1 . “You can use me as a last resort(选择), and if nobody else volunteers, then I will do it.” This was an actual reply from a parent after I put out a request for volunteers for my kids’ lacrosse(长曲棍球) club.
I guess that there’s probably some demanding work schedule, or social anxiety around stepping up to help for an unknown sport. She may just need a little persuading. So I try again and tug at the heartstrings. I mention the single parent with four kids running the show and I talk about the dad coaching a team that his kids aren’t even on … At this point the unwilling parent speaks up, “Alright. Yes, I’ll do it.”
I’m secretly relieved because I know there’s real power in sharing volunteer responsibilities among many. The unwilling parent organizes the meal schedule, sends out emails, and collects money for end-of-season gifts. Somewhere along the way, the same parent ends up becoming an invaluable member of the team. The coach is able to focus on the kids while the other parents are relieved to be off the hook for another season. Handing out sliced oranges to bloodthirsty kids can be as exciting as watching your own kid score a goal.
Still, most of us volunteers breathe a sigh of relief when the season comes to a close. That relief is coupled with a deep understanding of why the same people keep coming back for more: Connecting to the community(社区) as you freely give your time, money, skills, or services provides a real joy. Volunteering just feels so good.
In that sense, I’m pretty sure volunteering is more of a selfish act than I’d freely like to admit. However, if others benefit in the process, and I get some reward too, does it really matter where my motivation lies?
1. What can we infer about the parent from her reply in paragraph l？| A．She knows little about the club. |
| B．She isn’t good at sports. |
| C．She just doesn’t want to volunteer. |
| D．She’s unable to meet her schedule. |
| A．Encourage teamwork. |
| B．Appeal to feelings. |
| C．Promote good deeds. |
| D．Provide advice. |
| A．She gets interested in lacrosse. |
| B．She is proud of her kids. |
| C．She’ll work for another season. |
| D．She becomes a good helper. |
| A．It gives her a sense of duty. |
| B．It makes her very happy. |
| C．It enables her to work hard. |
| D．It brings her material rewards. |
2 . In an online class, developing healthy patterns of communication with professors is very important.
Do’s
•
• Participate in discussion forums(论坛), blogs and other open-ended forums for dialogue.
Don’ts
• Don’t share personal information or stories. Professors are not trained nurses, financial aid experts or your best friends. If you are in need of a deadline extension, simply explain the situation to the professor.
• Don’t openly express annoyance at a professor or class.
| A．That’s what they are for. |
| B．Turn to an online instructor for help. |
| C．If more information is needed, they will ask. |
| D．Remember that online professors get a lot of emails. |
| E．Below are some common do’s and don’ts for online learners. |
| F．Everyone has taken a not-so-great class at one time or another. |
| G．Ask questions, but make sure they are good, thoughtful questions. |
3 . Fancy, feathered, and fascinating, these birds surprised portrait photographer Alex ten Napel with their beauty and charisma.
In the Netherlands, Alex ten Napel makes miniature (微型的)runways in barns and backyards to capture the essence of chickens such as this Polish rooster. “I consider them walking pieces of art, “ he says.
A chicken “is not just an animal that gives us eggs, ” says Alex ten Napel, who’s been wandering his home country of the Netherlands in search of farm fowl since 2014. Taking inspiration from Melchior d’ Hondecoeter, a 17th-century Dutch artist known for his work with birds, ten Napel uses lighting, backdrops， and an elevated， catwalk-like stage to bring chickens out of the coop (笼子)and into an entirely new context.
“What I hope you see in the photos is that chickens can be proud beings or funny beings, “ he says. ”They can be like gymnasts or ballerinas. Not what most people think of when you talk about chickens. “ While each animal has different characteristics, ten Napel has noticed the emergence of some patterns throughout his travels. Roosters, or male chickens, tend to be large, visually striking, and imposing (仪表堂堂的)，he says. But it’s the females ten Napel finds himself drawn toward. “I have a heart for the hens. They’re so vulnerable, ” he says. “They move me in a way that I want to protect them. “
Ten Napel first came face-to-face with a chicken while he was camping in the Pyrenees Mountains about 10 years ago. He felt an immediate connection to the species, which then became his main photographic muse.
