2 . By now, most of us have picked up at least one pandemic hobby. And there's a seemingly common pandemic hobby trend: People who haven't been able to go anywhere are making imaginary travel plans. Maybe you're among those who have spent hours researching locations-even though you're not actually planning to travel.

It turns out that you aren't alone. People who seem to be sticking to public safety recommendations are still planning trips they don't intend to book. And, when I suddenly found myself addicted to an imaginary girls' trip to Joshua Tree, I wondered whether this was a healthy distraction.

"It's an escapist imagination," said Regine Galanti, a psychologist, adding that there's nothing wrong with escapism during a global pandemic.

On the one hand, distractions are often beneficial right now. We are a full year into living with COVID-19 as a pandemic, and that means you've probably had to navigate a range of emotions like discomfort, sadness, or even boredom. So any hobby that doesn't harm anyone or endanger your well-being is probably a worthy attempt.

Even if vacation planning is your happy place, Dr. Galanti suggests you "actually think about what you're trying to achieve." Why? "Maybe what you're saying is, I need a vacation from work," Dr. Galanti explains. "Then take three days off even if you are not going anywhere. "When you figure out what you're looking for, you might be able to find a small socially distanced adventure in your backyard or a quiet place. Vacation planning is a good way to spend some time, but there might be an even better way to get what you're desiring.

Anyway, when uncertainty is all around us, creating things to look forward to isn't a terrible idea. And when things are safer, you'll have all your plans in place.

1. Why do people make imaginary travel plans during the pandemic?

A．To develop a new hobby.	B．To stay safe and sound.
C．To be distracted from reality.	D．To get ready for future travel.

2. Which of the following can replace the word "navigate" underlined in paragraph 4?

A．Express.

B．Balance.

C．Adapt to.

D．Deal with.

3. What is the writer's attitude towards imaginary travel plans?

A．Objective.

B．Negative.

C．Supportive.

D．Unclear.

4. Which section of the newspaper does the text probably come from?

A．Figures.	B．Lifestyle.
C．Food and recipe.	D．Science and technology.

3 . Tourist Guide to the National Gallery

Opening hours: Daily 10: 00 am- -6: 00 pm; Friday 10: 00 am- 9: 00 pm

Closed: 2426 December

Reasons to visit:

With over 2, 300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the Gallery. Here are some to get you started...

Get into great art. From Leonardo da Vinci to Vincent van Gogh: See priceless works of art for free.

Get creative. Brush up your skills, and create your own great works of art...

Learn about art. Discover more about paintings...

Regulations:

Talk in a low voice when you use your cellphone in the gallery

Please do not touch the paintings or other exhibits. Do not take pets in or cross the barriers.

Consume food and drink in designated areas only i.e. not in rooms that contain paintings.

Follow our no smoking policy in any part of the building.

Follow our no photograph policy in exhibitions where a sign is displayed.

Access:

The National Gallery aims to make access to the paintings enjoyable and welcoming to the widest possible public. There are a range of facilities to help you see the collection, visit exhibitions and come to events.

The Gallery offers British Sign Language-interpreted talks on paintings for visitors who are deaf, and special art sessions(展期) for visitors who can't see.

Address: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square London WC2N 5DN

Click here to find more information.

1. What are visitors allowed to do in the National Gallery?

A．Make a phone call.	B．Take a dog in.
C．Smoke a cigarette.	D．Take photos.

2. Who are the special art sessions intended for?

A．Young visitors.	B．Deaf visitors.
C．Blind visitors.	D．Old visitors.

3. Where can we read the tourist guide?

A．In a newspaper.	B．On a poster.
C．In a magazine.	D．On the Internet.

4 . I have been dancing since I was 14 years old, when my best friend dragged me to an after-school dance class. I enjoyed that dance class so much that I have been dancing ever since. After every dance class, however, I always have to stretch out my legs and back, as dancing can be quite a tough workout! It feels like as much exercise as going to the gym—but dancing is not widely considered to be a sport.

Many dancers would argue that dancing is a sport, as it requires great physical stamina (耐力), strong muscles and impressive flexibility. No matter what style of dance you are participating in, you will always be using all of your muscles while dancing and this can often be for several hours a day. Additionally, in the more traditional dance styles (such as ballet and contemporary dance), men often lift their female dance partners up in the air. The strength that dancers need means that they are often just as athletic as footballers, runners or swimmers.

