1 . From chocolate toothpaste in the Philippines to salt and vinegar potato chips in the UK, products popular in one place often receive a cool reception elsewhere. It of course poses a challenge to food companies seeking to export their brands.
The snack-food company Frito-Lay addresses the issue by discovering the best-loved flavours in each of their markets. So while cheese, spicy chilli and barbecue are popular flavours in the USA, Turkey goes for yogurt. The French prefer olive and Japan likes sushi flavours. But all of them are sold under the globally familiar Doritos brand. Frito-Lay’s understanding of local tastes around the world-and the successful adaptation of their product-has made Doritos one of the world’s most popular snack foods.
Everyone everywhere loves ice cream, it seems. The Anglo-Dutch food giant Unilever sells it in over 40 countries. The company used to sell their ice cream under a lot of different brands, which created the sense that the companies were local. In 1998, the company launched the ‘Heartbrand’ logo (标志) to increase international brand awareness, but kept the familiar local names for the ice cream products. This helped avoid the problem of some names not sounding good in other languages. So in Bulgaria and Greece, you buy Algida, but in China, Malaysia, Singapore and the UK, it’s Wall’s.
There are some products that will always remain at home, such as the durian (榴莲), known as the ‘the king of fruits’ in its homeland of Southeast Asia. The fruit’s most notable feature is its strong smell, described by some as that of rotten onions and by others as old gym socks, though it is said to taste delicious by its fans. Though some durians are grown outside of Southeast Asia, the only place the fruit enjoys any wide popularity at all is in Southeast Asia and even there, some people can’t stand it! So don’t expect to see durians in your local supermarket any time soon.
1. What does the underlined word “It” in paragraph I refer to?| A．The snack culture. |
| B．The cold welcome. |
| C．The food preference. |
| D．The global popularity. |
| A．They provide chips of high quality. |
| B．They make snacks to suit local tastes. |
| C．They unite markets of different countries. |
| D．They use advertising to build new brands. |
| A．Anglo-Dutch. | B．Algida. | C．Heartbrand. | D．Wall’s. |
| A．Durians’ sales dilemma. |
| B．Durians’ nutritional value. |
| C．Durians’ smell problems. |
| D．Durians’ attractive features. |
2 . I got the opportunity to pursue an unmatchable educational vision at Stanford University. I was flooded with feelings of relief and excitement. It was a miracle that the American Dream had exposed its colors in my favor.
Upon arrival at the campus, ambition burned within me. I imagined becoming President of the Student Union, a member of Cardinal Calypso, and so on. I wanted Stanford to be a place for me to really learn about the vast world.
I was extremely occupied beyond the classroom. As an active member of nearly twelve VSOs (Voluntary Service Overseas), I could hardly focus on my study. Ultimately, my academic journey at Stanford was characterized by a lack of consistency (连贯性). The letter informing me of my academic suspension (停学) did not come as a surprise.I knew I would have to face consequences.
Fortunately, Infomineo, a research organization, offered me the opportunity to complete a six-month internship (实习) . This experience has done wonders for me, giving me insight into who I am, what I want to do, where I want to be, and how I can get there. I should have known that the freshman year is about testing out courses and extra-curriculars, and that each decision should end up helping me in the future.
Most significantly, I’ve learned big changes are born of little consistencies. This is what I will carry for the rest of my life, especially at Stanford University. Consistently attending professors’ classes or routinely setting aside time to review notes outside the classroom. This is where I stand now, and ready to tackle Stanford again. This time, with clearer sight of how to accomplish my goals, I feel that I have detected and revealed a new power within me.
1. How did the author feel when arriving at Stanford?| A．Excited and nervous. |
| B．Grateful and curious. |
| C．Ambitious and hopeful. |
| D．Relieved and puzzled. |
| A．He was rejected by the Student Union. |
| B．He failed to meet academic requirements. |
| C．He was burdened with heavy schoolwork. |
| D．He managed to establish voluntary groups. |
| A．Demanding. | B．Beneficial. | C．Fruitless. | D．Risky. |
| A．Dreams work wonders. |
| B．Changes promote progress. |
| C．Consistencies make the difference. |
| D．Opportunities favor the prepared mind. |
3 . Following are 4 routes covering hot attractions in Beijing.
Route 1: Winter Wonderland
The Beijing Winter Olympic Park features elements about the Winter Olympics. About 15 minutes drive away is Shijingshan Amusement Park, where the ancient European castles, Arabian restaurants, and a wide range of entertainment facilities all promise a fun experience.
Route 2: Royal (皇家的) Getaway
As the largest existing royal garden in China, the Summer Palace presents a stunning picture, with its natural landscape of hills and water. The Yuanmingyuan Park, about 15 minutes drive away, has preserved the 3,000-year-old tradition of Chinese royal gardens.
