Smartphones are mobile phones that have lots of
Some people think smartphones can cause health problems. Smartphones offer so many ways
Others still say smartphones are useful and fun. Smartphones allow you to keep
2 . The kitchen is not just where we prepare meals. In many places, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where we connect with our family and friends. We have open talks about our pleasures and problems we met during the day while we make dinner or have a bite to eat. So, it can be a very busy room in the house.
Sometimes you need order in the kitchen for things to run smoothly. And sometimes you need one person to be in charge. Imagine you are cooking dinner for your friends. As you are making the soup, your friend Sara tastes it and says, “This needs more salt.” So, she adds more salt. Harlan comes to taste your soup and throws some fresh black pepper into the pot and some dried herbs. Cecilia tastes the soup and pours in some vinegar. What will the soup be like?
You are happy to spend time with your friends. But, quite frankly, all their opinions about your soup are becoming annoying. Worst of all, you taste the soup and it’s awful! And that is where we get the expression “too many cooks spoil the soup”.
This expression describes an age-old problem: If too many people help to complete a task, it may not go very well. But, you may think, “If many people are trying to get something done, the task will get done faster.” After all, American English also has the expression “many hands make light work”.
To answer that point, I will draw your attention to the word “cook”. Now, the cook is the leader in the kitchen. They may have assistants to help them. But the cook has the final say. So, what if a kitchen has many cooks? Who is the leader? Everyone! And that’s where the trouble comes.
1. What does the author think of the kitchen according to the first paragraph?| A．It is crowded in many houses. | B．It is where we feed our body and soul. |
| C．It helps to brighten up people’s day. | D．It serves as the most useful place in a home. |
| A．To describe a common phenomenon (现象). |
| B．To vividly introduce a saying. |
| C．To explain a way to be a good cook. |
| D．To stress the importance of teamwork. |
| A．A group of students get a task done together. |
| B．Some volunteers discuss how to help others. |
| C．Five designers want their own idea to be accepted. |
| D．Many retired workers learn how to be a cook. |
| A．What Happens with Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen? |
| B．Should a Cook Be Open to Suggestions? |
| C．What Could a Cook Do to Everyone’s Satisfaction? |
| D．Why Will Too Many Cooks Work in the Kitchen? |
3 . The 19th Asian Games are about to kick off, opening on Sept 23 in Hangzhou. Held in a city famous for its digital technology, the Games have the principle of “being smart”.
With the rise of high-definition livestreaming(高清直播), sports venues(场馆) have placed higher demands on internet connections. In the Hangzhou venues, 5G-Advanced, or 5.5G technology, will be applied. Zhang Jian from China Telecom told Economic Information Daily: “The technology of 5.5G can support the high-definition livestreaming of about 10 events at the same time.”
A strong signal for a smooth livestreaming experience and fast Internet speed for audiences during the events will be achieved through the use of Reconfigurable Intelligent metaSurface (RIS) technology. It looks like a white-colored board, and is roughly the size of a TV. RIS can effectively reflect signals covering up to 10,000 square meters with no internet dead spots.
Online viewers will also get to enjoy some smart technology. Take the badminton competition venue as an example. On the second floor of the stadium, there are 20 high-definition cameras. A virtual reality (VR) camera is also positioned at the net, capturing(捕捉) athletes’ movements from different angles. Backstage staff can create slow-motion videos 5 to 10 seconds after the move, reported the IT Times.
Viewers wearing VR glasses can see what’s happening within the stadium remotely. They can “move around” in the virtual scene and even stand beside the athletes to cheer them on. When watching the Games on their smartphone, viewers can choose from four perspectives, including a bird’s eye view or a close-up view of an athlete.
Viewers can also get a quick tour of the venues in the metaverse(元宇宙). By clicking into a mini program on Alipay, users can enter the metaverse, where Asian Games venues and maps are re-created in an animated(动画的) style. Each user can have their own digital character. Users can “take a walk” in different venues and chat with other users. They can also play mini-games with other users, such as playing with different competitors in a running contest.
