1 . Nashville offers many after-school tutoring centers to help kids develop their skills and creativity.
Spotlite Dance Studio
4075 Luke Ct, Murfreesboro, TN 37128, USA
Tel：(615)4594200
Set up in 2006, Spotlite Dance Studio is offering full day, half day and evening dance camps to kids aged 2-18. We have fun, new themes each week. We will work on dancing techniques and play fun games, activities, and more.
STEM Bllilders
504 Autumn Springs Ct, Franklin, TN 37067, USA
Tel：(615)366—9196
Along with education, to be successful in life, reasonable thinking, problem solving and teamwork are necessary skills in today’s competitive society. STEM Builders provides a unique combination of science, technology, engineering, math and fun. Both founders of the center beginning in 2016 have more than 15 years of IT experience.
Smile Doctors
152 Heritage Park, Murfreesboro, TN 37128, USA
Tel：(615)848—0011
Created in 2015, Smile Doctors provides excellence in orthodontic(牙齿矫正的)care resulting in beautiful, confident smiles and unforgettable experiences. Every interaction strengthens the idea that each person has value as a human being. We hope our positiveinteractions will motivate kids to improve themselves.
Tap Root Farm
905 Hickory Hills Dr, Franklin, TN 37067, USA
Tel：(615)594—3210
We have been“caretakers”of the farmland for over 50 years. Come and join us in the joy of keeping our family farming!Activities of our 2019 Tap Root Farm Summer Farm Camp (June 24—29)include horseback riding and gardening(planting and harvesting vegetables, herbs and flowers).
1. Where should you go to grow vegetables?| A．905 Hickory Hills Dr, Franklin, TN 37067. |
| B．4075 Luke Ct, Murfreesboro, TN 37128. |
| C．152 Heritage Park, Murfreesboro, TN 37128. |
| D．504 Autumn Springs Ct, Franklin, TN 37067. |
| A．Teamwork. | B．Problem solving. |
| C．IT experience. | D．Reasonable thinking. |
| A．Smile Doctors. | B．Tap Root Farm. |
| C．STEM Builders. | D．Spotlite Dance Studio. |
2 . After Scott Kelly spent a year in space, his genetic expression changed, according to a NASA study that compared the bodily changes between the astronaut and his identical twin, who stayed on Earth while Kelly was aboard the International Space Station. About 7 percent of Kelly’s gene activity has yet to “return to normal” — almost two years after his yearlong spaceflight mission came to an end. Kelly has since retired from NASA.
The Twins Study，as it’s been called，looked at what happened to Kelly — both physiologically and psychologically :— before，during and after his trip in space，and then compared that data to Kelly’s twin brother，Mark Kelly，also a retired NASA astronaut.
Unlike his brother who spent months at a time in space，Mark’s missions were on the shorter side. His last — and longest — mission，which took place in 2011，lasted 15 days.
“By measuring large numbers of the brother’s metabolites，cytokines (代谢物、细胞活素）and proteins，researchers learned that spaceflight is associated with oxygen deprivation (匮乏）stress， increased inflammation (炎症），and nutrient changes that affect gene expression，” NASA said.
Although most of the biological changes Kelly experienced in space disappeared in the hours and days (and in some cases? weeks) after his return to Earthy, NASA said some changes appear to have continued. While 93 percent of his genetic expression has returned to normal, several hundred “space genes” still have changed activity levels，the data suggests， which, NASA said, could indicate “longer-term changes” in genetic expression caused by the stresses of spaceflight.
NASA said the research could provide important knowledge of the effects of long-term spaceflight on the human body, and that it will influence its planning for a mission to Mars, which would see astronauts spending some three years in space.
Reacting to the news of the study results, Kelly expressed amazement at his body’s changes， and also used the opportunity to make fun of his brother. “This could be good news,” he joked on Twitter. “I no longer have to call Mark my identical twin brother anymore.”