Route 3: Documenting the City
To have a look at the past, visit the Beijing Archives(档案馆). There are currently seven exhibitions that carry themes such as the Olympics, city development, and treasured items. The Capital Library is 10 minutes drive away, which offers abundant books, a nice reading space and other cultural activities for visitors. Coffee and simple meals are available.
Route 4: Artistic Pursuits
Phoenix International Media Center is a draw for photographers due to its modern architectural features. Across the road sits the Art Museum of Beijing Fine Art Academy. For music lovers, the Musicfans Art Space, 10 minutes drive from the Art Museum, provides not only live music performances, but also coffee and drinks, and a space to meet friends.
1. Which route offers a chance to admire ancient Chinese gardens?| A．Route 1. | B．Route 2. | C．Route 3. | D．Route 4. |
| A．They serve coffee to visitors. |
| B．They make space for photography. |
| C．They host themed exhibitions during the winter. |
| D．They are 10 minutes drive away from the Beijing Archives. |
| A．Sports. | B．Art. | C．History. | D．Travel. |
4 . Driving on a country road in Costa Rica in Central America, we were miles from anywhere. We stopped along the road to
A spider monkey
The house looked deserted. We had no phone and felt
As soon as we arrived at the airport, I
After we got home, weeks passed with no
Sometimes just when you think there’s
| A．buy | B．process | C．develop | D．shoot |
| A．church | B．castle | C．house | D．reserve |
| A．particularly | B．suddenly | C．gradually | D．immediately |
| A．seeing | B．hearing | C．tracking | D．recording |
| A．force | B．order | C．beg | D．allow |
| A．threatened | B．aimless | C．confused | D．helpless |
| A．impolite | B．unlucky | C．illegal | D．informal |
| A．deal with | B．look for | C．drop by | D．turn to |
| A．hours | B．weeks | C．months | D．years |
| A．Because | B．So | C．But | D．Or |
| A．image | B．location | C．character | D．sound |
| A．company | B．agreement | C．forgiveness | D．support |
| A．signed | B．phoned | C．texted | D．emailed |
| A．rescuing | B．observing | C．identifying | D．hunting |
| A．schedule | B．impression | C．word | D．topic |
| A．contact | B．donation | C．fund | D．supply |
| A．even | B．still | C．just | D．yet |
| A．care | B．attempt | C．exchange | D．adventure |
| A．everything | B．nothing | C．something | D．anything |
| A．progress | B．achievement | C．contribution | D．difference |
5 . The idea of humans causing earthquakes may seem strange at first. After all, you can run around your backyard and jump up and down all you want, and the ground isn’t going to start shaking. However, scientists have identified over 700 places where human activity has brought about earthquakes over the last century.
While many human-caused earthquakes are mild and don’t cause much damage, some of them can be serious and dangerous. In fact, scientists believe human activity has caused earthquakes with magnitudes as high as 7.9 on the Richter scale.
Scientists believe most human-caused earthquakes are the result of mining. As companies drill deeper and deeper below Earth’s surface to take out natural resources, holes left behind can cause instability which leads to a sudden falling down that causes earthquakes. Building large dams can also cause earthquakes. For example, about 80,000 people died in China in 2008 as a result of a 7.9-magnitude earthquake caused by 320 million tons of water that had been collected in the Zipingpu Reservoir after a large dam was built over a known fault line(断层线).
Anther human activity leading to earthquakes is hydraulic fracturing (水力压裂) for oil and gas. In this process, water, sand, and chemicals are forced to flow underground under high pressure to fracture rocks to let natural resources out. As those resources, such as oil and natural gas, make their way to the surface, so do the water and chemicals that were injected to begin the process. This wastewater is collected and often transported to deep underground again. Both the fracking process and wastewater have been shown to cause earthquakes.
These aren’t the only human activities that can cause earthquakes, though. Scientists point out that earthquakes can also be caused by other human activities.
1. How does human activity cause earthquakes according to the text?| A．Large dams are built away from the fault line. |
| B．The wastewater of hydraulic fracturing joins large rivers. |
| C．Mining leads to the deeper holes left below the Earth’s surface. |
| D．Hydraulic fracturing makes natural resources flow underground. |
| A．By giving examples. |
| B．By making comparisons. |
| C．By presenting opinions. |
| D．By providing instructions. |
| A．To remind people to stop the above-mentioned activities. |
| B．To inform readers of human activities causing earthquakes. |
| C．To explain the reasons for many earthquakes in recent years. |
| D．To present the damage of human-caused earthquakes to the earth. |
6 . A recent study conducted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) showed that while sportsmanship among players has improved over the years, sportsmanship in the fans and parents has reduced. It has always interested me why people in the stands often feel they have invested more than the actual participants. Is it the time and money invested into private lessons and travel teams? Is it the college scholarship we need our children to earn? Is it the fear of seeing our kids fail? In any event, we, as parents and fans, should all take a step back and determine if we are helping our kids, or undermining the experience.
