1 . Fail in the election ________ he did, he became famous for his fiery speech against slavery. (用适当的词填空)

2 . A man has been tidying up his town by weeding the pavements around where he lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alex Russell, from Newquay in Cornwall, said, “I just want to keep the _________ looking nice and make it _________.”

His local police force said officers had spoken to him and were _________ that he was following social distancing advice. Mr Russell said he _________ wore a face mask and gloves and kept at least 2 meters away from other _________.

Mr Russell has been receiving lots of _________ from local people, including Lisa Paul who said he had a “heart of gold”.

“He’s doing a _________ job around our community tidying up the streets of weeds and rubbish on his own,” she said. “He’s only 21 years old; it’s a _________ that other young people aren’t like Alex.”

So far, Mr Russell has _________ four streets. He said he would like to finally clear up the whole town but was __________ one street at a time.

“When I’ m with my tools, I feel __________,” he said. “And people walking past don’t worry me any more, because I __________ that I’m doing good for the community. Everybody has been so __________. I haven’t had one negative comment. Complete strangers go __________ and say well done.”

A local organization said on the Internet: “__________, Alex, you are an inspiration to many.”

1.

A．park

B．town

C．garden

D．village

2.

A．safe

B．real

C．useful

D．beautiful

3.

A．excited

B．angry

C．satisfied

D．worried

4.

A．once

B．even

C．always

D．still

5.

A．people

B．plants

C．points

D．pets

6.

A．praise

B．love

C．advice

D．information

7.

A．dangerous

B．similar

C．proper

D．great

8.

A．shame

B．matter

C．sign

D．wonder

9.

A．built

B．cleaned

C．found

D．named

10.

A．looking for

B．walking across

C．living in

D．focusing on

11.

A．afraid

B．free

C．lucky

D．nervous

12.

A．agree

B．know

C．hope

D．remember

13.

A．strong

B．strange

C．successful

D．supportive

14.

A．home

B．wild

C．past

D．away

15.

A．Thanks

B．Help

C．Sorry

D．Bye

3 . Not sleeping enough or getting a bad night’s sleep over and over makes it hard to control your appetite. And that sets you up for all sorts of health problems, including obesity (肥胖) , heart disease and high blood pressure.

The link between poor sleep and a greater body mass index(BMI) has been shown in study after study, but researchers typically relied on the memories of the participants to record how well they slept.

Sleep apps on fitness trackers, smartphones and watches have changed all that. In a new study researchers tracked sleep quality for 120,000 people for up to two years.

The results showed sleep durations (持续时间) and patterns are highly variable between people. Despite that, the study found people with BMIs of 30 or above — which is considered obese by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention－had slightly shorter sleep durations and more variable sleep patterns.

It didn’t take much less sleep to see the effect. People with BMIs over 30 only slept about 15 minutes less than those less weighty people.

There were some limitations to the study, naps(午睡) were not included, other health conditions could not be factored in, and people who use wearable tracking devices are typically younger, healthier and from a higher economic status than those who do not wear trackers.

“These are quite pricey devices, and they are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The results would need to be validated (确认) by the appropriate FDA-approved devices, and because the study is likely on younger people who are more economically well off, it needs further study whether that really applies to older folks with poor sleep.” said Dasgupta, the associate program director.

However, Dasgupta added, a major plus for the study is that it did monitor people for over two years, and the results corroborated previous research and were “not surprising.”

While we cannot determine the direction of association from our study result, these findings provide further support to the idea that sleep patterns are associated with weight management and overall health.

1. How does the new study differ from previous studies?

A．It lasts the longest time in history.	B．It uses apps to record participants’ sleep.
C．It specially improves participants’ sleep quality.	D．It relied on participants’ memory to record data.

2. What is Dasgupta’s attitude toward the new finding?

A．Doubtful

B．Shocked

C．Cautious

D．Dissatisfied

3. What does the underlined word “corroborated” probably mean in Paragraph 8?

A．limit

B．correct

C．confirm

D．combine

4. What can be the best title for the text?

A．Sleep Quality Varies from Person to Person

B．Sleep Apps Are Widely Used to Monitor Sleep

C．Young People Are Paying More Attention to Obesity

D．Lack of Sleep May Be Possibly Connected with Obesity

4 . We all try to spend our days doing engaging things, but the reality is that there’s a lot of boring work which also must be done. Whether it’s washing the dishes, filing papers, entering data, or any of the countless dull yet critical tasks that keep our homes, organizations, and communities running, we all have less-than-exciting tasks we have to do. Of course it’s not always easy to get ourselves to stick to these tasks, even if we know we should. What does it take to persist (坚持) when work is boring?

