1 . Empathy (同理心) is one of those strange qualities — something almost everyone wants, but few know how to truly give or receive it. In a world where self-satisfaction is emphasized, it is in short supply but high demand. This is all the more reason to teach the next generation what it means to have empathy for those around them.

What Is Empathy? — Many people confuse sympathy and empathy, but they are two distinct values. Empathy is not just the ability to understand someone's feelings; criminals often take advantage of people by appearing to understand their feelings and subsequently gaining their trust. Empathy is more than that. Not only is it the ability to recognize how someone feels, but it also values and respects the feelings of another person. It means treating others with kindness, dignity, and understanding.

Kids Need To See Adults Show Empathy — While some children are gifted with naturally kind hearts, in most cases kids need to see empathy modeled by the adults around them. It begins with the way parents relate to their children. Parents who show an interest in the things that matter to their kids and respond to emotions in a positive and caring way are teaching the skill of empathy.

Meet Emotional Needs — When children have their emotional needs met, two things happen. They learn how to meet the emotional needs of others and they are anchored in what they are receiving, meaning that they are secure enough to give to others when the need arises but first they need to receive. An empty jug cannot fill a cup.

It's a good idea to talk to kids about emotions and how other people experience them. Give their emotions names (for example, jealousy, anger, and love) and teach them that these are normal. Talk to them about how to handle emotions in a positive way and point out situations where other people are experiencing emotions. Teach them about respecting the emotions of others and show them how to act in a situation where a response is required.

1. Why is it that the next generation are taught to have empathy?

A．Because people tend to center themselves.	B．Because everyone lacks empathy.
C．Because empathy is a strange quality.	D．Because it's better to give than to receive.

2. Which situation can empathy be used in?

A．When a mathematician is calculating the area of a farmland.

B．When a teacher is comforting a student about his failure in exams.

C．When a criminal is cheating a victim.

D．When a dancer is dancing to music.

3. What does the underlined sentence "An empty jug cannot fill a cup" mean?

A．An empty jug is too small to hold a cup.

B．It's a must to talk to kids about emotions.

C．Adults should set an example to kids.

D．Kids give empathy with their emotional needs met first.

4. What is the main topic of the passage?

A．How to train kids to have empathy.

B．How to distinguish sympathy and empathy.

C．How to help kids finish empathy-related tasks.

D．Whether kids can be trained to be more empathetic.

2 . Can you imagine a world without music? Studies show that public schools across the country are cutting back on music classes to save money. Worse, some schools have never had music classes to begin with. But without them, students’ academic(学业的) growth and emotional health could suffer. In fact, music classes are necessary for all students in schools.

A recent study by Brown University has shown that students who had music classes were better in math and reading skills than those without having music classes. Another study by The College Board found that students taking music and art classes got higher points. Students’ academic success seems to depend on taking part in music education.

Music programs in public schools also help to add to a student’s sense of pride and self-confidence. Teens today have too many learning tasks. Besides, they have family problems, self-confidence problems, relationship troubles, and choices about drugs and alcohol. All of these can stop academic success, but music education can help. Students who took part in school music programs were less likely to turn to drugs. Music programs encourage students to work together to produce an excellent performance.

Music crosses language, class cultural and political boundaries(界限). Music allows students from different countries to connect. For example, at a school talent show, a new Japanese student played a piano duet(二重奏) with an American classmate. Although they could not communicate verbally, they were able to read the music in order to play the duet. Two students from different cultures worked as a team with self-confidence and a common purpose through music.

The gift of music is priceless. We need to be sure of having necessary music classes for all students. The world is losing its music, and putting music into schools is the first step to get it back.

1. What can we know about education with music classes?

A．It wastes a lot of money from parents.	B．It leads to a lot of emotional problems easily.
C．It helps students improve their school work.	D．It has a bad influence on the quality of education.

2. The studies in paragraph 2 show that        .

A．not all students take part in music classes

B．students with great success attend music classes

C．students having music classes are better in all courses

D．music plays an important role in students’ academic success

3. What does the example in paragraph 4 mainly suggest?

A．Different cultures have different styles of music.

B．Music makes cross-country communication possible.

C．Japan has a good international relationship with America.

