1 . When it comes to US middle school science and engineering, girls rule. Girls took the top five prizes at the 2019 Broadcom MASTERS, a competition for middle school students across the country.
The winners were announced (宣布)last month. They were honored for their STEM successes as well as for showing skills in critical thinking, communication, creativity and team-work. In first place was 14-year-old Alaina Gassler. She designed a system to make driving safer by reducing blind spots-the areas that drivers cannot see outside their vehicle (车辆)Gassler developed the technology while in eighth grade.
“She, along with the entire Class of 2019, is already leaders in their fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM),” said Paula Golden, president of the Broadcom Foundation. “These young inventors give every one of us hope for the future.”
The Broadcom MASTERS competition is a project of the Society for Science & the Public. It was set up to encourage young people to attend college and take up jobs in STEM fields. It was open to students in grades 6, 7 and 8 across the country.
This year, all the major awards in the competition went to girls. The top prize winner, Alaina Gassler, says she got the idea for her project after seeing her mother struggle with blind spots in her family’s car. Blind spots lead to many accidents—about 840, 000 accidents a year nationwide.
Gassler’s system helps drivers see “through” the A-frame pillar (A柱)—the part of the vehicle, in the front, that joins the top and front window. The A-frame pillar is important for safety, and cannot be removed. Gassler used a camera to help drivers look “through” the structure (结构)to see what is blocked. The camera sends video to a device (设备)that shows images on the other side of the pillar. The driver then can “see” what’s in the blind spot.
The young inventor won a $ 25, 000 prize for her invention. She told Popular Mechanics she can make improvements on her device with that money. Gassler said she wants to improve the picture—making it easy to see in any weather, or any time of the day. She also told the magazine she hopes to sell her idea.
1. Why was Gassler honored?A.For her interest in science. |
B.For her great concern. |
C.For her vehicle knowledge. |
D.For her STEM success. |
A.The reasons why the mother struggled. |
B.The great need of STEM education. |
C.The great value of Gassler’s invention. |
D.The poor quality of family vehicles. |
A.How Gassler’s system works. |
B.Why the A-frame pillar is important. |
C.When Gassler’s system helps. |
D.What are included in her inventions. |
A.Young students’ great inventions |
B.US students compete in science |
C.Middle School STEM education |
D.US girls take top science prizes |
2 . A city park is a park lying within a city to offer enjoyment and green space to citizens and visitors of the city. Such parks typically include playgrounds, gardens, hiking, running and biking trails, public fitness equipment, sports fields and courts, picnic facilities (设施)and more. Here are several famous city parks around the world.
Central Park, New York, the United States
Lying at the center of Manhattan in New York City, this famous city park was opened in 1857. Central Park is the most visited city park in the United States with 35 million visitors each year. It covers over 800 acres with many beautiful features (特征)like Belvedere Castle, the Central Park Reservoir, Bethesda Fountain and many more.
Hyde Park, London, England
This is a large city park in central London, and it’s most famous for its Speakers’ Corner. The park is a beautiful green lung in the center of the busy city and a great place to pass several relaxing hours.
Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain
Park Guell is a garden with architectural elements(建筑要素)located on a hill in Barcelona. Designed by Antoni Gaudi and built in the years 1900-1914, it covers over 0. 1718 square kilometers, which makes it one of the largest architectural works in south Europe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great place to relax from the noises of the big city.
Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, France
The Luxembourg Gardens is the garden of the French Senate, which is itself housed in the Luxembourg Palace. The park is the second largest in Paris. Visitors here can picnic or walk leisurely(慢悠悠地)among beautiful lawns, formal gardens and fruit orchards(果园)that feature many artistic elements. There are also jogging paths, tennis courts and fitness equipment.
