1 . If Confucius(孔子)were still alive today and could celebrate his September 28 birthday with a big cake, there would be a lot of candles. He'd need a fan or a strong wind to help him put them out.
While many people in China will remember Confucius on his special day, few people in the United States will give him a passing thought. It's nothing personal. Most Americans don't even remember the birthdays of their own national heroes.
But this doesn't mean that Americans don't care about Confucius. In many ways he has become a bridge that foreigners must cross if they want to reach a deeper understanding of China.
In the past two decades, the Chinese studies programs have gained huge popularity in Western universities. More recently, the Chinese government has set up Confucius Institutes in more than 80 countries. These schools teach both Chinese language and culture. The main courses of Chinese culture usually include Chinese art, history and
philosophy(哲学). Some social scientists suggest that Westerners should take advantage of the ancient Chinese wisdom to make up for the drawbacks(缺陷)of Western philosophy. Students in the United States, at the same time, are racing to learn Chinese. So they will be ready for life in a world where China is an equal power with the United States. Businessmen who hope to make money in China are reading books about Confucius to understand their Chinese customers.
So the old thinker's ideas are still alive and well.
Today China attracts the West more than ever, and it will need more teachers to introduce Confucius and Chinese culture to the West.
As for the old thinker, he will not soon be forgotten by people in the West, even if his birthday is.
1. The opening paragraph is mainly intended to______________.| A．provide some key facts about Confucius |
| B．attract the readers' interest in the subject |
| C．show great respect for the ancient thinker |
| D．prove the popularity of modern birthday celebrations |
| A．have a great interest in studying Chinese |
| B．take an active part in Chinese competitions |
| C．try to get high scores in Chinese exams |
| D．fight for a chance to learn Chinese |
| A．Forgotten Wisdom in America |
| B．Huge Fans of the Chinese Language |
| C．Chinese Culture for Westerners |
| D．Old Thinker with a Big Future |
| A．a personal biography | B．a history paper |
| C．a cultural newspaper | D．a philosophy textbook |
2 . A recent study from a team of South Korean researchers suggests that eating alone often may lead to poor eating habits and poor food choices. Specifically, the study found that men who ate alone more than twice a week had a greater risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
For children, eating with their families is not only about preventing bad results—it is also about developing good ones.
In 2014, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) looked at data from nearly three-quarters of the world’s countries. Among its findings was the fact that students who shared a main meal with their families were less likely to skip school. Children who eat a main meal with their families are also less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
In the report titled “The Importance of Family Dinners”, researchers say that “teens who have frequent family dinners are more likely to say their parents know a lot about what’s going on in their lives”. They also claim that when teens say they feel closer to their parents, they are less likely to use drugs and alcohol.
Another study from the University of Montreal found that children who ate with their families experience long-term physical and mental health benefits. These children were physically in better shape and drank fewer sugary soft drinks. These children also seemed to have better social skills and they were less aggressive (好斗的).
Professor Linda Pagani says that mealtimes shared with parents “likely provide young children with first-hand social interactions, discussions of social issues and day-to-day concerns”. She adds that they may likely help the child have better communication skills with others.
1. What is the main idea of the text?| A．Advantages of eating with parents. | B．Benefits of eating alone. |
| C．Ways of developing social skills. | D．Dangers of using drugs and alcohol. |
| A．Abuse drugs and alcohol. | B．Drink more sugary soft drinks. |
| C．Get on well with their parents. | D．Be more socially active and aggressive. |
| A．To introduce a famous person. | B．To offer background information. |
| C．To explain further. | D．To show the disadvantage of eating with parents. |
| A．A popular novel. | B．A travel magazine. |
| C．A science report. | D．A biology textbook. |
3 . This summer, most Chinese citizens have been amazed by women wearing hanfu, or Han-style clothing, at subway stations, shopping malls, pedestrian streets or scenic areas. Hanfu has aroused a public attention in recent years, especially among young people.
In 2018, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China (CCCYL) set the third day of the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar, traditionally the birthday of the Chinese people’s mythological (神话的) ancestor the Yellow Emperor, as the annual Traditional Chinese Garment (服装) Day. It was aimed to promote classic Chinese culture, as well as “demonstrating cultural confidence”. Since then, the beauty of hanfu has gained more and more recognition and acceptance by common people.
Generally, hanfu refers to traditional Chinese garments worn by the Han nationality before the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Historically, Han Chinese clothing has also influenced some of its neighboring cultural costumes, including the Japanese kimono, Korean hanbok, and clothing of Mongolia, Vietnam and Bhutan.
Hanfu appears elegant and beautiful, not only due to the thousands of years of culture behind its design. This traditional dress also stands out because of its remarkable craftsmanship, from fabric to decoration. Hanfu adopts more than 30 examples of Chinas invisible cultural heritage as well as Chinese arts and crafts under preservation.
Hanfu represents not only appreciation of the beauty, but also a continuation of traditional Chinese culture. Nowadays, more and more fashion designers look to hanfu for inspiration, producing fashionable examples of hanfu for a new era (纪元).
