1 . In habitats across the planet, animals periodically drop everything to walk, fly or swim to a new place. Some animals such as whales and geese learn migration paths by following their parents. Others, including small songbirds, gain the distance and direction of their migration within their genetic code. And some animals use a combination of genetics and culture to guide their migration.
Another group of migrators does not quite fit either model, and researchers have only recently started to figure out how they find their way. The Cory’s shearwater is an oceangoing seabird that migrates over the Atlantic every year. The young do not migrate with their parents, so culture cannot explain their journeys. And the exact paths vary wildly from individual to individual, making genetics equally unlikely.
Cory’s shearwaters are long-lived, rarely producing young successfully before age nine. This leaves an opening for learning and practice to develop their migration patterns. Researchers call this the “exploration-refinement”, and until now it has been hypothetical (假设的) because of difficulties in tracking migratory animals’ movements.
But a team of researchers has done that by attaching small geolocators to more than 150 of the birds aged four to nine. They found that younger birds traveled longer distances, for longer periods, and had more diverse paths than older birds. “We finally have evidence of the ‘exploration-refinement’ for migratory birds,” says Letizia Campioni, who led the study. Younger Cory’s shearwaters are able to fly just as fast as the adults——but they do not, suggesting that the young do more exploring, which gradually fades as they mature and settle into a preferred course.
“Although it may seem less efficient than other strategies, exploration refinement could be beneficial to birds and other organisms in a rapidly changing world due to unpredictable man-made changes,” says Barbara Frei. “It might be safer to repeat a behavior that was recently successful than to rely on patterns that were perfected long ago but might no longer be safe.”
1. What is the first paragraph mainly about?| A．It describes animals’ habitats. | B．It compares different species. |
| C．It talks about migration models. | D．It introduces a tracking technology. |
| A．The opening for learning and practice. |
| B．The unique living habit of Cory’s shearwaters. |
| C．The process scientists track Cory’s shearwaters’ movements. |
| D．The way Cory’s shearwaters form their migration patterns. |
| A．They travel as much as adult birds. | B．They lower the speed for exploration. |
| C．They move in a predictable manner. | D．They look for a course with their parents. |
| A．Exploration refinement contributes to birds’ adaptability. |
| B．Man-made changes make migration easier. |
| C．Animals make a safer journey via a fixed track. |
| D．A combination of strategies assures migration success |
2 . The sound of children’s laughter is not something you often hear at a hospital. Yet in the hallways of Children’s Health of Orange County (CHOC Hospital) in Orange, California, the joyous sound of kids having fun will soon be a common occurrence. That’s because Honda teamed up with the hospital to create a first-of-its-kind electric car made just for kids!
Shogo is the child-sized electric ride-on car, which was built by Honda through their charitable “Project Courage”, an initiative aimed at adding some much-needed happiness to the days of children battling with serious illnesses in hospital.
Shogo was made entirely by Honda’s engineers, and they’re incredibly proud of it. The car has been used at CHOC in place of wheelchairs. Now, patients can drive themselves to their treatment s in various parts of the hospital, giving them a reason to look forward to these procedures instead of dreading them.
Shogo is meant for child drivers aged 4 through 9. The car has a simple stop/go mechanism they can easily use, and it’s capable of going about one to five miles per hour. Don’t worry, though; the speed is controlled not by the kids but by a nurse or caregiver walking alongside the car.
Safety was at the top of the engineers’ minds when making Shogo. Besides, the vehicle has no doors so kids can easily get in and out, a soft-to-the-touch interior that can be washed to stay sanitary (卫生的) in a hospital setting, and it comes equipped with an I. V. pole holder. There’s even a toy holder and a horn with different sound options, and kids can create their own custom license plate for the built-in holder. So far, every patient who has tried Shogo has absolutely loved it!
What a fantastic invention! There’s nothing more beautiful than the sound of kids having fun, and we’re so delighted that caregivers at CHOC will get to hear that sound more often from now on.
1. Why does Honda build Shogo with CHOC Hospital?| A．To improve the service quality of nurses. |
| B．To initiate the charitable “Project Courage”. |
| C．To make hospital stay more fun for sick kids. |
| D．To help patients know their treatment procedures. |
| A．Being busy with. | B．Being afraid of. | C．Catching up with. | D．Taking control of. |
| A．The little patients’ driving license. | B．The advanced equipment on the car. |
| C．The design by the Honda’s engineers. | D．The company of a nurse or a caregiver. |
| A．Shogo can be easily controlled by the child drivers. |
| B．Shogo can offer a tiny patient a pleasant experience. |
| C．More Shogoes will be used in place of wheelchairs. |
| D．Honda’s engineers are proud of the design of Shogo. |
3 . Do you know that about 71 percent of our planet is covered by the ocean (海洋) ?
