1 . Although I love watching Olympic diving, I’ve never understood why athletes hurry off to the showers and then proceed to relax in a hot tub (热水浴池) after each dive. They’re already wet. They’re only in the pool for a handful of seconds, so it’s not like they need to get cleaned up. And doesn’t taking a shower serve the same purpose as sitting in a hot tub?
Actually, that’s what Olympic divers usually do between dives as they know very well about the importance of warm-ups and cool-downs. So, what’s the actual reason?
As it turns out, showers and hot tubs are used pretty interchangeably by the swimming pool. However, there is a need for both. First, let’s start with why divers need to take a shower between dives. It has to do with body temperature and keeping their muscles relaxed. As you can imagine, practicing dives in the pool, then having to keep your body warm in a shower, and then jumping off a 10-meter platform and into cold water couldn’t be comfortable for anyone. Going back and forth between these warm and cool temperatures can cause a diver’s muscles to tense or cramp up (痉挛), which can lead to injuries to the muscles. Showers allow an Olympic diver to recover and prevent that.
In that way, showers and hot tubs serve the same purpose. A hot tub is generally used if you have a bit more time between dives and have already stretched. The shower walls on the pool deck can typically provide enough space for more divers at the same time, and they’re especially helpful for athletes who need to stretch or who only have a few minutes between dives. Just like Olympic swimmers depend on thick clothes to keep their muscles warm, Olympic divers rely on these methods to stay loose. If you ask me, it’s not a bad way to pass the time!
1. What does the underlined word “proceed” in Paragraph 1 mean?A.Prefer. | B.Continue. | C.Tend. | D.Stop. |
A.To fully clean their body. | B.To rest and wait for the results. |
C.To avoid possible muscle injuries. | D.To stop themselves from catching a cold. |
A.Hot tubs are as important as showers for divers. |
B.Olympic swimmers need to stay warm using hot tubs. |
C.Hot tubs are often used by divers having little time between divers. |
D.The shower walls are designed for divers who have already stretched. |
A.To provide some diving advice for us. |
B.To compare cold showers with the hot bath. |
C.To explain the difference between warm-ups and cool-downs. |
D.To tell us why divers take a shower and sit in a hot tub after diving. |
2 . Rejection doesn’t always hurt. Sometimes rejection may
This year football fans have been watching to see how Joe would
Joe became the Heisman Trophy
Joe’s story reminds us that there are
A.follow | B.lead | C.create | D.clear |
A.study | B.perform | C.train | D.join |
A.tough | B.fun | C.attractive | D.easy |
A.accepted | B.remembered | C.rejected | D.ignored |
A.bench | B.stand | C.team | D.stage |
A.chance | B.resource | C.potential | D.enthusiasm |
A.signed up for | B.applied to | C.attended to | D.searched for |
A.fan | B.adviser | C.learner | D.winner |
A.similar | B.smooth | C.multiple | D.flat |
A.costs | B.takes | C.makes | D.offers |
A.theory | B.training | C.rejection | D.excuse |
A.achieving | B.planning | C.announcing | D.explaining |
A.affect | B.emphasize | C.estimate | D.acknowledge |
A.active | B.negative | C.possible | D.predictable |
A.interpret | B.imagine | C.explore | D.escape |
3 . Are you a fan of outdoor adventures? Do you enjoy scenic views to relax? Look no further, as the following destinations offer all that and more.
Athabasca Falls
Alberta, Canada
Water from the Canadian Rockies flows down into the waterfalls of Jasper National Park, creating a flow with wild energy. The falls are wheelchairs accessible, with a paved path taking admirers to a number of viewpoints. If visitors leave the path, they can explore both the upper and lower regions of the trail.
Akaka Falls Trail
Hakalau, Hawaii
A short half-mile hike is big on sights and low on hard activity. The well-kept ring like trail guide visitors around to see a number of waterfalls, including the 442-foot main attraction, and beautiful local flora (植物群) among the famous landscape. Though there are no hills to climb, there are a number of stairways to go.
