1 . My father started learning French at 57, drawn by the potential benefits of bilingualism (双语能力) in delaying dementia (失智症). Now, 20 years later, he’s on his third teacher. Many people like my father have attempted to pick up a new language. But can this really boost brain health?
According to experts, regularly using a new language brings cognitive (认知的) benefits. If you’re trying to recall the right words in another language, your brain is forced to inhibit your mother tongue. This process, called cognitive inhibition, helps improve your brain function. Repeating this process makes your brain more resistant to diseases like dementia. The more you challenge your brain, the better it functions, even if your brain health starts to decline.
However, evidence for the benefits of learning a second language in your 60s is weaker. Research by Dr. Leo Antoniou found that older Italians who took English lessons for four months didn’t see any difference in their cognition scores, but people who didn’t saw their scores decline. Prof. Diana Smith’s 2023 studies found similar results.
Researchers offered a few potential explanations for their disappointing results. One is that the participants were highly motivated volunteers, probably of high cognitive level for their age, making it hard to see any improvements. “When choosing participants, we have to be careful, are they really representative of the population?” said Dr. Judith Ware. Another is that the language interventions were perhaps too short. These studies have used language lessons that “were very different in their length and frequency,” said Prof. Laura Grossman.
To Dr. Antoniou, the limited findings are not entirely surprising. No one would say that learning a new language for six months would be the same as having used two languages for your entire life. But he does think that language lessons can provide cognitive benefits by being cognitively stimulating.
Perhaps more important, Prof. Grossman said, learning another language offers other potential advantages, like traveling or connecting with new communities. My father, for example, has remained pen friends with his first teacher and traveled to France numerous times.
And at 76, he’s as sharp as ever.
1. What happens in the process of “cognitive inhibition”?| A．Memory improves. | B．Brain health worsens. |
| C．Dementia is cured. | D．Native language is held back. |
| A．The poor choice of research participants. |
| B．The great length of the language course. |
| C．The intervention of the first language. |
| D．The age difference of the research subjects. |
| A．Leo Antoniou’s. | B．Diana Smith’s. |
| C．Laura Grossman’s. | D．Judith Ware’s. |
| A．Is it never too late to learn a new language? |
| B．Can learning a new language delay dementia? |
| C．Why does my father start learning a new language? |
| D．How does learning a new language benefit aging brain? |
2 . Volunteer Art &Architecture Tour Guide for Boston Public Library, Copley Square
The goal is to generate public interest in the history, art, and architecture of Boston Public Library, including its special collections and exhibitions at the Central Library in Copley Square.
ROLE AND EXPECTATIONS
●To conduct public and private group tours of the Central Library’s art, architecture, and exhibitions, answering questions from groups and recording attendance statistics after tours conclude.
●To continue to inform oneself of the art, architecture, history, holdings, and exhibitions of Boston Public Library.
QUALIFICATIONS
● Interest in history, art, and architecture in general, and of Boston Public Library in particular.
● Confidence in addressing and presenting information to large groups; prior guiding or public speaking experience desirable.
●A strong command of the English language is required, and fluency in other languages is highly preferred.
TRAINING
Accepted candidates will be asked to attend tour guide training meetings. New guides are expected to complete training around four months. Progress evaluations will be ongoing throughout the training period, and continue through the first six months of working as a full guide.
REQUIREMENTS
●Minimum commitment of two tours per month (or 24 tours per year).
●Commitment to attending tour guide meetings and enrichment programs for continuing education.
REVIEW
Regular assessments and evaluations will be conducted based on the above criteria to ensure that volunteers meet the necessary qualifications.
Interested candidates should complete the application form below and send it to tours@bpl.org.
1. What does a volunteer tour guide need to do after tours?| A．Ensure safety of the artworks. |
| B．Maintain cleanness of the hall. |
| C．Document the numbers of visitors. |
| D．Answer questions about qualifications. |
| A．4 months. | B．6 months. | C．10 months. | D．12 months. |
| A．Insufficient (不足的) working hours. |
| B．Absence of a second language. |
| C．Little relevant volunteer experience. |
| D．Limited knowledge about exhibitions. |
3 . Have you ever wanted to be healthier? Get a pet! That is what the experts are saying. There are many advantages to owning a pet, no matter whether it is a cat, dog, or horse.
Some new parents are often in a rush to get rid of their pets when a baby is expected. Yet, studies have shown that having a pet at home actually reduces a child’s likelihood of developing certain kinds of diseases. In one study, a researcher studied 300 new-born babies and tested them again a year later. He found that if they had a dog at home the children had up to 33% fewer allergies (过敏症). In addition, the children had stronger immune systems (免疫系统) when compared to the babies of homes with no pets.
In another study, researchers tested nearly 4,500 people. They found that cat owners who spent time stroking (抚摸) their cats suffered 40% fewer heart attacks than those who did not own a cat. Some other studies also found that pet owners suffered less serious from depression (沮丧) than non-pet owners.
