1 . Independent living at home is the ideal for every aging person. But a fall or other health-threatening incidents can change everything rapidly.
The wearable “panic buttons” introduced in the late 1980s were a great advance. But they only work if people actually wear them and can reach the button in an emergency. Today there are passive wearables that automatically detect falls, and camera-based systems to monitor elder safety.
Coming from a 40-year career in the semiconductor and wireless communication field, Rafi Zack decided to find a better alternative. “People aren’t devoted to wearing small devices 24/7, and camera-based systems are an invasion（侵犯）of privacy,” he points out, “The most challenging aspect is a fall. How fast we can detect a fall matters because the medical situation worsens quickly. Sometimes people stay on the floor for a long time. We have to find out how to solve that problem.”
Zack is a co-founder, CEO and vice president of R&D at EchoCare Technologies which has developed ECHO (Elderly Care Home Observer), a cloud-connected monitor based on radar technology and machine learning.
Because radar sees through walls, one ECHO unit fixed on the ceiling or wall can monitor one person (or two persons, in a future version) in a standard-sized apartment in a senior living facility. The device detects falls, breathing difficulties, drowning in a bathtub and other dangerous events. It gives out warnings to potential health worsening conditions by continuously monitoring and analyzing the person’s location, posture（姿势）, motion and breath. EchoCare tested the device in the United States, Japan, Australia and Israel. ECHO was certified（认证）in 2019 in Japan with the most aging population in the world.
“Bathrooms were the main testing area where about 17,000 deadly accidents happen annually.” said SMK Director and Executive Vice President Tetsuo Hara. “Bathroom makers, home security service providers and nursing homes are highly interested in EchoCare’s solution.” Zack noted, “As more and more elder people live alone as a result of social distancing, there is an increased need to monitor them without the burden of wearables or privacy-invading cameras.”
1. What’s the advantage of ECHO over “panic buttons”?| A．It has camera-based systems. | B．It has been widely accepted. |
| C．It can function without cameras. | D．Its buttons can be easily reached. |
| A．It is designed to send out warnings regularly. |
| B．It monitors dangerous health-related events. |
| C．It was certified in many developed countries. |
| D．It detects more than one person at the same time. |
| A．It’ll become more popular with the elderly. |
| B．It’ll stop 17,000 deaths happening annually. |
| C．It’ll be used in nursing homes and hospitals. |
| D．It’ll help elderly people to live an active life. |
| A．An Advanced Medical Instrument |
| B．A High-tech Monitor for the Elderly |
| C．The Invention of a Healthcare Device |
| D．The Improvement of a Medical Facility |
2 . A young woman was walking in Santa Ana, California, when she came upon an elderly street vendor (小贩) selling tamales (玉米粉蒸肉). Seeing how tired he looked in his wheelchair, she decided to give him a few bucks and a sandwich—and she also gave him a sympathetic ear to listen to his story.
When Kenia Barragan first saw Jose Villa Ochoa, she thought of her own parents. “I felt for him,” she told KTTV News, “My parents are both older, and I would hate to see my dad out selling tamales for somebody and barely making ends meet.”
Known as “Don Joel”, he explained that although he wanted a job, no company would hire him because of his age. In order to keep himself out of debt, he started to sell tamales cooked by a local woman. At the end of each hard day, she would give him a cut of the earnings. This allowed him to buy food, but was not enough for him to afford his medical treatment or a phone.
The 28-year-old woman was happy to listen to Don Joel’s story, but she wanted to do more. She made an appeal to her followers on Instagram for some assistance. Within a week, friends and strangers flooded her with more than $84 000 in donations.
In addition to the money raised for Don Joel’s retirement, Kenia purchased him a new wheelchair and a shiny new pair of shoes. Even though he’s 94, he says he feels like he’s 40 now, because the kindness has made him feel so alive. He describes the generosity as “life-changing”.
Kenia feels exactly the same way. She says she’s always looking for a purpose that helps people and that she’s been living in line with those values in her current job, working with people who have disabilities to get them transportation. Her goal in life is to establish a homeless shelter.
