1 . After a two-hour flight from Shanghai and an hour’s drive, I reached my destination: Jielingkou Village in Qinhuangdao City of Hebei Province, China. The tiny and
In 2018, an anti-poverty project began in the village, with the
But gaining the locals’
Ge said he hopes that as conditions are
A.rich | B.great | C.old | D.nearby |
A.reach | B.significance | C.view | D.control |
A.cost | B.knowledge | C.favor | D.goal |
A.increasing | B.ignoring | C.considering | D.deciding |
A.benefits | B.measures | C.disadvantages | D.conditions |
A.in charge of | B.in response to | C.in sight of | D.in search of |
A.independence | B.weight | C.trust | D.experience |
A.worried | B.curious | C.angry | D.enthusiastic |
A.carry | B.sell | C.boil | D.produce |
A.mistakes | B.apologies | C.improvements | D.documents |
A.hurt | B.helped | C.failed | D.escaped |
A.workers | B.fighters | C.managers | D.supporters |
A.occasionally | B.gradually | C.hardly | D.regularly |
A.clean | B.decorate | C.destroy | D.run |
A.attracted | B.monitored | C.postponed | D.welcomed |
2 . How to Stop Spam Calls for Good
If you made a list of the little things that bothered you the most, phone call scams would no doubt be at the top. Telemarketers, or more often, automated robot-callers, have tricks for interrupting you at the worst possible moment.
Fact is that robot-callers are never going to stop trying to reach you. Their schemes bring in hundreds of thousands — if not millions — of dollars annually. And unfortunately, older people are more likely to fall prey to these scams.
Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry
Your first move: Join the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry. You can get on the list by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register.
Use spam-filtering apps and tech
You probably know that a caller who insists you owe money to the IRS or says you’ll be arrested if you don’t settle a debt is a scammer. But your 10-year-old kid and your older parents and grandparents may be tricked. And remember: Knowing how to stop spam calls is just one step toward avoiding scams; don’t forget to explain how to stop spam texts to your loved ones, too.
A.Warn family members |
B.Report to the police at once |
C.Follow these steps to pull the plug on them once and for all. |
D.If you have multiple numbers to input, register them at DoNotCall. gov. |
E.Spam calls can reach you anytime and anywhere when you use your smartphone. |
F.They’re annoying, but that’s not the only reason you should know how to stop spam calls. |
G.The National Do Not Call Registry will prevent a lot of unwanted calls, but it won’t stop all of them. |
3 . Different countries celebrate Christmas in different ways. We asked some of our friends to explain what happens in their countries. This is what they told us:
France
In France, Christmas is always called Noël. Everyone has a Christmas tree, sometimes decorated in the old way with red ribbons and real white wax candles. Fir trees in the garden are often decorated too with lights on all night.
Father Christmas is called Père Noël. The Christmas meal is an important family gathering with good meat and the best wine. Few people send Christmas cards. More people send New Year cards to wish everyone good luck and joy for the New Year. These days Christmas lunch is a starter of foie gras (a strong tasting pate made from goose liver) followed by lunch of seafood — usually including lobsters and oysters.
New Zealand
Christmas starts for us with gifts under the tree, to be opened on Christmas morning. Then it’s onto a Christmas lunch either at home or at one’s parents place. Turkey or chicken with all the trimmings (佐料) is eaten. Then comes tea time. It is a BBQ for friends and family to get together, and have a few beers or wines with the meal!
Russia
In the days of the Soviet Union, Christmas was not celebrated very much. New Year was the important time — when “Father Frost” brought presents to children. With the fall of Communism, Christmas can be openly celebrated either on December 25th; or more often on January 7th. This unusual date is because the Russian Orthodox church uses the old “Julian” calendar for religious celebration days. Special Christmas food includes cakes, pies and “meat dumplings”.
Sweden
The most important day is Christmas Eve. A special Christmas meal is eaten on Christmas Eve — ham (pork), herring fish, and brown beans — and this is the time when families give presents to each other. Many people attend a church meeting early on Christmas Day.
1. Why do people in France send New Year cards?A.To tell their friends the New Year is coming. |
B.To ask for some special presents. |
C.To invite their friends to family gathering. |
D.To send their friends best wishes and happiness for the New Year. |
A.A special meal is prepared. |
B.Everyone has a Christmas tree. |
C.Parents give gifts to their children. |
D.People attend a church gathering. |
A.France. | B.New Zealand. | C.Sweden. | D.Russia. |
4 . Beatrice De Lavalette was just 17 years old when she was seriously injured in a terrorist attack in Belgium, losing both of her legs from the knee down.
