- shirt and the white skirt are Kate’s. What’s that? It’s a big brown coat. Whose is it? I think it’ s Mr. White’s.
Oh, the long black pants are Mr. White’s, too. Look at Mrs. White’s dress. It’s nice. It’s purple. Is that Kate’s cap? Yes , it’s black and red..
根据材料内容选择最佳答案。
1. The clothes line is ________.
| A．Mr. White’s . | B．Mrs. White’s. | C．Kate’s. | D．Tom’s . |
| A．The skirt. | B．The cap. | C．The coat. | D．The shirt. |
| A．Green. | B．Purple. | C．Brown. | D．Orange. |
| A．Black. | B．Green. | C．Purple. | D．White. |
| A．Five. | B．Six. | C．Eight. | D．Seven. |
On Wednesday morning the pool is only open to mothers and babies. So mothers can have a good time in the water with their babies. Please leave your older children at home on Wednesday morning.
The new Water World Cafe will be open up on June 22nd.From the cafe you can watch the swimmers or enjoy a drink after you swim.
Please call 2105369 for more information. We look forward to seeing you at the Water World Swimming Pool.
1. How long is the Water World Swimming Pool open every day?
| A．Eleven hours. | B．Seven hours. | C．Eleven and a half hours. |
| A．Two dollars. | B．One dollar forty. | C．Two dollars sixty. |
| A．on Saturday | B．on Wednesday afternoon | C．on Wednesday morning |
| A．on June 23rd | B．on May 22nd | C．on June 21st |
| A．advertisement | B．note | C．story | D．slogan |
【推荐2】Every day we communicate with others—often with symbols or gestures(手势). Here are some of the most common gestures.
Shaking Hands
Shaking hands has been done since at least the second century BC. It’s a symbol of trust. Nowadays we usually shake the right hands. But in the old time, people also shook left hands. The world record for handshakes is held by a man from New Jersey, who shook 11,000 hands in a single day.
Thumbs(大拇指) Up
The thumbs up sign is thought to come from contests in Rome. There people decided whether the fighter would live or die by thumbs up or thumbs down. In fact it came from an old English saying “Here’s my thumb on it” which was used to seal a bargain (达成交易). Businessmen held their thumbs up and extended them, until the two touched each other.
Rock, Paper, Scissors
Rochambeau, or rock, paper, scissors is played all over the world to solve some difficult disagreements. A judge in Florida ordered people in a case to use this game to solve it. In Indonesia, it is earwig(蜈蚣), human, and elephant. The earwig drives the elephant mad. The human killed the earwig, and the elephant killed the human. If you know why it is called Rochambeau, please let me know. It’s still a mystery.
OK
The real history of this sign is lost. Some people think it refers to American president Martin Van Buren. He was often called as “Old Kinderhook”. Others say it is the bad handwriting which made OR—standing for “order received” into OK.
1. In old days, if people shook hands, that means they ________ each other.| A．loved | B．believed | C．protected | D．respected |
| A．面对 | B．展示 | C．延伸 | D．掩盖 |
| A．Shaking Hands and OK | B．Shaking Hands and Thumbs up |
| C．Thumbs up and OK | D．Rock, Paper, Scissors and OK |
| A．Most people know how gestures came into use. |
| B．The sign of Thumbs up came from the contests in India. |
| C．In Indonesia, a lot of people were killed by elephants. |
| D．Some people use Rock, Paper, and Scissors to solve problems. |
| A．the history of some daily symbols and signs |
| B．ways to make people trust you |
| C．importance to using right gestures |
| D．the how bad handwriting made OK |
One of the most famous volunteers in the world was Mother Teresa. She could be the best volunteer because she gave her life to helping the poorest people of Calcutta. She helped the homeless, cared for the sick, gave out food, and became the mother of those without families.
Now more and more teenagers actively look for volunteering opportunities, too. They volunteer because they think it will be fun or they will learn something. They also like the idea of being helpful to others, even if it is just handing out books for the teacher. As they get older, these reasons are still the same, but there are other important reasons for volunteering such as learning on-the-job, getting work experience, and improving their social life.
All volunteers bring joy to the people they help in so many ways. They might read books to the blind, fix up broken homes, find ways to get water for villages. Could you be a volunteer? What kind of volunteer work could you do? There is someone in the world who needs you.
1. The Peace Corps is __ in the United States.
| A．a city | B．an organization | C．a volunteer | D．a school |
| A．the homeless | B．the sick | C．the poor | D．the kids |
| A．They want to make more friends. |
| B．They want to be helpful. |
| C．It helps them get work experience. |
| D．It can improve their social life. |
| A．Volunteers need qualifications. |
| B．Volunteers offer their help without any pay. |
| C．Young kids can’t be volunteers. |
| D．Some volunteers bring joy to others. |
| A．The world needs volunteers. |
| B．Mother Teresa was a great volunteer. |
| C．Volunteers do all kinds of work. |
| D．There are different ways of volunteering. |