As a father of four kids who enjoys participating in athletics, I have to remind myself that it is okay when my kid misses a shot, strikes out, or doesn’t play good enough defense. That fact is, it is their game and their experience, and my playing days are over. A good reminder for me when I feel that my kid needs my advice from the stands comes from the great John Wooden, basketball player and head coach at the University of California at Los Angeles. He once said, “Young people need models, not critics (批判者) .”
Instead of being upset with what my kid is not doing well, or how an official has “cheated” our team, I should focus on helping my kid learn to respect the other team. I should watch my language and the negative comments that could come from my mouth. I should respect the officials and not argue every call that is made. Perhaps most importantly, I should support my kids’ team, win or lose.
Life is tough, and life is not fair. Like life, sports are tough and not always fair. Yet sports can be a wonderful training ground for life’s challenges. Just like we win some and lose some in sports, we also deal with plenty of successes, challenges and failures in our lives. Let’s try to be good sports in both the winning and losing situations and during our successes, challenges and failures.
1. Why does the author mention NCAA’s recent study?| A．To introduce the topic of sportsmanship. |
| B．To prove the reduction of sportsmanship. |
| C．To stress the experience of sportsmanship |
| D．To show the improvement of sportsmanship |
| A．Profited. | B．Absorbed. | C．Devoted. | D．Harvested. |
| A．Express deep concern about the other teams’ skills. |
| B．Make positive comments on their kids’ performance. |
| C．Back their kids’ team whatever the result of athletics is. |
| D．Respect the other players’ honor whatever cheating happens. |
| A．Modest and demanding. |
| B．Strict and responsible. |
| C．Kind and warm-hearted. |
| D．Understanding and broad-minded. |
7 . Italy has more must-see sights than you could squeeze into a lifetime. With so much to do and see, most visitors can’t wait to wander around, taking in everything. Fortunately, getting around this slender, boot-shaped country is easy, thanks to superb transport services. Here’s what you need to know about getting around in Italy.
Travel by train for the stunning views in Italy
Italy boasts an extensive rail network spanning the length of the country, meaning most major cities-including Rome, Florence, Naples, Bologna and Palermo-are connected by regular train services. Best of all, you can sit back and soak in the gorgeous scenery in between them.
Buses are the most inexpensive way to explore Italy
Though slower than trains, buses are a cheaper form of transport in Italy, and they provide access to smaller towns and villages not served by Italy’s rail network. Buses are run by private companies with a web of routes that stretches to most places of the country.
Getting around by car means maximum freedom
Having a private vehicle in Italy means you can travel at your own pace and visit regions with minimal public transport, which is particularly handy in the mountains. Parking can be hard to find in urban areas and local drivers have a reputation for being impatient and quick to use their horns.
Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside in Italy
Cycling is a great way to explore every comer of villages and backroads in the countryside. It’s very popular in northern Italy, including in the Alps and Dolomites, but less so in the south. Bikes are not allowed on motorways but they can be carried on some ferries, and on regional trains displaying the bicycle logo.
Click here to get more information about traveling in Italy.
1. Which means of transport can take visitors to most major cities?| A．Taking a train. | B．Taking a bus. |
| C．Driving a car. | D．Riding a bicycle. |
| A．Cross cities in a convenient way. |
| B．Explore the countryside in depth. |
| C．Travel everywhere at their own pace. |
| D．Admire natural scenery with comfort. |
| A．A transport guide. |
| B．A travel website. |
| C．A geography textbook. |
| D．A tourism advertisement. |
8 . It’s no secret now that the more time we spend on social media, the more we feel dissatisfied with ourselves. We tend to compare ourselves to influences and celebrities- so it’s easy to understand how that can affect our confidence.
But, how often have you found yourself comparing your life to your friends? Engaging with social media shared by our friends can be more damaging than looking at content shared by celebrities, new research has found.
The study looking at how social media affects body image found that any social media engagement was significantly associated with lower “appearance satisfaction”. Additionally, it found that engaging with content posted by people the participants knew was more than twice as damaging as looking at content posted by strangers, including celebrities.
Viren Swami, Professor of Social Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University, believes this is partly because we know it’s hard to attain the lives of celebrities or influences, but when we’re comparing ourselves to our friends, it feels like we should- or could-live the way they do.
“One possible explanation is that people may perceive a post showing appearance as being much more attainable if it comes from someone they know, adding expectation or pressure on the person engaging in the post, ” he said. “At the same time, people may be more critically engaged with posts by the likes of models and celebrities, and therefore perceive the images they share to be more unrealistic."