Without oceans, life couldn’t exist. Scientists don’t know the exact number, but they think that oceans are home to 50 percent to 80 percent of all species on Earth, from large whales to tiny plankton. Oceans absorb carbon dioxide and give out oxygen (氧气).
Humans use the ocean in many different ways. Lots of our food comes from oceans.
For World Oceans Day, you can use social media platforms to share posts, photos or videos showing how important oceans are and why we need to protect them.
| A．There are five oceans on Earth |
| B．You can also watch ocean-related films |
| C．That’s why we call Earth the “Blue Planet” |
| D．Our oceans play an important part in our lives |
| E．Oceans also provide us with much of our energy |
| F．World Oceans Day is a time to know about the fish in the ocean |
| G．Half the oxygen we breathe comes from the plants in the ocean |
4 . The Clubs of Liberty High School
Welcome to our school! We offer a wide range of clubs to cater to the interest and talents of our students.
Sports Club
Our Sports Club is perfect for students who enjoy physical activities. We offer various sports such as basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball and more. Through regular practices and friendly matches, the students will develop teamwork and leadership skills. Join Sports Club through Jessical6012@yahoo. com.
Science Club
Do you have a love for experimentation? Science Club is for you! From chemistry to physics and biology, Science Club provides a platform for you to improve your scientific knowledge and develop critical thinking skills. Call 610-691-3612 for more information.
Music Club
Music Club invites students with a love for singing or playing musical instruments. It also offers opportunities for songwriting and composing. Join us to create beautiful melodies and harmonies together! You need to fill in a club registration form in the Main Office.
Community Service Club
Community Service Club pays attention to serving the local community through various volunteer and charity activities. We organize fundraisers, donation drives and social outreach programs. By joining this club, you’ll have the opportunity to develop empathy while contributing to the community’s development. For the application, you can call 610-691-6625.
1. Which club helps the students develop teamwork?| A．Sports Club. | B．Science Club. | C．Music Club. | D．Community service Club. |
| A．By writing a letter. | B．By filling in a form. |
| C．By sending an email. | D．By making a phone call. |
| A．Create popular songs. | B．Develop leadership skills. |
| C．Do some voluntary work | D．Learn scientific knowledge. |
5 . We’re all familiar with the feeling―it usually starts with a little itch (痒) deep inside the nose. Next comes the awareness that it’s going to happen. Then, achoo! Air rushes out of our nose at a shocking 100 miles per hour, bursting out whatever was causing the itch. The high-pressure from a sneeze (喷嚏) has led some people to think that if we didn’t close our eyes, they could be pushed out.
For decades, countless people have tested the theory. When finding it almost impossible to keep their eyes open while sneezing, many have concluded that the theory must be true. If you try it yourself, the possibilities are that your eyes are still where they belong. That’s because they are held firmly by the muscles in the eyes. Furthermore, increased pressure from sneezing actually builds up in the blood vessels (血管), which may cause vessels to break but may not be possible to push the eyeballs out.
Why did this theory start, anyway? Some say that it all began in 1882, when the New York Times reported an incident of a woman who burst one of her eyeballs during a sudden sneeze. Others point at the fact that different high-pressure experiences, such as childbirth, can cause blood vessels in the eyes to break out. Still others say that closing our eyes when we sneeze shows the theory is true. Scientists, on the other hand, explain that we close our eyes for the same reason we sneeze ― to prevent unwanted things from entering our bodies. Either way, as far as we know, there are no actual recorded cases of anyone losing an eyeball because of a sneeze, so don’t lose any sleep over it!
1. What is mainly talked about in paragraph 1?| A．The cause of a sneeze. | B．The danger of sneezing. |
| C．The importance of a sneeze. | D．The experience of sneezing. |
| A．Because they are fixed firmly in the eyes. |
| B．Because high pressure builds up in the eyes. |
| C．Because they are held strongly by blood vessels. |
| D．Because increased pressure prevents them from bursting out. |
| A．Sneezes usually cause an itchy nose. |
| B．People sneeze to burst out unwanted things. |
| C．The high pressure caused by a sneeze will become less through breathing. |
| D．People close their eyes when sneezing to stop their eyeballs from popping out. |
| A．A guidebook. | B．A magazine. |
| C．A storybook. | D．A textbook. |
6 . One of my wonderful memories is about a Christmas gift. Unlike other gifts, it came without wrap (包装).
