1 . On February 4, 2009, I flew from eastern Russia across the Atlantic to America. One week after my
Two years after arriving in America, I
Last summer, as the student coordinator of Team Myanmar in the International Communications and Negotiations Simulation, I began each meeting with
| A．arrival | B．recovery | C．graduation | D．search |
| A．training | B．measure | C．picture | D．step |
| A．dreams | B．demands | C．troubles | D．ambitions |
| A．easygoing | B．outstanding | C．flexible | D．elegant |
| A．wanting | B．refusing | C．forgetting | D．pretending |
| A．voice | B．plan | C．story | D．record |
| A．passed | B．stood | C．relaxed | D．disappeared |
| A．teaching | B．copying | C．spelling | D．practicing |
| A．test | B．interview | C．recognize | D．represent |
| A．wait | B．expect | C．try | D．promise |
| A．award | B．prize | C．competition | D．punishment |
| A．expose | B．block | C．prove | D．support |
| A．Meanwhile | B．Interestingly | C．Therefore | D．Unfortunately |
| A．excuse | B．explanation | C．courage | D．opportunity |
| A．felt | B．expanded | C．compared | D．overcome |
| A．exchanged | B．decreased | C．broke | D．grew |
| A．confidence | B．patience | C．reluctance | D．anger |
| A．strange | B．natural | C．familiar | D．complex |
| A．returned | B．remained | C．changed | D．appeared |
| A．describes | B．defeats | C．observes | D．fears |
2 . In our twenties, we find it funny when we can't remember our neighbor's cat's name or a handsome actor who starred in a famous movie. In our thirties, we jokingly call it "brain freeze". In our forties, we laugh it off as a "senior moment" and follow up with one of these old-age jokes. But the reality is that there comes a point when being forgetful stops being funny and starts to seem a bit dreadful. You think, "Am I losing it?" Or worse, "Is this a sign of Alzheimer's disease (老年痴呆症)?"
Well, don't worry. The fact that you recognize your own forgetfulness may be a very good sign, at least in terms of the possibility of your developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). The researchers in a new study show that it's not forgetfulness but not being aware that we're forgetful that we should fear.
The researchers began with the assumption that one common feature of Alzheimer's disease is a damaged awareness of illness. And they wanted to prove their theory that the lack of awareness can be used to predict whether someone with "mild cognitive (认知的) damage" will progress to full-on AD. For the study, "mild cognitive damage" was defined as someone whose mental state was considered healthy but who had either complained of memory loss or had suffered objective memory loss.
The researchers used existing data for 1,062 people between the ages of 55 and 90 that had been recorded over a 12-year period. The data included brain scans, which the researchers used to look for visual signs of reduced glucose uptake (葡萄糖吸收). It is an objective marker of the sort of reduced brain function that goes along with AD. As expected, glucose uptake was reduced in those with AD. What the researchers also discovered was that glucose uptake was reduced in those with mild cognitive damage who also showed evidence of reduced illness awareness. Finally, the researchers found that those who had reduced illness awareness were more likely to develop AD than those without.
1. What can be implied from paragraph 1?| A．Old people are most afraid of getting Alzheimer's disease. |
| B．The memory of the young is better than the old. |
| C．People can be forgetful at different ages. |
| D．It's a rare phenomenon when young people forget something. |
| A．Recognizing forgetfulness doesn't mean developing Alzheimer's disease. |
| B．Illness awareness has nothing to do with Alzheimer's disease. |
| C．Being aware all the time is a fearful thing. |
| D．Realizing forgetfulness must be a sign of developing Alzheimer's disease. |
| A．Reduced uptake of glucose. | B．Realizing others' forgetfulness. |
| C．Having higher intake of glucose. | D．Expected increase in brain function. |
| A．Science fiction. | B．A chemistry book. |
| C．A health brochure. | D．A science research. |
3 . Italian Joseph Caspar Mezzofanti was said to have spoken more than 38 languages fluently at the time of his death in 1849, a skill that would have been useful in today's globalized economy. Unfortunately, when it comes to the high school Spanish lesson in the decades, most people nowadays have remembered that there is nothing more complex than "Donde esta la biblioteca". So we set out to uncover what's involved in learning a foreign language and which methods work best.
