1 . Wildlife Volunteer Programs for Teens
Age: 14-17Duration: 2 weeks
Wildlife Orphanage Program, Zimbabwe
At one of the most successful wildlife care centers in Zimbabwe, volunteers work with wildlife ranging from monkeys to lions. These animals have been abandoned, injured, or rescued from illegal wildlife traders. Tasks include preparing food, cleaning out yards, and contributing enrichment ideas. Leisure time can be spent visiting Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park.
Age: 13-15Duration: 4 weeks
Sea Turtle (海龟) Conservation Program, Greece
With this program, teens can help the endangered sea turtle while working alongside experts. Volunteers can expect long walks along the beach watching over sea turtles nesting areas or building fences to protect them from natural enemies. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to explore ancient ruins and sample delicious Greek cuisine.
Age: 17-19Duration: 3 weeks
Yucatan Peninsula Program, Mexico
With this program, volunteers will learn about the issues facing the marine (海洋的) ecosystem, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Teens will gain valuable skills on how to conduct deep sea research and identify fish species. During free time, participants can explore Mayan ruins set in tropical (热带的) jungles.
Age: 16-18Duration: 2 weeks
Preserving Nature’s Wonders Program, Galapagos
Volunteers joining this program help restore the natural habitat of native wildlife, which is in danger of losing its habitat. This program gives teens an experience of a lifetime where they can swim with sea lions and spot rare wildlife in one of the last untouched places on earth.
1. Where should teens go if they want to look after wounded animals?| A．Zimbabwe. | B．Greece. | C．Mexico. | D．Galapagos. |
| A．Visit a national park. | B．Enjoy tasty local food. |
| C．Set foot in an untouched place. | D．Explore ancient ruins in tropical jungles. |
| A．The Wildlife Orphanage Program. | B．The Sea Turtle Conservation Program. |
| C．The Yucatan Peninsula Program. | D．The Preserving Nature’s Wonders Program. |
2 . The growth mindset is the belief that intellectual abilities can be developed and are not fixed, which have received a great deal of attention in schools and among researchers.
According to a study, a teacher’s growth mindset acts as a “support” that can draw out a student's growth mindset at the very beginning and make it maintainable and actionable in the classroom. These teachers may convey how, in their classes, mistakes are learning opportunities, not signs of low ability, and back up this view with assignments and evaluations that reward continual improvement. This could encourage a student to continue acting on their growth mindset.
The study analyzed data from the National Study of Learning Mindset, which was an intervention experiment conducted with a sample of ninth-grade students’ math grades. The present focus on math grades is motivated by the fact that students tend to find math challenging and anxiety inducing, and therefore, a growth mindset might help students face those challenges productively.
In the study, researchers show that the positive effect of a short growth-mindset intervention on ninth-grade students’ math grades was concentrated among students whose teachers themselves had growth mindset. They also found that baseline students — serve as a benchmark (基准点) for comparing and evaluating the progress of other students — who reported more fixed mindset in classrooms showed a significantly positive effect on math grades.
Successfully teaching a growth mindset to students lifted math grades overall, but this was not enough for all students to reap the benefits of a growth-mindset intervention. Supportive classroom contexts also mattered.Students who were in classrooms with teachers who approved of more of a fixed mindset did not show gains in their math grades over ninth grade, whereas the same kind of students in classrooms with more growth-mind set teachers showed meaningful gains.
In general, they view the testing and understanding of the causal effect of teacher mindset as the next step for mindset science. Such research will be challenging to carry out, however.
