1 . Languages are dying out all the time. Here are four languages that were once widely spoken but are now considered as “dead” languages.
Old Norse
Old Norse was spoken and written by the Vikings from about the 7th century. It was used in countries like Iceland and parts of Russia. The Vikings were famous for their attacks on neighbouring countries, and so Old Norse had an influence on the languages of the places they attacked, including English. For example, English words such as “egg, gift, anger, want, trust and score” come from Old Norse.
Middle English
Middle English was spoken in England between the 12th and 15th centuries and was very different from the English we use these days. In the past, England was highly influenced by Old Norse. So was its language. There are no manuscripts (手稿) in Middle English as it was much more fashionable to write in French. Middle English gave way to modern English. One example of the wide use of modern English was Shakespeare’s works.
Hunnir
Hunnir is the most mysterious of the languages on our list. The Huns were a community that spread across eastern Europe in the 4th and 5th centuries. Despite the Huns’ success in expanding their empire, their language was never written down. The few words that are known are mainly names-in modern Turkey and Mongolia. Apart from these, only three words are known; kamos, medos (types of drinks) and strava (a big meal).
Ancient Greek
More than 4,000 years ago, the Greeks spoke an advanced language known today as Ancient Greek, and developed the first alphabet. Indeed, the English word “alphabet” is taken from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet: alpha and beta. Although the language is no longer spoken anywhere, it continues to be studied by scholars around the world and is regarded as one of the most important languages of all time.
1. Which language was spoken by the Vikings?A.Old Norse. | B.Middle English. |
C.Ancient Greek. | D.Hunnir. |
A.French was a popular written language then. | B.Modern English replaced Middle English. |
C.Shakespeare didn’t use Middle English. | D.Middle English was influenced by Old Norse. |
A.Want. | B.Kamos. | C.Strava. | D.Alphabet. |
2 . Canada is a vast and diverse country that offers plenty of incredible tourist destinations. From wonderful natural landscapes to lively cities, Canada has something for every traveler. Here’s a guide to some of Canada’s top tourist destinations.
Banff National Park, AlbertaLocated in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a breathtaking destination known for its turquoise (绿松石) lakes, snow-covered mountains, and plentiful wildlife. Explore the landmark-Lake Louise, hike to amazing viewpoints, and spend time in the natural hot springs.
Niagara Falls, OntarioNiagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous natural attractions. Witness the steep (陡峭的) power and beauty of the grand falls from various viewpoints. Take a boat tour, visit the Butterfly Conservatory, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Clifton Hill.
Toronto, OntarioAs Canada’s largest city, Toronto offers an impressive experience. Discover the famous CN Tower, explore the busy neighborhoods of Kensington Market and Distillery District, and visit world-class museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario.
Whistler, British ColumbiaWhistler is a well-known winter sports destination, famous for its world-class ski slopes and winter activities. In summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and golfing in the impressive mountain scenery.
1. What can visitors do in Banff National Park?A.Go boating. | B.Go skiing. |
C.Appreciate waterfalls. | D.Enjoy hot springs. |
A.Banff National Park, Alberta. | B.Niagara Falls, Ontario. |
C.Toronto, Ontario. | D.Whistler, British Columbia. |
A.Tourism. | B.Culture. | C.Fashion. | D.Sport. |
无论这个人去哪里旅行,他都会拍下令人惊叹的风景照片。
突然,漂亮的杯子掉到地上,摔碎了。
1. What attracts Tom to watch Heartland probably?
A.The touching plots. | B.The exciting story. | C.The peaceful lifestyle. |
A.It’s tough. | B.It’s simple. | C.It’s boring. |
A.In the city. | B.In the town. | C.In the countryside. |
A.Live independently. | B.Start a new company. | C.Stay with his parents. |
8 . Field Trip
Minnewaska State Park
May 11
This field trip will allow senior students in Mr. Corzine’s Regents Biology class to experience the beautiful Minnewaska State Park, while learning about many concepts (概念) connected to our unit on ecosystems (生态系统). Students will be going on a two-mile walk from the Peterskill entrance to the park, down to the river and then back up to a lookout point. While there they will walk through different ecosystems and learn about the history of the park.
Students should be prepared to spend time outside:
·Wear comfortable shoes and waterproof (防水的) clothing, as there is a very small possibility of light rain. The possible rain date is May 12.
·We will be walking through grassy areas, so long trousers are recommended.
