1 . As information technology has improved, the medical industry’s ability to treat patients has increased significantly. Over the past decade, doctors and healthcare professionals have seen the rise of telemedicine. In the most basic terms, telemedicine refers to the capability of patients to consult with doctors using remote conferencing technology—that is, without the need for an in-person visit.
In conventional medicine, patients and doctors rarely discuss the details of a patient’s problem or specific treatments over the telephone. These discussions were almost always kept within the privacy of a hospital or a doctor’s office. The cost of healthcare in some countries is astronomically expensive. Millions of people worldwide cannot receive proper healthcare services because of the cost of the treatment. However, with high-speed internet video conferencing and online file-sharing technology, access to healthcare has become much more convenient and affordable because healthcare is provided from the patient’s home, and transportation and transfer expenses are eliminated (消除). An article written by the American Journal of Managed Care indicates that on average virtual appointments cost between $ 40 to $ 50, while in- person visits cost a whopping (巨大的) $ 179 on average. This makes telemedicine a more cost-effective option.
In addition to the positive economic benefits, for elderly patients, or those with mobility issues, telemedicine is a game changer. Health care is also no longer limited by the open hours at the local doctor’s office. With the globally connected internet, patients can contact a doctor anytime. They could as easily seek second opinions from doctors in other parts of the country or on the other side of the world, for that matter. What’s more, telemedicine reduces the risks of transmitting infectious diseases, In the past, people with symptoms such as flu, measles, etc., visited hospitals. As those diseases are contagious, other visitors and workers are at risk of being exposed to those diseases. This is where telemedicine can step in to prevent contagious diseases from spreading. Even better, telemedicine lowers the number of patients in hospitals, which frees up staff and resources for patients in urgent need.
For a glimpse of the future of telemedicine, consider the internet hospitals that have emerged in recent years, which offer medical consultations to users of online platforms. With the help of internet hospitals, users can schedule an appointment and have a high-quality video conference with a qualified and professional physician. Moreover, doctors can even prescribe and have medication online and have them shipped to the patients using express. Less than two decades ago, such convenient access to health care would have seemed unimaginable. However, it does have limitations, such as collecting fresh samples for medical tests and X-rays. While telemedicine can’t change the current health care overnight, it will be a part of the modern medical system.
1. What are Paragraph 2 and Paragraph 3 mainly about?| A．The cost of the healthcare. | B．The advantages of telemedicine. |
| C．The privacy issue of the patients. | D．The prevention of the contagious diseases. |
| A．pay the healthcare expense easily online |
| B．get access to different kinds of medical tests |
| C．have the risk of being affected by the diseases |
| D．get professional suggestions from doctors at home and abroad |
| A．Internet hospitals will replace conventional hospitals in the future. |
| B．Telemedicine’s existing problems are greater than the potential benefits. |
| C．Doctors find telemedicine helpful for collecting fresh medical test samples. |
| D．Telemedicine makes the medical service available from the comfort of home. |
2 . NASA’s spacecraft Dart hit an asteroid (小行星) 11.3 million kilometers away at a speed, changing the asteroid’s orbit and lowered its cycle period by I5 minutes, the space organization announced on Monday.
Some said the move shows the world might now be able to prevent asteroids — the kind that made the dinosaurs extinct — from hitting the Earth. The asteroid that was controlled belonged to a double-asteroid system. It had a 160-meter diameter while the other asteroid’s diameter is over 500 meters. The bigger asteroid can be compared to the one that ended the dinosaur era 67 million years ago. A hit from an asteroid that size can cause unimaginable destruction.
However, it is too early to assert that the world has gained the ability to prevent asteroids from hitting us. The asteroid that was controlled was only 160 meters in size. Its cycle period was changed, without changing its orbit significantly. It is still not clear if the orbit of a much larger asteroid headed toward the Earth can be changed successfully.