1. What do we know about RIS technology?| A．It is a type of 5.5G technology. | B．It enables virtual experiences. |
| C．It enhances Internet connectivity. | D．It improves the definition of videos. |
| A．To suggest the complexity of building the venue. |
| B．To show its differences from other venues. |
| C．To highlight the efforts of backstage staff. |
| D．To illustrate the use of smart technology |
| A．Interact with athletes. | B．Watch slow-motion replays. |
| C．Experience games from four angles. | D．Feel like they are at the scene. |
| A．By purchasing a set of game equipment. | B．By creating an animated character. |
| C．By accessing a mini program. | D．By opening a new account on Alipay. |
4 . Stepping out of your comfort zone (区域) helps you to improve yourself and become a happy and fun person. You’ll experience greater enjoyment as you try out new experiences.
Unplug (拔掉插头)
Take a break from today's interconnected world.
Go to another country
You will experience new cultures, different customs, unique landscapes and another language from travel.
Try diving, skydiving or a roller coaster ride. If those are too frightening, try giving a speech or taking a dance class. Once you overcome your inner fear, you will have a sense of satisfaction that comes from overcoming it.
Talk with someone new
This doesn’t have to be a complete stranger. Start a conversation with someone new at work, the barista (咖啡师) in your local coffee shop, a neighbour or someone in the queue.
| A．Do something that is fearful for you |
| B．Become uncomfortable with the Internet |
| C．You can end your conversation with your friends anytime |
| D．Leave your phone at home, turn off the TV and the Internet |
| E．Here are some ways that can probably lead you to a new life |
| F．See if you can continue the conversation for 30 seconds or longer |
| G．Besides, using cash from different countries is also good for your brain |
5 . Everyone tries their best in life, and sometimes a few kind words of encouragement can help people realize that their efforts are not in vain (徒劳).Ⅰ remember a time when I was in fifth grade, and I was a very shy girl.
There was a drawing competition at my school that day. As everyone started to use their creative ideas to draw, I was only trying to think of something creative that could express my thoughts and emotions. Lost in my own world, I was brought back to reality when my art teacher called my name from behind. She came to me and encouraged me, saying, “Don’t overthink it, just put whatever comes to your mind on the canvas (画布). Do your best, and you will do well.”
Taking her words of wisdom to heart, I started my painting. Time flew by, and soon the bell rang, signaling the end of the time limit. We all turned in our canvases for inspection (检查). The next day, the winners of the competition were announced in front of the whole school. To my surprise, I heard my name being called second prize. It was a bolt from the blue for me, as I had never dared to dream of winning any prize.
Later on, I expressed my gratitude to my art teacher for her words of encouragement and for believing in me. That day, I became aware of my talent and started painting more whenever I had free time. Sometimes, I think that if it weren’t for her words of encouragement, I may have never discovered the talent I have.
Overall, this experience taught me the importance of encouraging others and how a few kind words can make a significant impact on someone’s life.
1. What was the author doing when called by the art teacher?| A．Organizing a drawing competition. | B．Trying to get some creative ideas. |
| C．Painting her work on her canvas. | D．Trying to get help from others. |
| A．Easy. | B．Interesting. | C．Challenging. | D．Encouraging. |
| A．Addiction. | B．Puzzlement. | C．Disappointment. | D．Surprise. |
| A．The Power of Encouragement |
| B．The Importance of Art Competitions |
| C．Overcoming Shyness Through Painting |
| D．Discovering Your Great Natural Ability |
6 . Listed below are some nice family-friendly museums in Chicago, pick one that interests your kids most and take your little ones there to have fun.
Shedd Aquarium (水族馆)
It was open to the public on May 30th, 1930. Visitors with limited movement can use easy slopes (斜坡) to reach the exhibits, which are also explained to children through an app.Families can spend the night in the aquarium during the special event called Asleep with the Fishes.