1. What is the second paragraph mainly about?| A．How a student's growth-mindset is inspired. |
| B．Why a teacher's growth mindset is important. |
| C．How mistakes turn into learning opportunities. |
| D．Why a student continues acting on growth mindset. |
| A．Students were unable to overcome maths challenge. |
| B．The positive effect was concentrated on all students. |
| C．The sample size of the experiment was insufficient. |
| D．Students at baseline were influenced considerably. |
| A．has an influence on the effectiveness |
| B．is determined by supportive classroom |
| C．always brings meaningful gains to students |
| D．plays a decisive role in students' significant gains |
| A．The Academic Performance: The Influence of Students’ Mindset |
| B．Students’ Learning Motivation: The Impact of Teachers’ Mindset |
| C．Encouraging a Growth Mindset: The Role of Teachers |
| D．Fixed and Growth Mindset: Their Relationship and Impact |
3 . Volunteering is a great way for teenagers to make a difference and meet new people. There are many different types of volunteer opportunities for teens available. Here are a few volunteer opportunities that you could encourage your teen to take up.
Help at a local food bank
Food banks always welcome donations and new volunteers. They provide perfect volunteering opportunities for those who are interested in helping the homeless. Your teen would be involved in anything, from preparing meals to working behind the scenes to repackage donated food items, serving food, and carrying boxes.
Help at a soup kitchen
A soup kitchen is one of the places where the hungry can get free or affordable meals (usually soup and bread). Most soup kitchens run primarily on donations and the generosity of people. As a soup kitchen volunteer, your child may be made to clean the tables and utensils (用具), help distribute food, cook food and more.
Volunteer for Meals on Wheels
By volunteering for Meals on Wheels, your teen will deliver nutritious meals to the elderly or the disabled. It’s perfect for teens who have just received their driving license and love to get behind the wheel for any reason! They can make a massive impact in a short amount of time. Alternatively, your teen can also volunteer in their kitchen and prepare meals for delivery. With a simple gesture, your teen can bring millions of smiles to people’s lives.
Work with Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to build or improve a place that someone could call home. Besides helping the community, your teen will learn valuable skills such as repairing fund-raising, painting, and building. You can sign them up for long-term projects or one-time program.
1. What do a food bank and a soup kitchen have in common?| A．The food available. | B．The source of food. |
| C．The prices of food. | D．The location of stores. |
| A．Lucy, who likes cooking. | B．Linda, who likes drawing. |
| C．Jack, who can drive a car. | D．Peter, who can play football. |
| A．A local food bank. | B．A soup kitchen. |
| C．Meals on Wheels. | D．Habitat for Humanity. |
4 . Getting into science is often difficult for some kids, It’s something Ahmed Muhammad learned quickly while babysitting his niece and nephew.
Muhammad is an 18-year-old senior from California. who attends Oakland Tech High school. One day he asked his niece and nephew if they wanted to do science, and he was upset by their reaction.
“Whenever I babysit them, we do things like playing chess, playing video games, or watching TV or whatever. When I tried to do science with them, they were like, No, I hate science. I’m bad at it.” It was that moment that fueled Muhammad to create his nonprofit called “Kits Cubed” with a mission to introduce kids to science through fun, affordable and accessible means.
“I went into my room and I pulled out some science books. Then I went online and did some research and was able to design some science experiments for them to do at home. The materials were composed of fairly cheap stuff we have around the house, and they loved it” Muhammad said.
After witnessing their joy, he realized other children could benefit from it as well. “Having noticed the long-standing absence of science experiments in our school, I really feel like well need some science kits in the hands of kids,” Muhammad said.
That’s when he took the $200 he had saved to create a website and began creating science kits to sell, and eventually donated the earnings to kids in need. “I had enough money to make the website and enough to put together like 10 or 15 kits. My initial goal was the joy that my niece and nephew felt. I wanted it to get to as many kids as possible,” Muhammad said.
Muhammad, who has been accepted to Stanford University, is just thrilled he was able to help change his niece and his nephew’s opinion of science while inspiring others as well.
1. What is the main pursuit of Kits Cubed?| A．To solve the absence of science at school. |
| B．To promote acceptance of scientific spirit. |
| C．To provide free access to household stuff. |
| D．To set in motion kids’ passion for science. |
| A．Online research he carried out about materials. |
| B．Enjoyable reactions he observed from the kids. |
| C．Science books he published about experiments. |
| D．Science fairs he participated in at his own school. |
| A．It targeted at kids aged from 10 to 15. |
| B．It received donations for kids in need. |
| C．It was primarily funded by local school. |
| D．It initially profited from sales of science kits. |
| A．Composed. | B．Childlike. | C．Charitable. | D．Cooperative. |
5 . A surprising finding that the inner core may recently have slowed down was published in Nature Geoscience. Let’s get to the core of how the Earth works to better understand the scientific findings.