In brief, NASA’s success in changing the course of a harmful asteroid is definitely praiseworthy, but much more needs to be done before we can say the world’s security from some unpredictable asteroid is guaranteed.
It should be noted that changing the orbit of an asteroid involves more than just sending an object into space and commanding it to hit the asteroid. While it is hard enough to hit an asteroid, it is even more difficult to lock onto one in the first place. It means having the ability to observe approaching asteroids, measuring their respective speeds, and deciding which ones might pose a danger to the Earth.
Therefore, there’s more to Dart hitting the asteroid than meets the eye. And these are key areas where global scientists need to work harder in the future.
1. What was the latest news about NASA?| A．Its new program failed. |
| B．Its manned spaceship hit an asteroid. |
| C．Its spacecraft changed an asteroid’s orbit. |
| D．Its spacecraft saved the earth from being destroyed. |
| A．Advise. | B．State. | C．Promise. | D．Admit. |
| A．It was comparatively small in size. |
| B．Its orbit was changed significantly. |
| C．It travelled at a higher speed than before. |
| D．It was powerful enough to end dinosaur era. |
| A．Neutral. | B．Optimistic. |
| C．Pessimistic. | D．Not mentioned. |
3 . The first essay I wrote for my history of English class was perfect, at least from my perspective. I had worked on it constantly and couldn’t wait to get my grade back. I handed it in with pride.
Two weeks later, I received my grade: a D. The pages were covered in red writing, pointing out errors. There must have been a mistake.
University started later for me than most. The opportunity wasn’t available when I was younger—too many kids in our family and too little money. But I never stopped wondering what university would have been like. I was in my 40s when I sent in my application and as a part-time student, I will be in my 60s before I’m finished. That’s my goal.
What’s it like to be the old guy in a class full of 20-year-olds? It’s strange. They pretty much ignored me, and I ignored them. They also ignored each other. However, after we had more group work together, people started to communicate. Although I was an English major, some of my favorite classes were unrelated electives. Courses in art history and Greek and Roman history were fascinating. I was eager to do well.
I arranged a meeting to discuss my essay grade and arrived 10 minutes early to meet the teacher’s assistant I was ready to argue for the brilliance of my paper. However, she quickly explained to me that the paper failed to make a strong argument. The mark remained.
I kept studying and kept leaning, I learned to love two dozen writers I had never heard of before and explored types of literature I had never examined. Eventually, I learned how to write an essay in proper academic prose.
University is different when you are a senior, part-time student. If you are there to establish a career or because your parents forced you to go, there are other pressures. For me, it’s just learning. Whether I’m learning remotely or in person, it makes the world a bigger, richer place.
1. Why did the writer start university later than others?| A．His application was refused. | B．His teacher disliked his essay. |
| C．His family was not rich enough. | D．His health did not meet the standard. |
| A．Surprised. | B．Pleased | C．Excited. | D．Hopeless |
| A．Strong curiosity. | B．Constant efforts. |
| C．Great pressure. | D．Remarkable creativity. |
| A．Practice Makes Perfect |
| B．Not All That Shines Is Gold |
| C．Where There Is A Will, There Is A Way |
| D．Action Speaks Louder Than Words |
4 . One of the best ways to improve our communities is through volunteer work. According to a report from United Nations Volunteers, it is estimated that 140 million people volunteer in every nation and in a variety of settings. Forbes reports that research has shown that volunteering can greatly benefit volunteers. These benefits include an increased sense of productivity, the development of new skills, resume-building experience, improved physical health, and the emotional rewards that come with others appreciating you and your efforts. Here are some types for you to join in local communities.
Sports volunteering
You don’t need to be good at the sport in which you wish to volunteer. Some of the most important characteristics include enthusiasm and interest. Your sports organisation should put you through any qualifications that you need to carry out your role. Most people volunteer on average two or three hours a week, but there are also opportunities to volunteer more or less often.
