1 . Many people feel that dream is unique to humans. However, many dog owners will likely disagree on that. They have noticed that their dogs at various times during the sleep may shake legs, snort (哼) and sometimes growl (低声吼叫) which gives the impression that they are dreaming. These things may wonder us about whether dogs dream.
Scientists confirm that dogs probably do dream. It turns out that dog brains and human brains have many similarities during sleep cycles. Researchers used special machines to measure electrical activity in a dog’s brain and human’s brain. Scientists already knew that when humans dream, a certain part of the brain is active during sleep. Researchers discovered that the same part of the brain is active in sleeping dogs. Scientists have other data that back up these findings.
Many people dream that they are trying to move but cannot. Interestingly, part of that experience is not a dream. When people sleep, the brain produces a chemical that causes the dreamer to become temporarily paralyzed (使麻痹). Researchers think this happens so that people cannot physically act out dreams while they are sleeping. Dog brains make the same chemical. In one study during which this chemical was blocked, sleeping test dogs performed physical activities, such as standing up, sniffing around the room for imaginary rabbits, or chasing imaginary balls.
Because of these similarities, researchers believe that the content of a dog’s dream might come from the same source as a human’s dream. “People’s dreams are usually based on things they did that day,” says Dr. Samantha Hudspith. “So there is reason to believe that dogs dream about the things they’ve done that day. Of course, there will never be a way to prove this. Dogs cannot describe their dreams the way that humans can.”
1. What does the underlined phrase “back up” mean in the second paragraph?| A．Disagree. | B．Support. |
| C．Record. | D．Show. |
| A．It woke up. | B．It stopped dreaming. |
| C．It acted out its dream. | D．It couldn't move its body. |
| A．By telling stories | B．By giving examples. |
| C．By comparing details | D．By listing differences. |
| A．Do Dogs Dream? | B．Why Do Dogs Dream? |
| C．Signs of Dog Dreams | D．Similarities Between Humans and Dogs |
2 . DATE: March 11
TO: Sabrina Weissman
FROM: Grace Montgarden
CC: Marcus Stroud
SUBJECT: Letter of Concern
This memo(备忘录) serves as an official notice of concern as a result of your use of leave, and your unpunctuality(不守时) to work. Our records indicate that you have used an unusually large number of sick days over the past three months, using up your sick leave for the service year. You are now being docked pay(扣薪) for any sick leave reported. A breakdown of your leave usage during the past three months was as follows
● Sick or unscheduled(非计划中的) leave days 10 ●Scheduled leave days 5
In addition, during the past five months there were 8 days when you were more than 10 minutes late for work.
As an accountant for the Reykjavik public Works Department, you are responsible for financial activities that are critical(关键的) to effective operation of the office. I must be able to rely on your regular attendance in order to make decisions regarding distribution of work assignments. You should pay attention to the following requirements
● Doctor’s note required for absences of 3 or more days
●Obtain reliable child care in preparation for upcoming student vacation days
●Required call to supervisor(主管) when expecting to be more than 10 minutes late to work
You will be expected to stick to the above requirements. The above stated conditions and requirements-will be in effect for all future absences. Failure to obey the requirements will make you subject to(遭受) disciplinary action(纪律处分).
Respectfully, Grace Montgarden Personnel Officer
Reykjavik Public Works Department
1. How many days has Ms Weissman been late for work?| A．3 days. | B．5 days. | C．8 days. | D．10 days. |
| A．Bring doctor’s note for taking a day off. |
| B．Sign in and out on her attendance records book. |
| C．Make a required call to Grace Montgarden. |
| D．Contact her manager if she is late for work over 10 minutes. |
| A．failure | B．analysis | C．application | D．damage |
3 . I was so worried about handing my little boy over during his first week of school, but you made it easier. You smiled at him like a mother would at her own child.You showed warmth and your hugs were always on offer.After a day in class with you, Charlie would come home singing. Whenever I hear Do Your Ears Hang Low or see him stretching to the sky when singing about the days of the week, I will think of you.I didn't tell you at the time, but I loved your morning song so much that I implemented it in my own class (I'm a teacher, too).
