1 . Humans are no strangers to widespread viruses, and each time a vaccine (疫苗) is developed, it gives us hope for the future. Now, the world is waiting for a vaccine to fight COVID-19.
Scientists worldwide have been rolling up their sleeves to work to ward an effective novel coronavirus vaccine.
Under the coordination (协调) of the World Health Organization(WHO), up to 172 countries have been engaging with the “largest and most diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio”, a plan known as the COVAX Global Vaccines Facility.
COVAX is a system for joint purchasing and balancing the risks of multiple vaccines. When a vaccine proves to be safe and effective, all countries within the facility will be able to access it, according to Xinhua.
The plan is aimed to ensure that all countries, no matter their economic status, can get the vaccine in a timely manner when one is available. It also makes sure that prices will be kept as low as possible.
“A number of vaccines are now in the final stage of clinical trials,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Aug. 24th, adding that the goal of COVAX is to deliver at least 2billion doses of a vaccine by the end of 2021. According to the WHO, at present, nine potential vaccines are part of the portfolio.
To guarantee the equal access and fair assignment of COVID-19 vaccines, the WHO has said that the world needs to prevent vaccine nationalism — countries putting their own interests ahead of others in trying to secure supplies of a possible vaccine.
“Vaccine nationalism only helps the virus,” Tedros said, warning that it would lead to a prolonged pandemic (疫情) if only a small number of countries got most of the supply.
“Like an orchestra, we need all instruments to be played in harmony to create music that everyone enjoys,” he said.
Vaccine development looks promising, as several countries have made great progress. Russia began production of its first batch of a COVID-19 vaccine on Aug. 15th, according to its health ministry. It’s the world’s first registered vaccine. Four Chinese vaccine candidates have started international stage-3 clinical trials.
1. What’s the author’s attitude towards vaccine nationalism?| A．Supportive. | B．Critical. | C．Optimistic. | D．Sympathetic. |
| A．To show his deep love for music. | B．To make the passage more interesting. |
| C．To explain the critical role that the orchestra plays. | D．To stress the importance of cooperation. |
| A．Russia is the first country to have made progress in fighting COVID-19. |
| B．COVAX ensures all the countries get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. |
| C．WHO plays an important role in fighting COVID-19. |
| D．Scientists have produced 2 billion doses of vaccines. |
| A．United for vaccine. | B．Vaccine on the way. |
| C．Fighting against COVID-19. | D．Saying goodbye to COVID-19. |
2 . Singapore Garden Festival(SGF) is the only show in the world to gather the world’s top award-winning garden and flowery designers under one roof. This “must-see” event will impress you with a wide range of displays and activities that have been planned specially for you. An experience of a lifetime awaits at the Singapore Garden Festival for you and your family. Mark your calendar today!
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Worry that your child is bored? Sign him or her up for a guided tour in Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. It will stimulate a sense of wonder in your child as it promises a unique discovery and provides interesting learning experiences in a garden setting. Let your child explore and play so that they will learn to take care of plants and the environment while you admire the exhibits with a peace of mind.
Far East Organization Children’s Garden
Your child can have a fun-filled day with interactive games, water play features and educational programs in an abundant natural setting at Far East Organization Children’s Garden! The play zone contains play such as a sway(摇摆)bridge and stepping springs, and the Fish Fountain with an interactive landscape of water tunnels and different fish-shaped sculpture.
Marine Cove Children’s Outdoor Playground
Come and bring your child to the 3500-square-metr e playground suitable for children of various ages! It is located next to the beach, offering users open spaces and a good view of the sea. Your child can also join in the fun at a play area with talking tubes, fun mirrors and a drum set! The playground also has play equipment for children who are physically-challenged to play together. This includes special needs equipment such as sensory play panels.
