1 . People in Japan tend to live longer and stay healthier in their later years, with an increasing number of old people living alone. Japan is on a fast track to “ultra-age” with people aged 65 or above accounting for 28 percent of its total population in 2019；it was 26.7 percent in 2017. On the other hand, the number of births in 2019 fell to its lowest (about 941,000) since records began in 1899.
Demand for care services for elderly people has increased. A shrinking (缩小) working population means fewer able-bodied adults are available to look after the elderly. State-provided facilities for the elderly are not enough, which causes elderly people to turn to private ones but they are expensive.
The country will be short of 380,000 of health nurses by 2025. The government has to turn to advanced robots to meet the shortage. A study found that using robots encouraged one third of the people to become more active and independent. Yet there is no robot that can provide the emotional support to the elderly.
Japan provides a case study for China, which is also faced with a fast aging population. 17.23 million babies were born in China in 2019, about 630,000 fewer than in 2018. People aged 60 accounted for 17.3 of China’s population in 2019. With a shortage of elderly care facilities and unbalanced supply, China may find it hard to deal with the rapidly increasing number of senior citizens.
To meet the challenge, the Chinese government should make policy changes, which Japan is unwilling or unable to do or even consider. China should pay attention to the signals its aging population is sending and take proper and timely action.
1. What do we learn about the old Japanese?| A．More and more old Japanese prefer to live on their own. |
| B．A lot of old Japanese have to continue working at old age. |
| C．Some old Japanese remain active with the help of robots. |
| D．Japanese aged 65 or above make up one third of its population. |
| A．They are expensive. | B．They are inconvenient. |
| C．They are affordable. | D．They are fashionable. |
| A．They hire foreign health nurses. |
| B．They employ advanced robots. |
| C．They set up more nursing schools. |
| D．They train the elderly to tend themselves. |
| A．Japan has to take action to deal with the aging population. |
| B．Robots can’t provide emotional support to the elderly. |
| C．China is now faced with a fast aging population. |
| D．Japan’s aging population issue is a timely lesson for China. |
2 . ZOOKEEPER FOR A DAY
Go wild with an extreme zookeeping experience!
The Khaki Extreme program is a wild behind-the-scenes zookeeping adventure like no other! The program offers the chance for 11-15 year olds to see first-hand what’s involved in looking after amazing wildlife at Australia Zoo.
During the guided adventures, you’ll gain an understanding and appreciation of what’s involved in working in one of the world’s most popular zoological and conservation areas, and you’ll love getting up close with the awesome animals.
Whether it’s helping keepers prepare diets for the animals, cleaning enclosures (围场) for large animals, or making improved activities for Australia Zoo’s wildlife — you will have a chance to get involved at grass-roots level.
After a busy morning getting up close with wildlife, you can enjoy a specially provided lunch while watching the performance in the world-famous Crocoseum. Then you’ll also receive a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Here you’ll see the kind veterinary (兽医的) team treating sick and injured native wildlife, and you’ll learn what you can do to protect Australia’s native wild animals.
Every season is different and so is our Zookeeper for a Day Khaki Extreme program! We’ll change the animals and activities each school holiday period to keep it exciting, but with so many great animals on offer, the Khaki Extreme program is always a bunch of fun.
If reptiles (爬行动物) are more your thing, check our Zookeeper for a Day Khaki Extreme Reptile program. Here you’ll have a wild day out with some of Australia Zoo’s most scaly (有鳞屑的) and slippery friends. This program may not be available every school holiday period and program dates will be limited. Check the booking page for further details on availability.
* www.australiazoo.com.au
*Open daily 9:00 am—5:00 pm
*Bedtime for some of our animals is 4:30 pm.
*Closed Christmas Day
1. What’s the main purpose of the Khaki Extreme program?| A．To help save endangered wildlife. |
| B．To offer a chance to feed native wildlife. |
| C．To experience a real zookeeper’s life. |
| D．To learn how to treat injured animals. |
| A．Make a special lunch for yourself. |
| B．Clean enclosures for large animals. |
| C．Give a performance in the Crocoseum. |
| D．Visit the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. |
| A．It’s not always available. |
| B．It’s often closed at 4:30 pm. |
| C．It’s still open on Christmas Day. |
| D．It’s very popular among all the students. |
3 . As a young boy, I knew what people said was not always what they meant or were feeling. And I knew it was possible to get others to do what I wanted if I read their real feelings and responded suitably to their needs. At the age of eleven, I sold rubber door-to-door after school and quickly worked out how to tell if someone was likely to buy from me. When I knocked on a door, if someone told me to go away but their hands were open and they showed their palms (the inside surfaces of their hands), I knew it was safe to continue because they weren’t angry although they may have a dismissive (不屑的) attitude. If someone told me to go away in a soft voice but used a pointed finger or closed hand, I knew it was time to leave.
