1 . An experimental cleanup device called RemoveDEBRIS has successfully cast a net around a dummy (仿真的) satellite, imitating a technique that could one day collect spaceborne garbage.
The test, which was carried out this week, is widely believed to be the first successful demonstration of space cleanup technology, experts told CNN. And it symbolizes an early step toward solving what has already been a critical issue: junk in space.
Millions of pieces of junk are turning around in orbit, the result of 50 years of space travel and few regulations to keep space clean. At orbital speeds, even a small bit of paint crashing with a satellite can cause critical damage.
Various companies have plans to send thousands of new satellites into low-Earth orbit, already the most crowded area.
The RemoveDEBRIS experiment is run by a company and researchers led by the U. K.’s Surrey Space Center and includes Airbus, Airbus-owned Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. and France’s ArianeGroup.
Guglielmo Aglietti, the director of Surrey Space Center, said that an operational version of the RemoveDEBRlS technology would cast a net that remains fastened to the main satellite so the debris can be dragged out of orbit. It could target large pieces of junk, including dead satellites up to 10 meters long.
The RemoveDEBRIS satellite will conduct a few more experiments in the coming months, including testing navigation features that could help guide the satellite to a specific piece of debris.
Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, said the success of this week’s experiment was exciting, but he cautioned against “over- publicizing” it.
There are still enormous barriers to clear before operational cleanup tasks are underway, he said, and the most discouraging is figuring out how to fund such projects.
Aglietti, the Surrey professor who helped lead the RemoveDEBRIS project, said “The challenge will lie in persuading the relevant authorities to sponsor these tasks.” Aglietti said he hopes RemoveDEBRIS will conduct a few cleanup tasks per year, targeting the largest pieces of junk in the most crowded orbits.
1. What is the use of the RemoveDEBRIS satellite?| A．Demonstrating space technology. |
| B．Imitating a developing technique. |
| C．Collecting wastes existing in space. |
| D．Symbolizing great progress in space. |
| A．By throwing a net to take the junk from orbit. |
| B．By fastening it to the main satellite tightly. |
| C．By dragging satellites up to 10 meters long. |
| D．By targeting large pieces of junk carefully. |
| A．Accomplish. | B．Support. | C．Oppose. | D．Provide. |
| A．The RemoveDEBRIS Project Is Perfect |
| B．How RemoveDEBRIS Is Invented in the Lab |
| C．Why the RemoveDEBRIS Satellite Is Invented |
| D．Satellite Collects Space Junk for the First Time |
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas This book takes you through waves of emotion as you start to undcrstdad the main character, the 9-year-old son Bruno of the Auschwitz commandant(（司令官）. The plot taking place during the Holocaust（大屠杀）,we witness the horror from the boys viewpoint . who just wants friends. You 11 be shocked by some of the more surprising aspects of the book as the boy befriends one of the boys on the other side of the fence. | The Book Thief The story is about a young girl named Liesel who has to live with foster parents(养父母）during World WarⅡ. On the way to her new home. her bother dies, setting the sad tone for the story. There is hope, however, when Liesel discovers her love for reading and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing at tacks as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. |
The Fault in Our Stars This is probably the most likely book to make you cry, as it records the experiences of teens who are dying from cancer and living their last days in love. Their life is tragic and jarring at the same time as we watch their health deteriorate （恶化）. The real tragedy is the love between the main characters, who know that it is certain to "die". | A Child Called " It" Easily one of the saddest stories of abuse in recent decades. A hild Called " It" is based on the true story of Dave Pelzer, a boy from C alifornia who suffered at the hands of his sadistic(施虐癖的)family, the tears will conic from both sadness and the inspiration lied to Dave's fight for survival in an environment where he is considered worthless. |
| A．The Book Thief. | B．A Child Called “it” |
| C．The Fault in Our Stars. | D．The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. |
| A．Liesel's brother | B．The 9-year-old son Bruno. |
| C．A young girl named Liesel. | D．Have Pelzer, a boy from California. |
| A．They all expose the dark side of society. | B．They are all emotionally powerful. |
| C．They are all connected with wars. | D．They all have a sad ending. |
3 . Want to find a job? Now read the following advertisements.