·Each person should bring enough water (at least 1 liter) , as well as lunch. Minnewaska is “carry in-carry out”, so be prepared to carry whatever rubbish is produced. A small backpack (book bag) is recommended.
·Also, the weather is pretty cool at the top of the Park, so please be sure to bring warm clothing.
We will meet at the entrance in the Gym Lobby at 7:50 and will set out at 8:00 am. We plan to return at 1:45 pm. There is no cost for this trip, as the Park will be supplying the bus for us.
1. What can students learn during the trip?A.The history of biology. | B.Firsthand knowledge of nature. |
C.The importance of state parks. | D.Different ways of physical exercise. |
A.A set of sunglasses. | B.A pair of thin trousers. |
C.Tickets for the park. | D.Plenty of water and food. |
A.It is cost-free. | B.It is a two-day course. |
C.It is for students of all ages. | D.It includes different parks. |
9 . Hello, everyone. Welcome to our school. Now let’s take a look at some interesting school publications (出版物).
ColumbusIt is our literary (文学的) magazine; the name shows the place where we live. Editorial training includes developing skills for creative writing. Published twice yearly, many excellent students are also recognized as Scholastic Writing Awards winners.
DiversionIt is our language publication. Published once a year, it impresses readers with student works presented in Chinese, French, and Spanish. Working with advisors who teach these languages, student editors help in presenting their classmates’ work including poems, essays, short stories and art. Diversion is often used by our language teachers in the classroom as well.
The BrunerIt is Trinity’s yearbook. Serving the entire school, it is a yearly testament (证明) to the many aspects of Trinity life. Editorial positions are named in May, allowing editor s to attend a two-day summer meeting at NYU. This meeting allows students to develop their ability to get knowledge before the start of the school year. Work on the yearbook begins immediately thereafter, as students work to create an impressive K-12 publication.
The Trinity TimesIt is the upper school newspaper, written, edited, photographed and produced completely by students as an extracurricular activity. Its contents include Arts and Innovation, Trinity Life, NY Culture, Science, Opinion and Editorial, and Sports.
1. What is special about Diversion?A.It is published in different languages. | B.It publishes teachers’ works. |
C.It comes out once a month. | D.It focuses on sports. |
A.To prove the advantages of Trinity life. |
B.To present students’ poems and essays. |
C.To make students better at gaining knowledge. |
D.To develop students’ skills for creative writing. |
A.The Trinity Times. | B.Diversion. |
C.The Bruner. | D.Columbus. |
10 . I was driving when my phone alerted me to a new email. Filled with eager anticipation, I pulled over, turned on my hazard lights, and opened it. My emotions quickly changed as I learned, for the sixth and final time, that I had been denied a promotion to full professor. My institution didn’t seem to value what I brought to the table. But when I told my family that night, my children offered a surprisingly positive response. They were excited to see what I was going to do next, they said. They apparently knew long before I did that losing my bid for a promotion would turn out to be the best thing that could have happened for me.
This had been the final step in a long process spanning 15 months and involving so much effort. I had started by studying successful promotion bids and asking senior scholars for frank discussions about my readiness. I had carefully prepared my application packet, summarizing everything I had achieved in my career. For more than a year, I had spent hours every day trying to prove my worth to my university.
To my surprise, having a final answer brought a welcome sense of closure. As a first step toward healing, I decided to prioritize my own values and follow my own internal compass. I disconnected from people in my life who violated my values, cultivated my relationships with those who share my priorities and bring out the best in me, and spent more time with my family. I founded a nonprofit that helps first-generation and low-income students and young professionals advance in the workforce while serving their community. The initiative had long been a dream of mine, but I never pursued it because typical academic hiring and promotion don’t reward such efforts. Now, such considerations were no longer my North Star.
Five months after that email from top leadership, I found myself in the car again, experiencing another career-defining moment. I may have lost my bid for a big promotion, but in the end, it brought me to the right place.
1. What did the author feel after he read the email?A.Anxious and annoyed. | B.Embarrassed and ashamed. |
C.Relieved and peaceful. | D.Disappointed and sorrowful. |
A.What contributions the writer had made. | B.What preparations the writer had made. |
C.How successful the career had been. | D.How tiring the process had been. |
A.Success is more than a title or a rank. |
B.One’s internal compass is to be developed. |
C.Serving the community may heal a broken heart. |
D.One’s real value first lies in his family interaction. |
A.Emails: my North Star |
B.Full professor: a double-edged sword |
C.A career setback becomes a great opportunity |
D.An academic career witnesses a failed promotion |