The teen spent the next several months in intensive physical
Her efforts paid off
“My being here shows that literally anything is
A.activity | B.treatment | C.intervention | D.strength |
A.resolve | B.refresh | C.rearrange | D.regain |
A.appreciated | B.comforted | C.encouraged | D.blamed |
A.impressing | B.blessing | C.assuring | D.securing |
A.recovery | B.growth | C.motion | D.operation |
A.Built up | B.Brought up | C.Taken up | D.Picked up |
A.submitted | B.took | C.stuck | D.led |
A.However | B.Besides | C.Instead | D.Therefore |
A.depressing | B.inspiring | C.astonishing | D.challenging |
A.Although | B.When | C.Since | D.After |
A.control | B.touch | C.direction | D.relief |
A.under | B.without | C.by | D.beyond |
A.unexpectedly | B.eventually | C.intentionally | D.immediately |
A.assist | B.justify | C.represent | D.defend |
A.contrary | B.possible | C.dramatic | D.reasonable |
5 . The past few years have been difficult for 13-year-old Adeola Abraham. In 2020, the teen was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, and he survived a successful bone marrow transplant (骨髓移植) and rounds of chemotherapy (化疗). Thankfully, Adeola is now out of the hospital. During his recovery, he found out that he had qualified for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ask for a dream wish from Make-A-Wish Mississippi. While many teens would choose a memorable Disney trip, meet a favorite figure or get a PlayStation, Abraham instead chose to feed the homeless in his local community.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is famous for brightening the lives of children suffering from critical illnesses by meeting their wishes. A wish typically falls into three categories: a wish to have something, go somewhere or meet someone. Abraham’s charitable wish to give came as a surprise to the organization. Linda Sermons, a Make-A-Wish Mississippi representative, said that Abraham’s generous wish was the first of its kind in the organization’s 35-year history. She was impressed with the teen’s maturity and sense of sympathy.
Make-A-Wish Mississippi approved of the teen’s wish in a big way. They created a service named after the teen, called Abraham’s Table, which would provide free meals to the homeless every month for the next year. Local businesses generously donated food and supplies, and receivers gathered in Jackson’s Poindexter Park for the meals. Abraham and his proud mom personally attended and handed out the food. Abraham’s Table fed more than 80 people at its first event. Abraham said it warmed his heart when the receivers came back to thank him for the meal he provided.
Abraham now wants to inspire other teens to get more involved in local charities. He also wants to continue his mission of helping others by starting his own nonprofit that helps those experiencing food insecurity.
1. What made Abraham a remarkable boy?A.His exceptional choice for a dream wish. | B.His great sufferings from a critical disease. |
C.His special qualifications for a dream wish. | D.His successful survival from a blood disorder. |
A.Eighty people or so benefited from Abraharn’s Table. |
B.Abraham’s act of kindness received positive reaction. |
C.The organization provided financial help for the homeless. |
D.The local businesses were greatly appreciated by the receivers. |
A.Energetic and determined. | B.Mature and intelligent. |
C.Sympathetic and selfless. | D.Generous and cautious. |
A.Hard work always pays off. | B.It’s a blessing to be a giver. |
C.Actions speak louder than words. | D.Miracles often occur in bad luck. |
6 . The Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
While most parks tend to draw families in the summer and fall, there are also ideal spots for adventurous winter trips.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The country’s oldest and best-known national park takes on an almost otherworldly atmosphere in winter: the air filled with rolling steam, the strong colors of hot springs, the surrounding white landscapes, let alone the impressive wildlife during this time, like bison, wolves, and playful red foxes. Just book a guided hiking tour to get a ranger’s perspective on the park and local people.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
With its giant red rocks and unique trees, you’ll feel like stepping onto a foreign planet as you spend hours hiking the Panorama Loop or Maze Loop. The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, featuring virtually zero light pollution and the country’s best views of a starry sky.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
A significantly lower number of visitors in winter means you can take in unblocked views of the South Rim, and get to see the rare beauty of the Grand Canyon dusted with snow. For those adventurous and daring, it is recommended to hike the Bright Angel Trail and take the chance to see the canyon’s wintertime wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and bald eagles.