FAIRMONT HOTEL
Five waiters and Ten Waitresses
---Aged under 22
---At least high school graduate
---Good looking; men at least 1.72 meters tall and women 1.65
---Those knowing foreign languages preferred
---Paid 1600---2200 dollars per month
One Secretary
---Aged under 30
---Female preferred
---Good at writing and skilled at computer
If interested, call 465-4768 or write to: Mr. Jack Hundris Room 0825, Fairmont Hotel
567 Wood Street, San Markers, 78003
Fax: 6954828
WILSON BOOKSTORE
Accountant(会计)
---Aged between 25 and 40
---With an experience of at least two years
---With a degree and an accountant certificate(证书)
---Paid 3000-4000 dollars monthly
---With a knowledge of computer
Salesclerk
---Basic education of 12 years or more
---Good at computer
---Paid 1800-2200 dollars monthly
Tel: 447-4398 Fax: 3485269
1. If you don’t know how to use a computer, you can just apply(申请) for the position as _________ .| A．a secretary | B．an accountant |
| C．a waiter or a waitress | D．a salesclerk |
| A．knowing well how to use a computer | B．being a woman |
| C．having been an accountant | D．having an accountant certificate、 |
| A．should be younger than 30 years old | B．should be a university graduate |
| C．have to be taller than 1.72 meters | D．have to be a woman and know foreign languages |
4 . The Danish lifestyle concept of hygge means many indescribable feeling of comfortable things to many people. Now, join us in visiting some of the best hygge places.
1. Manhausen (Manshausen，Norway)
Adventure-seeking people needn’t look further than Manhausen, a 55-acre island escape in Norway’s Grotoya strait. Not to be missed: the saltwater hot tub overlooking the sea and family-style meals enjoyed fireside at the main house. The baby sitting service also available.
Get more information here.
2. Cedar Lakes Estate (Port Jervis，New York)
Occupying 500 bucolic acres, this turn-of-the-century summer camp now houses a host of luxury, lodge-style cabins. Bike the grounds, paddle the lakes, swim in the outdoor heated pool or head to a nearby mountain for a day of skiing. Then lie down with a great book beneath a fur blanket, turn on your fireplace and get your snuggle on.
Get more information here.
3. Soho Farmhouse (Oxfordshire，England)
This Oxfordshire countryside members-only club offers up a British version of hygge. Among the splendid property’s coziest offerings: the community farmyard and the Studio Cabin guest room, which boasts views of the lake.
Get more information here.
4. Salt House Inn (Provincetown，Massachusetts)
This charming coastal town now boasts a 19th-century-shingled cottage turned hotel. Book your visit during the quiet, windswept off-season (January through March) for some salty fresh air on the beach.
Get more information here.
1. If you are taking a baby, which one may suit you best?| A．Manhausen. | B．Cedar Lakes Estate. |
| C．Soho Farmhouse. | D．Salt House Inn. |
| A．Water scenery. | B．Limited access. | C．Outdoor activities. | D．Family-style meals. |
| A．A magazine. | B．A brochure. | C．A textbook. | D．A website. |
Different cultures emphasize(强调)the importance of relationship building to a greater or lesser degree.For example,business in some countries is not possible until there is a relationship of trust.Even with people at work,it is necessary to spend a lot of time in “small talk”,usually over a glass of tea,before they do any job.In many European countries—like the UK or France—people find it easier to build up a lasting working relationship at restaurants or cafés rather than at the office.
Talk and silence may also be different in some cultures.I once made a speech in Thailand.I had expected my speech to be a success and start a lively discussion;instead there was an uncomfortable silence.The people present just stared at me and smiled.After getting to know their ways better,I realized that they thought I was talking too much.In my own culture,we express meaning mainly through words,but people there sometimes feel too many words are unnecessary.
Even within Northern Europe,cultural differences can cause serious problems. Certainly, English and German cultures share similar values;however,Germans prefer to get down to business more quickly.We think that they are rude.In fact,this is just because one culture starts discussions and makes decisions more quickly.
People from different parts of the world have different values,and sometimes these values are quite against each other.However,if we can understand them better,a multicultural environment(多元文化环境)will offer a wonderful chance for us to learn from each other.
1. In some countries,eating together at restaurants may make it easier for people to .
| A．develop closer relations | B．share the same culture |
| C．get to know each other | D．keep each other company |
| A．the English prefer to make long speeches |
| B．too many words are of no use |
| C．people from Thailand are quiet and shy by nature |
| D．even talk and silence can be culturally different |
| A．By sharing different ways of life. |
| B．By accepting different habits. |
| C．By recognizing different values. |
| D．By speaking each other’s languages. |
| A．Multicultural Environment |
| B．Cross-Cultural Differences |
| C．How to Understand Each Other |
| D．How to Build Up a Relationship |
6 . A build-it-yourself solar still(蒸馏器) is one of the best ways to obtain drinking water in areas where the liquid is not readily available. Developed by two doctors in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it’s an excellent water collector. Unfortunately, you must carry the necessary equipment with you, since it’s all but impossible to find natural substitutes. The only components required, though, are a 5＇×5＇ sheet of clear or slightly milky plastic, six feet of plastic tube, and a container— perhaps just a drinking cup — to catch the water. These pieces can be folded into a neat little pack and fastened on your belt.
