1 . Computer programmer David Jones earns ￡35 000 a year designing new computer games, yet he cannot find a bank ready to let him have a credit card. Instead, he has been told to wait another two years, until he is 18. The 16-year-old works for a small firm in Liverpool, where the problem of most young people of his age is finding a job. David’s firm releases two new games for the fast growing computer market each month.
But David’s biggest headache is what to do with his money. Even though he earns a lot, he cannot drive a car, take out a mortgage (抵押贷款), or get credit cards. David got his job with the Liverpool-based company four months ago, a year after leaving school with six O-levels and working for a time in a computer shop. “I got the job because the people who run the firm knew I had already written some programs,” he said. David spends some of his money on records and clothes，and gives his mother 50 pounds a week. But most of his spare time is spent working.
“Unfortunately, computing was not part of our studies at school,” he said. “But I had been studying it in books and magazines for four years in my spare time. I knew what I wanted to do and never considered staying on at school. Most people in this business are fairly young, anyway.” David added, “I would like to earn a million and I suppose early retirement is a possibility. You never know when the market might disappear.”
1. In what way is David different from people of his age?| A．He has a handsome job. |
| B．He cannot have a credit card. |
| C．He graduated with six O-levels. |
| D．He often goes out with friends. |
| A．How to get more spare time. |
| B．Buying a car suitable for him. |
| C．How to deal with his income. |
| D．Releasing two new games each month. |
| A．He received lots of job offers. |
| B．He lost interest in school studies. |
| C．He was eager to help his mother. |
| D．He wanted to earn his own living. |
| A．Positive | B．Critical | C．Worried | D．Hopeless |
2 . Every year around this time, Girl Scouts（女童军）wear their uniforms and set up tables at supermarkets and on sidewalks to sell boxes of cookies in the US. They sold approximately 200 million boxes of cookies each year. Girl Scouts depend on the cookie program to fund life-changing, girl-led programs and educational opportunities. However, during the outbreak of COVID-19, millions of dollars worth of cookies are going unsold.
Amanda Kopelman, 16, came up with an idea and discussed it with the members of her Plantation Troop 10442. They are donating unsold cookies to medical professionals and first rescuers. "Having been a Girl Scout for the past 12 years and the top cookie seller for the past seven years, it truly breaks my heart when I hear that the cookie sales of my Girl Scout sisters across the nation have been cut short," Kopelman said.
She said knowing everyone is going through similar things, and having an international group of girls to talk to have made her time spent at home productive and pleasant. Madelyn Streisfeld 15, said that while she miss the hands-on activities and face-to-face communication scouting provides, she recognizes that having to stay home has its benefits. "We've been able to spend a lot more time with each other online," she said."
"Troop 10442 is a wonderful example of true Girl Scout sisterhood," said Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida CEO Lisa Johnson. "Their think-outside-the-（cookie）-box donation is taking the leadership skills they have learned throughout their many years of Girl Scouts and putting them into action to make the world better during this difficult time."
1. What do we know about Girl Scouts from the first paragraph?| A．They are asked to wear uniforms to school. |
| B．They have raised about 200 million dollars. |
| C．They have stopped funding many educational programs. |
| D．They have been unable to sell their cookies due to COVID-19. |
| A．They are donating unsold cookies to some people. |
| B．They are sending people to help medical workers. |
| C．They are trying to sell their cookies online. |
| D．They are cutting down on production of cookies. |
| A．Becoming better at using technology. |
| B．Earning badges through working online. |
| C．Spending more social time online with her friends. |
| D．Playing games via group video chats at night. |
| A．They are making a difference during this time. |
| B．They put too much effort into the cookie program. |
| C．They need to be more realistic when doing things. |
| D．They show leadership shortcomings of Girl Scouts. |
3 . Top Four Marathons
Portland Marathon
The marathon welcomes 8, 000 people every fall. It’s a great event for first-timers because everyone is cheered on with enthusiasm no matter how long it takes to cross the finish line. The time limit for the full marathon is now at a pace of minutes per mile, or 6 hours and 33 minutes, but in the past it had an open time limit. They promise you’ll still receive your medal if you fall behind the pace, but you have to finish using the sidewalks.