When you saw I was troubled, you hugged me with your smile and I knew everything would be OK. You made parents feel as cared for as our children.In the short time I knew you; you taught me about the type of teacher I desire to be. You never seemed disturbed by the mountain of paperwork or impossible work-life balance that comes with the role. Instead, you appeared to embrace every minute.
I can't understand why you've been taken from us. Telling Charlie was one of the hardest things I've had to do.I'm not sure he fully understands, but he told me he loved you and has been asking whether your"robot powers"will work in heaven.
A friend once told me white feathers are angels telling us that loved ones in heaven are well. On the first day collecting the children without you，a white feather floated through the sleet (雨夹雪). Watching the younger ones bounce and gigle as they tried to catch it was beautiful.
I wish I had told you all of this when you were with us.I hope that you knew how you brought happiness to everyone you met and how loved you were. Goodbye, Dear Friend.
1. What does the underlined word "implemented" in Paragraph l probably mean?| A．Looked back on. | B．Looked forward to. |
| C．Thought highly of. | D．Made use of. |
| A．They need to sing songs before children. |
| B．They need to feel the affection as well. |
| C．They find it hard to handle their kids. |
| D．They find it necessary to hug the teachers. |
| A．inform us of the loved one's death |
| B．remind us it's time for a snowball fight |
| C．tell us the teacher stays in our mind after death |
| D．warn us of the falling snow when collecting children |
| A．To make a remark on Charlie's teacher. |
| B．To say goodbye to her fellow teacher. |
| C．To take pity on her fellow teacher. |
| D．To recall and show respect for Charlie's teacher. |
4 . Avi Loeb, a scientist, believes that we are not alone in the universe. The belief fits with Loeb’s alien (外星的) spaceship theory that at least one alien spaceship might be flying over the orbit (轨道) of Jupiter, which won the international attention last year.
Astronomers in Hawaii found the first known interstellar (星际的) object in late 2017. It was a bit of light moving so fast past the sun that it could only have come from another star. Almost every astronomer on the planet was trying to figure out how the object, called “Oumuamua” got to our far-away, part of the Milky way galaxy. “One possibility is that ‘Oumuamua’ is debris (碎片) from an advanced technological equipment,” Loeb said. “Technology comes from another solar system just showed up at our door.”
“‘Oumuamua’ is not an alien spaceship,” Paul Sutter, another scientist wrote. He suggested Loeb was seeking publicity. Most scientists think “Oumuamua” is some sort of rock. They think it could be an icy wandering comet.
Loeb says that “Oumuamua’s” behavior, means it can’t be a block of rock shaped like a long photo. He thinks it's more likely an object that’s very long and thin, perhaps like a long pancake or a ship’s sail. Loeb says that if someone shows him evidence that contradicts his beliefs, he will immediately give in.
Loeb believes himself a truth-teller and risk- taker in an age of very safe, too-quiet scientists. “The worst thing that can happen to me is that I would be relieved of my management duties, and that would give me even more time to focus on science,” Loeb says. He said he wouldn’t mind giving up all the titles he had and returning to the Israeli farming village where he grew up.
1. What does Loeb say about “Oumuamua”?| A．It is an icy comet. |
| B．It looks like a long photo. |
| C．It is actually some sort of rock. |
| D．It may come from another alien civilization. |
| A．Searches for. | B．Depends on. |
| C．Turns to. | D．Goes against. |
| A．He is foolish. |
| B．He is unsatisfied with his titles. |
| C．He is a firm believer in scientific truth. |
| D．He is uncertain about his career future. |
| A．Have Aliens Paid a Visit in Spaceships? |
| B．Do We Really Know about Space Theory? |
| C．Scientists Are Working on High Technology |
| D．Astronomers Are Encouraging Space Travel |
5 . It’s normal for teens to want to stay connected with friends and social circle, but what about that happening in the middle of the night? The Journal of Youth Studies recently published new research showing that one in five teens from 12 to 15 regularly wake to spend all night on social media (社会媒体). Not surprisingly, the research also showed that these social night owls were three times more likely than others to feel tired at school and that girls were more likely than boys to be called to office.