Some advertisements say that some language learners believe they're just a 15-minute audio tape away from becoming UN interpreters. But experts say these get-fluent-fast programs are a complete sham. "Actually, there is hardly a shortcut that can do that," says Dekeyser, a professor of second language acquisition at the University of Maryland. "The only way to learn a language is to make quite a bit of effort on a daily basis."
Many experts agree that the ideal learning method for language learners really depends on the individual. "Find the method that works for you and stick with it," says Simcott, a polyglot who has professionally worked in over 14 languages at once for the British Foreign Service. "If audio works for you, do audio. If you like taking classes, do classes. But remember to keep practicing every day."
However, not all people are created equal. Some may have talent for language learning, but it doesn't mean they can passively await fluency "Practice is an effective learning method," says Davidson. "The more time that you spend during the day speaking your second language, the better at it you're going to be."
Learning from multiple people is also a good way, especially when you are attempting to cultivate a native accent, "When you are exposed to a lot of people, you get a much better sense of what the sound of word is supposed to be." says Davidson. "You avoid exposing yourself to what could be features in one individual's speech patterns."
1. What do the words "are a complete sham" in paragraph 2 mean?| A．Remain to be improved. | B．Are completely scientific. |
| C．Remain to be confirmed. | D．Are totally false. |
| A．Advanced learning tools. |
| B．Constant practice in learning language. |
| C．The talent for language learning. |
| D．Suitable learning surroundings. |
| A．It is easy to learn a foreign language for Italians. |
| B．It is difficult to learn Spanish for most people today. |
| C．Joseph Caspar Mezzofanti contributed to the development of language. |
| D．Joseph Caspar Mezzofanti was both an economist and a language expert. |
| A．The importance of learning a second language. |
| B．Some problems faced by language learners. |
| C．Some views and advice on language learning. |
| D．The necessity for people to learn a second language. |
4 . Humans have been keeping animals as pets for tens of thousands of years, but Dr Jean-Loup Rault, an animal scientist at the University of Melbourne in Australia, believes new companions are coming: robot pets.
“Technology is moving very fast,” Rault told ABC News, “The Tamagotchi in the early 1990s was really the first robotic pet, and now Sony and other big companies have improved them a lot.”
This may not sit well with pet lovers. After all, who would choose a plastic toy over a lovely puppy? But Rault argues that the robotic kind has a lot going for it: “You don’t have to feed it, you don’t have to walk it, it won’t make a mess in your house, and you can go on a holiday without feeling guilty.” The technology also benefits those who are allergic to pets, short on space, or fearful of real animals.
It’s not clear whether robot pets can replace real ones. But studies do suggest that we can bond with these smart machines. People give their cars names and kids give their toy animals life stories. It’s the same with robots. When Sony stopped its repair service for its robot dog Aibo in March 2014, owners in Japan held funerals.
As an animal welfare researcher, Rault is concerned about how robotic pets could affect our attitudes towards live animals. “If we become used to a robotic companion that doesn’t need food, water or exercises, perhaps it will change how humans care about other living beings,” he said.
So are dogs and cats a thing of the past, as Rault predicts? For those who grew up with living and breathing pets, the mechanical kind might not do. But for our next generation who are in constant touch with smart technology, a future in which lovely pets needn’t have a heartbeat might not be a far-fetched dream.