Researchers have explored this question from many angles and studies have shown that people may persist longer when they monitor their progress, receive rewards, or when a task is made more fun. These findings have direct effects on how we design products and policies. For instance, companies are increasingly offering incentives to encourage employees to get more exercise, and managers are carrying out various game strategies to make employees’ work more fun.

Recent research by Harvard University, however, suggests that for tasks that don’t require a lot of attention, there may be a better approach. Researchers conducted a series of studies with over 2,000 participants and found that in many cases, people stop working on tasks earlier than expected not because they aren’t motivated enough, but because the tasks do not need enough attention.

Often, strategies designed to increase persistence will involve changing something about the work itself — but you can only make washing the dishes so exciting or mentally stimulating (振奋人心的). Rather than endlessly attempting to make boring tasks less boring, it can sometimes be more effective instead to pair these activities with other tasks that require more attention. This concept is called tangential immersion (切入式专注法).

Basically, the mind seeks to be engaged. We experience boredom when doing tasks that require less attention than we have available, and this leads us to quit those tasks too early. But if there is a second activity in which we can involve ourselves at the same time with the low-attention task, it can occupy that extra attention, reducing boredom and thus increasing persistence.

1. In what circumstance may people continue with a boring task?

A．When they feel motivated.	B．When they want to kill time.
C．When they are full of energy.	D．When they lack attention.

2. What does the underlined word “incentives” in paragraph 2 refer to?

A．Instructions.

B．Rewards.

C．Programmes.

D．Positions.

3. Why did the participants quit their tasks earlier than expected?

A．The tasks were beyond them.	B．The studies took too much time.
C．The tasks demanded less attention.	D．The participants were not devoted.

4. How can we focus on a boring task according to tangential immersion?

A．By making it more challenging.	B．By checking the progress repeatedly.
C．By refreshing the mind regularly.	D．By pairing it with a demanding one.

5 . Zhang Qian, an outstanding diplomat (外交官) and explorer in the Han dynasty, with a pioneering and adventurous________as well as a strong and unyielding character, was ________as the “pioneer of the silk road”,   “the first Chinese to open the eyes to see the world” and “the Columbus of the________”.

As early as 2,000 years ago, Zhang Qian was_________on a mission to seek allies (同盟国) in the west of China to________the enemies in northern tribes. Along the way, no matter how difficult the environment was, his________was firm. But soon Zhang was ________ by the Huns just as he left Han territory and was held prisoner for a dozen years.

After an eleven spring and autumn recycling, the Huns’________ became loose. Hence, Zhang ran away with his personal_________. They continued to travel west without any dry food and drinking water. Due to the excellent skill of shooting arrows, they ________ by eating birds and animals along the way. After several days, they ________ arrived in Amu Darya Area. However, people there enjoyed their life and didn’t want any war. Though Zhang didn’t finish his mission, he brought back precious_________ of the Western Regions.

Due to the________of Zhang Qian, the Silk Road started. Through his diplomatic practice, the bridge of friendly exchanges between the Han and western countries was________, and the cultural and economic exchanges between the cast and the west were promoted. Zhang’s journey to the Western Regions breathed new ________ into the civilization and progress of the whole world.

1.

A．will

B．spirit

C．team

D．tradition

2.

A．played

B．dressed

C．mistaken

D．honored

3.

A．north

B．east

C．south

D．west

4.

A．assigned

B．frozen

C．withdrawn

D．stuck

5.

A．compromise with

B．take over

C．fight against

D．learn from

6.

A．statement

B．position

C．faith

D．reputation

7.

A．captured

B．persuaded

C．threatened

D．challenged

8.

A．watch

B．atmosphere

C．investigation

D．requirement

9.

A．cattle

B．waitresses

C．cooks

D．guards

10.

A．surrounded

B．survived

C．sheltered

D．strengthened

11.