Elmhurst History Museum
It’s a museum about history that has won awards and was created in 1957. It shows different exhibits about many history-related subjects, has a fun interactive exhibit about its own history, and offers various public programs, tours of exhibits, and special events for the community. The museum is a fantastic place for families to visit for a day or two, and it even has places for picnics and holiday train journeys.
Chicago Children’s Museum
Founded in 1982, the museum displays impressive exhibits for children, featuring dinosaur bones, a play area only for babies and a famous and fun climbing area for children.Moreover, the museum offers various exhibitions and daily art classes for children, which are free of charge. Visiting the museum on the weekend is a good choice for economical family amusement.
Field Museum of Natural History
With millions of things in its store, it was established in 1893. Disco ver more than 4billion years of life on Earth through interesting displays and interactive events, and discover protection campaigns worldwide. It is now considered as famous as the Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846 in Washington, and the American Museum of Natural History, which originated in 1869 in New York.
1. What is special about the Shedd Aquarium for family visitors?| A．They can go on a picnic there. |
| B．They can sleep overnight there. |
| C．They can surf the Internet. |
| D．They can learn the history of Chicago. |
| A．Have discounts on holidays. | B．Watch dolphins’ exhibitions. |
| C．Take a fun climb. | D．Take free art classes on an app. |
| A．Shedd Aquarium. | B．ElmhurstHistoryMuseum. |
| C．Chicago Children’s Museum. | D．Field Museum of Natural History. |
7 . Four Best Online English Courses
Udemy: English for Beginners
This 77-hour course is among the bestselling courses. The design based on real need makes it easy to adapt to even the busiest schedules. It opens to students with no knowledge of the language. Learners will become good enough to speak clearly and confidently and understand the language well enough to follow movies and TV.
Price: $109
Time to complete: 20 weeks
Coursera: English for Career Development
Coursera is supported by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ office of English learning. Coursera teaches English for business skills like job searching, resumes and interviewing. Learners can start at any time.
Price: $100
Time to complete: 40 weeks
Alison: English for Career Development
This self-paced (自定进度的) course takes a unique approach to teaching business English. English language learners learn the basics of searching, applying, and interviewing for jobs in the United States. Though all parts of the course are free, certification costs $30 and is available only to those who receive 80 percent or higher on their assessments (认证).
Price: Free
Time to complete: Self-paced
Perfectly Spoken: English for Daily Use
This course helps non-locals with the kinds of English used on the street and on vacation. It covers common expressions, such as what to say when meeting and greeting people, and how to express feelings. The course includes the language used when traveling, ordering at a restaurant, and during the United Kingdom holidays.
Price: $90
Time to complete: 36 weeks
1. How much should learners pay for Udemy?| A．$30. | B．$90. | C．$100. | D．$109. |
| A．They are free of charge. |
| B．They must be finished in 40 weeks. |
| C．They focus on business English. |
| D．They are suitable for pupils. |
| A．Perfectly Spoken. | B．Coursera. | C．Alison. | D．Udemy. |
One morning in spring four students were walking to school.
There had been a rain, and the ground was very soft. Water was dropping from the trees, and the grass was wet.
The four students walked along, one behind another, because the pathway was narrow (狭窄的) and the mud (泥) on either side of it was deep. They walked, talked and laughed.
As they were passing through some small trees, they heard a great fluttering (拍翅膀) over their heads and a weak chirping (鸣叫) in the grass by the roadside.
“Tweet! Tweet! Tweet!” came from the leafy branches above them.“Cheep! Cheep! Cheep!” came from the wet grass.
“What is the matter here? ” asked the first student, whose name was Speed. “Oh, there are two young birds. Maybe the storm has blown two of the little ones out of the nest. They are too young to fly, ” said the second student, whose name was Hardin.
“What a pity! They'll die down there in the grass,” said the third student Martin.
“Oh, well! We still need to hurry to school. We're going to be late,” said Speed. “Why should we bother? ” After Speed's words, the first three students walked on, talking and laughing as before.
注意：1.续写词数应为150左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答，
But the fourth student, whose name was David, stopped.
