4 . 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.

5 . The River Thames has some of the highest recorded levels of microplastics for any river in the world.

Scientists have estimated that 94,000 microplastics per second flow down the river in places. The quantity is larger than that measured in other European rivers, such as the Danube and Rhine. Tiny bits of plastic have been found inside the bodies of crabs living in the Thames.

Researchers at Royal Holloway, University of London, are calling for stricter regulations on the labelling and disposal of plastic products. They warn that careless disposal of plastic gloves and masks during the coronavirus pandemic might make the problem of plastic pollution worse.

“Taken together, these studies show how many different types of plastic, from microplastics in the water through to larger items of debris physically altering the foreshore, can potentially affect a wide range of organisms in the River Thames,” said Prof Dave Morritt from Royal Holloway, “The increased use of single- use plastic items, and the inappropriate disposal of such items, including masks and gloves, along with plastic- containing cleaning products, during the current COVID-19 pandemic, may well make this problem even worse.”

Many forms of microplastics were found in the Thames, including glitter, microbeads from cosmetics and plastic debris from larger items. Most of the microplastics came from the break-down of large plastics, with food packaging thought to be a significant source. “Flushable” wet wipes were found in high abundance on the shoreline forming “wet wipe reefs”.

Study researcher, Katherine McCoy, said, “Our study shows that stricter regulations are needed for the labelling and disposal of these products. There is great range to further research the impacts of microplastics and indeed microfibres on Thames organisms.”

1. What did the researchers mainly suggest?

A．Stricter regulations should be made.	B．People shouldn't eat crabs for a while.
C．People should cut the use of plastic gloves	D．Plastic masks shouldn't be thrown away carelessly.

2. Where did most microplastics found in the River Thames come from?

A．Wet wipes.	B．Food packaging.
C．Cleaning products.	D．Single-use plastic masks.

3. What is the best title for the text?

A．Wildlife Being Threatened by Microplastics.	B．Forms of Microplastics Found in the Thames.
C．River Thames Severely Polluted with Plastic.	D．Inappropriate Disposal of Single-use Plastics.

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

A．Science.

B．Environment.

C．Health.

D．Education.

6 . The computer is a powerful tool. With it, teachers can improve the classroom experience in a variety of ways. But misuse of the computer will probably result in disadvantages.

To investigate the way technology is being used in our school district, I recently spoke with Jeanine Lowell, who teaches social studies at Lake Town Middle School. Mrs. Lowell informed me that computers have helped to increase students’ motivation and prepare them for life in a technological society. “These kids are probably going to be using some kind of computer system when they graduate from high school,” Lowell noted. “It’s important that we provide a proper introduction to them in the classroom.” Lowell also observed that the computers have made it easier to promote different areas of learning, so that students can work on a project or topic that relates to more than one subject.

With all of these benefits, however, come a few shortcomings. Although Mrs. Lowell has nearly wallpapered her room with warnings that state: “The computer is NOT A TOY”, not everyone in the class agrees with this idea. Some students get easily distracted (分心) by the internet and are quite good at making it look as if they are doing work when they are really checking their email or watching videos. “You’ve got to be three steps ahead,” she told me, “if you want to stay on top of what they’re actually doing on the computer.”

Some schools use some type of blocking software to ensure that students cannot access improper sites at school. More complex programs use a server-based, network-wide program instead of software that runs on personal computers. Research has shown that in a way these server-based blocking programs provide better security, because some students can disable the software on a personal computer.

However, there is no replacement for the watchful eye of a good teacher like Jeanine Lowell. There are also no electronic cure-alls for any of education’s many challenges. Technology is a useful tool, but that is all it is: a tool.

1. Where is this passage most likely from?

A．A newspaper.	B．An advertisement.
C．A novel.	D．A diary.

2. Which of the following isn’t the benefit of computer use in the classroom?

A．Improved motivation in the classroom.

B．Opportunities for learning across different subjects.

C．Increased preparation for the future use in the workplace.

D．Convenience of sharing ideas with people living across the globe.

3. The best way to prevent students from accessing improper sites on school computers is to ______.

A．post warning signs throughout the classroom

B．use blocking software on personal computers

C．monitor what students do on the computers carefully

D．use server-based software programs on personal computers

4. What is the writer’s opinion on the use of computers in the classroom?

A．It does more harm than good.

B．It is only supported by experts.

C．It contributes to teaching in some way.

D．It is more beneficial to teachers than students.

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 . 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.

9 . 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.

10 . Welcome to SummerCamps.com; find and book the very best summer camps. Your children are precious so we offer the highest quality of camps that will meet each child’s needs and interests.

Catalina Sea Camp

Sea Camp offers three one-week sessions to boys and girls aged 8-13 and two three-week sessions to teens aged 12-17. Our hand-picked instructors create an atmosphere of fun and excitement while leading campers to a host of ocean adventures, marine(海洋的) biology, and social summer camp activities.

Address: Toyon Way, San Bruno, California 94066

Phone: 800-645-1423

Camp Cayuga

Camp Cayuga is a private summer camp for children aged 6 to 16. The camp is on a 350-acre land in the Pocono Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania, just outside the village of Honesdale. It’s a 3-hour drive from New York City to Philadelphia.

Address: 321 Niles Pond Road-Suite ISC, Honesdale, Pennsylvania 18431

Phone: 908-470-1224

Camp Rockmont

Camp Rockmont is a Christian summer camp for boys, aged 6-16, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Rockmont’s duty of developing boys into healthy young men is accomplished through age-appropriate skills, activities, and challenges that help campers to know themselves better.

Address: 375 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, North Carolina 28711

Phone: 828-686-3885

Primitive Pursuits Overnight Camps

Primitive Pursuits Overnight Camps offer week-long Summer Adventure Overnight Camps in New York’s Finger Lakes to your children aged 11-15. Campers experience a week of nature-based skills training, inspiring challenges, and fun activities under the guidance of skilled instructors.

Address: 611 County Rd 13, Van Etten, New York 14889

Phone: 607-272-2292

1. If a boy is curious about sea creatures, which camp should he go to?

A．Catalina Sea Camp

B．Camp Cayuga

C．Camp Rockmont

D．Primitive Pursuits Overnight Camps

2. Where should a girl of 7 go for camping?

A．Toyon Way, San Bruno.

B．611 County Rd 13, Van Etten.

C．375 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain.

D．321 Niles Pond Road- Suite ISC, Honesdale.

3. You can find this passage from           .

A．a magazine	B．the Internet
C．a textbook	D．a newspaper