Support the Red Cross
Red Cross is an organization that helps with disaster relief, blood donations, and more. Being a Red Cross volunteer provides experience in the medical field and allows you to help those in need. The Red Cross responds to disasters nationwide and helps communities recover. It may be difficult to see damaged communities, but you could have a part in assisting them to recover. In addition, you may meet new friends along the way.
Organize a Summer Reading Program
Summer reading programs are one way to keep children’s reading skills active and their mind fresh during the whole summer vacation. Organizing a summer reading program is an excellent way to get kids to read a book, broaden their vocabulary, and learn something new. You can share your favorite books, offer prizes to children who meet their goals, and turn the program into a friendly competition, all while teaching children the importance of reading.
1. What requirements do you need to meet if you want to volunteer for sports?| A．Be fond of sports. | B．Follow the fixed schedule. |
| C．Have past the qualification tests. | D．Be good at various kinds of sports. |
| A．share their favorite books |
| B．organize book reading competitions |
| C．review what they have learned in school |
| D．enrich their reading experience in summer |
| A．To help manage the local community. |
| B．To introduce the communities in need. |
| C．To introduce different volunteer programs. |
| D．To show the benefits of doing volunteer work. |
5 . It had been a crazy day at school. Jordan walked in and slid his backpack off his shoulder. He collapsed in a chair
The following day at breakfast, Jordan sat down to a plate of bacon and eggs. Jordan thought the food was yummy, and he piled the pancakes on his plate. Suddenly Dad reached over and
Jordan knew for sure that something was wrong with all the teenagers in his world when he showed up at school the next day, and David, one of his classmates,
“Poor David,” thought Jordan. “If only he would remember to use his manners!” Jordan
| A．nervously | B．tiredly | C．disappointedly | D．lazily |
| A．complained | B．promised | C．repeated | D．required |
| A．manners | B．rules | C．spaces | D．foods |
| A．brought | B．carried | C．held | D．grabbed |
| A．please | B．sorry | C．pardon | D．hello |
| A．interested | B．astonished | C．moved | D．excited |
| A．pulled | B．stopped | C．pushed | D．changed |
| A．listened | B．seemed | C．touched | D．watched |
| A．suddenly | B．actually | C．obviously | D．absolutely |
| A．remembered | B．realized | C．imagined | D．believed |
6 . When you buy food or other products at the store, you probably don't think much about the people who grew them or made them. That's normal, but many farmers and others involved in producing food and other goods have very hard lives. Farmers work hard to grow crops, but sometimes the weather is bad, and their fields don't produce much. Or sometimes the price of what people produce goes down, and they can't earn enough to support their families. In some industries, workers are not fairly paid to make products cheaper. The fair trade movement tries to solve these problems by taking care of the people whose work benefits consumers.
Fair trade is difficult to define because it includes multiple organizations in many countries. These organizations encourage distributors (分销商) to pay a specified (指定的) minimum price for products. This minimum is often higher than the market price, but it makes sure producers earn enough to make a living. Distributors also pay some additional money that goes to the community that produced the product. This money is spent to thrive the community. For example, they might build a school or dig a well, either of which benefits everyone who uses it.
To be labeled fair trade, products have to be made following certain high standards related to treating workers well and protecting the environment. This can be expensive, but the higher prices paid by purchasers cover the extra costs. These standards can vary from industry to industry to reflect the details of the various production processes.
What does this mean for you? Many fair-trade organizations offer certification for products made with fair-trade ingredients (成分). There are different levels of certification depending on what percentage of the ingredients are fair trade. Certain websites can help you find fair-trade products.
Buying fair-trade products when possible is important because it communicates that you want companies to be involved in fair trade. Businesses need to make money, so manufacturers (制造商) are more likely to use fair-trade ingredients if they know people will pay for them. It's also important for your own integrity. Buying fair trade ensures that you're not benefiting from someone else's suffering. If you want to help more, you can write to companies you buy from and ask them to use fair-trade ingredients. In short, fair trade is about helping people who help you through their labor.