This is not just confined to body image though. We all have one area in our lives that triggers(触 发)us. Maybe you’ve been searching for a new job for months and you find yourself on social media, envying your school friend who just landed their dream role. Maybe. . .
All this is to say the obvious: we only see part of people’s lives -and if it’s getting you down, you’re probably comparing your insides to other people’s outsides. Everyone has their struggles and life is indeed not perfect for anyone. So, put down your phone, get offline, be thankful and try to live your own life.
1. What did the new study find?| A．Social media invites unfavorable comments. |
| B．Friends’ posts affect us more than celebrities’. |
| C．Celebrities have a negative influence on our life. |
| D．Body image causes more concern than social life. |
| A．They serve as role models. |
| B．We know the way they live. , |
| C．Their lifestyles are accessible. |
| D．We are curious about their life. |
| A．Restricted. |
| B．Related. |
| C．Devoted. |
| D．Exposed. |
| A．Find your dream and fight for it. |
| B．Stop comparing and be yourself. |
| C．Be grateful and lead a perfect life. |
| D．Stop complaining and get down to work. |
9 . Growing up within the Himalayan abode of snow (喜马拉雅雪屋), Akeisha was dynamic and
But Life had other plans for her. Akeisha
“Never say ‘never’. Start climbing the mountains,” said the
Never let words of
| A．creative | B．energetic | C．considerate | D．cautious |
| A．curious | B．concerned | C．upset | D．annoyed |
| A．observe | B．conquer | C．preserve | D．photograph |
| A．fire | B．shame | C．dream | D．question |
| A．cut | B．lost | C．broke | D．twisted |
| A．doubt | B．silence | C．despair | D．loneliness |
| A．never | B．always | C．finally | D．somehow |
| A．grief | B．danger | C．trouble | D．confusion |
| A．take risks | B．take measures | C．lose temper | D．lose heart |
| A．awe | B．fear | C．delight | D．anxiety |
| A．stubborn | B．sorrowful | C．dedicated | D．determined |
| A．puzzled | B．impressed | C．frustrated | D．accompanied |
| A．live with | B．win against | C．let go of | D．make use of |
| A．gradually | B．constantly | C．frequently | D．temporarily |
| A．comfort | B．criticism | C．complaint | D．discouragement |
10 . When Thomas Edison hit a wall with his inventions, he would nap in an armchair while holding a steel ball. As he started to fall asleep and his muscles relaxed, the ball would strike the floor, waking him with insights into his problems. Or so the story goes.
Thomas Edison was somewhat right. Now, more than 100 years later, scientists have repeated the trick in a lab, revealing that the famous inventor was on to something. People following his recipe tripled their chances of solving a math problem. The trick was to wake up in the transition between sleep and wakefulness, just before deep sleep. In this transitional period, we are not quite awake, but also not deeply asleep. It can be as short as a minute and occurs right when we start to doze off.
Researchers recruited more than 100 easy sleepers, each of whom was given a math test with a hidden rule for the answer. By recording brain activity, they found that those who napped and were interrupted during the first phase of sleep were three times better at finding the hidden key to the problem than those who remained awake.
The creative effect happened even for people who spent just 15 seconds in the first sleep stage. But the trick didn’t work for those who reached later stages of sleep. “Our findings suggest there is a creative sweet spot during sleep onset,” says author Delphine Oudiette, a sleep researcher at the Paris Brain Institute. “It is a small window which can disappear if you wake up too early or sleep too deep.”
The study team also identified a brain activity pattern linked to the creativity-boosting phase: moderate levels of brain waves at a slow frequency known as alpha, associated with relaxation, and low levels of delta waves, a hallmark of deep sleep. Oudiette says researchers can now focus on this brain signature when investigating the neural mechanisms (神经机制) of creative problem-solving. The team has already planned an experiment to help people reach a creative zone by monitoring their brain waves in real time.“ Edison was great”, Oudiette says, “and now we have a lot more to explore.”
1. What does the underlined phrase “was on to something” in paragraph 2 probably mean?| A．Discovered the truth. | B．Was absorbed in math puzzles. |
| C．Started the experiment. | D．Was engaged in laboratory work. |
| A．gaining adequate deep sleep | B．discovering the hidden rules of problems |
| C．following Edison’s life style | D．waking up right after nodding off to sleep |
| A．To evaluate their sleep efficiency. | B．To measure their amount of sleep. |
| C．To assess their levels of intelligence. | D．To compare their creative thinking abilities. |
| A．Supporting evidence for the research results. |
| B．Potential application of the research findings |
| C．A further explanation of the research methods. |
| D．A reasonable doubt about the research process. |
