1 . Running is often tiring and a lot of hard work, but nothing beats the feeling you get after finishing a long workout around the track.
But while it’s long been believed that endorphins (内啡肽) —chemicals in the body that cause happiness—are behind the so-called “runner’s high”, a study suggested that there may be more to this phenomenon than we previously knew.
According to a recent study published by a group of scientists from several German universities, a group of chemicals called endocannabinoids (内源性大麻素) may actually be responsible for this familiar great feeling.
To test this theory, the scientists turned to mice. Both mice and humans release high levels of endorphins and endocannabinoids after exercise. After exercising on running wheels, the mice seemed happy and relaxed and displayed no signs of anxiety. But after being given a drug to block their endorphins, the mice’s behavior didn’t seem to change. However, when their endocannabinoids were blocked with a different drug, their runners’ high symptoms seemed to fade.
“The long-held notion of endorphins being responsible for the runner’s high is false. Endorphins are effective pain relievers, but only when it comes to the pain in your body and muscles you feel after working out,” Patrick Lucas Austin wrote on science blog Lifchacker.
Similar studies are yet to be carried out on humans, but it’s already known that exercise is a highly effective way to get rid of stress or anxiety. The UK’s National Health Service even prescribes (开药 方) exercise to patients who are suffering from depression. “Being depressed can leave you feeling low in energy, which might put you off being more active. Regular exercise can improve your mood if you have depression, and its especially useful for people with mild to moderate (中等的) depression,” it wrote on its website.
It seems like nothing can beat that feeling we get after a good workout, even if we don’t fully understand where it comes from. At least if we’re feeling down, we know that all we have to do is to put on our running shoes.
1. What did scientists from German universities recently discover?| A．Working out is a highly effective way to treat depression. |
| B．The runner’s high could be caused by endocannabinoids. |
| C．Endorphins may contribute to one’s high spirits after running. |
| D．The level of endorphins and endocannabinoids could affect one’s mood. |
| A．To find what reduces the runner’s high symptoms. |
| B．To see the specific symptoms of the runner’s high. |
| C．To identify what is responsible for the runner’s high. |
| D．To test what influences the level of endocannabinoids released. |
| A．Effect. | B．Goal. | C．Opinion. | D．Question |
| A．They can help ease depression symptoms. |
| B．They are the best way to treat depression. |
| C．They only work for those with serious depression. |
| D．They can help people completely recover from depression. |
2 . One afternoon, When I walked out the supermarket, I found an old man who struggled with two bags of food. It was very cold. I guessed he must have a long walk ahead of him. I stopped the car near him and put the window down to ask if he needed a ride. With a little hesitation, he did accept.
After he got settled in the car, my husband and I introduced ourselves, but he didn’t say a word. During the drive, we tried to make him more comfortable with some small talk. His home was more than two miles away, so it would have been a difficult walk for anyone, let alone an old man carrying bags.
When we pulled up outside his door, the first thing he asked is “How much money do you want?” “Nothing, we just wanted to help,” we answered. The shock and relief on this man’s face was actually sad, because we should be able to live in a world where it isn’t shocking to have someone help you out of the goodness of their heart without expecting something in return. He was overwhelmed. Tears in his eyes, he said “Thank you!” over and over to me after realizing we truly didn’t want anything, which made me feel proud.
My only words to him were, sir, I hope this helped you out and have a good week. These simple acts of kindness are the types of kindnesses that anyone, anywhere can do. It doesn’t cost a cent. Just be aware of the world happening around you. There is always someone who needs something — a door held, a bag carried... the opportunities are endless.