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
Surprise! Not all wintertime national park trips need to involve snow. Virgin Islands National Park is most famous for its white-sand beaches. You can also hike inland to visit old sugar plantations, or venture out to the water to swim along with sea turtles and manta rays. You will definitely enjoy a different winter here.
1. Which park will one choose if he/she is interested in stars?A.Yellowstone National Park. | B.Joshua Tree National Park. |
C.Grand Canyon National Park. | D.Virgin Islands National Park. |
A.We can have a poor view of the South Rim there. | B.It lies in an area with rolling steam and hot springs. |
C.There is a slight decline in visitor numbers in winter. | D.The Bright Angel Trail is challenging in cold weather. |
A.Hiking. | B.Skiing. | C.Swimming. | D.Hunting. |
7 . Cheney School is a popular, high performing school located in the heart of Oxford serving a diverse community of students who are eager to learn. The school is looking to add to its bank of exam invigilators (监考人), who will be employed on a casual basis to watch over students taking both mock(模拟) and actual GCSE / GCE exams, as necessary throughout the school year.
Full training will be provided and staff will be contacted before the exam period to discuss the invigilation schedule in relation to their own availability.
We are looking for people who
*have a command of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
*have effective written communication skills
* are reliable and punctual
*are able to solve problems and keep calm under pressure
*enjoy working as part of a team
We can offer you
*€10.19 per hour
*reduced tuition fees for your kids
*a housing allowance
*shuttle service
If you would like to find out more, please contact Ms Marie-Anne Fischer at mf@cheney.oxon.sch.uk, or by telephone on 01865 5755270.
How to apply: Please download an application form from the school’s vacancy website: http://www.cheney.oxon.sch.uk/lnvigilators.
1. What does Cheney School offer its invigilators?A.Flexible working hours. | B.Free staff dormitories. |
C.A transportation allowance. | D.Free schooling for their kids. |
A.Designing a mock exam paper. | B.Passing the GCSE or GCE exam. |
C.Being able to use office software. | D.Enjoying working independently. |
A.Prepare for the interview. | B.Fill in an application form. |
C.Apply for relevant training. | D.Contact the school online or by telephone. |
Robert Owens felt
The 27-year-old man had spent days
Out of desperation, Owens went to the bank on Saturday and applied
“Our bank account is empty-we can’t afford
“The fact
9 . Facial recognition software has found an unlikely new application: scanning the faces of thousands of British children in school canteens.
Nine schools in North Ayrshire will today start taking lunch payments by scanning the faces of pupils, claiming that the new system speeds up queues and is more secure than the card payments and fingerprint scanners they used previously. “It’s the fastest way of recognising someone at the till,” said David Swanston, the managing director of CRB Cunninghams, the company that installed the systems. “In a secondary school you have around a 25-minute period to serve potentially 1,000 pupils. So we need fast productivity at the point of sale.” He said the average transaction time was cut to five seconds per pupil.
However, privacy campaigners say there is little need to spread out facial recognition technology, which has been criticized for often operating without gaining approvals from the owners. Swanston argued that CRB Cunningham’s system, which uses cameras to check against coded face-print modes stored on servers at the schools, was different from live facial recognition systems that scan through crowds to identify faces. Live facial recognition has previously caused debate after being used by schools for security or to monitor attendance.
North Ayrshire committee said that 97 percent of children or their parents had given agreement for the new system. “Pupils often forget their PINs and unfortunately some have also been the victim of PIN cheating, so they are supportive of the planned developments and appreciate the benefits to them,” the council said.
But some parents said they were unsure whether their children had been given enough information to make their decision, and suggested that peer pressure had also played a role.
1. What can we infer from Swanston’s word?A.He speaks highly of the system. |
B.The software is intended to promote the sales. |
C.The technology has previously caused debate. |
D.The system will be helpful when the students forget their PINs. |
A.It speeds up the queues. |
B.It is safer than the previous payments. |
C.It operates without being approved of. |
D.It benefits the pupils who often forget their PINs. |
A.Supportive | B.Disapproved |
C.Objective | D.Critical |
A.Facial recognition has been the best way adopted so far. |
B.Parents disagree with the application of facial recognition system. |
C.The facial recognition system can benefit the pupils who are forgetful. |
D.Schools speed up canteen queues with facial recognition technology. |
A.A tourist. | B.A cleaner. | C.A guide. |