1. Why is Singapore Garden Festival a “must-see” event?| A．Because it is the only show to gather different roofs. |
| B．Because it is a grand awarding ceremony for designers. |
| C．Because it attracts flowery designers to the competition. |
| D．Because it brings together the world-class garden and flowery designs. |
| A．Have a good view of the sea. | B．Participate in interactive games. |
| C．Learn to look after the plants. | D．Know about ways to design parks. |
| A．The Fish Fountain. |
| B．Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. |
| C．Far East Organization Children’s Garden. |
| D．Marine Cove Children’s Outdoor Playground. |
3 . What makes you cry? Being moved by a sad movie, waving a loved one off, or getting emotional after splitting up with your partner can all cause tears to roll down our faces. We all have the power to cry, but is that a good thing?
When you think about it, shedding tears (流泪) from your eyes is an unusual thing to do. But it seems to be an automatic reaction when we get sad, upset or even when we’re very happy.
A study in the UK in 2017 found that women admitted that they cry 72 times a year.
But crying in the office or elsewhere can be cathartic (情感宣泄的), which can actually make you feel better.
| A．This was, on average, more than men. |
| B．You may burst into tears for something sorrowful. |
| C．What causes this reaction differs from person to person. |
| D．Most adults think it embarrassing to cry loudly in public. |
| E．Maybe it dissolves or clears the negative or sad feelings you’ve had. |
| F．Some of us may sniffle (抽鼻子) a little while others may cry like a baby. |
| G．One place where we experience emotional and tearful outbursts is in the workplace. |
4 . A five-year-old dog named Kelsey has been praised as a hero for helping to save the life of her owner who slipped in the snow and broke his neck.
The man, Bob, was alone when he left his farmhouse on New Year’s Eve to collect firewood.Expecting a journey of only several meters, Bob was wearing just long johns (衬裤), a shirt and slippers when he went outside, although the temperature was around －4℃.
After the accident, he was unable to move in the snow. Fortunately, Kelsey came to his assistance.
“I was shouting for help, but my nearest neighbor is about 400 meters away, and it was 10:30 p. m.,” Bob explained. “By the next morning, my voice was gone and I couldn’t yell for help, but Kelsey didn’t stop barking.”
Kelsey’s companion kept him warm by lying on top of him. She licked his face and hands to keep him awake. “Kelsey kept barking but never left my side,” Bob recalled. “I knew I couldn’t give up and that it was my choice to stay alive.”
Bob spent 20 hours in the freezing cold. When he finally lost consciousness, his dog kept barking. Finally, hearing the barking, Bob’s neighbor discovered him at 6:30 p. m. on New Year’s Day and called the emergency services at once. When Bob arrived in hospital, his body temperature was below 21℃. However, doctors were surprised to find that he didn’t have any frostbite (冻疮). They believed it was because of Kelsey’s determination to keep him warm. Dr. Chaim Colen, the doctor who treated Bob, said, “His dog really saved him.He was very fortunate.”
Bob said he was very grateful to both Dr. Colen and his Kelsey. “They saved my life. They are truly heroes!”
1. What happened to Bob on New Year’s Eve?| A．He left his dog alone in his farmhouse. |
| B．He was praised for saving a dog owner. |
| C．He broke his neck and couldn’t move. |
| D．He heard his neighbor’s shouting for help. |
| A．To keep warm. |
| B．To stay alive. |
| C．To keep Bob awake. |
| D．To seek help from others. |
| A．Helpful. | B．Fortunate. |
| C．Grateful. | D．Friendly. |
| A．A Neckbreaking Accident |
| B．The Magic Night |
| C．Warmth on a Winter’s Night |
| D．Determination to Keep Alive |
5 . People enjoy giving to others. Generosity is a form of giving freely without the expectation of receiving anything in return. Not only does it make one feel happy and fulfilled, a recent study shows that generosity can actually lengthen one’s life.
A study from the University of California researched giving from one generation to another. Previous studies have measured giving on an individual level, but these researchers aimed to compare cultural differences around the world. They took data from 34 countries on six continents and measured the total transfers of private gifts from relatives, as well as health care and retirement benefits.
