A.Taking a holiday. |
B.Attending university. |
C.Sharing her travel experiences. |
2 . Young children are significantly more likely than adults to have their opinions influenced by robots according to a new research. The study, conducted-at the-University of Plymouth, compared how adults and children respond to an identical (相同的) task when in the presence of both their peers (同龄人) and robots.
It showed that while adults regularly have their opinions influenced by peers, something also demonstrated in previous studies, they are largely able to resist being persuaded by robots. However, children aged between seven and nine were more likely to give the same responses as the robots, even if they were obviously incorrect.
The study asks people to look at a screen showing four lines and say which two match in length. When alone, people almost never make a mistake but when doing the experiment with others, they tend to follow what others are saying.
When children were alone in the room in this research, they scored 87%on the test, but when the robots join in their score drops to 75%. And of the wrong answers, 74% matched those of the robot.
Professor Belpaeme said, ”People often follow the opinions of others and we’ve known for a long time that it is hard to resist taking over views and opinions of people around-us. But as robots will soon be found in the home and the workplace, we were wondering if people would follow robots. What our results show is that adults do not follow what the robots are saying. But when we did the experiment with children, they did. It shows children can perhaps have more of an affinity (亲和力)with robots than adults, which does pose the question: What if robots were to suggest, for example, what products to buy or what to think?“?
1. What did the adults do when staying with robots?A.They generally refused the robots’ effects. |
B.They totally accepted the robots’ suggestions. |
C.They tried to persuade robots to resist them. |
D.They usually compared robots with their children. |
A.Because children were not as clever as the adults. |
B.Because robots reflected better than human beings. |
C.Because robots in the presence made mistakes. |
D.Because children wanted to affect the robots on purpose. |
A.He is optimistic about the result. | B.He is worried about the future. |
C.He doesn’t care about the result. | D.He doubts the result of the research. |
A.What is the meaning of the research? |
B.What should adults do to avoid the problem? |
C.Why are children more likely to be influenced? |
D.What will be done to solve the problem? |
3 . English Class 101
Are you looking for the best online English course to help improve your language skills? I will introduce one to you.
English Class 101 is a website that has been built for people looking to improve their English skills. There are over 1,000 lessons on the website, which include different levels to meet your need.
All English learners can find a level to suit them, as its courses range (涵盖) from complete beginner (Al) to advanced (C2). You have to take a placement test so that you can find the right level and get proper lessons.
The site helps English language learners with thousands of video lessons, words learning tools, lesson notes, and discussions, which provides a practical approach (方法) to learning. The lessons take you by the hand and guide you through real English conversations. The teachers slow down and explain every word and phrase. Just imagine that you’ll finally understand every English word you hear.
You can even get one-on-one support from your very own teacher! Your personal teacher will provide corrections and answers by messenger. They will also make sure you follow your individual plan and assign (布置) homework on a daily basis.
Price: Level 1, $50 per month; Level 2, $80 per month; Level 3, $ 100 per month; Advanced, $200 per month.
1. What are you required to do to attend the course?A.Prepare some notebooks. | B.Hand in an application. |
C.Talk about it with parents. | D.Have a placement test. |
A.A membership card. | B.An English dictionary. |
C.Some prize money. | D.Personalized guidance. |
A.$150. | B.$ 180. | C.$200. | D.$400. |
4 . You probably know who Marie Curie was, but you may not have heard of Rachel Carson. Of the outstanding ladies listed below, who do you think was the most important woman of the past 100 years?
Jane Addams (1860-1935)
Anyone who has ever been helped by a social worker has Jane Addams to thank. Addams helped the poor and worked for peace. She encouraged a sense of community by creating shelters and promoting education and services for people in need. In 1931, Addams became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Rachel Carson (1907-1964)
If it weren`t of Rachel Carson, the environmental movement might not exist today. Her popular 1962 book Silent Spring raised awareness of the dangers of pollution and the harmful effects of chemicals on humans and on the world’s lakes and oceans.
Sandra Day O`Connor (1930-present)
When Sandra Day O’Connor finished third in her class at Stanford Law School in 1952, she could not find work at a law firm because she was a woman. She became an Arizona state senator (参议员) and, in 1981, the first woman to join the U.S. Supreme Court. O’Connor gave the deciding vote in many important cases during her 24 years on the top court.
Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks would not give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. Her simple act landed herself in prison. But it also set off the Montgomery bus boycott (抵制). It lasted for more than a year, and kicked off the civil-rights movement. “The only thing I was tired of was giving in,” said Parks.
1. Who is a Nobel Peace Prize winner?A.Jane Addams. | B.Rachel Carson. |
C.Sandra Day O’Connor. | D.Rosa Parks. |
A.Her social work. | B.Her teaching skills. |
C.Her efforts to win a prize. | D.Her commitment to civil-rights. |
A.To educate. | B.To introduce. | C.To advertise. | D.To advise. |
5 . New York. London, Paris and other big cities are exciting places to live in. There are many interesting things to see and to do. You can go to different kinds of museums, plays and films. You can also go shopping to buy things from all over the world.
Bur there are serious problems in big cities, too. The cost of living is high, and there are too many people in some places of big cities. Every year, many people move to the cities because of the chances to find jobs, to study at good schools, and to receive good medical care. But sometimes these people cannot find work or a good place to live in. Also, too many people in a small space make it hard to keep the cities safe and clean.
Some people enjoy living in big cities, others do not. Before people move to a big city, they should think about the problems of living there.
1. In big cities people can___________.A.go to different kinds of museums | B.see all kinds of plays and films |
C.buy things from all over the world | D.A, B and C |
A.Big cities are not safe and clean enough. | B.People can easily find a good ace to live in. |
C.All people like to live in big cities. | D.No one likes to live in big cities. |
A.to move to a big city |
B.not to move to a big city |
C.not to move to a big city without thinking about the problems |
D.not to think too much about the problems before they move to a big city |
6 . With the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park to its east, Zhongnanhai to its south, Beihai Park, also known as Northern Sea Park, is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardenst (皇家花园) in China located in the center of Beijing.
Beihai Park is said to be built according to a traditional Chinese legend. The story is that once upon a time there were three magic mountains called “Penglai”, “Yingzhou” and “Fangzhang”. Gods in those mountains had a kind of medicine which would help humans gain immortality (永生). Consequently, many emperors constantly sought those mountains. I For example, Emperor Qin Shihuang had sent people to look for the magic mountains but they failed. Emperor Wudi, the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty did similar things.
It was believed that different mountain-water combinations in ancient Chinese architecture led to totally different effects. So from then on, almost every emperor during the succeeding dynasties would build a royal garden with one-pool-with-three-hill layout near his palace. Beihai Park was surely built after this traditional style: the water of Beihai with Zhongnanhai is the Taiye Pool; the Jade Flowery Islet, the island of the Circular City and the Xishantai Island represent the three magic mountains.
Actually, Beihai Park was initially built in the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and was repaired and rebuilt in the following dynasties including Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing. The large-scale rebuilding in the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) generally established the present scale and pattern. In 1925, it was first opened to the public, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
It is enjoyable to walk around the various scenic areas in Beihai Park. There are many places to visit, including the Bai Ta, Five-Dragon Pavilions, Nine-Dragon Wall, Yong’an Temple and so on. There is also a classy restaurant called Fangshan Restaurant where the Empress Cixi once dined.
1. Where is Beihai Park?A.Near the ocean. | B.In the south of Zhongnanhai. |
C.To the west side of Jingshan Park. | D.In the uptown area of Beijing City. |
A.They loved to listen to stories. | B.They both pursued immortality. |
C.They were mountain-climbing lovers. | D.They were the first emperor of their dynasties. |
A.Less than 100 years old. | B.About 500 years old. |
C.About 1, 000 years old. | D.Nearly 2, 000 years old. |
A.A famous park. | B.Historical palaces. |
C.An unforgettable legend. | D.Ancient architectural styles. |
A.At the station. | B.On a train. | C.In a taxi. |
8 . Famous Attractions in the USA
Hawaii
Hawaii is the name of a state in the USA, located in the central Pacific Ocean. It has one of the most isolated population an the face of the Earth. This is because it is 3,857 km away from California and thousands of kilometers away from Japan and China. Hawaii was included as the 50th state of the USA, on August 21, 1959, and it is made up of 8 major islands. Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and is located at the island of Oahu.
