3 . 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.

4 . The Hear Clear Go Rechargeable Digital Hearing Aid is a popular member of our rechargeable hearing aid family for a good reason: it combines great performance with incredible value! This hearing aid features advanced third-generation digital technology at an unbelievably affordable price. The Go is packed with the same key technologies that all high-end digital hearing aids share while leaving out the extra fancy bells and whistles that increase costs and require expensive adjustments. With the Go, you’ll hear clearly while saving a lot of money.

With the Go’s included charging station, you won’t have to keep buying and replacing tiny hearing aid batteries! You’ll love the lightweight design. The Go is pre-programmed for most moderate to significant hearing losses — no costly professional adjustments needed. They are shipped directly to you and will help you hear better right out of the box!

You can spend thousands for an expensive hearing aid, or you can spend just $239 for a hearing aid that is great for most hearing losses (only $199 each when you buy a pair — hear up to 3 times better than wearing just one). We are so sure you will love your hearing aids. We offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee — Risk Free if you are not satisfied for any reason. No costly professional appointments needed! With our free telecare, you can call our friendly and caring staff from the comfort and safety of your home to discuss your hearing care.

1. What do we know about the Go?

A．Its price is unbelievably low.	B．It features fancy bells and whistles.
C．It includes charging station and batteries.	D．It needs expensive professional adjustments.

2. How much should you pay to buy a pair?

A．$239.

B．$478.

C．$199.

D．$398.

3. Where is the text most likely from?

A．A magazine.

B．A research paper.

C．A travel brochure.

D．A scientific journal.

5 . Jobs Week: Find Your Next Job Here

▲ A Registered Nurse

Average salary: $ 65,470 per year

Top cities for hiring: San Antonio, Texas；Chicago, Illinois；Dallas, Texas

In the United States, registered nurses （RNs）are clinicians who have completed at least an associated degree in nursing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics（BLS）has identified it as one of the top ten occupations for career growth. RNs can either practice independently or as part of a healthcare team.

▲ A Retail Associate

Average salary：$ 21,410 per year

Top cities for hiring：Atlanta, Georgia；Houston, Texas；Chicago, Illinois

Retail workers sell products and help customers find the products they want. According to the BLS, nearly 14. 8 million people were employed as retail workers in 2014. Top places to find retail positions include Walmart, Target and Macy’s.

▲ A Truck Driver

Average salary：$ 46,000 per year

Top cities for hiring：Atlanta, Georgia；Houston, Texas；Indianapolis, Indiana

Truck driving doesn’t require a college degree and can pay well even at the entry-level stage. It takes a certain kind of person to work the long weeks away from home— but with a high level of demand, it can be a great career choice for someone who wants job security without the cubicle（工作间）.

▲ A Web Developer

Average salary：$ 62,500 per year

Top cities for hiring：Chicago, Illinois；New York；Atlanta, Georgia

Tech jobs like Web Developer frequently top lists of the best jobs for pay, worklife balance, and career welfare. The wide use of the Internet means that web developers are in continuous demand, and there are no education barriers preventing job seekers from learning programming languages like Java or Python.

1. According to the text, a registered nurse

A．can be paid at least US$ 70,000 every year.

B．must have an associate's degree in nursing.

C．is considered one of the top ten occupations with the most employees.

D．is a popular position in Atlanta, Georgia.

2. If one cannot adapt to long weeks of work away from home, he/she shouldn't work as ________

A．a registered nurse.	B．a retail associate.
C．a truck driver.	D．a web developer.

3. Where can we most probably read the text?

A．In a newspaper.	B．In a health magazine.
C．In a travel leaflet.	D．In a science report.

6 . Every week in China, millions of people will sit in front of their TVs watching teenagers compete for the title Character Hero, which is a Chinese-style spelling bee. In this challenge, young competitors must write Chinese characters by hand. To prepare for the competition, the competitors usually spend months studying dictionaries.

Perhaps the show’s popularity should not be a surprise. Along with gunpowder and paper, many Chinese people consider the creation of Chinese calligraphy(书法) to be one of their primary contributions to civilization. Unfortunately, all over the country, Chinese people are forgetting how to write their own language without computerized help. Software on smart phones and computers allows users to type in the basic sound of the word using the Latin alphabet. The correct character is chosen from a list. The result? It’s possible to recognize characters without remembering how to write them.

But there’s still hope for the paint brush. China’s Education Ministry wants children to spend more time learning how to write.

