1 . Like many great ideas, Mahoney’s started small. In 2014, a friend invited her to perform an act of kindness to old men as a Facebook challenge. So Wagner occurred to her, a kind senior who was not only busy helping young people in
Mahoney wanted to
At the time, there was a student named Chisholm
By 2017, after organizing golf tournaments to
Although their
A.need | B.advance | C.brief | D.line |
A.performed | B.lived | C.volunteered | D.studied |
A.introduce | B.accompany | C.interview | D.know |
A.waste | B.spend | C.wait | D.save |
A.sad | B.fixed | C.shared | D.regretful |
A.pay for | B.take over | C.count on | D.benefit from |
A.intentionally | B.selflessly | C.particularly | D.luckily |
A.working | B.begging | C.crying | D.voting |
A.hardly | B.secretly | C.randomly | D.equally |
A.address | B.name | C.advertisement | D.poster |
A.short | B.certain | C.free | D.real |
A.return | B.owe | C.refuse | D.raise |
A.learning | B.differing | C.ranging | D.suffering |
A.creating | B.watching | C.advertising | D.inventing |
A.physical | B.natural | C.emotional | D.athletic |
A.meeting | B.class | C.pub | D.organization |
A.skills | B.dreams | C.memories | D.pains |
A.inspired | B.envied | C.ordered | D.appointed |
A.ignores | B.decreases | C.changes | D.punishes |
A.conference | B.experiment | C.society | D.job |
2 . Leave a book in a public place, so that someone else can pick it up and read it, then leave it again for another person. In an ideal situation, the book, once brought into the bookcrossing movement, can travel for years.
One can always go through bookshelves and find a few books that do not quite belong there anymore.
After choosing the book you want to share with others, use its ISBN code or a title and register it at the official bookcrossing site.
Once the book has been found and registered, you will get e-mails. You will keep getting them every time someone finds your book in the future. Since its launch in 2003,the movement has gathered over a million members who have sent almost eleven million books out to travel.
A.Leave the book somewhere in public. |
B.Attract the attention of potential readers. |
C.Its purpose is to connect people through books. |
D.You will get a unique code for the book from the site. |
E.Are some authors fond of sending their own books around? |
F.Must you contribute your favourite books to bookcrossing? |
G.And it changes owners around the world and spreads love for reading. |
3 . The first person to live to 150 may already have been born, according to scientists. Worldwide life expectancy has more than doubled in the last 200 years and recent research shows it yet to reach a peak. So, what will life look like living to see your great-great-grandchildren and beyond?
Longevity (长寿) is one of the modern world’s great successes and science is beginning to find evidence that our genes have a lot to do with whether we will live a longer life. Researchers at Harvard Medical School in the US are convinced they have found a so-called “longevity gene” and are testing whether the addition of this gene to mice extends their lives. The long-term aim is to find a way of controlling the gene to add an extra decade or two to human life with gene therapy.
But, what other factors can you adopt now to extend your life? Firstly, exercise regularly. Just 30 minutes of gentle exercise three times a week can add years to our life expectancy. Secondly, a little of what you like does you good! Scientists believe that having small amounts of things we would normally classify as harmful might be good for us, such as chocolate, coffee or sunbathing! Thirdly, where you live can influence your life. So try to live somewhere peaceful and quiet where you get on with your neighbours.
Other factors include eating a healthy diet high in fruit, vegetables, fibre and Omega-3 oils, and keeping an active mind. A sense of community can help too, keeping in touch with family and friends.
So, living to 150 might be a realistic expectation for teenagers today thanks to future scientific advances. There is a certain amount of destiny with the genes you are born with but also you can help yourself by ensuring you stay fit and healthy for longer.
1. What do researchers at Harvard focus on?A.Diet. | B.Mind. | C.Gene. | D.Exercise. |
A.Supporting evidence for the research of genes. |
B.Potential application of the research in Harvard. |
C.A further explanation of the factors of longevity. |
D.A reasonable doubt about the factors of longevity. |
A.Unclear. | B.Optimistic. | C.Indifferent. | D.Pessimistic. |
A.How to Live to 150 | B.Genes Decide Lifetime |
C.Stay Healthy by Exercise | D.The Importance of Healthy Living |
4 . Hundreds of little robots are rolling around colleges and cities in the United States, Britain and elsewhere. The robots, about 50 centimeters tall, are bringing food like pizza to hungry students.
The Starship robots were being tested in limited numbers before the pandemic started. But pandemic-related worker shortages and a desire for contactless delivery have expanded their use. “We saw demand for robot usage just go through the ceiling,” said Alastair. He is the head of Starship Technologies,whose robots recently made their 2 millionth delivery. “I think demand was always there, but it was brought forward by the pandemic effect.”
The Starship robots use cameras, sensors and GPS to move around and even cross streets on their own at the speed of 8 kilometers per hour. Operators keep watch on several robots at a time but they say they rarely need to stop or move them around a barrier. When a robot arrives, people enter a code from their phones to open the robot and get their food.