1. Why did CCCYL set the third day of the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar as the annual Traditional Chinese Garment Day?| A．To help design hanfu. |
| B．To promote China economy. |
| C．To remember the birth of the Yellow Emperor. |
| D．To encourage more people to know about classic Chinese culture. |
| A．Japanese and Russian. | B．Russian and British |
| C．Korean and Vietnamese. | D．Mongolian and American. |
| A．The rich culture of hanfu. | B．The reasons for the beauty of hanfu. |
| C．The worldwide influence of hanfu. | D．The popularity of hanfu among young people. |
| A．A diary. | B．A newspaper. |
| C．A novel. | D．A guidebook. |
4 . Hidden London: the city’s lesser known delights
Dulwich Picture Gallery
As much an excuse to enjoy the village charms of Dulwich Village’as to admire some delicate (精致的) European masterworks, this gallery is a southeast London charmer, which was founded in 1811. Join a free guided tour to the permanent (永久的) collection (3 pm. Saturday and Sunday ), catch the latest temporary (临时的) exhibition and admire the lovely garden (open 1: 30 pm to 3: 30 pm Tuesdays).
Where: Gallery RD SE21 7AD
Train: West Dulwich
Temple Church
Featuring in the novel The Da Vinci Code and dating back to the late 12th century, this is one London’s oldest and holiest medieval (中世纪的) treasures. Built by the Knights Templar, the church is divided into the Round — which contains the statues of crusading (圣战的) knights, who tried to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims in the Middle Ages and the Chancel, where the priests and singers performing in church services sit.
Where: Temple EC4Y 7DE
Underground: Temple or Blackfriars
Chelsea Physic Garden
Endlessly satisfying the green-fingered, the plain curious or those eager to discover botanical (植物学的) interests in central London, this delightful walled garden was founded by the Apothecaries’ Socicty in the 17th century and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in London.
Where: 66 Royal Hospital Rd SW3 4HS
Underground: Sloane Square
Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
Built between 1953 and 1958, the Estorick is Britain’s only gallery devoted to Italian art. It draws together a fascinating collection of Futurist masterpieces from Umberto Boccioni, Giacomo Balla. Carlo Carra and others, who emphasized the importance of modern things, especially technology and machines.
Where: 39a Canonbury Sq N1 2AN
Underground: Highbury & Islington
1. When can you follow a free guide to visit Dulwich Picture Gallery?| A．3: 30 pm on Tuesday. | B．3 pm on Sunday. |
| C．1:30 pm on Tuesday. | D．1:30 pm on Saturday. |
| A．DulwichPicture Gallery | B．Temple Church |
| C．Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art | D．Chelsea Physic Garden |
| A．Highbury | B．Blackfriars |
| C．Sloane Square | D．West Dulwich |
| A．Nature. | B．Society. | C．Travel. | D．Lifestyle. |
5 . Researchers in Singapore found that eating mushrooms over twice per week could help prevent memory and language problems later in life.
According to the study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, there is a unique antioxidant (抗氧化物质) present in mushrooms that helps protect certain brain functions.
Researchers observed 663 Chinese adults aged over 60 whose diets and lifestyles were tracked from 2011 to 2017. In the study, the participants were asked how often they ate six different types of mushrooms: oyster, shiitake, white button, dried, golden and tinned. The findings showed that eating more than two shares of mushrooms per week somehow lowered the chances of mild cognitive impairment (MCi) by 50% against those who ate fewer than one share.
MCI is a condition that can make people forgetful, affect their memory and cause problems with language, attention and finding the exact position of objects in space. Changes in behavior can be not very noticeable and not serious enough to be known as dementia (痴呆).
Participants who ate more mushrooms were found to perform better in thinking and processing exams and also exhibited a faster processing speed. The advantage was reportedly more apparent in those who ate more than two shares a week or more than 300 grams.
The scientists pointed out, however, that they have yet to put up a direct link between the fungi and brain function.
The researchers also acknowledged that since this study mainly relied on self-reported information on mushroom intake and other dietary factors (因素), further studies may be required.
Still, the lead study author Lei Feng is encouraged by their findings.
“This correlation is surprising and encouraging,” Lei said.
Mushrooms are one of the richest dietary sources of ergothioneine — a matter which humans can’t make on our own.
1. What are the findings in paragraph 3 about?| A．Diets and lifestyles. | B．The percent of MCI. |
| C．The types of mushrooms. | D．The benefit of eating mushrooms. |
| A．It can strengthen memory. | B．It can result in language problems. |
| C．It can make people get lost. | D．It can lessen the chance of forgetfulness. |
| A．They will take the exams much more easily |
| B．Their academic performance improves greatly |
| C．Their thinking ability is better than the majority |
| D．They will love communicating with others. |
| A．Scientific fiction. | B．An advertisement. |
| C．A science report. | D．Adult literature. |
6 . International Volunteering in New Zealand
If you’re visiting New Zealand and would like to volunteer, DOC (Department of Concentration) welcomes you to get involved.
