2 . Time for a Brainstorm

A brainstorm is a session where a small group of people come together to solve a problem. People voice spontaneous ideas, sometimes just shouting, and a note-taker writes them all down.    1    By getting different ideas out there, ideas are said to bounce off each other and even can help solve the problem at hand. Brainstorming is often a group exercise but individuals can also conduct personal brainstorms.

    2    He defined it as using the brain to storm a creative problem and do so in commando (突击队）fashion, with each stormer attacking the same objective. According to him,, it was easier to tone down a wild idea than think up a new one. He placed importance on the collection of as many ideas as possible and dismissed scientific thinking.

Brainstorming has become one of the most popular ways to solve problems and hold discussion in schools and businesses. Many students brainstorm for a group assignment or even for a personal essay. Sarah Grace, 24, is an Australian marketing analyst and uses brainstorming during all her creative duties. She thinks brainstorming is the best way to work as a team. The sessions get everyone on the same page, everyone moving together and with a clear understanding about the foundations of an event or idea.    3    .

However, a big problem with brainstorming is creating a mess that leads people further away from a solution.     4     If you don’t have a strong moderator or leader of the brainstorm, can go really off track, and people just start discussing something totally different. Brainstorming can sometimes confuse the human brain.    5     If you brainstorm too much and your page is filled up with all the messy links, you can paint yourself into a bit of comer and get trapped with ideas.

You need to move past brainstorming as soon as you have something workable.

A．The ideas can be smart, strange or crazy.

B．It is caused by a lack of direction from a leader.

C．Brainstorming really helps her organize her thoughts.

D．Brainstorming really is the best way to build team spirit.

E．It can open too many doors and not suggest a clear direction.

F．Brainstorms were popularized in the 1940s by American advertising boss Alex Osborn.

G．They can be words; phrases, paragraphs and anything that can help answer the question.

3 . In many poor countries, children receive a low standard of education. Classrooms have few supplies, teaching materials, and books. One non-profit organization is trying to change that. The organization, founded in 2005, is called the One Laptop (笔记本电脑) per Child (OLPC). Its goal is to provide the world’s children with cheap, but powerful notebook computers.

The computer is special in that it is a children’s notebook. Its keyboard is small, and the machine is strong enough against being dropped. The notebook also has a webcam (a video camera) for taking pictures and recording videos. There’s also built-in Wi-Fi to make it easy to connect to the Internet.

In the classroom, the notebook has many functions. It can be used to take notes and do homework. Plus, students can draw pictures and create reports. It is also an e-book reader, and comes with many books pre-installed (安装). In fact, one of its goals is to replace books in schools with limited resources.

The notebook went into production in November 2007. Teachers in places like Peru and Nigeria are already reporting a difference. They say children are more excited about learning. Young scholars are also making new friends in other countries over the Internet. Children are even using the notebooks to teach their parents at home.

Many experts see technology as a way for the world’s poor to improve their lives. The OLPC’s aim is to bring the “light of learning” into children’s lives. Indeed, with tools like the notebooks in their hands, children are given a sense of hope for a brighter future.

1. What does the OLPC provide for the poor students?

A．Money.

B．Books.

C．Teachers.

D．Computers.

2. According to Paragraph 2, which of the following is an advantage of the notebook?

A．It is strong.	B．It is easy to buy.
C．It is light.	D．Its keyboard is big.

3. What is Paragraph 3 mainly about?

A．How the computers are installed.	B．Why the e-book reader is so popular.
C．How the notebooks are used in class.	D．What resources are needed at school.

4 . 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 aimed at 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

2. According to Paragraph 3, what items may be checked out from a public library?

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.

3. As is described in Paragraph 4, taking a small kid to a half-hour Story Time allows ______.

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

4. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To point out the importance of public libraries.

B．To encourage people to work in public libraries.

C．To call for the modernization of public library systems.

D．To introduce the improved services of public libraries.

5 . The Coalition for the Homeless is an organization that seeks to address the needs of the homeless population in the United States. It is a network of offices, some of which provide food and houses for the homeless population, and some of which fight for the passing of laws that of over two hundred million people living in the United States,up to three million are homeless—and the number is still growing. Since the late 1970s,fast rising house prices,large cuts in government supported housing programs, and economic recession(经济衰退)have made it impossbile for many Americans to meet housing costs. Sadly, this has resulted in a number of persons being forced to leave their homes and/or unable to find new affordable homes. According to another research,families with children appear to be the fastest-growing part of the homeless population, making up 39% of it.The old idea of a homeless person,that of the single man who gets drunk all the time,is no longer true. A much lager part of the population now finds itself homeless. Even worse, once a person becomes homeless, he often finds it impossible to find a job,since most employers require anyone who wants a job from them to provide a home address on a job application.
1. The word “address” in the first line probably means        .