TCS New York City Marathon
As the world’s biggest marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon attracts over 50,000 people to the Big Apple each November. The time limit is generous eight and a half hours, but participants must move to the sidewalk if they drop below 15-minute mile. The famous course snakes through five boroughs (行政区) of the city and crosses five bridges to end in Central Park.
Honolulo Marathon
The marathon attracts over 30,000 participants each December. The race starts on Ala Moana Boulevard in downtown Honolulu and snakes its way along the breathtaking Hawaiian coastline to the finish line in Kapiolani Park. The start time is at 5: 00 am with finish line services officially open until 2: 00 pm. However, the organizers allow everyone to finish and have waiters on hand until 4: 00 pm.
Boston Marathon
The marathon is held in May every year. For this event running isn’t allowed as the city streets aren’t closed off. Participants must instead make their way along sidewalks under the guidance of event organizers and city police. The event attracts over 8,000 people who can choose anything from three-mile walk to the full 26.2-mile Boston Marathon route.
1. Where is a new marathon runner most likely to receive enthusiastic cheers?| A．In Portland. | B．In New York. |
| C．In Honolulu. | D．In Boston. |
| A．It is extremely popular. | B．It has an open time limit. |
| C．It starts and ends in a park. | D．It forbids using the sidewalk. |
| A．Portland Marathon. | B．TCS New York City Marathon. |
| C．Boston Marathon. | D．Honolulu Marathon. |
4 . I just had a snowstorm that piled up eight inches of snow. It truly was a winter wonderland, and there was white beauty everywhere. Since I didn't have anything to do that day, I really enjoyed it.
But then the second snowstorm arrived that night, piling additional inches of snow on top of the snow banks that were already there. And then on the evening news, the weather cast gave us a notice that still another snowstorm was headed our way. Then I felt despondent. I had things to do and places to go. After days of being snowbound, I felt like I was under house arrest. I was stuck.
A place stuck isn't a fun place to be, whether it's from a snowstorm or from life circumstances such as a bad relationship, bills that seem to tower over our heads, or situations where we see no way out. All of us will feel stuck at one time or another, but it's how we respond that makes the difference.
I had a friend named Hannah. She was stuck in the heartbreaking world of infertility (不孕). She longed for a child more than anything. Instead of accepting defeat, she acted sincerely. Think about Nelson Mandela in a dark prison. It was a seemingly hopeless place, but instead of becoming depressed or bitter, he kept fighting for freedom. Yes, he kept fighting to get the success.
Circumstances cannot define us, but our reactions do. Each of those men and women learned important lessons in their "stuck" situations, and we can as well.
1. What does the underlined word" despondent" in paragraph 2 mean?| A．Unhappy. | B．Unusual. | C．Ambitious. | D．Energetic. |
| A．Summarize the previous paragraphs. |
| B．Provide some advice for the readers. |
| C．Introduce some background information. |
| D．Form a connecting link of the context. |
| A．To introduce two great celebrities. |
| B．To introduce the way to be famous. |
| C．To show their different circumstances. |
| D．To show how to respond to difficult situations. |
| A．Don't be defeated by failure |
| B．Don't be trapped by snow |
| C．Enjoy the white beauty |
| D．Keep calm in the winter |
5 . Most of London's national museums are completely free of charge. So without cost to worry about, these are the must-see museums for art lovers on their first trip to London.
National Portrait Gallery
PHONE +44 20 7306 0055
Where else but the National Portrait Gallery can you find oil paintings of the Bronte sisters and William Shakespeare alongside black and white photographs of the Spice Girls and a mixed media portrait of J.K. Rowling? Featuring a collection of famous British people from the Tudor period to the present day, the National Portrait Gallery is a must for those who like British culture.