On September 11th, 1958, Mum gave birth to Richard. After she brought him home from hospital, she put him in my lap, saying, “I promised you a gift, and here it is.” What an honour! I turned four a month earlier and none of my friends had such a baby doll of their own. I played with it day and night. I sang to it. I told it stories. I told it over and over how much I loved it!
One morning, however, I found its bed empty. My doll was gone! I cried for it.Mum wept and told me that the poor little thing had been sent to a hospital. It had a fever. For several days, I heard Mum and Dad whispering such words as “hopeless”, “pitiful”, and “dying”, which sounded ominous.
Christmas was coming. “Don’t expect any presents this year,” Dad said, pointing at the socks I hung in the living room.“If your baby brother lives, that’ll be Christmas enough.” As he spoke, his eyes filled with tears. I’d never seen him cry before.
The phone rang early on Christmas morning. Dad jumped out of bed to answer it. From my bedroom I heard him say, “What? He’s all right?” He hung up and shouted upstairs. “The hospital said we can bring Richard home!”
“Thank God!” I heard Mum cry.
From the upstairs window, I watched my parents rush out to the car. I had never seen them so happy. And I was also full of joy. What a wonderful day! My baby doll would be home. I ran downstairs. My socks still hung there flat. But I knew they were not empty; they were filled with love!
1. What happened to the author on September 11th, 1958?| A．He got a baby brother. |
| B．He got a Christmas gift. |
| C．He became four years old. |
| D．He received a doll. |
| A．Impossible. | B．Boring. |
| C．Difficult. | D．Fearful. |
| A．Excitement. | B．Happiness. |
| C．Sadness. | D．Disappointment. |
| A．A sad Christmas day. |
| B．Life with a lovely baby. |
| C．A special Christmas gift. |
| D．Memories of a happy family. |
7 . Creative ways to change your workouts
Most people know working out is good for your health, both physical and mental.
Create a word or image with your exercise route
Runners often map routes through city streets that create a word or image, then use a GPS device to “draw” it as they run.
Join a free fitness group
Exercising can be more fun with others, so look for group fitness opportunities. Many communities offer free exercise opportunities. Fitness in the Park is a summer-long activity that has been operating in New York state for a decade. Everyone is welcome to head to one of 18 different parks.
Sure, you can run a 5 K. But why not try orienteering (定向越野赛)? This timed navigational sport requires you to use detailed maps to find orange-and-white flags that are hidden in parks or remote areas. Races involve difficult running routes
Dance
Whether you take a class or practice at home, dancing is a great way to get your body moving. Dancing doesn’t seem like exercise to a lot of people, which is why it’s always a popular choice.
| A．Hit the road. |
| B．Sign up for a new-to-you event. |
| C．Participants have ranged in age from about 10 to over 70. |
| D．But staying motivated — especially for the long term — can be a struggle. |
| E．The event is timed, so people often jog or power walk from flag to flag. |
| F．You can do the same, whether your favored exercise is running, walking or biking. |
| G．It’s also something you can do anywhere, to any kind of music, salsa, hip-hop — it all works. |
8 . 3 Most Walkable Cities in Europe
Walking on holiday is a great way to stay fit, but also to see the sights a city has to offer. Here are the three most walkable cities in Europe.
Athens, Greece
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world. The capital of Greece ranks fifth, with a slightly longer—but very worthwhile—route of 2.1 miles between its top-rated tourist attractions.
Visitors to Athens can set off at the Acropolis, climbing to discover the ancient Parthenon that stands as a landmark to the city’s ancient legacy. Then it leads to the Acropolis Museum, with the neighbourhood of Plaka waiting to be explored in the shadow of the Acropolis. The National Archaeological Museum is also close-by.
Seville, Spain
Seville is home to some wonderful sights that are best seen when walking. Seville in Spain takes the top spot as Europe’s most walkable city, offering the shortest walking route between the top five tourist attractions.
Visitors to this charming Spanish city can explore the impressive Plaza de Espana public square, before wandering over to the UNESCO-listed palace of Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. After that it’s only a short trip on foot to visit the beautiful Barrio Santa Cruz neighbourhood and admire the Torre Giralda bell tower hanging above. With just 20 minutes of walking between these attractions.
