A New Way to Learn Languages
Nowadays, the Internet is changing the way people learn languages. There is still no way to avoid the hard work through vocabulary lists and grammar rules, but since the birth of the Internet, books, tapes and even CDs
Livemocha, a Seattle-based company, has created a website helping people learn more than 38 languages by exchanging messages over the Internet and then
The CEO of Livemocha says the website’s advantage is the context
Livemocha is now experimenting with many ways that resemble the games
There are more and more companies like Livemocha offering online language learning to students throughout the world.
Today, giant pandas are considered to be one of the world’s best-known animals. People make huge efforts
The inspiration for WWF’s logo (标识) came from Chi Chi,
The panda has ever since become a symbol not just for WWF,
3 . How to Use a Modern Public Library
Has it been a while since your last visit to a public library? If so, you may be surprised to learn that libraries have changed for the better. It’s been years since they were dusty little rooms with books. They have transformed themselves into places where you can develop your love of knowledge meet interesting people, or find out how to start a business.
Check out a book. While libraries still loan out(出借)books, you’ll find it easier to get a copy of whatever you’re looking for, thanks to a cooperative network of area libraries. Via such networks, libraries share their books with each other through the use of delivery vehicles. Once the book you’ve requested is delivered to the nearest branch, they will inform you by e-mail, so you can pick it up.
Check out other items. The library is now a multimedia zone, loaded with information in many formats(载体形式). You can borrow movies on DVDs, music on CDs, and popular magazines. Some libraries even loan out toys and games. If a popular magazine you want isn’t offered and the library keeps a list of such requests, they may bring it in when enough interest is shown.
Join targeted reading groups. Libraries will often hold reading-group sessions targeted to various age groups. Perhaps you’d like to learn a language or improve your English. The library may sponsor a language group you could join. If you have difficulties reading, ask about special reading opportunities. Your library might be able to accommodate you. And you might find it relaxing to bring your small kid to a half-hour Story Time while you sit quietly in a corner with a good book.
Start a business using the help of your local library. If you want to have a business of your own, your local library can become a launch space for it. In library books and computers, you can find information on starting a business. Many libraries will help you with locally supplied information about business management shared through chambers of commerce(商会)and government agencies, and they will offer printing, faxing and database services you need.
1. Public libraries connected by a cooperative network benefit readers by______.A.sharing their books on the Internet |
B.giving access to online reading at a library branch |
C.sending a needed book to a library branch nearby |
D.making the checkout procedures diverse |
A.A magazine and an e-book. |
B.A game and an oil painting. |
C.A music CD and a kid’s toy. |
D.A DVD and a video player |
A.the kid to learn a new language |
B.the parent to enjoy quiet reading |
C.the kid to overcome reading difficulties |
D.the parent to meet their program sponsor |
A.providing relevant information and supporting services |
B.offering professional advice on business management |
C.supplying useful information of your potential buyers |
D.arranging meetings with government officials |
A.To point out the importance of public libraries. |
B.To encourage people to work in public libraries. |
C.To introduce the improved services of public libraries. |
D.To call for the modernization of public library systems. |
I remember the day shyness took over my life. I was 14 and having a French lesson The teacher told us to record ourselves speaking about a holiday. Perfect! I recorded myself with confidence. Then, I pressed "play" to listen back. All I heard was a little kid talking. My immediate reaction was to assume I was listening to someone else's recording. But that was my voice. I realised there was something strange about me.
My little voice has made me feel really shy. And my shyness has caused me to avoid attending events, not make important connections, and keep my ideas to myself. As a shy person, working from home, hiding behind my computer was brilliant. But the more time I spent hidden away, the more my comfort zone shrank(缩小). Everyday interactions, like ordering a coffee, became increasingly awkward and uncomfortable.
And then, one day I was at a big conference and it suddenly hit me like lightning. All speakers were confident, comfortable with being seen. There were no quieter voices. But the trouble is, if the loud voices are the only ones you hear, we quiet people feel even more alienated(疏远的)。 The world needs a mixture of personalities. Success is not just about who can shout the loudest. The world needs quieter people, too. That day I chose to stop hiding and embrace my shyness. No more feeling like I needed to change who I am in order to succeed. No more living a small life.