Science Museum
PHONE +44 33 3241 4000
Ideal for left-brainers, London's Science Museum celebrates scientific, technological, and mathematical achievements — but that makes it sound so serious. With interactive exhibits, flight simulators, an IMAX theater, and even a milkshake bar, a trip to the Science Museum is far from the boring science lessons from back in the day.
Churchill War Rooms
PHONE +44 20 7416 5000
The Imperial War Museum is a collection of five museums and sites. One of the collection' s most fascination inclusions is the Churchill War Rooms. Walking through the underground labyrinth （迷宫）of war rooms is literally walking in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and his war cabinet during WWII
Natural History Museum
PHONE +44 20 7942 5000
Once the home to African elephant specimens and surprising casts of a Triceratops and Diplodocus, the museum' s main hall now floats the real skeleton of a blue whale high above visitors’ heads. Though no longer in the entry hall, you can still find dinosaurs here, such as the first fossil ever found from a T. rex.
1. Which is the best choice for J.K. Rowling’s fans?| A．National Portrait Gallery. | B．Science Museum. |
| C．Churchill War Rooms. | D．Natural History Museum. |
| A．View the arts of the Tudor period. | B．Enjoy a film in an IMAX theater. |
| C．Learn about the war history of Britain. | D．Watch the skeleton of a blue whale. |
| A．44 20 7306 0055. | B．44 33 3241 4000. |
| C．44 20 7416 5000. | D．44 20 7942 5000. |
6 . The popular streaming service Netflix announced plans to exclude (排除) tobacco use from any of its new shows and movies that target younger audiences, specifically those below the age of 15. According to media reports, the decision comes from pressure from Truth Initiative, a large non-profit organization aiming to get rid of tobacco and make its use “a thing of the past”.
Smoking is a bad habit and no parents want their kids to start smoking. As such, excluding the vice (坏习惯) from television shows and movies young people watch makes good sense. I’ll acknowledge that Netflix’s decision to exclude smoking is a good one — but it’s a wildly inconsistent standard. What about other vices? For example, the use of bad language?
As parents of three young boys, my wife and I are trying to expose our children to good things. We want to encourage them to grow up to become responsible men who see the value and potential in every person. We want to see them avoid the landmines that so often entrap young people today.
Sadly, typical television shows and movies contain material that’s the exact opposite of that. It’s often said that companies only produce what people will consume — and there’s some truth in such a claim. But the organization I work for has long had an online site that helps parents know about what's in a movie, show or music album. We don’t tell you whether you should watch or listen — we simply let you know what it’s about — and let you decide. It’s our most popular site, attracting millions of visits each month.
Netflix might be surprised how many new customers they would win if they started producing content that parents actually want instead of themes that regularly stand in opposition to the values of the millions of moms and dads like me who want to see our kids accomplish more in life rather than simply avoiding the smoking habit.
1. Why did Netflix plan to cut smoking from youth-targeted content?| A．Because of appeals from parents. |
| B．Because of the influence of media reports. |
| C．Because of requests from young audiences. |
| D．Because of pressure from a tobacco control organization. |
| A．Bad habits. | B．Comfort zones. |
| C．Unrealistic dreams | D．Improper friendships. |
| A．It teaches parenting skills. |
| B．It promotes youth programs. |
| C．It advertises movies and shows. |
| D．It serves as an entertainment guide. |
| A．It is helpless. |
| B．It is far from enough. |
| C．It is against popular values. |
| D．It is a warning to tobacco makers. |
The doll most loved by many and treasured by kids, Barbie, comes to life in this room as she brings about recall of childhood memories. Feeling like a princess yourself living in a giant dollhouse, mix and match clothes and shoes and make your Barbie fashion statement,
Underwater Room at the Talay Karon Beach Resort in Thailand
As if you're in a submarine, be attracted by the beauty of the sea in this splendid underwater room. Look outside and see a world full of sea creatures and water adventure. Find out how it feels to sleep in the middle and the bottom of the sea.