Before you come to New Zealand
You do not need a work visa to volunteer with DOC. You ran volunteer on entry to New Zealand as long as you do not receive payment or benefits.
You may need a police certificate
Depending on the volunteer work you do with us, you may be required to provide a police certificate to DOC. Your police certificate would need to be written and certified in English. It’s easier for you if you get a police certificate before you leave your country.
How to get a new police certificate if you’re already in New Zealand. (Click here)
International students
Volunteering with DOS is an option to gain experience. However, DOC does not offer opportunities to students who study at:
●universities outside New Zealand, or other education providers outside New Zealand.
Insurance
For all volunteers with DOC, we strongly advise you gel comprehensive (综合的) travel insurance and unlimited medical cover. DOC does not accept responsibility for any:
● personal medical or accident events.
● loss or damage to personal items of equipment, or other associated costs while you're volunteering with DOC.
1. What may you offer to DOC if you want to volunteer as a foreigner in New Zealand?| A．A work visa. | B．A police certificate |
| C．A university diploma. | D．A driver license. |
| A．An American official who is travelling in New Zealand. |
| B．A Chinese businessman with some volunteering experiences. |
| C．A Chinese exchange student in the University of Auckland in New Zealand. |
| D．An English college student who has just been visiting his uncle in New Zealand for a few days. |
| A．A story book. | B．A newspaper. |
| C．A website. | D．A travel guide book. |
7 . Smart Home Products for Living a Connected Life
What makes something a smart home product? Generally, it’s defined by its ability to connect to a Wi-Fi network, allowing users to interact（互动）with it from their smartphones.We’ve rounded up some cool, diverse offerings that you’ll love to have in your home.
Nest Cam IQ
walmart.com
$299.00
The Nest Cam IQ is a beautifully designed home security camera that can recognize faces. It can warn you if there’s a stranger in your home. The device also supports two-way communication via built-in microphones and a powerful speaker.
Logitech Harmony Elite
amazon.com
$249.99
The Logitech Harmony Elite is one of the best universal remote controls available on the market. It can control just about every piece of electronics you own（it supports over 270，000 devices！）in every room of your house or apartment, including TVs，streaming devices, and sound systems.
Apple HomePod
bhphotovideo.com
$349.00
The Apple HomePod has better audio quality than any other smart speaker available today. Available in white or space gray, the Siri-powered device also allows you to control a number of devices with your voice.
August Smart Lock Pro
amazon.com
$279.99
The August Smart Lock Pro is compatible（兼容的）with most locks. A mobile app allows you to manage access to the lock, check its usage history, and get informed when someone opens the door. You can control it and check on the state of your door with voice commands.
1. What can the Nest Cam IQ help you do？| A．Properly use your smartphone camera |
| B．Control electronics with your voice. |
| C．Check the locks of your house. |
| D．Keep your home safe. |
| A．Nest Cam IQ. |
| B．Apple HomePod. |
| C．August Smart Lock Pro. |
| D．Logitech Harmony Elite. |
| A．Technology. |
| B．News. |
| C．Society. |
| D．Education. |
8 . Dogs are considered by many to be man’s best friend and with millions of dogs owned by families in the US, it is highly likely that many dogs are in need of some amount of training. Since dogs can hear sounds at much higher frequencies (频率) than humans, there is a wonderful tool for the training of a dog. It is an app (应用程序) called the Dog Whistle. This isn’t your typical whistle in that it produces sounds at a frequency that is unable to be heard by humans. This unique app will allow you to train your dog without the need of a dog whistle.
The Dog Whistle free app was created by an app developer Maoli Wang specifically for dog owners who are looking for a way to communicate with their dogs in order to be able to either train them or alert (使警觉) them when the noise around is too great for them to hear you call them. By simply fixing the app on your iPhone, it will immediately turn itself into a dog whistle.
The app includes a very powerful system that is able to create different tones ranging from 16,000 to 40,000 Hz in order for a dog to be able to hear it. The app also has an on-screen sound meter in order for the user to monitor the sound level being produced. In that way, they can decide on which frequency works best for their dog. What’s more, the app easily produces the requested tones at the frequencies necessary to be used to communicate with your dog by simply tapping the screen of your phone.
The app was designed to be used in place of a dog whistle in order to get your dogs attention when it is too noisy around them. The sound produced through the app is at a level that only dogs are able to hear and they will respond to the sound. If you own a dog and are having behavioral issues with them, you would surely benefit from the Dog Whistle free app available by clicking here.
1. What is the development of the app based on according to the first paragraph?| A．Dogs’ good hearing. | B．People’s love for dogs. |
| C．The use of smart phones. | D．Dog owner’s interest in training. |
| A．It records the ways the dog responds to sounds. |
| B．It produces beautiful sounds that interest the dog. |
| C．It produces whistles at a frequency intended for the dog. |
| D．It suggests a proper way to communicate with the dog. |
| A．In a strange situation. | B．In a noisy situation. |
| C．In an unsafe situation. | D．In a difficult situation. |
| A．magazine | B．newspaper | C．website | D．radio |
