1 . 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. |
2 . What exactly is intelligence? There aren’t any easy answers. Despite the progress that has been made in genetics and psychology, human intelligence has remained one of the most areas of modern science that causes public discussion until now, for the discovery of a gene (基因) linked to intelligence has made the experts think again.
Robert Plomin of the Institute of Psychiatry in London and his colleagues in the US have been looking into genetic make-up. From their research, they have discovered that a slightly different gene is more common in those with a high IQ. Plomin analyzed DNA from two groups of 51 children aged between 6 and 15. What he found was that the first group had an IQ of 136, putting them in the top 5% of the population, while the other group had an average IQ of 103. An analysis of their genes showed that 32% of children in the higher group had the gene in question, while only 16% in the second group did. However, there is a lot more research to be done, and Plomin himself is cautious at this early stage. He suggests that there are probably many genes connecting to intelligence, rather than just one.
Several studies have shown a strong link between IQ and career success, although some psychologists are not sure about this. Professor Michael Rowe, who has written a book called Genius Explained, is one of these. “The people with the highest IQs are not usually the ones who do best in their careers.”
Many psychologists now believe that when it comes to intelligence, IQ isn’t everything. Many different views have been put forward recently. One example is the idea of multiple intelligences (多元智能), which was developed in the 1980s by Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner. This offers a much broader view than the IQ theory, including creativity and communication skills as related factors in intelligence.
Tony Buzan, a brain expert and author of Master your Memory, is excited about this belief, arguing that true geniuses do indeed appear to combine high levels of each type of intelligence. He lists Alexander the Great, Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein as examples. At the same time, Buzan believes that everyone can develop their intelligence, only if they take the trouble to exercise their brain. Perhaps there’s hope for us all!
1. Why does the author use data in Paragraph 2?| A．To prove an idea. | B．To draw a conclusion. |
| C．To make a suggestion. | D．To give an example. |
| A．The development of intelligence. |
| B．IQ isn’t everything for intelligence. |
| C．Different views have been put forward. |
| D．The idea of multiple intelligences. |
| A．Robert Plomin proves genes have something in common. |
| B．Michael Rowe believes in a strong link between IQ and career. |
| C．Howard Gardner thinks intelligence includes various factors. |
| D．Tony Buzan agrees geniuses exercise brain to improve intelligence. |
| A．The relationship between genes and intelligence. |
| B．IQ benefits a lot from high intelligence. |
| C．What makes intelligence. |
| D．How to develop intelligence. |
3 . When almost everyone has a mobile phone, why are more than half of Australian homes still paying for a landline (座机)?
These days, it would be hard for you to find anyone in Australia over the age of 15 who doesn’t own a mobile phone. In fact, plenty of younger kids have one in their pocket. Practically everyone can make and receive calls anywhere, anytime.
Still, 55% of Australians have a landline phone at home and only just over a quarter (29%) rely only on their smartphones, according to a survey. Of those Australians who still have a landline, a third concede that it’s not really necessary and they’re keeping it for a feeling of safety-19% say they never use it while a further 13% keep it in case of accidents. I think my home falls into that group.
More than half of Australian homes are still choosing to stick with their home phones. Age is naturally a factor—only 58% of Generation Ys (出生于1980至1990年末的一代人) still use landlines now and then, compared to 84 % of Baby Boomers (二战后生育高峰期出生的人) who’ve perhaps had the same home number for 50 years. Age isn’t the only factor. I’d say it’s also to do with the makeup of your family.
Generation Xs (出生于1960至1970年的一代人) with young families, like my wife and I, can still find it convenient to have a home phone rather than providing a mobile phone for every family member. To be honest, the only people who ever ring our home phone are our Baby Boomers parents. Sometimes, we play a game and guess who is calling before we pick up the phone (using Caller ID would take the fun out of it).
How much do you depend on your landline? How long will they be used before going the way of gas street lamps and morning milk deliveries?