The Earth is composed of several layers: the crust, which is the surface we live on; the mantle, which begins below the crust and ends at the outer core; the outer core, which is made of hot liquid metal; and the inner core, which is believed to be a solid metal ball of iron and nickel. Scientists believe that the inner core may “floats” in the liquid metal and rotate (转动) independently of the rest of Earth’s layers.
The study’s authors propose the Earth’s inner core may be experiencing a slowdown and that this difference can be measured by observing a change in how seismic waves (地震波) pass through the Earth’s center during an earthquake. Older data shows a lot of change in the wave patterns while passing through the core, but recent data shows the changes are no longer as visible. After analyzing the patterns of seismic waves through the decades, scientists theorize the Earth’s inner core changes its rotational speed over time. Different studies have concluded that these changes in speed follow a pattern that may range from 20 to 70 years. The observed changes in the inner core’s behavior are likely caused by magnetic forces acting on it, which is produced by the movement of liquid iron in the outer core. Although the core’s spin seems to be independent, we know that all layers of the Earth interact and experience effects from each other.
We have much more to learn about Earth and its physical processes. Scientists say that many years of continuous recording and study of seismic data are necessary to get answers. Until then, we must be patient. The investigation of this phenomenon will definitely lead us under the surface and into the core of understanding our planet!
1. Which layer is surrounded by the liquid metal?| A．The crust. | B．The mantle. | C．The outer core. | D．The inner core. |
| A．Magnetic forces. | B．Seismic waves. | C．Human activities. | D．Rotation patterns. |
| A．Promising. | B．Ridiculous. | C．Pointless. | D．Questionable. |
| A．How does the Earth Work? |
| B．Is the Earth’s Core Slowing Down? |
| C．Is it Necessary to Record Seismic Data? |
| D．What is Special about the Earth’s Core? |
6 . Have you ever read your horoscope (占星预言) and thought the predictions were extraordinarily accurate? If so, you’ve experienced the Barnum effect, also called the Forer effect. This psychological phenomenon refers to the tendency of people to believe that unclear, general statements are specific descriptions of themselves. The Barnum effect works exceptionally well for positive statements, as most people enjoy praise and reject criticism. It’s named after American showman P. T. Barnum, who’s strongly associated with the phrase, “There’s a sucker (容易上当的人) born every minute.” This announcement conveys humans are easily tricked by nature and desire to believe the good things they’re told about themselves.
This common cognitive bias (认知偏见) was demonstrated through an experiment conducted by American professor Bertram R. Forer in 1948. His students completed individual personality tests and were told that they would be analyzed and tailored feedback would be returned. Most students evaluated the feedback quality as very accurate. However, Forer had given each student the exact same results! General statements like “You have a great need for people to like and admire you” and “You have a tendency to be critical of yourself’ applied to almost everyone.
We’re used to identifying universally valid statements in astrology (占星术) and fortune-telling, but where else can we see the Barnum effect? Digital platforms like Netflix and Spotify generate content recommendations on our profile. These are partly based on our user history, but they’re also general lists suggested for many users at the same time. However, we’re more likely to consume content when we think it’s personally selected for us!
To avoid being fooled by the Barnum effect, be aware that it’s happening and stay skeptical. Look for specific statements, not general ones. While being fooled may not be detrimental sometimes, avoiding being controlled by the Barnum effect can help prevent us from making decisions that may not be rational or wise.
