1 . Every mammal（哺乳动物）needs sleep, so do birds. But what about insects（昆虫）? Do they need sleep? Scientists have been trying to discover the truth about insects’ sleep behaviors for many years. Scientists first thought that insects didn’t need sleep. According to them, insects’ body structure is simple and their brain was also simple. Scientists said that some kinds of brain activities, like dreaming, were sleep behaviors. Insects don’t dream, so scientists said that they didn’t need sleep. They believed that insects rested, instead.
However, new studies have shown that some insects may sleep. There are four kinds of behaviors during sleep. First, sleeping people and animals don’t move much. Also, they have a position for sleeping; For example, they lie down. Besides, they don’t wake up easily when hearing noises or seeing light. Lastly, they are able to come out of sleep quickly if they are stimulated （刺激）.
Scientists have now seen some similar behaviors in fruit flies （果蝇）. For example, fruit flies become motionless every night for about seven hours. At these times, they don’t move a lot. They sit in a different way. The flies began to move around when louder noises are made. Scientists think that some insects may have their own special kinds of sleep.
1. Scientists say that insects didn’t need sleep at first because _________.| A．they like to have a rest | B．they never lie down |
| C．they are quiet at night | D．they don’t dream |
| A．They have a good place for sleeping. |
| B．They become quiet while sleeping. |
| C．They may not wake up when seeing lights. |
| D．They can wake up quickly when they are stimulated. |
| A．insects always move around | B．insects may sleep at night |
| C．insects are afraid of loud noise | D．insects have different behaviors |
| A．quiet | B．moved | C．awake | D．active |
| A．Why Do Insects Sleep | B．What behaviors Do Insects Have |
| C．How Do Insects Move | D．Whether Insects Need Sleep |
| A. Mystery of the Space Do you want to be an astronaut in the future? If you do, our course is your best choice! Here you can explore the space and the unknown mystery behind it! B. Desserts around the World Do you have an interest in desserts? In the lesson, you will get to know more about the popular desserts around the world, such as the Chiffon Cake from America, the Croissant（羊角面包）from France and so on. Sometimes, you can even taste them! C. Singing Lessons for Beginners Do you enjoy music? Do you want to learn how to sing? Come and join us although you may know little about it. It’s a good place for you to learn and practice singing. D. Music World Can you sing and dance? You can have a great time in our music lessons. We have great teachers to help you become better at singing and dancing. We’ll also make a music video show together! E. Happy Basketball Do you like playing basketball? Welcome to join us! Mr. Zeng and Mr. Tang will not only teach us how to play well but also play a basketball match with us. F. A Trip to Beijing Opera Do you want to learn Beijing Opera? Join us in Room 302 every Wednesday! We’ll have teachers here to tell you some knowledge of it. They will also share their professional skills. G. Baking Desserts Are you good at cooking? Do you enjoy delicious desserts? Learn to make a cake and cookies in Room 401 every Thursday. |
How to Use a Modern Public Library
Has it been a while since your last visit to a public library? If so, you may be surprised to learn that libraries have changed for the better. It’s been years since they were dusty little rooms with books. They have changed themselves into places where you can develop your love of knowledge, meet interesting people, or find out how to start a business.
Check out a book. While libraries still loan out(出借) books, you’ll find it easier to get a copy of whatever you’re looking for with a cooperative network of area libraries. By such networks, libraries share their books with each other through the use of delivery vehicles. Once the book you’ve requested is delivered to the nearest branch (分店), they will inform you by e-mail, so you can pick it up.
Check out other things. The library is now a multimedia zone (多媒体区域), loaded with information in many formats (载体形式). You can borrow movies on DVDs, music on CDs and popular magazines. Some libraries even loan out toys and games. If a popular magazine you want isn’t offered and the library keeps a list of such requests, they may bring it in when enough interest is shown.
Join reading groups. Libraries will often hold reading-group meetings aimed to various age groups. Perhaps you’d like to learn a language or improve your English, the library may organize a language group you could join. If you have difficulties reading, ask about special reading opportunities. Your library might be able to help you. And you might find it relaxing to bring your small kid to a half-hour Story Time while you sit quietly in a corner with a good book.