1. The fair trade movement aims to ________.| A．guide farmers to produce more crops |
| B．help the people who make the products we use |
| C．tackle the problem of food shortage in rural area |
| D．encourage consumers to purchase more products |
| A．Rebuild. | B．Develop. | C．Recover. | D．Decorate. |
| A．distributors are in charge of the market price |
| B．the products labeled fair trade are of higher quality |
| C．organizations in fair trade encourage them to do so |
| D．they need to pay for the expense to meet the high criteria |
7 . In mid-2019, an Indonesian design team submitted a plan to an international design competition for a new type of submarine (潜艇). It wasn't designed for military purposes or for exploring the ocean. The main purpose of this submarine was to create ice blocks to replace sea ice in the Polar Regions.
In the summer months of 2019, a massive heat wave shocked Europe and broke a number of high temperature records. As the hot air moved north over the Arctic, the ice sheet covering Greenland melted at an unexpected rate. Ice melt at the poles is normal in the summer months. Lost ice is often regained by refreezing in winter. But the fast melting rate could mean a permanent loss of polar ice, which would have global consequences.
Dealing with such a large-scale problem requires large-scale solutions. While many solutions look at reducing the greenhouse gases, few are aimed at repairing the effects of climate change. The ice-making submarine proposed to do just that.
The ice-making submarine's basic design involves forming a large hexagonal (六边形的) ice block of roughly 25 meters across and 5 meters thick. A large container in the submarine would be filled when submerged under water. Then the slow process of desalination (脱盐) and freezing would begin. After about a month, the submarine would discharge (卸下) the ice block and begin the process all over again. The overall vision would be to have multiple submarines working together, so that the hexagonal blocks could be pushed together to form a single large ice sheet.
The design was beautifully presented and won second place. However, the science behind the design came under criticism. One criticism was how the massive amounts of energy needed to desalinate and freeze the water would be provided. Another was that the amount of heat generated by the freezing process would result in a net warming effect. Additionally, the ice would be too thin to stay frozen for a significant amount of time. The designers couldn't sufficiently answer many of the scientific criticisms. Their inventive idea does, however, indicate the need for creative solutions in repairing the loss of polar ice.
1. The ice-making submarine was designed to ________.| A．explore the ocean | B．achieve military purposes |
| C．record rates of melting polar ice | D．make up for the decrease of polar ice |
| A．the limitation of the new design | B．the process of making ice blocks |
| C．the features of the ice-making submarines | D．the challenges that the designers encountered |
| A．The design introduces a unique angle for dealing with climate crisis. |
| B．The designers are confident about the effectiveness of the submarine. |
| C．The lost ice can be regained by refreezing in spite of fast melting rate. |
| D．The ice-making submarine is one of the solutions to reduce greenhouse gases. |
| A．doubtful | B．disapproving | C．supportive | D．unconcerned |
8 . Many people would be unhappy to see young children sitting next to them on a flight, but a man called Todd took it as an opportunity to give a hand to a helpless mom. Jessica spoke about what Todd had done to make her travels with her children much easier.
She was in a panic when she boarded the plane. Her 4-month-old Alexander was screaming due to a series of unexpected events. Her 3-year-old Caroline, who had been excited before boarding the plane, lost her courage and began screaming too. As Jessica tried to calm them down and help them get settled in, the man sitting next to them stopped in to help.
He reached for the baby and held him while Jessica fastened Caroline’s seatbelt, got her iPad and started her movie. Once Caroline was settled and relatively calm, he also played games with her so that Jessica could feed Alexander. The kids were calm, but he didn't stop there. Throughout the flight, he engaged 3-year-old Caroline’s best friend.
Much to Jessica’s joy, the man was taking the same connecting flight, too. He helped them get off the plane and led them to the next gate, holding Caroline’s hand. As if that wasn't enough, he changed his seat on the next flight so he could sit in their row to help them. He told Jessica his wife had had a similar experience when their two boys were young and that a stranger had done the same thing, which moved him to spread the kindness.
