1 . New parents who clean their homes very often to protect their babies from bacteria and other organisms might cut back their efforts.
A new study suggests high levels of contact with cleaning products are linked to an increased risk of the childhood breathing condition known as asthma (气喘).
Researchers asked a group of parents how often they used 26 common household cleaners during their babies’ first three to four months of life. By age three, the children who had come in contact with cleaning products the most were more likely to be diagnosed with asthma. The researchers said children who had a lot of contact with cleaners were 37 percent more likely to have asthma than children with the least contact. The study also found a lot of exposure to cleaning products caused children to be 35 percent more likely to have chronic difficulty breathing. In addition, they were 49 percent more likely to have chronic allergies.
Tim Takaro, who helped lead the study, suggested that parents should question the belief that their home is clean only if it smells like chemical-based cleaning products. He also advised them to look for products free of substances like chemical colors. Besides, they should consider natural cleaning products instead of chemical ones.
The American lung Association recommends avoiding cleaning products that contain volatile (易挥发的) organic substances and other irritants (刺激物). But companies in Canada and the United States are not required to list all the chemicals in cleaning products. Some products labeled as environmentally friendly, or "green", may contain harmful substances.
Elissa Abrams, a doctor with the University of Manitoba, admitted the effects of cleaning products are not well understood. But she believed these products and the chemicals they contain act as irritants to growing children "The take-home message is that parents should be careful with cleaning products they use in the home", she added.
1. What is the third paragraph mainly about?| A．The suggestions on using cleaning products. |
| B．The parents’ opinions of household cleaners. |
| C．The conduct of the study and the findings. |
| D．The reason for using cleaning products. |
| A．Have a full understanding of cleaning products. |
| B．Keep their home free of all kinds of cleaning products. |
| C．Use natural cleaning products rather than chemical ones. |
| D．Make their homes smell like chemical-based cleaning products. |
| A．They are environmentally friendly without any harm. |
| B．They are asked to list all the chemicals contained. |
| C．They are free of irritants if labeled "green". |
| D．They are not always safe to be used. |
| A．Arts & Culture. | B．Lifestyle & Health. |
| C．Life & Technology. | D．Climate & Environment. |
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1. What is one of the reasons why parents in Tampa, Florida think highly of EYS?| A．Their dance classes are enjoyable and safe. | B．Their coaches are all experienced. |
| C．Their Dance Studio is well equipped. | D．Their Dance Studio is large and comfortable. |
| A．They are clearly targeted at beginners. | B．They are offered at reduced prices now. |
| C．They are available for seven hours daily. | D．They are designed to keep kids stay focused. |
| A．An activity review. | B．An exhibition guide. |
| C．A travel brochure. | D．A course description. |
3 . When you are travelling in Thailand, which means of transport is the best choice?
You can rent a variety of motorbikes or bikes in Thailand. It seems to be very popular in most of the beaches and islands along the places in the north. The most popular bikes are the little 125 cc Honda Dream which you can get for about 150 baht (铢)a day or as little as 3,000 baht per month, making it the cheapest way to tour Thailand for the people from other countries.
Sometimes you will have to go somewhere by taxi. When you are in cities in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, always remember to get a taxi that is traveling on the roads. Some drivers outside hotels refuse to use the meter (计程表). They will ask a price which is several times the price when they use the meter!
The quality of the roads in Thailand is generally pretty good, so renting cars is another way to get around. The big car rental companies may offer you slightly older cars at a very reasonable price. It is a little surprising considering that the cost of buying a car in Thailand is more than that in the West. Petrol is also reasonably priced in Thailand, more expensive than American prices, but much cheaper than what is paid in Europe. In the past, Bangkok could be a difficult place to drive in—signs were generally in Thai (泰语)only, making it a hard job to find exactly where you were by looking around. But now, the situation is improved. In a lot of places, even the farthest corners of the country, street signs are in both Thai and English.
1. To a foreigner, the cheapest way to get around Thailand is renting a ______.| A．car | B．taxi | C．bike | D．motorbike |
| A．To take a taxi going on the road. | B．To take a taxi parked outside hotels. |
| C．To make sure there is a meter in it. | D．To bargain with the driver over the price. |
| A．Because there were too many traffic jams on the roads. |
| B．Because there were no signs showing directions. |
| C．Because the signs were written only in their own language. |
| D．Because the quality of the roads was not good. |
| A．Entertainment | B．Tourism | C．Market | D．Advertisement |
4 . When people see machines that respond like humans, or computers that perform amazing functions, they sometimes joke about a future in which humanity will need to accept robot overlords(霸主). But buried in the joke is a seed of unease. Science-fiction movies have ever shown us about artificial intelligence (AI) that escapes its creators’ control.
