1 . Ready to put in some class work overseas? Then these high school study abroad programs are just for you:
Nacel Educational Travel High School Exchange—9.81 rating
Kicking it with your host sister, beach days in Italy. Study Japanese language and pop culture or improve your German with Nacel’s language immersion programs. You’ll live with a friendly local family. Besides, all Nacel students get a free e-learning course before they arrive!
Where? Japan, Italy, France, Germany
GVIs’ Language Immersion Summer Camps—9.76 rating
If you’re looking to pick up some lesser spoken vocabulary, consider a Nepali language immersion program. Or, consider high school Spanish immersion programs to study Spanish in Costa Rica. With GVI, you’ll learn the language, help with local projects, and be immersed in local culture.
Where? Nepal, Costa Rica
CIP High School Language Exchange Program—9.59 rating
You’ll take Chinese lessons at a Chinese high school, along with subjects of your interest. How do cooking dumplings, practicing Kung Fu moves, and testing out your calligraphy skills sound? Most Chinese lessons will be taught at a local high school and you’ll be provided a room in the school.
Where? China
Carpe Diem’s Caribbean Isles Semester—8.59 rating
Dancing and the best Cuban sandwiches of your life! Head to Cuba and add the perfect touch to your Spanish studies. With over 20 years of experience, Carpe Diem’s Caribbean Isles Semester will go beyond all your expectations. Through social outings and adventure travel, you’ll quickly fall in love with this Caribbean cultural hotspot.
Where? Cuba
1. How high a score does a Nepali-related program get?| A．9.81. | B．9.76. | C．9.59. | D．8.59. |
| A．Nacel Educational Travel High School Exchange. |
| B．GVIs’ Language Immersion Summer Camps. |
| C．Carpe Diem’s Caribbean Isles Semester. |
| D．CIP High School Language Exchange Program. |
| A．Learn German and Spanish. | B．Do community service. |
| C．Experience adventure travel. | D．Attend an e-learning course. |
2 . Blind people have long desired for brightness, but scientists don’t have the technology. To bring that one step closer to reality, Zhiyong Fan, a materials scientist of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, developed a new artificial eye recently. The device, which is about as sensitive to light and has sharper vision and a faster reaction time than a real eyeball, may outperform human eyes.
The human eye owes its wide field of view and clear eyesight to the retina (视网膜) — an area at the back of the eyeball covered in light-detecting cells. The design for a new artificial eye is based on the structure of the human eye and uses a friendly light-sensitive material. At the back of the eyeball, an artificial retina is lined with Nan scale light sensors (纳米级光感器). Those sensors measure light that passes through the lens (晶状体) at the front of the eye. Wires attached to the back of the retina send signals from those sensors to the processor, similar to the way nerve networks connect the eyeball to the brain.
“In the future, we can use this to replace damaged human eyes,” says the lead designer. In theory, this artificial eye could see more clearly than the human eye, because the artificial retina contains about 460 million light sensors per square centimeter while a real retina has about 10 million light-detecting cells per square centimeter. Besides, the artificial eyeball records changes in lighting faster than human eyes can — within about 30 to 40 milliseconds, rather than 40 to 150 milliseconds. Although its 100-degree field of view isn’t as broad as the150 degrees a human eye can take in, the device can see as well as the human eye in poor light.
Hongrui Jiang, an electrical engineer at the University of Wisconsin, though, thinks engineers need a much more practical and efficient way to produce vast series of tiny wires on the back of the artificial eyeball to give it superhuman sight, which is super hard to achieve.
1. Why does Zhiyong Fan develop the artificial eye?| A．To replace people’s real eyeballs. | B．To gain a sharper vision. |
| C．To help the blind regain their eyesight. | D．To help normal eyes perform better. |
| A．The design of the artificial eye. | B．The structure of the human eye. |
| C．The advantages of the artificial eye. | D．The material used for the artificial eye. |
| A．They have the same structure. |
| B．The artificial eye may see more clearly. |
| C．The human eye sees better in weak light. |
| D．The artificial eye takes in a broader view. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Favorable. | C．Unconcerned. | D．Satisfied. |
3 . Millions of years ago dinosaurs lived on the earth. In the days of dinosaurs the whole earth was warm and wet. There were green forests and they could find enough to eat. Later, parts of the earth became cold and dry, and the forests there died. Then dinosaurs could not find enough to eat. This must be one reason why dinosaurs died out.
We can guess another reason. New kinds of animals came on the earth. Some had big brains and were fast and strong. They could kill dinosaurs.
There may be other reasons that we don’t know about yet. Scientists are trying to make more discoveries about dinosaurs.
Dinosaurs have many sizes and shapes (形状). Some were as small as chickens, while some were about 90 feet long.
There were also terrible fights between dinosaurs. They might have happened more than 100 million years ago. Though there was no man to see any of the fights, we can be told by the footprints (足迹) that fights did take place.
