1 . Thinking of getting your child to take up a sport that involves (牵涉) a coach or instructor? Good news: A new study finds that children who take part in organized physical activity at a young age are less likely to have emotional difficulties by the time they turn 12.
“The elementary school years are a key time in child development, “said Frederic N. Brier, a psycho-education professor who led the study, published this month in Pediatric Research. “And every parent wants to raise a well-adjusted child. “
Researchers followed a birth group over time to examine whether continual participation in organized sport from 6 to 10 would lower risks related with emotional distress, anxiety, shyness, social pullback at the age of 12. Their goal was to test this question as critically as possible by eliminating (排除) pre-existing child or family conditions that could offer an alternative explanation.
To do this, Brier and his team examined data from a group of children born in 1997 or 1998 who are part of the Quebee Longitudinal Study of Child Development. From age 6 to 10, mothers reported whether their children participated in organized physical activity. At the age of 12, teachers reported on the children’s levels of emotional distress, anxiety, shyness, and social pullback at school.
“The results revealed that children who participated frequently from 6 to 10 showed fewer instances of those factors at the age of 12 than their peers who did not join in physical activity in a continual way, “said Brier. “We found these benefits above and beyond pre-existing individual and family characteristics.”
“Getting kids actively involved in organized sport seems to promote global development. This involvement appears to be good on a socio-emotional level and not just because of physical benefits. Being less emotionally distressed at the key stage between elementary and high school is a priceless benefit for children, as they are about to enter a much larger universe with bigger academic challenges. This research supports current parental guidelines promoting children’s involvement in physical activity, “Brier concluded.
1. Why did Brier’s team follow a birth group over time?| A．To test their guess. | B．To check their health. |
| C．To offer alternative explanation. | D．To record their mental conditions. |
| A．By doing survey on teachers. |
| B．By eliminating other factors. |
| C．By analyzing and comparing data. |
| D．By organizing physical activities. |
| A．They have broad prospect. |
| B．They need further testing. |
| C．They are beyond his imagination. |
| D．They are in line with his expectation. |
| A．Kids will benefit from organized sport |
| B．Sticking to organized sport can help kids adjust |
| C．Organized sport promotes emotional conditions |
| D．School education is critical for child development |
2 . A recent study suggests that when it comes to the benefits of reading, just doing it matters more than the content. Researchers have found that reading novels helps the brain development in understanding others and imagining the world. They also have found that people who spend a few hours per week reading books live longer than those who don’t read.
But how to build a habit of reading? Like any habit, the trick is in figuring out what suits you. The hardest part about reading is actually picking up a book. You have to sit down, pick up a book and start reading. “I always have a book next to wherever I put my phone,” My friend Jimmy once told me. “So if I want to check my phone,I physically can see the book there. Nine times out of ten. I end up reading the book instead of using my phone for nothing.”
Another challenge is time, and in that case, audio-books (有声书) can be a good choice. Audio-books are great for filling the mind while you’re on the way to work , washing dishes or working out at the gym.
If you’re still stuck on the way to developing a reading habit, the best way is to revisit your old favorite books to get your youthful reading pleasure. You should free yourself from the opinion that only important or educational books are worth reading. There’s no shame in rereading the books that made you fall in love with reading in the first place. Restarting the practice of reading is a little like picking up painting. It takes some work to get into the best state, but once you begin, the results are beautiful and satisfying.
1. What is the most difficult part in forming the reading habit?| A．Getting reading skills. | B．Finding a great book. |
| C．Having limited time. | D．Getting reading started. |
| A．They are time saving. | B．They provide more pleasure. |
| C．They help brain development. | D．They offer more book choices. |
| A．It helps restart reading. | B．It is of great convenience(方便). |
| C．It improves the taste for art. | D．It can increase your patience. |
| A．Method of killing free time | B．Advantages of using audio-books |
| C．Way to choose educational books | D．Advice on developing a reading habit |
3 . Most health experts would agree that eating meat — especially red meat — in large quantities isn’t good for us, or the planet. Studies point to an increased risk of heart disease and cancer correlating to our meat-heavy diets. Meanwhile, manufacturers are busy producing increasingly tasty and more meat-like products that match the real things — making the switch from eating animals seem like a no-brainer. But are these fake meat products any healthier for us?