There are some limitations for now. The Starship robots have to be recharged regularly. They are slow and cannot travel far. They cannot leave food at the door. And big cities like New York and London are not welcoming them.
Maloney is the vice president at Domino’s Pizza. His company is testing robots from Nuro, a California-based company. The Nuro robots are about 1.8 meters tall and can travel at a top speed of 40 kilometers on streets, not sidewalks. Maloney said Nuro delivery costs more than using human drivers for now. But as the technology gets more popular, the costs will go down.
Witcher is a technology expert with Forrester. He said it is easy to get excited about robots. But they will need to prove to companies they are better than human delivery drivers. It is “the right time and place for companies considering robots to test them and learn from them and do their own evaluation.”
1. What does the underlined phrase “go through the ceiling” in par graph 2 mean?A.Stay steady. | B.Change quickly. |
C.Increase rapidly. | D.Decline gradually. |
A.They are popular in large cities. |
B.They can cross streets on their own. |
C.They should be recharged frequently. |
D.They travel at a speed of 18 km per hour. |
A.It is cheap. | B.It is promising. |
C.It isn’t fast enough. | D.It isn’t worth testing. |
A.Robots should be tested and evaluated. |
B.Robots should be applied in villages soon. |
C.Robots should be put into massive production. |
D.Robots are less popular because of the pandemic. |
5 . For Jeannie, a mother of three living in New York City, kindness starts first thing in the morning. Though she doesn’t work until the afternoon, she gets up around 5 a.m. to spend some quality family time around the kitchen table before seeing her daughter off to school.
Jeannie makes a point to add kindness to every aspect of her life, from being a community member to parenting to her job. “I want to be a living example not just to my kids, but to anyone I come across,” she says. “I don’t wait to be kind. I just go forward.”
Growing up, Jeannie’s mother taught her the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Today, she has conveyed similar values to her own children. “And when we go grocery shopping, we always buy some extra food that we can offer to anyone we see who might be hungry.” she says.
Kindness comes in handy in Jeannie’s place of work, too. “I deal with various attitudes every single day,” she laughs. “I’m the one residents call when they need help. It’s important that they know that I’m there to listen and that I’m going to take care of them as quickly as possible.”
Not only does Jeannie’s family inspire her to be kind, but her community does, too. “I see little acts of kindness that continue to grow,” Jeannie explains. “Watching someone offer their seat to an elderly person or someone with a disability, or help someone else carry a stroller or shopping cart up the stairs - that’s how I grew up. Making the best of any and every situation, especially for others.”
1. Why does Jeannie get up as early as 5 a.m.?A.To go to work early. | B.To drive her daughter to school. |
C.To help others in her community. | D.To prepare breakfast for her family. |
A.By offering seats to others. | B.By carrying a stroller for others. |
C.By buying extra food for others. | D.By cooking for homeless people. |
A.She’s the owner of a grocery store. | B.She buys some extra food for herself. |
C.She’s a mother of three college students. | D.She’s always ready to help others in need. |
A.People there are friendly and nice. | B.It is very convenient to shop there. |
C.There are many elderly people there. | D.The disabled are treated unfairly there. |
6 . Four Stylish Cottages to Book
Church Cottage
This three-bedroom cottage is just two minutes from the South West Coast Path. Enjoy magnificent views and cool air then return home to the comforts of handmade bedding and underfloor heating. The artwork is a highlight — there’s a selection of carefully chosen pieces by young British artists hanging on the cottage’s walls.
Details: Three nights £400 (churchcottage.cornwall.com)
Little Nut Cottage
A wood-burning stove and a hot tub for warming up after a hike around the hills-all the essentials are here at this cottage. There are many non-essentials, too, from an electric car-charging point to smart TVs. With high-tech facilities for entertaining, it’s probably one for a grown-up rather than a trip with kids.
Details: Three nights £ 600 (littlenutcottage.co.uk)
Henllys Farmhouse
This historic farmhouse is perfect for larger groups, sleeping 14 and with enough room to allow everyone their own space. It’s within walking distance of beautiful beaches, hills or autumnal woodland. Newport is nearby for shops, where you can have a delicious dinner.
Details: Three nights £ 700 (airbnb.co.uk)
The Craftsman Barn
It stands in a little comer of Praktyka, a farm near Bideford. Co-owner Ania offers jewellery-making workshops, but guests are encouraged to explore whatever creative pursuits they fancy.