D．Japanese and American students are good at playing the piano.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．Music education in schools	B．How to get music back?
C．Music—a bridge to understanding	D．The importance of listening to music

3 . Tommy got up very early on the Christmas morning. He looked in every room and wished a Merry Christmas to his family. Then he ran into the street to repeat that to those he might meet. When he returned to his home, his mother gave him two bright, new silver dollars.

His face lighted up as he got them. He had wished for 3 weeks to buy some pretty books that he had seen at the bookstore. He left his home with a light heart, and expected to buy the books. He was running down the street when he saw a poor family.

“I wish you a Merry Christmas.” said Tommy, as he was passing on. The man shook his head.“You are not from this country.” said Tommy. The man again shook his head, for he could not understand or speak his language. He pointed to his mouth and to the children shaking with cold, as if to say, “These little ones have had nothing to eat for a few days.” Tommy understood at once that these poor people were very hungry. He took out his dollars and gave one to the man, and the other to his wife.

They were excited and said something in their language, which doubtless meant,“ thank you so much that we will remember you all the time.”

When Tommy came home, his mother asked what books he bought. He hung his head a moment, but he quickly looked up.“I have bought no books” said he, “instead I gave my money to some poor people, who seemed to be very hungry then.” He went on, “I think I can wait for my books till next Christmas Day.”

“Oh, my dear boy,” said his mother, “here are some books for you, more as a prize for your goodness of heart than as a Christmas gift”

“I saw you give the money cheerfully to the poor German family. It was nice of you, a little boy, to do so. Be always ready to help others and every Christmas of your life will become to you a Merry Christmas.”

1. Tommy expected to _________ when he got the money from his mother.

A．help the poor family	B．buy something to eat
C．buy some pretty books	D．learn another language

2. Why did the poor man shake his head when Tommy spoke to him?

A．He couldn’t understand the boy	B．He wouldn’t accept the money
C．He didn’t like the boy’s language	D．He was too cold to say anything

3. What does the writer try to encourage us to do in this passage?

A．respect old people	B．be ready to help people
C．learn a second language	D．read more books

4. We know that Tommy_________ from the passage.

A．got a prize for his kind heart	B．had to buy his books next year
C．bought the books at the bookstore	D．got more money from his mother

4 . Kamikatsu, a small town in Japan, has shown the world that our garbage has far-reaching effects, and not just on our environment.

The experiment in going zero waste started when the town built a new incinerator 20 years ago. But almost immediately, the incinerator was determined to be a health risk due to the poisonous gases when garbage was burned in it. It was too expensive to send waste to other towns, so locals had to come up with a new plan. Then the Zero Waste Academy was born, which helped perform this plan.

Now Kamikatsu people separate their waste into 45 different categories. But in the beginning, it wasn't easy to convince local people to do all this work, and there was some pushback. Only after that initial education period did most residents come on board.

This is all great news for waste reduction of course, but it has also had some unexpected social benefits as well. Like much of Japan, Kamikatsu's population is aging, and about 50 percent of the locals are elderly. The fact that the whole community takes their trash in to be recycled has created a local action and interaction between generations.

That idea has been purposefully expanded to include a circular shop where household goods are dropped off and others can take them, and a tableware "library" where people can borrow extra cups, glasses, silverware and plates for celebrations.

"The elderly see this not as a waste-collection service, but an opportunity to socialize with the younger generation and to chat. When we visit them, they prepare lots of food and we stay with them for a while, we ask how they are," Sakano, the founder of the Zero Waste Academy, said.

Sakano's ideas are truly revolutionary if you think about it. She's proving that community can be found through handling the stuff we no longer want and need.

1. What is mainly talked about in paragraph 2?

A．What harmful effects garbage burning has.

B．Why garbage sorting is necessary in Japan.

C．How the idea of zero waste was put forward.

D．What the Zero Waste Academy functions as.

2. What does the underlined word "pushback" probably mean?

A．Inactive response.	B．Generous reward.
C．Bitter suffering.	D．Beneficial guidance.

3. What is a bonus of the zero waste project?

A．Reducing waste.	B．Creating community.
C．Increasing people's income.	D．Developing a new technology.