1. Why did Don Joel sell tamales?| A．To buy a new wheelchair. | B．To struggle for a living. |
| C．To pay off his medical debt. | D．To help a local woman. |
| A．By establishing a homeless shelter. | B．By giving him money and sandwiches. |
| C．By collecting donations on Instagram. | D．By listening to his story attentively. |
| A．She disliked her father because of his job. |
| B．She is a wealthy woman ready to help others. |
| C．She helped Don Joel when she was 40 years old. |
| D．She is a kind woman aiming to do more charity. |
| A．Rose given, fragrant in hand. | B．The best hearts are always the bravest. |
| C．No pain, no gain. | D．Sharp tools make good work. |
3 . Soft robots, which can move around the ocean without harming sea life, are ideal for underwater exploration. However, they are not so welcome in robot market because they are extremely slow and have a hard time operating through the water. But that may change soon thanks to a self-driven soft robot created by researchers at the University of California, San Diego.
The recently-developed robot, which resembles a paper lantern, was primarily built using soft materials. Its flexible ribs are attached to a circular plate at both ends. An adjustable nozzle (喷嘴) fitted on one side helps draw in and jet (射出) water each time the robot shrinks. The resulting jets of water enable it to swim forward, similar to a squid (乌贼). A plate holds a waterproof component that can house a camera to record data, which is of great value to further development of the robot. It also has its own power source, allowing it to float autonomously for long periods of time.
“Essentially, we recreated all the key features that squids use for high-speed swimming. This is the first robot that can achieve these jets of water by changing its body shape, which improves swimming efficiency,” said Professor Michael T. Though the squid robot has not been tested in open waters, it successfully swam around coral and fish in a large tank in the UC San Diego Birch Aquarium. What’s more, the robot clocked an impressive speed of 18 to 32 centimeters per second, or about half a mile per hour. Though nowhere close to real squids, it is faster than most other soft robots.
“After we were able to improve the design of the robot so that it would swim in a tank in the lab, it was especially exciting to see that the robot was able to successfully swim in a large tank among coral and fish, showing its possibility for real-world applications,” said Caleb Christianson, who led the study as part of his Ph. D paper.
1. Why were the previous soft robots seldom used?| A．Their application places are limited. |
| B．They do great damage to sea life. |
| C．They are very difficult to control. |
| D．Their advertising effect is hot good. |
| A．Their body material. | B．Their general speed. |
| C．Their power source. | D．Their swimming pattern. |
| A．It is the first robot that can transform. |
| B．It will function well in open waters. |
| C．It has every feature that a squid has. |
| D．It can defeat most other soft robots in speed. |
| A．Positive. | B．Critical. | C．Uncaring. | D．Doubtful. |
4 . Have you ever heard about Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Surely, they are all about finding the best deals on holiday gifts for yourself and family members. And have you heard about GivingTuesday? Here is something about it!
GivingTuesday is observed annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which encourages people to help those in need by making financial donations or doing good in their local community. The “Global Day of Giving” was started in 2012 by New York City nonprofit 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation.
Unlike Black Friday, GivingTuesday serves a more altruistic purpose. In its first year, the movement brought in almost $10 million for charities, and things have only improved since. In 2019, many GivingTuesday social media campaigns worldwide helped raise an amazing $ 1.9 billion from 27 million donors! Over the past five years, many higher education institutions have also been using the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to ask alumni for donations. In 2019, the University of Michigan, which calls it Blueday, received 5887 gifts totaling over $4 million, while Pennsylvania State University raised $710 000 to benefit over 85 University programs.
Though donating money certainly helps, there are many other ways to support the great cause, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can video tutor kids struggling with online learning, or team up with an adult to get groceries or medications for an elderly neighbor. Alternatively, call on your peers to help you with a service project that addresses an issue close to your heart, or pick one from the several ideas suggested on the GivingTuesday website. You can also donate your gently-used clothes and toys to local shelters, or mail a handwritten note to a grandparent or a friend you miss seeing.
What are you going to do to make a positive difference in your community on GivingTuesday? Let us know by adding your comments below!