On the other hand, many people argue that dance is an art form. Dances often exhibit emotion, show characters and tell stories. Dancing to music is creative and visually appealing to the eyes and ears. It is easy to see why many people consider dance to be an art form. I personally believe that dance is both a sport and an art. I believe that a great dancer will be a mixture of an athlete and an artist.

However, whether you consider dance to be an art or a sport, the important thing is to enjoy it! Dancing is a great way to make new friends and it’s a really fun way to exercise!

1. Why did the author fall in love with dancing?

A．Because she got inspired by her best friend.

B．Because she found the dance class was for free.

C．Because dancing might be the best form of exercise.

D．Because dancing was the most challenging task.

2. What can we learn according to the second paragraph?

A．A ballet dancer should be tall and strong. .

B．In some ways dancers are similar to athletes.

C．Most dancers find it hard to practice for several hours.

D．The traditional dance styles often cost more energy.

3. Why do some people think dance is an art form?

A．Because they think it is just like watching a play.

B．Because dancing merely brings amusement.

C．Because they think it is funny to watch dance.

D．Because dancers tell stories while dancing.

4. In which part of a website can we read the passage?

A．Fashion.

B．Sport.

C．Life around the world.

D．Music.

5 . Activities For Families with Children

There are plenty of things to do and see around Cusco, Peru that children will enjoy.

Horse riding

Many children will enjoy the opportunity to ride a horse. The Happy Ranch horse farm organizes horse rides through the countryside passing wheat fields and small towns, wooden huts, open air markets and cooking outside over a fire. Price for a horse ride is US $ 12 per person.

Cooking class

If you enjoy local food, taking a cooking class could be fun. Several restaurants offer classes, which start with a visit to a local market to buy fresh ingredients ( 原 料 ). Wearing a cook’s hat, children can help washing and cutting. Prices for a 3 hours class start at US $ 13 per person.

Hot air balloon

A hot air balloon ride will give you great views of the city. The balloon goes up about 200 meters if weather conditions are OK, less if conditions are windy. The balloon will stay at that altitude for about 10 minutes. Prices are US $ 20 for an adult, half price for children.

Ceramics class

A fun activity for kids is taking a ceramics class at the Fine Arts Center. With the help of an experienced potter, kids can make their own creation on the potter’s wheel from clay. The basic clay class costs US $15 per person and takes 1.5 hours.

1. Which activity takes you to view Cusco’s village life?

A．Horse riding.	B．Cooking class.
C．Hot air balloon.	D．Ceramics class.

2. What can we know about cooking classes?

A．Visitors prepare ingredients by themselves.

B．It takes a family of three US $ 13 to take one.

C．They are usually offered by cooking schools.

D．Children take part in the whole cooking process.

3. How much does it take a couple with a kid to ride a hot air balloon?

A．US $ 20.

B．US $ 40.

C．US $ 50.

D．US $ 60.

4. In which section of a magazine may the text appear?

A．Schooling.

B．Tourism.

C．Science.

D．Health.

6 . Faced with a declining population and workforce, Japan has been increasingly turning to robots for help. Over the years, the robots have carried out a large number of human tasks, including building products and providing care for the elderly.

However, the robots currently being used by companies, like Walmart and Amazon, are only able to perform single, repetitive tasks, such as stacking boxes. Model-T, on the other hand, has a wider range of movement and is able to hold, pick and place objects of several different shapes and sizes into different locations, making it ideal for convenience and grocery stores, which sell a large variety of items.

Model-T robots are operated from a distant location by human “pilots” wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset and special gloves, which allow them to feel the product the robot is holding in their hands and guide it to the right shelf.

The VR-controlled robots are ten times cheaper than automated robots, because they don’t require advanced programming and are easier to develop and maintain. And their easy-to-use controls require little training. Tomohiro Kano, a general manager in charge of development at FamilyMart, believes this will enable the chain to recruit workers who would typically not work in stores.

Though Model-T appears to be getting rapidly through the experiments, it is not quite ready to enter the workforce. Besides being a lot slower than humans, it is also only able to lift packaged items, and cannot get hold of things such as fruits and vegetables. The company is working to improve the weaknesses and hopes to introduce a faster, more skillful Model-T within the next two years. They believe that in addition to the stores, the robots could also be useful in hospitals, allowing doctors to do operations from remote locations.

1. What is one of the features of Model-T according to the text?

A．It works much faster than humans.	B．It can easily hold all kinds of objects.
C．It can be operated from a distance away.	D．It is harder to produce than an automated robot.