A specialist in portrait photography, ten Napel paid attention to children and older adults-for 25 years. The chickens, he says, have reignited his passion for this type of photography. “I can’t direct them. I have to be patient and feel how they will show themselves, ”he adds. “Everything they give you is a gift. “
1. What can we infer from the passage?| A．Alex took a photo for a chicken while he was camping. |
| B．When taking photos, Alex usually guides the chickens to show themselves. |
| C．When referring to animal characteristics, Alex prefers male chickens to female. |
| D．Alex makes miniature runways as catwalk-like stages to take photos for chickens. |
| A．Caring. | B．Curious. |
| C．Proud. | D．Surprised. |
| A．People. | B．Natural scenery. |
| C．Animals. | D．Historical sites. |
| A．Chickens-Proud and Funny Beings |
| B．Chickens-Going From Cage to Catwalk |
| C．Chickens-Visually Striking Farm Fowl |
| D．Chickens-Walking Photographic Master |
4 . Delivering life-saving drugs directly to the brain in a safe and effective way is a challenge for medical providers. One key reason: the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from tissue-specific drug delivery. Methods such as an injection or a pill aren’t as precise or immediate as doctors might prefer, and ensuring delivery right to the brain often requires invasive, risky techniques.
A team of engineers from Washington University in St. Louis has developed a new nano-particle generation-delivery method that could someday vastly improve drug delivery to the brain, making it as simple as a sniff.
“This would be a nano-particle nasal spray, and the delivery system could allow medicine to reach the brain within 30 minutes to one hour,” said Ramesh Raliya, research scientist at the School of Engineering & Applied Science.
“The blood-brain barrier protects the brain from foreign substances in the blood that may injure the brain,” Raliya said. “ But when we need to deliver something there, getting through that barrier is difficult and invasive. Our non-invasive technique can deliver drugs via nano-particles, so there’s less risk and better response times.”
The novel approach is based on aerosol science and engineering principles that allow the generation of mono-disperse nano-particles, which can deposit on upper regions of the nasal cavity via spread. The nano-particles were tagged with markers, allowing the researchers to track their movement.
Next, researchers exposed locusts’ antenna to the aerosol, and observed the nano-particles travel from the antennas up through the olfactory nerve, which is used to sense the smell. Due to their tiny size, the nano-particles passed through the brain-blood barrier, reaching the brain and spreading all over it in a matter of minutes.
The team tested the concept in locusts because the blood-brain barriers in the insects and humans have similarities. “The shortest and possibly the easiest path to the brain is through your nose,” said Barani Raman, associate professor of biomedical engineering. “Your nose, the olfactory bulb and then olfactory cortex: two steps and you’ve reached the cortex.”
To determine whether or not the foreign nano-particles disrupted normal brain function, Saha examined the physiology response of olfactory neurons in the locusts before and after the nano-particle delivery and found no noticeable change in the electro-physiological responses was detected.
This is only a beginning of a set of studies that can be performed to make nano-particle-based drug delivery approaches more principled, Raman said. The next phase of research involves fusing the gold nano-particles with various medicines, and using ultrasound to target a more precise dose to specific areas of the brain, which would be especially beneficial in brain-tumor cases.
