1 . The Pope John XXIII Regional High School robotics team has brought about many crea-tions in its laboratories.Most of these creations have earned them prizes in their robotics leagues,articles in local media and praise from many people around the world.None of them,however, can equal to what they experienced during one of their most recent projects.
The robotics team helped design and build an electrically during one of their most recent projects, girl during an event snonsored by the GoBabyGo program and Toyota.The goal of the disabled is to build an electncally opiated vehicle and meet the needs of a specific disabled child.After hearing about the program,the robotics team jumped on the opportunity.
When they got to the hospital for the event，the team members joined forces with engi-neers from University of Delaware,Toyota employees and and doctors to help a girl named Jaleah.
Using instructions provided on an iPad by GoBabyGo,they put together a plastic battery-oper-ated vehicle-one of 12 that were made at the event-that was bespoke to Jaleah. Her vehicle was a baby blue jeep that had designs from the hit Disney movie Frozen and was decorated with snowflakes (雪花)，butterflies and flowers.
More importantly，the team rerouted the electrical system in the car so that Jaleah only needed to push a large button on the steering wheel to drive the car, giving her the freedom to move. In addition, they helped design special seating structure to keep Jaleah safely secured.
When they completed the project, Jaleah and her parents’ reactions took the PJ robotics members by surprise.“It was really satisfying,” PJ junior Austin Fett said. “When she was riding it, she was having so much fun. It was a great feeling. ”
While they are looking forward to their future projects and competitions in the FIRST Technology Challenge league, the robotics team will always remember the days they helped Jaleah become a mobile kid.
“We made something that she will love and use forever，” PJ senior Keith Johnson said.
1. What does the author intend to stress in Paragraph 1?| A．The robotics team's achievements. |
| B．PJ's great attention on robotics education. |
| C．The robotics team’s worldwide popularity. |
| D．A recent project's big influence on its participants. |
| A．Bought. |
| B．Tailored. |
| C．Addicted. |
| D．Accustomed. |
| A．By pressing a button. |
| B．By moving her sitting position. |
| C．By handling the steering wheel. |
| D．By pushing at some special designs. |
| A．It was stressful. |
| B．It was interesting. |
| C．It was demanding. |
| D．It was meaningful. |
2 . We hope you've finally made your peace with Pluto being downgraded from a planet to an ice dwarf (冰矮星)，because we have some more jarring news for you : It seems your teachers may have been wrong about the number of continents on the earth，too.
Earlier this year, scientists published a report in the journal of the Geological Society of America detailing an eighth continent called Zealandia, roughly the size of India and almost completely hid itself under the Pacific Ocean east of Australia. Covering all of New Zealand as well as several nearby islands, Zealandia likely spent the best of its above-water days as part of the supercontinent Gondwana before fragmenting off Australia and Antarctica some 80 million years ago. This lost, underwater continent is just beginning to reveal its secrets, making for one of the most promising scientific discoveries this year.
While researchers have been aware of the 1. 9 million-square-mile mass for two decades， Zealandia has only recently become the object of serious study since the Geological Society paper argued that it fits all the criteria for a proper continent, including a continental crust (地壳)that's distinctly separate from the seabed in terms of elevation, thickness, and geology. A team of 32 scientists from 12 countries just completed their first visit to six dig sites around Zealandia, where they drilled up more than 8,000 feet of sediment cores (沉积物岩心)that will help explain the lost continent's 80-million-year history.
Because there is no official body that formally recognizes continents, whether or not Zealandia ends up in future geography textbooks will come down to its acceptance by the scientific community at large, possibly with a little help from travelers like you.
1. Why does the author mention Pluto?| A．To express his or her pity. |
| B．To introduce the topic. |
| C．To go against the teachers» |
| D．To explain the ice dwarf. |
| A．It neighbors Australia. |
| B．It belongs to Gondwana now. |
| C．It is similar to Antarctica in size. |
| D．It has a history of over 80 billion years. |
| A．The sediment cores on Zealandia. |
| B．The wildlife in New Zealand. |
| C．The standard for a continent. |
| D．The seabed near Antarctica. |
| A．A travel brochure. |
| B．An advertisement. |
| C．An geography magazine. |
| D．A science fiction. |
3 . Volunteer With CarePartners
CarePartners volunteer opportunities cover a wide range of needs and areas，so whatever your interests, talents or skills are, we can find the fit that works for you.
Retail Volunteers
Interested in volunteer work at the Hospice Thrift Store or Estate Sales? Check out the list of opportunities, or sign up now. Volunteers are also needed to assist in Rehabilitation Hospital Gift Shop. For more information, please contact Sharon Peareon at 828-277 4888
Special Event Volunteers
Drums and Dragons — This is a brand-new fundraising event. Dozens of volunteers managed a dragon boat race. Visit the event website for Drums and Dragons. For updates about this unique and competitive event, please “like” our FaceBook page, Drums and Dragons. To join the race, please contact John Napolitano at 828-277-4816.