4. Which part of a newspaper is this text most likely from?

A．Technology.

B．Health.

C．Workplace.

D．Lifestyle.

5 . The martial art of Tai Chi is on the rise as more and more people discover the benefits that come from regular practice.    1    With its gentle movements and focus on forms, it' s also a good way to relax and calm the mind while it energizes and build the body.    2    "Chi" means energy, and it's the focus on energy that makes it different from other martial arts. Tai Chi practitioners believe that, in a struggle, meeting force with force only hurts both parties.

Tai Chi is quite easy to learn. Many recreation centers and community groups offer classes, sometimes in parks and other public places.    3    Wear loose and comfortable clothing and shoes, and you can just join in.

One of the major benefits of Tai Chi is that it's a sport you can practice for life. In China, many elderly people continue to do Tai Chi into their eighties and nineties, and the strengthening and balance moves are hugely beneficial to their continued mobility.    4    As you focus on your breathing and posture, your mind can clear itself of its worries, which does good to your whole body.

    5    All you need is your own body and enough room to stand in. You can do Tai Chi on a mountaintop, in a park, on an ocean beach, or in the middle of a forest. It's a perfect camping activity, and it's a lot of fun. So next time you see someone doing Tai Chi, ask them about it. They might offer to teach you the forms of this fascinating sport.

A．Tai Chi is more than a just a sport.

B．There are many styles and forms of Tai Chi.

C．Best of all, Tai Chi can be performed anywhere.

D．Tai Chi's true name in Chinese is Tai Chi Chuan.

E．More old people than young men practice Tai Chi

F．Often these classes are free and open to anyone who shows up.

G．Also, the slow moves and focus make Tai Chi a relief from stress.

6 . Meeting at a church on a Friday night is not usual for most college students,but it is usual for the women members of the Alcoholics Anonymous(AA)in my hometown, which is an organization for alcoholics who want to stop drinking alcohol.AA is founded upon a number of principles,including twelve steps and twelve traditions,but the only requirement for becoming a member is a strong wish to stop drinking.

The AA meeting I attended was in a speaker week,which meant that most of the time was spent listening to a member talking about her journey with alcohol.The speaker told other members her true story of alcohol problems.The group processed the story in a positive way.I noticed several times when members laughed,smiled,and made brief supporting comments while she spoke.Later,a member named Lucy shared with me her view that"this is the kind of place where you can talk about things,and everyone just laughs...no judgment but support."Being able to talk about her feelings and experiences,receiving support,and the lack of judgment were a large part of her decision to keep coming to the meetings.

Years later,I looked back on the meeting I attended with positive memories.The members at the meeting were mothers,sisters,grandmothers,aunts,daughters,and friends.Some were professionals, some were students,and some were unemployed. Despite their differences,they united in their common goal for a better life.AA is a prime example of how a group of people follow a program and work together at changing their habits.The meeting changed the way I looked at addiction-it was no longer a monster. Now I think it's essential to have support when you're struggling with addiction,just as with any lifestyle change.

1. What is the purpose of the Alcoholics Anonymous?

A．To create a program for college students.

B．To improve the alcohol industry.

C．To help people give up drinking.

D．To break twelve traditions.

2. What is most likely to hurt Lucy's feelings according to the text?

A．Unfriendly judgment on her stories.

B．Loud laughter from the audiences.

C．Too little time left for her.

D．Silence after her speech.

3. What is the text mainly about?

A．Sharing feelings with friends.

B．My experience of an AA meeting.

C．AA helping women lead a better life.

D．Tips on getting rid of alcohol addiction.

7 . Youngsters usually benefit from having a relationship with someone older and wiser to mentor（指导） them. The mentor might be a teacher, family member or more experienced peer. However, not everyone is suitable to be an influential, positive role model.     1     Here are some common characteristics of good role models.

They are confident. Most people admire those who have much confidence in themselves.     2     So they are able to acknowledge their skills and achievements without becoming arrogant ( 自 大 的 ). Just as Child Development Specialist Dr.Robyn Silverman suggests, healthy self-confidence shows as pride in who you are and what you've learned throughout your life.