1. What is the passage mainly about?| A．A novel method of drug delivery. | B．A challenge facing medical staff. |
| C．A new medicine treating brain disease. | D．A technique to improve doctor’s ability. |
| A．Doctors prefer using methods like an injection to treat diseases. |
| B．Locusts were tagged with markers to track their movement. |
| C．The blood-brain barrier lowers the effectiveness of a pill. |
| D．The medicine could reach the brain within half an hour. |
| A．human and locusts have similar structures that protect brain from foreign substances |
| B．the delivery process consists of the olfactory bulb and the olfactory cortex |
| C．locusts have changeable electrophysiological responses to nanoparticles |
| D．the shortest and possibly the safest path to the brain is through human’s noses |
5 . What the future school will look like is difficult to make clear, but most experts agree that the school will be electronic in the future.
“Present-day schools will no longer exist in the next century,” says a report in The Age. “At that time, schools will become community-style centers, which run seven days a week, and 24 hours a day.” At the same time, computers will surely become a central part of the school in the future.
According to The Age, the distance learning will be popular and students will listen to teachers on computers. Going into classrooms on their computers, students will study at any time, which is very easy for them. However, it is necessary for students to go to the actual school in order to develop some social skills.
Seashore Primary School is an imaginary school in the future created by the Education Department of Australia. At this school, all the teachers and students have laptop computers. Teachers check messages and call students back with a special telephone system and students use telephones to search for information or speak to their teachers who give their lessons. Besides, all the lessons are related to all sorts of subjects and all the students have their own learning plans created by teachers.
As one headmaster says, a laptop computer is a student’s library, data storage(数据存储) device as well as the bridge to a wider world. Technology has changed the emphasis of future learning. Thus, we’ll pay more attention to the learning of kids rather than the teaching.
1. According to the report in The Age, students in future schools will ________.| A．mainly study online | B．study at set times |
| C．have no teachers | D．never go to actual schools |
| A．telephones are important in Australia |
| B．how future schools will work |
| C．every student needs a learning plan |
| D．students enjoy getting in touch with teachers |
| A．Lesson. | B．Score. | C．Attitude. | D．Focus. |
| A．The Schools in the Future | B．Great Changes in Technology |
| C．Seashore Primary School | D．Actual Schools to Be Replaced |
6 . Research on the effects of age on language learning often leads to claims that it’s impossible to learn a language after the age of 18, yet these claims lack scientific evidence. While certain language processing functions peak during childhood, others develop later, with some even experiencing a new growth between the ages of 50 and 75.
The definition of language learning and its goals also play a significant role. If the aim is to participate comfortably in daily social interactions, research suggests that fluency in a new language can be achieved at any age with sufficient study and exposure.
Learning a language at different stages of life comes with advantages and disadvantages. Starting before the age of 10 allows for the potential of acquiring a native-like accent. However, introducing a second language to children late in verbal(言语的)development may pose challenges.
Between the ages of 10 and 18, there is a unique opportunity to intuitively(直觉地)understand grammar and develop a comprehensive and unconscious understanding of a new language’s rules. Language acquisition during this period can also boost confidence and encourage a reflective attitude towards language changes.
Studying an additional language in adulthood involves more translation and a tendency to think in one’s native language first. Language anxiety and hesitation may also arise. However, adulthood offers advantages such as peak communication skills, literary knowledge, and socio-cultural understanding.
Learning a new language at the age of 50 and above may be advantageous in terms of certain mental skills that continue to improve until the mid-to-late 70s. This age group can quickly grasp the basics of a language, although more research is needed to confirm this theory.
In summary, learning a language is a lifelong process. While certain aspects may become more challenging with age, there is no age limit that makes language learning futile. Achieving an intermediate level in a target language can be rewarding, even if some mistakes are made. Starting early can enhance phonology and grammar skills, but continued exposure and usage throughout life are vital for becoming a comfortable speaker. Ultimately, it’s never too late to start or relearn a language.