1. What do the four parks have in common?A.They are second to none in size. |
B.They all belong to city parks. |
C.They all can be found in Europe. |
D.They are famous for a feature. |
A.Hyde Park, London, England |
B.Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, France |
C.Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain |
D.Central Park, New York, the United States |
A.To introduce. | B.To persuade. | C.To advertise. | D.To argue. |
3 . A recent study conducted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) showed that while sportsmanship among players has improved over the years, sportsmanship in the fans and parents has reduced. It has always interested me why people in the stands often feel they have invested more than the actual participants. Is it the time and money invested into private lessons and travel teams? Is it the college scholarship we need our children to earn? Is it the fear of seeing our kids fail? In any event, we, as parents and fans, should all take a step back and determine if we are helping our kids, or undermining the experience.
As a father of four kids who enjoys participating in athletics, I have to remind myself that it is okay when my kid misses a shot, strikes out, or doesn’t play good enough defense. That fact is, it is their game and their experience, and my playing days are over. A good reminder for me when I feel that my kid needs my advice from the stands comes from the great John Wooden, basketball player and head coach at the University of California at Los Angeles. He once said, “Young people need models, not critics (批判者) .”
Instead of being upset with what my kid is not doing well, or how an official has “cheated” our team, I should focus on helping my kid learn to respect the other team. I should watch my language and the negative comments that could come from my mouth. I should respect the officials and not argue every call that is made. Perhaps most importantly, I should support my kids’ team, win or lose.
Life is tough, and life is not fair. Like life, sports are tough and not always fair. Yet sports can be a wonderful training ground for life’s challenges. Just like we win some and lose some in sports, we also deal with plenty of successes, challenges and failures in our lives. Let’s try to be good sports in both the winning and losing situations and during our successes, challenges and failures.
1. Why does the author mention NCAA’s recent study?A.To introduce the topic of sportsmanship. |
B.To prove the reduction of sportsmanship. |
C.To stress the experience of sportsmanship |
D.To show the improvement of sportsmanship |
A.Profited. | B.Absorbed. | C.Devoted. | D.Harvested. |
A.Express deep concern about the other teams’ skills. |
B.Make positive comments on their kids’ performance. |
C.Back their kids’ team whatever the result of athletics is. |
D.Respect the other players’ honor whatever cheating happens. |
A.Modest and demanding. |
B.Strict and responsible. |
C.Kind and warm-hearted. |
D.Understanding and broad-minded. |
4 . Steph Clemence had good grades and always intended to go to college. But her poor family couldn’t
The answer came one afternoon when she was cleaning her bookshelf. Inside a box she
Steph was
Now Steph is 70 and she never did get to college. But she has only four books left to read from the list. She expects to
In Steph’s eye, Mrs. Clark felt it was her particular
A.avoid | B.afford | C.change | D.refuse |
A.collected | B.packed | C.selected | D.noticed |
A.wrong | B.upset | C.right | D.angry |
A.surprised | B.hopeful | C.calm | D.nervous |
A.value | B.time | C.support | D.trouble |
A.exactly | B.badly | C.differently | D.similarly |
A.copy | B.forget | C.check | D.finish |
A.describe | B.enjoy | C.share | D.protect |
A.safety | B.convenience | C.protection | D.improvement |
A.duty | B.pressure | C.situation | D.requirement |
Shakespeare’s plays were performed at several playhouses in London, though the rebuilt Globe is certainly the one most people connect with the Bard. But the remains of one least-documented theatre, the Curtain,
Heather Knight, senior archaeologist leading the dig, said, “We hope to find out more about the building of the theatre
“There is also the possibility of finding relics of props (道具), costumes or items used
6 . Every year, millions of teenagers in the USA participate in team sports. Gallup research shows that over 50 percent of teenagers are on a school sports team. But, what about the remaining 50 percent? Certainly, plenty of those teenagers are happily involved in other extra-curricular activities. After all, not everyone prefers sports.
Still, there’s a sad story here, too. A significant number of teenagers once enjoyed sports, but no longer participate. They say it’s just not worth it. Why do promising athletes walk away from school sports, and what should you do if your athlete decides he or she no longer wants to play team sports?