SpongeBob Room at the Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando
Kids and adults alike laugh at the funny sound and sense of Spongebob. You will feel like playing in the cartoon film. Meanwhile, you will have the one of a kind opportunity to share a room with all his friends, Patrick, Bob and Mr. Krabs and kids will enjoy plenty of games to play.
Flintstones Room at the Melia Hotel in Spain
Have an unforgettable and enjoyable holiday, ideal for both children and parents, in this hotel located in Spain. The Flintstones is a classic and it will be wonderful to be surrounded with Dinosaurs!
Harry Potter Room at The Georgian House in London
Cleverly made by imaginative hotel owners, they have brought to life Hogwarts in this elegant room. Here you belong in the wizard world and must be lost in its magic!
1. When you are at the Hilton Hotel, you will ______ .| A．experience sleeping in the middle of the sea |
| B．experience a life in Hogwarts like Harry Potter |
| C．meet your princess or prince in your mind |
| D．see the beautiful Barbie in the dollhouse |
| A．room Underwater Talay Karon Beach Resort |
| B．Harry Potter Room at The Georgian House |
| C．Flintstnes Room at the Melia Hotel |
| D．Room SpongeBob Nickelodeon Hotel |
| A．The name of a famous ship. |
| B．The name of a captain of a ship. |
| C．The name of a character in a cartoon film. |
| D．The name of the owner of Nicklodeon Hotel. |
Lying on North Carolina's Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras Seashore is an amazing destination for recreating, relaxing and more. There are many beautiful beaches in the seashore for the whole family to explore and enjoy. Visitors can spend vacation time for shells, birding, hiking and so on. The outer banks are also an excellent spot to go windsurfing especially on Hatteras Island. In addition, Cape Hatteras National Seashore also has three historic lighthouses and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for visitors.
Pribilof Island, Alaska
For those looking to see some northern species of birds, these Alaska islands are a great choice. Lying in the Bering Sea, these islands are home to many fascinating species of birds. Visitors will enjoy hiking on the islands trails while also enjoying the relative remoteness of the place. Birders should be sure to keep an eye out for Horned Puffins and many more species.
Dry Tortugas National park, FL
Lying 70 miles west of Key West, this cluster (群) of seven islands is a great destination to enjoy some of Florida's nature. The islands consist of coral reefs and sand, and they are famous for their bird and marine life. Visitors can also enjoy Fort Jefferson, which is the largest 19h century American coastal fort (要塞).
Wine Country Vacation Escapes
Throughout the United States there are many destinations to enjoy the fantastic wines produced in the country. Some regions like Napa Valley have already gained a reputation for their fantastic wines, however, there are many regions that offer fantastic wines and a beautiful vacation destination.
1. What is special about Cape Hatteras National Seashore?| A．Visitors can stay there for free. | B．Shooting birds is forbidden. |
| C．Visitors can visit a lighthouse. | D．Visitors can enjoy its remoteness. |
| A．The name of a fort, | B．The name of an island. |
| C．The name of marine life. | D．The name of a bird. |
| A．Cape Hatters National Seashore. | B．Pribilof Island, Alaska. |
| C．Dry Tortugas National park, FL. | D．Wine Country Vacation Escapes. |
9 . I had always heard that North Americans value independence, and that Europeans value, togetherness. But I never fully understood it until 2 months ago, when I left my Ph.D. lab in Canada for a 4-month research in a lab in France. On my first day, Pierre — a Ph.D. student whose desk is across from mine — tapped me on the shoulder and asked: "Coffee?" I nodded and followed him down the hallway to the common room, where other grad students were filing in. I sat there, cautiously sipping the bitter liquid five times stronger than my normal Americano and trying hard not to reveal my uncultured tastes, while lab chatter（闲聊）filled the air.