They concluded that both giving and receiving are beneficial. The researchers quoted a study on “warm-glow giving,” which shows how altruistic givers may not receive anything in return, yet their happiness and health improves 120.
People who volunteer, share and offer support benefit from their actions. They have improved mental health, physical health, sense of happiness and enjoy longevity (长寿) across all societies studied and in all ages. Another benefit of giving is the release of oxytocin, a hormone that produces feelings of love and generosity.
As for myself, in an interview for New York Times on March 20, I stated that due to our high levels of trust in Finland, people are willing to follow instructions and trust that everyone will do their part… and feeling that we are in this together.
The report suggests that since living in a trusting society benefits individuals’ health, it results in lower health care costs. A trusting social environment also promotes wellbeing, leading to an improvement in the length of life for all. Those who are generous become less isolated, less self-critical and less self-centered. They develop confidence, become more familiar and gain a sense of purpose. According to the generosity study, they tend to live longer and happier lives.
1. What was the aim of the recent study?| A．To encourage giving to next generation. |
| B．To measure giving on an individual level. |
| C．To compare cultural differences in giving worldwide. |
| D．To gather happiness of giving to others. |
| A．Selfless. | B．Selfish. | C．Passive. | D．Serious. |
| A．Effects of longevity. | B．Sense of happiness. |
| C．Strengths of volunteering. | D．Advantages of giving. |
| A．He is easy to cheat. | B．He must work in New York Times. |
| C．He loves being interviewed. | D．He might be from Finland. |
6 . China’s ambassador to the United Kingdom said the decision to remove the Chinese technology company Huawei from Britain’s 5G infrastructure (基础设施) was a “dark day for the United Kingdom”, and could be a missed opportunity for the UK to lead in the sector.
The British government last week announced it would ban UK mobile providers from buying new Huawei 5G equipment after the end of 2020 and asked telecom operators to remove all the Chinese company’s 5G kit (装备) from their networks by 2027.
Ambassador Liu Xiaoming said the UK decision on Huawei is a mistake and that the British government would struggle to achieve its ambitious plan to have a full coverage 5G network by 2025.
Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, Liu said: “This is a very bad decision. This is a dark day for Huawei. It’s a dark day for China-UK relations. It’s an even darker day for the United Kingdom, because you will miss the opportunity to be a leading country.”
While some fear a so-called national security risk posed by the Chinese technology giant with its 5G network, Liu said there is no hard, solid evidence to suggest Huawei technology would be a threat to the UK.
“They’ve been here for 20 years. They have made a huge contribution not only to the telecom industry of this country. They have fulfilled their corporate (法人的) responsibility. They have helped the UK to develop.” Liu said.
The British government has pledged to make the UK completely 5G and ful-fibre connected by 2025, and Liu said Huawei can help to deliver that “but now it seems to me the UK just kicks them out and, to use the media words, to get rid of them under the pressure from the United States.”
During the interview, the ambassador echoed a point made by leading British scholar and sinologist Martin Jacques, author of the book When China Rules the World, and who wrote in a recent tweet “history turns full circle”.
“In 1793 Chinese Emperor Qianlong told the British King: ‘We don’t have the slightest need of your country’s manufactures (产品) .’ So marked the start of China’s 150 year decline. In 2020 UK tells China that it has no need of China’s latest technology,” Jacques tweeted.