1. What can be learnt about Mark Kelly?| A．He’s still working for NASA. |
| B．He has only been to space once. |
| C．He hasn’t gone on a spaceflight mission yet. |
| D．He never stayed in space for a whole month. |
| A．They’re dangerous to astronauts. |
| B．Most of them won’t last very long. |
| C．They’re mainly caused by psychological stress. |
| D．Some can occur during short-term spaceflight. |
| A．It involved many twin participants. |
| B．It ended soon after Scott Kelly’s last spaceflight. |
| C．It only studied Scott Kelly’s physical changes. |
| D．It will be valuable to NASA’s Mars mission. |
| A．Mark Kelly will lose his twin brother soon. |
| B．Scott Kelly always looks on the bright side. |
| C．Scott Kelly doesn’t like his twin brother. |
| D．Scott Kelly seems to have a sense of humor. |
3 . The summer before my 10th birthday my father moved our family of nine kids to a farm. We had always lived in a small city, in the house my dad had gotten from my grandparents, who had wanted fresh air, green food and lots of room for their children but failed. My father held the same will. He’d worked multiple jobs and saved for many years... and could finally afford a place in the countryside. Now a minor concern: the house had no running water or electricity. But there were 150 acres to run around in.
That first year my dad put in electricity, because my mom simply announced, “I won’t have oil lamps with children running around!” Indoor plumbing(管道系统) had to wait another year. Different friends, who my dad knew from work, asked if he’d take their large dogs who couldn’t run free in the city. So we all now played with a big orange-brown boxer and a sporty German Shorthaired Pointer, who we named Billy and Molly.
Minimalism was our goal, and also our only choice. Absolutely our clothes were hand-me-downs. Bananas and oranges were rare “imported” fruit we’d seen at holiday. We felt we were younger than peers (同龄人) -there was ONE birthday party a year! We’d take turns…once every 9 years a child would have his/her own party!
While money was so scarce, we had joy to hand all the time. My mother was always singing, yelling, or hugging. And she told us we owned plenty! To this day, each of us remembers those years as an abundance of things, laughter, arguing, making peace, and playing together! Every challenge was a game to defeat, and any failure was a chance to learn there.
1. Why did the author’s father move their family to a farm?| A．To carry out the wish of his parents. |
| B．To start a brand new life in a luxury house. |
| C．To improve the children’s living environment. |
| D．To get rid of the heavy workload in the city. |
| A．There was no electricity in their rooms. |
| B．Two dogs became part of the author’s life. |
| C．The author’s mother had a sharp tongue. |
| D．Their rural life became the envy of friends. |
| A．Hopeful. | B．Upset. | C．Amazed. | D．Amusing. |
| A．Practical. | B．Accurate. | C．Tight. | D．Essential. |
4 . Think of the many different ways you enjoy fish or other seafood: steaming fish ball soup, grilled salmon, boiled shrimp and more. Now think about not having this delicious food because of no more fish and seafood. You would likely miss them a lot, and not just you. Nearly half of the world’s population relies on seafood as a major source of protein.
Harvesting fish and other sea life isn’t bad for the ocean, but harvesting it faster than it can recover is. This is called overfishing, and the number of overfished wild stocks has tripled in the past 50 years. Overfishing affects not only a food source but many economies. Many businesses and jobs depend on fishing for their livelihoods. When fish stocks shrink, people lose their means of supporting themselves and their families. Worldwide, fishing is US $362 billion business. Over 4 million fishing boats sail the waters of the world. Many boats are becoming increasingly efficient, which increases overfishing.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, one third of the world’s fisheries are being pushed beyond their natural limits. Overfishing goes hand in hand with bycatch (误捕的鱼). This means unwanted sea life is captured along with the desired catch and is thrown away. Thus, billions of fish along with seabirds, sea turtles and millions of sharks are lost.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has been working with scientists, fisheries and seafood producers for over 20 years. They have developed standards promoting sustainable fishing. When fisheries meet MSC’s standards, the oceans and those who make a living from them are protected. Around 15 percent of wild-capture fisheries are now MSC certified. And Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPS) in many countries are working to increase that percentage.
What can you do? Look for MSC’s blue fish label, which appears on over 30,000 products and menus in almost 100 countries. Buying a product with this label means you’re supporting a fishery that is contributing to healthier oceans.
