1 . It’s almost spring, the time of year when the change in seasons could lead to some pretty fascinating cloud activity in the sky. NASA and the GLOBE Program are inviting you to take part in a citizen science cloud observation challenge.

The GLOBE Program is an international science and education program providing the public with the opportunity to participate in the scientific process. From March 15 through April 15, citizen scientists can make up to 10 cloud observations per day using the GLOBE Observer app or one of the other data entry options (for trained GLOBE members). Challenge participants with the most observations will be congratulated by a NASA scientist in a video posted on the GLOBE Program’s website and social media.

“The GLOBE Program is offering this challenge to show how important it is to NASA to have citizen scientist observations from ground up,” said Marile Colon Robles, lead for the GLOBE Clouds team at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

Researchers use and value this citizen science cloud data because it helps confirm data from Earth-observing instruments.

Scientists at Langley work with a set of six instruments known as the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES). Even though CERES’ instruments use advanced technology, it is not always easy for researchers to positively identify all types of clouds in their images.

For example, it can be difficult to tell thin, wispy cirrus clouds (细小的卷云) from snow, since both are cold and bright; it is even more so when cirrus clouds are above a surface with patchy snow (片状雪) or snow cover. One solution is to look at satellite images from a particular area and compare them to data submitted by citizen scientists on the ground.

“Looking at what an observer recorded as clouds and looking at their surface observations really helps us better understand the images that were matched from the satellite,” said Colon Robles.

You don’t have to be a cloud-gazing professional to participate. For those who want to be part of the challenge but don’t have a lot of experience identifying clouds, Colon Robles offers the following advice: “Just go outside. The more clouds you observe, the more comfortable you’ll be collecting data.”

1. What does the author intend to do in paragraph 1?

A．Provide background information.

B．Present an argument.

C．Attract readers’ attention.

D．Offer advice to readers.

2. Why do researchers launch the cloud observation challenge?

A．The GLOBE Program is badly short of hands.

B．The technology CERES uses is not advanced.

C．Cirrus clouds are difficult to identify with snow cover.

D．Scientists can compare data from different instruments.

3. What can we learn from the passage?

A．Citizen observers can only submit data by means of an app.

B．Observers with the most observations will receive a special honor.

C．Observations from the ground are not as valuable as satellite images.

D．The data collected by citizen scientists will be posted on social media.

4. Which is the best title for the passage?

A．NASA to Employ New Members.

B．Cloud Activities Bring a New Challenge.

C．Scientists to Teach You to Observe Clouds.

D．Citizens Gain Experience through Observation.

3 . Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are among the most famous awards for student achievement in the literary and visual arts. Past winners include such short story masters as Donald Barthelme, Joyce Carol Oates, and Stephen King.

The contest offers several categories relevant to short story writers: short story, flash fiction, science fiction, humor, and writing collection（graduating seniors only）.

Who can enter? The contest is open to students in grades 9 to 12 （including homeschool-ers）in the US, Canada, or American schools abroad.

What do winners receive? The contest offers a variety of scholarships（some as high as $ 10,000）and cash awards （some as high as $ 1,000）at both the regional level and he national level. Winners may also receive certificates of recognition and opportunities for publication.

How are entries judged? The awards have three judging standards: originality, technical skill, and the reflection of a personal vision or voice. Be sure to read past winners to get an idea of what's been successful. The judges change every year, but they always include people who are highly accomplished in their field.

When is the deadline? Competition guidelines are updated in September, and submissions are usually accepted from September through early January. Regional Gold Key winners will automatically advance to the national competition.

How do I enter? All students begin by entering a regional competition based on their ZIP code. See the guidelines for additional information.

1. What is uninvolved in the awards?

A．Employment.

B．Certificates.

C．Cash.

D．Scholarships.

2. What does the author advise participants to do about entry judgments?

A．Consult previous judges.	B．Learn from famous writers.
C．Refer to previous winners.	D．Ask teachers of local schools.

3. Which of the following will result in disqualification?

A．Writing a story of 120 words.

B．Entering the regional competition.

C．Mailing your entry on October 30.

D．Quoting plots from other writers' works.