1. What does the underlined phrase “sit well with” means?| A．be refused by | B．be beneficial to |
| C．make a difference to | D．receive support from |
a. They are plastic and feel smooth.
b. Owners needn’t worry about them when going out.
c. They can help cure allergies(过敏).
d. They save space and costs.
| A．ab | B．bc |
| C．bd | D．cd |
| A．Sony is the first company to produce robot pets Aibo. |
| B．People can develop strong bond(联系、关系) with their robot pets. |
| C．Rault thinks robot pets still have a long way to go. |
| D．Robot toys may help people care more about living beings. |
| A．the advantages of robot toys | B．the popularity of robot pets |
| C．living pets are dying out. | D．robot pets are coming. |
| Northside Festival Description: The music festival consists of artists, such as Sidney Gish and Orion Sun, free cake for everyone! If you're looking for a fresh festival with unique artists, look no further! Time: Saturday, June 9～10, from 12 pm to 6 pm Location: Baby's All Right, Brooklyn Tickets: $50 per person with no discount | Solely Women Description: The William Ris Gallery is showing an exhibit all about what females meet in front of life! Check out the exhibit before it's closed after this weekend! Time: June 8～10, from 12 pm to 5 pm Location: William Ris Gallery at Jamesport Tickets: Free |
| Broadway Commons Carnival Description: It's the season of carnival rides and food on stick-yes, the carnival is still in town. With free admissions and lights to light up the sky, who wouldn't want to send their day off at Dreamland? Time: May 31～June 17, from 5 pm to 11 pm Location: Broadway Mall Tickets: Free carnival parking, admission and Victoria Circus shows | Long Island's Festival Description: With exciting events ranging from beach concerts to parades, it's a large and impressive entertainment we can't wait for! You can also start your day with your family to have fun on the Long Beach board-walk. Time: June 8～10, from 10 am to 11 pm Location: Long Beach Tickets: $80 per adult for the concert, a 20% discount for children under 18 |
1. What can women choose to do if they want to know something to face in life?
| A．Join the carnival at Dreamland. | B．Enjoy the concerts on the Long Beach. |
| C．Visit an exhibit at the William Ris Gallery. | D．Experience the music festival at Brooklyn. |
| A．$80. | B．$100. | C．$160 | D．$144. |
| A．Northside Festival. | B．Solely Women. |
| C．Broadway Commons Carnival. | D．Long Island's Festival. |
阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上涂黑。
Tom was a middle-aged leather trader (皮货商) whose repeated failure in career made him a depressed man, often __1_ that he had been cheated by others. One day he told his wife he was so __2__ with the city that he had to leave.
So his family moved to another city. It was the evening of a weekend. When Tom and his wife were busily _3_ up their new home, the light suddenly __4_. Tom was regretful to have forgotten to bring along 5__ and had to wait _6_ in a low mood. Just then he heard light, hesitant 27_ on his door that were clearly audible (听到) in the __8__ night.
“Who’s it?” he wondered, since Tom was a _9__ to this city. And this was the moment he especially hated to be __10__, so he went to the door and opened it __11_. At the door was a little girl, shyly asking, “Sir, do you have candles? I’m your neighbor. ” “No,” answered Tom in anger and shut the door __12__. “What a nuisance (麻烦事)!” He complained over it with his wife. “No sooner had we settled down than the neighbor came to _13__ things.”
After a while, the door was knocked again. He opened it and found the same girl outside. __14_ this time she was _15__ two candles, saying, “My grandma told me the new neighbor downstairs might need candles. She _16_ me here to give you these.” Tom was very _17__ by what he saw. At that moment he suddenly realized what caused his _18__ in life. It was his _19_ and harshness (刻薄) with other people. The person who had cheated him in life was _20__ nobody else but himself, for his eyes had been blurred (蒙蔽) by his unsympathetic （无同情心的）mind.1.
| A．complaining | B．telling | C．hoping | D．pretending |
| A．pleased B disappointed | B．exhausted | C．encouraged |
| A．looking | B．turning | C．coming | D．tidying |
| A．went on | B．went down | C．went out | D．went through |
| A．candles | B．matches | C．lights | D．flashlights |
| A．happily | B．patiently | C．hopefully | D．helplessly |
| A．steps | B．words | C．knocks | D．screams |
| A．dark | B．quiet | C．noisy | D．crowded |
| A．newcomer | B．stranger | C．guest | D．settler |
| A．called | B．disturbed | C．watched | D．offered |
| A．surprisingly | B．delightedly | C．impatiently | D．willingly |
| A．gently | B．kindly | C．politely | D．violently |
| A．lend | B．sell | C．harness | D．borrow |
| A．And | B．But | C．So | D．For |
| A．holding | B．hiding | C．fetching | D．lifting |
| A．suggested | B．commanded | C．sent | D．forced |
| A．frightened | B．pleased | C．puzzled | D．surprised |
| A．failure | B．success | C．complaint | D．determination |
| A．warmth | B．coldness | C．kindness | D．sympathy |
| A．doubtfully | B．hardly | C．actually | D．nearly |
I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my six-year old son, Billy, walking toward the woods. He was obviously walking with a great effort... trying to be as still as possible. Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house.