As a teenager, I became a salesperson, and my ability to read people earned me enough money to buy my first house. Selling gave me the chance to meet people and study them close and to know whether they would buy or not, simply by watching their body language.
I joined the life insurance (保险) business at the age of twenty. And I went on to break several sales records for my company, becoming the youngest person to sell over a million dollars’ worth of business in my first year. This achievement allowed me to become a member of the well-known Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), which recognizes the world’s top achievers in life insurance. I was lucky that the skills I’d learned as a boy in watching body language while selling could be used in this new area, and were directly related to the success I could have in any business closely connected with people.
1. Which of the following meant the author must go away?| A．A customer’s soft voice. |
| B．A customer’s pointed finger. |
| C．A customer’s open palms. |
| D．A customer’s dismissive expression. |
| A．The study of selling products. |
| B．The work for the MDRT. |
| C．The sales industry. |
| D．The life insurance business. |
| A．Listening to customers’ words. |
| B．Understanding customers habits. |
| C．Trying to satisfy customers’ needs. |
| D．Reading customers’ body language. |
| A．By following the order of time. |
| B．By giving clear explanations. |
| C．By giving well-known examples. |
| D．By following the order of importance. |
4 . During my first three years of college, I put on weight quickly. Between classwork and a part-time job, I had zero time for
After leaving college, I
Me? Play tennis? No way. I was strongly against his
The first few months were quite
I learned a
| A．games | B．holidays | C．research | D．exercise |
| A．got | B．wanted | C．hated | D．protected |
| A．decided | B．agreed | C．regretted | D．continued |
| A．avoided | B．imagined | C．began | D．minded |
| A．important | B．new | C．simple | D．similar |
| A．busy | B．careless | C．bored | D．lazy |
| A．rule | B．job | C．reply | D．idea |
| A．worried about | B．happy with | C．sure of | D．responsible for |
| A．As usual | B．At first | C．Besides | D．However |
| A．silly | B．relaxed | C．proud | D．satisfied |
| A．controlling | B．throwing | C．missing | D．playing |
| A．interesting | B．painful | C．different | D．easy |
| A．in secret | B．in anger | C．in fear | D．in surprise |
| A．asked | B．learned | C．taught | D．remembered |
| A．lesson | B．skill | C．business | D．task |
5 . Reading books and looking at pictures is great, but nothing facilitates (促进) learning like travel, especially for teenagers. Not only do they get to see a world beyond their neighborhood, they also get to experience it, feel it, taste it, hear it and better understand the world around them.
After nearly four decades in the classroom and traveling the world, Phyllis Duvall Bailey knew this perhaps better than anyone else.
Becoming involved in the work in AKA Sorority Inc in US, she worked to educate children about the United Nations. There was no doubt in Bailey's mind that the lessons would mean so much more if the students could see things for themselves.
Starting in 2015, Bailey, 82, set out to take her students to the UN Headquarters in New York City to give them a “Window Seat to the World”, and thus transformed them into global citizens.
Indeed, it is a great opportunity to give students national and international exposure. Since Bailey saw the students as future leaders, she was desperate to expose them to the UN, its mission, its agendas (议程) and its supporting organizations.
She decided to give $10, 000 of her own money to pay for the late June trip, enough to take 10 students aged 14-17 on a four-night stay in New York. There, they had guided tours of the UN Headquarters and the New York City Harbor (海港).
It was Quenyaun Payne's first trip to the city and Taylor Sappington's second. Payne, 17, is a senior at Mceachem High School in the state of Georgia, US. Sappington, 15, is a junior at Therrell High School in Atlanta, Georgia, US. Both said their visit to the UN was inspiring.
“I like not only how countries are working together but they're focused on common goals like global warming and keeping peace,” Sappington said.
Payne commented, “The trip was amazing. I'm so thankful Mrs. Bailey made it possible.”
Actually, there are a lot of people grateful for the retired teacher's effort. The United Nations Association of Atlanta recently gave Bailey its Humanitarian Award, and the United Nations Association of the US-awarded her with the National Education Award.
But Bailey wasn't looking for recognition or even gratitude. Over those four days in New York, she'd already felt it and seen it in the eyes of those 10 teenagers, Payne and Sappington included, who made the trip.
“It has been a real joy to get to see and watch their reaction to new experiences,” she said.
