1 . Kumar is ten years old and works with his father in New Delhi. Every morning, while carrying plastic bags on his shoulders, he runs into children walking to school, ashamed at not being in a school uniform like them. Kumar is one of India’s five million school dropouts. These are the children of villagers who moved to New Delhi but end up living in slums (贫民窟). Many of them, like Kumar’s father, can’t afford to send their children to school. Others are not able to provide birth certificates for their children, which are necessary for school admission.
However, two yellow buses -equipped as mobile schools with teaching materials such as books, whiteboard, pens and toys are helping them. They are part of the government’s project which started in 2003. The books and school bags are free. Every morning, the yellow bus mobile schools arrive near selected slums. “If the children can’t go to school, we have to take the school to them, to their doorstep,” said Sharma, a mobile school teacher. Sharma said that at first parents hesitated to send their children to the mobile school because they were afraid that their children would be cheated. It took the teachers a long time to build their confidence.
Financed by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) in India, the mobile schools project has helped reduce the number of dropouts from 25 million to 5 million. The children are proud because the mobile school comes specially for them. It has changed their lives and given them hope. After joining the bus school, eleven -year -old Meena is very happy with her new life. Although she is young, she understands that education is the key to escaping the poverty. So impressed by her progress, other mothers were convinced to let their daughters attend the mobile school.
The mobile school teachers provide children with primary education to get them up to the level and then they go on with their studies in public schools.
1. What stops Kumar from going to school in New Delhi?| A．His father has been uneducated. | B．His family has no enough money. |
| C．He has no birth certificate of his. | D．He has no interest in learning. |
| A．Untrustworthy. | B．Tolerant. | C．Impressed. | D．Proud. |
| A．They’ve cost India a lot. | B．They’ve come to an end. |
| C．They have been fruitful. | D．They are inconvenient. |
| A．Kindergarten. | B．Senior high school. |
| C．Junior high school. | D．Primary school. |
2 . Mineralizing rivers, desalting oceans, drilling into the ground, there are many different ways to access drinking water in places where it’s in short supply. But with overpopulation, climate change and increasing water shortage, innovators have been on the lookout for a new solution — and some are convinced the answer is up in the air.
SOURCE Global is one of the many companies around the world extracting (提取) water from the air, with the hope of helping unwatered communities. However, its technology has a sustainable change. Its devices, named Hydropanels, are powered by built-in solar panels.
“You’re able to harvest water from the air using solar power and nothing else, no need for electricity, no need for a grid, no need for infrastructure — it’s perfectly self-sufficient,” explains Vahid Fotuhi, the company’s vice president.
Atmospheric water generators (AWGs), like SOURCE’s, are machines that produce drinkable water from surrounding air. These devices have been around for about a decade and traditionally they’re based on condensation — cooling water vapor to collect water. This process, however, can consume a lot of electricity and many of these early technologies only work in places with high air humidity (湿气). These limits are what urged SOURCE to develop a more flexible and sustainable solution.
Its solar panels power a fan that draws in air. Inside the device, the air travels through a sponge-like (海绵样的) material that traps the water vapor. SOURCE has fixed its Hydropanels around the world at hospitals, schools and work sites that have difficulty accessing water. It has also attracted commercial clients — particularly in countries catering to tourists in isolated landscapes, such as the desert.
According to Keith Hays, vice president of Bluefield Research, SOURCE’s design is different from other AWGs because it combines solar-based power supply and water capture mechanism within the same structure, enabling off-network operation. “Other systems usually have a separate panel or connect to the network,” he explains.
1. What is paragraph 1 mainly about?| A．The pollution of drinking water. | B．The shortage of drinking water. |
| C．The solutions to drinkable water shortage. | D．The potential markets of drinkable water. |
| A．AWGs’ designs are too traditional. | B．AWGs’ process is no longer satisfactory. |
| C．AWGs’ equipment has been used too long. | D．AWGs fail to work in areas with high air humidity. |
| A．It can provide schools with free water. | B．Water is available in remote desert areas. |
| C．Water in hospitals has become cleaner. | D．It can promote local tourism. |
| A．Conservative. | B．Critical. | C．Approving. | D．Doubtful. |
3 . The Last Greatest Magician in the World
In this book, we can learn about the wonderworker Howard Thurston. During his life, Thurston successfully made changes in entertainment. His magic show is regarded as the one that inspires our memories.
Author: Jim Stein Meyer Length: 384 pages Publication Date: Feb. 3, 2011
Beholders: A World Without Heroes
Jason Walker lives a peaceful life until one day he falls through a hole and ends up in a new foreign world. In Lydian, the people dress and behave differently, living in fear of their Emperor Surratt. But during Jason’s search for a way home, he learns of a magical word that could kill Surratt and becomes the hero he has never imagined.