Start a business using the help of your local library. If you want to have a business of your own, your local library can become a launch (发起) space for it. In library books and computers, you can find information on starting a business. Many libraries will help you with locally supplied information about business management shared through chambers of commerce (商会会议厅) and government agencies, and they will offer printing, faxing and database services you need.
1. Public libraries can help the readers to ________.| A．sell their books on the Internet | B．hold a business meeting in their local library |
| C．get a needed book from a library branch nearby | D．make their books through the use of delivery vehicles |
| A．Computer games and cars. | B．Favorite music and arts. | C．Popular magazines and movies. | D．Kid’s toys and paintings. |
| A．the kid to learn a new language | B．the parent to enjoy quiet reading |
| C．the kid to learn some reading skills | D．the parent to meet their best friends |
| A．To tell us the importance of public libraries. | B．To encourage people to work in public libraries. |
| C．To share different opinions on operate public libraries. | D．To introduce the improved services of public libraries. |
4 . Handwriting Brings Benefits
In a digital age, we almost never write things by hand. However, many studies have shown that this act has many benefits.
New brain research, led by researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, proves the same: choosing handwriting over using a keyboard results in better learning and memory.
“When you write your shopping list or lecture notes by hand, you simply remember the content (内容) better afterwards,” said Audrey van der Meer, author of the study.
The study used some equipment to record brain wave (波) activity. The participants (参与者) included 12 young adults and 12 children. This is the first time that children have participated in such a study. Each subject was asked to write by hand and type on a keyboard while wearing a hood (风帽) with over 250 electrodes (电极). The sensors (传感器) in the electrodes are very sensitive and pick up the electrical activity that takes place in the brain. Each examination took 45 minutes per person.
The results showed that the brain in both young adults and children is much more active when writing by hand than when typing on a keyboard. According to Van der Meer, plenty of senses are activated by pressing a pen on paper, seeing the letters written and hearing the sound made while writing. These sense experiences build touch between different parts of the brain, opening the brain up for learning.
Vander Meer believes that the outcomes stress the importance of children being challenged to draw and write at an early age, especially at school. “Learning to write by hand is a bit slower process, but it’s important for children to go through the tiring phrase of learning to write by hand,” she said.
The hand movements used to form the shapes of letters are beneficial in several ways. “If you use a keyboard, you use the same movement for each letter. Writing by hand requires control of your fine motor (精细动作) skills and senses. It’s important to put the brain in a learning state as often as possible,” Van der Meer added. For example, you might use a keyboard to write an essay, but you should take notes by hand during a lecture.
1. What do we know about the study?| A．The study involved 250 participants altogether. | B．Typing on a keyboard helps you remember a lot of things. |
| C．All the participants have to take a 45-minute examination. | D．Learning to write by hand is a bit difficult but it is a fast process. |
| A．Writing by hand is easier on the brain. | B．More senses are made active when writing by hand. |
| C．Writing by hand requires the same skills and senses. | D．Typing on a keyboard doesn't put the brain in a learning state. |
| A．It allows people to write better essays. | B．It increases people’s interest in learning. |
| C．It helps people develop fine motor skills. | D．It allows children to become more patient. |
Whether it is for a special festival, to express thanks or to just let someone know that you care about them, giving gifts is a common custom. The purpose of giving gifts may be similar, but the tradition varies from country to country. A gift of respect in one place may be considered rude in another. Take a look at three gift-giving traditions.
India
If you are invited to someone’s home in India, you should bring a small gift, whether it’s a box of chocolates or some flowers. Gifts shouldn’t be wrapped (包裹) in black or white colors because they are considered unlucky.
Instead, use bright colors such as green, red or yellow. When giving money for any occasion, it should have an odd number (奇数) value. That’s believed to bring good luck. Instead of receiving a gift with both hands, Indians generally only use their right hand because left hands are considered unclean.
Japan
For most Japanese, the ritual (礼节) of giving presents is more important than the gifts themselves. The correct way is to present or receive gifts with both hands. Every gift should be wrapped. That’s because uncovered gifts are considered disrespectful. To show politeness and thanks, those who are receiving the gift may turn it down once or twice before finally accepting it. Gifts should be given in pairs, but four should be avoided just like in China. Lucky numbers also included eight. Eight is said to bring prosperity (兴旺) .