In one Beijing primary school we visited, students practice calligraphy every day inside a specially decorated classroom with traditional Chinese paintings hanging on the walls. Soft music plays as a group of six-year-olds dip brush pens into black ink. They look up at the blackboard often to study their teacher’s examples before carefully attempting to reproduce those characters on thin rice paper. “If adults can survive without using handwriting, why bother to teach it now?” we ask the calligraphy teacher, Shen Bin. “The ability to write characters is part of Chinese tradition and culture,” she reasons. “Students must learn now so they don’t forget when they grow up.” says the teacher.

1. What can we learn about the Character Hero?

A．It’s open to people of all ages and all walks.

B．It’s the most-viewed TV programs in China.

C．It aims to spread Chinese culture to the world.

D．It draws great public attention across the country.

2. Why are Chinese people forgetting how to write the characters?

A．Chinese people don’t refer to dictionaries very often.

B．Chinese people no longer use brush pens or practice calligraphy.

C．Chinese people are using the Latin alphabet instead of the characters.

D．Chinese people needn’t write by hand as often with the help of technology.

3. .According to Shen Bin, being able to write characters by hand is_________.

A．necessary for adults to survive in China

B．a requirement made by the Education Ministry

C．helpful to keep Chinese tradition and culture alive

D．an ability to be developed only when you are students

4. Where does this text probably come from?

A．A news report.	B．A science report.
C．An advertisement.	D．Children’s literature.

7 . Tai chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art and an internationally popular form of exercise, has been added to the cultural heritage list of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

As its initial (最初) application was turned down in 2008, for more than 10 years, China has been trying to have Tai chi — also known as taijiquan — recognised officially by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (联合国教科文组织人类非物质文化遗产代表). At the time, judges told China it had applied for too many listings for Tai chi to be considered for a place. China was told to reduce its applications from listings, which included tai chi, Shaolin kung fu, Peking opera and acupuncture (针灸).

According to the Mayo Clinic in the United States, doing Tai chi can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, improve energy and stamina (耐力), strengthen the immune system (免疫)and reduce joint pain. “It is not just a sport to make people fit, but also contains Chinese culture and philosophy,” researcher Yan Shuangjun also told Xinhua News Agency. The application started in 2008 and now we made a victory, which will help this sport to reach more places.

Tai chi has a massive, devoted global following. Millions of elderly Chinese people practise it every day in city parks. Each year, tens of thousands of people from other counties come to China to learn it. Gisele Bundchen, one of the highest-paid models in the world, makes Tai chi into her daily life. Others who have been attracted by its use in their lives include actors Terence Stamp and Paul Adrian, Bollywood star Kunal Kapoor, and musician RZA of the Wu Tang Clan — to say nothing of its importance to martial artists such as Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Jet Li.

1. What can we learn about the applications in 2008?

A．The first application of tai chi was accepted.

B．Tai chi is a Chinese martial art with a short time.

C．China applied for acupuncture and Peking opera.

D．China thought itself had applied for too many listings.

2. How did Mayo Clinic say about Tai chi?

A．Help people think more quickly.

B．Reduce headache and promote sleep.

C．Lead to some depression and severe joint pain.

D．Help people build up energy and reduce stress.

3. How can we describe Tai chi from the last paragraph ?

A．Healthy.

B．Hard to learn.

C．Welcomed.

D．Time-taking.

4. In which section of a newspaper may this passage appear?

A．Culture.

B．Life style.

C．Education.

D．Custom.

8 . Chinese New Year is a celebration marking the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. This is decorating with plants, fruits and blooming flowers carries special significance. They represent the earth coming back to life and wishes for new beginnings. Here are some of the most popular and their special meanings.

Oranges

Orange trees are more than decoration, they are a symbol of good fortune and wealth. They make great gifts and you see them many lines decorated with red envelopes and messages of good fortune. The fruits are also some of the “lucky” foods, which are a must during the celebrations.

Bamboo

Chinese love their “Lucky Bamboo” plants and you will see them often in their homes and offices Certainly during the holiday period, this plant is a must. Bamboo plants and stems are used frequently in fengshui and are associated with health, abundance and a happy home. They are easy to care for and make great presents.

Brunches of Plum Blossoms

The beautiful tong branches covered with pink-colored buds make fantastic decorations. The plum trees are the first to flower even as snow is melting after a cold winter. They represent the promise of spring and a renewal of life.

Peonies

Peonies represent prosperity and peace and are considered as China's national flower, they are often a subject of classical paintings. The peony is also known a, the “king of flowers” and represents royalty, virtue and honor name in Chinese is literally translated as “most beautiful”.

Narcissus

Narcissus flower right around Chinese New Year and are considered as a symbol of luck and wealth. Their sweet fragrance is also highly respected in Chinese culture.

1. If you are not good at growing plants, which will you probably choose?

A．Bamboo.