1. Why does the author mention Black Friday and Cyber Monday in Paragraph 1?| A．To make a comparison. | B．To lead to the topic. |
| C．To arouse readers’ interest. | D．To express his doubt. |
| A．To promote the development of economy. | B．To attract people to buy more holiday gifts. |
| C．To call on more universities to donate money. | D．To encourage people to help those in need. |
| A．Selfless. | B．General. | C．Specific. | D．Complex. |
| A．Where people can offer their kind help. | B．What people can do on GivingTuesday. |
| C．How people can stay safe during COVID-19. | D．Why people need to support the great cause. |
5 . Savannah Family Vacation Package
Bring your whole family to Savannah for a vacation adventure that combines sightseeing with a show at Savannah’s most historic theatre and three nights’ lodging in the exciting Savannah Family Vacation Package!
Prices Starting at:
Ages 19 and Up: $150.00
Ages 13—19: $50.00
Ages 4—12: $20.00
Ages 0—3: Free
Historical Attractions in Savannah
Savannah is a beautiful city, as well as one of the most historic in the United States, Here, visitors will enjoy Southern history and culture. Head out on any one of the remarkable activities offered to experience some fun. Plus, the city is full of historic sites to explore.
About the Included Savannah Theatre Musical Production
Savannah Theatre has brilliant architecture and is known for being a top theater with a state-of-the-art sound and light system and talented performers. At this theater you can experience a high-energy and interesting musical or a two-hour variety show in an unforgettable performance! The possibilities are endless with the Historic Savannah Theatre, as the show changes throughout the year. During November and December, guests will get to experience the Christmas production.
About the Included Savannah Old Town Trolley Tour
Guests will also be able to board upon the Savannah Old Town Trolley Tour. The trolley tour gives guests a comfortable and fun way to see the city in style. Though the guided tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, guests will be able to hop on or hop off at a mass of locations including the City Market, Sorrel-Weed House, and Massie Heritage Museum. With transportation taken care of, guests can simply focus on seeing the best that Savannah has to offer.
1. How much should a couple with their five-year-old twins pay for this tour?| A．$170.00. | B．$190.00. | C．$340.00. | D．$400.00. |
| A．Its sound and light system. | B．Its high-quality musical. |
| C．Its changeable show. | D．Its Christmas production. |
| A．A historical book. | B．A travel website. |
| C．A guide to Savannah. | D．A fashion magazine. |
6 . Plants: we eat them, juice them-and now it seems we can mine them too!
After a successful experiment on the island of Borneo, the botany professor Alan Baker and a group of researchers want to introduce phytomining (harvesting minerals from plants) as a better, partial substitute for traditional mining.
Phytomining, also known as agromining, means collecting metals from live plants. However, this can only be done with a group of plants known as "hyperaccumulators". There are around 700 identified types worldwide, and what makes these hyperaccumulators special is that they naturally attract and absorb minerals through their roots-metals poisonous to other plants-and then store huge, pure concentrations of these minerals in their bodies. The metals can then be extracted from the plants' sap(汁;液), oil, or sometimes even live tissue.
Baker and his colleagues see a lot of potential in phytomining. Not only can it help meet the growing global demand for metals, but is a way of undoing some of that damage to the environment by traditional mining.
One of the biggest problems with traditional mining is that it pollutes the surrounding area. Phytomining can extract metal waste, plus planting the hyperaccumulators would regrow the deforested areas caused by mining operations. Aside from this, if phytomining is able to replace part of traditional mining, then there would be fewer instances of bad mining practices like abandoned mines, which pollute the nearby waters. Also, since phytomining provides metals that are already naturally pure, there is no need to use huge amounts of energy to purify the ore(矿石).
Phytomining has its drawbacks. Harvesting plants on a large scale is expensive today, compared to traditional mining. Besides, plants can be wiped out by diseases or unexpected weather conditions.
However, there are many reasons to consider phytomining. After all, we need to make sure that our planet can keep up and sustainable practices like phytomining give us the hope that our advancement doesn't mean sacrificing Mother Earth.
1. What makes hyperaccumulators different from other plants?| A．The sap poisonous to other plants. |
| B．The ability to take in and store minerals. |
| C．The oil extracted from live plant tissue. |
| D．The concentrations of minerals in their bodies. |
| A．It can stop deforestation. |
| B．It may reduce the desertedmines. |
| C．It uses clean energy to purify the ore. |
| D．It can't be destroyed by diseases. |
| A．Pessimistic. | B．Indifferent. | C．Optimistic. | D．Skeptical. |
| A．Metals From Plants. |
| B．The Future of Phytomining. |
| C．What Are Hyperaccumulators? |
| D．Benefits of Phytomining. |
7 . The world has seen many inventions. While most people are proud of those associate with their names, there are things making inventors feel the other way.