1. Why did Liu Xiaoming say the UK decision on Huawei is a mistake?| A．Because Britain is not likely to have a full coverage 5G network in future. |
| B．Because it will be hard for Britain to complete the 5G network as planned. |
| C．Because Huawei has made a huge contribution to the telecom industry of the UK. |
| D．Because British telecom operators are unwilling to remove Huawei’s 5G kit. |
| A．A person that runs a particular business. |
| B．A person whose job is concerned with politics. |
| C．A person who studies, teaches, or writes about economics. |
| D．A person who researches Chinese history and language and culture. |
| A．How Huawei technology has been applied in the UK. |
| B．How the 5G network will be set up in Britain. |
| C．How Huawei has grown to be a Chinese technology giant. |
| D．How China will make response to the decision of the British government. |
| A．UK’s Huawei decision could be lost chance, warns ambassador |
| B．Huawei technology would be a threat to the UK, says ambassador |
| C．Britain needs to buy new Huawei 5G equipment, suggests ambassador |
| D．Huawei has fulfilled their corporate responsibility, explains ambassador |
7 . Here are four books for teens to read before they turn 18, including a mix of classics, young adult fiction and non-fiction. Parents may even want to re-read.
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
This may be one of the most powerful books of the decade, which deals with themes of race and community in a moving way that will speak to any teen. This book is an award winner and one for both parents and their children.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
This book is a series of short writings surrounding the experiences of Esperanza Cordero, a Latina girl living in Chicago. It will take readers along a coming-of-age story that explores happiness, heartbreak and everything in between.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
This novel centers around a boy with autism (自闭症) and a mystery that the readers get to experience from the viewpoint of Christopher John Francis Boone. He doesn’t understand human emotion, and living this mystery through this angle is a thoughtful way for teens to understand the ways in which people can differ yet also be the same.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’ Engle
Though this book recently became popular again due to the release of the movie version, the movie is not a substitute for this beautiful story about family and the process of embracing who you truly are through the angle of space and time exploration.
1. What do we know about The House on Mango Street?| A．It consists of short writings. | B．It reflects the happiness of a girl. |
| C．It mainly deals with race conflicts. | D．It is a description of Latina children. |
| A．A reader. | B．A hero. | C．A writer. | D．A publisher. |
| A．The Hate You Give. | B．A Wrinkle in Time. |
| C．The House on Mango Street. | D．The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. |
8 . Warwick Castle
Journey back to the Middle Ages with this full-day admission ticket to Warwick Castle.
Explore the historic castle, brought to life by actors and interesting shows, and wander across some 64 acres of parkland.
Highlights
* Climb the castle’s ancient towers.
* Keep an eye out for peacocks in the beautiful Peacock Garden.
* See one of the world’s largest working catapults (弹射器) launch a flaming fireball.
* You can upgrade your ticket to add a 50-minute visit to the dungeons (地牢).
What to Expect
The castle is usually open from 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends. Check the opening and closing hours before you plan your visit to make sure it’ll be open when you’re planning to come.
With the ticket, you can explore the castle and all it offers at your own pace. Spend time at popular attractions, including the Horrible Histories Maze, the Time Tower, the Princess Tower, and Kingmaker. You can even see some shows, including the Trebuchet Fireball Spectacular Show during which you see one of the world’s largest working catapults launch a flaming fireball.
Plus, if you’re looking for a bit of frightening excitement, you can upgrade your ticket to include a 50-minute walk through the castle’s dungeons. No matter what you choose to do, there’s something for everyone in the family.
Additional Information
* Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
* A child must be followed by an adult.
Castle Dungeon: only over 10-year-olds are permitted.
1. What should you do if you want to visit dark underground prisons?| A．Visit the Peacock Garden. | B．Visit the castle’s dungeons. |
| C．Visit the castle’s ancient towers. | D．Visit the Horrible Histories Maze. |
| A．At 4: 00 pm on Saturday. | B．At 8: 30 am on Sunday. |
| C．At 9: 00 am on weekdays. | D．At 5: 00 pm on weekdays. |
| A．Book in advance. | B．Going along with adults. |
| C．Upgrade their tickets. | D．Having a strong body. |
9 . In recent years, China has witnessed the growth of luxury (奢侈品) brands. In this market, Chinese consumers are now the largest spenders. It’s clear that a new generation of young, materialistic people is increasingly relying on luxury brands to improve its self-image. I am a fashionist too, at least in spirit — I love to look at clothes and shoes. But I don’t understand why people spend lots of money on designer labels. When a young woman buys a handbag that costs two months of her salary, that’s a scary thing.