1. What does paragraph 2 mainly tell us about mobile phones?| A．Their users. | B．Their functions. |
| C．Their popularity. | D．Their design. |
| A．warn | B．argue | C．remember | D．admit |
| A．They keep using landline phones. |
| B．They enjoy guessing callers’ identity. |
| C．They like smartphone games. |
| D．They like their family very much. |
| A．It remains a family necessity. |
| B．It is as important as the gas light. |
| C．It may increase daily costs. |
| D．It may not be used some day. |
4 . If you ever have the desire to break out into song in the shower, in the car, maybe at your neighbor’s karaoke night—you should embrace it whole-heartedly. This ancient art not only makes you feel good, but it can also improve your well-being, reduce your feelings of pain, and even extend your life.
Using your voice to sing, rather than simply carrying out a conversation, offers unique benefits because singing affects our bodies. Also, studies link singing with a lower heart rate decreased blood pressure and reduced stress according to Patricia Preston-Roberts, a music therapist (治疗师). She uses the song to help patients who suffer from a variety of problems.
Singing, particularly in a group, seems to benefit the elderly particularly well. As part of a three-year study examining how singing affects the health of those fifty-five and older, a Senior Singers Chorus was formed by the Levine School of Music in Washington, D.C. The seniors involved in the chorus, as well as seniors in two separate arts groups about writing and painting, showed significant health improvements compared to those in the control groups (控制组). Obviously, the arts groups reported thirty fewer doctors’ visits, fewer eyesight problems, less depression, and less need for medication.
Even lead researcher Dr. Gene.D.Cohen director of the Center on aging at George Washington University, was surprised at how big an effect the seniors’ arts participation had on their health. Cohen said, “The average age of all the subjects was eighty. This is higher than life expectancy. So, if an effect were to be achieved, one would ordinarily expect to see less decline (下降) compared to the control group. The fact that there was so much improvement in many areas was the surprising factor.” The seniors also noticed health improvements and they reported feeling better both in daily life and while singing.
The part of the brain that works with speech is different from the part that processes music. “People seem to enjoy doing something jointly with other people. There are a lot of facts that being socially involved is good for people with dementia (老年痴呆).” Ballard said.
The arts are showing up as a treatment tool in hospitals across the country. If you are thinking of volunteering, singing at a hospital may be a good choice—not only for the patients, but also for yourself.
1. In the first paragraph the author ________.| A．expresses a desire for singing | B．offers some advice on singing |
| C．puts forward his point of view | D．states the importance of health |
| A．The study was not as expensive as expected. |
| B．Arts acted as a treatment tool in hospitals. |
| C．People’s health in the arts group improved greatly. |
| D．The seniors themselves noticed health improvements. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Positive. | C．Negative. | D．Worried. |
| A．How to Avoid Getting Dementia |
| B．How Seniors Live a Healthy Life |
| C．How to Keep Our Brains Healthy |
| D．How Singing Improves Your Health |
5 . Kite flying is the sport of sending up into the air, by means of the wind, a light frame covered with paper, plastic or cloth. The frame can be one of many different shapes and is attached to a long string held in the hand or wound on a drum. Kites have a long history of practical application and many different types of kites have been developed to serve various purposes.
The ancient Chinese used bird-kites to carry ropes across rivers and valleys. The present folding kite which will dive excitingly is an improved type of such a kite. With its long flat body and single pair of bird-like wings, it looks just like a large bird in the air. The modern version is usually made of tissue-paper rather than the traditional silk.
Man-lifting kites were developed in ancient times, again by the Chinese, for getting information from walled cities and army camps. In fact, as recently as World War II, German U-boats (德国U型潜艇兵) flew kites from their towers to lift people into the air to watch the land. These kites, which are no longer in existence, were made of light-weight cloth. They were much larger and stronger than the Chinese ones. Their design, however, was simply that of the cutter kite. Smaller in size, this type of kite is still very popular as a toy for children, being easy to make with a diamond-shaped frame, no wings and brown-paper covering.
Box-kites are another type of kites found in toy shops today. The first box-kite, named for its box-like body, was developed in the nineteenth century to test theories of flight and this type of cotton-covered kite greatly led to the success of early planes. These kites are the ancestors of a heavier version of the box-kite, which consists of two main sections, placed side by side. Developed for the peacetime purpose of fishing in strong sea wind, it is the only modern kite described which has practical value. A long-lasting plastic material has to be used for this kite, which carries fishing lines.
