1 . The photographs that Scilla took as a 16-year-old girl on the streets of London in 1955 stayed largely in her album (相册) over the years. Scilla is now 83, and her self-developed black-and-white photos have been brought back to life after they were discovered by a teenage photographer.
Over the past year, Philip Loveday, 16, has been revisiting his grandmother’s path across the capital to carefully rephotograph the pictures. His journey through time with a camera has been especially moving, because his grandmother, Scilla, has Alzheimer’s disease (阿尔茨海默症) and has lost many of her memories.
Philip took new photos that looked like the ones Scilla took long ago, and put them in a new album. Each page of Scilla’s old album was copied and put in the new one, with Philip’s new photos on the opposite pages. Philip’s mother, Catherine Loveday, said Scilla had been happy with the new album, which had “put her back in her shoes” as a teenager.
Philip said his mother showed him the album she had found at her mother’s house. Greatly absorbed in how modern London would compare to the city photographed by his grandmother, Philip and his mother began to make trips into central London. During the trips, they had the idea of retaking the photos.
Some of the places are similar, like Big Ben. Others show how the city has modernized. Unlike Scilla’s view of St. Paul’s Cathedral from the Thames, Philip’s retake has the Millenium Bridge. When Scilla photographed the John Lewis store on Oxford Street, it was a one-storey building — now it has seven floors. Philip had to use his imagination to recreate other sights. Scilla has repeatedly returned to her new album since receiving it. Philip said: “It’s nice for her to see someone taking an interest in those photos and going back over them, and also good for her to connect her past to where we are now.”
1. What did Philip do for Scilla during the past year?A.He taught her how to use a camera. |
B.He took her to visit London streets. |
C.He found a new way to treat her disease. |
D.He recreated photos of London she had taken. |
A.It inspired her to take photos. | B.It made her think of her teenage days. |
C.It encouraged her to travel across London. | D.It raised her confidence to fight off illness. |
A.Troubled. | B.Interested. | C.Experienced. | D.Disappointed. |
A.A teenager sensed the great changes of London. |
B.An old lady suffered a lot from Alzheimer’s disease. |
C.A teenager and his mother travelled to London for fun. |
D.A teenager’s photos helped recover his grandmother’s memory. |
2 . Hang your tongue out of your mouth while your eyes look upwards. Breathe loudly and use your hands to pull your head in every way. This is yoga (瑜伽) for your face.
Fumiko Takatsu, creator of the Face Yoga Method, has written six books on face yoga and has been practicing facial exercises for about 15 years. Takatsu, 50, said she came up with the idea of facial exercises after a car accident when she was 35 years old, which left her face out of its proper position. Around the same time, Takatsu said she began to notice signs of aging, but gave up using creams and beauty treatments after they became too expensive.
Koko Hayashi, 39, a face yoga instructor in Los Angeles, said she first heard of face yoga by discovering Takatsu’s work. Hayashi said she had a chin implant (下巴植入体) when she was 27 years old, but took it out because it misshaped her face. “That’s why I’m so interested in more natural beauty instead of plastic surgery (整形手术),” Hayashi said. Like others who practice facial exercises, Hayashi believes it can fix signs of aging and help reduce wrinkles (皱纹).
The question that often pops up when someone mentions face yoga is, “Does it actually work?” A study out of Northwestern University found that the exercises may help middle-aged women.
“This is a pilot study that suggests that there might be some factors of face exercise that can be helpful to at least certain patients in improving certain signs of aging,” said Dr. Murad Alam from Northwestern University.” But we need more studies to better understand exactly how much exercise is necessary to have any benefit, whether it works for men and women of different ages, and then how much exercise is needed to keep that benefit.”
Medical reporter Dr. Jennifer Ashton said that she is not sure whether face yoga works and that any benefits are most likely going to be up to the person trying it. “If you feel better after trying face yoga, it may be something you should keep doing,” she said.
