During my recent travels in China, I went from the top to the bottom of the country. I was astonished at
The weather was
In Qingdao, we ate seafood, drank beer and even swam in the sea. In Harbin, we wore our warmest jackets and saw the
Shanghai reminded me
Guilin was a good place to be touring around during Spring Festival. Fireworks
But Yangshuo
Now, I am back in Beijing. I am looking forward to
2 . Do you have good friends? Do you sometimes feel so close to them that they are like family to you?
It turns out that this isn’t just an expression. A study by Yale University and the University of California, San Diego, has found that you and your friends have more genes in common than strangers do, the Guardian reported.
Researchers looked at the genes of 1,932 people and compared them in pairs of unrelated friends and strangers. They found that friends have 1 percent of genes that match.
“One percent may not sound like much to the layperson (外行), but to geneticists (遗传学家) it is a significant number,” Professor Nicholas Christakis of Yale University told Discovery News. In fact, this is the same amount of genes you share with your fourth cousins, those who have the same great-great-great grandparents as you.
So is it a coincidence that you become friends with people who share your genes? Not at all. In fact, it is evolution that brings you together.
People who share certain genes also share skills and have similar likes and dislikes, researchers said. In ancient times, it was critical that people who were alike stayed together. For example, people who had a similar susceptibility (易感性) to the cold were more likely to help each other build a fire, giving them a better chance to survive.
Researchers also found that among all the genes studied, those affecting sense of smell were the most similar in friends. This is probably because people who smell things in the same way are more easily drawn to similar environments. For example, people who like the smell of coffee may hang out at cafes more often and are therefore more likely to meet and become friends with each other.
Based on their findings, the team has developed an interesting test called the “friendship score”. It calculates how big the chances are that two people will be friends by studying their genes.
So, here is a question for you: would you like to take this test and know in advance who your friends are going to be, or would you still prefer to figure it out by yourself and let time be the judge?
1. What is the author’s main purpose in writing the article?A.To explain why friends share skills and interests. |
B.To report on recent findings about making friends. |
C.To analyze what influences the way people make friends. |
D.To explain an interesting test called the “friendship score”. |
A.form friendships by complete coincidence |
B.are genetically similar to their friends, compared to strangers |
C.make friends with those who share nearly 10 percent of their genes |
D.may share more similar genes with their friends than with their fourth cousins |
A.show how ancient people helped each other survive |
B.explain that similar interests are what lead to friendship |
C.show that it is evolution that brings friends together |
D.tell us why it was easier for ancient people to find friends |
A.like to hang out at cafes more often |
B.are easily attracted to the smell of their friends |
C.are more likely to be attracted to a similar environment |
D.can identify people in a crowd who can become friends |
3 . Some people sit outside for hours without getting bitten by mosquitoes, but it always seems like you’re being eaten alive within minutes of stepping outdoors.
If this is you, you’re not alone. According to Smithsonian Magazine, around 20 percent of people in the world are especially tasty to mosquitoes. What about these people makes mosquitoes’ mouths water?
A popular myth claims that mosquitoes prefer certain blood types, but the fact is that they simply can’t tell what your blood type is from a faraway place. Jonathon Day, a professor of medical entomology (昆虫学) at the University of Florida in the US, told NBC it’s not complicated. “The two most important reasons a mosquito is attracted to you have to do with sight and smell.”
Mosquitoes are especially active in the late afternoon. While flying along, they use their sense of smell to find possible targets. They find victims (攻击对象) by smelling the carbon dioxide (CO2) breathed out by humans and animals. That’s why you commonly find them in crowded streets and parks.
Joop van Loon, an entomologist at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, told Live Science, “Mosquitoes start orienting (使......朝向) themselves to carbon dioxide and keep flying upwind as they sense higher concentrations (浓度).”
As a result, people who simply exhale (呼出) more of the gas over time – generally, larger people – have been shown to attract more mosquitoes than others. “This is why kids don’t get bitten as much ... as adults,” US professor Ted Rosen told Science Alert.
This love for CO2 can also put pregnant women at increased risk for mosquito bites, as they tend to exhale 21 percent more CO2 than people of the same age and size who aren’t pregnant.
In addition to carbon dioxide, the color of the clothes you wear also plays a role in attracting mosquitoes.
According to Live Science, mosquitoes can lock onto targets from up to 50 meters away. At this distance, what we wear has a huge effect. Due to their vision (视觉), people wearing dark colors are more likely to become targets.
