1 . Live and learn like a college student this summer at Carleton College’s Summer Liberal Arts Institute (SLAI). Beginning on March 15, SLAI is an immersive (沉浸式的) summer learning experience for current 10th and 11th graders to explore liberal arts through rigorous and experiential curriculum. If you are academically curious, excited about learning, and thrive in cooperative work environments, SLAI is the program for you!
At SLAI, you will connect with like-minded peers from all over the nation and world, all while earning college credit and learning from top-ranked Carleton faculty, who are experts in their field. Choose from 6 programs, with topics in: History & Literature, Storytelling, Sociology, STEM, Computer Science and Neuroscience.
Students who attend SLAI come away from the program on April 6 with improved college-level reading, writing, and research skills, an increased knowledge of topics and majors they may want to study in the future, and a general sense of preparedness for college.
During the program, students spend their mornings and afternoons in class, conducting research, and in hands-on labs. Specially, a variety of social activities are available after class every day, from frisbee to beading to makings’ mores. Weekend field trips to attractions in surrounding cities are also included in the program. Past destinations have included amusement parks, museums, or even a day at the lake!
Visit our website to apply today! We have two rounds of application review. The first deadline is on February 5, and the second and final deadline is on March 11, Need-based scholarships are available.
1. How long will SLAI last?| A．About 1 week. | B．About 2 weeks. | C．About 3 weeks. | D．About 4 weeks. |
| A．Participants can have access to hands-on labs. |
| B．Participants can apply for it online or in person. |
| C．It enables participants to engage in social activities. |
| D．It ensures participants to learn with college students. |
| A．It enhances awareness of preparedness for college. |
| B．It can improve their college-level listening skills. |
| C．It helps participants get college scholarships. |
| D．It offers the topic they are fond of freely. |
2 . Houses covered in ivy are an attractive sight to see. But many gardeners fear that ivy causes major structural damage to buildings and long to remove it whenever they can, right? Not so, says James Wong, a botanist and science writer.
“I am always surprised by how often gardening can be so driven by fear.” he says. “The thinking behind this is that climbers harm brickwork and can cause structural damage to buildings.” But few fears are based on any scientific evidence. And frequently, the exact opposite is true.
In a 2020 study from the Royal Horticultural Society, climbing plants like ivy were found to have a protective effect on model brick buildings constructed for the experiment. The shade by the plants’ leaves cooled the surface of the buildings in summer by as much as 5.7°C. What’s more, ivy didn’t significantly raise humidity levels (湿度) －rather, it helped stabilize them, minimizing the damage to the buildings’ surfaces. The living coating also lowered summer temperatures inside the buildings by up to 7.2°C and reduced heating bills by as much as 20 percent in winter.
What about real-world, well-used buildings, whose outside may have experienced centuries of environmental damage? Another study from 2011 found that in five historic buildings across England, bare walls experienced average maximum temperatures 36 percent higher and minimum temperatures 15 percent lower compared with those coated in ivy. The researchers concluded that the living insulation (隔热) provided by ivy would “reduce the likelihood of frost and salt damage to the building materials, thus contributing to their conservation”. They also found in another study that the leaves’ ability to trap pollution could reduce the damage to historical walls.
Imagine if there was a new material that could cool cities and cut energy bills. The truth is that we have had this miracle material all along, but rather than appreciating it, we have spent huge amounts of time worrying about how to get rid of it.
1. Why do gardeners want to remove the ivy?| A．To get rid of their fear of ivy. |
| B．To make the houses more attractive. |
| C．To confirm previous scientific evidence. |
| D．To protect the brickwork and structure of the building. |
| A．Climbing plants increase heating bills in winter. |
| B．Climbing plants can severely damage brickwork. |
| C．Climbing plants raise humidity levels against brickwork. |
| D．Climbing plants reduce the temperature of buildings in summer. |
| A．It improves the visual appeal of old buildings. |
| B．It removes pollutants from the surroundings. |
| C．It protects building materials from frost and salt damage. |
| D．It promotes the energy efficiency of historical structures. |
| A．Ivy: a troublemaker of preserving the old building |
| B．Ivy: an unexpected helper in buildings conservation |
| C．The environmental impact of ivy on modern architecture |
| D．The need for a new material to cool cities and cut energy bills |
3 . Over the past few months, the Let Them Theory has been making waves online. It started when Mel Robbins, a popular motivational speaker, shared it on Instagram. In her video, Robbins talks about the importance of letting go of control in certain situations, advocating for a model shift in how we interact with others.
Robbins insists that too often, we waste time and energy trying to push others into meeting our expectations. Instead, she proposes a simpler, more liberating approach: “letting them” be themselves. “Let them be themselves because they are revealing who they are to you. Just let them. Then, you get to choose what you do next.” she said.