Jinan Banna, a dietitian and nutrition professor at the University of Hawaii says that some fake meat products can be considered “ultra-processed” foods. “That means they go through multiple processes and have a lot of added ingredients (配料),” she said. “An alternative burger, for example, might have quite a bit of sodium (钠), as well as additives.” Some of these additives are on the market for a while before the scientific community determines them to be harmful, Banna added. “Anytime you see a long list of ingredients, including ‘natural flavors’, take it as a warning sign. In other words, eschew products with lengthy ingredient lists,” said Sofia Popov, a microbiome scientist in Copenhagen. “Who knows what’s actually in it?”
Perhaps convenience is the best argument for buying an alternative meat product you can simply cook straight out of the box, but some health experts suggest other plant-based healthful options can be simple, too. For example, on a busy day, Banna said she was able to throw together a tempeh (a traditional soya product) dish which she put in a little oil, vinegar and other seasonings. “We definitely obtain nutrients from animal-based food — iron and zinc and other minerals as well. But it also contains fat and cholesterol, so it’s good to control our intake,” said Banna. “Vegetarian substitutes can be very tasty so we shouldn’t shy away from them.”
1. What is the common belief on consuming red meat?| A．It is beneficial to our planet. | B．It can stimulate the economy. |
| C．It should be served with vegetables. | D．It may make us suffer from heart disease. |
| A．Avoid. | B．Provide. | C．Inspect. | D．Purchase. |
| A．Take in more minerals. | B．Turn to convenient food instead. |
| C．Seek for plant-based meals. | D．Choose some animal-based substitutes. |
| A．Why Is Plant-based Meat Dying? | B．Are Fake Meat Products Good For You? |
| C．Fake Meat: Food’s Future Or A Fashion? | D．What Happened To The Plant-based Meat? |
4 . For Vishwanath Mallabadi from Bangalore, India, there is no such thing as a useless object or “waste”. Give him anything—abandoned metal or plastic items, old devices, dysfunctional printed circuit boards — and he’ll create art out of it.
Vishwanath’s passion is particularly relevant in the current age, where India generates more e-waste than it can recycle. From 2019 to 2020, the country generated a total of more than 1 million tonnes of e waste. Of this, only 22.7 percent was collected, taken apart and recycled. The eco-artist has upcycled and transformed nearly 200 kg of e-waste into usable products and proposes eco-art as a means to deal with waste management.
Vishwanath’s father, D M Shambhu, was a famous sculptor and painter, but he wanted his son to choose medicine and become a doctor. However, Vishwanath, who was interested in upcycling second-hand objects right from childhood, decided to pursue a BFA in Applied Art. He later went on to work in a company as a high-level administrator and retired two years ago. “In my free time and during the weekends. I used to conduct experiments in e-waste and try to develop something unique,” he recalled.
So far, the eco-artist has created more than 500 objects. These include a six-foot tall sculpture made from upcycled computer keyboard keys, and a painting inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, using upcycled resistors (电阻器) on wood. Among his other artworks are a 42×38 inch figure statue created from upcycled keyboard keys on a sun board finished with plastics, a deer made of colorful used wires, plants and flowers from computer parts, and eco jewellery from upcycled digital wrist watch parts.
“The work involves selecting the e-waste objects—the texture, shape, and colour etc, and visualising and conceptualising the final product. It might take weeks and months for sculptures. However, sustainable initiatives and upcycled art are nowadays in demand in multinational companies opting for a sustainable culture,” he said.