4 . Some people have a very poor sense of direction.   Unluckily,   I am one of them.   I have visited a place many times but I may still get lost there the next time.

When I was a little girl,   I never dared to ask strangers the way.   And so I used to walk around in circles and hope that by chance I would get to the place I was going to.

Now,   I am no longer too shy to ask people for directions,   but I often receive helpless or even wrong information.   So I try to avoid giving people wrong directions.   If anyone ever asks me the way somewhere,   I would say,   “Sorry,   I am a stranger here. ”

Once on my way to work I was stopped by a man.   He asked me if I could tell him the way to the Friendship Building.   I gave him my usual reply.   But just as I walked on only a few steps,   I realized that he had asked the way to my office building.   However,   I had no time to turn back and look for him.   I was rushing to meet with someone at my office and I didn’t want to keep him waiting.

When I just got to my office,   the secretary(秘书) showed in the man who had asked me for directions.   Imagine how embarrassed I was and how surprised he was when we saw each other at the first sight.

1. The writer always refuses to give people directions because _________.

A．she is a stranger to the city

B．she doesn’t know the people

C．she’s afraid of giving wrong directions

D．she has no time to help others

2. A man stopped the writer on the way to _________.

A．sell her something	B．ask her the time
C．ask for the direction	D．make friends with her

3. Why wwere the wrriter embarrassed and the man who asked the way surpriese when they meet at the writer’s office?

A．They saw each other the second time.

B．The man was much fastyer.

C．The writer didn’t tell the right direction to the man

D．They hadn’t seen each other for a long time.

4. The Friendship Building is the place where the writer _________.

A．lives

B．studies

C．works

D．teaches

5. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A．The writer is too shy to give others directions.

B．The writer never got lost when she was young.

C．The writer has a very poor sense of direction.

D．The man was quite nervous when he saw the writer.

5 . TV Shows For Teens

A study found that although new types of media are available to youngsters today, television continues to be important. Teens continue their habit of watching TV during adolescence and even start to rely on it for their knowledge expansion. Here is a list of TV shows for your teens' viewing pleasure:

Ancient Aliens

As your teens are old enough to understand Unidentified Flying Objects and aliens, you can encourage them to watch Ancient Aliens. This American television series will bring your teens the fascinating topics of extraterrestrial（外星球的）presence and the scientific proof behind the claims.

Channel: History

Superhumans

The American documentary series were aired from 2010 to 2014, whose aim was to discover human beings with a superhuman level of extraordinary physical or mental abilities. The show, which attempts to uncover the scientific secret behind their “gifts”, will help your teens learn about the scientific reasons of superhuman abilities.

Channel: Sci-Fi

Megascience

Providing an abundance of scientific information in an easy and comprehensible way is Megascience's style. All your teens' most puzzling scientific questions are answered in this show clearly and in detail, telling everything related to science.

Channel: Discovery Science

Science of Stupid

This show, broadcast in various versions in different countries, mixes science along with fun. While addressing various scientific principles, it provides a scientific explanation for basic questions, such as what happens when you use the wrong type of balloon, through funny videos.

Channel: National Geographic

1. On which channel can teens watch a show about UFOs?

A．History.

B．Sci-Fi.

C．Discovery Science.

D．National Geographic.

2. What is Science of Stupid special about?

A．Its popularity.

B．Its style.

C．Its meaning.

D．Its audience.

3. What do the four shows have in common?

A．They talk about science.	B．They have many versions.
C．They are brand-new shows.	D．They are aired around the world.

6 . Central Power and Light

Graduating from high school? Looking for a job? We have a bright future for you!

We’re Central Power and Light. For more than fifty years, we have been providing the energy you need every day. We keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Without us, your CD Players, televisions, radios and computers wouldn't work. In fact, without us, you might have trouble reading these words because we are responsible for things as basic as the lights in your homes and classrooms.

We’re quite a business. However, as important as electric and gas power are to our customers we’re more than just a public-service company. We’re also a good neighbor, working hard to help keep our environment as clean as we possibly can while still keeping our carbon footprint low.