1. Why dose the Barnum effect work especially well for positive statements?| A．Because most people are born suckers. |
| B．Because most people prefer admiration. |
| C．Because positive statements are unclear. |
| D．Because rejecting criticism is a tricky business. |
| A．They analyzed their personalities precisely. |
| B．They have nothing but praise for Bertram R. Forer. |
| C．All of them have a tendency to be critical of themselves. |
| D．Most of them considered the general statements as tailored feedback. |
| A．Pleased. | B．Innocent. | C．Sensible. | D．Harmful. |
| A．To warn people of the Barnum effect. |
| B．To present solutions to a common bias. |
| C．To persuade people out of fortune-telling. |
| D．To define the meaning of the Barnum effect. |
7 . When Liam Pope-Lau fell into the ocean during a sailing lesson, he had no idea what he was in for. “I just remember how cold it was,” Liam recalls. “It really scared me and shook me up.” Thankfully, he was wearing a life jacket, but the water was freezing.
Liam’s scary experience inspired him to team up with his friend, Fraser Tuck, in his Grade 6 science class at the time. Together they came up with the idea of “LifeHeat” — a self-heating life jacket that could one day help someone in a similar situation. During the first phase, they concentrated on finding a chemical that creates heat upon contact with water. After a series of investigations, Liam and Fraser came across calcium chloride (氯化钙). It soon became LifeHeat’s primary chemical component, which allowed the life jacket to remain warm underwater.
Over the next two years, Fraser and Liam built 13 prototypes (模型) of LifeHeat. But instead of building multiple life jackets from scratch (从零开始), the two focused on creating an attachable pouch (荷包). When the pouch came in contact with water, it could heat the body’s core. For each prototype, Liam and Fraser experimented with different materials that could contain calcium chloride while still allowing its heat to escape. In the process, they experienced countless failures which, however, led them to be more creative.
The two have entered their many prototypes into several science competitions over the last two years. In November last year, Liam and Fraser won two awards at a big science fair. They are now taking the feedback they received from experts and applying it to their next prototype. Liam and Fraser anticipate turning their invention into a business.
As for future inventors, Fraser and Liam have advice for kids who want to create their own new technology. “Don’t be afraid to try it out because you never know where it could end up,” said Liam. “Go for it before someone else can steal your idea,” added Fraser with a laugh.
1. What gives Liam the desire to invent the “LifeHeat”?| A．A science class. | B．An amusing experience. |
| C．A special life jacket. | D．A cold struggle in water. |
| A．Finding a suitable chemical. | B．Building multiple life jackets. |
| C．Creating an attachable pouch. | D．Testing the prototypes of LifeHeat. |
| A．It has been put on the market. |
| B．It is invented through trial and error. |
| C．Two of its prototypes won awards at a science fair. |
| D．The attachable pouch is the most important part of it. |
| A．Humorous and ambitious. | B．Courageous and competitive. |
| C．Creative and determined. | D．Humble and intelligent. |
8 . In my whole life I was frightened by doctors. So when I recently launched a series of writing and publishing courses, I was shocked to find among my students several physicians, the same profession as my father. And they all wanted to be writers. Whenever someone mentioned their medical background, I’d think: I have to call Dad to tell him, but I couldn’t.
Raised up in a big Michigan family with three brilliant loud science brain brothers, I’d always felt left out by their Disease Game at dinner, where Dad threw out cases for them to diagnose. Our house was their laboratory. I was frequently scared by bees in jars in the refrigerator and pet rats.
Getting to study medicine was always Dad’s dream, so he encouraged the boys to follow in his footsteps. But I never truly settled down, chasing my dream for literary here and there. My father opposed my liberalism. I was overjoyed when Random House published my humorous memoirs (回忆录) about my past addictions. My father wasn’t so joyful. “You’re bringing disgrace on our family,” he snapped.
At 87, when my father was admitted to hospital with heart and kidney failure, we had a rare afternoon alone. Sitting by his bed, I apologized for taking so long to figure out my life.
“I have a lot of regrets,” he said, “It took me too long to make a decent living, screwing up jobs because of my bullheadedness and big mouth.”
I was nervous when his physician Olaf emailed me, but it wasn’t bad news. “Your dad says you’re a professor who helps people publish. Could you help me?” he asked.