Being bitten by mosquitoes is annoying, but don’t worry. Some simple tips can help ward them off. Scientists recommend that we use insect repellent (驱虫剂) and wear light-colored clothing.
1. How do mosquitoes locate their targets, according to the article?A.By seeking out bright clothes. |
B.By identifying different blood types. |
C.By sensing an increase of carbon dioxide. |
D.By following bigger crowds. |
A.Their larger size helps mosquitoes to see them. |
B.They breathe out more CO2. |
C.They are more likely to sweat. |
D.Their body temperatures are higher. |
A.Exercise regularly. |
B.Wear light-colored clothing. |
C.Keep your skin dry and clean. |
D.Stay indoors in the evening. |
A.A new finding about mosquitoes. |
B.How people can avoid mosquito bites. |
C.A popular myth about mosquitoes. |
D.Why some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others. |
4 . On a recent trip to the island of Newfoundland, Canada, my husband asked our talkative cab driver what made him most proud to be from there.
“Our generosity and hospitality (好客),” he replied in a strong local accent. “Your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, someone will stop to help. People here are kind like that.”
His answer lingered in my mind during that ride with my husband and teenage kids, as we headed out to explore on the first day of our vacation.
Little did I know we were about to experience some of that remarkable Newfoundland kindness for ourselves.
We met Alma that same morning at the start of a long hike.
Our teenagers hurried ahead, and as we walked behind, admiring the scenery, two women in sunglasses and summer hiking gear stopped.
They’d heard us discussing different routes, then asked if we’d like suggestions.
They looked to be in their 40s, and were both enthusiastic to share their local expertise.
We listened eagerly, taking mental notes, until one of the women asked, “You have a car, right?”
I explained that there were no cars available during our week on the island, so we had to rely on cabs instead.
“Oh no,” she said, “you need a car.” And then, as casually as if offering a piece of chewing gum (口香糖), she said: “Take mine!”
Dumbfounded, my husband and I just smiled in disbelief.
“Why not?” She insisted. “You need a car to get to know all these places.”
“But you don’t even know us,” I said.
“That doesn’t matter,” she continued with absolute determination.
Stunned, I looked over at her friend, who shrugged and said, “That’s Alma.”
Forty minutes of talking later, my family climbed into Alma’s car.
We spent the rest of our vacation discovering different areas of this beautiful island.
But it wasn’t the groups of whales we saw, or the vast areas of woodland, that made this place so memorable.
Instead, it was the act of kindness from a complete stranger that made us realize how special Newfoundland really was.
Next year, there’s no doubt where we’ll be taking our summer vacation. Who knows what act of kindness we’ll meet then?
1. What problem did the author’s family have in Newfoundland?A.They couldn’t understand the local accent. |
B.Their car broke down on the first day. |
C.They got lost during a hike. |
D.They didn’t have a car. |
A.shocked | B.satisfied |
C.relieved | D.embarrassed |
A.The talkative cab driver. |
B.The whales swimming. |
C.The beautiful scenery of the island. |
D.The help from an enthusiastic stranger. |
A.She is looking forward to meeting Alma once more. |
B.She expects to visit Newfoundland again. |
C.She hasn’t decided where to go next year. |
D.She also wants to be kind to others during vacation. |
增加:在缺词处加一个漏字符号(∧),并在其下面写出该加的词;
删除:把多余的词用斜线(\)划掉;
修改:在错的词下画一横线,并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意:1.每处错误及其修改均仅限一词;
2.只允许修改10处,多者(从第11处起)不计分。
It seems that money played an important role in our daily lives. Everyone has a opinion on money. What do you think about them? Do you think money is the most important thing in the world? Now, I want to introduce a book to you, that will help you stop worrying about money.
When Susan was 13, she watched her father run into their burning house in order not to rescue the money. From that moment, she thought money was very importance. She did everything she could become rich. Years later, Susan finally became a wealth woman, but she was unhappy. What went wrong? In this book, Susan covers her success and her ways of achieving happiness. If you want to be happy, take a look at this book and seeing if it can help you. Maybe you’ll find your answer and have a best understanding of money.
Dear friends and community,
We are happy to introduce our new show, On Broadway.
This will be a night of the most entertaining, and thrilling Broadway Shows set on stage.
We would like to honor some of these world class acts in our spectacular show.
You will experience dramatic tangos (探戈), elegant waltzes (华尔兹), and much more.