The blue light produced by cell phones and computers makes the brain to stay awake, so it's easy to see why a teen might be up all night. A study in Psychological Science showed the same brain reaction: when teens saw large numbers of “likes” on their posts, they stayed awake with excitement as if they had eaten chocolates or won money. Besides not catching up on sleep and interrupting their sleep cycle, teens may never fully enter deep sleep that may be responsible for brain development and learning.
Considering about 72 percent of children from 6 to 17 sleep with some electronic media in their bedrooms, parents need to set rules sooner rather than later.
“Providing access (使用机会) to social media is a favor that children can earn and also lose,” Janie Feldman, an expert who treats sleep disorders (紊乱), reminds parents, “The bad effect is clear. So teens and parents should discuss and agree on its use, timing and access. When teenagers agree to the rules, it’s easier for parents to control how much time they use the phones or computers.”
1. What does the underlined part “night owls” in paragraph 1 refer to?| A．Girls often called to office. |
| B．Teens who stay up late on social media. |
| C．Teens who are busy with their homework at night. |
| D．Boys regularly waking in the middle of the night. |
| A．They are too excited to go to sleep. |
| B．They fall asleep easily and happily. |
| C．They are too excited to go to school. |
| D．They decide to make more good friends. |
| A．Making rules about media access together with their children. |
| B．Getting their children to do homework through computers. |
| C．Encouraging their children to stay connected with online friends. |
| D．Stopping their children from using cell phones. |
| A．Deep sleep makes a big difference to brain development. |
| B．Kids are trying to win back the trust of their parents. |
| C．Social media may have a bad effect on all kinds of people. |
| D．Social media may cause teens’ sleep disorders. |
6 . Everyone has a phone in their pocket nowadays, but how often do we really use them for their original purpose-to make a call? Telephone culture is disappearing. What brought us to this moment, and what are its effects?
“No one picks up the phone anymore,” wrote Alex C. Madrigal on The Atlantic. The reflex of answering-centu20th—telephonic culture—is gone.”
The shift is of course due in large part to more communication options: Texting with photos, videos, emojis, reaction gifs, links and even voice messages can be a more attractive option.
Texting is light and fun, not nearly as demanding of your attention as a phone call. It can also be done with multiple people at the same time. Social media, email and video calls have also eaten away at traditional phone calls.
In recent years, another reason has caused people to ignore phone calls completely: robocalls. Robocalls are automate messages from organizations verifying your phone number or telemarketers trying to sell something. Americans received 22.8 billion robocalls halfway through 2020, equaling an annual rate of 45.6 billion, slightly below 2018 numbers, according to YouMail, a robocall protection service and blocking app.
As telephone culture disappears, what is the loss of a singular family phone doing to the family unit? Early landline phones unified family members, whereas mobile phones isolate them.
“The shared family phone served as an anchor for home,” said Luke Fernandez, a Weber State University computer-science professor and co-author of Bored, Lonely, Angry, Stupid: Feelings About Technology, From the Telegraph to Twitter. “With smartphones we have gained mobility and privacy. But the value of the home has been diminished, as has its ability to guide and monitor family behavior and perhaps connect families more closely,” Fernandez said.
Of course, as technology progresses, lives always change for better or for worse. With the loss of telephone culture, families will need to find other ways to unite.
1. What's the purpose of the passage?| A．To point out the disadvantages of the traditional phone call. |
| B．To call for the traditional phone to advance with the times. |
| C．To encourage people to make more phone calls and be closer to family. |
| D．To introduce the causes and effects of the disappearing telephone culture. |
| A．The telephone culture disappeared just because of too many robocalls. |
| B．Early landline phones are inconvenient and they separate family members. |
| C．Some communication options are more attractive than the traditional phone call. |
| D．Texting with multiple people at the same time takes up our attention too much. |
| A．Changed | B．Decreased | C．Strengthened | D．Continued |
| A．Supportive. | B．Opposed. | C．Objective. | D．Skeptical. |
7 . Thomas Cheatham had planned to study Latin during his time at Hebron High School in Texas. But when he learned that the school district was going to offer a Mandarin(普通话) class, he quickly changed his mind.
“I thought Mandarin would be more beneficial than Latin,” said Cheatham, who is now in his second year of studying the language.