2. What does the underlined word “this” in paragraph 4 refer to?

A．The low price of Model-T.	B．The easiness to operate Model-T.
C．The low-level programming of Model-T.	D．The strict training for maintaining Model-T.

3. What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A．Model-T is now being massively produced.

B．Japan’s workforce will be reduced by Model-T.

C．The weaknesses of Model-T have been overcome.

D．Model-T may be used in wider fields in the future.

4. In which section of a website can we read this text?

A．Technology.

B．Economy.

C．Lifestyle.

D．Environment.

7 . Are Superheroes Good Role Models?

Superheroes are everywhere. But what effect, if any, do superheroes have on our behavior? Some experts believe superheroes may have a particularly important influence on children.

Children have very limited control over many areas of their lives. Therefore, pretending to be a superhero allows a child to act out and process any anxiety that they have, and thereby overcome or reduce hidden fears, says Dr. Amy Bailey, a clinical psychologist.

Bailey adds, "The risk to superhero play is that sometimes children’s behavior can become out of control and turn into chaotic play as a child becomes completely lost in these roles." She advises parents to keep children away from more aggressive（暴力的）shows and to have children focus on "other positive characteristics of their favorite hero, such as their clever thinking and care of others". Concern over the possible effect of aggressive behavior has led to some schools banning（禁止）superhero play from the classroom.

Other psychologists（心理学家）share this concern. Some point to the change of the superhero over time, and are dissatisfied with modern images. "There is a big difference in the movie superhero of today and the comic book superhero of yesterday" says Sharon Lamb. She compares the selfish, playboy millionaire Tony Stark（Iron Man）to a superhero of the past, such as Superman. Superman she points out, had a real job as a newspaper reporter and was devoted to fighting injustice（不公平）. More recent characters such as Iron Man "take advantage of women, show off wealth, and show their manhood with high-powered guns".

Jeff Greenberg, a social psychology professor, has his own idea of modern superheroes. According to him, superheroes give children confidence and can deliver a positive moral message. Many superheroes-such as Spider-Man or Superman-use their powers to protect the weak. And more modern superheroes such as Daredevil, who is blind, and Charles Xavier（Professor）, who is disabled, bring diversity（多样性） and present positive images of disability.

1. What can we learn from the passage?

A．Superheroes can have a negative effect on children.

B．Superheroes always encourage children to be confident.

C．The idea of the superhero remains the same over time.

D．Children should be kept away from superhero movies.

2. What do the underlined words "this concern" refer to?

A．The ban on superhero play in classroom.

B．The possible effect of aggressive behavior.

C．The various characteristics of superheroes.

D．The belief of children in superhuman strength.

3. In which part of the passage does the writer talk about the positive way of superheroes?

A．Paragraph 1 to Paragraph 2.

B．Paragraph 1 to Paragraph 3.

C．Paragraph 3 to Paragraph 5.

D．Paragraph 1 to Paragraph2 & Paragraph 5.

4. Which column（栏目）might this passage come from in a newspaper?

A．Science Research.	B．Breaking News.
C．World Screen.	D．Environment.

8 . A Japanese company has created a "smart“ mask （口 罩）that aims to improve communication for people wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The use of face masks has become the new common practice in parts of the world still struggling to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. However, masks and other kinds of coverings can affect the quality of communication between wearers. The wearable electronic device （设备） called the "c — mask“ is meant to fit over other kinds of face masks commonly worn by the public. It's designed to better the exchange of conversation in such conditions.

The c — mask with a built-in microphone has holes in the front to let air in. When turned on, the mask uses Bluetooth technology to connect to a mobile device. An app then helps users do several actions, including turning speech into text, completing telephone calls and making the user's voice louder. The device can also translate a person's voice from Japanese into eight other languages.

Taisuke Ono, head of Donut Robotics, said the company was able to collect money to develop the smart mask through an activity on the Japanese crowdfunding （众筹）service Fundinno. He noted that the effort got $265,000 in just the first 37 minutes. It would usually take three or four months to collect that kind of money.

The company produced a working model of the mask within a month. Ono said the company plans to ship its first 5,000 c — masks to buyers in Japan. He is also looking to sell the devices in China, the United States and Europe and says he has received strong interest in the product.

1. Why does the Japanese company develop the c — mask?

A．To increase their sales at home and abroad.

B．To help mask wearers communicate better.

C．To prevent the wide spread of the coronavirus.