1. What made Takatsu decide to create the Face Yoga Method?A.An unexpected car accident. | B.Great interest in doing yoga. |
C.Unaffordable beauty treatments. | D.Unsatisfactory effects of creams. |
A.She wrote a book about face yoga. | B.She followed in Takatsu’s footsteps. |
C.She had a plastic surgery two years ago. | D.She had always admired natural beauty. |
A.The study is helpful but more research is needed. |
B.Face yoga is more suitable for women than men. |
C.Face yoga needs much too exercise to bring benefits. |
D.The study is well-designed but the findings are worthless. |
A.Its key point is keeping exercising. |
B.It can stop all kinds of signs of aging. |
C.Its advantages outweigh its disadvantages. |
D.Its effectiveness depends on personal feelings. |
3 . Everyone deserves healthy meals. However, unfortunately, not everyone has
A teenager named Lauren Schroeder
“I wanted people to get the nutrition they needed from fresh vegetables,” Lauren said. This
To kick-start her project, Lauren got economic
But all her efforts
So far, she has spent over 1,000 hours working in the garden, producing 7,000 pounds of vegetables. “I want to
A.invitation | B.access | C.admission | D.ticket |
A.especially | B.actually | C.obviously | D.extremely |
A.confirmed | B.appreciated | C.recognized | D.identified |
A.Arranging | B.Determining | C.Struggling | D.Pretending |
A.musical | B.familiar | C.unique | D.low-income |
A.recommended | B.reminded | C.inspired | D.requested |
A.aware | B.confident | C.certain | D.free |
A.took up | B.looked into | C.applied for | D.went over |
A.guidance | B.support | C.pressure | D.benefit |
A.organizes | B.expects | C.promotes | D.demands |
A.amazing | B.specific | C.professional | D.tough |
A.worked out | B.paid off | C.broke off | D.wore out |
A.reward | B.rescue | C.honour | D.donation |
A.impact | B.impress | C.challenge | D.observe |
A.discovery | B.profit | C.difference | D.intention |
4 . My kitchen may be the best kitchen on the planet. That is because when I look out of its window can see the west side of Grandeur Peak. Grandeur Peak is one of the most attractive mountains in central Wasatch, with its animals, trees, morning clouds, evening sunset, and the mountain’s paragliders (滑翔伞运动员).
The number of paragliders flying above Grandeur Peak has grown over the past 15 years, so much so that they have become part of the mountain. But during the past year they have largely disappeared. Some paragliders told me that the wind became too strong to fly in. The wind is too strong! Is this another character of our changing climate (气候)? Will paragliding be a sport affected by a warming planet? Utah has been much windier in the past few years. For me, a scientist who studies living things, it is easy to believe that our future will be windier. This year it’s getting super-hot, and the planet is warming faster than scientists expected. I can’t help but worry that the future of paragliding in Utah is not bright.
I’m writing to the brave people who fly from Grandeur Peak with beautiful wings. I want you to join Clean The Dam Air, a group that’ s working hard to fight climate change and air pollution — I’m part of it too. We are introducing a measure, which aims to remove the state sales tax (税) on grocery store food and put a carbon tax on fossil fuels (化石燃料) in its place: gas, electricity produced from fossil fuels, and natural gas. The goal isn’t to make taxes higher. The idea is to encourage everyone to reduce their use of fossil fuels. So, paragliders, join us. Now is the time to take care of our planet. If we succeed, then Utah can be an example to others in fighting climate change.
1. Why does the author mention his kitchen?A.To share his love of cooking dishes. |
B.To bring back his memories of paragliding. |
C.To introduce Grandeur Peak’s paragliding. |
D.To describe his adventures around Grandeur Peak. |
A.The author saw less paragliding. | B.Few people visited Grandeur Peak. |
C.Air pollution became serious in Utah. | D.Strong winds stopped people going outside. |
A.Uncaring. | B.Supportive. | C.Positive. | D.Worried. |
A.Buy those foods that are taxed less. |
B.Reduce flying with wings in Grandeur Peak. |
C.Join him to support a program about taxing. |
D.Join a group to improve their paragliding skills. |
5 . Yang He, a 64-year-old man from Yichang, Hubei, has observed the changes in finless porpoises (江豚) population with his camera for six years. As a(n)
Every day, Yang wakes up early and drives to the
The Yangtze finless porpoise is so
However, the situation has changed as
Thanks to his camera, he once discovered and
A.leader | B.admirer | C.hunter | D.advisor |
A.banks | B.waves | C.beaches | D.sights |
A.suddenly | B.patiently | C.formally | D.strangely |
A.imagination | B.anxiety | C.strength | D.beauty |
A.follows | B.listens | C.knows | D.exchanges |
A.belongs to | B.focuses on | C.applies for | D.adapts to |
A.addicted | B.connected | C.convenient | D.important |
A.threaten | B.balance | C.conduct | D.promote |
A.crashing | B.trapping | C.tracking | D.preventing |
A.in addition to | B.due to | C.in spite of | D.apart from |
A.global | B.possible | C.effective | D.historic |
A.creative | B.lucky | C.magic | D.valuable |
A.catching | B.striking | C.kicking | D.drawing |
A.inspired | B.approached | C.reserved | D.rescued |
A.confirm | B.remind | C.document | D.identify |
6 . India, as a country with plenty of resorts (旅游胜地), is popular with different kinds of travelers. If you’re planning to visit the country, the followings are the places that may interest you.