He speaks Mandarin to order food at Chinese restaurants and can read social media posts from his Chinese-speaking friends. While it’s a difficult language to master, the high school junior, who plans to study computer engineering, thinks it will be important for his career. “Chinese is a good language to know, especially with China becoming a growing power,” he said.
Many experts agree that proficiency(熟练) in a language spoken by a billion people worldwide will give American students an edge in the global economy.
“People are looking at China as our next economic competitor, and interest in Mandarin is growing fast,” said Marty Abbott, director of the American Council(议会) on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. “We’re seeing it in all parts of the country.”
Abbott predicts that as many as 100,000 students are now studying Mandarin in public and private schools throughout the US. She said the US government has designated (指定) Mandarin as an “important needs” language and provides professional development programs for teachers. “Our government wants to increase our language ability for national security and economic competitiveness,” Abbott added.
At the same time, the Chinese government is spreading knowledge of the Chinese language and culture through Confucius Institutes set up in many US states. For example, the Confucius Institute at the University of Texas in Dallas has been the home of a Confucius Institute for 10 years. It sponsors Confucius Classrooms at 21 local public and private schools, where tens of thousands of students are learning Mandarin.
1. Why did Thomas Cheatham decide to study Mandarin instead of Latin?| A．Mandarin was easier to learn than Latin. |
| B．Mandarin could be helpful to his future career. |
| C．Mandarin might help him learn more about China. |
| D．Mandarin could enable him to study computer engineering. |
| A．a slight advantage | B．the outside limit |
| C．a sharp tone of voice | D．an exciting quality |
| A．Mandarin should be taught in classrooms throughout the US. |
| B．Those skilled at Chinese will be the most competitive in the future. |
| C．The US government’s policy has helped popularize Mandarin in the US. |
| D．Americans learn Mandarin because they worry about their national security. |
| A．The rising popularity of Mandarin among American students. |
| B．The great benefits of learning Mandarin for American students. |
| C．The influence of China’s growing power on American education. |
| D．The effect of Confucius Institutes in promoting Mandarin in the US. |
8 . Small seating in the economy-class (经济舱) sections of airplanes is not just uncomfortable but potentially life-threatening. Space has become so tight that passengers cannot protect themselves in the event of a crash.
A report on a long distance flight from the doctors of Vienna stated that only 10% in economy class could adopt the recommended brace position on the plane's safety tips in case of emergency. And 30% of their fellow passengers traveling in first class could adopt the position, which is internationally recognized as improving the chances of survival in the event of a crash. The authors of the report are now calling for greater space between seat rows to increase safety.
A spokesman for British Airways (BA), which is responsible for safety on all British planes, opposed the idea that small seating was a menace to passengers, "We don't think it is a safety matter," he said, "We have high safety standards and all UK aircraft meet them?" In the past month, both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic introduced sleeper seats, stressing the outstanding comfort in the front of the planes. But that space gained is space lost in economy.
Until recently, economy class was at least “bearable”— with an 86-centimeter seat Scheduled Airlines such as BA and KLM gave passengers enough leg room and comfortable eats. But the arrival of new, weight-saving seats caused economy class to take a turn for the worse. Extra rows have been put into the plane, with the result that the average seat now is 79 centimetres. Singapore Airlines has become the latest carrier to narrow down its seats. It announced free wine for economy passengers last September, but at the same time reduced leg room by 8 centimetres. Some Qatar Airways offer the chance to upgrade - at a price - to seats which, at 89-91 centimetres, are roomier than those of most Scheduled Airlines.
1. Which is true according to the report from doctors of Vienna?| A．10% of passengers in economy class adopt the brace position. |
| B．More spaces could increase the chance of survival. |
| C．30% of passengers on board adopt the brace position. |
| D．Passengers in first class are most likely to survive. |
| A．Threat. | B．Advantage. | C．Bonus. | D．Concern. |
| A．Scheduled Airlines produced new comfortable seats for economy class. |
| B．Doctors from Vienna said less space between seats could increase danger in the crash. |
| C．Spokesman for BA declared that narrow seat space was a threat. |
| D．Qatar Airways offered larger seats with no more charge, |
| A．A biography. | B．A book review. | C．A magazine. | D．A realistic novel. |
9 . Group exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve physical fitness and sustain (保持) a healthy lifestyle. Group exercise is challenging, yet fun! Of course everyone knows that exercise is good for the body. However, studies have shown that when exercise is performed in groups, it’s not only great for improving physical health but for psychological health. It’s an opportunity to be social and improve your strength. Additionally, group exercise creates a community feel and the shared common goal inspire people to work hard.