Moments later, however, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful long step toward the woods. This activity went on for over an hour: walking cautiously to the woods, then running back to the house. Finally, my curiosity got the best of me. I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey.
He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked; being very careful not to spill the water he held in them. Branches and thorns slapped his little face but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much greater purpose. As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing site.
Several large deer appeared threatening in front of him. But Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. And I saw a baby deer lying on the ground, obviously suffering from heavy loss of water and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap up the water cupped in my beautiful boy's hand.
I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save a life. As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, they were suddenly joined by other drops... and more drops... and more. I looked up at the sky. It was as if God, Himself, was weeping with pride.
1. Why did the author follow her son?
| A．Because there might be danger. |
| B．Because her son was doing a good deed. |
| C．Because she intended to help. |
| D．Because she was curious. |
| A．Rain was in great need. |
| B．Billy carried water with his small hands. |
| C．There were few trees in the woods. |
| D．Billy walked into the woods and then returned over and over again. |
① The author was moved to tears.
② Billy fed the water to the baby deer.
③ Billy walked towards the large deer.
④ It began to rain.
⑤ The author followed Billy into the woods.
| A．③②⑤①④ | B．⑤③②①④ |
| C．④①③②⑤ | D．⑤②①③④ |
| A．Billy was a pride |
| B．God was touched by Billy's activity |
| C．the rain should have dropped earlier |
| D．it was worthwhile to have given birth to Billy |
8 . A new study of 8,000 young people in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior shows that although love can make adults live healthily and happily, it is a bad thing for young people. Puppy love (早恋) may bring stress for young people and can lead to depression. The study shows that girls become more depressed than boys, and younger girls are the worst of all.
The possible reason for the connection between love and higher risk of depression for girls is “loss of self”. According to the study, even though boys would say “lose themselves in a romantic relationship”, this “loss of self” is much more likely to lead to depression when it happens to girls. Young girls who have romantic relationships usually like hiding their feelings and opinions. They won’t tell that to their parents.
Dr Marian Kaufman, an expert on young people problems, says 15% to 20% young people will have depression during their growing. Trying romance often causes the depression. She advises kids not to jump into romance too early. During growing up, it is important for young people to build strong friendships and a strong sense of self. She also suggests the parents should encourage their kids to keep close to their friends, attend more interesting school activities and spend enough time with family.
Parents should watch for signs of depression — eating or mood changes — and if they see signs from their daughters or sons, they need to give help. The good news is that the connection between romance and depression seems to become weak with age. Love will always make us feel young, but only maturity (成熟) gives us a chance to avoid its bad side effects.
1. Which of the following is more likely to have depression?| A．Young people who have a strong sense of selfishness. |
| B．Young girls who always hide their feelings and opinions. |
| C．Young boys whose parents watch for their behavior. |
| D．Careless parents whose children are deep in love. |
| A．The older a woman is, the less likely she seems to lose herself in romance. |
| B．Lacking love can lead young people to grow up more quickly. |
| C．Early love makes young people keep close to their friends and parents. |
| D．Parents should help their children to be aware of the signs of depression. |
| A．Confused. | B．Disinterested. | C．Scared. | D．Disapproving. |
| A．Puppy love may bring young people depression. |
| B．Parents should forbid their children’s love. |
| C．Romance is a two-edged sword for adults. |
| D．Romance is good for young people. |