The pop-up (弹出) advert, by Ethan Zuckerman
Pop-up ads are convenient for those who are interested, but most people get annoyed when they are on computers. They may contain computer viruses. Just as we would blame the inventor, the man humbly accepted his invention isn’t one of the best. In his essay, Zuckerman wrote about the most hateful thing, “I wrote the code to launch the window and run an ad in it.”
The emoticon, by Scott E. Fahlman
Emoticons began to occupy screens crazily in 2011 and gained great popularity, especially with young men. It had been four years since Fahlman first used a “smiley face” in a computer message. He created the emoticon as a joke marker. But things are different. “It has gone to places I don’t approve of,” he complained to The Wall Street Journal in 2013. “It shouldn’t have been created.”
The office cubicle (隔间), by Bob Propst
In 1968, Bob Propst came up with the idea office cubicles, something that “would build a futuristic and tidy office style with no real walls or doors and provide a more comfortable environment”. But the man has come to hate what he has invented, as Propst recalled to Fortune at age 80, “They’ve changed and just become cubicles”.
The K-Cup, by John Sylvan
It seems everyone has a Keurig coffee maker for K-Cups. John Sylvan invented the K-Cup, aimed at facilitating office life of white-collar workers. Now it’s common in houses and companies. However, the single-serve plastic coffee cups aren’t eco-friendly. “I feel bad sometimes that I ever did it”, Sylvan admits. But! Good news for Mr. Sylvan: Keuring now offers varieties of recyclable K-Cups.
1. When was the emoticon invented?| A．In 2007. | B．In 2009. | C．In 2011. | D．In 2013. |
| A．The pop-up advert. | B．The emoticon. | C．The office cubicle. | D．The K-Cup. |
| A．They benefit human life greatly. |
| B．Their creators are blamed by the public. |
| C．Their inventors feel regretful. |
| D．They are very popular with young people. |
8 . You might have heard about how honey bees are doing poorly these days. It’s different, though, from the situation many of the world’s vulnerable (脆弱的) animals find themselves in. We want them to live their lives and grow stronger, but are we willing to change our lifestyles to make it happen? The decrease in honey bees is a bit different, because if honey bees can’t live well, neither can people and, eventually people won’t eat as a result.
As happened in 2017, U.S. beekeepers lost 40 percent of their bees because of a disease. It’s really about the earnings of beekeepers and the reduced amount of bees. But it doesn’t stop there. Honey bees go around doing pollination (授粉). And do you know what need to be pollinated? That’s our crops. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates bees pollinate about $15 billion worth of apples and peaches each year in the United States alone.
So, we 21st-century humans not only take notice, but also start trying to fix the problem. It’s infeasible that we give every bee the treatment. We can’t imagine how huge the task is and how hard we carry on it! The most promising immediate solution seems to prevent the disease. That’s where the bee vaccine (疫苗) comes.
Scientists have long thought immunizing (使免疫) bees will be unworkable, but a 2015 study discovered that bees transfer immunity to their babies through protein. Vaccinating a bee won’t help that bee, but if you vaccinate the queen of bees, she can pass her immunity on to her later generations through her eggs.
The new vaccine will treat for American foulbrood (AFB), a serious disease that quickly destroys bees. It’s in the testing phases and most likely headed for bee boxes near you. And don’t worry, it doesn’t require a tiny doctor’s chair and needle to deliver the vaccine—the queen bee can drink the medicine in a little sugar water and pass it along to her later generations.
1. What does exactly the author intend to tell us through the 2017 beekeepers’ incident?| A．The beekeepers lead a terrible life. |
| B．The number of bees continues to decrease. |
| C．The decline of bees affects the production of grain. |
| D．The pollination work of bees is huge and complicated. |
| A．Practical | B．Impossible | C．harmful | D．Convenient |
| A．The bee vaccine is hard to develop. |
| B．Bees will learn skills from the queen. |
| C．Bees can transfer immunity to each other. |
| D．The bee vaccine can take effect in the long run. |
| A．It’s applied to all sick bees. |
| B．It will be delivered to bees by skilled doctors. |
| C．It works by allowing the queen of bees to take it. |
| D．It has been put into use and makes many bees survive. |
9 . For British people, the word karaoke caused foggy and unpleasant memories at the office Christmas party. The less-talent performers faced the karaoke machine instead of listeners. They totally enjoyed themselves and didn’t care about what people thought even though it sounded like they tried singing their worst. Many people thought such singing was more like a stupid show. But recently the sing-along activity has been popular again. Karaoke nights have come out around the UK.