It takes many people with a wide variety of skills and interests to keep a company like ours in business. That’s why we have more than one hundred job openings in several areas. Do any of these sound right for you?

mechanic trainee
word processor
safety inspector trainee
driver
security guard
customer service representative
accountant

We are always looking for new talent, and we offer a host of benefits.

competitive salaries
pension plan
insurance
company social events
medical coverage
pleasant working conditions
continuing training classes
convenient location

If you would like to talk with one of our employment consultants, we invite you to our job fair being held the week of May 3 — May 7. Just drop in. You will be glad.

1. Who is the text intended for?

A．Power company workers.	B．High school seniors.
C．The general public.	D．High school teachers.

2. What might an interested reader do after reading the text?

A．Talk to a friend.	B．Visit a school headmaster.
C．Attend a job fair.	D．Consult his or her parents.

3. What can we learn about the company mentioned above?

A．It has a history of over a century.

B．Its business ranges from light to gas.

C．It pays much attention to ecosystem.

D．It holds a large job fair monthly.

7 . Los Angeles Public Schools take three weeks off during the Holidays, leaving working parents in need of camps for their kids. Here's a list of terrific Winter Camps in Los Angeles to choose from.

Act One Theatre Camp

A new online camp which brings the exciting world of theatre straight to your living room! Join us for a dynamic and interactive theatre experience where our campers get the opportunity to enjoy the fun, creativity and laughter of the theatre world. Each and every day they'll participate in acting, singing, dancing, movie-making, and stage design. All of it lead up to a professionally produced Big Show for the whole family to watch online! From the shy wallflower to the class clown: All levels of experience welcomed!

Available Dates: Dec 21 -23 and Dec 28-30

Atwater Photo Camp

In addition to Photo Camp this Fall/Winter, A PC is offering online Editing Camp. Learning how to edit with Lightroom & Photoshop will not only take your images to the next level, but it will also vastly improve the way you shoot. Join us!

Available Dates: Dec 28-31 and Jan 5-8 for both Photo Camp and Editing Camp

Camp Wildfolk

Join us in-person for “Wide-Open Spaces" Winter Camp in a beautiful outdoor setting in Valley Village. We're outdoors, masked-up, spaced-out, and all ready to make some wonderful memories for our kids. Games, Science, Nature Exploration, Robotics, Art, and more. 1 st-5th grade. Very few spaces remaining!

Available Dates: Dec 21-24 and Jan 4-8

Sender One LAX

Looking for something fun and health-conscious to do for your child this season? Sign-up for our 3-day rock climbing camp! Activities include rope climbing, games, zip line, king swing, and Sender City. Space is limited, so register early! Morning and afternoon sessions available.

Available Dates: Dec 21-23 and Dec 28-30

1. What is special about Act One Theatre Camp?

A．It is a camp intended only for beginners.

B．It is an in-person camp held in a theatre.

C．It presents kids with a big TV show for fun.

D．It offers kids various kinds of theatre experiences.

2. Which will a boy choose if he wants to look for a five-day winter camp in January?

A．Act One Theatre Camp.	B．Camp Wildfolk.
C．Sender One LAX.	D．Atwater Photo Camp.

3. What do the four winter camps have in common?

A．They are held in Los Angeles.

B．They are online winter camps.

C．They are open to students of all ages.

D．They are available every day in December.

8 . In England, people often talk about the weather because they can experience four seasons in one day. In the morning the weather is warm just like in spring. An hour later black clouds come and then it rains hard. The weather gets a little cold. In the late afternoon the sky will be sunny, the sun will begin to shine, and it will be summer at this time of a day.

In England, people can also have summer in winter, or have winter in summer. So in winter they can swim sometimes, and in summer sometimes they should take warm clothes.

When you go to England, you will see that some English people usually take an umbrella or a raincoat with them in the sunny morning, but you should not laugh at them. If you don't take an umbrella or a raincoat, you will regret later in the day.

1. From the story we know that when _________come, there is a heavy rain.

A．sunshine and snow	B．black clouds
C．summer and winter	D．spring and autumn

2. "People can also have summer in winter." Means "it is sometimes too ______in winter."