A．constantly

B．violently

C．extensively

D．eventually

12.

A．secrets

B．valuables

C．knowledge

D．slaves

13.

A．greed

B．wealth

C．effort

D．violence

14.

A．constructed

B．reformed

C．preserved

D．assessed

15.

A．smell

B．vitality

C．format

D．discipline

6 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

For Greek photographer George Doupas, Beijing is home now. During the past decade, he has been photographing the city, capturing its beauty     1     sharing these photos online and in exhibitions.

“This     2     (true) represents Beijing — the old and the new, nicely mixing together,” Doupas said while showing his photograph of the Zhihua Temple, a delicate Ming Dynasty building. It     3     (locate) in front of a modern office building, Galaxy SOHO, which features weaving bridges and interlocking passageways.

With rich historical heritage, Beijing     4     (be) an important center of traditional Chinese culture since the Ming Dynasty. Doupas often gets     5     (lose) in the city’s splendid ancient architecture. Meanwhile, he is also amazed by the modern city     6    (combine) high-end businesses and various industries. “It is fascinating to see a rapidly-developing city that invests so much effort in preserving its past, which is     7     I decided to pursue my career here,” he said.

Doupas is determined to continue with his career in China, hoping to serve as     8     bridge between China and the West. The     9     (display) that show his photos about Beijing have attracted a large audience in Greece and the Czech Republic.

“I call Beijing my home now,” he said, “I’ll keep sharing photos of China     10     the rest of the world.”

7 . Four of London’s Best Theatres

London is considered the best place in the world for its theatre. There’s nothing we like better than dressing up for a great evening out at the West End.

National Theatre

Officially opened in 1963,he National Theatre is the largest public theatre in London. It shows 25 big productions a year, with many smaller performances(演出)and festivals.The Olivier

Theatre -its main stage-is a beautiful hall modelled on the ancient Greek theatre of Epidaurus.

Box office: 020 3989 5455

Adelphi Theatre

The Adelphi Theatre opened its doors in December 1930 and is one of London’s famous West End theatres. Located in the centre of the Strand, it’s a specialist( 专家)in musical theatre showing performances such as Kinky Boots,Chicago, Sweeney Todd and Evita.

Box office: 020 7087 7966

The Old Vic

This theatre in Waterloo is one of London’s most successful. For over 200 years, it has been known as a centrepiece of the London theatre for local people, receiving many personnel(职员) that went on to form the National Theatre. The theatre went through a complete refurbishment(翻新)in 2003.

Box office: 0844 871 7628

Savoy Theatre

The Savoy dates back to 1881 as a theatre for the production of a number of Gilbert and Sullivan shows. Recent productions include classics such as The Joy of Text and Pretty Woman.

Box office: 0844 871 7687

1. What do we know about the National Theatre?

A．It set an example for the Old Vic.

B．Its main stage was rebuilt in 2003.

C．It is the largest outdoor theatre in London.

D．Its main stage is in the style of ancient Greece.

2. Which number should you call if you are interested in musicals?

A．020 3989 5455.

B．020 7087 7966.

C．0844 871 7628.

D．0844 871 7687.

3. Of the following theatres, which is the oldest?

A．National Theatre.

B．Adelphi Theatre

C．The Old Vic.

D．Savoy Theatre.

8 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Resilience (适应力) is the “grit (毅力)” that helps us get through difficult     1     (day), stressful situations, and hard times. But how do we develop resilience? This is a big topic, as there     2     (be) lots of things we can do! This time, we’ll focus on     3    (develop) our emotional resilience,     4     means learning positive ways to overcome some of our more “challenging” feelings and emotions. You can create your very own tools and keep adding     5    them to build up your emotional resilience. Here are some tools to start you off.

First, remind yourself that these feelings will pass     6    (final), as they always do! You must be confident about the future. Second, be kind to yourself. Do something you enjoy     7    (help) the feeling change, like reading or drawing! Third, give thanks. Can you think of at least one thing that has gone well, that you can feel positive about and     8     (thank) for?

We all go through tough times, but we can build resilience by getting through     9     (they) and coming out     10    other side at last! There is nothing you can’t overcome!

9 . To give a tip or not? If so, how much? They can be headaches even for the most experienced tourists. This week, the main political parties in the UK have finally come to rescue by passing laws to forbid bars and restaurants taking tips from the customers.