Grand Canyon
Situated in the Grand Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon is located in the state of Arizona in the USA. The mile-high, multicolored rock walls and sandy slopes are enough to keep you lost in its natural beauty. Undoubtedly, the Grand Canyon is filled with powerful and inspiring landscapes, largely because of its big size.
Empire State Building
Standing tall in the New York City, the Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper. It is one of the prides of the United States. The building is a popular landmark of New York tourism and reflects the history and architecture of New York. It describes America’s industrial revolution and has played an important role in featuring American culture.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was a friendship gift from the people of France to the people of the USA, on the completion of 100 years of independence. It is a universal symbol of freedom. Located on the Liberty Island of New York, occupying 12 acres of land, it welcomes all those who come to New York as tourists and also welcomes the people who are returning to their native place.
1. What do we know about Hawaii?A.It is made up of some islands. |
B.It is named after a famous leader. |
C.It is very far from the Pacific Ocean. |
D.It is the least populated island on the Earth. |
A.Get close to nature. |
B.Learn about art and culture. |
C.Know about the history of America. |
D.Appreciate the architecture of New York. |
A.Hawaii. | B.Grand Canyon. |
C.Empire State Building. | D.Statue of Liberty. |
9 . Best Places to Visit in Canada
Vancouver
Even by North American standards, Vancouver is a young city (it was founded in 1886). But what it lacks in history is made up for by culture. The city’s high-fashion clothes shops and health-conscious (关注的) eating make it an attractive urban playground. Plus, its breath-taking mountains and beaches have been the setting for a group of popular television shows.
Québec City
The 2008 celebration of its 400th birthday made Québec City the focus of people’s attention again. Since then, travelers have flooded here to experience this UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Heritage site’s charm for themselves. As the birthplace of New France, Québec City continues to support the culture of its motherland. And around every corner, a piece of Québec City’s rich heritage is waiting for discovery.
Montreal
There is only one word that really describes Montreal: multifaceted (多面性). This city represents the combination of the Old and New Worlds, with 18th-century structures integrating into a 21st-century skyline. Old-fashioned houses are now home to restaurants, Just when you thought you’d seen it all, a short elevator (电梯) ride exposes you to a huge consumer shopping center located several floors below ground level.
Toronto
Toronto is considered one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with more than half the population born outside of the city. With Greektown, Little Italy, Koreatown and Chinatown all within city limits, travelers may feel as if they’ve seen more than a couple of countries after a visit to Toronto. The city is also home to one of the tallest freestanding towers in the world, the CN Tower, and the world’s largest underground shopping mall, PATH.
1. Which place attracts those who make TV shows?A.Vancouver. | B.Montreal. | C.Quebec City. | D.Toronto. |
A.It is home to the CN Tower. | B.It has a history of 150 years. |
C.It has nothing to do with France. | D.It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
A.They attract lovers of healthy eating. | B.They feature a variety of unique animals. |
C.They have underground shopping malls. | D.They provide visitors with mountain views. |
10 . Useful Travel Apps
Traveladvisor
Every hotel, restaurant or tourist spot you wish to know about has likely been reviewed and rated here. These numerous, and at times very detailed, travellers’ experiences offer handy tips and help avoid common mistakes. Lists like “Top Things to Do In...” ensure that you don’t come back with any regrets.
Kayak
A comprehensive travel planner, this app lets you search for and book flight tickets, hotels and cars, and even assists in packing. Its predeparture to-do lists, tailored for general, business or romantic travel, ensure that all you need is your bag.
Tripit
If you’re forever searching for all the confirmation emails for your trips, download this app, which merges all your travel details into one itinerary. You can access it from several devices, and it syncs with your phone calendar, too.
Loungebuddy
This app advises on the facilities and entry policies for airport lounges across the world, so in one click you can get away from the crowds.
Travel Diary
Similar to sending postcards to yourself, this app lets you make diary entries with text and images. You can also export all your entries to a word document: raw material for the travelogue in the making.
1. If you’re not sure what to do in your travel destination, you’d better check ______ before you go there.A.Traveladvisor | B.Kayak | C.Travel Diary | D.Tripit |
A.Travel Diary. | B.Traveladvisor. | C.Tripit. | D.Loungebuddy. |
A.Traveladvisor and Kayak. | B.Kayak and Tripit. |
C.Tripit and Loungebuddy. | D.Loungebuddy and Travel Diary. |