Take Madeline, for example. When she was living with her family in Texas a few years ago, Madeline joined her middle school’s track team. She was new to the sport, but she was fast. She worked hard and won medals. Then one day, Madeline fell while taking a hurdle. She cracked a bone in her wrist. Her track season was over.
Her coaches were upset, but probably not in the way you’d expect. Rather than comforting (安慰) their promising athlete suffering from a disappointing sports injury or encouraging her to return next season, they turned their back on her. “They shunned me for the rest of the year,” recalls Madeline, who has since moved to the East Coast. “I guess because I would no longer be winning them any medals.”
“Sports lost their attraction to me,” says Madeline, adding that her coaches also verbally abused (辱骂) the team at practices. “I did end up trying out for the track team last year, but I actually found myself filled with memories and emotions from my experience the previous year and ended up dropping out. That’s the biggest regret in life.”
Talk to coaches, parents and teenagers about the problems of sports, and you’ll hear the same answer: by middle school and certainly by high school, it has, more often than not, become a game of medals. Not the plain old fun of playing. Not the benefits that sports offer. But winning period.
1. What is the real concern of the author?A.The general state of teenagers’ participation in sports. |
B.The reasons for hopeful teenage athletes’ quitting sports. |
C.The major benefits that school team sports offer to teenagers. |
D.The relation between emotional support and sports involvement. |
A.took control of | B.got responsible for |
C.kept away from | D.showed concern for |
A.She lost interest in the once-favorable sport. |
B.She failed to win medals in the team sports. |
C.The coach’s verbal abuse hurt her emotionally. |
D.The serious injury reduced her confidence in sports. |
A.Hard training may take fun off sports. |
B.It is related too much to coaches’support. |
C.It has totally become an industry for profits. |
D.People focus too much attention on winning. |
Iceland has so much to offer travelers, from the wild and dramatic landscape and the majestic waterfalls to the endless adventures to be had while hiking, biking, caving and exploring the natural wonders that fill the Island. | |
WHAT TO DO ·See the Northern Lights ·Tour the Golden Circle ·Try new food delights ·Horseback riding ·Whale watching ·Caving & hiking ·Explore Thorsmork | WHAT TO EAT Langostine/ Lobster soup/ Puffin/ Minke Whale/ Reindeer |
WHAT TO DRINK Brennevin/Local microbrews Wine is very expensive | |
WHEN TO GO | APRIL—MAY: The days are longer, so you’ll have more time to explore without the crowds and high-season prices. |
SEPTEMBER—NOVEMBER: Prices are lower and there are fewer travelers so it’s less crowded than during the summer months. | |
JULY—AUGUST: You’ll experience long days, midnight sun, better weather and everything being more green and lush. | |
WHERE TO GO | Reykjavik is a small town, but is overflowing with things to do, from art museums, the impressive Hallgrimskirkja Church, walking street and harbor areas. |
Golden Circle route is filled with natural wonders like Gullfoss waterfall and glaciers. The most accessible area from Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is a popular route. | |
The coastline offers dramatic scenery, incredible hiking and picturesque red and black sand beaches. Many visitors choose to rent a car or join a tour group that circles the whole island. | |
TRANSPORTATION | From the airport, either rent a car or grab a seat on one of the tourist transfer buses that are waiting outside. |
TIPS & INFO | ·Credit cards are the accepted method of payment everywhere so cash isn’t needed. ·Tipping isn’t expected. ·Bring your own towel and slippers to the Blue Lagoon. ·The Northern Lights can’t be seen year round. They are best viewed during the cold months from midnight to 3 a.m. with a camera tripod. ·Make restaurant reservations well ahead of time. |
A.A travel brochure. | B.A research report. |
C.A historical magazine. | D.An encyclopedia website. |
A.Golden Circle. | B.Reykjavik. |
C.The coastline | D.The Blue Lagoon. |
A.Experience long days in December. |
B.Pay more during the summer months. |
C.Admire beautiful sunsets at midnight in October. |
D.View the Northern Lights at midnight in January. |
A.Tourists need to pay in cash. |
B.Tourists shall offer tips for services. |
C.Tourists can take a transfer bus for free. |
D.Tourists should reserve a room in advance. |
8 . A flood hit Yellowstone National Park on June 13, 2022. The disaster was caused by a combination of unusually heavy rains and rapid snow melt. The high and fast water flows destroyed bridges and swept away entire roadways, leaving communities and homes isolated. Fortunately, the approximately 10,000 park visitors were safely evacuated.