1. Why did we give the old man a lift after shopping?| A．Because we wanted to help others. | B．Because he begged us to do so. |
| C．Because we wanted to earn money. | D．Because he was our old friend. |
| A．Happy and moved. | B．Comfortable but grateful. |
| C．Nervous and quiet. | D．Pleased but cautious. |
| A．He wanted to give us something he bought. | B．He planned to pay for the car ride. |
| C．He decided to introduce himself to us. | D．He wanted to show his kindness for us. |
| A．Kindness doesn’t cost a cent. | B．The acts of kindness should be great. |
| C．Helping others makes people sad. | D．There is always a chance for kindness. |
3 . San Francisco Fire Engine Tours
San Francisco Winery TourRunning: February 1st through April 30th
This delicious tour goes through the city on its way to Treasure Island where we will stop at the famous Winery SF. Here you can enjoy 4 pours of some of the best wine San Francisco has to offer.(Included in tickets price)
Departing from the Cannery: Tour times upon request.Duration(时长): 2 hours
Price: $90
Back to the Fifties Tour
Running: August 16th through August 31st
This tour transports you back in time to one of San Francisco’s most fantastic periods, the 1950s! Enjoy fun history as we take you through San Francisco for a free taste of ice cream.
Departing from the Cannery: 5:00 pm and 7:30 pmDuration: 2 hours
Price: $90
Spooky Halloween Tour
Running: October 10th through October 31st
Join us for a ride through the historical Presidio district. Authentic fire gear(服装) is provided for your warmth as our entertainers take you to some of the most thrilling parts of San Francisco.
Departing from the Cannery: 6:30 pm and 8:30 pmDuration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Price: Available upon request
Holiday Lights Tour
Running: December 6th through December 23rd
This attractive tour takes you to some of San Francisco’s most cheerful holiday scenes. Authentic fire gear is provided for your warmth as you get into the holiday spirit.
Departing from the Cannery: 7:00 pm and 9:00 pmDuration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Advance reservations required.
1. Which of the tours is available in March?
| A．San Francisco Winery Tour. | B．Back to the Fifties Tour. |
| C．Spooky Hallowen Tour. | D．Holiday Lights Tour. |
| A．Go to Treasure Island. | B．Enjoy the holiday scenes. |
| C．Have free ice cream. | D．Visit the Presidio district. |
| A．Take some drinks. | B．Set off early in the morning. |
| C．Wear warm clothes. | D．Make reservations in advance. |
4 . Rave-on!
How about learning new skills on the guitar, drums and keyboard by video? Follow the touch-screen instructions to find lessons on each instrument, or search for a song to practise playing along to. Try our Professional Selection, with video clips of band members who will explain the techniques that make their recordings so individual.
Show-in-a-day!
Be a star singer or dancer for the day in a one-time-only special performance! Experts in international music and dance styles will train you, and costumes provided for the performance help create a really special, individual show. Get your friends and family to come and see you perform, as no videoing or photography is allowed.
Archived Images
Want to find out about a new band, or just want more information about an old favourite? Visit our collection to find out facts and figures, or see the actual possessions of famous bands and musicians you are interested in. You can actually get to touch things worn on stage at major rock and pop events, and there are plenty of other concert souvenirs.
Rhythm-studio
Get your body moving in the studio and learn to move to rhythms and sounds from the past to now, including Soul and Disco. Learn your steps from our professional onscreen dance instructor, then watch your performance and become the star in your own video recording which you can take away!
1. Which one can collect information about someone’s favourite bands?| A．Rave-on! | B．Archived Images. |
| C．Show-in-a-day! | D．Rhythm-studio. |
| A．Rhythm-studio offers free gifts from musicians. |
| B．Rhythm-studio has experts to teach face to face. |
| C．Rhythm-studio gets family members to enjoy the shows. |
| D．Rhythm-studio allows people to bring videos home. |
| A．In a report. | B．In a travel brochure. |
| C．In a newspaper. | D．In a science magazine. |
5 . In your life, sometimes you may be asked to speak in front of a large group of people. Although it sounds a little scary, even those with stage fright can speak successfully to the group with adequate preparation.
Practice your speech before the big day.