Details: Two nights £ 200 (praktyka.co.uk)
1. Which cottage is a good choice for an art-lover?A.Church Cottage. | B.Little Nut Cottage. |
C.Henllys Farmhouse. | D.The Craftsman Barn. |
A.Buy special jewellery. | B.Have a delicious dinner. |
C.Enjoy hand-made bedding. | D.Entertain with high-tech devices. |
A. airbnb.co.uk | B. praktyka.co.uk |
C. lttlenutcottage.co.uk | D. churchcottage.cormwall.com |
7 . The moonlight poured in through the windows, lighting the room. Oliver was sitting at the table, totally
The next day, on the bus, Oliver was reading his storybook again when he heard a noise and
“I’ll pay for her fare, sir!” he said. Then Oliver helped the
“I’m a big boy! And my name is Oliver,” Oliver said
“I’m Mary,” the older woman
They had a
A.stuck | B.absorbed | C.engaged | D.disappointed |
A.fan | B.collector | C.author | D.publisher |
A.happy about | B.surprised at | C.satisfied with | D.sorry for |
A.angrily | B.regularly | C.enthusiastically | D.nervously |
A.spent | B.borrowed | C.donated | D.earned |
A.closed | B.opened | C.lowered | D.raised |
A.aiming | B.knocking | C.shouting | D.pointing |
A.described | B.explained | C.mentioned | D.complained |
A.forgot | B.chose | C.refused | D.pretended |
A.exceptions | B.suggestions | C.reasons | D.excuses |
A.impress | B.persuade | C.demand | D.expect |
A.turned down | B.gave up | C.stepped in | D.woke up |
A.blind | B.injured | C.deaf | D.sick |
A.moved | B.rushed | C.returned | D.referred |
A.respectfully | B.bravely | C.honestly | D.proudly |
A.entertained | B.introduced | C.comforted | D.encouraged |
A.gratitude | B.sympathy | C.approval | D.consideration |
A.struggle | B.volunteer | C.manage | D.bear |
A.discussion | B.challenge | C.chat | D.quarrel |
A.accused | B.reminded | C.warned | D.informed |
8 . For most people, one of the hardest things to deal with is when someone they love is in emotional pain and they simply don’t know how to help. Actually, it can be a challenge to figure out what to say to your loved ones as they struggle with an emotional blow. But don’t worry too much.
Focus on the person’s feelings. Don’t mention the time that you went through a similar experience and pulled through it. It won’t help most people. Instead, let them know that you are sad that they are sad.
Don’t add your opinion. Part of learning how to comfort someone is not to give advice. Even if you think you have the perfect solution to the problem, don’t offer it. Every single person is different. Your loved one has different weaknesses and strengths than you or another friend that has gone through the same thing.
Provide practical help. If you are concerned about how to comfort someone, you can just find some daily stuff to help your loved one.
A.Don’t focus on you. |
B.Just listen and don’t talk. |
C.Remember that no two experiences are the same. |
D.They want to talk about what’s happening in the present. |
E.Therefore, don’t offer advice unless your loved one asks. |
F.This is a great way to show your friend that they can count on you. |
G.Simply listening and focusing on your loved one can make a big difference. |
Researchers say they have found microplastics (微塑料) -tiny pieces of plastic that come as a result of the disposal of industrial waste-deep in the lungs of living
The research, which
In the study, researchers
The study notes
The world produces about 300 million metric tons of plastic a year and about 80% ends
10 . Science reporting on climate change does lead Americans to adopt more accurate beliefs and support government action on the issue, but these gains are fragile, a new study suggests. Researchers found that these accurate beliefs fade quickly when people are exposed to coverage skeptical of climate change.
“It is not the case that the American public does not respond to scientifically informed reporting when they are exposed to it,” said Thomas Wood, associate professor of political science at the Ohio State University. “But even truly accurate science reporting recedes from people’s frame of reference very quickly.”
Results showed that accurate science reporting didn’t persuade only politicians and people who initially rejected human-caused climate change also had their opinions shifted by reading accurate articles. The study involved 2,898 online participants who participated in four waves of the experiment during the fall of 2020.
In the first wave, they all read authentic articles in the popular media that provided information reflecting the seientifie views on climate change. In the second and third waves, they read either another scientific article, an opinion article that was skeptical of climate science, or an article on an unrelated subjeet. In the fourth wave, the participants simply were asked their beliefs about the science of climate change and their policy attitudes.
To rate participants’ scientific understanding. the researchers asked after each wave if they believed that climate change is happening and has a human cause. To measure their attitudes, researchers asked participants if they favored government action on climate change and if they favored renewable energy.
“What we found suggests that people need to hear the same accurate messages about climate change again and again. If they only hear it once, it recedes very quickly,” Wood said. It was significant that accurate reporting had positive effects on all groups, including those who originally rejected climate change. But it was even more encouraging that it affected attitudes.
1. What does the underlined word “recedes” in paragraph 2 mean?A.Increases. | B.Graduates. | C.Disappears. | D.Strikes. |
A.The research object. | B.The research result. |
C.The research purpose. | D.The research procedure. |
A.To survey the government’s satisfaction rate. |
B.To make an assessment on their attitudes. |
C.To teach them scientific understanding. |
D.To measure action on climate change. |
A.Science Report Of Climate Change Can Affect Minds |
B.Online Participants Joined In A Four-Wave Experiment |
C.Accurate Science Reporting Don’t Persuade Only Politicians |
D.People Should Hear Accurate Messages About Climate Change |