Even in the real world, not everyone is ready to welcome AI with open arms. In recent years, as computer scientists have pushed the boundaries(界限) of what AI can accomplish, leading figures in technology and science have warned about the frightening dangers that artificial intelligence may pose to human beings, even suggesting that AI could destroy the human race. But why are people so frightened about the idea of AI?
Elon Musk is one of the famous voices that have raised red flags about AI. In July 2017, Musk told people at a meeting of the National Governors Association, “I have exposure to the very cutting-edge AI, and I think people should be really concerned about it. I keep sounding the alarm bell. But until people see robots going down the street killing people, they don’t know how to react, because it seems so impossible. ”
Earlier, in 2014, Musk had labeled AI “our biggest existential threat”, and in August 2017, he declared that humanity faced a great risk from AI.
Physicist Stephen Hawking, who died on March 14, also expressed concerns about AI, telling the BBC in 2014 that “the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.”
It’s also less than reassuring that some programmers—particularly those with MIT Media Lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts—seem determined to prove that AI can be terrifying.
1. What are top scientists in AI worried about?| A．It has wonderful functions. |
| B．It contributes too much to movies. |
| C．It may end the human race some day. |
| D．It’s ability to bury our seeds in jokes. |
| A．Disapproving. | B．Ambiguous. |
| C．Understanding. | D．Supportive. |
| A．Be a great threat to human beings. |
| B．Learn the human emotions like fear. |
| C．Predict the future of the human race. |
| D．Turn horrible tales into scary stories. |
| A．Technology. | B．Health. |
| C．Culture. | D．Nature. |
5 . From Mr. Ward Hoffman.
Sir, I was halfway through Professor Raj Persaud’s article “What’s the tipping point" (Financial Times Weekend, April 9-l0) when it occurred to me that what I was reading was not ironic(讽刺的). If Prof Persaud wants to know why Americans tip in restaurants, he need only ask the first American he meets in London.
Americans tip in restaurants for one reason, and one reason only: we tip to supplement(补贴) the salary of restaurant workers. Quality of service does not enter into it, beyond the fact that one may tip a bit less for poor service, or a little more for good service.
Not tipping at all in a non-fast-food restaurant is not a choice. In the US, one used to tip about 15 percent for dining in a family-style restaurant or in an up-market(高档的) restaurant. Here, in San Francisco Bay area restaurants, we are encouraged to tip 20 per cent or more, to help restaurant workers live in this very expensive area.
After eating at an Italian restaurant in my city, I left a tip of 20 per cent on the non-tax part of our dinner bill. It was expected. There is nothing more complicated(复杂的) than that about Americans tipping in restaurants.
Ward Hoffman,
Palo Alto, CA 94306, US
* * *
From Mr. Philip McBride Johnson.
Sir, I agree with most of Raj Persaud’s opinion about the doubtful value of tipping, but with one exception(例外). Tips can be very useful when one is a repeat customer or diner.
It is only when the tipper is a stranger and likely to remain so that the system does not work to his or her advantage. But frequent a hotel or a restaurant, always tip a bit more, and the difference in service and treatment will be easily felt.
Philip McBride Johnson,
Great Falls, VA 22066, US
1. What can we learn from Hoffman’s letter?| A．Quality of service determines tipping in the US. |
| B．Americans don’t tip in non fast-food restaurants. |
| C．Tipping in US up-market restaurants is unnecessary. |
| D．How to tip in the United States is not complicated. |
| A．a stranger in a restaurant is likely to tip a bit more |
| B．diners receive better service if they frequent a restaurant |
| C．repeat dinners may get good service if they tip a bit more |
| D．the tipping system works to the advantage of new customers |
| A．feels doubtful about the value of tipping |
| B．believes tipping improves quality of service |
| C．wants to ask Hoffman about tipping in the US |
| D．thinks tipping a bit more one can get good service |
| A．notice | B．handbook | C．book review | D．newspaper |
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1. Where do you think we can see this passage?
| A．An Internet page. | B．A fashion magazine. |
| C．A promotional leaflet. | D．A national newspaper. |
| A．People who want to relieve their tired painful feet. |
| B．People who get their feet injured during the sports. |
| C．People who have to keep running around everyday. |
| D．People who desire to recover from a foot operation. |
| A．It can cure various feet diseases. |
| B．It can improve blood circulation. |
| C．It can slow the aging process of feet. |
| D．It can be worn under regular socks. |
7 . Vietnam aims to solve the relations between economic development and cultural preservation. Vietnamese cultural departments and activists have tried to preserve the historical and cultural relics in the country.