Horses have long been used in treatments for disabled people, both physically and mentally. Not only does the movement of the horse help people with physical problems, but the calming influence of the animals has a positive effect on them, too. Amazing changes have been noted in disabled people who are lucky enough to receive these treatments.
From cats to horses, having a pet can really have positive effects on our health.
1. What does the underlined word in the second paragraph probably mean?| A．Degree. | B．Possibility. | C．Opportunity. | D．Decision. |
| A．having a pet at home makes a baby weak |
| B．the children in home without a dog may have strong immune system |
| C．non-pet owners may easily suffer from depression than pet owners |
| D．keeping a pet cat is better than keeping a pet dog |
| A．How to raise a horse. | B．The way of keeping healthy. |
| C．How horses benefit disabled people. | D．How to treat disabled people. |
| A．New parents sometimes refuse to have a pet when they have a baby. |
| B．If you want to keep healthy, do nothing but keep a pet. |
| C．Cat owners suffer more heart attacks than others. |
| D．Horses can cure the problems of disabled people. |
4 . Teenagers have long been told that being active and taking part in various sports is good for their health. But new research suggests that too much sport for teenagers could negatively affect their well-being just as much as too little sport.
Researchers from Switzerland say their study suggests that 14 hours of physical activity a week is best for promoting good health in teenagers. However, they found that more than 14 hours appears to be detrimental to their health. To reach their findings, the researchers surveyed more than 1,245 teenagers aged between 16 and 20 from Switzerland.
All participants were required to answer questions on height and weight, sports practice, sports injuries and well-being. Their well-being was assessed (评估) using the World Health Organization (WHO) Well-Being Index, and the average well-being score for all participants was 17.
The researchers divided sports participation into low (0 — 3.5 hours a week), average (3.6 — 10.5 hours), high (10.6 — 17.5 hours), and very high (more than 17.5 hours). The researchers found that participants in the low and very high activity groups were more than twice as likely to have well-being scores below 13, compared with participants in the average group. The researchers found that the highest well-being scores were gotten by participants who carried cut around 14 hours of physical activity a week, but exercising beyond 14 hours resulted in lower well-being scores.
Commenting on their findings, the researchers say physical activity has been connected with positive emotional well-being, reduced sadness, anxiety and stress disorders, and improved self-respect in teenagers.
The researchers suggest that their study stresses the importance for physicians caring for teenagers to check their level of sports practice and ask them about their well-being. Teenagers probably need a supportive and closer follow-up of their health and well-being. The findings can provide information for guideline groups who produce recommendations on sports practice for teenagers.
1. What does the underlined word “detrimental” in paragraph 2 probably mean?| A．Useless. | B．Important. | C．Reasonable. | D．Harmful. |
| A．Low sports participation causes overweight. |
| B．The sports participation is divided into four levels. |
| C．The highest well-being scores are gotten in the “high” group. |
| D．The average well-being score of teenagers between 16 and 20 in Switzerland is 17. |
| A．A research paper. | B．A health magazine. | C．A business report. | D．A fitness diary. |
| A．Measures to improve teenagers’ well-being. |
| B．Concerns of physicians about teenagers’ well-being. |
| C．Importance of physical activities on teenagers’ well-being. |
| D．Relationship between sports participation and teenagers’ well-being. |
5 . One morning, I was jogging and I noticed a person in front of me about 1/4 mile. I could
After passing him, I realized I had been so focused on competing against him that I had
In fact, we spend our time and
| A．forget | B．tell | C．admit | D．argue |
| A．fool | B．warn | C．catch | D．encourage |
| A．before | B．because | C．once | D．although |
| A．secretly | B．finally | C．possibly | D．gradually |
| A．noticing | B．ensuring | C．imagining | D．announcing |
| A．find | B．remember | C．make | D．control |
| A．resting | B．racing | C．meeting | D．communicating |
| A．taken | B．changed | C．valued | D．missed |
| A．turn around | B．give in | C．show off | D．get through |
| A．proud | B．successful | C．adventurous | D．helpful |
| A．money | B．dream | C．knowledge | D．energy |
| A．problem | B．possibility | C．requirement | D．influence |
| A．friendly to | B．ahead of | C．close to | D．strict with |
| A．sorry | B．afraid | C．confident | D．curious |
| A．given | B．spent | C．taken | D．used |
6 . With more than 2.5 million visitors annually, Olympic National Park is a most popular park in the US. If you’re looking for breathtaking views, these are the best places to camp inside Olympic National Park.
Campground
●Deer Park
Only tents are allowed here. 14 campsites are available on a first come, first served basis from June through mid-October.
Cost: $15/night
●Staircase
There are 49 campsites. The location is open through the whole year. Some of its facilities (设施) are only available during the summer.