To construct a working still, use a sharp stick or rock to dig a hole four feet across and three feet deep. Try to make the hole in a damp area to increase the water catcher’s productivity. Place your cup in the deepest part of the hole. Then lay the tube in place so that one end rests all the way in the cup and the rest of the line runs up — and out — the side of the hole.
Next, cover the hole with the plastic sheet, securing the edges of the plastic with dirt and weighting the sheet’s center down with a rock. The plastic should now form a cone(圆锥体) with 45-degree-angled sides. The low point of the sheet must be centered directly over, and no more than three inches above, the cup.
The solar still works by creating a greenhouse under the plastic. Ground water evaporates (蒸发) and collects on the sheet until small drops of water form, run down the material and fall off into the cup. When the container is full, you can suck the refreshment out through the tube, and won’t have to break down the still every time you need a drink.
1. What do we know about the solar still equipment from the first paragraph?| A．It’s delicate. | B．It’s expensive. |
| C．It’s complex. | D．It’s portable. |
| A．The tube. | B．The still. |
| C．The hole. | D．The cup. |
| A．Dig a hole of a certain size. | B．Put the cup in place. |
| C．Weight the sheet’s center down. | D．Cover the hole with the plastic sheet. |
| A．the plastic tube | B．outside the hole |
| C．the open air | D．beneath the sheet |
7 . Pacific Science Center Guide
◆Visit Pacific Science Center’s Store
Don’t forget to stop by Pacific Science Center’s Store while you are here to pick up a wonderful science activity or souvenir to remember your visit. The store is located(位于) upstairs in Building 3 right next to the Laser Dome.
◆Hungry
Our exhibits will feed your mind, but what about your body? Our café offers a complete menu of lunch and snack options, in addition to seasonal specials. The café is located upstairs in Building 1 and is open daily until one hour before Pacific Science Center closes.
◆Rental Information
Lockers are available to store any belongings during your visit. The lockers are located in Building 1 near the Information Desk and in Building 3. Pushchairs and wheelchairs are available to rent at the Information Desk and Denny Way entrance. ID required.
◆Support Pacific Science Center
Since 1962, Pacific Science Center has been inspiring a passion(热情) for discovery and lifelong learning in science, math and technology. Today, Pacific Science Center serves more than 1.3 million people a year and brings inquiry-based science education to classrooms and community events all over Washington State. It’s an amazing accomplishment and one we cannot achieve without generous support from individuals, corporations, and other social organizations. Visit pacificsciencecenter.org to find various ways you can support Pacific Science Center.
1. Where can you buy a souvenir at Pacific Science Center?| A．In Building 1. |
| B．In Building 3. |
| C．At the the Laser Dome. |
| D．At the Denny Way entrance. |
| A．Train Science teachers. |
| B．Distribute science books. |
| C．Inspire scientific research. |
| D．Take science to the classroom. |
| A．To encourage donations. |
| B．To advertise coming events. |
| C．To introduce special exhibits. |
| D．To tell about the Center’s history. |
8 . Have you ever thought of quitting your job when you feel exhausted? Maybe most of you would say “yes”. After a particularly busy period at work, I decided to get away from it all by going on a hike in the mountains in southern France.
Before I left, I read an interesting story in a magazine. It read, “Once, while I was riding on a crowded bus, the man sitting next to me threw his cell phone out of the window when his phone rang. I was surprised. He looked at me, shrugged (耸耸肩) and looked away. I had no idea whether it was his or stolen or whether he even knew what a cell phone was or not, but he clearly wanted to be free of it, because it clearly troubled him.”
Billions of people across the world use cell phones. Though cell phones are a wonderful way for communication, they often do the exact opposite. Using cell phones can increase stress within families and friends.
So when I recently returned home, I got rid of my cell phone. Now I go outside without taking my phone with me. I’ve noticed things in my neighborhood I never noticed before, such as gardens. I’ve met new people, started conversations with neighbors I didn’t speak to before and talked with some of my friends face to face instead of chatting over the phone.
Instead of keeping me off from the world, stopping using my cell phone has helped me get even closer to my family and friends.