“What did you tell Olaf about me?” I questioned Dad that night, still surprised.
“That you stuck to your guns and became a success,” he said.
“Why didn’t you ever tell me that?”
“I’m telling you now,” he said. He was pleased when I helped Olaf publish his first magazine piece.
I wish Dad were here so I could share the latest stories by my physician students. But I lost him four years ago. In a way, he still is, as I channel everything he taught me about hard work, and never giving up doing what you love.
1. What do we know about the author’s brothers?| A．They used to make loud noise. | B．They were addicted to playing games. |
| C．They were interested in medicine. | D．They distanced the author on purpose. |
| A．Taking over. | B．Focusing on. | C．Contributing to. | D．Messing up. |
| A．To help Olaf publish articles. | B．To discuss his physical condition. |
| C．To promote the author’s courses. | D．To share the author’s memoirs. |
| A．Enthusiastic but dishonest. | B．Modest but demanding. |
| C．Conservative but loving. | D．Helpful but selfish. |
9 . Many Silicon Valley parents are becoming more concerned about preventing their children from using screens. Some parents think that even a little screen time can be extremely addictive, so it is better if their children avoid using or seeing these devices completely. However, it is difficult for working adults in the 21st century to give up using a phone at home. So, it’s simpler to employ someone to do this.
“Silicon Valley nanny (保姆) ”, who takes children back to a time without screens every day is widely needed. From Cupertino to San Francisco, it’s widely agreed that screen time is harmful to youngsters. Therefore, parents are requesting nannies to keep phones, tablets and computers in a hidden place. Others even offer no-phone agreements.
Research shows that spending too much time on technology can harm young minds. For example, teenagers who use social media frequently are more likely to feel depressed and anxious. Insomnia (失眠) rates have also increased amongst this age group, and an increasing number of children display the signs that they can’t focus attention. These seemingly minor (轻微的) problems could become significant challenges for future generations.
“Many parents come back home and focus on their smartphones, ignoring whatever their children are trying to say,” said Shannon Zimmerman, who works as a nanny in San Jose for families that forbid screen time. “As a nanny, I also call on more parents to spend more time with their kids.”
1. Why are the Silicon Valley nannies greatly needed according to the text?| A．To help parents and children balance work and life. |
| B．To teach children how to use technology responsibly. |
| C．To keep children away from screens. |
| D．To encourage children to exercise. |
| A．Feeling confused. | B．Feeling anxious. |
| C．Feeling bored. | D．Feeling nervous. |
| A．Encourage their children more. | B．Play games with their children. |
| C．Stop using smartphones at home. | D．Spend more time with their children. |
| A．A report. | B．A guidebook. |
| C．A technology introduction. | D．An advertisement. |
10 . An old man lives with his little grandson. Every day the old man gets up early to read books.
One day the grandson asked, “Grandpa, I want to read books as you do. But I always forget what I read. What are the advantages of reading?”
The grandfather didn’t answer him, but said, “Take this little basket to the river and bring me back a basket of water.” The boy did as his grandpa said, but all the water leaked out before he got back home. The grandfather laughed and said, “You’ll have to walk faster next time.”
The next time the boy ran faster, but the basket was still empty before he returned home. The boy said, “See, Grandpa, it’s no use!”
“Is it no use?” the old man said. “Look at the basket.”
The boy looked at the basket and found that the basket was different. It was cleaner, inside and out.
“That’s what happens when you read books. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read them, you will be changed, inside and out.”
1. Which of the following is TRUE according to the text?| A．After the grandson reads books, he can’t understand what he reads. |
| B．After the grandson reads books, he gets up late. |
| C．After the grandson reads books, he always forgets what he reads. |
| D．After the grandson reads books, he sleeps late. |
| A．Once. | B．Twice. | C．Three times. | D．Four times. |
| A．We won’t have any changes. |
| B．We can understand everything. |
| C．We will be changed, inside and out. |
| D．We can never forget what we read. |