Vietnam now has more than 40,000 historical relics. These relics of various forms and history are treasures for future generations.
However, hundreds of relics are severely damaged due to the negative influence of time, war and human activities. Head of Hanoi Relics Management Board, Nguyen Doan Tuan, says rescue work must preserve the relics’soul: “We cannot replace ruined construction with new materials. We must preserve its shape, size and style. We need to pay attention to every brick replaced so that it looks exactly like the original.”
Most relics have to rely on tourist fees for repair and rescue work. Director of Van Mieu Cultural and Science Center, Dang Kim Ngoc, says that the relics must be promoted widely to attract more visitors and bring in more income for repair and preservation: “We provide constant guide services for visitors so that they understand more about our relics. At the same time, a natural surrounding of the relic has been ensured, including the grass field and garden to improve its scenic value.”
The local government agreed that the relics must be turned to the community for shared efforts in the preservation work. Director of Vietnam Revolution Museum Dang Quoc Quan, said that the community must be guided in the preservation and protection, “The UNESCO aims to let local community take part in the preservation of relics. We have seen limitations in the preservation of relics, especially festival-related groups of buildings. This requires management and guidance by the government.”
Nguyen Thi Minh Ly from the Department of Heritage says the community should be guided in proper behaviors towards relics: “This will ensure the protection of cultural relics in later generations Creative restoration (修复) must be based on previous(先前的) values.”
Experts have called for a systematic(系统的)guidance by the state in local level preservation while promoting creative thinking in restoration for each relic.
1. Where is the passage most probably taken from?| A．A government survey. |
| B．A research paper. |
| C．A newspaper report. |
| D．A travel guide |
| A．Human activities. |
| B．Poor building materials. |
| C．Wat influence. |
| D．The passing of time. |
| A．Guide the Community in Proper Behaviors |
| B．Replace the Ruined Construction with a New Style |
| C．Hundreds of Relics in Vietnam Are In Ruins |
| D．Experts Call for a Systematic Way to Preserve Relics |
8 . In the future, people may travel to Mars（火星)by water-powered spaceship! Today's spaceships are fine for getting things into space, but they are not so good at travelling long distances. These spaceships burn chemical fuels(燃料)and they are very expensive. Scientists say that a water-powered spaceship could make the trip to Mars much cheaper. The idea is just in the planning stages now, but scientists think such a spaceship could be developed soon.
The key to the water-powered spaceship is the engine(发动机).Regular engines push spaceships by burning fuel. The water engine will use steam, created by solar panels(太阳能板)that heat water to a high temperature. Of course, the spaceship will have to carry a lot of water for the long trip to Mars.
Today's spaceships could not carry that much water. But scientists think that a spaceship blown up like a balloon will be able to.
One Us company has already developed a spaceship like this. These spaceships are made of a strong material. Two of them have already been sent up into space, using rockets and then later filed with air. “Balloon” spaceships could be very large and carry enough water for a long trip. With the “Balloon” spaceships, enough water could be carried to power the engines and grow food during the trip. And the people on the spaceship might even get to take a hot bath!
Scientists say the biggest advantage of such a spaceship would be cost. The “Balloon” spaceship uses water to push it through space and costs about one thirtieth of a normal spaceship. Such savings naturally encourage continued research into balloon spaceships and water engines. If these scientists are correct, we may soon be on our way to Mars in a spaceship powered by water.
1. Which sentence best describes the main idea of the passage above?| A．The key to the water-powered spaceship is the engine. |
| B．In the future, people may travel to Mars by water-powered spaceship. |
| C．One US company has already developed a spaceship like this. |
| D．Scientists say the biggest advantage of such a spaceship would be cost. |
| A．use steam. |
| B．push spaceships. |
| C．heat water. |
| D．carry that much water |
| A．Take a hot bath. |
| B．Freeze dangerous things. |
| C．Blow up a balloon. |
| D．Change the surface of Mars. |
| A．www. freedictionary. com/power. |
| B．www. mooc. cn/music. |
| C．www. chinadaily. com. cn/culture. |
| D．www. space. com/spaceflight. |
9 . Healthy, shiny hair is an attainable goal for many people. What you eat can bring luster and strength back to your hair. A balanced diet filled with so-called superfoods like certain fruits and oils treat your hair from the inside out.