Then I created the Shy and Mighty Society, a space for shy people like me to shine, and in the process of helping others, I could also push myself forward, bit by bit. Now, I'm happy to tell people I feel shy. I'm not ashamed any more. And I know that I’m not alone.
1. Why did the author feel strange about herself after listening to the recording? (no more than 10 words)2. What is the main idea of Para.2? (no more than 10 words
3. What does the underlined word in Para.3 mean? (1 word)
4. Why did the author create the Shy and Mighty Society? (no more than 10 words)
5. Suppose you are in charge of the Shy and Mighty Society, what will you do to help other shy people? And why? (no more than 20 words)
Despite many laws and
Actually, over the last few years, a number of steps
Right now the tiger population is increasing steadily under this program in India and in Far East Russia. Due to the hard work of WCS, these large cats have a
6 . Benedict Morelli, one of New York’s top-rated lawyers, owns Morelli Law Firm, which has offices, lawyers, cases and experts all over the country. Benedict Morelli and his team of experienced lawyers are expert at handling a wide variety of cases, from auto and truck accidents, to construction injuries, to complex employment discrimination.
One critical reason for their success is that unlike many firms, Morelli Law has the experience, patience, and resources to pursue all difficult cases. Since founding the firm, Mr. Morelli and his team have successfully dealt with an impressive list of outstanding cases in the industry. In fact, they have delivered more than a billion dollars on behalf of their clients. Impressive firm results include a $95 million settlement in a sexual discrimination case involving Aaron’s Inc., as well as a $62 million settlement for Mark Perez, a construction worker who fell from a roof and suffered a brain injury.
When asked whether they would feel afraid when facing difficult opponents in court, “At my core, I’m a trial lawyer,” said Benedict Morelli. “Because of our experience and accomplishments in the courtroom, our opponents know that we’re prepared to pursue the best result possible. Going to trial does not intimidate us.”
The firm is devoted to realizing its clients’ goals both inside and outside of the courtroom. For example, in a drunk driving case, the firm worked with the client to strengthen New York laws that punish drunk drivers. This effort has made it easier for lawyers in New York to charge drunk drivers. Moreover, Mr. Moreli and his team are also committed to helping those who have been wronged achieve the justice they deserve, no matter the difficulty of the circumstances.
Corporations are powerful actors in society and Mr. Morelli and his team feel fortunate to be in a position to provide the highest level of service to their clients.
1. What contributes to Morelli Law Firm’s success?A.Talents, Strategies and funds. |
B.Attitude, passion and resolution. |
C.Experience, patience and resources. |
D.Management, devotion and knowledge. |
A.Scare. | B.Threaten. | C.Benefit. | D.Excite. |
A.It has made more than a billion dollars from their clients. |
B.It focuses mainly on bringing justice to the wrongful cases. |
C.It aims to help clients obtain good outcomes in and out of court. |
D.It works with New York to pass laws on banning drinking alcohol. |
A.Morelli Law Firm | B.A top-rated lawyer |
C.Morelli and his cases | D.Corporations in society |
7 . Java’s Cafe is a fundamental extension of the Rochester experience, opening its arms to comfort coffee, tea, and dessert lovers alike. For the typical UR students, the Java’s on Gibbs St. has become a place of solace during stressful testing times, and on more heartwarming occasions, a social hub.
Slowly approaching its thirties, Java’s has enjoyed a good reputation in its local. In 1978, Java Joe created a coffee farm in Hawaii. With great dedication to his craft, the great master of coffee beans made his way to Rochester then. In 1992, Joe decided to start selling coffee at the Public Market and opened up a store on Gibbs St. with the help of Michael Calabrese. This location, next to the Eastman School of Music, is the first of many shops Java Joe opened. As a lover of the blues, Joe enthusiastically decorated this flagship store with artistic and musical influence.
After Gibbs location, Joe planted Java Joe’s where he was first starting out — in the Public Market. Later, Java Joe’s moved to a nearby building, and received a name change — Java’s at the Market Coffee Roasters. This building served as a place where those who visited would often catch a glimpse of Joe skillfully roasting his coffee beans in the dancing flames and cultivating his drinks with care. However, in 1997 he licensed “Java Joe’s” to Calabrese, who then renamed the Gibbs Cafe to what we know today — Java’s Café.
