1 . The following picture books are a wonderful way to improve the summer experience with kids.
♦ Vampirina at the Beach by Anne Marie Pace
Vampirina and her best monster friend head to the beach during the full moon on a perfect summer night to enjoy all the fun and festivities the beach has to offer. Along the way, Vampirina’s beach adventures highlight the importance of beach safety to ensure a heroic adventure for all.
Available from Amazon, $11.50
♦ Summer by Alice Low
Summer brings so many things to a spirited boy, an eager girl, and an excited little dog. The season is filled with adventure. With clever rhyming words, clever phrasing, and playful images, children will love following along as this energetic trio (三重唱) takes in all the sunshine, big beach waves, fireworks, and sweet treats of this truly memorable time of year.
Available from Amazon, $6.23
♦ Waiting for Pumpsie by Barry Wittenstein
Summer is the season of baseball, and there’s no better way to celebrate summer than with the true story of Pumpsie Green’s rise from the minors to the Boston Red Sox in 1959. As the final major league team to include black athletes, young Bernard and his family travel to Fenway Park to witness Pumpsie Green take the field in this inspirational tale of equality and progress.
Available from Amazon, $9.61
♦ The Night Before Summer Camp by Natasha Wing
Sure, camp sounds fun, but when you don’t quite know what to expect, it’s only natural to feel a little nervous away from Mom and Dad. With rhyming prose (散文) and cheerful illustrations (插图), this cheering story of an unwilling boy who comes to enjoy all the fun summer camp will have children ready to take on their own camp adventure!
Available from Amazon, $3.52
1. What benefit can children get from Vampirina at the Beach?| A．Enjoying the excitement of sports. |
| B．Making friends with pets more easily. |
| C．Strengthening the sense of shore safety. |
| D．Gaining the courage to enjoy summer camp. |
| A．Summer. | B．Waiting for Pumpsie. |
| C．Vampirina at the Beach. | D．The Night Before Summer Camp. |
| A．They tell what happens in the hot season. |
| B．They introduce camp adventures. |
| C．They describe sweet music. |
| D．They have the same price. |
2 . George Nakashima always insisted that he was a simple woodworker, not an artist. Even though major museums exhibited his works and the director of the American Craft Museum called him a national treasure, Mr Nakashima rejected the label of artist. For almost fifty years he simply went on shaping wood into beautiful chairs, tables, and cabinets.
Nakashima had a clear goal. He intended each piece of furniture he made to be as perfect as possible. Even making a box was an act of creation, because it produced an object that had never existed before. Initially Nakashima used local wood, sometimes from his own property. Later, he traveled to seek out English oak, Persian walnut, African zebra wood and Indian teak. He especially liked to find giant roots that had been dug out of the ground after a tree was taken down. Nakashima felt that making this wood into furniture was a way of allowing the tree to live again.
Most furniture makers prefer perfect boards, but Nakashima took pleasure in using wood with interesting knots (节疤)and cracks. These irregularities gave the wood personality and showed that the tree had lived a happy life.
He never failed to create an object that was both useful and beautiful. One early piece Nakashima designed was a three-legged chair for his small daughter, Mira, to use when she sat at the table for meals. The Mira chair became so popular that Nakashima later made both low and high versions. Another famous piece, the Conoid chair, has two legs supported by bladelike feet. Always, Nakashima's designs were precise and graceful, marked by a simplicity that revealed his love for the wood.
As the years passed, Nakashima's reputation grew and his work received many awards. His children Mira and Kevin, now adults, joined the team of crafts - people in their father's studio. Nakashima's dream of integrating work and family had come true.
1. Which of the following best describes Nakashima?| A．Generous and outgoing. | B．Honest and simple. |
| C．Capable and friendly. | D．Creative and modest. |
| A．His art work made trees live again. |
| B．He used precious wood materials. |
| C．His chairs were beautifully designed. |
| D．He was devoted to making furniture. |
| A．He loved his work and family. |
| B．He made chairs of the same style. |
| C．He sought for a simple life and art. |
| D．He was lost in researching the wood. |
| A．They had an art studio of their own. |
| B．They still lacked the ability to create art works. |
| C．They had a common interest with their father. |
| D．They enjoyed the same reputation with their father. |
3 . The world is a colorful landscape of different languages, skin colors, and different cultures. It's important to have a good understanding of different cultures in order to become a well-rounded person
One way is to read books written by authors from a particular culture. Reading works by authors who have a close relationship with a particular culture allows people to gain an authentic glimpse into the food, music, language, religion, and way of a life of a particular group of people.
Another way to learn about different cultures is to try to learn a foreign language.