Author: Brandon Mull Length: 464 pages Publication Date: Feb. 15, 2011
Life
With his honesty, Keith Richards brings us the story of a life we all have longed to know more of. Its hard to imagine a famous persons biography is as easy to drink in as Keith Richards life. The books content agrees with the rhythm of his voice so much that reading his tale is like sharing a cup of beer with an old friend.
Author: Keith Richards Length: 576 pages Publication Date: Oct. 26, 2010
The Monkey and the Monk
The famous translation of The Journey to the West is popular with English-speaking audiences. The book shows the novels most exciting and meaningful parts without taking anything away from their true spirit. Moreover, with a new form, this translation is sure to attract more fans.
Author: Anthony C. Yu Length: 528 pages Publication Date: Nov. 15, 2006
1. What kind of book is Beholders: A World Without Heroes？| A．A life guide. | B．A biography. |
| C．An adventure novel. | D．An educational book. |
| A．Honest. | B．Simple. |
| C．Hardworking. | D．Generous. |
| A．The Last Greatest Magician in the World. |
| B．Beholders: A World Without Heroes. |
| C．Life. |
| D．The Monkey and the Monk. |
4 . Students and Technology in the Classroom
I love my blackberry (黑莓手机) — it’s my little connection to the larger world that can go anywhere with me. I also love my laptop computer, as it holds all of my writing and thoughts. Despite this love of technology, I know that there are times when I need to move away from these devices (设备) and truly communicate with others.
On one occasion, I teach a course called History Matters for a group of higher education managers. My goals for the class include a full discussion of historical themes and ideas. Because I want students to thoroughly study the material and exchange their ideas with each other in the classroom, I have a rule-no laptops, IPads, phones, etc. When students were told my rule in advance of the class, some of them were not happy.
Most students think that my reasons for this rule include unpleasant experiences in the past with students misusing technology. There’s a bit of truth to that. Some students think that I am anti-technology. There’s no truth in that at all. I love technology and try to keep up with it so I can relate to my students.
The real reason why I ask students to leave technology at the door is that I think there are very few places in which we can have deep conversations and engage complex ideas. Interruptions by technology often break concentration (专心) and allow for too much dependence on outside information for ideas. I want students to dig deep within themselves for inspiration and ideas. I want them to push each other to think differently and make connections between the course material and the class discussion.
I’ve been teaching my history class in this way for many years and the evaluations reflect student satisfaction with the environment that I create. Students realize that with deep conversation and challenge, they learn at a level that helps them keep the course material beyond the classroom.
I’m not saying that I won’t ever change my mind about technology use in my history class, but until I hear a rally good reason for the change, I’m sticking to my plan. A few hours of technology-free dialogue is just too sweet to give up.
1. Some of the students in the history class were unhappy with ______.| A．the course material | B．others’ misuse of technology |
| C．discussion topics | D．the author’s class rules |
| A．explore | B．accept | C．change | D．refuse |
| A．keep students from doing independent thinking |
| B．encourage students to have deep conversations |
| C．help students to better understand difficult themes |
| D．affect students’ concentration on the teacher’s ideas |
| A．is quite stubborn in teaching | B．will give up teaching history |
| C．will change his teaching plan soon | D．values technology-free dialogues in his class |
5 . It’s never too late to get into science fiction.
While science fiction, or sci-fi, often asks that most powerful question “What if?” —— it also deals with “This, now”: reflecting it, questioning it and satirizing (讽刺) it. Science fiction can act at once as a glimpse into our imaginary future while holding a mirror up to our current state of society.
Indeed, it can act as a warning for the present to avoid a terrifying future or as a blueprint for future technology. Science fiction can inspire us to live better today so that we can live better lives tomorrow. As Scientific Americans noted, “Science fiction can remind us of … wonder and hope. But it also sends us a warning —— to think about the potential influences of our findings, beyond our idealistic dreams.”
Thanks to its brilliant creators, sci-fi becomes the perfect genre to ask the greatest questions that humans dare to ask and broaden the concepts of what is possible in the universe. Who are we and what can we become? Can technology make the world a better place? What will tomorrow bring —— and what can we do today to make that a reality?
The genre of sci-fi can push the boundaries of what we think is possible, like the legendary submarine mentioned in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea far before any such vehicle existed. Or it can warn us of a near-future impacted by biotechnology, as in the MaddAddam trilogy. Sci-fi can even imagine how Earth responds to first contact with aliens, a focus of The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin. Sci-fi and its creators know no limits to what can be imagined. Anything is possible.