1. What does the author try to convey in paragraph 2?| A．The seriousness of e-waste in India. |
| B．Vishwanath’s passion for environment protection. |
| C．The achievements of waste management in India. |
| D．Vishwanath’s attitude towards dealing with e-waste. |
| A．A passionate eco-artist. | B．A private doctor. |
| C．A famous sculptor. | D．A senior manager. |
| A．The deer and the plants. | B．The sculpture and the figure statue. |
| C．The painting and the flowers. | D．The deer and the eco jewellery. |
| A．Exciting but unprofitable. | B．Creative but useless. |
| C．Demanding but worthwhile. | D．Efficient but costly. |
5 . The Best Caves in The World
Hang Son Doong, Vietnam
Natural caves don’t come much larger than Hang Son Doong, close to the border between Laos and Vietnam. This cave possesses the largest cross-section of any known cave on the planet, a vast area that is difficult to describe. Supposedly, a Boeing 747 could fly through without damaging its wings, but that doesn’t really do justice to the vastness of Hang Son Doong. The stalactites (钟乳石) here are pretty massive too, with some reaching up to 80 metres.
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Glowworms (萤火虫) are there, as far as the eye can see. Okay, not literally, but the Waitomo Cave system on New Zealand’s North Island is best-known for the fluorescent fauna that light up the walls, giving it the not-particularly-creative but completely acceptable “Glowworm Caves” nickname. They are more accessible than other caves on this list, with rafting and adventure tours available to those looking for something a little more thrilling.
Mammoth Cave, the USA
If you have certain expectations from somewhere called “Mammoth Cave”, that is entirely understandable. Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the world’s longest known cave system, an incredible 420 miles of underground wonder. That’s twice as long as the next longest, by the way, although it isn’t unusual for the USA to go all out on such things.
Reed Flute (芦笛) Cave, China
Named after the reeds that grow outside, which are used to make flutes, obviously, the Reed Flute Cave’s walls are covered with inscriptions from centuries gone by—if evidence was needed that people have been paying attention to this place for a long old time. The inside part of the cave is also lit up by multicoloured lights, giving it a real otherworldly theme that adds weight to the nickname.
1. What is special about Hang Son Doong?| A．It was once a base of a factory. |
| B．It is the deepest cave in the world. |
| C．It has the highest stalactites in the world. |
| D．It owns the largest cross-section in the world. |
| A．Hang Son Doong. | B．Waitomo Caves. |
| C．Mammoth Cave. | D．Reed Flute Cave. |
| A．Vietnam. | B．New Zealand. | C．The USA. | D．China. |
6 . If you are seeking to unlock the secrets to success, here are four books that offer invaluable wisdom and practical advice to help you along your path.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R. Covey’s timeless classic outlines seven foundational principles for personal and professional success. From proactive (积极主动的) decision-making to effective leadership and interpersonal skills, this book stresses the importance of matching personal values with actions. It serves as a powerful guide to achieving long-term success and building meaningful relationships.
Outliers: The Story of Success
In the book, Malcolm Gladwell explores the factors that contribute to exceptional success. Through insightful case studies, Gladwell challenges traditional thoughts of talent and hard work, stressing the importance of opportunities, cultural backgrounds, and deliberate practice. This thought-provoking book encourages readers to rethink their approaches to success and shows the importance of making use of unique circumstances.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
In the book, Carol S. Dweck explores the power of mindset and its effect on personal growth and achievement. By distinguishing between a “fixed mindset” and a “growth mindset”, Dweck highlights how accepting challenges, maintaining resilience, and cultivating a love for learning can lead to remarkable success. This book provides valuable insights for transforming obstacles (障碍) into opportunities for growth.
Principles
Ray Dalio’s Principles is a transformative guidebook packed with valuable insights. Drawing on his extensive experience in investment management, Dalio shares practical wisdom for success. The book offers actionable principles for decision-making, problem-solving, and personal growth. By applying these principles, readers can deal with challenges, seize opportunities, and make a meaningful impact.
1. Which factors contributing to success does the second book stress?| A．Talent and hard work. | B．Creative thinking and teamwork. |
| C．Chances and cultural backgrounds. | D．Adventurous action and confidence. |
| A．Stephen R. Covey’s. | B．Malcolm Gladwell’s. |
| C．Carol S. Dweck’s. | D．Ray Dalio’s. |
| A．A piece of news of new authors. | B．A recommendation on books. |
| C．A paper on the secrets to success. | D．A text on successfully writing books. |
7 . In 1999, Rebecca Constantino began doing a study at schools across Los Angeles. She had just completed a PhD in Language, Literacy and Learning, and she was analyzing children’s access to books in wealthy and low-income communities.