Communicating with people from other countries through email or snail mail is another useful way to become familiar with different cultures.
| A．Trying authentic food from a specific cultural group is also a great idea. |
| B．The Internet has made it possible to communicate with others from different countries. |
| C．Making contact with native speakers of the language allows one to gain firsthand knowledge. |
| D．There are several ways to become knowledgeable about different cultures. |
| E．Stories based on a local culture expose one to a different culture. |
| F．One way to develop this appreciation is to try to team about other cultures around the world. |
| G．A variety of language-learning books, software, and audio programs is available. |
4 . National Park Association of Queensland Activities Vegetation Management Group
Saturday 14th March 2020
Location: Jolly’ s Lookout carpark, D’Aguilar National Park
Leader: Angus McElnea (0429854446 or gus mcelnea@hotmail.com)
Get your hands dirty! Come and spend a couple of hours to help with lantana(a type of flowering plant) control and revegetation(植被再造) work in the Boombana and Jolly’s Lookout areas of D’Aguilar National Park, west of Brisbane.
Wynnum North Boardwalk
Sunday 15th March 2020
Location: Wynnum North Boardwalk Leader: Jocelyn Dixon (0733788486)
Fee: $5(members) $10(non-members)
Join with us to view the water and bush birds of this area. A track from Wynnum North Road leads to a secret place for viewing a diverse mix of birds walking around in water. From there we will take a short walk to the Mangrove Boardwalk.
May Long Weekend Camp
Saturday 2nd May to Monday 4th May 2020 Leader: Tony Parsons (0433224544)
Join us for a long weekend in Border Rangers National Park, camping at Sheep Station Creek campground. Spend the days exploring the national park, and evenings around the campfire. We will have the chance to view Mt Warning from the Pinnacle at sunrise and sunset. Bring your family and stay for the weekend or come down for a day. It will be enjoyable.
Central West Qld National Parks
Saturday 29th August to Sunday 6th September 2020 Leader: Wendy Bell(0733002473)
Exciting opportunity to visit and explore at least six national parks in the comfort of a big coach and be accommodated, rather than camping. Basic cost of the tour is $3, 400 per person. Total cost includes all transport, all meals, and activity fees.
1. Who will you call if you are interested in bird-watching?| A．Angus McElnea. | B．Jocelyn Dixon. | C．Tony Parsons. | D．Wendy Bell. |
| A．May Long Weekend Camp. | B．Wynnum North Boardwalk. |
| C．Vegetation Management Group. | D．Central West Qld National Parks. |
| A．It is a weekend activity. |
| B．Lots of walking is involved. |
| C．The organizer provides the transport. |
| D．Visitors have to bring their own food. |
5 . Bill Bowerman was a track coach. He wanted to help athletes run faster. So he had learnt how to make running shoes. He had also started a shoe company with a friend. It was 1971.Running shoes at the time were heavy. They had spikes(鞋钉)on the sole(鞋底). The spikes tore up the track and slowed down runners.
To make a lighter shoe, Bill tried the skins of fish. To make a better sole, he wanted to replace the spikes. Bill dug through his wife Barbara's jewelry box. He hoped to find a piece of jewelry with an interesting pattern. He would then copy the pattern onto the new soles. Nothing worked. Bill was defeated.
Then, one Sunday morning, Barbara made Bill waffles(华夫饼)for breakfast. Bill watched her cook.
He studied the criss-cross pattern on a waffle iron.
Inspiration struck. The pattern on the waffle iron was just what Bill was looking for. The squares were flatter and wider than sharp spikes. The pattern would help the shoes hold any surface without tearing into it.
When Barbara left the house, Bill ran to his lab. He took the liquid chemicals that, when mixed, would harden into the sole of a shoe. He poured the mixture into the waffle iron---and the Waffle Trainer was born.
Bill’s company put the Waffle Trainer on market in 1974.It was a huge hit. Maybe you’ve heard of that company---it’s called Nike. And today it’s worth around $100 billion.
It was the waffle iron that had changed the course of Bill’s life---and helped turn Nike into a well-known name. Today, the waffle iron is kept at Nike headquarters. It serves as a reminder that if we keep trying, we can find a solution to even the most difficult problems. And those solutions can come from unlikely places, even the breakfast table.
1. What shortcomings did the old-style running shoes have?| A．They were hard to wear. | B．They were too large. |
| C．They were impractical. | D．They were easy to break. |
| A．From the skins of the fish. | B．From his wife’s jewelry. |
| C．From the colour of the iron. | D．From his wife’s cooking tools. |
| A．A cheerful wife is the joy of life. |
| B．Two heads are better than one. |
| C．Where there’s a will, there’s a way. |
| D．A bad workman quarrels with his tools. |
| A．Waffles and Nike | B．Inspiration and Invention |
| C．A Great Inventor | D．A Well-Known Company |
6 . Summer is coming and you might be delighted in the stories and images these summer picture books bring.