As science fiction grows in popularity, more books are being written, and more movies and TV shows are adapting these works for the screen. An adaptation of Dune is slated for a 2021 release, and The Three-Body Problem as well as MaddAddam are also in development. The medium of film and television has brought science fiction to life and continues to inspire — or scare — viewers with visions of the future.
1. What can science fiction act as?| A．A mirror of reflecting “What if” | B．A wonder of science technology |
| C．A vision of the future | D．A tool of broadening all concepts |
| A．By giving examples | B．By listing statistics |
| C．By making comparisons | D．By classifying facts |
| A．3 | B．4 | C．5 | D．6 |
| A．To honor those brilliant science fiction creators |
| B．To think about the potential influences of sci-fi |
| C．To inspire or scare viewers with visions of the future |
| D．To encourage readers to get started with science fiction |
6 . From interactive games to unique ways to explore the past, Ontario museums are filled with family-friendly programs and activities that make learning fun.
Ontario Science Centre
At Ontario Science Centre, there’s no room for boredom with the exciting and endless interactive activities and programs. Special exhibits and entertaining live performances continue to amaze minds full of curiosity. The Family Innovative Centre challenges families to be more creative in their problem solving.
Muskoka Heritage Place
Spend a day at Muskoka Museum, Muskoka Pioneer Village, Rotary Village Station and Portage Flyer Train. Discover the history of Huntsville and the native people at the museum. Next, take a 3-minute train ride along the Muskoka River to Fairy Lake Station aboard the vintage Portage Flyer Train. Tour guides at the Pioneer Village help recreate the way of life in the area over 100 years ago.
Simcoe County Museum
Simcoe County Museum is the perfect combination between exciting family-friendly exhibits and a true learning experience. It is filled with all kinds of tools to sharpen young minds. Check the daily programming schedule for available activities.
Toronto Railway Museum
Take your family to a full day exploring the Toronto Railway Museum, located minutes from the CN Tower in Toronto’s historic Roundhouse Park. Beyond learning about the history of Canadian railroads, you can also take an exciting ride on the mini train with your little ones. Be sure to visit the gift shop, which is filled with fun train-themed toys, so your family can remember your day at the roundhouse.
1. What can you do at Ontario Science Centre?| A．Buy some special train-themed toys. | B．Discover the history of Huntsville. |
| C．Try solving problems creatively. | D．Take a 30-minute train ride in the centre. |
| A．Get a passport to the museum. | B．Make sure its environment is safe and clean. |
| C．Make sure it is internationally recognized. | D．Find out what activities are available. |
| A．Ontario Science Centre. | B．Toronto Railway Museum. |
| C．Simcoe County Museum. | D．Muskoka Heritage Place. |
7 . Rules for proper gift giving
When you are planning to give a gift, it is important to think about the receiver. As the gift is for the other person, it should be suitable for his or her particular personality. Is he or she a family member or a close friend?
At a dinner party, it is usually proper to show up with some sort of gratitude(感谢) for the host.
When someone gives you a gift, you generally want to give one in return.
When in a situation where you have received something expensive and are expected to give one in return, many people feel pressured to give a gift of greater or equal value to the one that was gifted to them. However, it is important to distance yourself from these assumptions.
Well, what should you do when you have forgotten to send a gift? It happens to all of us. Whether it is a family member’s birthday or a friend’s graduation ceremony, forgetting to give a gift is awkward. So, it can be difficult to find the right way to make up for forgetfulness. However, before you begin to panic, know that a late gift is better than no gift.
| A．However, this is not always the case. |
| B．Do you have to give a gift to your friends? |
| C．Gifts should be tied to meaning instead of dollar value. |
| D．In Eastern cultures, gifts are given before the guest leaves. |
| E．Does he or she enjoy big gifts or prefer a bunch of flowers? |
| F．So, send your gift with an apologetic note and all should be forgiven. |
| G．They have invited you over to their home and that should be acknowledged. |
8 . To attract more applicants, many schools now offer extra benefits to be enjoyed by all their students.
Michigan Technological University in Houghton
Taking advantage of the cold winter weather, Michigan Technological University sets itself apart with its ski resort (胜地), Mont Ripley, which is accessible (可使用的) and free for all students. Instead of hitting the campus gym, you’ll be able to get your exercise outside.
University of Missouri in Columbia
At the University of Missouri, you can enjoy one of the best campus recreational centers in the country. It features an “indoor beach” complete with a waterfall and a lazy river, as well as a full-service spa.
New York University, Manhattan
If you’re a fan of museums, NYU is the perfect university for you. Not only will you be located in the heart of a city featuring some of the best museums in the world, but the university will provide you with free admission to many of them. These include the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum and the Frick Collection.