Joe remained in the Public Market location until he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Joe died of lung cancer at 68. The influence he had poured into his business is well-known and highly regarded. He has won many awards in his life.
The next time you head down to Gibbs St. for your morning cup, keep in mind the extraordinary story of how that cup came to be, all thanks to Java Joe.
1. What does the underlined word “solace” in paragraph 1 probably mean?A.Tension. | B.Anxiety. |
C.Safety. | D.Relief. |
A.The name of the shop keeps unchanged up to now. |
B.It was popular with the locals and students as well. |
C.Java Joe had the ownership of the shop in 1997. |
D.It is the flagship store and has won several awards. |
A.Joe’s specially-made coffee beans. |
B.Its super-quality coffee and service. |
C.Joe’s demonstration of coffee-making skills. |
D.Its attraction to the music school students. |
A.The popularity of Java’s Cafe. |
B.The development of the coffee industry. |
C.The contribution Joe made to Rochester. |
D.The founder and development of Java’s Cafe. |
8 . While some feel that bookstores are fading away, one Chinese bookstore has found new life by marching into rural areas in China to bring colorful cultural life and higher incomes lo local residents.
By absorbing local rural characteristics, the village branches of the Librairie Avantgarde Bookstore (LAB) chain have transformed into important platforms to display local history, culture and folk traditions. Not just bookstores, they are foundations helping to relieve spiritual poverty (贫困) and centers for gathering and displaying rural culture.
To better fit in the lives of local residents, earth village branch has its own characteristics, like the branch in Shaxi, southwest China’s Yunnan province. Many of nearly 20,000 books in the store are associated with the history, geography and folk customs of Yunnan and the Bai people.
“Turning in profits is not our only aim. Our bookstore has become a public gathering space for villagers. Not only young people, but many elderly residents come here. They do not buy books, but pass the time by reading or chatting with each other in our store.” Liu Xia, the bookstore owner explained.
She added that this is a cultural atmosphere that bookstores offer the area. Some residents have grown accustomed to turning to the books of the store to find answers to the troubles they face, such as operating a business or controlling tourists from urban areas. The biggest benefit of opening bookstores in villages is that it helps provide a healthy environment for children’s growth. “My kids often come to the store. They love reading books here. They gain knowledge and curiosity about outside world.” one villager said.
The arrival of the bookstore menus a lot to the village when young residents have been leaving for urban areas in recent years. During the 2020 May Day and National Day holidays, the daily number of tourists traveling to the village reached 5,000, a record high. Visitors were attracted by the bookstore. Surrounding it, several restaurants and holds have opened.
1. Which of the following best describes village branches of the LAB?A.They are disappearing gradually. |
B.They feature local rural cultures. |
C.They could make much higher profits. |
D.They have set up poverty-relief foundations. |
A.It specializes in history-related books. |
B.It creates a public gathering space for business. |
C.It shares the same features with oilier branches. |
D.It helps villagers know more about the Bai people. |
A.Attracting more people lo pay a visit. |
B.Offering kids a healthy atmosphere. |
C.Helping residents lo acquire knowledge. |
D.Encouraging the young to go to big cities. |
A.LAB: A Bookstore on the Rise |
B.Local Culture Welcomed by Tourists |
C.Village Bookshops Promote Rural Life |
D.Great Ambitions of Village Bookstores |
9 . The Human Library has been working to encourage a sense of shared humanity for almost two decades. It is quite different from traditional libraries.
The Human Library is an association which attempts to create respect and understanding for the diversity in society through efforts.
As its website details, the library hosts weekly events in local communities. The volunteer “human books” welcome members of the public to come and talk to them.
Ronni Abergel is the founder of the library.
A.It creates a safe space for dialogue. |
B.His ambition is to build a hi-tech library. |
C.COVID-19 has led to many virtual events as well. |
D.This library allows people to start an online conversation. |
E.He just wants to get the whole world listening and talking. |
F.Here, various questions are expected, appreciated and answered. |
G.At this library, you can “borrow” people for a conversation instead of books. |
Formed in 2001, the China International Search and Rescue team (CISAR),
The team went on its first international rescue missions in 2003 and won high praise for their
After a disaster, they get to save lives in the