Venice, Italy
Venice is famous for walkers, so it’s no surprise it ranks as the second best location for walkable city breaks. Walking is the best way to explore the bridges over the canals the city is famed for. There are endless charming alleyways to explore, as well as plenty of bridges over the canals that the city is famous for. Just under half an hour of walking here will take you on a tour of the impressive Grand Canal.
1. What’s the recommended starting point of the city walk in Athens?| A．Plaka. |
| B．The Acropolis. |
| C．The Acropolis Museum. |
| D．The National Archaeological Museum . |
| A．It offers some wonderful sights. |
| B．Visitors can explore five tourist attractions. |
| C．It makes visitors enjoy their time to the full. |
| D．Visitors can tour five tourist attractions in the shortest walking distance. |
| A．Those who are hiking during the vacation. |
| B．Those who want to find suggestions on where to travel. |
| C．Those who are looking for the best traveling destinations. |
| D．Those who usually choose walkable cities for their vacation. |
9 . Josie, who is 17 years old, said, “Why do my parents do the same things they tell me not to do? For example, my mum stops me from shouting through the walls and asks me to go and speak to her face-to-face, but she always shouts through the walls to me. What can I do?”
That is a very good point. Parents can be completely inconsistent (不一致), and usually they don’t realize it. You see this a lot in many things like smartphones. Parents always say to their kids, “Oh, you can’t use that. That device (设备) is bad for you, so stop using it at the table. It’s harmful.” But then they are on theirs continually. So what do you expect teenagers to do?
The whole “Do as I say, not as I do” thing is an annoyance, especially for a teenager who is dying for independence and respect but isn’t getting them.
What can teenagers do with it? I would say you should point it out by calmly saying something like “You tell me not to scream through the walls, but you do it to me, so you can understand where I’m coming from. That’s not ideal.” They might object to it, but I think most parents who care about being parents would logically say, “That’s a reasonable point.”
There are a lot of conflicts (矛盾) going on between teenagers and their parents, but a lot of studies show that the conflicts are resolved a lot more when they turn into a dialogue.
If you can talk at a time when you’re both feeling a bit calmer, like just in the kitchen or doing something unimportant, then go in and say, “Can I just mention it? You tell me not to do this, but you do it too.” If you can approach it in a more calm and stress-free manner, most parents will respond positively.
1. How did Josie feel according to her words in paragraph 1?| A．Hopeful. | B．Bored. | C．Proud. | D．Confused. |
| A．The parents’ smartphones. | B．The tables in the house. |
| C．The devices in the house. | D．The teenagers’ points. |
| A．Object to it personally. | B．Complain of it continually. |
| C．Talk with their parents calmly. | D．Do some studies differently. |
| A．To list a fact. | B．To offer a suggestion. |
| C．To show a result. | D．To ask a new question. |
10 . One day of the last December, I was sitting on a long, black and folding medical table. Beside me was a woman in a down jacket talking about the cold change the weather had taken recently. A radio in the corner was playing Christmas music, even though it was still weeks away. I took a drink from the bottle of lemonade I had brought with me, so I wouldn’t get dizzy (眩晕的).
I looked around at all the other people lying on their medical tables. Each of us had a needle in our arm, which was connected to a tube that led to a plastic bag. Each of us had come to give a precious gift to help others, make the world a better place, and perhaps even save a life.
It was the local blood drive and I had driven 12 miles across snowy roads to get there. I tried never to miss one even in winter. Despite all the time it took, I felt blessed being able to give this gift back to others. I had been given so much in my life: a kind husband, a loving family, many friends, and enough money to meet my needs. These gifts made me feel wonderful, yet the one thing that brought me more happiness was giving something back.
As you know, in the world, nothing brings you as much joy as taking your place in the great circle of love. In this circle, the more you give back, the more you get in return; the more love you let flow from your heart, the more love flows into it.
There are so many gifts you can give in this life: a smile, a kind word, a few dollars, a hug, a caring letter, and even a pint of blood. Each of them is priceless and precious. What you have to do is take action. In this way, the world will be filled with love.
1. What did the author do on the day of the last December?| A．She went to give blood. | B．She visited a woman. |
| C．She went to see a doctor. | D．She bought a medical table. |
| A．It was lonely. | B．It was happy. |
| C．It was worrying. | D．It was interesting. |
| A．Caring. | B．Brave. | C．Honest. | D．Hard-working. |
| A．We should always keep smiling. | B．We need to write letters to others. |
| C．We should pay love back to others. | D．We need to buy friends priceless gifts. |