Cost: $24/night
●Kalaloch
With its 170 campsites, Kalaloch is the largest and most popular campground in the whole park. It is interesting and convenient to park.
Cost: $24/night
●Dosewallips
Dosewallips features about 30 campsites, none of which can be reserved ahead of time. It is accessible throughout the year.
Cost: Free
Things to Know Before You Go
●Bring a Bear Canister (防熊罐): The park is filled with all kinds of wildlife that are more than willing to help themselves to your food. Bring a bear canister to keep your supplies safe.
●Firewood: Some campgrounds have firewood for sale, but visitors are allowed to collect kindling (引火物) in locations where that isn’t the case.
●Group Camping Sites: The park offers large-group camping sites in Kalaloch. The reservation may require a phone call to complete and has different pricing models. Visit the website for more information.
●Reservation Fees: All fees for the various campsites arepayable by credit card only. No cash is accepted. Be sure to have a card with you if you are not making a reservation online ahead of time.
1. What do Staircase and Dosewallips have in common?| A．They charge the most. | B．They welcome tents only. |
| C．They are open year-round. | D．They need a reservation. |
| A．Staircase. | B．Kalaloch. | C．Dosewallips. | D．Deer Park. |
| A．Paying in cash. | B．Bring some snacks. | C．Booking in advance. | D．Collecting firewood. |
7 . Most people in their eighties would consider themselves lucky not to have health problems, but this is not the case with Toshisuke Kanazawa. The 82-year-old Japanese bodybuilder is not only in perfect physical condition, but also looks better than a lot of men a quarter his age.
Kanazawa is a living example that you’re never too old to hit the gym and achieve the body you’ve always dreamed of. A champion bodybuilder in his youth, Kanazawa stopped exercising completely after he retired(退休) at age 34, drinking, smoking and eating whatever he liked. It wasn’t until he turned 50 that he wanted to regain the perfect body of his younger years.
Kanazawa’s wife felt sick frequently, and the former bodybuilder remembered that she had never been happier than when he won the national championship. So, to please her, he decided to return to the gym and completely change his diet.
His workout schedule had to change according to his age. In his youth, he would spend up to six hours training in the gym every day, and his body would recover within two days after a particularly intensive workout, but that was not the case anymore. He cut the daily gym time to three hours and started giving his body one week to recover after exercising every muscle group.
Kanazawa’s efforts paid off. In 2016, at the age of 80, Kanazawa defeated many opponents and placed sixth in the world in a match for bodybuilders over 65, and won the admiration of the crowd.
Sport keeps this elderly man healthy, as he has not suffered so much as a cold since he started bodybuilding again at age 50.
“I want to be a super old man in the bodybuilder community,” Kanazawa said, “If I have a goal, I can continue moving forward. I have to work much harder.”
1. What can we learn about Kanazawa from paragraph 2?| A．He started bodybuilding at the age of 34. |
| B．He seldom exercised when he was young. |
| C．He had serious health problems in his youth. |
| D．He developed an unhealthy lifestyle after he retired. |
| A．To make a living | B．To help change his diet. |
| C．To cheer up his wife. | D．To recover from illness. |
| A．He went on a diet. |
| B．He turned to the doctor for advice. |
| C．He combined relaxation with exercise. |
| D．He spent up to six hours training every day. |
| A．Bodybuilding: No Age Limit |
| B．Champion: The Result of Workout |
| C．Understanding: A Secret to Happiness |
| D．Exercise: The Best Medicine for Illnesses |
8 . Recently my friend invited me to her residential hall, which is an African-American themed hall. They have lots of meetings and outings there. So I thought it would be fun. On this particular day they were having a pancake breakfast, just a time to mix. I was excited to be there, too.
I walked in at a time when the mini-party was at its peak. I found my friend; excitedly, we hugged and she led me to a seat in the back. We sat there for some time. I sensed some sort of discrimination. I wondered, were we just isolating ourselves or were we facing discrimination?
My friend’s breakfast came in first, and it was a plate full of colors. My mouth watered. I have always liked rainbow dishes: they make me hungry. She let me pick pancakes and fruit; we ate and only then began to talk.
The black American contemporary music was extremely loud. Some boys and girls were beating the tables and some guys on the stage were dancing in what looked like a kind of competition.
We talked about various subjects: hair, boys, shoes and books. And then we got to it. “What do African Americans think of Africans?”
We argued. I told her I thought African Americans were haughty. Why did they sideline us? When we met in a narrow passage and our eyes met, they quickly looked aside before we greeted. Why? Weren’t we all black? I mean, wasn’t this exactly the reason why there was an African-American themed house to begin with?
Did they look down upon us because they grew up in America and we in Sub-Saharan Africa? Oh yes, I felt this was it! They believed that we were HIV-positive and that the giraffes were right behind our huts.