Delhi
Delhi is a perfect place for those who love history, and there are plenty of attractions here to keep tourists of all interests entertained. It’s often the first city that many tourists visit on a trip around India. There are many resorts including India Gate, the Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb.
Agra
Agra is most well known for the Taj Mahal, which draws a large number of tourists to the city. Built in the 1600s, the Taj Mahal is still standing strong today and is admired by tourists as an important part of India’s heritage (遗产).
Kashmir
Kashmir is one of the most beautiful cities in India. With flower gardens, amazing water-falls, and snow-topped peaks, it’s a simply unforgettable place that tourists want to return to time and time again. Kashmir is especially popular with honeymooners and loved-up couples, because a lot of romantic trips are on sale in Kashmir.
Goa
Though Goa is small in size, it’s one of the top resorts for young tourists and those who love taking beach vacations. The golden sands and coconut palm trees are the charm (吸引力) here, and the sunrises and sunsets are so gorgeous that you’ll never forget them.
1. What do we know about Delhi from the text?A.It is the highest city in India. |
B.It is known for the Taj Mahal. |
C.It is attractive to history lovers. |
D.It is the coolest city in India. |
A.It is the smallest place. |
B.It is the capital city of India. |
C.It offers many tours attracting couples. |
D.It drives young people crazy. |
A.Delhi. | B.Goa | C.Kashmir. | D.Agra. |
7 . Loss of slow-wave sleep as you age may increase your risk of developing dementia (痴呆), according to a new study.
“We found that aging was associated with a decline in the amount of the deepest stages of sleep, known as slow-wave sleep. We then found that people with greater declines in slow-wave sleep over time had a higher risk of getting dementia over the next 17 years of follow-up,” said Matthew Pase, senior author of the study.
Slow-wave sleep is the third and fourth stages of sleep, which is important for brain health. During this stage, the body removes unwanted or harmful materials from the brain. “For the brain, this deep sleep is thought to be the most restorative,” said Dr Richard Isaacson, who wasn’t involved in the study.
The researchers wanted to know whether chronic (慢性的) reductions in slow-wave sleep over time are linked to dementia risk in humans and whether dementia-related processes in the brain may contribute to getting less of this type of sleep. They studied 346 people with an average age of 69 and completed two overnight sleep studies—one between 1995 and 1998 and the second between 1998 and 2001—during which their sleep was monitored. The researchers also investigated whether any change in the amount of slow-wave sleep that participants got was associated with developing dementia up to 17 years after they completed the sleep studies. By that time, 52 participants had been diagnosed with dementia. Each percentage decrease in slow-wave sleep per year was linked to a 27 percent increased risk of developing dementia. The rate of slow-wave sleep loss accelerated (加速) from age 60, peaked from ages 75 to 80and slowed afterwards.
“This is an important study yet again showing the impact of quality of sleep on a person’s risk of cognitive decline and dementia,” Isaacson said. “It’s important to not only pay attention to the total amount of sleep a person gets each night, but also monitor sleep quality as best as possible.”
1. What can we learn from the new study?A.The older you are, the less sleep you will have. |
B.Slow-wave sleep has been linked to the risk of dementia. |
C.The rate of slow-wave sleep loss keeps going up with age. |
D.The amount of sleep has an impact on the risk of dementia. |
A.By making a comparison. | B.By introducing a concept. |
C.By referring to another study. | D.By making a survey. |
A.Sleep quality needs more attention. |
B.We should have enough sleep. |
C.The elderly should sleep more than the young. |
D.The amount of sleep is more important than sleep quality. |
A.Sports. | B.Health. | C.Education. | D.Environment. |
8 . Four Art Study Abroad Programs in 2024
Whether you love art history, dance, photography, writing, or beyond, here are the top art programs to attend in 2024.
The 6-week Gap Year Course in Italy | Art History AbroadProgram length: 6 weeks in summer
Price: $10,000
If you’re interested in studying artists, criticism, and painting techniques during periods like the Renaissance and styles like baroque, Romanesque, and modern art, then this program is for you. It prides itself on not simply teaching art but also culture and an appreciation of beauty.
Creative Internships (实习) in Australia with ABI | ArtBound InitiativeProgram length: 1 month
Price: $3,250
If you’ve ever had an interest in pursuing a career in the creative industry, consider an internship opportunity with ArtBound Initiative. Interns can work in exciting overseas locations while getting one-on-one career coaching from professionals.
The Irish Arts and Culture Program | Irish Gap YearProgram length: 1 semester
Price: $17,000
Explore your own areas of interest as you work side by side with local Irish artists, photographers, writers, and musicians, learning about Ireland’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Your hands-on experience goes hand in hand with day trips to galleries, museums, and castles, and at the end, you’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your works at the Le Cheile Art Expo.