1. Which of the following opinions will the author favor?| A．We need to develop more fish recipes. |
| B．Many people consider seafood as nutritious. |
| C．You can never eat fish and other seafood too much. |
| D．It’s great to treat your friends to tasty seafood. |
| A．Many people live by fishing. |
| B．Overfishing isn’t always bad for the ocean. |
| C．Fishing economies are picking up soon. |
| D．Many boats have no fish to catch. |
| A．Bycatch is thrown back. |
| B．More investment is put in fisheries. |
| C．All the countries are called on to conserve the ocean. |
| D．Some requirements for green fishing are made. |
| A．Buying the seafood with MSC’s certification. |
| B．Looking for MSC’s blue fish label worldwide. |
| C．Making contributions to fishing in eco-friendly environment. |
| D．Predicting about the oceans and the fish for years to come. |
5 . Where to stay during an art holiday in St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives, one of the most impressive locations in the world, has long been attracting artists. Since 1938 we have been running art classes in Cornwall in Porthmeor studios overlooking the ocean.
There is a plentiful selection of places to stay, with the majority within walking distance to St Ives School of Painting.
NO RISK POLICY: Please reserve your place for a course and if you don’t find suitable accommodation within 48 hours we will refund you in full.
Cohort Hostel (旅社)：Cool，contemporary hostel accommodation in the centre of St Ives. Beds from £20/night. WiFi, Courtyard, Bar, Lounge, TV Room, Fully equipped kitchen, Safe dorms and Private rooms.
Tel： 01736 791664
Beachside Guest House： 50 yards from the School and Porthmeor Beach. 4 Rooms, all ensuite rooms (浴室套房). Prices from £75/night for a double en-suite room.
Tel： 07810 127812
West by Five： Impressive Edwardian townhouse built above Porthmeor Beach to take full advantage of the ocean views. Five minutes' walk from the school. Offering four beautifully appointed en-suite rooms. Visit England 5-star guest accommodation award. Prices from £70 per night.
Tel： 01736 794584
Tregony ： A 4-star townhouse with spectacular panoramic (全景的)sea-views， overlooking Porthmeor Beach and The Island. Offering 5 stylish rooms (4 en-suite), only 5 minutes walk from the School. Prices for single occupancy start from £60 per night.
Tel： 01736 791851
The Sail Lofts ： Self-catering apartments, a few steps to the beach and just around the corner from the School.
Tel: 01736 799175
Granny’s: Self-catering fisherman’s holiday cottage，2 beds，situated in the heart of St Ives.
Tel；01736 797139
Wallis Cottage: Stay in the home of the famous artist Alfred Wallis (1855 〜1942). Comfortable self-catering cottage, perfect for two and very close to the School.
Tel：01252 703272
1. Where would you most probably stay when traveling to St Ives on a tight budget?| A．In Tregony. | B．In West by Five. | C．In Cohort Hostel. | D．In Beachside Guest House. |
| A．They all have comfortable en-suites. |
| B．They are all 4 or 5-star accommodation places. |
| C．They are all close to St Ives School of Painting. |
| D．They all provide spectacular panoramic sea-views. |
| A．07810 127812. | B．01736 794584. |
| C．01736 799175. | D．01252 703272. |
6 . People who play drums regularly for years differ from unmusical people in their brain structure and function. The results of a study by researchers from Bochum suggest that they have fewer, but thicker fibers in the main connecting tract between the brain hemispheres(半球). In addition, their motor brain areas are organized more efficiently. This is the conclusion drawn by a research team headed by Dr. Lara. It was published in the journal Brain and Behavior, online on 4 December 2019.
The researchers were interested in drummers because their movement control far surpasses that of untrained people. "Most people can only perform fine motor tasks with one hand and have problems playing different rhythms with both hands at the same time," explains Lara, "Drummers can do things that are impossible for untrained people."
The team intended to gain new insights into the organization of complex motor processes in the brain by identifying the changes in the brain caused by this training. The researchers tested 20 professional drummers who have played their instrument for an average of 17 years and currently practice for more than ten hours per week. They examined them using various MRI imaging techniques that provide insights into the structure and function of the brain. They then compared the data with measurements of 24 unmusical control subjects. Both groups had to play drums to test their abilities and were then examined in the MRI scanner.
Drummers presented clear differences in the front part of the corpus callosum(胼胝体)responsible for motor planning. The data indicated that the drummers had fewer but thicker fibers in this important connecting tract. This allows musicians to exchange information between the hemispheres more quickly than the controls.
Although drummers might be good at motor coordination, they are less active in motor tasks than that of control subjects. This phenomenon indicates that a more efficient brain organization in the areas leads to less activation in professionals.