My friend uttered, “No!” And then she continued：
“I also thought so at one point but after living with these guys, I got to a different conclusion altogether. These guys are not from Africa. They were not born there and may have never been there. We can’t expect them to naturally like us or bond. We are different. Skin color is the skin color.”
1. It can be inferred from Paragraph 2 that the author ________.| A．is an African American | B．is an American African |
| C．was late for the party | D．was crazy about parties |
| A．Delicious. | B．Just so-so. | C．A bit salty. | D．A little sweet. |
| A．They had a good time at the party. | B．They turned down the music for me. |
| C．Some of them broke the tables. | D．They had a competition at the party. |
| A．kind-hearted | B．modest | C．fashionable | D．proud |
| A．The author was brought up in Sub-Saharan Africa. |
| B．The friend had the same idea as the author before. |
| C．The African Americans are born in America. |
| D．The African Americans have nothing in common with Africans. |
9 . I am standing next to a five-year old girl in Pormpuraaw, a small native community in northern Australia. When I ask her to point north, she points exactly and without hesitation. My compass (指南针) says she is right. Later, back in a lecture hall at Stanford University, I make the same request of an audience of excellent professors. Many refuse; they do not know the answer.
A five-year-old in one culture can do something with ease that great scientists in other cultures struggle with. This is a big difference in cognitive (认知的) ability. What could explain it? The surprising answer, it turns out, may be language.
Around the world people communicate with one another using a variety of languages—7,000 or so all told—and each language requires very different things from its speakers. For example, suppose I want to tell you that I saw Uncle Vanya on 42nd Street. In Mian, a language spoken in Papua New Guinea, the verb I used would reveal (显示) whether the event happened just now, yesterday or in the distant past, while in Indonesia, the verb wouldn’t even give away whether it had already happened or was still coming up. In Russian, the verb would reveal my gender (性别).
Research in my lab and in many others has been uncovering how language shapes even the most basic concept (概念) of human experience: space, time, and relationships to others. Unlike English, the language spoken in Pormpuraaw does not use relative spatial (空间感的) terms such as left and right. Rather speakers talk in terms of absolute directions. Of course, in English we also use direction terms but only for large spatial scales (标度). We would not say, for example, “They set the salad forks southeast of the dinner forks!” But in Pormpuraaw, absolute directions are used at all scales. This means one ends up saying things like “the cup is southeast of the plate” or “the boy standing to the south of Mary is my brother.”
1. How does the author mainly explain the role language plays in the different cognition?| A．By giving numbers. | B．By making comparisons. |
| C．By describing personal experiences. | D．By presenting different viewpoints. |
| A．Her training in Stanford University. | B．The challenge from professors. |
| C．The language she speaks. | D．The English culture she absorbs. |
| A．The time. | B．The gender. | C．The space. | D．The event. |
| A．Favorable. | B．Positive. | C．Negative. | D．Objective(客观的) |
10 . Here are some wonderful festivals around the world that happen in spring. If you want to know more about them, please click Here or visit http://wws.buddhanet.netlfestival.Htm
SongKran — Thailand
Dates: 13th — 15th, April
In Thailand, people celebrate a festival called Songkran, when people bead out to the streets with water guns to spray (喷洒) everyone who walks past. It’s a very important traditional celebration in the country.
Naghol — Vanuatu
Dates: Every Saturday from April to May
Every year, villagers come together to celebrate the harvest of yams (甘薯), an important part in the people’s diet in Vanuatu. The festival is most famous for its “land diving ceremony”. During the ceremony men and boys dive to the ground from high wooden towers with only two thin vines (藤) tied to their feet.
Cherry Blossom Viewing — Japan
Dates: The cherry blossom season is different from year to year depending on the weather.
The festival is well-known. The Japanese celebrate the days when the flowers finally blossom. Only a few days later, the petals (花瓣) fall to the ground, like pink snowflakes. That means the traditional festival only lasts for several days. In Japan, almost everyone has picnics in the parks to view the flowers.
Sinhalese New Year — Sri Lanka
Dates: 13th or 14th, April
Just like in many other countries in South East Asia, this is the time when people celebrate the traditional New Year, an ancient celebration which marks the end of the harvest season and is one of two times of the year when the sun is straight above Sri Lanka. There are a lot of delicious foods during the celebration.
1. What will most likely happen to a tourist walking in the street during SongKran in Thailand?| A．He will get wet. | B．He will hurt his feet. |
| C．He will be treated to delicious foods. | D．He will see some petals falling. |
| A．Thailand. | B．Vanuatu. | C．Japan. | D．Sri Lanka. |
| A．It is a traditional festival. | B．It is a very famous festival. |
| C．Its date is different every year. | D．It provides visitors with delicious foods. |
| A．On TV. | B．In a report. | C．On the Internet. | D．In the newspaper. |