1. According to the passage, dinosaurs did exist only________on the earth.| A．for millions of years |
| B．millions of years ago |
| C．more than 100 million years ago |
| D．when it was warm and wet somewhere |
| A．there were too many dinosaurs |
| B．parts of the earth became warm and wet |
| C．there were many green forests |
| D．they couldn’t find enough to eat |
| A．scientists are trying to make some dinosaurs |
| B．dinosaurs are dangerous enough |
| C．dinosaurs are worth studying further |
| D．scientists know nothing about dinosaurs |
| A．footprints | B．imagination | C．rocks and forests | D．dinosaurs’ eggs |
The Small Friends Pet Shelter was started by a group of high school students and
Today, there are about 70 cats, 50 dogs, three rabbits, and a few
They have already
So if you find
5 . On December 26, 2004, a 10-minute-long earthquake with a 9.3 magnitude took place in the Indian Ocean. This earthquake, which is the third
The tsunami
However, Wati had been
“When I saw my mother, I knew it was her,” said the 15-year-old Wati. “I just knew.”
The parents recognized their daughter
| A．weakest | B．strongest | C．quickest | D．deepest |
| A．castles | B．parks | C．goals | D．shores |
| A．frightened | B．saved | C．killed | D．helped |
| A．or | B．and | C．but | D．so |
| A．boy | B．pet | C．girl | D．town |
| A．hit | B．cut | C．pushed | D．missed |
| A．sold | B．washed(冲走) | C．invited | D．asked |
| A．wait | B．walk | C．fight | D．search |
| A．died | B．won | C．run away | D．checked in |
| A．hidden | B．rescued | C．bought | D．refused |
| A．write | B．show | C．remember | D．see |
| A．Days | B．Weeks | C．Months | D．Years |
| A．know | B．recognize | C．want | D．understand |
| A．daughter | B．mother | C．son | D．father |
| A．anxiously | B．calmly | C．officially | D．immediately |
6 . The Unity (和谐) of Man and Nature
The “unity of man and nature” is necessary and important in the cultural tradition of China. The Chinese believe in the unity of man and nature, a basic way to their philosophy (哲学) of life.
The idea of unity of man and nature has been in the heart of Chinese people.
Most of the Chinese, especially the young, are willing to protect the natural environment. China is now working with all other countries to make the earth a better place to live.
| A．Each of the three has its own way. |
| B．The power is from water, wind, and sunlight. |
| C．There are plenty of great people in the history of China. |
| D．The ancient Chinese never placed themselves above nature. |
| E．It encourages modern Chinese to take action (采取行动) to protect natural environment. |
| F．Nature and man depend on each other. |
| G．Most traditional Chinese festivals build a right order of relationships among humans. |
7 . FROM PROBLEMS TO SOLUTIONS
Economic development is necessary if we want to improve society. There comes a time when the old must give way to the new, and it is not possible to preserve everything from our past as we move towards the future. Finding and keeping the right balance between progress and the protection of cultural sites can be a big challenge.
Big challenges, however, can sometimes lead to great solutions. In the 1950s, the Egyptian government wanted to build a new dam across the Nile in order to control floods, produce electricity, and supply water to more farmers in the area. But the proposal led to protests. Water from the dam would likely damage a number of temples and destroy cultural relics that were an important part of Egypt’s cultural heritage. After listening to the scientists who had studied the problem, and citizens who lived near the dam, the government turned to the United Nations for help in 1959.
A committee was established to limit damage to the Egyptian buildings and prevent the loss of cultural relics. The group asked for contributions from different departments and raised funds within the international community. Experts investigated the issue, conducted several tests, and then made a proposal for how the buildings could be saved. Finally, a document was signed, and the work began in 1960.
The project brought together governments and environmentalists from around the world. Temples and other cultural sites were taken down piece by piece, and then moved and put back together again in a place where they were safe from the water.In 1961, German engineers moved the first temple. Over the next 20 years, thousands of engineers and workers rescued 22 temples and countless cultural relics. Fifty countries donated nearly $80 million to the project.
When the project ended in 1980, it was considered a great success. Not only had the countries found a path to the future that did not run over the relics of the past, but they had also learnt that it was possible for countries to work together to build a better tomorrow.
The spirit of the Aswan Dam project is still alive today. Perhaps the best example is shown by UNESCO, which runs a programme that prevents world cultural heritage sites around the world from disappearing. If a problem seems too difficult for a single nation, the global community can sometimes provide a solution.