The heartwarming story serves as a reminder to show kindness toward panic parents with young babies. Children don’t yet know how to handle their feelings, so they cry and scream when they are confused or uncomfortable in a new place. By offering a helping hand, we could not only help an overwhelmed parent but also make a child feel a little more comfortable.
1. Jessica got panicked while boarding the plane because ________.| A．she couldn’t find her passport |
| B．she was followed by a stranger |
| C．her children lost control of their emotions |
| D．her children were fighting with each other |
| A．Starting her movie. | B．Feeding her snacks. |
| C．Fastening her seatbelt. | D．Playing games with her. |
| A．Parents are always treated kindly at the airport. |
| B．People should help parents with young children. |
| C．Children cry in order to attract people’s attention. |
| D．Children refuse to learn to manage their emotions. |
| A．honest and funny | B．brave and energetic |
| C．selfless and determined | D．patient and considerate |
9 . Everyone has their own best film of the year. To see the 2020 best films recommended by experts on the BBC Culture, you may have unexpected findings.
Wolfwalkers
Wolfwalkers is the most delightful film of its director, Tomm Moore. Its courageous heroine is Robyn, the daughter of an English huntsman. Robyn and her father have the job of clearing the wolves from a forest near Kilkenny, but when Robyn goes exploring, she finds that one of those wolves can transform into a human girl. The plot of the film is extremely fun.
The Personal History of David Copperfield
This joyous and endlessly creative film directed by Armando Iannucci is a successful achievement that raises people's interest in Charles Dickens' adaptations. Iannucci roots it firmly in the poverty and class system of Victorian England. BBC Culture's review called it "a warm and lively David Copperfield for today".
The Assistant
The Assistant stars Julia Garner as the new employee who is occupied with work from before dawn until after dusk, answering phones, printing out scripts, unpacking bottles of water. It's regarded as a low-key version of The Devil Wears Prada. The film looks beyond one person to center on a wider company culture. There is a serious atmosphere throughout as we wait for the assistant to fight against her boss or accept that she is going to keep working for him.
Emma
Did the world need one more Jane Austen's adaptation? Not really, but this enchanting, colourful version is a very welcome addition. As Emma, Anya Taylor-Joy captures the heart and warmth beneath Austen, a heroine who likes giving orders and arranging marriages for others. Johnny Flynn played the role of her seemingly impossible love, Mr. Knightley.
1. If you are interested in adventure and fantasy, which movie will you watch?| A．Emma. | B．Wolfwalkers. |
| C．The Assistant. | D．The Personal History of David Copperfield. |
| A．It is about the busy working life of a boss. |
| B．The atmosphere of the company is delightful. |
| C．It focuses on working culture of the company. |
| D．The Devil Wears Prada is another name of this movie. |
| A．In a history textbook. | B．In a literature essay. |
| C．In a company website. | D．In an entertainment magazine. |
10 . Like many new graduates, I left university full of hope for the future but with no real idea of what I wanted to do. My degree in English literature had not really
I knew being a volunteer in the project would be a lot of hard work, and I would be away from my family and friends.
Eventually, however, I won the
After completing my training, I was sent to the small village. Though the local villagers were poor, they offered their food, homes, and even
Sometime during that period, I realized that all those things that had seemed so
| A．prepared | B．stopped | C．pushed | D．forced |
| A．talked | B．asked | C．cared | D．learned |
| A．However | B．Therefore | C．Otherwise | D．Instead |
| A．trust | B．praise | C．support | D．respect |
| A．countless | B．hopeless | C．careless | D．aimless |
| A．miss | B．survive | C．choose | D．doubt |
| A．hearts | B．wishes | C．dreams | D．chances |
| A．lived | B．studied | C．taught | D．settled |
| A．strange | B．familiar | C．meaningful | D．reasonable |
| A．ordinary | B．energetic | C．ambitious | D．different |