A．talk about

B．deal with

C．fight for

D．write to

2. How many people are homeless in the U.S. according to the Coalition studies?

A．39% of the population.	B．200 million people.
C．About 3 million people.	D．About one-fifth of the population.

3. Homeless people often have difficulty finding a job because________.

A．they have no home addresses

B．they mostly have a drinking problem

C．they aren't supported by government programs

D．they often don't have enough work experience

4. What is the main cause of the rising number of the homeless in the U.S.?

A．The passing of new housing laws.

B．The fast growth of family size.

C．The slow construction of houses.

D．The ever-rising price of housing.

6 . When 19-year-old Sophia Giorgi said she was thinking of volunteering to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation (基金会)，nobody understood what she was talking about .But Sophia knew just how important Make – A –Wish could be because this special organization had helped to make a dream come true for one her best friends .We were interested in finding out more ,so we went along to meet Sophia listen to what she had to say .
Sophia told us that Make – A –Wish is a worldwide organization that started in the United States in 1980.”It’s a charity(慈善机构)that helps children who have got very serious illnesses. Make – A –Wish help children feel happy even though they are sick, by making their wishes and dreams come true ,” Sophia explained .
We asked Sophia how Make – A –Wish had first started .She said it had all begun with a very sick young boy called Chris ,who had been dreaming for a long time of becoming a policeman .Sophia said lots of people had wanted to find a way to make Chris’s dream come true ----so, with everybody’s help , Chris, only seven years old at the time ,had been a “policeman” for a day .” when people saw how delighted Chris was when his dream came true, they decided to try and help other sick children too ,and that was the beginning of Make – A –Wish,” explained Sophia
Sophia also told us the Foundation tries to give children and their families a special, happy time. A Make-A-Wish volunteer visits the families and asks the children what they would wish for if they could have anything in the world. Sophia said the volunteers were important because they were the ones who helped to make the wishes come true. They do this either by providing things that are necessary, or by raising money or helping out in whatever way they can.
1. Sophia found out about Make-A-Wish because her best friend had .

A．volunteered to help it	B．benefited from it
C．dreamed about it	D．told the author about it

2. According to Sophia, Make-A-Wish        .

A．is an international charity

B．was understood by nobody at first

C．raises money for very poor families

D．started by drawing the interest of the public

3. What is said about Chris in Paragraph3?

A．He has been a policeman since he was seven.

B．He gave people the idea of starting Make-A-Wish

C．He wanted people to help make his dream come true.

D．He was the first child Make-A-Wish helped after it had been set up.

4. Which of the following is true about Make-A-Wish volunteers?

A．They are important for making wishes come true.

B．They try to help children get over their illnesses.

C．They visit sick children to make them feel special.

D．They provide what is necessary to make Make-A-Wish popular.

8 . As an excellent international organization to deliver both camping and an academic opportunity, Eagles Landing International （ELI）offers school-aged students the opportunity to experience targeted academic programs, global leadership development, and exposure to an authentic camping experience.

ELI ACADEMIC STREAMS

At ELI, we create global leaders by integrating camping with personalized academic activities designed around our two learning streams.

English Language Immersion--We believe that the best way to learn a language is to live that language. Personalized activities prepare campers to be as successful as possible in achieving their language goals. Daily interactions with our American campers give campers the opportunity to apply newly acquired language skills.

Global Leadership--For those who have a more advanced English language level, we design activities that teach the skills based on cultural intelligence,communication strategies, as well as critical thinking that are necessary in today’s modem, global society.

ELI CAMP LIFE

With a focus on the development of social-emotional and physical well-being, ELI campers will grow as global community members and leaders.

Accommodation

Our International Village provides the ultimate security and peace of mind in an environment beneficial to learning and social interaction. Male and female campers will be housed on separate floors with on-duty supervision （监督）24 hours a day.

Meal plan

Student-campers will be provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as a morning fruit break. Special dietary needs can usually be accommodated with advanced notice.

To truly appreciate the way it inspires our student-campers to learn, perform, and compete at the highest levels every day, join us in South Florida for an unforgettable experience.

