1 . When Lenore Skenazy let her 9-year-old son take the New York subway home by himself 10 years ago, you would have thought that she’d carried out a crime. Now Skenazy started the movement Free Range (放养的) Kids to bring up safe and independent children. Just this month, Utah became a free range state, changing its law to protect parents from being charged with neglect (疏忽)for letting their kids walk alone, or wait in a car for an adult.
Skenazy argues that the risks of giving children some freedom are exaggerated (夸大). Skenazy’s mother used to send her outside at 5 to walk to school. That was just normal back then. And suddenly we hear stories about parents getting punished for letting their 10-year-old son play outside.
We get so used to not knowing our neighbors, not letting our kids walk to school, or play outside, that nowadays, the kids are either in a car or in the backyard, and they don’t get to know the neighborhood. In fact, the world has become safer. We have the technologies to keep track of almost everything our kids do. And so you think you must control them, and you think your child is something that has to be tracked like a package.
The famous case for many parents was the Etan Patz case in New York in 1979. Patz’s parents gave him permission for the first time to walk to the bus stop nearby. He was killed. The story is so terrible that we remember it two generations later. And we don’t allow our kids to walk alone because of one terrible thing that happened 39 years ago. But we don’t say, “I want to drive you to the dentist, but what if we get in a car accident? Think of those people who died in a car accident 39 years ago. I don’t want to be like them. No, we’re not going.” And we recognize that it would be funny to think that way.
1. What do we know about Lenore Skenazy?A.She used to have full control of her son. |
B.She was in favor of Utah’s previous law. |
C.She suggests kids be allowed more freedom. |
D.She was once punished for neglecting her son. |
A.People remain distant. |
B.Kids dislike outdoor activities. |
C.Parents know little about accidents. |
D.The crime rate is slightly increasing. |
A.Unclear | B.Supportive. | C.Indifferent. | D.Unfavorable. |
A.To prove accidents are like crimes. |
B.To warn parents of a terrible crime. |
C.To argue against some parents’ worry. |
D.To point out the real danger to children. |
A.remove; to | B.carry; through |
C.remind; of | D.prevent; from |
A.which | B.that | C.who | D.whose |
A.refer to | B.adapt to | C.suffer from | D.die from |
A.go | B.am going | C.went | D.was to go |
6 . Many studies have now showed that there is an increased risk of heart attacks and high blood pressure associated with a lack of sleep.
Do get the required sleep. As parents, they should ensure their kids get enough sleep on a regular basis each week. As we know, most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep daily to perform well the next day.
Prepare for sleep. When going to bed, parents can put their kids to bed 20 minutes earlier each night before the scheduled sleep time.
Use light to your advantage.
A good night’s sleep is the secret to a productive day. So following the tips, you’ll work and live healthily and efficiently.
A.Use electronics carefully |
B.Most kids sleep as long as adults |
C.Light can help adjust your body clock |
D.They and their kids can read for a while |
E.Electronic devices may help you sleep earlier |
F.Here are some tips to improve people’s sleep for the coming day |
G.Kids have different requirements for sleep depending on their ages |
7 . In our meditation (冥想) group on Monday morning, one of the ladies asked if the group leader could take us through meditation to ease worries.
Later that day, I thought that I would reach out to her just to let her know that I was there for her. I must admit all sorts of reasons why I shouldn’t reach out came to mind, but I allowed myself to get rid of my weakness and sent an email anyway.
It was through one of those messaging type things that I could see the other person was reacting. I could see that quite soon after, the lady was writing a reply. However, she must have changed her mind and decided to give it up and not send it after all.
Anyway, 2 days later, this morning, she sent me a nice message which opened up a short talk about our past and present experiences and we found a common connection. In the end, I invited her to an online group where we could meet every Sunday just to connect and chat. She promised to join us. I knew that she was glad that I had reached out.
Afterwards, I realized that I did have a new friend. When I learned about her difficult life, I offered to help her get through difficulty. When I had problems, she was always there. What a real lucky thing is to step into someone’s life situation and come together with them on their journey. I always think it is the most pleasant thing in the world! I’m so thankful to have had a new friend today!
1. What can we learn about the lady on Monday morning?A.She felt anxious then. |
B.She was unfit for the group. |
C.She turned to the author for help. |
D.She was eager to have a new friend. |
A.She ignored it completely. |
B.She quit answering it halfway. |
C.She took back the email she had sent. |
D.She directly refused to answer the author. |
A.To communicate regularly. |
B.To replace the former activity. |
C.To set up a commercial project. |
D.To join the same meditation group. |
A.A friend is easier lost than found. |
B.A friend in need is a friend indeed. |
C.A friend without faults will never be found. |
D.A friend to everybody is a friend to nobody. |
8 . A Trip to Madagascar
You’ll have unique experiences in Madagascar, a wonderful country, with landscapes like nowhere else.
Day 1: Andasibe ReserveIn the morning, meet Anselme. After his short introduction to Andasibe Reserve and work to protect this unique ecosystem, set out into the forest, guided by Anselme. Boating, sunset mountain walks and exploration are ready for you. Return to the hotel for lunch, and then in the afternoon, you’ll be back in this wonderful forest.
Day 2: JoffrevilleA flight to the city of Antsiranana. On arrival, you are welcomed by your guide and then begin your journey to Joffreville, the main access town for Amber Mountain National Park. There is usually time for a short tour of Antsiranana, known for its wonderful setting and harbour. The city is full of buildings in the old style, two-storey town houses, markets and shops.
Day 3: Amber Mountain National ParkEstablished by the French in 1958, this protected area with its volcanic rocks and surrounding forests is one of the most exciting parks to visit. The area of mountainous rainforest is home to extraordinary plants and animals. Explore the network of paths that cut through the trees. In the evening, take a night walk in the reserve.
Day 4: Ankarana Special ReserveBegin your 3-hour drive to Ankarana East. On the way, stop at the Tsingy Rouge, a unique geological formation, which gives it the wonderful red colour. Ankarana, an undeveloped park, where wild creatures, bats for example, hide in underground caves and forests. In the evening, explore on foot, in search of the night-time creatures that live in the dry forest environment.
1. What is Anselme likely to be?A.A traveller. | B.A shopkeeper. | C.A tour guide. | D.A hotel manager. |
A.Cut down trees. | B.Enjoy a free local lunch. |
C.Discover ancient volcanic remains. | D.Appreciate old-fashioned architecture. |
A.Bat caves. | B.Flight. | C.Red houses. | D.Wildlife. |
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1. /ˈfæməlɪ/
2. /laɪk/
3. /'əʊvə/
4. /pleɪ/