1 . As online technology advanced, web sites, podcasts, and blogs became powerful sources of information that allowed everyone to stay updated on any subject imaginable. Although all of these information sources remain popular, there's a new king of media and it's online video.

There are many reasons why online video has increased suddenly over the past few years. The first is increasing data speeds. It wasn't until recently that people everywhere had fast enough online connections to enjoy high-definition （高清）videos. However, once faster Internet speeds were provided, people quickly fell in love with online videos. The second reason why online videos have become so popular is convenience. Watching videos requires less effort and energy than reading through paragraphs of text after a day of hard work. Videos also seem to provide more satisfaction, as people prefer to connect with people they can hear and see, as against the words of some author whom they know little about.

Advancing digital technology has also helped, as it has made sharing videos easier and more convenient than ever. High-powered smartphones and more affordable video cameras allow anyone to easily record an event or give a few comments about a scorching topic that is on their mind. Meanwhile, sites like YouTube, Vimeo, and Ustream allow users to quickly upload their videos and share them with friends, family, and the general public if they wish.

Last but not least, advertising. Companies have made it easy for people to get rewarded for creating popular videos. Some people with large enough fan bases can even make a very wealthy living by uploading a few videos every week.

The future also looks bright for companies who post online video ads. In fact, new software allows them to watch viewers' emotional reactions to their content through the users' webcams （网络摄像机）.They'll be able to see whether users laugh, cry, or feel bored during videos, so they can adjust their ads. This should prove extremely helpful, as there will be millions of videos competing for viewers' attention.

1. Why do some people prefer watching videos to reading after work?

A．It helps them review the news.

B．It helps them get information with relative ease.

C．It provides them more information.

D．It helps them save time.

2. What does the underlined word "scorching" in Paragraph 3 mean?

A．Unusual.

B．Future.

C．Hot.

D．Social.

3. How will the software mentioned in the last paragraph help companies in the future?

A．It will enable them to better understand what customers enjoy.

B．It will let more viewers see the advertisements they make.

C．It will cause viewers to create more popular videos.

D．It will make people like their videos.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A．Online Video:   The New King of Media

B．Online Technology is Developing Fast

C．Online Video:   A New Advertising Trend

D．Online Technology is Closely Related to People

2 . We all know the value of taking a walk in the fresh spring weather. It allows your mind to relax and forget about the problems in everyday life. Studies have commonly shown the benefits of being around green spaces, including gardens, urban parks and forests.

But did you know that being in contact with these natural surroundings during childhood could positively impact (影响) your mental health as an adult?

A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) surveyed 3,600 people from all over Europe, including Spain, the Netherlands, Lithuania and the UK.

The all-adult study gave participants a questionnaire (问卷) on how frequently they used natural spaces during childhood — for example, playing in a garden, riding a bike at the park or hiking in a forest. They were also asked about the importance they put on using such places.

Volunteers were then given a psychological (心理的) test, which included a variety of questionnaires and problem-solving activities, to analyze their nervousness and feelings of depression (抑郁) within a four-week period.

The results consistently showed that the people who were more exposed (暴露的) to natural spaces had higher mental health scores compared to those with lower childhood exposure — as did those who attached higher importance to using green spaces.

The study’s coordinator (协调员), Wilma Zijlema, wrote that the results “show the importance of childhood exposure to natural spaces for the development of a nature-appreciating attitude and a healthy psychological state in adulthood”. She also stressed the importance of “recognizing the implications (含义) of growing up in environments with limited opportunities for exposure to nature”.

According to the study, 73 percent of Europe’s population only has limited access (接触机会) to natural spaces. Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, director of ISGlobal’s Urban Planning, said that “Many children in Europe lead an indoor lifestyle…so we call on policymakers to improve the availability (可得性) of natural spaces for children.”

While this study was based in Europe, a lack of green space can affect anyone, anywhere. So remember to make time to immerse yourself in nature, as your mental health is just as important as the physical one.

1. What was the purpose of the ISGlobal’s walking study?

A．To examine the advantages of taking a walk.

B．To understand the mental health problems of children.

C．To see how childhood experiences shape adult life.

D．To study the influence of childhood exposure to natural spaces.

2. What do we know about the study?

A．The participants included both children and adults.