Little Trees Project — For over ten years, the Little Trees
Project has been delivering decorated trees to patients served by CarePartners programs. Last year, school children and adult volunteers decorated nearly 800 trees with handmade decorations and heartwarming notes. For more information, please contact Lynn Blankenship at 828-777-2827.
Hospice Volunteer Application Process
If you ’ re interested in becoming a Hospice volunteer, you will need to fill out an application ,sign a confidentiality agreement, and provide two references. Once your application is received, we will arrange a personal interview so that we can answer your questions and become more familiar with your interests and availability. If you are specifically interested in working with Hospice patients, call Danny Johnson at 828-274-9567.
1. Who can help you become a voluntary shop assistant?| A．Danny Johnson. | B．Sharon Pearson. |
| C．John Napolitano. | D．Lynn Blankenship. |
| A．To seek volunteers for the organization. |
| B．To improve the health of its volunteers. |
| C．To collect money far the organization. |
| D．To win “likes” for its FaceBook page. |
| A．Decorate trees for sick children. |
| B．Plant trees to help poor patients. |
| C．Produce handmade trees for decoration. |
| D．Present the patients with decorated trees. |
| A．By bus. | B．By taxi. | C．By car. |
5 . 72-year-old Darlene Mullins recently graduated from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. Darlene left school nearly 55 years ago in the name of love. She was studying at the college and met her husband-to-be, John Mullins, in 1962, The two knew they would marry each other the moment they met. She finished her freshman year with 25 credits and married John in 1963. Her husband graduated in 1964 and began working.
Darlene took care of the household and was a stay-at-home mother to their son and daughter. The family lived in six states over the years, due to John's successful career in business. Darlene eventually began a career in retail as their children grew older. Though she remained busy, she always longed to finish school. She always told her children to make sure they finish what they started and she kind of felt it was time to live up to her own dream.
John was very supportive when she told him she was going back to school. He knew the day would come when she decided to finish her degree. He told her whenever she was ready they would go. The couple moved back to Nashville in 2013 when Darlene re-enrolled. She had to adjust to the technological advances in the classroom, saying that she was determined to finish no matter how long it took. After completing four years, Darlene graduated with a degree, “I feel like God has given me a second chance.” she said‘ She hopes that her story can inspire others to pursue a degree.
1. Why did Darlene decide to leave university early?| A．She was tired of school life. |
| B．She met a boy she loved a lot. |
| C．Her family was too poor then. |
| D．Her friend John Mullins left her. |
| A．Her husband's career failed eventually. |
| B．The whole family lived in the same city. |
| C．She often longed to go back to school. |
| D．Her children advised her to finish school. |
| A．He did his best to help her, |
| B．He managed to hold her back. |
| C．He told her that it was impossible. |
| D．He asked her to continue her career. |
| A．Never leave school too early. |
| B．It's nothing to leave school early. |
| C．It's often great to put family first. |
| D．It's never late to return to school. |
Different cultures emphasize(强调)the importance of relationship building to a greater or lesser degree.For example,business in some countries is not possible until there is a relationship of trust.Even with people at work,it is necessary to spend a lot of time in “small talk”,usually over a glass of tea,before they do any job.In many European countries—like the UK or France—people find it easier to build up a lasting working relationship at restaurants or cafés rather than at the office.
Talk and silence may also be different in some cultures.I once made a speech in Thailand.I had expected my speech to be a success and start a lively discussion;instead there was an uncomfortable silence.The people present just stared at me and smiled.After getting to know their ways better,I realized that they thought I was talking too much.In my own culture,we express meaning mainly through words,but people there sometimes feel too many words are unnecessary.
Even within Northern Europe,cultural differences can cause serious problems. Certainly, English and German cultures share similar values;however,Germans prefer to get down to business more quickly.We think that they are rude.In fact,this is just because one culture starts discussions and makes decisions more quickly.
People from different parts of the world have different values,and sometimes these values are quite against each other.However,if we can understand them better,a multicultural environment(多元文化环境)will offer a wonderful chance for us to learn from each other.
