1 . Learning a second language is difficult at any age and it only gets harder the longer you wait to open that dusty French book. Now, in a new study, scientists have pointed the exact age at which your chances of reaching fluency（流利）in a second language seem to rise： 10.
The study, published in the journal Cognition, found that it's "nearly impossible” for language learners to reach native-level fluency if they start learning a second language after 10. But that doesn't seem to be because language skills go downhill “It turns out you're still learning fast. It's just that you run out of time, because your ability to learn starts dropping at around 17 or 18 years old,“ says study co-author Joshua Hartshorne, an assistant professor of psychology at Boston College.
Kids may be better than adults at learning new languages for many reasons. Children's brains are more plastic than those of adults, meaning they're better able to adapt and respond to new information. "All learning involves the brain changing,“ Hartshorne says, “and children's brains seem to be a lot more skilled at changing. "
These findings may seem discouraging, but it was heartening for scientists to learn that the critical （关键的）period for fluent language acquisition might be longer than they previously thought. Some scientists believed that the brief window closes shortly after birth, while others stretched it only to early adolescence. Compared to those estimates, 17 or 18 when language learning ability starts to drop off——seems old.
“People progress better when they learn by immersion （沉 浸）rather than simply in a classroom. And moving to a place where your desired language is spoken is the best way to learn as an adult. If that's not an option, you can create an immersive environment by finding ways to have conversations with native speakers in their own communities," Hartshorne says. By doing so, it's possible to become conversationally fluent——even without the advantage of a child's brain.
1. What is the most important finding of the new study?| A．The best age to learn a second language. |
| B．The possibility of speaking fluent language. |
| C．The change of language skills over the time. |
| D．The great approaches to learning a language. |
| A．Their focus is language learning only. |
| B．They are more interested in languages. |
| C．They are more adaptable to new things. |
| D．Their brain always ignores big changes. |
| A．Joining friends in their learning. | B．Turning to immersive learning. |
| C．Studying in a quiet classroom. | D．Training the brain to a kid's brain. |
| A．Science. | B．Travel |
| C．Health. | D．Education. |
2 . Self-driving cars are just around the corner. Such vehicles will make getting from one place to another safer and less stressful. They also could cut down on traffic, reduce pollution and limit accidents. But how should driverless cars handle emergencies? People disagree on the answer. And that might put the brakes on this, a new study concludes.
To understand the challenge, imagine a car that suddenly meets some pedestrians(行人) in the road. Even with braking, it’s too late to avoid a crash. So the car’s artificial intelligence must decide whether to swerve(急转弯). To save the pedestrians, should the car swerve off the road or swerve into oncoming traffic? What if such options would likely kill the car’s driver?
Researchers used online surveys to study people’s attitudes about such situations with driverless cars. Survey participants mostly agreed that automated cars should be designed to protect the most people. But there’s a dilemma( 困 境 ). Those same surveyed people want to ride in cars that protect passengers at all costs — even if the pedestrians would now end up dying.
Makers of computerized cars are in a tough spot, Bonnefon’s group warns. Most buyers would want their car to be programmed to protect them in preference to other people. However, regulations might one day instruct that cars must act for the greater good. That would mean saving the most people. But the scientists think rules like this could drive away buyers. If so, all the potential benefits of driverless cars would be lost.
Compromises might be possible, Kurt Gray says. He is a psychologist at the University of North Carolina. He thinks that even if all driverless cars are programmed to protect their passengers in emergencies, traffic accidents will decline. Those vehicles might be dangerous to pedestrians on rare occasions. But they “won’t speed, won’t drive drunk and won’t text while driving, which would be a win for society.”
1. Compared with the traditional cars, what’s the advantage of driverless cars?| A．People can more easily afford them. |
| B．They do greater harm to the environment. |
| C．They can reduce traffic jams. |
| D．The traffic accidents are likely to be on the increase. |
| A．People are in a difficult situation about driverless cars. |
| B．Car makers believe driverless cars could attract buyers. |
| C．Most buyers would want their cars to protect the pedestrians. |
| D．Survey participants think driverless cars should protect the least people. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Favorable. | C．Sympathetic. | D．Disapproving. |
| A．Environment. | B．Entertainment. | C．Health. | D．Technology. |
3 . Do you like running enough to make it a habit? Tierney Wolfgram does; she has made running a lifelong career and isn't stopping.