Nugget Falls
Juneau, Alaska
Located in Tongass National Forest about 12 miles from Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier has produced Nugget Falls, a fan-like waterfall that leads into a lake. A series of short hikes allows for different views of the waterfall and icy surrounds, which are also known for frequent brown bear sightings.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley, California
Yosemite National Park is one of the oldest national parks in America and home to the fifth tallest waterfall in the world. Hikers can reach it by taking a 1-mile trail from the lodge or the 7.2-mile round-trip Yosemite Falls Trail route. Late spring is best, with the highest water flow. In the winter, the temperatures dip below freezing. A park admission fee applies.
1. Where can visitors expect to see frequent brown bear sightings?A.Athabasca Falls. | B.Akaka Falls Trail. | C.Nugget Falls. | D.Yosemite Falls. |
A.Winter. | B.Spring. | C.Summer. | D.Fall. |
A.In a travel magazine. | B.In a novel. | C.In a history book. | D.In a diary. |
4 . As you grow older, you’ll be faced with some challenging decisions like whether to cut class or try cigarettes (香烟). Making decisions on your own is hard enough, but when other people take part in and try to pressure you one way or another it can be even harder. People who are your age, like your classmates, are called peers (同龄人). When they try to influence how you act, to get you to do something, it’s called peer pressure.
Peers can have a positive influence on each other. Maybe another student in your science class taught you an easy way to remember the planets in the solar system (太阳系). Maybe you got others excited about your new favorite book, and now everyone’s reading it. These are examples of how peers positively influence each other.
Sometimes peers influence each other in negative ways. For example, a few kids in school might try to get you to cut class with them. Your soccer friend might try to convince (使信服) you to be mean to another player and never pass him the ball.
It is tough to be the only one who says “no” to peer pressure, but you can do it. Paying attention to your own feelings and beliefs about what is right and wrong can help you know the right thing to do.
You’ve probably had a parent or teacher advising you to “choose your friends wisely.” Peer pressure is a big reason why they say this. If you choose friends who don’t cut class, smoke cigarettes, or lie to their parents, then you probably won’t do these things either, even if other kids do.
If you continue to face peer pressure and you’re finding it difficult to deal with, talk to someone you trust. Don’t feel guilty (内疚) if you’ve made a mistake or two.
1. For whom is the passage most probably written?A.Teachers. | B.Parents. | C.Students. | D.Doctors. |
A.by space | B.by time | C.by stories | D.by examples |
A.Taking up more relaxing hobbies. |
B.Helping others who are in trouble. |
C.Spending more time with classmates. |
D.Choosing friends with no bad habits. |
A.Friendship | B.Self-confidence |
C.Peer pressure | D.Making decisions |
5 . Hunger is a very real problem around the world. This year, almost 7 million people have died of hunger already. Why do people still die of hunger when there’s more than enough food in the world?
Well, considering that there are places in the world where basic needs like housing and clean, drinkable water are not met, then it doesn't come as a surprise that food is just not available to them. The food exists—it just doesn’t get to where it needs to be.
Nigerian farmer Ogbole decided to grow fruit and vegetables in a different way. Ogbole’s farming process is mainly about two ideas: soilless farming and aeroponics (气雾栽培). To put it simply, he’s growing food in the air.
As Ogbole explained, aeroponics is the future of agriculture because it offers many benefits. For example, it is cheaper than traditional farming because there is no need to hire as many workers since everything is done with a “click”. Also, this kind of farming is more environmentally friendly since farmers don’t use chemicals. At the same time, there are no space limitations.
Recently, the young farmer’s work was praised on social media when he was featured in a network post. In the post, Ogbole’s farming method was mentioned, and Internet users had the chance to see pictures of the farmer’s produce.
Many viewers think southern Nigeria needs this method to grow crops. This will help in bringing down the price. It seems that people are already realizing that this method will change the way people grow food. And, most importantly, it will help solve some of the issues related to hunger around the world.
1. What does the figure in paragraph 1 show?A.The seriousness of hunger. | B.The number of hungry people. |
C.The necessity of growing food in the air. | D.The existing population problem. |
A.There is not enough food supply. | B.Their basic needs are not met. |
C.They have no scientific planting methods. | D.Food is not equally shared. |
A.The theory of aeroponics. | B.The advantages of aeroponics. |
C.The method of growing food in the air. | D.The downsides of traditional farming. |
A.Doubt. | B.Disapproving. | C.Positive. | D.Indifferent. |
6 . The name, Bella means beautiful, but Bella Hadid didn’t think she was when she was a teenager.