1. In which situation can one achieve fluency in a new language at any age?| A．In grammar class. | B．In writing practice. |
| C．In vocabulary research. | D．In everyday communication. |
| A．Early learning delays children’s language development. |
| B．Learning during teenage years helps build up confidence. |
| C．Learners beyond fifty can gain literary knowledge quickly. |
| D．Learning in adulthood helps to acquire peak translation skills. |
| A．Fruitless. | B．Complex. | C．Time-consuming. | D．Painful. |
| A．Why Language Learning Has Age Limits |
| B．Why Age Plays a Vital Role in Language Learning |
| C．How Language Learning Occurs at Different Life Stages |
| D．How Learning a Language Changes Depending on Your Age |
7 . In a world ruled by hard exercise and complex fitness programs, the simple act of walking is often ignored(忽略).
Heart Health and Weight Management
Walking is light heart exercise that helps improve heart health by increasing blood circulation(循环).
Pressure Drop and Clear Mind
Taking a relaxing walk or quick walk has been shown to give off endorphins, the body’s natural ”feel-good” materials. This leads to lower pressure levels, improved feelings, and improved mental health. Walking outdoors in nature or in a peaceful environment can provide a refreshing escape from the daily tasks.
Joint(关节)Health and Free Movement
Unlike active sports, walking is soft on the joints, making it a perfect choice for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Social Communication and Connection
| A．It helps oil joints and make them stronger. |
| B．It’s a cheap way to lead a healthier lifestyle. |
| C．So taking a walk can make your mind relaxed and fresh. |
| D．A quick walk after meals has been shown to benefit the stomach. |
| E．It cuts down the risk of heart disease and brings down blood pressure. |
| F．Walking is useful exercise that can easily be turned into a social activity. |
| G．However, walking remains one of the easiest and most useful forms of exercise. |
8 . For high school leavers starting out in the working world, it is very important to learn particular skills and practise how to behave in an interview or how to find all internships(实习). In some countries, schools have programmes to help students onto the path to work. In the United States, however, such programmes are still few and far between.
Research shows that if high schools provide career-related courses, students are likely to get higher earnings in later years.The students are more likely to stay in school, graduate and go on to higher education.
In Germany, students as young as 13 and 14 are expected to do internships. German companies work with schools to make sure that young people get the education they need for future employment.
But in America, education reform programmes focus on how well students do in exams instead of bringing them into contact with the working world. Harvard Education School professor Robert Schwartz has criticised education reformers for trying to place all graduates directly on the four-year college track. Schwartz argued that this approach leaves the country’s most vulnerable(易受影响的)kids with no jobs and no skills.
Schwartz believed that the best career programmes encourage kids to go for higher education while also teaching them valuable practical skills at high school. James Madison High School in New York, for example, encourages students to choose classes on career-based courses. The school then helps them gain on-the-job experience in those fields while they’re still at high school.
However, even for teens whose schools encourage them to connect with work, the job market is daunting. In the US, unemployment rates for 16 to 19-year-olds are above 20 percent for the third summer in a row.
“The risk is that if teenagers miss out on the summer job experience, they become part of this generation of teens who had trouble in landing a job,” said Michael, a researcher in the US.
1. In the author’s opinion, American high school leavers .| A．have enough career-related courses | B．need more career advice from their schools |
| C．perform better in exams than German students | D．can get higher earnings in later years |
| A．there is no need for kids to go for higher education in the US |
| B．students should get contact with the working world at high school |
| C．education reform should focus on students’ performance in exams |
| D．teenagers in the US can’t miss out on the summer job experience |
| A．Unemployment rates for US teenagers remain high at the moment. |
| B．Students with career-based courses never have problems finding a job. |
| C．US companies work with schools to prepare young people for future employment. |
| D．High school leavers with no practical skills can’t find a job absolutely. |
9 . People will tell you the only way to really learn a language is to completely immerse(浸入)yourself in a country where that language is spoken. Not all language learners, of course, will have the opportunity to spend some time in an immersion environment. But if you can't actually fly across the world to learn a new language, you can always create an immersion environment where you can talk to native speakers.