This production will attract you with its creative dancing, exciting music, and beautiful costumes.
Date: February 20 - April 4, 4 - 6 pm
Admission: $20 presale/$25 on the door
Summer Camp
Our unique and fun summer camp features dancing, fitness, games and other activities.
While having a good time, campers can improve their body coordination (协调), balance, posture, and physical condition.
For the last day, we have planned a performance for family and friends to show everything we have learned during the camp.
Date: Monday July 9 - Friday July 13, 9 am - 12:30 pm
Children Ages 5 & Up
North Carolina Open
I am excited to invite you to attend the North Carolina Open, Charlotte’s first NDCA recognized dance competition.
Located in the beautiful Ballantyne Resort, this is an event you won’t forget. Take part in an elegant evening of dancing, then relax in the spa or get away for a round of golf.
Enjoy a full day of dancing with world-class judges and scholarship opportunities.
Date: September 21
Admission: $30
General Information: Yusimi Cruz, Phone: (704) 892-7000
Dance Center USA is turning 7 years old, so come and celebrate with us!
Anniversary Gala
Wine bar, appetizers (开胃菜), great music, and special performances by Dance Center students and professionals will be waiting for you.
Also, an award ceremony will be held to recognize the outstanding achievement of our students in the past year.
Date: Friday April 29, 8-10 pm
Party Admission: $15
1. How much do you have to pay for a ticket to On Broadway if you book in advance?A.$15 | B.$20 |
C.$25 | D.$30 |
A.It helps strengthen their bodies. |
B.It enables them to learn from famous dancers. |
C.They gain useful camping skills. |
D.They learn how to get on with their parents. |
A.On Broadway | B.Summer Camp |
C.North Carolina Open | D.Anniversary Gala |
7 . When I became a junior, I decided to take Latin at school. I was so
But Latin class was so
When Mr. Keady asked what was wrong, I
But instead, he sat at his desk quietly, looking defeated and tired. After several moments of
In the following weeks, Latin class didn’t become the exciting learning environment I
Maybe some people would
If I saw him now, I’d tell him how I
Indeed, Mr Keady’s
A.curious | B.worried | C.excited | D.careful |
A.connect | B.describe | C.notice | D.understand |
A.complicated | B.boring | C.difficult | D.easy |
A.eyes | B.mouths | C.schoolbags | D.books |
A.routine | B.business | C.game | D.project |
A.spread out | B.reached out | C.set up | D.shot up |
A.admitted | B.explained | C.doubted | D.wondered |
A.funny | B.regular | C.old-fashioned | D.unfamiliar |
A.expected | B.reminded | C.allowed | D.advised |
A.practice | B.silence | C.debate | D.criticism |
A.consult | B.talk | C.think | D.learn |
A.suggested | B.promised | C.decided | D.hoped |
A.tried | B.happened | C.managed | D.failed |
A.blame | B.applaud | C.recall | D.ignore |
A.regretted | B.appreciated | C.believed | D.feared |
A.experience | B.theory | C.lesson | D.principle |
A.unkind | B.impatient | C.curious | D.proud |
A.stopped | B.wounded | C.celebrated | D.judged |
A.answer | B.solution | C.decision | D.response |
A.take over | B.take to | C.take away | D.take up |
8 . Chinese culture values family bonds very much. Family members don't just gather during the holidays .In fact they often live under one roof all year round.
In most East Asian cultures, extended families are common.
Atlantic, 90 percent of children in Shanghai and 70 percent of children in Beijing were cared for by their grandparents. Chinese people believe that "a grandparent is a treasure to their family".
In many Western countries, most families are nuclear families (小家庭). These are solely made up of children and their parents.
Additionally, the duties parents have toward their children can also differ.
It's normal for parents to pay for their children's college, help them find a job, or buy them an apartment. Chinese adults also follow their parents' opinions when making major life decisions, more often than not.
In most Western countries, however, kids usually move out of the house after they turn 18.
While the East cares more about close family bonds, the West values privacy and independence.
A.These families have three or even four generations living together |
B.Nuclear families are the most common type in China. |
C.In China, many parents look after their children all the way into adulthood. |
D.Different cultures have different family values. |
E.But in the end, home is best 一 east or west. |
F.Many young people going to college often need to take out loans and work part-time jobs in order to pay for tuition and rent. |
G.Both Easterners and Westerners value quality family time. |