Supermodel Bella Hadid is finally coming clean about having cosmetic surgery (整形手术), but she is speaking out on her regret of having it done when she was 14, according to a report.
“I was the uglier sister. I wasn’t as pretty as my sister Gigi,” Bella said. “That’s really what people said about me. And unfortunately when you get told things so many times, you do just believe it.” “Now I wish Ihad kept the nose of my parents,” Bella said.
About 229,000 cosmetic surgeries were performed on teenagers between the ages of 13 to 19 in 2017, which accounted for nearly 4 percent of all cosmetic procedures.
But experts caution that a “nose job”, is not recommended until the growth of the nose is completed, which is around ages 15 to 16 in females and ages 16 to 18 in males.
“Some teens are more psychologically mature (成熟的) than others, but it’s important to note that their brain development is not at a point where they can really think through the possible risks,” said Dr.Zuckerman, president of the National Center for Health Research.
Cosmetic procedures improve confidence in teenagers rather than the actual physical changes, especially for those who have poor confidence, according to Dr. Steven Pearlman, a facial plastic surgeon.
Zuckerman argues that in an ideal world, doctors would delay certain operations in teens, while parents would work with their children to delay decisions of cosmetic procedures “…until a teenager is of age, like at least 18.”
1. What does the underlined phrase “coming clean about” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?A.Admitting. | B.Forgetting. | C.supporting. | D.Opposing. |
A.To develop her career. | B.To be better looking. |
C.To please her sister. | D.To follow her parents. |
A.Unclear. | B.Positive. | C.Cautious. | D.Supportive. |
A.Teenagers will regret having cosmetic surgery. |
B.Certain children will receive an operation earlier. |
C.Teenagers will delay cosmetic procedures. |
D.Teenagers will grow in confidence. |
7 . Favored by many internet influencers, the city of Zibo, once a sleepy industrial city, has gone viral on Chinese social media platforms. The topic Zibo “barbecue” on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, was played 4.96 billion times since the city stormed the Internet for over a month. On 29 April, Zibo Railway Station saw a record 87,000 train trips to and from the station, according to Chinese news website Caixin.
Local authorities in Zibo have been quick to respond to the sudden flow of visitors. A barbecue zone that can accommodate 10,000 people, featuring live band performances, was built overnight. Volunteers have been dispatched to the railway station to offer advice and recommendations to tourists. Designated (指定的) buses and trains bring tourists to and from the hottest barbecue spots. The government has even threatened to punish profiteering hotels who raise prices by more than 50% .
What makes Zibo barbecue so special is that it does offer a distinctive (独特的) dining experience. The skewers (烤串) are 70-80 percent cooked before they are brought to the table, where diners can finish cooking them on their own stoves, offering an immersive dining experience.
Zibo’s low prices are also appealing. Many college students in Shandong have made concrete plans to enjoy Zibo barbecue at the least cost, and traveling back and forth by train for only 200 yuan ($29.1). So what better way to attract adventurous, hungry college students with a tight budget other than “tasty barbecue that makes you full for only 50 yuan!”
The locals seem happy enough about the arrival of visitors and shy away from hot spots to make space for outsiders, saying they are proud that their hometown has gained nationwide fame.
1. What is the first paragraph mainly about?A.The history of Zibo. |
B.The influence of social media. |
C.The newfound popularity of Zibo. |
D.The crowdedness of Zibo Railway Station. |
A.Unique dining experience. | B.Convenient transportation. |
C.Wonderful performances. | D.Affordable prices. |
A.Favorable. | B.Worried. | C.Unconcerned. | D.Critical. |
A.To promote an industrial city. |
B.To introduce barbecue in Zibo. |
C.To explain how to attract tourists. |
D.To show the popularity of barbecue. |
8 . ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK TOUR
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) spans over 415 square miles. It contains more than 300 miles of hiking roads and one of the most amazing sights and landscapes (风景) that Colorado has to offer in summer and winter. It’s a perfect place to take a day vacation just for yourself.
Ride by the Iconic Flatirons and the City of BoulderYour tour kicks off in Boulder which is hidden in a classical little valley near the Flatirons. This community is home to over 100,000 people and features booming tech, food industries, and world-class University of Colorado.