B．Plum blossoms.

C．Peonies

D．Narcissus

2. What is special about Peonies?

A．Oil painters prefer painting it.	B．Its plants are usually used in fengshui.
C．It bears fruits considered as lucky food.	D．Its Chinese name means “most beautiful”.

3. In which section may this text appear?

A．Entertainment.

B．Health.

C．Culture.

D．Science.

9 . One of the most important creations of science is the invention of the lighthouses. Lighthouses help in a number of activities such as marking of the dangerous coastlines and directing safe entries to the harbours. The following are some famous lighthouses.

The Jeddah Light

It is located in Saudi Arabia. This lighthouse has been constructed very beautifully and adorns a beautiful structure. The Jeddah Light was built in 1990. This lighthouse is considered as the tallest of the world reaching a fine height of around 436 feet.

The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

It is addressed as the “lighthouse at the end of the world”. The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is located on a small island east of Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world. This lighthouse was built in 1920 and today it has become a very famous tourist attraction in Argentina. However, visits to this lighthouse can be made only by boat.

The Peggys Point Lighthouse

Lit in 1915, it is an icon and a popular monument of Canada. The Peggys Point Lighthouse has become a major tourist sight and is considered as one of the busiest attractions in the area of Nova Scotia. This lighthouse also fetches you a wonderful scenic drive and visiting here, you can indulge yourself in the beauty of nature.

The Slettnes Lighthouse

It is the northernmost lighthouse that is located on the mainland of Europe and is considered as one of the most famous lighthouses of the world. This lighthouse is mostly considered as the North Cape Light and is the top lighthouse of Europe. The Slettnes Lighthouse firstly began to light in 1905. Though it was highly damaged during the World War Ⅱ by the Germans, yet it was restored and lit again. This lighthouse is very classic as to its looks.

1. Which lighthouse is only accessible by sea?

A．The Peggys Point Lighthouse.	B．The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.
C．The Jeddah Light.	D．The Slettnes Lighthouse.

2. What do we know about the Slettnes Lighthouse?

A．The lighthouse has a very classic appearance.	B．It was lit again after the restoration in 1905.
C．It is the best-known lighthouse in the world.	D．Visiting the lighthouse draws you close to nature.

3. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A scientific journal.

B．A history textbook.

C．A travel magazine.

D．A design handbook.

10 . I have always found the Chinese to be a very polite people. In particular, Chinese frequently compliment (称赞) foreign friends on their language skills, knowledge of Chinese culture, professional accomplishments, and personal health. Curiously, however, Chinese are as loath to accept a compliment as they are eager to give one. As many of my Chinese friends have explained, this is a sign of the Chinese virtue of modesty.

I have noticed a difference, though, in the degree to which modesty is emphasized in the United States and China. In the US, we tend to place more emphasis on “seeking the truth from fact”, thus, Americans tend to accept a compliment with gratitude.

Chinese, on the other hand, tend to reject the compliment, even when they know they deserve the credit or recognition which has been awarded them. I can imagine a Chinese basketball fan meeting Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls. He might say, “Mr. Jordan, I am so happy to meet you. I just want to tell you, you are the best basketball player in the world; you’re the greatest!” to which Jordan would probably respond, “Thank you very much. I really appreciate it! I just to try to do my best every time I step on the court.” If an American met Deng Yaping, China’s premier pingpong player, he might say much the same thing: “Ms. Deng, you’re the best!” but as a Chinese, Deng would probably say, “No, I really don’t play all that well. You’re too much kind.”

Plainly, Americans and Chinese have different ways of responding to praise. Ironically, many Americans might consider Ms. Deng’s response the less modest, because it is less truthful—and therefore less sincere. Americans generally place sincerity above manners; genuine gratitude for the praise serves as a substitute for protestations of modesty. After all, in the words of one of my closest Chinese friends, modesty taken to the extreme is pride.

1. What does the underlined word “loath” in paragraph 1 refer to?

A．Polite.

B．Uncertain.

C．Curious.

D．Unwilling.

2. Why does the author mention Michael Jordan and Deng Yaping?

A．To note they do as much as they can each time they play against others.

B．To remind readers they are the best players in basketball and table tennis.

C．To explain they deserve the credit or recognition for their great contributions.

D．To show they as Chinese and Americans are different in accepting praise.

3. Why do Americans consider Ms. Deng’s response the less modest?

A．They think sincerity matters the most.	B．They think her reply is against the fact.
C．They think she is too modest to believe.	D．They think manners is more important.

4. In what column can you find this passage in a newspaper?

A．Education.

B．Sports.

C．Culture.

D．People.