Remember why you’ve been invited to speak. If you’re battling fear over speaking to a large group of people, keep your mind on the fact that you were selected for this important role. The speech organizers must have seen something valuable in you or your expertise.
Remember that fear of public speaking is very common.
Keep eye contact with the crowd.
| A．A good memory is really helpful. |
| B．Show appreciation to your audience. |
| C．Mention your audience in your speech. |
| D．The more you have it memorized, the better. |
| E．In fact, it’s normal to feel awkward or stressed out before a big speech. |
| F．Separate the crowd into three sections mentally as you get up to speak. |
| G．The knowledge of other people’s respect for you should reduce some of the fear. |
6 . “Two centuries ago, Lewis and Clark left St. Louis to explore the new lands acquired in the Louisiana Purchase,” George W. Bush said, announcing his desire for a program to send men and women to Mars. They made that journey in the spirit of discovery. America has ventured forth into space for the same reasons.
Yet there are vital differences between Lewis and Clark’s expedition and a Mars mission. First, they were headed to a place where hundreds of thousands of people were already living. Second, they were certain to discover places and things of immediate value to the new nation. Third, their venture cost next to nothing by today’s standards. A Mars mission may be the single most expensive non-wartime undertaking in U.S. history.
Appealing as the thought of travel to Mars is, it does not mean the journey makes sense, even considering the human calling to explore. And Mars as a destination for people makes absolutely no sense with current technology.
Present systems for getting from Earth’s surface to low-Earth orbit are so fantastically expensive that merely launching the 1,000 tons or so of spacecraft and equipment a Mars mission would require could be accomplished only by cutting health-care benefits, education spending, or other important programs—or by raising taxes. Absent (缺乏)some remarkable discovery, astronauts, geologists, and biologists once on Mars could do little more than analyze rocks and feel awestruck (敬畏的) staring into the sky of another world. Yet rocks can be analyzed by automated probes without risk to human life, and at a tiny portion of the cost of sending people.
It is interesting to note that when President Bush unveiled (公开) his proposal, he listed these recent major achievements of space exploration: pictures of evidence of water on Mars, discovery of more than 100 planets outside our solar system, and study of the soil of Mars. All these accomplishments came from automated probes or automated space telescopes. Bush’s proposal, which calls for reprogramming some of NASA’s present budget into the Mars effort, might actually lead to a reduction in such unmanned science—the one aspect of space exploration that’s working really well.
Rather than spend hundreds of billions of dollars to hurl (投) tons toward Mars using current technology, why not take a decade or two or however much time is required researching new launch systems and advanced propulsion (推进力)? If new launch systems could put weight into orbit affordably, and advanced propulsion could speed up that long, slow transit (运输) to Mars, the dream of stepping onto the red planet might become reality. Mars will still be there when the technology is ready.
1. What do Lewis and Clark’s expedition and a Mars mission have in common?| A．Instant value. | B．Human inhabitance. |
| C．Venture cost. | D．Exploring spirit. |
| A．great achievements have already been made in Mars exploration in America. |
| B．American people’s well-being will suffer a lot if it is carried out. |
| C．its expense is too huge for the government to afford. |
| D．unmanned Mars exploration sounds more practical and economical for the moment. |
| A．Going to Mars using current technology is quite sensible. |
| B．A Mars mission will in turn promote the development of unmanned program. |
| C．Bush’s proposal is based on three recent great achievements of space exploration. |
| D．The achievements in space exploration show how well manned science has developed. |
| A．Risky as it is, a Mars mission helps maintain America’s position as a technological leader. |
| B．A Mars mission is so costly that it may lead to an economic disaster in America. |
| C．Someday people may go to Mars but not until it makes technological sense. |
| D．A Mars mission is unnecessary since the scientists once there won’t make great discoveries. |
7 . TeenJobFind, created by Palo Alto tech expert and mother Janet Shah, matches teens with local jobs, such as washing cars, tutoring or yard work. And like other ‘on demand’ services, TeenJobFind runs via mobile devices.