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All were surprised to find that David was not with them when the roll call (点名) was made.
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9 . Conflict (冲突) between teenagers and parents happens for a lot of reasons. Sometimes conflict happens between teenagers and parents just because conflict happens between human beings anyway. Humans have different needs, different feelings, different opinions about what they want, and the relationship with people can be really difficult. However, teenagers can cause further conflict because of the hormonal (生理的) changes that are happening and the stage of life that they're in.
Teenagers and parents have different understanding about rules and at times they find it difficult to look into the future. So parents and teenagers will often experience conflict about many things, do chores, homework, whether teenagers speak respectfully or not and about what they're allowed to do.
Before we think about rule boundaries (界线) for teenagers, we need to make sure that we have a really good relationship base. There's no point saying “From now on, you have to listen to me”: if you don't have a positive relationship with your teenager. We need to go back and make sure there is some degree of shared respect, and some degree of positive communication and enjoyment being together. you do that first, it means that rule boundaries are a lot easier to set up.
Often we're dealing with conflict on the fly. This is not the right time to be dealing with it. We really want parents and teenagers to sit down and think about the kinds of things that may happen in the house before the problems come. The more detailed your rule boundaries are for teenagers, the more likely it is that they are going to follow them. So this means we don't have rule boundaries like “Have the bathroom cleaned”. It needs to be “The floors mopped, nothing on the countertop and the mirrors cleaned by ten o'clock every Saturday”: Rule boundaries need to be written down, and set out ahead of time so the teenager knows exactly what's expected.
1. What's important to set up a rule boundary easily for teenagers?| A．Being strict from the start. | B．Developing a good relationship with them first. |
| C．Saying"No" to their requirements. | D．Avoiding close talks with them. |
| A．Doing some housework. | B．Having a good reading habit. |
| C．Cleaning the bathroom. | D．Finishing your homework by five. |
| A．In a hurry. | B．On the plane. | C．By oneself. | D．Another day. |
| A．Growing Pains | B．Teenage Problems |
| C．Parent-Child Conflict and Solutions | D．Knowing the Conflict |
10 . Chinese high schools differ from American high schools in many ways.
The class structure (结构) is different. Students have each class in a different room with a different set of classmates in America, while Chinese students remain in the same classroom all day.
In addition to the structural difference, Chinese high schools also differ from American high schools in the college application process (大学申请过程) that students undergo.
In the United States, colleges use an application system that considers a student's high school grades, standardized test scores, after-school activities. teacher recommendations, and often a personal interview. Usually, the last few months of senior year has little work.
The Chinese college admission process is very different. College acceptance is depended on standardized examinations held once a year at the end of each school year. Although students take tests at the end of their first and second years of high school, the test that really matters is the exam taken at the end of their final year of high school.
The main way in which Chinese and American high schools differ is in the way information is taught.
In America, personal expression is valued heavily. Many classes are based on discussion of the material, and teachers expect students to join in this dialogue, so the classroom can become noisy. Classroom participation (参与), meaning how a student contributes to the class discussion, is an important part of a student's grade, so a student who works hard but never speaks up could receive a lower grade as a result.
Chinese classrooms do not place this same importance on classroom participation. Class is based on the teacher talking and the students listening quietly. Respect (尊敬) for teachers is far more important. When a student is asked to speak, he or she is expected to stand. This classroom is more formal and respectful. But it also means less communication between the teacher and students.
1. What is the class structure for students in America?| A．They have one teacher. | B．They study in the same classroom. |
| C．They have the same classmates. | D．They have different classmates and classrooms. |
| A．Different class structures. |
| B．The way information is taught. |
| C．How to get high marks in the final year of high school. |
| D．The differences of the college application process between America and China. |
| A．By being noisy | B．By being active in class discussion. |
| C．By having respect for teachers. | D．By working hard and not speaking. |
| A．By listing numbers. | B．By following time order. |
| C．By presenting research findings. | D．By comparing the differences. |
