1 . What is self-discipline? It’s the ability to make yourself do something, especially something difficult or unpleasant. When some people hear self-discipline, they think it’s boring. Before I get into my thoughts on the topic, I want to tell you a story.
On a hot sunny day, a bee named Bertha is buzzing by her hive with some other bees. Suddenly a bear starts to approach her hive. In an attempt to save her hive, Bertha stings (蜇) the bear. But its skin is so thick that once she tries to pull her sting out, she hurts herself and dies. Bertha has no choice. Through years of evolution (进化), she is evolved to sting threats, which is her born ability. She lacks thinking consciousness.
Bees are prisoners of their own biology. Unlike bees, humans have the ability to override (推翻) their biology through self-discipline. Let’s say that someone has long-term desires to create a meaningful career and have a healthy body. Along each step of that journey they are attracted by short-term pleasures, such as junk food or video games. Deep down they really want the life that comes in the long term. Yet they keep submitting to short-term pleasures. The only difference between these two positions is self-discipline. It gives us the freedom to achieve what we truly want in life and allows us to break free of the cages around us.
Video games imitate the environments similar to the ones that our ancestors navigated in the past, but have supernormal versions of them. We can get greater feelings of accomplishment in video games with a lot less work. Companies are aware that the constant achievements on the screen will motivate players to keep playing. So not only are we controlled by our own biology, but we are being targeted by corporation’s seeking to take advantage of us and make a profit.
On the plus side, you and I are not like the bee, because we are not eased by our own biology. With self-discipline, we can live the life we truly want.
1. Why does the bee die?| A．The bee takes the bear too lightly. |
| B．The bee’s natural ability ruins it. |
| C．The bee doesn’t respond to the sudden attack of the bear. |
| D．The bee doesn’t make a correct judgment on the situation. |
| A．The factors affecting self-discipline. |
| B．Self-discipline makes our dreams come true. |
| C．The process of self-discipline coming into being. |
| D．Long-term desires play an important role in self-discipline. |
| A．Players can get something for nothing. |
| B．Profits motivate players to keep playing. |
| C．Players can get a great sense of achievement in video games. |
| D．The environment in the video games is more mysterious than that in real life. |
| A．Stay away from Video Games | B．How to Be a Self-disciplined Person |
| C．The More Disciplined, the More Freedom | D．Animals: Prisoners of Their Own Biology |
2 . “I grew garlic for the first time as I didn’t want to throw it away. It grew roots in just seven days. It opened up a new world to me,” said Zhong Liu, a young illustrator living in Shenzhen. On the 5-square-meter balcony (阳台) of Zhong’s apartment, there is a mini-farm with lemons, tomatoes and eggplants.
Zhong’s lifestyle started when residents were required to work from home. Zhong is not alone. An increasing number of urban youth have picked up the hobby of growing vegetables on their balconies as working from home has changed their lives. Zhong has started sharing her journey on social media platforms this year, which has brought her more than 100, 000 followers.
In a chat group consisting of over 100 balcony green thumbs across the country, they share the growth of their vegetables, discussing which plants are more suitable for balcony planting and how to fertilize (施肥) crops. “Balcony gardening really heals the urban youth. We plant and look forward to the harvest, and experience the happiness.” Zhong said.
Chinese city managers are also seeking new methods to rebuild the relationship between urban residents and nature through vegetable gardens. The government of Guangzhou launched a vegetable garden project, providing seeds and farm tools at the minimum price as well as organizing agricultural experts to provide online Q&A for local residents, in an effort to encourage urban youth to get in touch with nature through balcony planting.
In cities, people need to get along with nature. They will be healed during the process of getting close to plants. Parent-child relationships can be strengthened by taking part in the activities together. Community gardening also promotes interpersonal communication, and makes neighborhoods harmonious.
1. Why does the author say Zhong Liu is not alone?| A．She stays at home with her family around. |
| B．She shares the gardening habit with many. |
| C．She works from home with her colleagues. |
| D．She connects with her friends online easily. |
| A．Young gardeners. |
| B．Agricultural experts. |
| C．Government officials. |
| D．Experienced farmers. |
| A．Providing free gardening tools. |
| B．Purchasing seeds from local farmers. |
| C．Inviting experts to share knowledge. |
| D．Establishing rules on balcony gardens. |
| A．How to Grow Your Own Balcony Garden |
| B．Balcony Garden: a New Trend for Urban Youth |
| C．Zhong Liu: How I Adapt to Working from Home |
| D．Guangzhou Works Hard for a Pleasant Environment |