1. Which has the closest meaning with the underlined word in Paragraph 2?| A．Correspond with. | B．Go beyond | C．Differ from. | D．Fall behind. |
| A．By analyzing previous study. |
| B．By organizing complex motor tasks. |
| C．By testing their abilities and scanning the brains. |
| D．By comparing amateur drummers and unmusical people. |
| A．They are more active in motor tasks. |
| B．They can play rhythms more quickly. |
| C．They have better imagination and insights. |
| D．They have more efficient brain organization. |
| A．Playing drums changes the brain. |
| B．Playing drums can be trained. |
| C．Playing music makes you active. |
| D．Playing music brings benefits. |
7 . Everyone can smile when they are on cloud nine. Everyone can cry when the weather is blue. But it takes a strong person to smile when he or she has every reason to cry!
Kiley, from Maryland, is an author, fashion model, motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Since 3 years old, her life has proven to be a journey of surgeries. She was forced to have two permanent ostomies (造口术), causing her to have ostomy bags for the rest of her life.
Carrying not one, but two ostomy bags is not something you would want anyone to go through especially your own child. As a single father, Jay is Kiley's biggest advocate. When Kiley was 10 years old, she gave a special Father's Day gift to her father to express her gratitude, which was to dance with him at her talent show at school. In the video, the little girl was smiling from ear to ear. They danced along the song, Overcomer of American Idol's Mandisa. "You're an overcomer. Stay in the fight till the final round." True to the lyrics, Kiley is a strong and inspiring overcomer.
At only fifteen, Kiley set up Enhancing Children's Lives Organization, a foundation dedicated to helping low-income children, providing them with backpacks filled with school supplies, shoes clothing and even food.
She has been a fashion model for over 7 years, yes with two ostomy bags. She is helping cancer survivors and inspiring ostomy patients. Looking at the outer appearance, one would not tell she lives with these adversities. She has proven that not even the biggest problem in the world could wipe away the smile from her face!
Kiley wrote in one of her books, "I used to say, ‘Why me? Why cancer? Why ostomy bags?’ Now I say, ‘Why not me?’ Just because you have some difficulties in life doesn't mean you can't make it. We have the ability to make a difference, to change lives."
1. Why did Kiley decide to dance with her father at school?| A．To show off her talent. |
| B．To win her dad's support. |
| C．To promote Father's Day. |
| D．To show thanks to her dad. |
| A．Medical care. |
| B．Full scholarship. |
| C．School necessities. |
| D．Better education |
| A．Optimistic and inspiring. |
| B．Strong-willed and realistic. |
| C．Creative and independent. |
| D．Confident and ambitious. |
| A．Health is money. |
| B．Smile has power. |
| C．Hard work pays off. |
| D．Cherish the time. |
8 . Choosing the right hiking equipment will make your walk safer and more comfortable. Getting it right is easy with our pick of the best, don’t hesitate to grab them.
SMART SOCKS
Smartwool Women’s PhD Outdoor Light Print Crew Walking Socks (£16.09) Built for mile after mile of trail, these socks are so light and seamless you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.
Darn Tough Kelso Micro Crew Light Cushion (£20) Keep you cool while going the distance in these wool socks. They’re cushioned and silky soft.
1000 Mile Fusion Walking Sock (£15.99, twin pack) Need extra comfort? The Fusion Walking Sock has a blister-free guarantee thanks to clever double-layer technology and padded zones.
LIGHTWEIGHT JACKETS
Smartwool Merino Smart Ultra Light Hoodie (£114.99) This windproof layer packs away into its pocket.
Berghaus Women’s Skerray Smock (£70) Stay warm if the wind gets up in this super-light, water-repellent smock jacket with a fitting hood. It packs away into the small pocket.
Finisterre Mistral Waterproof Jacket (£185) Light yet fully waterproof, this cool high- quality jacket has zipped pockets and an adjustable foldaway hood.
SUMMER SHORTS
Jack Wolfskin Overland Zip Away (£115) Always chilly when you set out but boiling by the time you’re climbing that hill? With these clever pants, you get a pair of soft-shell trousers and a pair of shorts in one.