That's where Babbel comes in. Babbel is one of the most popular language learning apps on the market for studying new languages at your own pace. The app emphasises real-life conversational skills, so you won't be stopped by grammatical structures and verb patterns.
And right now, you can get 15%off a lifetime subscription (订阅)to Babbel Language Learning（$150; stacksocial. com）.A lifetime subscription is huge when it comes to getting the most out of the app, since you'll be able to return to lessons time and time again and brush up on whichever section or topic you might need.
So how does it all work? First, you'll choose one of the 14 languages. While Babbel offers familiar languages like Spanish and Italian, it also offers less commonly studied ones like Polish, Indonesian and more. Once you pick your language, you'll choose a wide range of real-life topics. Each course takes about 10 to 15 minutes, so you can pick one up on the way to work, during your lunch break, or really at any point you have some time to kill.
Beyond this, Babbel includes a ton of additional features tailored to making sure you learn the language in a real, practical and accurate way. The app uses speech recognition technology to make sure your pronunciation is accurate compared with how native speakers would say certain words.
1. What does Paragraph 1 mainly tell us?| A．The terrifying experiences of travelling. | B．The importance of language learning environment. |
| C．Different ways to learn a new language. | D．Opportunities to communicate with native speakers. |
| A．It's a tool for learning languages. | B．It is designed in various types. |
| C．It focuses more on grammar structures. | D．It's the most popular app in the market. |
| A．Choose the place to learn a course. | B．Pick the language they want to learn. |
| C．Calculate the reading time. | D．Choose a proper topic. |
| A．To represent its additional features. | B．To meet the needs of native speakers. |
| C．To compare differences between words. | D．To make the pronunciation correct. |
10 . DanceSport Club’s Summer Dance Camp
Welcome!
DanceSport Club kids’ summer programs help keep kids active, happy and learning. Kids get to enjoy different activities with other kids while learning new skills or knowledge. The camp provides dance and other fun, healthy and educational activities for boys and girls ages 6-10.
During this camp, your child will be introduced to several activities, such as fitness, different styles of dance such as Ballet, Hip Hop, Ballroom and Latin dance, and musical skills such as rhythm (节奏) and timing. The club has satisfied COVID-19 stricter requirements.
Time: 9 am-3 pm, Monday-Friday, July 26-30, 2021
Ages: Boys and Girls 6-10 years old
Prices: Early Bird Special Price $249 is ready through May 7, 2021. Starting May 8 regular (平常的) price $499.
Dance Camp Schedule:| 8:45-9:00 am | Drop-Off at DanceSport Club (11758 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77031) |
| 9:00-9:55 | Dance Fitness, Dance Education (Vocabulary, Musicality, Rhythm Exercises), Snack (小吃) time, organized activities |
| 10:00-10:55 | |
| 11:00-11:55 | |
| 12:00-1:00 pm | Lunch and Fun time |
| 1:00-1:55 | Dance Fitness, Dance Education (Vocabulary, Musicality, Rhythm Exercises), Snack time, organized activities |
| 2:00-2:55 | |
| 3:00-3:15 | Pick-Up at DanceSport Club |
Warm-up begins at 9:00 am. If students arrive late, please go with them to the training center. Our camp closes at 3:00 pm. There is a 15-minute period for you to pick up your children. If you are running late, please call 281-933-2623 to tell us. If you need to make arrangements for after-hour care, please tell us in advance of the beginning of your camp. We would be happy to help you make special arrangements.
For more information, please visit www.dancesportclub.com.
1. What does the price for the camp depend on?| A．Kids’ ages. | B．Kids’ levels. |
| C．The time kids will pay for it. | D．The activities kids will choose. |
| A．Less than three hours. | B．Three hours. |
| C．Four hours. | D．More than four hours. |
| A．Ask the club to wait for him. | B．Tell the club at the start of the camp. |
| C．Ask a relative to pick up his kid. | D．Pay the club more to send his kid home. |