A．warm

B．cool

C．cold

D．rainy

3. In the sunny morning some English people usually take a raincoat or an umbrella with them because ________.

A．their friends ask them to do so	B．it often rains in England
C．they are going to sell them	D．they are their favourite things

4. The best title for this passage is ________.

A．Bad Seasons	B．Summer or Winter
C．The Weather in England	D．Strange English People

9 . Four Apps You Need While in NYC

It’s okay to get some help when exploring NYC. These free apps can help you determine the fastest and safest routes there.

Embark NYC

It got you to work, popular restaurants and house parties. Embark NYC provides details on train delays, accidents, and has scheduled updates to ensure you can stay ahead of the masses. The app also features an easy-to-read subway map so that you know where you’re headed next.

Devices: Android, iPhone, iPad, iPod

Citymapper

Citymapper is perfect for people internationally traveling in NYC. Available in Spanish, French, German, and Italian, the app allows you to customize your schedule to best suit your needs. The app works hand in hand with those who regularly use the car service. Citymapper will also tell you the nearest bus stations and departure times. It also provides weather up-dates, delays, and optimizes (使最优化) search results to ensure you are given the fastest routes available in your area.

Devices: Android, iPhone

MTA Subway Time

Straight from the source, this app offers quick access to all the trains. The app will help find stations to best suite your travels needs and can help find alternative travel routes in case of emergency. It also features updates on the Staten Island Railroad.

Devices: Android, iPhone

Cab Sense NYC

Cab Sense NYC updates street corners and areas where cabs are present. You don’t have to stand in the rain any longer, and simply use the app by shaking your phone to tell drivers in your area you’re looking for a cab.

Devices: iPhone

1. What is special about Embark NYC?

A．It provides details on trains.

B．It can be downloaded for free.

C．It helps people travel in NYC.

D．It can be used on more devices.

2. Who will show special interest in Citymapper?

A．A local train drivers.

B．A computer programmer.

C．A Spanish businesssman in NYC.

D．A Frenchman travelling by bus.

3. Which app offers you information about taxis in NYC?

A．Embark NYC.	B．Citymapper.
C．MTA Subway Time.	D．Cab Sense NYC.

10 . Every animal species carries unique viruses that have specifically adapted to infecting it. Over time, some of these have jumped to humans — these are known as “zoonotic” viruses.

As the population grows, we move into wild areas, which brings us into more frequent contact with animals we don’t normally have contact with. Thus viruses can jump from animals to humans and they can spread between humans, through close contact with body fluids (体液) like blood or urine.

Because every virus has evolved to target a particular species, it’s rare for a virus to beable to jump to another species. When this does happen, it’s by chance, and it usually requires a large amount of contact with the virus.

Initially, the virus is usually not well-suited to its new host and doesn’t spread easily. Over time, however, it can evolve in the new host to produce variants that are better adapted.

When viruses jump to a new host, a process called zoonosis, they often cause more severe disease. This is because viruses and their initial hosts have evolved together, and the species has time to build up resistance. The new host species, on the other hand, might not have evolved the ability to tackle (应对) the virus. For example, when we come into contact with bats and their viruses, we may develop rabies or Ebola virus disease, while the bats themselves are less affected.

It’s likely that bats are the original source of three recently emerged coronaviruses: SARS-CoV (2003), MERS-CoV (2012) and SARS-CoV-2. All of these jump from bats to humans via an intermediate animal; in the case of SARS-CoV-2, this may have been pangolins (穿山甲), but more research is needed.

1. Why is it rare for a virus to infect another species?

A．The new host can deal with the virus.

B．The new species builds up resistance.

C．Every virus can’t adapt to the new species.

D．Each virus develops to target a specific species.

2. What is the fifth paragraph mainly about?

A．The resistance of the old species.

B．The ability of the new host species.

C．The process of the viral infection.

D．The reason for the virus variation.

3. Which of the following viruses are most likely to host in pangolins?

A．SARS-CoV.	B．SARS-CoV-2.
C．Not mentioned.	D．MERS-CoV.

4. What can we infer from the text?

A．Humans should not move into wild areas.

B．Wild animals are actually our best friends.

C．A virus can spread from animals to humans.

D．A virus can vary to infect another species.