However, not every country in the world takes the matter as seriously as the British, who are believed to have invented the custom in the 17th century — originally as a noble practice of giving small gifts to the so-called “inferior (低等的) classes”. Later, tipping has become a habit widely accepted in the world, although it is influenced by a nation’s culture and values.

A common joke among Americans is that only getting tax return is more confusing than tipping. Tips were imported into the country in the 19th century, when wealthy Americans began travelling to Europe. The custom was originally disapproved in the US. Critics accused tippers of creating a class of people who “begged for favors”. Fast forward to the 21st century and you will still find Americans debating the pros and cons. But tipping is now completely ingrained (根深蒂固的) in the national soul.

Like many Asian countries, China is largely a no-tipping culture for decades it was actually prohibited and considered illegal. To this day, it remains relatively uncommon.

Japan’s complex manner system includes tipping. It is socially acceptable on special occasions such as weddings, but on the other occasions, it can actually make the receiver feel ashamed, if not abused. Even on occasions where tips are expected,the money is expected to be sealed in special envelopes as a sign of gratitude and respect. Otherwise, it will be refused because tips are usually included in the payment for the service.

1. What’s the original purpose of tipping?

A．To please the ordinary people.

B．To praise people’s good deeds.

C．To indicate people’s thanks to the poor.

D．To show noble kindness to the lower class.

2. What does the underlined sentence in paragraph 3 mean?

A．Americans are used to giving tips.

B．It is quite normal to tip in America.

C．Tipping is very complex in the US.

D．Getting tax return is simpler than tipping.

3. What can be inferred about tipping in Asia?

A．Tips are totally forbidden in China.

B．Tipping will become popular very soon.

C．Good services should be put before tips.

D．Tips can be accepted for special celebrations.

4. In which section of a newspaper may this text appear?

A．Law

B．Culture

C．Economy

D．Tourism

10 . For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been used across China and Southeast Asia. Its practices have developed over time and now, scientists are giving it a high-tech update.

Developed by Singaporean company AiTreat, “EMMA”is a robot masseuse（女按摩师) designed to give Tui Na, a type of TCM bodywork similar to a deep tissue massage (深层组织按摩)，a 21st-century makeover. Using sensors and 3D vision to measure muscle stiffness (僵硬)，EMMA (which stands for “Expert Manipulative Massage Automation”) identifies pressure points and gives massages to patients to help offer pain relief and relaxation. AiTreat founder and CEO Albert Zhang hopes that EMMA can create low-cost massage treatments that can be part of the growing attraction of preventative medicine.

In 2015, Zhang founded AiTreat. A trained TCM physician, Zhang has firsthand experience treating patients.

Patients lying on the table might not even notice the difference between EMMA and a real-life masseuse -but Zhang doesn't want robots to replace masseuses. Instead, he says that they can help by taking away the back-breaking work masseuses do every day, and enable them to “focus on the 10% highly skilled part,” which can increase their productivity and income while reducing the cost for patients. “One physician can only see one patient at a time,but with EMMA, the physician can control two robots and see up to four patients at the same time,” he says.

While TCM practitioners accept years of training, EMMA’s AI system has been trained with thousands of “data points”-bodies of different shapes, sizes and ethnicities-to find the acupoints (穴位) in each individual, says Zhang.

Currently, Zhang says 11 robots are working at eight different clinics (诊所)in Singapore, with plans to send them overseas. “We are seeing great responses from practitioners in the US and China,” he adds.

1. What do we know about EMMA?

A．It is developed by a Chinese company.

B．It has become part of preventative medicine.

C．It can comfort patients by massaging them.

D．It needs to locate the stiffness with the help of doctors.

2. What advantage does EMMA have according to paragraph 4?

A．It is more reliable than a real masseuse.

B．It can work on highly skilled parts.

C．It is softer than a real masseuse.

D．It is highly effective.

3. What is Zhang’s attitude to the future of EMMA?

A．Worried.

B．Confident.

C．Uncaring

D．Thankful.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Tui Na massage by a robot masseuse

B．TCM being accepted by more patients

C．Humans losing job opportunities due to AI robots

D．Battle between EMMA and the human masseuse