D．To raise   more money for the mask production.

2. What can we learn about the c — mask according to the text?

A．It can deal with all the languages in the world.

B．It should be worn inside the common face mask.

C．It is connected to a mobile device through an app.

D．It has got great public support through Fundinno.

3. What is Taisuke Ono's attitude towards the future of the c — mask?

A．Positive.	B．Doubtful.
C．Uninterested.	D．Worried.

4. Where is this text most likely from?

A．A diary.	B．A brochure.
C．A magazine.	D．A novel.

9 . Optimism (乐观) doesn’t mean paying no attention to things that cause stress. But when bad things happen, optimistic people are less likely to be unhappy about themselves and more likely to see the bad things as something that lasts a short time.

A new research has found a direct connection between optimism and healthier diet and exercise behaviors, as well as better heart health, a stronger immune system (免疫系统), better lung function, and lower death risk. “Optimistic people, regardless of sex, often have goals and the confidence to reach them,” Lee said. “Those goals could include healthy habits that contribute to a longer life.”

Studies find only about 25% of our optimism is controlled by our genes (基因), and the rest is up to us. It turns out we can actually train our brain to be more positive. Researchers studied the brains of monks (僧侣) and found surprising results: Tens of thousands of hours of meditation(冥思) had changed the function (机能) of their brains, which support positive qualities. And that may be key in producing the effect on the body.

There are simple mental exercises to develop an optimistic attitude. One of the most effective ways to increase optimism is called the “Best Possible Self” method. That is to imagine ourselves in a future in which we have achieved all our life goals. And keeping a diary in which we list the positive experiences we had can also help shape our attitude. Taking a few minutes each day to write down what makes us thankful can improve our view on life, too.

1. What is the meaning of Lee’s words?

A．Goals can lead to confidence.

B．Better lung function lowers death risk.

C．Optimism is connected with length of life.

D．Sex should be taken into consideration when studying optimism.

2. Why are the brains of monks studied?

A．To lengthen their life.

B．To improve their brains’ function.

C．To prove optimism can be learned.

D．To show genes’ connection with optimism.

3. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．How to be a positive person.	B．How to make people thankful.
C．What to write about in a diary.	D．What to do to achieve the goals.

4. Where is this text most likely from?

A．A science magazine.	B．A guidebook.
C．A novel.	D．A diary.

10 . There are lots of love stories in Chinese literary history. These tales were born from beautiful scenery and rich cultures, making them perfect places to visit.

West Lake, East China

Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

Folktale: The legend is about a snake spirit who falls in love with a human named Xu Xian after meeting on the West Lake.

Travel Information: Walkways, perfectly positioned hills, parks, gardens and towers around the banks of the West Lake offer a great many points for visitors to admire the scenery. The best way to get around the lake is by bike or on foot. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon in particular is the must visit place if you are boating.

Tianhe Mountain, North China

Location: Xingtai, Hebei Province

Folktale: The cowherd (牛郎) and the weaver girl (织女) were once a happy couple, but their love was forbidden. They can meet only once a year when magpies fly together to form a bridge over the sky.

Travel Information: Far from the noisy city, Tianhe Mountain has the beautiful forests, valleys, and waterfalls. It also has a long history that goes back as far as the Stone Age. Nowadays, because of the strong idea with love, many blind dates (相亲) are held here.

Shanhaiguan Pass, North China

Location: Shanhaiguan District, Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province

Folktale: Lady Meng Jiang’s husband was sent to build the Great Wall. Unfortunately, her husband died. She cried so bitterly that a part of the Great Wall broke down, exposing his remains.

Travel Information: Shanhaiguan is one of the major passes in the Great Wall of China. To take the Great Wall route, walk straight on from North Gate and then take the first right on the main road. Turn left up to the pathway beside the iron bridge and climb up. After climbing, you can take a break at the old city of Shanhaiguan which is at the foot of the Great Wall.

1. What can we know about the West Lake, East China?

A．West Lake is located in West China.

B．The best way to the West Lake is by car or on foot.

C．Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is worth visiting.

D．It offers few points for visitors to admire the scenery.

2. In Tianhe Mountain, visitors can NOT ________.

A．have a blind date

B．meet the cowherd and the weaver girl

C．stay away from the noisy city

D．visit the beautiful forests, valleys, and waterfalls

3. Where is the article probably taken from?

A．A history book.

B．A geography book.

C．A travel magazine.

D．An official report.