Seton Hall University, South Orange
If you’re stressing out about the extra cost of technology when you start college, Seton Hall has something great to offer you: All incoming freshmen are given free computers through the university’s Mobile Computing Program. Then, after two years, they receive new, updated computers designed to carry them through graduation and beyond.
High Point University in High Point
If you see yourself quickly tiring of dining-hall food, the university has a great option: a private steakhouse for students. It’s a first-class restaurant, called 1924 PRIME.
Students are allowed one five-course meal each week, which would normally amount to about $50. The campus also offers free ice cream from a campus ice-cream truck, a free movie theater and a big store.
1. What activity does Mont Ripley offer to students?| A．Sailing. | B．Skiing. | C．Skating. | D．Swimming. |
| A．New York University. | B．Michigan Technological University. |
| C．Seton Hall University. | D．High Point University. |
| A．It offers free meals to students. | B．It opens one day each week. |
| C．It is run by several students. | D．It is a high-quality restaurant. |
9 . The day finally came, when I had to leave the warm home where I’d grown up. I ran to the back yard, as tears came up from my heart. Suddenly I
Gently
“What do you see here, Billy?” he asked. I looked at the flowers, not knowing
He pulled me
A year later, my grandpa became very
“Hello, grandpa,” I
| A．felt | B．fixed | C．watched | D．heard |
| A．watch | B．interview | C．see | D．discover |
| A．difficult | B．hard | C．easy | D．comfortable |
| A．making | B．taking | C．leading | D．carrying |
| A．where | B．when | C．which | D．while |
| A．what | B．how | C．who | D．whether |
| A．red | B．tasty | C．funny | D．beautiful |
| A．close | B．hard | C．far | D．around |
| A．bought | B．planted | C．treated | D．discovered |
| A．approach | B．method | C．way | D．solution |
| A．preferred | B．wanted | C．referred | D．used |
| A．give up | B．give off | C．give in | D．give away |
| A．word | B．happiness | C．sight | D．memory |
| A．ill | B．weak | C．old | D．serious |
| A．ordered | B．called | C．delivered | D．sent |
| A．pleasure | B．duty | C．turn | D．wish |
| A．happily | B．sadly | C．carefully | D．gently |
| A．laughed | B．shouted | C．added | D．whispered |
| A．sign | B．sigh | C．smile | D．wave |
| A．thought | B．meant | C．worried | D．cared |
10 . Do you need a human to create a beautiful perfume? That’s the question being asked as artificial intelligence(AI) starts to enter the perfume industry. Companies are increasingly turning to technology in order to create more best-selling, unique perfumes that can be produced in just minutes.
Last year, Swiss-based perfume developer Givaudan launched Carto, an AI-powered tool to help perfumers. Using a touch screen, the perfumers can choose one from 1,500 ingredients and put it in a bottle without touching them and pull together different perfumes using data from the brands vast library of perfume formulas. A small robot immediately processes the fragrances into perfumes, making it easier for perfumers to test their new perfumes.
One benefit of Carto is that with it, perfume samples are created instantly, giving them a competitive advantage. “We can adjust the perfume almost live with the customer,” says Cal ice Becker, vice president perfumer and director of the Givaudan Perfumery School. “It is a big plus not just because we gain time but there's more closeness when we connect in front of the tool.”
German perfume house Symrise has gone one step further and teamed up with IBM Research to create an AI system called Philyra, which actually studies the perfume formulas and customer data to produce new perfumes. Like Carto, Philyra can’t actually smell anything. Claire Viola, vice president of digital strategy fragrance at Symrise, is the first to agree it hasn't been without weakness. If s machine-learning and sometimes the results are wrongs she says. “You have to qualify every new material, so it understands the difference between different perfumes, for example.”
Margaux Caron, global beauty analyst for colour cosmetics and perfumes at believes artificial intelligence is a powerful tool to create perfumes. “Technology and science are sometimes pictured and considered cold, but the perfume category is displaying a warm, emotional, human approach to it. The partnership between AI and perfumers is anchored in this philosophy,” she said.
1. What is the advantage of Carto?| A．It can be used to test perfumes. | B．It can tell perfume ingredients apart. |
| C．It frees perfumers totally from the task. | D．It helps tailor perfumes to customers’ needs. |
| A．Philyra needs to be improved. | B．Philyra has a sharp sense of smell. |
| C．Philyra’s study result is accurate. | D．Philyra’s good with new materials. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Objective. | C．Concerned. | D． Skeptical. |
| A．To introduce new perfume brands. | B．To explain how to make perfumes by AI. |
| C．To discuss AFS strengths and weaknesses. | D．To show application of AI in making perfumes. |