Oils
The omega-3 fatty acids in eggs, walnuts, and fatty fish like salmon help make hair shiny. These oils can also be obtained through some vegetable oils or flaxseed oil, but are found in higher amounts in oily fish and eggs. The protein in these foods also helps hair grow strong and healthy. Also found in eggs are B12 and biotin, both of which are essential for healthy skin, nails, and hair.
Avocado
Avocados contain high amounts of vitamin E. Only 2 ounce of a medium-size avocado contains 8 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin E. If you don’t like to actually eat avocado, you can make an avocado mask to put on your hair. Vitamin E helps to keep your hair color bright and prevents split ends.
Coconut Oil
The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are used differently by your body than other saturated fats. An added benefit of coconut oil is its ability to make your hair shiny and healthy. Use coconut oil to cook your chicken or seafood, add it to your salad, or put it directly on your hair as a mask. Coconut oil’s anti-fungal agents also help protect against and treat dandruff and other scalp problems.
Vitamin C Fruits
Fruits high in vitamin C, such as oranges, peaches, pineapples, strawberries, and kiwi - help maintain healthy hair and fight against free-radical damage from the environment to protect your hair against pollutants. Make sure to eat lots of fruits high in vitamin C. You can also apply the juices of these fruits directly to your hair by mixing it into your shampoo.
1. According to the passage, eggs contain a lot of essential nutrients needed by healthy hair EXCEPT ________.| A．biotin. | B．flaxseed oil. | C．B12. | D．omega-3 fatty acids. |
| A．Avocados are rich in Vitamin E, which helps keep your hair brightly coloured. |
| B．Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, which protects your hair from pollutants. |
| C．To have healthy shiny hair, you can either eat superfoods or apply them to your hair. |
| D．Coconut oil is high in saturated fats and sugar, which can help treat scalp problems. |
| A．Beauty and skin care. | B．Life and society. |
| C．Food around the world. | D．News abroad. |
Wedding Customs from Around the World Each traditional wedding custom is very special, because it marks the importance of the wedding. |
| Brazil Important Details of the Wedding Ceremony A wedding ceremony in Brazil has many important details. For example, the bridegroom can't see the bride wearing her wedding dress before the ceremony. The bride has to use something old, something new, and something that is borrowed. One more detail is the bride's ring should be engraved the name of the bridegroom —María Celina Brandao |
| Eastern Europe Asking the Girl's Father for Permission In my country, the engagement is an event previous to the wedding. One month before the wedding, the bridegroom asks the girl's father for permission to take the girl out of her family house. He goes to her house early in the morning with a band, if he can afford the expense. All the neighbours come to see the new bride and to tell her something nice —Stoyan Grigorou |
| Japan A Wine Ceremony Symbolizes Dedication A Shinto wedding has a typical ceremony. A couple drinks Japanese rice wine in front of a priest. First, the bride drinks the wine from a small cup. Next, the bride passes the cup to the bridegroom and he also drinks the wine from the cup. They try to drink wine three times. This ceremony means that they promise to be dedicated to each other. —Maki Kubo |
| Venezuela Promises to Love and Take Care of Each Other The most important and unforgettable event of someone's life is marriage. In Venezuela, the bridegroom has to promise his bride to love her all his life and to take care of her forever. The bride also has to repeat the same commandments. It is popular for the couple to read the promises to each other. This moment is really beautiful. In addition, the couple receives a list of commandments. —Sonia Dale |
For more, please click here. |
1. What is a bridegroom in Brazil not expected to do?
| A．Use something not new. |
| B．Use something someone else lends him. |
| C．Have his bride wear the ring engraved with his name. |
| D．See his bride in a wedding dress before the ceremony. |
| A．Before the wedding is celebrated. | B．After the girl is taken out |
| C．After a band is paid by the bridegroom. | D．When the neighbours arrive. |
| A．It is the priest's order in the ceremony. |
| B．The cup is not big enough to hold much wine. |
| C．It means they promise not to be against each other. |
| D．It is typical for all young Japanese to drink wine. |
| A．Brazil. | B．Venezuela | C．Japan. | D．Eastern Europe. |
| A．A book on worldwide wedding. | B．A story about foreign customs. |
| C．A webpage about various wedding | D．Speeches about youngsters' trouble. |