Native America
While it may be common for guests to prepare gifts for hosts, this is different in Native American communities. From weddings to birthday celebrations, guests are the ones who receive gifts. Gifts are usually homemade arts and crafts made by hand to show love, respect and appreciation.
1. What is a common custom to express thanks or to show your caring about others?2. In which country only use their right hands to receive gifts?
3. Why do gifts should be wrapped in Japan?
4. What are gifts like in Native America?
5. What is the passage mainly talking about?
6 . Screaming and crying is common among children but it’s often seen as a problem that should be stopped. What if that wasn’t true?
“Until the age of 12, kids don’t necessarily have the ability to stop themselves from crying or screaming when they’re unhappy,” says Greg Oliver at Henry Ford Medical Center in Troy. “Frustration is a form of energy, so it does need to come out,” he says. “I would encourage them to scream.” “Screaming, after all, is a good form of getting frustration out as long as it doesn’t include cursing.” Oliver says. “Once they are over 12, they really should have the skills to control themselves a little bit,” says Oliver. “Anyone under 13, it’s somewhat understandable for them to be frustrated when they can’t deal with a problem,” he says.
“A common mistake is to try to avoid making a scene in public,” Oliver says. Remember that your long-term goal as a parent is your child’s emotional stability. “The parents have to keep in mind that they’re working on a long-term basis here. If they think about other people's feelings in public, they’re going to lose the chance to teach their kid a lifelong skill that they’re going to need,” he says. “What other people might judge or think is not as important as how their kid turns out after 18 years.”
So what should parents do when their kids start screaming? Let their children realize that they can work through it. “The kids really need to realize, feeling bad is not terrible, I can work through this, rather than how I can get out of it right away,” Oliver says.
That’s not to say that parents should stand by doing nothing, though. A parent might say, “I know this is hard for you.”
“The parents kind of guide them through the screaming rather than expect it to end,” Oliver says. “Don't tell them ‘it’s no big deal’,” Oliver says. If parents can successfully get through it, that's really healthier than getting the kid to suddenly shut it down in five minutes,” he says.
1. What is Oliver’s advice for kids over 12?| A．Feel free to scream. | B．Be ready to accept help. |
| C．Try not to show their frustration. | D．Learn about self-control. |
| A．cause long-term harm | B．teach kids a lifelong skill |
| C．hurt other people’s feelings | D．help kids get their frustration out |
| A．Screaming including cursing is a good way to let out frustration. |
| B．Avoiding kids’ screaming in public is a wise choice for parents. |
| C．Thinking about other people’s feelings in public helps with kids’ emotional stability. |
| D．Guiding properly through kids’ screaming is better than expecting it to end immediately. |
| A．Why Do Kids Scream? | B．Should We Stop Kids Screaming? |
| C．How Can People Be Good Parents? | D．What Do Kids Do When They’re Frustrated? |
7 . A Dry Ice Experiment
Did you know that carbon dioxide sent out by dry ice can actually put out flames? Encourage your kids to try this simple experiment. It’s suitable for young kids in first and higher grades, so long as there is plenty of adult direction. The experiment takes no longer than five to ten minutes.
Materials
*Three candles
*A lighter
*A glass or bowl
*One-half cup of water
*A block of dry ice (the size does not matter)
*Dry ice gloves
Instructions
1. Light the candles with a lighter and fix them in a glass or bowl.
2. Put on your gloves.
3. Pour one-half cup of water into the glass or bowl.
4. Place a piece of dry ice into the glass or bowl with water, and watch the dry ice vapor (蒸气) begin to rise.
What’s Happening
When you add dry ice to water, it produces carbon dioxide, the gaseous form of dry ice. Since flames need oxygen to burn, the flames go out once the oxygen is taken over by carbon dioxide.
Safe Handling Instructions
Because dry ice is so cold, it isn’t safe to touch it to your skin or put it in your mouth. Always use insulated (隔热的) gloves when handling dry ice to avoid ice bite and other injuries to your skin. If you put dry ice into a bottle, avoid capping the bottle as the pressure from dry ice can push the cover off forcefully.