Iain Irving, the founder of Supercube, a karaoke gathering place in Edinburgh, said the COVID-19 made karaoke totally different this time. What people used to think of karaoke had become the real past. Irving said, “It is almost like that a suffering man had to go through, about sadness and worry in front of his friends. But karaoke is supposed to be about relaxing oneself in music.” According to Irving, Let It Go from Frozen is the most popular song in Supercube. And letting go is exactly what karaoke is all about. “When you sing, it does make you feel good,” said Irving.
It’s no surprise that karaoke finds its voice again. Singing is known to be bonding (粘合). However, how long has it been since you and your friends sat together to sing songs to your heart’s content? Social media has almost replaced most people’s real social life. Rob Pursey, the founder of Hip Hop Karaoke, said, “Social media can separate us a bit, but karaoke differs. I think people are looking for and they fall in love with those exciting feelings of getting together.”
The COVID-19 has been going on for several months in the UK. Everyone is tired of the news on the Internet, so it’s nice for people to come out to sing their favorite songs to a cheering crowd. “With boring news ruling the headlines, we are all eager to escape, and karaoke provides it. You just feel like you’re on a different planet for a couple of hours,” said Irving.
1. What was the British people’s attitude to the karaoke activity in the past?| A．Positive | B．Negative | C．Uninterested | D．Doubtful |
| A．They intend to release feelings through karaoke. |
| B．They like to sing different kinds of pleasant songs. |
| C．They expect to find strength in songs to fight the virus. |
| D．They listen to others singing instead of singing together. |
| A．Karaoke should include various games. |
| B．Social media will cost people much time. |
| C．Social media make communication more effective. |
| D．Karaoke brings people the pleasure of close communication. |
| A．Karaoke’s return to the UK. |
| B．The benefits of singing karaoke. |
| C．British people’s debate over karaoke. |
| D．The development of karaoke in the UK. |
10 . Home Laundry Automatic Dryer Product
Full Two Year Warranty (保修)
Limited Five Year Warranty on Cabinet (机箱)
Warranty Provides for:
FIRST TWO YEARS Amana will repair or replace any faulty part free of charge.
THIRD THRU FIFTH YEARS Amana will provide a free replacement part for any cabinet which proves faulty due to rust.
Warranty Limitations:
Warranty begins at date of original purchase.
Applies only to product used within the United States or in Canada if product is approved by Canadian Standards Association when shipped from factory.
Products used on a commercial or rental basis not covered by this warranty.
Service must be performed by an Amana servicer.
Adjustments covered during first year only.
Warranty Does Not Cover It If:
Product has damage due to product change, connection to an improper electrical supply, shipping and handling, accident, fire, floods, lightning or other conditions beyond the control of Amana.
Product is improperly installed or applied.
Owner’s Responsibilities:
Provide sales receipt.
Normal care and repair.
Having the product reasonably accessible for service.
Pay for service calls related to product installation or usage instructions.
Pay for extra service costs, over normal service charges, if servicer is requested to perform service outside servicer’s normal business hours.
* In no event shall Amana be responsible for consequential damages (间接损坏)
* This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have others which vary from state to consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.
1. According to Warranty Limitations, a product can be under warranty if ________.| A．used in the U.S.A. |
| B．rented for home use |
| C．repaired by the user himself |
| D．shipped from a Canadian factory |
| A．the product installation |
| B．a servicer’s overtime work |
| C．the loss of the sales receipt |
| D．a mechanic’s transportation |
| A．Consequential damages are excluded across America. |
| B．A product damaged in a natural disaster is covered by the warranty. |
| C．A faulty cabinet due to rust can be replaced free in the second year. |
| D．Free repair is available for a product used improperly in the first year. |