Shah was motivated to build TeenJobFind after facing the same problem as many other parents of teens: She wanted her children to learn the value of earning money, but couldn’t fit a regular work schedule into their busy lives. ‘‘When my three kids asked me for things, I found myself reminding them that when I was their age, I was babysitting and earning my own money, ” Shah said. ‘‘However, because of academics and extracurricular activities, my kids don’t have time for a traditional part-time job.”
Drawing on her experience at Apple, Yahoo and other tech companies, Shah thought through the elements of TeenJobFind carefully before launching the app. First on her list was security. As a mother, she did not want to send her children to a stranger’s house to do a job without knowing if the situation was safe.
That is why all potential job posters on TeenJobFind must agree to a background check through a third party. As emphasized in the site’s FAQ, ‘‘Our task at TeenJobFind is to create a safe marketplace. Our number one priority is to ensure the safety of those using our platform.”
Adults looking for help, called ‘owls’, download the app, submit (提交) their information for the security check, and begin posting jobs.
Teenagers interested in working—called ‘owlets’—also need to download the app. Through geolocation (地理定位), TeenJobFind shows both teens and job posters which jobs are available in their neighborhood, or ‘nest’.
When ‘owls’ need a job done, they post a ‘hoot (夜枭鸣叫声)’, which gets sent to nearby ‘owlets’, whether it is for occasional yard work, cleaning a garage, taking care of pets, helping out at a party or tutoring. The possibilities are endless. Teenagers can choose to complete the task if it works with their schedule and interest.
If you have ever hired a teen, you know that it is difficult to figure out how much to pay them. Fortunately, TeenJobFind takes the worry out of this situation by charging job posters $15 per hour for all tasks.
From this fee, teens get paid $12, which is transferred electronically through the app. Like most other gig economy (零工经济) apps, TeenJobFind uses the $3 per hour difference to cover operational costs and increase accessibility to these services.
1. Why did Janet Shah create TeenJobFind?| A．The company Yahoo asked her to do so. |
| B．She wanted children to learn the value of money. |
| C．She believed it would make life more convenient. |
| D．She intended her children to carry on family tradition. |
| A．The safety of the users. | B．The profit of the app. |
| C．The competition of the market. | D．The satisfaction of the society. |
| A．Teenagers. | B．Job posters. | C．Janet Shah. | D．A third party. |
| A．Problems in using the app. | B．Importance of security checks. |
| C．Tips on creating a safe marketplace. | D．Cases of benefits by using TeenJobFind. |
8 . For years, spring in our town was announced by Leon and Jo Martin, who owned the Dairy Queen. Every year, after their winter short-stay in Florida, they would post the words “Now Hiring” on their sign. I would walk past, see the sign, see Leon and Jo readying for their spring opening, and feel winter’s icy veil (面纱) lift from around me. It was as accurate an indication of spring as any calendar, and when they died and their children sold the Dairy Queen to someone who kept it open year-round, it threw off our town’s circadian (生理节奏的) rhythms something terrible. We’re still not sure when spring begins.
Well, that’s not entirely accurate. When the tool store on the west edge of town, where Johnston’s IGA grocery store used to be, stops selling snowplows and starts selling lawn mowers, that’s a pretty good sign winter’s ruling has loosened.
There are other signs of spring if one is watchful. The deer lighten in color, the dog sheds, the buds swell, the snow melts on the south hillside, and the calf appears, tied to its mother by bonds of hunger. The farmer casts the manure (肥料) upon the field, thoughtfully provided by the aforementioned calf and mother. Who needs a calendar when a calf is nearby?
Nothing seems impossible in spring — a cure for cancer, weight loss. Anything can happen, and often does. I proposed to my girl-friend a dozen times and was denied each time, so I waited until spring and raised the question a 13th time, and she said ‘‘yes’’. Engaged one spring, married the next.