In February, the 16-year-old from a high school, US, competed at the 2020 US Olympic Trials. She finished the marathon(42.195 km)with a time of 2:42:47 as the youngest competitor in the race and ranked 76th out of 390 runners. However, the cross-country(越野的)season was postponed to winter because of the COVID-19. So she jumped at the opportunity to train for another race-the Parkway Marathon in California. In November, Wolfgram broke the Women's American Junior marathon record with her time of 2:31:49. The old record was 2:34:32, which had stood since 1984.
“I'm completely stunned, ”said Wolfgram's coach. “I knew she was going to break it, but she really showed out！”
During the run, Wolfgram once hit a wall pretty hard, but she overcame it to finish. “I guess I can say I gave it my all, ”she told Runner's World. “When I finished, all I was thinking was I felt super happy,” Wolfgram said This was only her third marathon. In 2018, when Wolfgram was 15 years old, she ran her first marathon just because she wanted to see if she had the ability to do it. “I believed that I would get faster as the distances got longer. . . I'm still glad that I did it. ”
When preparing for that first marathon, she ran up to 120 miles per week. Although her parents didn't have any background in running, they helped Wolfgram train. At first, her dad would take her out in the morning and run about 13 miles. The distance would gradually increase each day. On top of her runs in the morning, she would do cross-country practice after school.
Now Wolfgram will consider attending the Olympics Games in 2024 after it's scheduled.
1. What can we learn about Wolfgram from Paragraph 2?| A．She was the champion at the 2020 US Olympic Trials. |
| B．She put off the cross-country season for the COVID-19. |
| C．She broke an Olympic marathon record in November. |
| D．She prepared for the Parkway Marathon in California. |
| A．Doubtful | B．Worried. | C．Shocked. | D．Interested |
| A．Her parents' encouragement. | B．Her desire to prove she could do it. |
| C．Her coach's support and help. | D．Her hope to break the national record |
| A．Sports. | B．Lifestyle | C．Culture. | D．Opinion |
4 . Teens and younger children are reading a lot less for fun, according to a Common Sense Media report published on Monday.
While the decline(下降) over the past decade is steep for teen readers, some data in the report shows that reading remains a big part of many children’s lives,and indicates how parents might help encourage more reading.
According to the report’s key findings, “the proportion(比例) who say they ‘hardly ever’ read for fun has gone from 8 percent of 13-year-olds and 9 percent of 17-year-olds in 1984 to 22 percent and 27 percent respectively(分别地) today.”
The report data shows that pleasure reading levels for younger children, ages 2-8, remain largely the same. But the amount of time spent in reading each passage has declined, from closer to an hour or more to closer to a half hour per passage.
When it comes to technology and reading, the report does little to suggest parents looking for data about the effect of e-readers and tablets on reading. It does point out that many parents still limit electronic reading, mainly due to concerns about increased screen time.
The most hopeful data shared in the report shows clear evidence of parents serving as examples and important guides for their kids when it comes to reading. Data shows that kids and teens who do read frequently, compared to infrequent readers, have more books in the home,more books purchased for them, parents who read more often,and parents who set aside time for them to read.
As the end of school approaches, and school vacation reading lists loom(逼近) ahead, parents might take this chance to step in and make their own summer reading lists and plan a family trip to the library or bookstore.
1. What’s the proportion of 17-year-olds who rarely read for fun today?| A．8%. | B．9%. | C．22%. | D．27%. |
| A．Buying e-books costs too much. | B．Children are addicted to e-books. |
| C．It is a waste of time to read e-books. | D．It may be harmful to children’s health. |
| A．Parents | B．teachers | C．interests | D．environment |
| A．Health. | B．Education. | C．Science. | D．Entertainment. |
5 . These days,American children usually can receive about$800 each year in tips,according to the American Institute of Public Accountants. Most of American parents tie the tips to the completion of certain daily work.
“Kids are tipped for two main purposes,”says Steven Mintz,a historian at the University of Texas at Austin.“First,to give them a sense of independence—to buy candies,cheap toys,and other inexpensive products for themselves—and second,to teach them the value of money.”
However,many experts expressed concern that tying payments too closely to daily work can send kids wrong messages about family and personal responsibility. Suniya Luthar,a psychologist at Arizona State University,is doubtful of the idea of paying kids on a per-work basis.“Should we pay a child when he picks up his clothes off the floor?”she asks.