What’s interesting is that scientists have found that having luxury things doesn’t lead to happiness. Study after study has shown that although we want material things, when we get them we don’t suddenly become “happy” people. In fact, a series of studies by Leaf Van Boven at the University of Colorado, US, has shown that individuals who spend money on travel and similar experiences get more pleasure than those who invest it in material things. That’s because experiences are more easily combined with a person’s identity. If I travel to Yunnan, that adventure affects how I think in the future. My memories become a part of me.
Moreover, as Van Boven has observed, young people who pursue happiness through “things” are liked less by their peers. People prefer those who pursue happiness through experiences.
It’s natural to want to express yourself through your appearance. So my advice is: create a look that isn’t tied to a designer label. Convey your own message. Take some lessons from the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. He was always in Levis jeans and a black turtleneck. Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, routinely appears in hoodies and sneakers. These people, successful people, have style. You don’t have to break the bank to send a message about who you are. Take a trip. Go out into the world. Then come back and confidently create your own signature look.
1. What can we infer from the first paragraph?| A．The author enjoys buying luxury brands herself. |
| B．The author agrees to overspend money on material things. |
| C．The author is critical of youths tying their looks to designer labels. |
| D．The author finds it natural for fashionists to follow fashion trends. |
| A．people dislike those who love luxuries |
| B．traveling changes a person’s identity greatly |
| C．luxuries have a negative effect on people’s happiness |
| D．experiences can bring people more happiness than luxuries |
| A．Be selective about designer labels. | B．Create your own personal unique style. |
| C．Choose simple and fashionable styles. | D．Try styles like Mark Zuckerberg’s. |
| A．prove how luxury leads to an unpleasant life |
| B．tell how to express yourself through appearances |
| C．report on a series of studies about luxuries and happiness |
| D．persuade readers to invest in experiences instead of luxuries |
10 . When I was five or six years old, I remember watching TV and seeing other children suffer in other parts of the world. I would say to myself, “When I grow up, when I can get rich, I will save kids all over the world.”
At 17, I started my career here in America, and at the age of 18, I started my first charity organization. I went on to team up with other organizations in the following years, and met, helped, and even lost some of the most beautiful souls, from six-year-old Jasmina Anema who passed away in 2010 from leukemia(白血病), and whose story inspired thousands to volunteer as donors, to my grandmother who lost her battle against cancer in 2012. And her death is the very reason and the driving force behind the Clara Lionel Foundation(CLF). We’re all humans. And we all just want a chance: a chance of life, a chance of education, a chance of a future, really. And at the CLF, our mission is to impact as many lives as possible, but it starts with just one.
People make it seem too hard to do charity work. The truth is that you don’t have to be rich to help others. You don’t need to be famous. You don’t even have to be college-educated. But it can start with your neighbor, the person right next to you, the person sitting next to you in class, and the kid down the block in your neighborhood. You just do whatever you can to help in any way that you can. And today, I want to challenge each of you to make a decision to help one person, one organization, one situation that touches your heart. My grandmother used to say, “If you’ve got a dollar, there’s plenty to share.”
1. What did the author want to do at a young age?| A．Watch TV. | B．Help other children. |
| C．Become wealthy. | D．Grow up quickly. |
| A．A six-year-old kid’s request. | B．Many volunteers inspiration. |
| C．Her grandmother’s death of cancer. | D．Other organizations’ encouragement. |
| A．A chance. | B．A life. |
| C．A task. | D．An organization. |
| A．Challenge their friends to offer help. |
| B．Work hard to get a college education. |
| C．Do little things to help those around them. |
| D．Share everything they have. |