1. What makes the candles die out in the experiment?| A．Cold water. | B．Increasing oxygen. |
| C．Freezing surroundings. | D．Increasing carbon dioxide. |
| A．covering | B．opening | C．shaking | D．breaking |
| A．A news report.. | B．A science magazine. | C．A student's diary. | D．An advertisement. |
British people don’t like to say “no”, because they think it is rude. But this can be a problem for people from other countries. When you learn English, you learn to say things like “Yes, please.” and “No, thank you.” when somebody asks you if you want something. But real life is not always so easy.
When you give something to British people, they often say, “I’m all right, thanks.” When they say this, they mean that they already have everything they need, so it is a way to say no. Unluckily, saying “all right” is also a way to say yes. The same phrase (短语) can be used in different ways to mean both yes and no!
Manjit works in a tourist shop. “British people are difficult customers (顾客),” he said. “If you give something to them, they say, ‘Maybe later’ even when they plan never to buy it.”
Saying yes is not much better, said Manjit. “When they want to buy something, they sometimes don’t say yes. They say, ‘Sure!’ or ‘Why not?’ It’s so confusing (令人困惑的)!”
1. Do British people like to say “no”? Why or why not?2. What do British people usually say when they don’t want something?
3. What might a British man mean by saying “Maybe later” to a seller?
Have you gotten vaccinated (接种疫苗) ? You might hear this question a lot when you go back to school. A COVID-19 vaccination drive（行动） for kids aged 12~17 is under way across China.
“The incidence rate（发病率）among teenagers was not high when COVID-19 began last year. But more data（数据）shows that they can still get COVID-19 and even die from it,” said Sun Xiaodong, the deputy director（副主任）of the Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention（疾控预防中心）.
To keep people safe from COVID-19, children and teenagers must get vaccinated to reach herd immunity（群体免疫）. “If we only vaccinate adults, it is hard to reach the 80% goal（目标）,” Sun added.
In Beijing, some places started to vaccinate high school students on July 20 and middle schoolers in early August, Xinhua reported. As of August 17th, Beijing had given out 38.09 million doses（百万剂）of COVID-19 vaccines and 571,300 were given to people aged 12~17, according to the city’s health department.
Some parents are worried about the safety of vaccination. Shao Yiming, a scientist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said most teenagers will get either the Sinopharm or Sinovac Biotech vaccine（国药集团或科兴生物技术疫苗）. Both are safe for people aged 3 to 17, Shao said.
1. What can we know from Sun’s words?| A．80 percent of adults in China are vaccinated. |
| B．More teenagers need to get vaccinated. |
| C．Teenagers have gotten more vaccinations than other groups. |
| D．No teenagers have died from COVID 19. |
| A．38.09 million. | B．571,300. | C．13 percent. | D．80 percent. |
| A．Parents should care more about the safety of vaccines. |
| B．Researchers are developing a new vaccine for teenagers. |
| C．Teenagers will get both the Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech vaccines. |
| D．There are safe vaccines for teenagers aged 12~17. |
| A．How to keep teenagers safe? | B．Rising COVID-19 infections. |
| C．What COVID-19 does to teenagers? | D．Vaccinations for teenagers. |
10 . Wang Lei has a new room. A desk, a bookcase, a closet and a bed are in it. Look! Some books are on the desk and some are in the bookcase. Some clothes are in the closet and some are on the bed. His schoolbag is under the bed. Where is his baseball? Oh, it is on the floor. His toys are on the floor, too. His mother comes and says to him,“Your things are everywhere. Your room isn’t tidy. It’s in a mess.” “I’m sorry, Mum. I will clean it.” Wang Lei says to his mother.
1. What’s on Wang Lei’s desk?| A．Some clothes. | B．Some books. | C．A schoolbag. | D．Some toys. |
| A．On the desk. | B．On the chair. | C．In the bookcase. | D．On the floor. |
| A．tidy | B．old | C．nice | D．untidy |
| A．Wang Lei’s toys. | B．Wang Lei’s room. |
| C．Wang Lei’s mother. | D．Wang Lei and his mother. |