1. The underlined word “this” in Paragraph 2 refers to___.| A．the benefits of traveling | B．good reading habits |
| C．new teaching methods | D．the things teenagers like |
| A．She offered them voluntary opportunities at the UN. |
| B．She paid for trips that helped students see the world. |
| C．She paid for them to go to school in other countries. |
| D．She taught them some useful life-long reading skills. |
| A．He determines to work for the UN in the future. |
| B．He shows no interest in global affairs at all. |
| C．He finds the trip to the UN greatly instructive. |
| D．He wants to visit New York City once again. |
| A．Students' gratitude. | B．Social recognition. |
| C．Students' gains. | D．Official awards. |
6 . Tired of Neck Pain? We are proud to offer a gadget- Neck Massager- that will relieve your back and neck pain instantly! How does Neck Massager work?
The reason why Neck Massager is so effective is definitely its innovative, scientific, time-tested methods that it uses to target the aching areas of your body and bring you long-awaited relief. Not only does this well-designed device reduce pain and tension, but also it improves your mood and overall health! Only the 2 AAA batteries will make sure that you can use it whenever tension strikes!
People are already enjoying the benefits of Neck Massager:
Whenever I use it, I instantly feel happier and more relaxed, so the effect really lasts. Neck Massager is not my small pleasure-it’s a big one! - Sandra Reames
I’m not so good with tech, so I was nervous about figuring out how to use it, but this device is so simple to use that even someone like me had absolutely no problem. I have started to sleep better as well ,and that was one of the most surprising benefits of the Neck Massager!- Pat Sullivan
How much is it?
Compared to all the medical expenses and other alternatives, Neck Massager is definitely worth a try. It's now available 50% OFF, which means you're able to get it for only £46!
No pills, no doctor appointments, no wasted time-you can now feel great in your own home!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION! “As of February 12, 2020, you can still get a Neck Massager with DISCOUNT!”
| A．Its working methods. | B．Its well-designed look. |
| C．The 2 AAA batteries. | D．The long working time. |
| A．It is light. | B．It is oversized. |
| C．It is simple to use. | D．It is safe to operate. |
| A．£23. | B．£46. | C．£69. | D．£92. |
7 . Don’t know where to enjoy yourself? Here are some choices for you.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
PopUp Picnics in the park return for the fourth summer in a row, taking place on Thursdays. Take a break to enjoy tacos (墨西哥玉米薄饼卷). Prices change from $ 2 to $ 10. Cash only.
144 School Street June 13-August 15 Start at 11:30 am and end at 1:30 pm
The Crow’s Nest
Each summer on Thursday evenings the Crow’s Nest offers its Summer Beach Party series on the beach. The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset. Families are welcome, and there is no entrance fee. After the sun sets, the fun begins with dancing to the best live music of local bands.
2218 East Cliff Drive May 30-August 29 Start at 5:30 pm and end at 8:30 pm
Bargetto Winery
Join us for a beautiful weekend of art and wine. Bargetto Winery will be hosting their yearly gathering of artists and foodies（美食家）at their amazing Soquel winery. No entrance fee. Wine tasting with purchase of $ 15 festival glass. 3535 North Main Street
July 20 - July 21 Start at 11:00 am and end at 5:00 pm
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Chef Page takes guests on a journey showing the area rich fruits, vegetables, and meats. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm with a five-course menu and good wines. Seating booked is not a choice, as all guests are seated at large, connecting, beautifully set tables designed to invite open conversations among guests. Ticket price: $ 90 per person. Tickets can be gotten online.
Chaminade Lane July 26 Start at 6:00 pm and end at 9:00 pm
1. What can we know about PopUp Picnics in the park?
| A．It lasts two days. | B．It is held on Thursdays. |
| C．It has been held twice. | D．It can be paid in credit card. |
| A．Enjoy tacos. | B．Talk with artists and foodies. |
| C．Watch the sunrise on the beach. | D．Watch the performance of the bands. |
| A．The Crow's Nest. | B．Bargetto Winery. |
| C．Chaminade Resort & Spa. | D．Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. |
8 . Chinese painting, also known as the traditional national painting, one of the traditional paintings with a long history, has its unique and independent system. Using brushes, ink, and Chinese pigments (天然颜料), a painting is drawn on a special kind of paper (Xuan paper) or silk. The traditional subjects are figures, landscapes, flowers and birds.
In comparison with Western painting, Chinese painting has its own artistic characteristics. After a careful study of the object, a painter can discover the rules of its structure, and then produce it by the mind’s eye. It is not merely a simple copy, but it combines the object with the artistic concept of the producer, turning a natural image into an “artistic image”. The object can show the artist’s feelings and personality to achieve the effect of “being alike not only in spirit, but also in appearance”. Not all the objects are to be drawn on the paper, and much space is left for the imagination. The use of lines is important in Chinese painting. Clear, swift, sharp and changeable lines are combined with the push, point and press of the brush and ink to show the quality of the object and variations of tone (色调). Ancient Chinese artists listed 18 different ways of drawing lines with the brush in figure painting. Different ways of creating lines are used when painting a landscape, flowers and birds, clouds, and bamboos.
Traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy are different branches of art stemming (起源) from the same origin. They use the same kind of tools and all the lines used in painting are variations of the points and lines of calligraphy. Though they are different artistic forms, they are closely linked in terms of their expression of thoughts and feelings. They influence each other to create another artistic feature.
1. Which of the following words can describe the common subjects of traditional Chinese painting?| A．Valuable. | B．Independent. |
| C．Special. | D．Natural. |
| A．reflects social problems of his times | B．describes mainly a natural image |
| C．expresses his thoughts | D．tells a true story |
| A．traveling | B．learning to draw lines |
| C．reading | D．studying calligraphy before drawing |
| A．Using the similar techniques. | B．Starting from the same period. |
| C．Belonging to the same artistic form. | D．Covering the same themes. |
9 . A star athlete at the college where I work recently stopped by my office. After committing a few unforced errors during a weekend match, she suffered severely by self-criticism.
This student, like many I teach, strongly believes she should be able to control the outcomes of her life by virtue of her hard work. In her mind, “Nothing can stop me but myself”. So when these students fall short of what they imagine they should accomplish, they are filled with self-blame, reasoning, “If my accomplishments are mine to control, my failures must be entirely my faults, too”, which makes it extremely difficult for them to move on.
We often owe young adults struggling with failure to their parents’ overprotection of them from discomfort. But there is another factor at play: a message transmitted by indulging (纵容的) parents who have falsely promised them that they can achieve anything if they are willing to work for it. However, the cruel reality of life is that you can do everything in your power — and still fail. Then what should be done to help?
Psychologists Luthar and Kumar urge parents and teachers to spend time helping students find purpose, or goals they genuinely love to pursue and that make an impact on the world, which may help them gain greater life satisfaction and become more psychologically mature. Besides, instead of allowing our kids to beat themselves up when things don’t go their way, we might all question a culture where one is considered lazy without full devotion. The point is to remind them that life has a way of sucker-punching (出其不意) us when we least expect it. It’s often the people who learn to say “stuff happens” who get up the fastest.
1. What does the underlined phrase “by virtue of” in paragraph 2 mean?| A．in addition to | B．in spite of | C．by means of | D．for fear of |
| A．they are not taught how to deal with difficulties |
| B．they are short of the ability to handle failure |
| C．they are under the protection of their parents |
| D．they are misled by their parents’ false message |
| A．To teach students how to avoid faults. |
| B．To lead students to set their truly loved goals. |
| C．To help students to discover a path to success. |
| D．To allow kids to blame themselves. |
| A．Students don’t care about failure at all. |
| B．Students are sure to succeed if they try their best. |
| C．Students should bear all the failures on their own. |
| D．Students with positive attitudes can move on more easily. |
10 . A new device (设备) called Orion is helping those who are blind to see. It does this in a new way by helping them experience the world around them.
Jason Esterhuizen lost his eyesight after a car accident. He never thought he would be able to see light or movement again. But now with the movement of a switch (开关), his world suddenly grew brighter.
He says, “I still can’t put it into words. I mean from being able to see absolutely nothing, it’s completely black, to all of a sudden seeing little flickers (闪烁) of light move around.” It is not full or normal sight, but Esterhuizen can move about in the world around him.
The new technology uses several parts. One is a small device placed in the brain. The other parts are a video camera on sunglasses and a processing device that can be carried in a person’s clothes. When the user points the camera, a signal goes to the processor (处理器) and then back to the glasses. The glasses then are in wireless communication with the device in the brain. The information causes a pattern to develop in the part of the brain. The pattern helps users sense or see movement and shapes of light. And it all happens in seconds.
Esterhuizen is one of just two people in the U.S. testing this technology. He says that “I can tell someone moving across the room, walking past me or walking away from me, or it’s a light against the wall. It is just amazing to have some form of functional vision again.” He adds that now he can do everyday activities around his home that he once could not. It is easier to walk outside.
The researchers believe that one day this technology could help people who have lost their vision because of illnesses like diabetes. It may also help those with poor vision or who were born blind.
1. Which of the following caused Esterhuizen to go blind ?| A．An illness. | B．A car accident. |
| C．A brain damage. | D．A genetic problem. |
| A．They are put in the brain. |
| B．They are carried in the user’s clothes. |
| C．They are mainly used to protect a person’s eyes. |
| D．They communicate wirelessly with a small device. |
| A．He fully regains his sight. |
| B．He always do daily activities freely. |
| C．He feels delighted to see the world again. |
| D．He is the only one to test this technology. |
| A．Orion makes homes brighter. |
| B．Orion functions as normal eyes. |
| C．A new equipment helps the blind see. |
| D．A new technology happens in seconds. |