Coffee breaks are a routine part of work life here. The chatter sometimes turns to serious scientific topics. But mostly, the meetups offer a chance to unwind — to share stories about life inside and outside the lab and to connect with people who understand what you're going through.
The lighthearted atmosphere and sense of community is a welcome contrast to my life in Canada, where I spent most of my workdays all alone. I went into the lab each morning with set goals for my day. At lunch, I'd keep my eyes glued to my computer while I shoveled（大量送入）forkfuls of salad into my mouth, trying to power through my to-do list.
Our lab held weekly meetings where we'd take turns presenting our latest, work and getting feedback from colleagues. But we didn't take daily coffee breaks. My labmates and I were too busy collecting data and publishing papers.
Looking back now, I realize how much we were missing. Researchers need community because good ideas don't just come from reading literature and thinking deep thoughts; it's helpful to bounce ideas off others, particularly in a nonthreatening environment. It's also helpful to have a spot to share the day-to-day ups and downs of life as a grad student. How else are you supposed to know that you're not the only one suffering from challenges like anxiety?
1. What can we learn about the author from the first paragraph?| A．He has a European dependent personality. |
| B．He was ill at ease in the new environment. |
| C．He was ashamed of his uncultured background. |
| D．He is too vain to work with other grad students. |
| A．break away from his work life in Canada. |
| B．get involved in serious scientific topics. |
| C．relax and exchange ideas with people. |
| D．collecting data from his colleagues. |
| A．Demanding but satisfactory. |
| B．Impersonal but efficient. |
| C．Challenging and tiresome. |
| D．Stressful and independent. |
| A．Why Scientists Should Take Coffee breaks? |
| B．Coffee Inspires Creativity in Scientists |
| C．Lighthearted Atmosphere Counts |
| D．North American Life VS. European Life |
10 . The idea of turning recycled plastic bottles into clothing is not new. During the last five years, a large number of clothing companies, businesses and environmental organizations have started turning plastics into fabric to deal with plastic pollution. But there’s a problem with this method. Research now shows that microfibers could be the biggest source of plastic in the sea.
Dr. Mark Browne in Santa Barbara, California, has been studying plastic pollution and microfibers for 10 years now. He explains that every time synthetic clothes go into a washing machine, a large number of plastic fibers fall off. Most washing machines can’t collect these microfibers. So every time the water gets out of a washing machine, microfibers are entering the sewers and finally end up in the sea.
In 2011, Browne wrote a paper stating that a single piece of synthetic(合成的) clothing can produce more than 1, 900 fibers per wash. Browne collected samples from seawater and freshwater sites around the world, and used a special way to examine each sample. He discovered that every single water sample contained microfibers.
This is bad news for a number of reasons. Plastic can cause harm to sea life when eaten. Studies have also shown that plastic can absorb other pollutants.
Based on this evidence, it may seem surprising that companies and organizations have chosen to turn plastic waste into clothing as an environmental “solution.” Even though the science has been around for a while, Browne explains that he's had a difficult time getting companies to listen. When he asked well-known clothing companies to support Benign by Design-his research project that seeks to get clothes that have a bad effect on humans and the environment out of the market, Browne didn’t get a satisfying answer. Only one women’s clothing company, Eileen Fisher, offered Browne funding.
1. What has happened during the past five years?| A．Fabric has become much stronger. | B．Plastic pollution has been less serious. |
| C．Many plastic bottles have been reused. | D．Microfibers have been greatly improved. |
| A．It is adding microfibers to the clothes. |
| B．It is worsening environmental problems. |
| C．It is making synthetic clothes last longer. |
| D．It is doing great damage to washing machines. |
| A．It has achieved great success. | B．It hasn’t got anything done. |
| C．It is known to very few people. | D．It is facing some difficulties. |
| A．It’s important to learn to recycle |
| B．It’s never easy to solve pollution problems |
| C．Recycled plastic clothing: solution or pollution? |
| D．Are human beings moving forward or backward? |