1. How did the people in the town know the coming of spring?| A．They were told by Leon and Jo Martin. |
| B．They read the best calendars of the world. |
| C．They saw the shop-owner preparing for business. |
| D．They found Leon’s family coming back from Florida. |
| A．His gird-friend is rather stubborn. |
| B．It is not a proper time to lose weight. |
| C．One can only propose marriage in spring. |
| D．There’re signs to strengthen coming of spring. |
| A．Why I Love Spring | B．How I Know It’s Spring |
| C．A Year’s Plan Starts with Spring | D．Changes Take Place in My Town |
9 . A fat man with a camera around his neck and a bottle of sunscreen cream sticking out of his bag, he really did look like a tourist. He sat on the terrace (平台), sipping lemonade and pretending to look at a tourism brochure. His sunglasses masked his eyes, but I knew he wasn't looking at the brochure: he hadn't turned a page for the last ten minutes. As I brought him his dishes, he coughed up a "thank you" and looked at me briefly I tried not to stare at the tiny scar across his left eyebrow.
I walked back inside with my empty tray, shaking my head. He looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place him. Then it hit me. The car accident. The mysterious stranger who helped me out of my crashed car, just before it exploded. I rushed back to his table. He was gone.
I moved his saucer and found his tip, along with a card: I am deeply grateful to you. The night of your car accident, I was on my way to rob a jewelry store. Saving your life brought things back in a right way. I now live an honest life, thanks to you. God bless you! Mr. D.
I shivered (震颤). The night of my car accident, I was heading for an interview in an illegal dance club. Seeing human kindness through his heroic gesture (英雄姿态) turned my life around and brought faith back into my life. I unfolded the tip he left. Among the singles was a grand (一千块) with a pen mark underlining "In God We Trust. "I said a silent prayer for him and got back to work, smiling.
1. Why did the fat man look like a tourist?| A．Because he doesn't look like a native citizen. |
| B．Because he ordered strange food and drinks |
| C．Because he used money not the same as the locals. |
| D．Because he carried what tourists usually have on. |
| A．The page remained unturned. | B．He was drinking all the time. |
| C．He sat still with his sunglasses. | D．He was staring at the writer. |
| A．The man became a rich man year later. |
| B．The writer didn't go to that interview. |
| C．The writer had been searching for the man. |
| D．They kept in touch with each other since then. |
| A．Cod. | B．Worried. | C．Grateful. | D．Trusty. |
10 . Planning to get away? Think passport first
If you’re planning to get away from it all this year, you should think passport first. Checking you have a valid passport before you book your trip takes minutes but could save you the trouble and cost of not being able to go.
Renewing (更新) your passport before it runs out
You can renew your passport up to 9 months before it can no longer be legally used. So take the time now and save the tears later.
Applying for a passport for the first time
Our eligibility (资格) checks mean that it takes at least one week to issue (颁发) a passport. So make sure you don’t leave it to the last minute, and apply in plenty of time.
Help with your application is just around the corner
Selected Post Office branches and Worldchoice travel agents offer a Check and Send service that helps you with your application. It’s convenient and you should receive your passport within 2 weeks.
If you need to apply for or renew a passport, you can either:
Pick up a Passport Application Form at Selected Post Office branches and Worldchoice travel agents.
Or call the Application Form Request line on 0901 4700 100 or visit www.passport.gov.uk
If your need is urgent, call 0870 521 0410 for an appointment at one of our offices. We can’t guarantee to see customers without an appointment.
1. When applying for a passport for the first time, you need to know that ______.| A．passports can be legally used forever |
| B．passports are issued at the last minute |
| C．application checks take at least one week |
| D．applications are selected by post office branches |
| A．going to the offices directly |
| B．making a call for an appointment |
| C．visiting www.passport.gov.uk for a guarantee |
| D．getting in touch with Worldchoice travel agents |
| A．Certain types of passports. | B．Instructions on applying for passports.. |
| C．Advantages of holding passports. | D．Different functions of passports |