Luthar is not opposed to(反对) giving tips, but she thinks it’s important to let children know that certain work has to be done not because it’ll lead to payment,but because it’s part of what you have to do for yourself or as a family member. “In a family, no one’s going to pay you to put your clothes away or tidy up the house,” Luthar says.
Other researchers disagree.Heather Beth Johnson,a sociologist at Lehigh University,says,“When we pay kids to do things that humans have always had to do,”she says,“it sends them a message that they have to work for returns.”
Johnson adds that upper-middle-class families are usually ready to pay children for things like doing well in school or taking care of the younger children.She says that this sort of tips can make kids happier to carry out more basic responsibilities.“This isn’t happening in poor families,”she adds.
1. Suniya Luthar would probably agree to tip the children______.| A．when they pick up their clothes off the floor. | B．every time they take care of their brothers |
| C．once they have made big progress in school. | D．each time they help clean up the house |
| A．Rich children will be more successful. |
| B．Rich parents are too generous with tips. |
| C．Poor parents should not be misled by rich parents. |
| D．Poor kids are less inspired to take on responsibilities. |
| A．Ways to tip the children. | B．Views on tipping children. |
| C．The main purposes of tips. | D．The value of tipping. |
| A．An education report. | B．A government guideline. |
| C．A history book. | D．An official survey. |
Sec.11-1-1
A.Purpose and Definition．
In order to prevent the parks, parkways, and recreational facilities within the City from injury or damage, these regulations are enacted(制定).The term "park" used in this Chapter shall include all grounds, buildings, and watercourses which are located within any area for the public use as a park, parkway, or recreational facility.
B.Specific Regulations
1.Littering No person shall throw any rubbish, earth, or other material in any park.
2.Pets. Dogs, cats, or other pets are forbidden in all city parks, unless permitted by the Parks and Recreation Board. Excepted from the forbidding are animals specifically trained to assist the disabled.
3.Fires. No person shall start，tend，or maintain a fire except in personal grills(烤架)or specific fireplaces. Personal grills shall be used in specific picnic areas only. All fires should be thoroughly extinguished before leaving the area. Unburned fuel and ashes shall be got rid of in such a manner as to prevent damage to any park property.
4.Park Property. No person shall kill, injure, or disturb birds or animals within any park. No person shall cut down, or damage in any manner any tree, shrub, flower, soil, fountain, building, or other park property.
5.Vehicles. All motorized vehicles are limited in specific parking areas, roads, and drives. Speed limit is 15mph.Snowmobiles are not allowed.
6.Park Hours. Subject to certain exceptions, all city parks shall be closed to persons from 9:00 p.m.to 7:00 a.m. the following day. The exceptions are:
a）Persons launching or loading a boat at a public dock(码头).
b）The hiking paths are closed from 9:00 p.m.to 6:00 a.m.
c）Scheduled athletic games at least halfway concluded by 9:00 p.m. shall be allowed to continue at Cutler Park until 12:00 a.m.
1. According to the text, what are you permitted to do in the park?
| A．Pick flowers. | B．Trap squirrels. |
| C．Have a barbecue in specific areas. | D．Begin baseball games at 9:30p.m. |
| A．To tell a story. | B．To inform readers. |
| C．To persuade people to visit the park. | D．To convince readers of an opinion. |
| A．A guidebook of a city. | B．An introduction to parks. |
| C．An environmental report. | D．A government document. |
7 . One Story is a non-profit literary organization, devoted to celebrating the art form of the short stories and supporting the writers who write them. If you're skilled at short stories and want to join us, pay attention to the following.
Submission Periods: Jan. 15th — May 31st / Sept. 1st — Nov. 14th.
What Kinds of Stories Is One Story Looking for?
One Story is seeking literary fiction. Because of our format, we can only accept stories between 3,000 and 8,000 words. They can be in any style and on any subject as long as they are good. More importantly, we are looking for stories that leave readers feeling satisfied.
Does One Story Accept Published Material?
No. One Story is looking for previously unpublished material. However, if a story has been published in print outside of North America, it will be considered. Stories previously published online on blogs, personal websites, or online literary magazines will not be accepted.
Does One Story Consider Translations?
Yes. Please include the name of the original author and language, as well as the name of the translator on the first page of your submission.
How Do I Submit to One Story?