1. The ancient Chinese man-lifting kites were used _______.| A．to carry ropes across rivers and valleys |
| B．for fishing in strong sea wind |
| C．as toys for children |
| D．to get information in war |
| A．light-weight cloth | B．plastic material |
| C．brown paper | D．traditional silk |
| A．The frame of a kite is attached to a long string held in the hand. |
| B．The present folding kite is developed to test theories of flight. |
| C．The cutter kite has a diamond-shaped body but no wings. |
| D．Box-kites led to the success of early planes. |
6 . When we think of leadership, we often think of strength and power. But what are these really and how do they operate?
Leadership today is not about forcing others to do things. If this is even possible it is short-term, an tends to backfire. If you order someone to do something against their will, they may do it because they feel they must, but the anger they feel will do more harm in the long-term. They will also experience fear.
Fear causes the thinking brain to shut down, making the person unable to function at his or her best. If they associate (联系) you with this emotion of fear, they will become less functional around you, and you will have succeeded in not only shooting yourself in the foot, but possibly making a very good employee or partner unable to perform effectively. Fear has no place in leadership.
The way we influence people in a lasting way is by our own character, and our understanding and use of emotion. We can order someone to do something which may be part of the work day; or we can employ them at the emotional level, so they became fully devoted to the projects and provide some of their own motivation. Today’s work place is all about relationships. Anyone works harder in a positive environment in which they’re recognized and valued as a human being as well as a worker. Everyone produces just a bit more for someone they like. Good leaders usually understand the way things work. They know the pay check is not the single most encouraging factor (因素) in the work life of most people.
The true strength of leadership is an inner strength that comes from the confidence of emotional intelligence—knowing your own emotions, and how to handle them, and those of others. Developing your emotional intelligence is the single best thing you can do if you want to develop your relationships with people around you, which is the key to the leadership skills.
1. The underlined phrase “shooting yourself in the foot” means ________ in this passage.| A．to walk in a right direction | B．to make progress in work |
| C．to hurt others by stepping their feet | D．to harm one’s own interests |
| A．he cannot work at his best | B．he is forced to do things |
| C．he is unwilling to do things and criticized | D．he shuts down his brains and his head goes blank |
| A．develop his own personality so that he can have high emotional level |
| B．provide better suggestions to make his employees have the emotional intelligence |
| C．give his employees a pay raise in order to please them |
| D．hide his own emotion of fear to set a good example for his employees |
7 . Do you eat fish every week? Do you think eating fish may help protect our brains from air pollution? A new research studied some older women, who lived in places with high levels(等级) of air pollution. They found that those who had the lowest levels of omega-3 fatty acids(w-3脂肪酸) in their body had more brain shrinkage(脑萎缩) than women who had the highest levels.
“Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and easy to add to the diet,” said Ka He from Columbia University. “Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to maintain brain structure(保持脑部结构) in aging brains. They have also been found to reduce brain damage caused by some neurotoxins(神经毒素). So we did the research to see if omega-3 fatty acids could help protect our brains from a certain toxin in air pollution.”
The research studied 1,315 women with an average age of 70. Researchers asked the women how much fish they had each week and tested the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. The researchers also used the women’s home addresses to work out their three-year average exposure to air pollution, and then scanned(扫描)different areas of the women’s brains to see the change in the structure.
After adjusting for(调控) age, education, smoking and other factors that could affect(影响) brain shrinkage, researchers found that women who had the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood had less change in white matter and hippocampus than those with the lowest levels, which are associated with signal sending and memory.
“ It’s important to note that our study only found an association(联系) between maintaining brain structure and eating fish,” he said, “Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood from eating fish may help maintain brain structure as women grow older and possibly fight against the bad effects of air pollution. However, more research is still needed.”