1. According to the story, the man on the bus threw away his cell phone because .| A．it didn’t work properly | B．it was stolen from someone else |
| C．he didn’t like the phone’s style | D．he didn’t want to be bothered by it |
| A．are too expensive for many people |
| B．are of no use to the author |
| C．can also get people into trouble |
| D．can make life more interesting |
| A．He wants to own a garden now. |
| B．He always chatted with his neighbors. |
| C．He used to take his cell phone when going outside. |
| D．He once threw away his cell phone. |
| A．tell us not to let cell phones control our lives |
| B．encourage others to hike with him in France |
| C．share his experiences in France with us |
| D．teach us how to get along with neighbors |
More than the help that one nation can give to another during a disaster; it would be more effective to give other forms of help during normal times. A common proverb says, “Give me a fish and I eat for day, teach me to fish and I eat for a lifetime.” If we follow this wise saying, it would be right to teach people from less developed nations to take care of themselves. For example, a country could share its technology with another. This could be in simple areas like agriculture or in more complex areas like medical and health care or even in building satellites. Even small country is able to help less developed nations. Sometimes what is take for granted, like the setting up of a water purification plant or the administration of a school, could be useful for countries which are looking about to solve common problems. It does not cost much to share such simple things. Exchange students could be attached for a number of months or years and learn the required craft while on the site. They can then take their knowledge back to their homelands and if necessary come back form time to time to clear doubts or to update themselves. Such aid will be truly helpful and there is no chance of it being temporary or of it falling into the wrong hands.
Many countries run extensive courses in all sorts of skills. It will not cost much to include deserving foreigners in these courses. Besides giving effective help to the countries concerned, there is also the build-up of friendships to consider. Giving direct help by giving materials may be effective in the short run and must continue to be given in the event of emergencies. However, in the long run what is really effective would be the sharing of knowledge.
1. According to the author, how could international aid reach the victims in time?
| A．By solving the cost problems |
| B．By solving the transportation problems |
| C．By setting up a body of devoted people in every country. |
| D．By relying on the direct distribution of the UNO. |
| A．Providing food is vital |
| B．Learning to fish is helpful |
| C．Teaching skills is essential |
| D．Looking after others is important. |
| A．A medical team. | B．An exchange program. |
| C．A water plant. | D．Financial support. |
| A．It is facing difficulties |
| B．It is unnecessary during normal times |
| C．It should be given in the form of materials |
| D．It has gained support developed countries |
10 . Children who spend more time outdoors may have a lower risk of becoming nearsighted，new research suggests.
In the study，researchers looked at about 1，900 schoolchildren. The scientists found that the kids who had been instructed to spend more time outdoors for three years were 23 percent less likely to develop nearsightedness during this time than those who had not been instructed.
The researchers selected six schools and required the children，whose average age was 7 at the start of the study，to attend one additional 60-minute class of outdoor activities during each school day for three years. The parents of these children were also encouraged to join their children for outdoor activities after school，especially during weekends and holidays. The other children，from another six schools，continued their usual activity patterns. After three years，30.4 percent of the kids in the intervention(干预) group became nearsighted，compared with 38.5 percent of the kids in the other group.
It is not clear exactly why spending more time outside would benefit children’s eyesight，the researchers said. However，some research has suggested that the higher levels of light intensity found outdoors may increase the release of the chemical dopamine（多巴胺）of the eye. In turn，dopamine is known to restrain（抑制）the type of growth in the eye that is associated with nearsightedness.
Based on the new results，the researchers recommend that children spend more time outdoors because of the potential benefits to their eyesight. However，it's important to protect kids' skin and eyes from UV light，which can be damaging.
1. What did the children in the intervention group do during each school day？| A．They attended an extra class of outdoor activities. |
| B．They just continued to do their usual activities. |
| C．They spent one hour in doing eye exercises. |
| D．They participated in outdoor activities with parents. |
| A．It can contribute to poor sight. |
| B．It can damage people's brain. |
| C．It is beneficial to eyesight. |
| D．It means low levels of light intensity. |
| A．How to design outdoor activities for kids. |
| B．How to prevent kids becoming nearsighted. |
| C．How to protect kids' skin and eyes from UV light. |
| D．How to encourage kids to join in outdoor activities. |
| A．The More Time Outdoors, the Better |
| B．Kids May See Better if They Spend More Time Outside |
| C．It's Time to Join Kids for Outdoor Activities |
| D．Researchers Found a Cure for Nearsightedness |