1. In which year is the first temple moved?| A．1959. | B．1961. | C．1960. | D．1980 |
| A．Because they wanted to control floods and help economic development. |
| B．Because they thought it not necessary to preserve everything from the past. |
| C．Because the project could bring together governments and environmentalists from around the world. |
| D．Because they could get help from the global community. |
| A．They were rebuilt in other higher places. |
| B．They were moved to places with no water. |
| C．They were preserved in museums. |
| D．They were taken down piece by piece and moved to other places where they would be safe from the water. |
| A．2 years. | B．19 years. | C．20 years. | D．21 years. |
8 . To us it seems so natural to put up an umbrella to keep the water off when it rains, but actually the umbrella was not invented as protection against the rain. Its first use was as a shade against the sun! Nobody knows who first invented it, but the umbrella was used in very ancient times. Probably the first to use it were the Chinese.
We know that the umbrella was used in ancient Egypt and Babylon as a sunshade. And there was a strange thing connected with its use: it became a symbol of honour. In the Far East in ancient times, the umbrella was allowed to be used only by those in high office.
In Europe, the Greeks were the first to use the umbrella as a sunshade. And the umbrella was commonly used in ancient Greece. But it is believed that the first persons in Europe to use the umbrella as protection against the rain were the ancient Romans.
During the Middle Ages, the use of the umbrella practically disappeared. Then it appeared again in Italy in the late sixteenth century. And again it was considered as a symbol of power. By 1680, the umbrella appeared in France and later in England.
By the eighteenth century, the umbrella was used against rain throughout most of Europe. Umbrellas did not change much in style during all this time, though they became much lighter in weight. It wasn’t until the twentieth century that women’s umbrellas began to be made in a whole variety of colours.
1. According to this passage, the umbrella was probably first used in ancient________.| A．China | B．Egypt | C．Greece | D．Rome |
| A．during the Middle Ages |
| B．by the eighteenth century |
| C．in ancient Rome |
| D．in ancient Greece |
| A．when and how the umbrella was invented |
| B．why the umbrella was so popular in Europe |
| C．the development of the umbrella |
| D．the history and use of the umbrella |
9 . Do you know how to be a proud traveller?
• Travellers get excited and a bit nervous before travel.
Nervousness is typical of travellers.
• Travellers love to make plans, but they also like to break them.
• Travellers may start a trip alone, but they end up with friends all over the world.
It’s hard to travel without meeting strangers. Travellers are always ready to make new friends.
• Travellers are not just on a vacation.
People travel for a variety of reasons.
•
While travelling, be prepared to see the real living around the globe. You will see that there are people who struggle to survive. At the same time, there are plenty of those who can only afford the most necessary things. Be grateful for being able to travel since travelling is something only the lucky can afford.
| A．Travelling is good to our health. |
| B．The followings can tell you. |
| C．To plan trips is an exciting activity. |
| D．It does not matter whether the person travels once a year or far more frequently. |
| E． People who stay in a foreign country need to challenge themselves in a variety of ways. |
| F．The travelling plan is very important to the foreign travellers. |
| G．Travellers know that they’re lucky. |
10 . Successful wildlife conservation goes hand in hand with community education and engagement. Volunteers work with community leaders and schools to share their passion for conservation and the environment.
Rhino Conservation in Zimbabwe
The project is home to an internationally renowned Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme which has supported Zimbabwe’s rhino population since the mid 1980s. To date, 20 rhinos have been born at the conservancy, with 12 rhinos successfully released back into the wild. Volunteers play a role in securing the future of this once-again endangered animal, working alongside anti-poaching rangers (反偷猎护林员), working on rhino research projects and getting involved in the daily care of both black and white rhino.
Our Rhino Conservation Programme is a unique hands-on opportunity to get behind the scenes and experience day-to-day life on a private conservancy, and be involved with the protection and conservation of Zimbabwe’s endangered black rhino.
The aim of the programme is to assist the reserve’s established Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme, collect meaningful data and information relating to rhino and wildlife conservation and animal behaviour, and engage with the local community about wildlife conservation.
Cheetah (猎豹) Conservation
In 2021, two captive-born male cheetah were introduced to the conservancy as part of an international rewilding programme. The cheetah are now free-wandering in the reserve, and volunteers play an important role in monitoring and observing their behaviour, tracking their movements and recording their hunting rate.
Volunteer Work
Volunteers contribute to a long-term conservation project and get involved with a variety of conservation activities:
·Work alongside rhinos, cheetah and elephants
·Conservancy management
·Wildlife monitoring
·Anti-poaching patrols and snare sweeps
·Educate school-children about conservation, wildlife and the environment
·Learn about what is involved in running a conservancy
1. What can we say about Black Rhino Breeding and Release Programme?| A．Its work pays off. | B．It is limited to Zimbabwe. |
| C．It is home to two cheetah. | D．It has a history of 50 years. |
| A．Their birth rate. | B．Their hunting rate. |
| C．Their area of activity. | D．Their sleep schedule. |
| A．Those who live outside Zimbabwe. |
| B．Those who prefer to work at home. |
| C．Those who like engaging with animals. |
| D．Those who would like to make a fortune. |