1. What can we know from the passage?| A．If you want to protect your feet, you’d better choose Crew Walking Socks. |
| B．Crew Light Cushion is a kind of sock special in material to keep you cool. |
| C．Both the Light Hoodie and Skerray Smock can keep out the wind. |
| D．All the equipment recommended can be folded and put in a pocket. |
| A．Crew Walking Socks & Waterproof Jacket |
| B．Light Hoodie & Fusion Walking Socks |
| C．Overland Zip Away & Crew Light Cushion |
| D．Fusion Walking socks & Skerray Smock |
| A．New Technology. | B．Life Style. |
| C．Fashion Costume. | D．Advertisement. |
9 . More than a fifth of the world’s plant species face the threat of extinction, a trend with potentially disaster effects for life on Earth, according to research released on Wednesday. But a separate study warned that extinction of mammals had been estimated too highly and suggested some mammal species thought to have been wiped out may yet be rediscovered.
Stephen Hopper said the report on plant loss was the most accurate mapping yet of the threat to the planet’s estimated 380, 000 plant species. This study confirms what we already suspected, that plants are under threat and the main cause is human-caused habitat loss, Hopper said. The study, carried out by Kew with the Natural History Museum in London and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), set a “major baseline” for future conservation efforts, he said.
“We cannot sit back and watch plant species disappear—plants are the basis of all life on Earth, providing clean air, water, food and fuel. All animal and bird life depends on them, and so do we”, Hopper added, The study comes ahead of a meeting in Nagoya, Japan, from October 18 to 29, where members of the UN’s Biodiversity Convention will set new targets to save endangered wildlife.
Craig Hilton of the IUCN said he hoped the Nagoya meeting would set the goal of preventing the extinction of any known threatened species by 2020. “We want to make sure that plants will not be forgotten”, he said. In their study, researchers assessed almost 4, 000 species, of which 22 percent were classed as threatened, especially in tropical rain forest. Plants were more threatened than birds, as threatened as mammals and less threatened than amphibians (两栖动物)or coral (珊瑚), it said.
1. The underlined part “been wiped out” in the first paragraph can be replaced by ________ .| A．turned out | B．broken out | C．died out | D．run out |
| A．because too many animals eat them as food |
| B．owing to their competition against each other |
| C．mostly because humans destroy their living areas |
| D．for the growing air and water pollution |
| A．Sitting back and watching them disappear. |
| B．Making them supply more food to humans. |
| C．Preventing humans from using plant products. |
| D．Trying to protect them from dying out. |
| A．Birds | B．Plants | C．Amphibians | D．Coral |
10 . The Indian government declared an “emergency situation” in New Delhi on Sunday as air pollution hit dangerous new highs and people had the selfies(自拍) to prove it.
Officials announced a series of measures to fight against smog in the capital city, including halting construction projects, closing a coal-fired power factory for 10 days and washing the dusty roads. The citizens，meanwhile，took “smog selfies” as they walked through dirty air which could taste and smell. Some selfie photographers joined hundreds of protesters in downtown New Delhi to demand that the government deal with the deadly smog.
New Delhi, already one of the world’s dirtiest cities, is experiencing its worst smog in nearly two decades. The city saw levels of PM2.5 of more than 900 micrograms per cubic meter on Saturday. That’s more than 90 times the level that the World Health Organization considers safe and is 15 times higher than the Indian government’s standards.
Particulate(微粒的) matter comes from vehicles, coal factories, burning trash piles, dust and other sources. New Delhi’s severe pollution was initially blamed on the widespread bursting of firecrackers during the festival Diwali. But images published by NASA last week suggested that crop burning in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana could be the reason for the increasing levels of PM2.5. New Delhi’s chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, said that farmers in those states begin burning straw at the start of every winter to clear their plants for planting wheat.
The pollution can lead to lung cancer, heart disease and related illnesses, particularly in growing children. Kejriwal said people should avoid going outdoors until the pollution levels drop and should work at home as much as possible. Of course, they should put down the selfie sticks, too.
1. What does the underlined word “halting” in Paragraph 2 meap?| A．Stopping. | B．Encouraging. | C．Protecting. | D．Changing. |
| A．The poor condition in New Delhi has led to a strike. |
| B．New Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world. |
| C．A lot of people especially children died of smog in New Delhi. |
| D．Kejriwal suggested that people stop working to deal with smog. |
| A．Images of people living in New Delhi. |
| B．Levels of PM2.5 in most cities of India. |
| C．Sources of particulate matter in New Delhi. |
| D．Measures taken by the New Delhi government. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Supportive. | C．Uncaring. | D．Opposed. |