ELI Typical Weekly Schedule

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday &Saturday	Sunday
9:15-9:55	Academics	Academics	Academics	Academics	Short trips: Beach, Disney, Universal, Water Park, etc.	Clean-up
9:55-10:10	Fruit Break	Fruit Break	Fruit Break	Fruit Break
10:10-10:50	Academics	Academics	Academics	Academics		Brunch
10:55-11:30	Basketball	Water Slide	Yoga	Track		Swim
11:35-12:35	Swim	Swim	Swim	Swim
13:35-14:15	Music	Science & Nature	Music	Science &Nature		House keeping
14:20-14:35	Ice Cream	Ice Cream	Ice Cream	Ice Cream
14:40-16:00	Rest Hour	Rest Hour	Rest Hour	Rest Hour		Weights, Gym, Field
16:00-16:40	Academics	Academics	Academics	Academics
19:30-20:30	Evening Program	Evening Program	Evening Program	Evening Program		Evening Program

1. What does ELI offer its campers?

A．Overseas trips.

B．A flexible schedule.

C．Safe accommodation.

D．Meals from different countries.

2. What makes ELI different from other camps?

A．It provides programs by age group.

B．It focuses on developing social skills.

C．It creates a new way of learning languages.

D．It combines camping with academic programs.

3. According to ELI Typical Weekly Schedule, campers _______.

A．are free in the evening

B．can enjoy a variety of sports

C．are quite busy with academics

D．are expected to plan their weekends

9 . With all the recent concern about the environment，people want to see their money used to better the planet. Here are four well-known environmental organizations.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

The World Wildlife Fund is perhaps one of the best-known organizations for the protection of endangered species and their habitats around the world. They’ve been around for over 45 years. You can donate through their website worldwildlife. org, join their organization as a member, or adopt an animal through their online adoption center.

National Geographic Society (NGS)

National Geographic Society is well-known for their magazine and their specials on TV. The organization itself is one of the longest-running in the world—they’ ve been around since 1888. focus on exploration and conservation of forests, oceans, habitats, species and societies. You chopse to donate through the website nationalgeographic.com，buy something at their online store, or order a magazine subscription.

National Wildlife Federation (NWF)

Founded officially in 1937, the National Wildlife Federation tries to protect wildlife at all costs. In fact, they believe that having the public educated is the best way to help the environment—-the more you know, the more you can protect the world we live in. Donations to the NWF can be made through their website nwf. org or through other options, like matching gifts, workplace giving, or memorial donations.

Ecology Fund, com

Set up in 1976，Ecology Fund, com is run on user clicks. Advertisers buy ad space on the site every time someone clicks. The money goes to buy endangered wilderness land to protect it from companies that would destroy it. So far, Ecology Fund, com has bought land in many areas. The best thing about this site is that you needn’t donate any money—all you have to do is click.

1. Which environmental organization has the longest history?

A．Ecology Fund. com.	B．World Wildlife Fund.
C．National Geographic Society.	D．National Wildlife Federation.

2. What does NWF think is the most important in environmental protection?

A．Knowledge.

B．Management.

C．Money.

D．Patience.

3. In what way does EcologyFund.com differ from the other three organizations?

A．The size of networks.	B．The way of operation.
C．The strength of influence.	D．The degree of popularity.

10 . Guide to Stockholm University Library

With good studying environment and different types of studying places, our library is a perfect place for study.

Zones

The library is divided into different zones. The upper floor is a quiet zone with over a thousand places for silent reading, and places where you can sit and work with your own computer. The reading places consist mostly of tables and chairs. The ground floor is the zone where you can talk. Here you can find sofas and armchairs for group work.

Computers

You can use your own computer to connect to the wi-fi specially prepared for notebook computers, your can also use library computers, which contain the most commonly used applications, such as Microsoft Office. They are situated in the area known as the Experimental Field on the ground floor.

Group-study places

If you want to discuss freely without disturbing others, you can book a study room or sit at a table on the ground floor. Some study rooms are for 2-3 people and others can hold up to 6-8 people. All rooms are marked on the library maps.

There are 40 group-study rooms that must be booked via the website. To book, you need an active University account and a valid University card. You can use a room three hours per day, nine hours at most per week.

Rules to be Followed

Mobile phone conversations are not permitted anywhere in the library. Keep your phone on silent as if you were in a lecture and exit the library if you need to receive calls.

Please note that food and fruit are forbidden in the library, but you are allowed to have drinks and sweets with you.

1. The library’s ground floor is mainly for students to________.

A．read in a quiet place	B．get their computers fixed
C．take comfortable seats	D．have group discussions

2. Library computers on the ground floor ________.

A．contain software essential for schoolwork

B．help students with their field experiments

C．are mostly used for filling out application forms

D．are for those who want to access the wi-fi

3. What condition should be met to book a group-study room?

A．A group must consist of 8 people

B．One should first register at the university

C．Three-hour use per day is the minimum

D．Applicants must mark the room on the map

4. What should NOT be brought into the library?

A．Lemon juice.	B．Mobile phones.
C．Strawberries.	D．Candy.