Sun, Sun by Brad Gray
For this rhyming celebration of fun in sun, all your family needs to take in summer’s very best. Life-like illustrations light the senses and bring back memories of summer’s past and dreams of the summers to come.
Available from Amazon, $9.99
When We Go Camping by Margriet Ruurs
What goes into camping? Setting up tents and looking at stars? Sure, but there’s also so much more! Get to know nature and all the mystery and wonder she brings as a family goes on an outdoor adventure. As educational as it is fun, this image-rich story will lead your child to explore deeper into the woods than ever before.
Available from Amazon, $ 8.93
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
Ever wonder what would happen if you swallowed a watermelon seed? A crocodile has wondered (and worried) about it quite a bit! Will he grow a watermelon in his belly? Will he sprout crazy vines (藤)? He’s not quite sure, but when the concerned crocodile accidentally swallows a seed, his imagination takes over and amusement arises!
Available from Amazon, $ 9.95
Three Little Words by Amy Novesky Dory
“Just keep swimming!” message of perseverance is perfect for anyone who has ever felt like they were drowning. Follow Dory’s an unforgettable adventure as she finds her way in this beautiful water color adventure of friendship and survival.
Available from Amazon, $ 12.06
1. Which book do you buy if you enjoy sleeping outdoors?| A．Sun, Sun | B．When We Go Camping | C．The Watermelon Seed | D．Three Little Words |
| A．A plant might grow in his body. |
| B．He shouldn't have eaten the watermelon. |
| C．A seed won't come out of his stomach. |
| D．He doesn't know how to take care of the plant. |
| A．Swimming is dangerous. | B．Adventure is interesting. |
| C．Never give up. | D．Swimming is useful. |
7 . Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for cardiovascular disease, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and potential social and psychological problems.
Of course, the CDC recommends healthy lifestyle choices—healthy eating, physical exercise.
What don't kids need?
A new data analysis of two studies found that children whose parents considered them to be “overweight" tended to gain more weight over 10 years than children whose parents considered them “normal weight". Children whose parents label them as “overweight" had a negative self-perception about their bodies. They were engaged in more attempts to lose weight.
The clear message from this study is that dieting is more likely to lead to weight gain, not weight loss, in both children and adults. Psychology researchers Eric Robinson and Angelina Sutin argue that the stigma of being labeled overweight as a child might actually gain weight in the future.
| A．Labels and pressure around weight and weight gain. |
| B．Left untreated, these problems can continue into adulthood. |
| C．They also point out another important way to keep kids healthy. |
| D．The researchers cannot be certain about what is driving. |
| E．They analyzed the data from a study of Australian children. |
| F．But it actually contributed to weight gain over the 10-year period. |
| G．A number of mothers in this study suffer from depression and anxiety. |
8 . Last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 55 million people in the U. S. are “gig workers" which is more than 35 percent of the U. S. workforce. That number is projected to jump to 43 percent by 2020.
People are drawn to gig work（零工）because it brings in a little extra income without a major time commitment. And recent technologies like Skype, Slack, and Dropbox have made the gig life a reality, giving you maximum freedom, an ideal work-life balance, and the chance to pursue your passions.
If you're thinking of joining the gig economy, it's never been easier. One of the great things about the gig economy is that you don't have a boss breathing down your neck. As a freelancer, you no longer have to cater to a company culture or work schedule that might cause physical or emotional stress. Instead, you get to choose the type of work you do and who you work with. But this degree of freedom requires a corresponding amount of discipline. With no boss to make sure you're on task, it's all on you.
A lot of gig workers start their careers by hopping on a project because the employer is desperate and in need of help. On the employer's end, it's tough to take on people for higher management positions when the pool of talent is full of gig workers who haven't been given an opportunity to improve their skills. Businesses have to evolve to learn how to account for an influx（(涌入）of temporary workers. It is harder for gig workers to become skilled and get promoted.
The workforce is becoming more advanced and educated by the day. You have to keep learning and keep up with industry trends to maintain a competitive edge. This is true even for people in traditional office settings, but it's critical if you're your own boss.