One day, she saw something that stopped her in her tracks. “I was at a school in a wealthy community, and they were getting rid of almost brand-new books because they didn’t have room in the library, “said Constantino. She put the books in her car and drove them to a school in an underserved community.
Shocked by the difference she saw in public school libraries, Constantino became determined to bridge the gap. “School libraries are not funded well, and sometimes not funded at all,” said Constantino. “If you’re a child in an underserved community, you’re left with boring, outdated, and uninteresting books. “
The word about Constantino’s work was spread, and books began piling up. Today, her nonprofit organization, Access Books, has provided more than 1. 5 million books to public-school and community libraries across California. The group has also redecorated close to 350 libraries in public schools and homeless shelters.
Constantino recruits (招募) volunteers who work alongside the community to create a warm, vibrant (充满生机的) and welcoming library space. Students and their families, as well as school staff and teachers, come together to join in. “We’re working together. It’s not a gift; it’s a partnership. It really builds a sense of community,” said Constantino.
In addition to book donations and refurbishing (再装修) libraries, the group offers author visits with schools and holds an annual writers conference for kids. Constantino said, “If we provide high-interest books and a beautiful library space, they do come and they do read. We found that in the schools that we serve, the number of books borrowed increases significantly after our coming. So we know that kids are really interested in the books that we give. My goal is that kids can always have a friend in a book and they can always turn to a book to find comfort and to learn something.”
1. Why did Constantino do the study in 1999?| A．To prepare for a PhD. |
| B．To reduce the waste of books. |
| C．To donate more books to poor communities. |
| D．To figure out kids’ ways of gaining reading books. |
| A．By obtaining donated books. |
| B．By raising money on the street. |
| C．By founding a profitable organization. |
| D．By getting support from the local government. |
| A．Challenging. | B．Successful. | C．Depressing. | D．Doubtful. |
| A．They can turn to writers on campus. |
| B．They are more willing to read books. |
| C．They donate their own books to school libraries. |
| D．They think the books on the shelf difficult to read. |
8 . Tree Planting Events
Opportunity DetailsJoin us to palm trees and wildflowers and help grow our urban forest. As a volunteer you will.
·Learn more about native trees and invasive species.
·Learn how to plant a tree.
·Meet new people, make new friends and network within the community.
·Gain experience , leadership and interpersonal skills.
Where and WhenPlanting events take place from spring through fall each year. Check our event calendar for dates, and locations.
How to ApplyEvents will run on a drop-in (无需预约的) basis unless otherwise noted. Individuals and small groups do not need to register. We require groups of five or more people to register in advance to ensure we have enough materials and tools at each event. Email us at greentoronto@toronto.ca to register your group and include the following information：
·Your name
·Which event(s) you would like to participate in
·The number of participants
Planting site conditions vary. If you would like to request accessibility support or accommodation, contact us as soon as possible.
Cancellation PolicyAn event will be cancelled if there is a greater than 70 percent Chance of a thunderstorm or if hazardous weather arises.
Event Tips for Volunteers·Wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
·Bring water to drink in a reusable container.
·Remember to apply sunscreen (防晒霜) beforehand.
·Gloves, shovels and watering cans are provided.
·Events happen rain or shine but not in thunderstorms. Please dress for the weather.
1. Who should sign for an event in advance?| A．A teenager. | B．A family of four. |
| C．A married couple. | D．A group of 20 students. |
| A．When no accommodation is available. |
| B．When materials and tools are not enough. |
| C．When there will likely be a thunderstorm. |
| D．When there will be only a few participants. |
| A．Sunscreen. | B．Drinking water. |
| C．Gloves. | D．Watering cans. |
9 . Shark attacks in the screen are amazing. That’s because your actual chances of ever being attacked by a shark are mere one in 11.5 million. That’s roughly the same as your chances of winning an Oscar, which makes shark attack survivor, Mike Coots both incredibly unlucky and lucky: When Mike was 18, he lost his leg to a shark bite.