We have an automated system for you to send us your work. It will securely send our editors your story and email you a confirmation that it has been received. To use the automated system, you need to have a One Story account. You already have one if you have subscribed to One Story or One Teen Story, joined our mailing list, or submitted a story to either magazine. When you are ready to submit, please visit our Submission Manager.
1. One Story judges whether a work is good mainly based on ______.| A．its name. | B．its originality. |
| C．editors’ comments. | D．readers’ response. |
| A．Include your creative inspiration. | B．Register an account beforehand. |
| C．Write a short recommendation for it. | D．Attach your private information to it. |
| A．A story review. | B．A magazine advertisement. |
| C．A submission guide. | D．A magazine introduction. |
8 . Although onions taste delicious, watering eyes come with the process when you cut them up. Thankfully, Good Housekeeping has suggested some tips to prevent yourself from crying while trying to cut up an onion．
According to the findings from the Institute, putting onions in a fridge 30 minutes before cutting can prevent the annoying hurt, as the cold stops tear-jerking (催泪的) gas from being produced.
Another way to reduce the gas released by the onion is to put it in water for a while. Good Housekeeping recommends:“ Cut the end off the onion and then put it straight into a bowl of water. The water will draw out the acid making you tear up less when you cut it.”
When an onion grows, it mixes with sulfur (硫) in the soil to create a special mineral acid. When the onion is cut into pieces, it reacts and creates a gas. As it reaches your face, this annoying gas causes the eyes to produce tears．
The root is where the gases are most concentrated, so it is recommended that this part of the onion be left on as you cut it to avoid uncomfortable eyes. Do this by cutting the vegetable in half down the middle to create a flat surface. Then, place the onion with its flat surface down and cut it towards the root．
Also, to reduce the gas’s effect on your eyes, cut it next to a window or near a fan so the gas is blown away from your face. And take care to use a sharp knife; this will make it easier to move through the vegetable, causing fewer cells to be broken and less gas to be released as a result．
1. Refrigerating the onion before cutting can ．| A．change its taste |
| B．make it easier to cut up |
| C．avoid the appearing of the gas |
| D．help the gases mix more quickly |
| A．Some acid mineral is lost． |
| B．The tear mixture is created． |
| C．The sulfur inside it pours out． |
| D．A chemical reaction produces a gas． |
| A．Health Column． |
| B．Science Journal. |
| C．Fashion Magazine． |
| D．Food Guidebook． |
| A．advise and explain |
| B．examine and analyze(分析) |
| C．argue and discuss |
| D．present and compare |
9 . Dreaming of summer picnics filled with family and fun? We’ve come up with 4 of the top picnic areas across the US.
Cumberland Islands, Georgia
Just a few hours south of Savannah, this national seashore is a wonderful picnic place. It’s an unspoiled place in the Deep South with over 50 miles of hiking trails (小径). Covered in Spanish moss, the trails are lined with trees and since it’s still a rural area, the stars line up for a grand show at night and create the perfect evening starlit picnic opportunity.
Grant Park, Chicago
If you are looking for delicious food in Chicago, go for a taste of a 20-day, lake-front, foodie festival that happens in October each year. Grab a spot near the fountain to enjoy your picnic, appreciate the city scenery and lake views and relax with family and friends. If you are there on July 4th, be sure to plan the day to include the fireworks display at the Navy Pier.
Cranberry Islands, Maine
Here, you’ll enjoy natural picnics with island views. The islands are a delightful group of islands about 20 minutes offshore from Acadia National Park. You can visit the islands by private boat or ferry service. Bring a picnic basket along for the ride as it’s a romantic picnic area to take your special someone or go for a family outing to visit the islands.
Big Sur, California
The Point Lobos State Reserve is a small gem. Besides the coastal wildlife there are rare plant communities, and unique geological formations. It’s good to have a picnic there. We recommend bringing a telescope, because much of the wildlife can be seen only at a distance.
1. Why does the writer advise us to go to Cumberland Islands?| A．Because they are just next to Savannah. |
| B．Because they have a grand show every night. |
| C．Because they are almost covered in Spanish moss. |
| D．Because they keep their original ecology (生态). |
| A．At the Navy Pier. | B．At the Point Lobos State Reserve |
| C．At Acadia National Park. | D．In the Deep South. |
| A．In a personal dairy. | B．In a science report. |
| C．In a geography textbook. | D．In a travel magazine. |