The town of Gardiner, along the Montana-Wyoming border, was particularly hard hit. The floodwaters left almost 900 people with no power or water for many days. Gardiner’s economy, which depends on the almost three-quarters of a million visitors who pass through the park’s north gate annually, is likely to take a hit. The floodwaters severely damaged the main north entrance road to Yellowstone, and could take years to rebuild.
Park officials have begun work on improving an alternative road to Gardiner. This will ensure that locals can access food, supplies, and other essential emergency services. A limited number of tourists may also be allowed into Gardiner once the road is stable.
Yellowstone’s north gate is closed indefinitely. But the park’s south gate opened to visitors on June 22, 2022. Park officials have started a new entry system to prevent overcrowding. It is based on the last number of the visitor’s vehicle license plate and the calendar date of the month. Cars with odd (奇数的) numbers can visit the park on odd days of the month, while those with even (偶数的) numbers can go on even days.
Established in 1872, Yellowstone is America’s oldest national park. The 3,472-square-mile reserve spans three states and is home to many unique wildlife. It is known for its natural beauty that includes mountains, rivers and lakes. The forces of fire and ice shaped the park over thousands of years.
1. What does the underlined word “isolated” in paragraph 1 probably mean?A.Tracked. | B.Separated. |
C.Decorated. | D.Improved. |
A.Gardiner’s economy would get into trouble. |
B.Communities and homes were left in ruins. |
C.Almost 900 people were trapped in the park. |
D.The park’s south gate was closed for a while. |
A.Local people can get daily necessities from visitors. |
B.The park has adopted a new system to recognize faces. |
C.The license plate number decides when cars enter the park. |
D.More tourists may flood into the park for geological features. |
A.Flooding Has Caused Widespread Damage in the US |
B.Yellowstone National Park Was Closed due to Flooding |
C.Natural Beauty Makes Yellowstone America’s Oldest Park |
D.Yellowstone National Park Partially Reopens After Flooding |
Tony was born
A few years
10 . In Chicago, the USA, there was a girl called Jenny. She was very polite and ready to help everybody. One day she found a brown paper bag on the way to school. She opened it and saw there was a lot of
When she went to the office, her teacher wasn’t
The next day when the children were playing a game, Linda fell down and was hurt very badly. The other children stood around her and didn’t know
Three days
At the end of the term Jenny was given a
Once wrong, never be wrong forever.
1.A.bread | B.paper | C.money | D.fruit |
A.got | B.kept | C.sent | D.caught |
A.away | B.out | C.off | D.in |
A.lost | B.found | C.saved | D.made |
A.took | B.brought | C.put | D.moved |
A.workers’ | B.teachers’ | C.doctors’ | D.headmaster’s |
A.where | B.how | C.when | D.what |
A.nothing | B.everything | C.something | D.anything |
A.leave | B.treatment | C.action | D.help |
A.office | B.classroom | C.hospital | D.school |
A.popular | B.healthy | C.proud | D.quiet |
A.in | B.after | C.later | D.before |
A.eves | B.face | C.nose | D.ears |
A.red | B.black | C.pink | D.brown |
A.lie | B.story | C.truth | D.result |
A.For | B.But | C.Or | D.So |
A.honest | B.polite | C.generous | D.friendly |
A.got up | B.cheered up | C.gave up | D.woke up |
A.report | B.gift | C.prize | D.reply |
A.never | B.sometimes | C.always | D.usually |