Creative Semester in France | Berridge ProgramsProgram length: 1 semester
Price: $16,500
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced performer or artist, your interests and talents will be nurtured by industry professionals. During your time here, you will work on improving your skills which will end with a feature film or creative performance.
1. Where should you go to obtain career guidance according to the text?A.France. | B.Australia. | C.Italy. | D.Ireland. |
A.The 6-week Gap Year Course in Italy. |
B.Creative Internships in Australia with ABI. |
C.The Irish Arts and Culture Program. |
D.Creative Semester in France. |
A.$3,250. | B.$10,000. | C.$16,500. | D.$17,000. |
9 . Selecting gifts for your beloved ones can be one of the most difficult parts. But don’t worry! We can help! Here are some gift ideas to suit all pockets.
Air purifierDo you have a loved one who suffers from allergies (过敏) or other skin diseases? Why not gift him or her an air cleaner? Research has shown that air purifiers can help reduce allergy reactions, remove asthma (哮喘) causes such as dust by improving air quality in your home. Look for purifiers with more than one filter and, especially, a high efficiency air filter.
Electric toothbrushOne review of 56 studies has found that a powered toothbrush resulted in a 21 per cent reduction of plaque and an 11 per cent reduction in gingivitis (牙龈炎) after three months, compared with a manual toothbrush. It’s also a fun way for children to look after their dental hygiene.
Dark chocolateNothing screams a gift quite like chocolate. Good news is that dark chocolate is associated with several health benefits. Small amounts of this sweet treat may lower the risk of heart disease, improve brain function and give your immune system a boost, potentially reducing infection.
Your timeQuality time spent with your nearest and dearest is completely free, but is the most precious gift you could give them. If you’ve been too preoccupied of late, determine to put aside more hours to do fun things together, or if you have time to devote to others outside your immediate circle, consider volunteering with Age UK as a friend to an elderly person.
1. Which of the following is suitable for someone with a dental problem?A.Air purifier. | B.Electric toothbrush. |
C.Dark chocolate. | D.Your time. |
A.They belong to tech presents. | B.They are non-physical objects. |
C.They are intended for the elderly. | D.They help promote healthy living. |
A.It is priceless. | B.It is worthless. |
C.It is physical. | D.It is rare. |
10 . Recent the news a school in Ganzhou, Jiangxi, serves pre-made meals to its students have sparked heated discussions across the country. People doubt if pre-made meals, despite being convenient, are healthy and nutritious enough for growing teenagers.
Pre-made meals refer to half-finished or finished dishes that are already cooked or prepared, according to the China Cuisine Association. There are several types of pre-made foods, including ready-to-eat food, such as canned food or cooked food in packages, and ready-to-heat or ready-to-cook food, which requires heating or cooking before being served.
Many people tend to think that ready-to-heat and ready-to-cook foods are less nutritious because they usually need to be kept in refrigerators. “Actually freezing does not cause a loss of nutrients,” Liu Junya, a 33-year-old dietitian in Beijing said. “Nutrient loss typically occurs during the heating or frying process.”
Vitamins from the B group and vitamin C found in meat and vegetables are heat-sensitive and can be lost during the process. By being heated or cooked twice or more, “pre-made foods can be less nutritious than freshly prepared and cooked foods,” Liu said.
Meanwhile, “many pre-made food companies prioritize taste over nutrition,” said Liu. This leads to higher levels of salt and sugar in the food, which may lead to health problems, such as high blood pressure in the long term.
Additives (添加剂) are also a major concern related to pre-made food. In China, there are strict standards for food additives. Currently, China’s food industry has well-developed techniques to preserve pre-made food without the excessive use of additives. Some food can be sterilized (消毒) and then sealed (密封) after cooking, followed by low-temperature storage, allowing for a longer shelf life. However, it’s essential that customers buy pre-made meals from qualified food companies or supermarkets.
It is hoped that regulations on pre-made meals can be strengthened to better ensure nutrition and hygiene (卫生). This way, “pre-made meals will be more accepted by the public,” Liu said.
1. What can we learn about pre-made meals from the article?A.They are typically costly and flavorful. | B.They are rich in a large numbe of vitamins. |
C.They taste better than homemade food. | D.They are already partially or fully cooked. |
A.During freezing. | B.During cooking. | C.During packaging. | D.During sales. |
A.Buy from reliable sources. | B.Check the cooking instructions. |
C.Keep pre-made meals frozen. | D.Pay attention to the additives used. |
A.They are a convenient choice for all. | B.They are suitable for daily life. |
C.They can be nutritious if properly regulated. | D.They are best avoided for long-term health. |