1. In some countries,eating together at restaurants may make it easier for people to .
| A．develop closer relations | B．share the same culture |
| C．get to know each other | D．keep each other company |
| A．the English prefer to make long speeches |
| B．too many words are of no use |
| C．people from Thailand are quiet and shy by nature |
| D．even talk and silence can be culturally different |
| A．By sharing different ways of life. |
| B．By accepting different habits. |
| C．By recognizing different values. |
| D．By speaking each other’s languages. |
| A．Multicultural Environment |
| B．Cross-Cultural Differences |
| C．How to Understand Each Other |
| D．How to Build Up a Relationship |
7 . Language is so magical a thing that sometimes effective words can make a big difference. Here is a simple story that
Luckily, she
A week later， Maria received a message from the company, saying that she had not been
Only then did I know that Maria’s
| A．reflects | B．accounts | C．indicates | D．deserves |
| A．appointment | B．message | C．interview | D．notice |
| A．tight | B．fierce | C．potential | D．close |
| A．If only | B．Even though | C．In case | D．As long as |
| A．beat | B．tried | C．considered | D．passed |
| A．interesting | B．satisfactory | C．simple | D．difficult |
| A．consulted | B．chatted | C．argued | D．played |
| A．response | B．requirement | C．order | D．demand |
| A．left | B．arranged | C．offered | D．awarded |
| A．defeated | B．disappointed | C．embarrassed | D．worried |
| A．trusted | B．allowed | C．discussed | D．employed |
| A．Actually | B．Exactly | C．Eventually | D．Possibly |
| A．competition | B．experiment | C．test | D．experience |
| A．surprised | B．answered | C．benefited | D．satisfied |
| A．job | B．confidence | C．intelligence | D．fate |
| A．pretend | B．forget | C．regret | D．intend |
| A．willing | B．anxious | C．eager | D．prepared |
| A．which | B．what | C．who | D．that |
| A．appreciation | B．respect | C．sympathy | D．patience |
| A．presents | B．concerns | C．thanks | D．chances |
8 . Scientists have identified the order of the gene of the giraffe for the first time to help explain how the tallest animals on earth developed their remarkably long necks.
Being a giraffe is not easy. To pump blood two meters up from the chest to the brain calls for a powerful heart and twice the blood pressure of other mammals. Giraffes also need special safety system to let them bend down for a drink and raise their heads again without feeling Dizzy.
The animals* unique body structure has long been a puzzle for biologists, including Charles Darwin. Now, by comparing the gene of the giraffe with its closest relative, the short-necked okapi, scientists have solved part of the puzzle by studying changes in a small number of genes responsible both for regulating body shape and circulation. This suggests that the development of a long neck and a powerful heart went hand in hand, driven by a relatively small number of genetic changes.
The interpretation of the genetic factors behind the giraffe's remarkable heart system could also be instructive for human health, since the animals appear to avoid the kind of organ damage often found in people with high blood pressure.
The more fundamental question of why giraffes developed their long necks remains open, however. The apparently self-evident idea that it was to reach ever-higher food supplies has been challenged in the past 20 years by a competing belief that it is actually due to competition among fighting males for females.
Unlike long-necked birds, which have additional vertebrae (椎骨)，giraffes have the same seven vertebrae found in all mammals, although theirs are greatly extended.
1. A strong heart is very important for a giraffe because it .| A．keeps the giraffe safe in different environments. |
| B．pumps blood to the brain high above its body. |
| C．helps the giraffe find a drink at lower places. |
| D．keeps the blood pressure at a normal level. |
| A．has a quite special body structure. | B．has gone through few genetic changes. |
| C．is a puzzle worth further study. | D．is in the same family as the giraffe. |
| A．Its attempts to attract females. | B．Its favorite food at high places. |
| C．Its need to avoid organ damage. | D．Its greatly-extended vertebrae. |
| A．To describe giraffes body structure. | B．To explain genetic changes in animals. |
| C．To introduce a new finding of science. | D．To challenge a belief of twenty years. |
| A．To have a holiday | B．To attend a meeting | C．To see his grandparents |
10 . Believe it or not but it is true. There are people who lose the ability to understand or use words due to brain damage. But they become extremely good at something else. They become experts at spotting liars. The condition in which people lose their power to understand or use words due to brain damage are called aphasia(失语症). A study conducted in Massachusetts, U.S., has clearly proved that aphasics make good lie detectors(测谎仪).
In the last 100 years, many doctors studying the brain have mentioned examples of this amazing power of patients suffering from aphasia. Recently, scientists conducted tests to see if all that was said about aphasics was true. They studied the powers of a mixed group of people. Some were normal; others were aphasic. And it was proved clearly that the normal volunteers still got fooled by words. The aphasics were far ahead of them in recognizing false speech. The results of the study were reported in the magazine Nature.
`Fourteen years ago, famous American doctor, Dr. Oliver Sacks, wrote about his experiences with aphasic patients in a book. He remembered a particular incident in a hospital. Patients from the aphasia room were watching TV. Their president, Ronald Reagan, was giving a speech. He was trying to put feelings into each and every word of his speech. But his speech had an opposite effect on the patients. They were not impressed. On the contrary, the whole room shook with their laughter. The aphasics knew that he did not mean a word of what he was saying.
Dr. Sacks saw aphasics as more gifted than normal people. Normal people “get carried away” by words. An aphasic cannot understand words. But he or she can still understand what is being said. He said most of the aphasics had this superior understanding. So, while normal people think of aphasic patients as brain damaged, they actually seem to understand human expressions better.
1. We can know from the first paragraph ___.| A．how aphasics get their special ability | B．that aphasics can tell if you are lying |
| C．that aphasics are good at telling lies | D．why aphasics are experts at spotting liars |
| A．get misunderstood | B．get excited | C．get fooled | D．get discouraged |
| A．can be cured totally | B．can not understand what is being said |
| C．are specially gifted in a way | D．should be treated equally and nicely |
| A．A great discovery | B．A special way of understanding |
| C．Why aphasics can’t talk | D．The great lie detectors |