    3     Role models show their commitment to a desired goal by their actions and are willing to invest the necessary time and effort to achieve success. They don't give up easily and continue trying when faced with challenges. Their determination to succeed encourages youngsters to follow through and reach the goals they set for themselves.

They are respectful.     4     Young people appreciate being treated with respect and admire those who treat them and others that way. Role models who show selflessness and an equal, non-prejudiced view of those different from them earn the admiration of others.

They are optimistic and creative. Role models inspire others with a positive outlook on life. For example, a community leader faced with a financial setback （ 挫折） might welcome the opportunity to organize a fund-raising project that pulls everyone together in a constructive manner.     5    

A．They are hard-working.

B．They are knowledgeable.

C．Role models show respect for others.

D．Pick someone having the same hobbies and similar qualities as you.

E．Good role models have a healthy appreciation of their accomplishments.

F．Effective role models possess desirable characteristics that make them easy to look up to.

G．Role models tend to see the bright side in difficult situations and can find creative solutions.

8 . Nowadays, more and more employers and employees work online either full-time or part-time, and that number is continuing growing. It’s believed that flying around the world for face-to-face company meetings is a waste of time and money. An effective choice to get rid of it is to use Web meetings.

A large of group presentations, training classes and meetings are done online without losing the face-to-face experience. Web meetings are online meetings where an organizer invites attendees to listen to or watch an online presentation by presenters. Besides, Web meetings can be recorded for later us.

Presenters can take real-time surveys to study how to hold a successful meeting. Some Web meeting software programs can monitor the users’ desktop behavior to see if they become distracted from the presentation and begin working on other documents. If so the program can tell presenters when the listeners lose their attention, and how long the distraction lasts. In this way, the presenters will know which parts of their meetings need improving.

Web meetings can work well because they’re hosted on a server (服务器). Images from the presenter’s desktop are taken, uploaded to a server and then downloaded by people who have access to the server. Web meetings require a powerful server to deal with several images a second and “serve” them back to thousands of users at the same time.

Companies have two choices when it comes to these servers. They can either buy a special Web meeting server to host their meetings on-site, or they can pay for a Web meeting service every time and let the off-site provider worry about hosting the meetings. The choice depends on how frequently the company holds Web meetings, the average number of people attending the meetings, and the quality of engineering and information technology.

Web meetings are an excellent example of how technology is changing the way we do business. With all the technologies today, the traditional office might soon be a thing of the past.

1. In what way do some Web meeting software programs help improve the meetings?

A．By tracking the users’ state.

B．By giving useful suggestions.

C．By sharing detailed technical data.

D．By providing other presenters’ videos.

2. It’s better for a company to buy a Web meeting server if it ________.

A．relies little on the quality of IT

B．holds Web meetings twice a week

C．doesn’t have so many employees

D．has branches in the same city or province

3. What can we infer about Web meetings?

A．Web meetings help presenters stay focused.

B．Web meetings work without the help of a server.

C．Web meetings determine the quality of engineering.

D．Web meetings are likely to be widely used.

4. The purpose of this passage is ________.

A．to advertise servers used in Web meetings

B．to persuade companies to hold web meetings

C．to introduce the benefits of using Web meetings.

D．to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Web meetings

9 . Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for cardiovascular disease, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and potential social and psychological problems.     1    

Of course, the CDC recommends healthy lifestyle choices—healthy eating, physical exercise.     2     That is to provide a safe and supportive environment where healthy lifestyle choices can be made.

What don't kids need?    3    Too much focus on overweight leads toward more weight gain.

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.     4    

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.

    5     For the study, children's height and weight were measured at age 4 or 5, and parents were asked to describe whether they thought the children were best described as underweight, normal weight, overweight or very overweight. When the children were 12 or 13, they used images to best depict what they perceived their bodies to look like and were asked whether or not they engaged in any dieting behavior. Height and weight measurements were taken again when the children were 14 or 15 years old.

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.

10 . 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.

2. What does the underlined phrase “breathing down your neck” in Paragraph 3 mean?

A．Making you unable to breathe freely.

B．Standing very close behind you.

C．Threatening you by saying something.

D．Monitoring you closely.

3. What can we infer from the last but one paragraph?

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.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

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