“I was attacked by a tiger shark in late October 1997. It was near my home on the island of Kauai — a typical fall morning with friends. The waves were really good, so nothing was stopping us.” That is until a large shark came right up under Mike and sank his teeth into Mike’s lower leg. As he tried to free himself, the shark bit down harder, shaking its head back and forth and tossing Mike around like a rag doll. Mike followed his instinct (本能): He struck the shark in the face, again and again until the shark released him. As Mike swam back into shore, he realized his lower right leg was gone. Mike’s friends rushed to his aid, and sent him to the hospital.
As soon as Mike was well, he did what many of us might consider unthinkable: he started riding the waves again, in fact, his first time back was near the site of his attack. But Mike was unshaken. Instead, he was curious — why was he attacked? His curiosity led him to research sharks, and Mike did learn something that would change his life: Humans are far more dangerous to sharks than the other way around.
His situation as a shark survivor empowered him to give sharks a voice, Mike says. He began working with the Hawaii state authorities (当局) to help pass a ban (禁令) on shark-derived products. “I partnered with other like-minded shark attack survivors and marine biologists, and we headed to Washington to urge (敦促) senators to create a nationwide bit! protecting sharks.”
1. Why does the author show the chances of being attacked by sharks?| A．To inform readers of some related knowledge. |
| B．To attract people to watch shark attacks in the screen. |
| C．To stress Mike’s unusual experience of the shark attack. |
| D．To show everyone has the chance of winning an Oscar. |
| A．By hitting the shark hard continually. |
| B．By swimming desperately to the shore, |
| C．By screaming loudly for his friends’ help. |
| D．By shaking its head up and down to get away. |
| A．To overcome his fear of sharks. |
| B．To research on how sharks attack humans. |
| C．To find out the reason for his being attacked. |
| D．To prove humans are more dangerous than sharks. |
| A．He passed a ban on shark-derived products. |
| B．He created a nationwide bill in Washington. |
| C．He worked with the authorities to protect sharks. |
| D．He urged shark attack survivors to protect sharks. |
10 . For me, nothing is more satisfying than discovering hidden precious stones in secondhand shops. After all, one person’s garbage may be another person’s treasure. I can spend hours sorting through boxes of old photography.
Two years ago, I came across a collection of loose, dusty photos. I looked to see if there were any names on the backs. I thought that if these were mine or my family’s, I’d want someone to return them to me. So I made it my goal to do so for others.
Since then, I’ve visited secondhand shops weekly, and have collected more than 50,000 of these items. I organize them in big boxes all over my house in New York.
I’ve also set up a social media account to help reunite items with their owners or other family members. The first item I posted was a video tape of a family holiday and I digitized (数字化) it. It was a video of two parents and a son of university age on a trip in the 1990s — the son was wearing a T-shirt with the words “Wesleyan swimming” on it.
My fans on social media contacted the sports departments in universities across the US and asked swimming coaches from the 1990s if they recognized the student. At last, the family was found. They couldn’t believe it and was overjoyed to be reunited with the tape. Then, the family revisited some of the memories together.
People are often quite affecting when seeing the items again — most of these items are lost after a house move or a family death, because they thought they would never see these items again. I have some rules, including not sharing sensitive photographs and removing posts if the family does not want their memories online. I want to encourage people to protect their own family history so that they don’t get lost.
1. Why did the author return old photos two years ago?| A．To do what he thought was worth doing. |
| B．To exchange them for more valuable items. |
| C．To discover more stories behind them. |
| D．To avoid more rubbish around in community. |
| A．By recalling the past. |
| B．By seeing the digitized tape on a poster. |
| C．With the help of the author and his fans. |
| D．Through a T-shirt with the family names. |
| A．They feel at a loss. | B．They’re filled with strong emotions. |
| C．They tend to remove them. | D．They clean them again. |
| A．Throwing the items into the rubbish. |
| B．Giving up social media as much as possible. |
| C．Returning lost items to social organizations. |
| D．Deleting the online posts if not permitted. |