1. In the third paragraph, the writer shows us ________.| A．when the study was planned | B．why researchers did the study |
| C．how the study was performed | D．what researchers found in the study |
| A．Women have more brain shrinkage than men. |
| B．Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids has fewer neurotoxins. |
| C．White matter and hippocampus can protect themselves from neurotoxins. |
| D．High levels of omega-3 fatty acids may help fight against brain shrinkage. |
| A．Does eating fish protect our brains from air pollution? |
| B．How do aging brains affect older women’s thinking? |
| C．Why can omega-3 fatty acids improve our memory? |
| D．Can older women live longer by eating fish? |
8 . Can you live without meals? Do you like eating breakfast? Someone ever said, “Eat well at breakfast; eat enough at lunch; eat less at supper. “Breakfast is the most important one.
Recently a test was given to people of different ages, from 12 to 80 in the United States. During the experiment (实验), these people were given all kinds of breakfast. And sometimes they got no breakfast at all. If they didn’t have breakfast, they would feel hungry, no energy or power. They could not work well. Their bodies work well when they eat a certain kind of breakfast. The results (结果) show that if people eat breakfast, he will work better.
So eating breakfast is good for our health. When you eat breakfast, food is the most important. It can give us enough energy so that we can work all day. A healthy breakfast could be bread, eggs, milk and fruit. If we eat breakfast before going to school, we will learn more quickly, and listen with more attention to class.
Get up earlier so that you would have enough time for your breakfast. Healthy breakfast can make you smile easily and make your life colorful.
1. How will the people feel if they don’t have breakfast according to (根据) the experiment?| A．They can work well. |
| B．They will feel hungry, no energy or power. |
| C．They will feel excited. |
| D．They will feel bored. |
| A．Bread and eggs. |
| B．Bread and fruit. |
| C．Milk and eggs |
| D．Hamburger and cola. |
| A．We will sleep well. |
| B．We will learn more quickly. |
| C．We will learn more slowly. |
| D．We will listen with more attention to class. |
| A．how to do an experiment |
| B．how to eat breakfast |
| C．what to eat for breakfast |
| D．why breakfast is important |
There are a lot of plants in the world. Plants are very important. This is because plants can make food for us from air, water and sunlight. Animals and man cannot make food from air, water and sunlight. Animals can get their food by eating plants and other animals. Man gets his food by eating plants and animals, too. So animals and man need plants in order to(为了) live. This is why there are so many plants around us.
There are two kinds of plants: flowering plants and non-flowering plants. Almost all the trees around us are flowering plants. You can know some trees from their flowers and fruit. Non-flowering plants do not grow flowers. You cannot see many non-flowering plants around you.
Look carefully at the plants around you, and you can find there are many kinds of plants. Some plants are large and some are small. Most of them are green. Thanks to the plants around us, we can live on earth.
1. Why are plants very important?2. Can we make food from air, water and sunlight?
3. How many kinds of plants are there according to the passage?
4. What color are most of the plants?
5. What’s the passage mainly about?
Owls live in almost every country in the world. Most owls don’t sleep at night. When they fly, you can’t hear them. They are very quiet. Owls are good at hunting（捕猎）. They eat a lot of things such as mice, snakes, small birds and even fish. Owls have very good hearing. That helps them to hunt well in dark places. Their eyes are special. Both of their eyes face front. They can see very far away. There are facial disks（面盘）around their eyes. These facial disks can help with their hearing. Owls can turn their heads 270°. That helps them see what’s going on all around them.
Maybe because owls look a little different and have special life habits. There are a lot of stories about them. Some cultures believe that owls are very clever and some cultures think owls may bring bad luck to people. In fact, owls are really good friends of people. They eat lots of mice every year. That helps save a lot of food for people. But the number of owls in the world is becoming smaller and smaller because of people’s activities. Now owls are protected by law（法律）in many places of the world. For example, in some places, people can’t keep an owl as a pet at home.
1. We can learn from the passage that ________ are not owls’ food.| A．mice | B．snakes | C．fish | D．cats |
| A．they protect people’s homo at night | B．they can help save food for people |
| C．they like to live close to people | D．they are pets in many families |
| A．history | B．art | C．animals | D．sports |