Have a Tasty Picnic Lunch at Rocky Mountain National ParkThere’s nothing better than enjoying a meal with the Rocky Mountains in the background. With the unbelievable beauty of the area, it offers plenty of opportunities for taking photos. People have chance to see local wildlife. It’s no wonder that nearly 3 million people visit this national park every year.
Go for a Scenic Ride down Trail Ridge RoadThere’s no better way to discover the Rocky Mountains than taking a scenic (风景优美的) ride down Trail Ridge Road. Stretching for 48 miles, it gives you the chance to enjoy the Rocky Mountains in leisure.
Finish with a Ride Through Estes ParkTaking a ride through Estes Park is the best way to end this tour. This town is well known for being the main base of RMNP and provides an unbelievable view of Prospect Mountain.
1. Where does the tour begin?A.In Boulder. | B.In Prospect Mountain. |
C.At Trail Ridge Road. | D.In Estes Park. |
A.Cook a meal with family. | B.Ride a horse. |
C.Take photos. | D.Hunt wildlife. |
A.A sports website. | B.A news report. |
C.A travel magazine. | D.A geography textbook. |
9 . Look, I’m not a happy crier. I might cry at songs about leaving and missing someone; I might cry at books where things don’t work out; I might cry at movies where someone dies. I’ve just never really understood why people get all choked up over happy, inspirational things. But Michelle Obama’s kindness and empathy (同情) changed that. This book had me in tears for all the right reasons.
This is not really a book about politics, though political experiences obviously do come into it. It’s a shame that some will dismiss this book because of a difference in political opinion, when it is really about a woman’s life. About growing up poor and black on the South Side of Chicago; about getting married and struggling to maintain that marriage; about motherhood; about being thrown into an amazing and terrifying position.
I hate words like “inspirational” because they’ve become so overdone and cheese (俗气的), but I just have to say it — Michelle Obama is an inspiration. I had the privilege of seeing her speak at The Forum in Inglewood, and she is one of the warmest, funniest, smartest, down-to-earth people I have ever seen in this world.
And yes, I know we present what we want the world to see, but I truly do think it’s genuine. I think she is someone who really cares about people — especially kids — and wants to give them better lives and opportunities.
She’s obviously intelligent, but she also doesn’t gussy up her words. She talks straight, with an openness and honesty rarely seen. She’s been one of the most powerful women in the world, she’s been a graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School, she’s had her own successful career, and yet she has remained throughout that same girl — Michelle Robinson — from a working class family in Chicago.
I don’t think there’s anyone who wouldn’t benefit from reading this book.
1. What is the main focus of Michelle’s book?A.Her political experiences and opinions. | B.Her personal life and experiences. |
C.Her achievements as a powerful woman. | D.Her efforts to motivate others. |
A.It is overused and insincere. | B.It reminds them of cheese books. |
C.It is associated with political opinions. | D.It is inapplicable to Michelle Obama. |
A.Forgets. | B.Regret. | C.Beautify. | D.Swallow. |
A.Bossy and aggressive | B.Humble and honest. |
C.Distant and image-loving. | D.Ambitious and career-driven. |
10 . I was halfway across Indiana headed home to Kentucky when my car broke down. My phone was
I sat alongside my car for several hours trying to
Right then and there, this total
A.busy | B.loud | C.dead | D.secure |
A.mechanic | B.policeman | C.manager | D.guide |
A.washing | B.parking | C.purchasing | D.maintaining |
A.feel | B.beat | C.absorb | D.produce |
A.promised | B.refused | C.stopped | D.volunteered |
A.solved | B.noticed | C.escaped | D.explained |
A.surprise | B.regret | C.amusement | D.disappointment |
A.called up | B.pulled out | C.put down | D.threw away |
A.liar | B.beginner | C.stranger | D.loser |
A.free | B.ready | C.uncertain | D.unable |
A.pronounced | B.agreed | C.discovered | D.doubted |
A.Tiredness | B.Kindness | C.Loneliness | D.Carefulness |
A.Folding | B.Drying | C.Soiling | D.Mending |
A.saved | B.called | C.judged | D.banned |
A.friend | B.daughter | C.coworker | D.customer |