1. What made the gig life a reality?| A．Greater work-life balance. | B．New technologies. |
| C．A little extra money. | D．Maximum freedom. |
| A．Making you unable to breathe freely. |
| B．Standing very close behind you. |
| C．Threatening you by saying something. |
| D．Monitoring you closely. |
| A．Employers should invest in training the temporary workers. |
| B．Gig workers start their jobs out of passion. |
| C．It's hard for employers to employ people for higher positions. |
| D．It's hard for gig workers to develop skills. |
| A．The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Gig Economy |
| B．The Challenges of the Gig Economy |
| C．The Increase of the Gig Economy |
| D．The Reason for the Gig Economy |
9 . At a time when industries are under greater pressure to reduce costs and increase efficiencies, more production facilities are turning to digital sensing technology to provide the real-time insights they need for improved performance. What if one digital sensor could measure multiple signals?
Yokogawa's DPharp（差压传送器）digital technology has the unique ability to measure two pressure parameters （参数），delivering reliable and accurate measurement of plant operations. The unique aspect of this digital technology is that it measures two parameters in one sensor module, providing additional insight into a plant's operations. It is the only sensor in the world that does this.
DPharp transmitters（发射器）use silicon（硅）resonant（谐振的）sensor technology to measure both differential（差别） and still pressure. The sensor consists of two H-shaped crystal silicon resonators that shake at a certain frequency and, when pressure is applied, the frequency of one resonator increases while the other decreases. By monitoring these frequencies digitally, both differential and still pressure can be measured at the same time. The frequency output is directly read by the central processing unit of the transmitter.
DPharp can be used in any processing plant across any industry—oil and gas to food and drinks. DPharp's unique digital sensing technology allows engineering firms and plant engineers to create designs that will equate to an average reduction of 40 percent. Where they would typically use five measuring devices, they are using three by using the multi-sensing technology. That is a significant cost reduction in the number of devices installed and the added benefit is that, as there are less devices, the engineering and design is less complex, which means less materials and less equipment to maintain. Furthermore, there are fewer transmitter spares required, which reduces costs. Tony Farah, Product Manager, said that more organisations are seeing the significant benefits of smart devices like DPharp.
1. What is special about DPharp digital technology?| A．It provides the real-time insights. |
| B．It brings significant changes in engineering. |
| C．It measures two parameters in one sensor. |
| D．It provides accurate measurement. |
| A．Two H-shaped crystal silicon resonators. |
| B．The central processing unit of the transmitter. |
| C．Monitoring devices. |
| D．The operator of the plant. |
| A．Cautious. | B．Ambiguous. |
| C．Favorable. | D．Disapproving. |
| A．How DPharp is bringing value across production plants. |
| B．How sensor works in a different way. |
| C．Why DPharp is efficient and reliable. |
| D．Where DPharp can be used. |
10 . This famous site features one of the largest and most representative collections of Buddhist architecture and art in China. It was rated as a 5A-class tourist attraction in 2010.
The Lingshan Grand Buddha is an 88-meter-high open-air bronze statue of Sakyamuni. It is 17 meters higher than the Grand Buddha at Leshan Mountain. It is part of the pattern of Five Buddhas in five directions together with the Big Buddha at Lantau Island in Hong Kong to the south, the Grand Buddha at Leshan Mountain to the west, the Grand Buddha in Yungang Caves to the north and the Grand Buddha at the Longmen Caves in the central area. At the feet of the Grand Buddha, you can feel the loftiness （雄伟）and dignity of Buddhism.
Tips：
Location: Lingshan Road, Mashan town, Binhu district, Wuxi
Tickets: Through ticket： 210 yuan （ $ 31. 85） , and free tickets for the performance of Ode to Auspiciousness for individual visitors
Opening hours for Lingshan Mountain: 7：00 17：00
Opening hours for Brahma Palace: 9：00 18：00
Recommendations:
The Nine-Dragon Fountain
The Nine-Dragon Fountain in front of the giant Buddha will start to play music and the song, The Birth of Buddha , at 10 am every day. A huge lotus（莲花）slowly blooms with six petals, and a 7-meter golden statue of Prince Buddha rises from the lotus, with one hand pointing to the sky and one hand at the earth, symbolizing Buddha's light shining on all things.
The Brahma Palace
The whole palace shows the mixture of traditional cultural elements with Western architectural features. Many cultural heritage items and art works can be found there. Its splendid design surprises every visitor.
1. What is the Lingshan Grand Buddha famous for?| A．Its typical collections of architecture and art. |
| B．Its special material. |
| C．Its geographical location. |
| D．Its long history. |
| A．It lasts 10 hours for visitors. | B．It costs 210 yuan at least. |
| C．It's available only for group visitors. | D．It's free if you get a through ticket. |
| A．It’s in front of the giant Buddha. |
| B．Its design and collections are amazing. |
| C．Visitors can enjoy a huge lotus there. |
| D．Many traditional cultural items are on sale. |