Another beneficial aspect of group exercise is the informational support people receive from the instructor. Many people fear the gym because they feel lost and don’t want to embarrass themselves. If you feel that way, then group training is an even better option for you. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about fitness through the clear instruction of a fitness instructor. If you’re tired of wandering around the gym wasting time and becoming bored, you can attend an upbeat group fitness class that will keep your workout on track. Don’t let fitness frighten you!
If you’re serious about wanting to live a healthy lifestyle, it’s extremely important to surround yourself with people who’ll provide you with the proper emotional support. Surround yourself with people who encourage and understand you! Make fitness even more fun by trying something new or any group fitness class with a friend. Plan to go for a jog together. Then try a fun healthy restaurant or fresh juice bar! Fitness can be both fun and social!
Surrounding yourself with people who’ll provide you with respect support can be very beneficial while working towards reaching health and fitness goals. First, decide to do it for yourself and work towards staying positive. Then make sure the people you surround yourself with are supportive.
1. Why is group exercise more beneficial according to Paragraph 1?| A．It can help set practical goals. |
| B．It can improve physical fitness. |
| C．It can reduce stress and anxiety. |
| D．It can create a sense of belonging. |
| A．Peaceful. | B．Boring. | C．Cheerful. | D．Annoying. |
| A．Support from friends matters. |
| B．Doing sports alone is harmful. |
| C．We should often eat out with friends. |
| D．Jogging is the most beneficial sport. |
| A．Ways to do group exercise |
| B．Group exercise, better health |
| C．Without friends, without health |
| D．Benefits of doing exercise |
10 . The biggest challenge faced by travelers especially those who like to have a hiking trip is how to ensure a steady supply of clean clothes. Now, thanks to a great invention called Scrubba Wash Pack, that worry may be a thing of the past.
The portable washing machine was invented by Ash Newland in 2010, while planning to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Struck by the limited packing space, he got inspiration from traditional washboards to create a bag that could be used to clean clothes. Then he gave up his career as a lawyer and focused on perfecting the bag’s design. By 2012, the bag was ready for the public. It weighed only 180 grams and required very little storage space, making it perfect for anyone wishing to travel light.
Not surprisingly, the bag worth 55 dollars was an instant hit with travelers, university students and even passengers. However, Newland was not satisfied. He still saw a disadvantage with his invention – dirty clothes had to be carried around in a separate bag! The recently introduced Scrubba Wash Pack solves that problem.
In order to make the pack active, dirty clothes are placed inside the bag along with two to three liters of water. The bag is then shut tightly to ensure all air is squeezed out and the clothes are massaged (揉搓) for a few minutes. After a quick wash, they are clean and ready to be dried. According to Newland, the pack can clean anything from jeans to smelly socks! What’s even
more amazing is that with a capacity to hold 13 liters of water, it can be used to wash more clothes at a time.
The best part is that the 99-dollar pack that will be available for sale later this year, only weighs 300 grams and is completely foldable, making it easy to store when it’s not in use. With the Scrubba Wash Pack, wandering through foreign cities searching for a washing shop, or paying for washing machines may soon be a thing of the past!
1. What aroused Ash Newland’s desire to create the Scrubba Wash Bag?| A．Travelers’ requirements. | B．His own experience. |
| C．His dream of invention. | D．A traditional washboard. |
| A．The bag was not convenient enough. |
| B．The bag was not popular with travelers. |
| C．The bag couldn’t wash more clothes at a time. |
| D．The bag couldn’t be folded up. |
| A．Blown. | B．Pushed |
| C．Figured. | D．Run. |
| A．will lighten the burden on housewives |
| B．will replace the traditional washing machines |
| C．will be widely used by more travelers in the future |
| D．can encourage more people to travel a long distance |