B．The participants were from all over the world.

C．It consisted of a questionnaire and a psychological test.

D．It focused on the participants’ physical health state.

3. What do Paragraphs 7-8 mainly talk about?

A．The results of the study.

B．The value of the study.

C．The method of the study.

D．The process of the study.

4. What does the underlined word “immerse” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A．Lose oneself in something.

B．Understand something.

C．Protect against something.

D．Imagine doing something.

3 . When it comes to success in business and success in life, there are few qualities as important as confidence.
People naturally have different levels of confidence. Some have a higher level of confidence than others do, but even those whose confidence is lacking can learn to build their level of confidence and reach their most important goals. Increasing self-confidence is one of the most common reasons people give for seeking the help of psychologists and other professionals.
One of the many places where a greater level of confidence is useful is in the workplace. We all know how difficult it can be, for instance, to ask the boss for a raise. This process can be extremely difficult for those who lack confidence in their own abilities. After all, if you are unsure about your own abilities, how will you ever convince your boss that you deserve more money for the work you do?
Even if you are not asking for that big raise, having plenty of confidence in your abilities is important to success. If you are certain of your abilities, chances are that those around you, whether they are your coworkers, your colleagues or your superiors(上级), will see that confidence, and that will help to assure them that you are the best at what you do.
Being thought of as the person to go to, and being seen as an expert in your chosen field, is naturally very important to success on the job. If you can make yourself the person people go to for guidance and advice, you will help to protect yourself from the ever present danger of downsizing. After all, if you are a recognized expert at the office, you will be regarded as an indispensable member of the team.
Having a high level of confidence, after all, does not mean overlooking the places where you could improve. Knowing what you do well and where you need help will help you enjoy increased success and confidence.
1. What is the passage mainly about?

A．The influence of confidence on one’s life.

B．The importance of confidence to success.

C．The difference of people’s confidence.

D．The judgment on one’s confidence.

2. Psychologists and other professionals can offer help to those _____.

A．who think their goals are hard to reach

B．who expect to give guidance to others

C．who want to ask the boss for a raise

D．who dream to be recognized experts

3. What does the underlined word indispensable in Paragraph 5 probably mean?

A．important

B．attractive

C．outgoing

D．energetic

4. What message does the author want to convey (传达) in the last paragraph?

A．To overlook one’s disadvantages.

B．To make full use of one’s advantages.

C．To have great confidence in one’s abilities.

D．To make objective(客观的) evaluations of one’s abilities.

4 . Most of the time, people wear hats to protect themselves from harsh weather conditions. Hats are also worn to show politeness and as signs of social position. But nowadays, hats, especially women’s hats, are much more than that. More exactly, hats have changed into fashion and style symbols by many movie stars. What’s more, people now consider many different features (特点)when choosing even a simple hat. Many designers point out that, when choosing the right hat, it’s important to consider the color of your skin as well as your hair, your height, and the shape of your face.

First of all, the color of the hat should match the color of your skin and hair. For instance, black hats should be avoided if you are dark skinned. If a purple hat is placed on top of red hair, one will look as attractive as a summer flower. Second, the height of the hat is also an important point. Tall women should not go for hats with tall crowns, just as short women should choose hats with upturned brims to give the look of height. Third, and most importantly, the shape of the face decides the kind of hat one should pick. A small, gentle hat that fits the head looks good on a small face. However, women with big, round faces should choose a different style.

As the saying goes, “Fine feathers make fine birds.” A good hat can not only help your dress but also support your features, so why not choose the best possible one next time you want to be in public?
1. What does the underlined word “harsh” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?

A．good

B．strange

C．poor

D．different

2. According to the article, which of the following women would look most attractive?

A．A big-faced woman who wears a small, nice hat.

B．A short red-haired woman who wears a purple hat.

C．A tall woman who wears a hat with a huge upturned brim.

D．A small dark-skinned woman who wears a black hat with a tall crown.

3. What does the last paragraph suggest?

A．Hats are worn on the head to keep warm.

B．Hats can help you look better in public.

C．Hats are not as important as character.

D．Hats can make you look much taller.

4. What is the best title for the article?

A．How to Show Your Social Position	B．How to Improve Your Features
C．How to Choose a Proper Hat	D．How to Design a Nice Hat