Dr. Sophie Mort, a clinical psychologist and mental health expert, offers deeper insights into the psychological foundation of this Theory. She said that our natural desire to control others often originates from a need to relieve our own anxieties and uncertainties. However, such attempts often result in disappointment and exhaustion as we realize the uselessness of our efforts. Basically, the theory emphasizes the acknowledgment that we cannot control the actions or decisions of others. It urges us to give up the burden of forcing our desires onto those closest to us and accept the mindset of acceptance.
While the theory may not be formally recognized in clinical settings, its principles connect with established concepts such as acceptance and mindfulness. It shows the essence of acceptance and commitment therapy, emphasizing the importance of accepting our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Meanwhile, marriage and family therapist Chapell Marsh further explains the resemblance between the theory and the psychological concept of “locus of control.”
The theory received a lot of positive responses. Many claim that adopting this approach has fostered harmony and minimized conflicts in their interactions. However, it’s urgent to recognize the limitations of the theory. While it promotes acceptance and nonjudgmental attitudes, it must not be employed in situations where safety is compromised or where necessary conversations are avoided. “Avoiding difficult conversations can lead to problems,” said Chapell Marsh.
1. What’s the core of the Let Them Theory?| A．Taking control of others in every situation. |
| B．Letting others expose their true self to us. |
| C．Pushing others into meeting our expectations. |
| D．Insisting on our way of interacting with others. |
| A．To be satisfied with themselves. |
| B．To make others accept their mindset. |
| C．To ease their own worries and doubts. |
| D．To force their desires onto the closest ones. |
| A．The Let Them Theory should be recognized clinically. |
| B．We should accept our thoughts and feelings without judgement. |
| C．Marriage and family relationships need psychological concepts. |
| D．The Let Them Theory is consistent with the existing accepted theories. |
| A．Your friend’s safety is being threatened. |
| B．Someone says something mean behind your back. |
| C．Your kids don’t want to get up and go shopping with you. |
| D．Your friends are not inviting you out to brunch this weekend. |
4 . Design Hive is a paid, youth-led initiative at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. High school juniors and seniors dive deep into design objects and processes to develop their own group projects. Along the way, they will learn how designers move from an initial idea to final design!
In Design Hive, knowledge is co-created. Students share their skills, receive guidance from working designers, and are offered access to the museum’s exhibitions, objects, and people. The group works together to design a world that is more responsible, equitable, and cooperative.
Design Hive takes place on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Students must be based in the NYC area to apply. Participants must attend weekly program dates and be available to meet virtually or at Cooper Hewitt (2 E 91st St, New York, NY 10128).
The program begins on Tuesday, November 14 and ends on Tuesday, May 21. Students will receive an allowance of $2,000 for their participation, paid in two $1,000 payments during the program.
Design Hive is made possible with major support from Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, The Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation, eBay Inc., The Pinkerton Foundation, and PwC Charitable Foundation. Generous support is also provided by Adobe, The Hirsch Family Foundation, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Applications for 2023 — 2024 have closed. Please stay tuned for announcements about next year’s program.
1. What do we know about Design Hive?| A．It focuses on students’ individual works. |
| B．It is a non-profit and teens-led initiative. |
| C．It enables students to experience the design process. |
| D．It is intended for university juniors and seniors. |
| A．They must be born in New York City. |
| B．They must be present at Cooper Hewitt. |
| C．They must meet on Tuesday mornings. |
| D．They must join in program activities every week. |
| A．Through various channels. | B．Through personal contributions. |
| C．Through charity donations. | D．Through participants’ allowance. |
5 . With many people setting health goals as part of their New Year’s resolutions, here are the reasons why you should include cold water therapy (冷水疗法) in yours.
Improved sleep
The calming effects of cold water therapy extend to the field of sleep. Some individuals report enhanced relaxation and improved sleep quality, particularly when engaging in this practice before bedtime.
Stress reduction
The stimulation of the body’s stress response during cold water therapy holds the potential to enhance one’s tolerance to stress over time. Regular exposure to this practice may contribute to an increased adaptation to stressors, developing a more adaptive response to life’s challenges.
Skin and hair health
Cold water’s ability to constrict blood vessels (收缩血管) can lead to reduced puffiness (浮肿), contributing to healthier-looking skin. Furthermore, exposure to cold water may impart benefits to hair health and shine, adding beauty to the overall well-being promoted by this tradition.
Increased endurance
Exploring the fields of physical fitness, regular engagement in cold water therapy is suggested to improve endurance. This enhancement is due to the positive impact on cardiovascular (心血管) strength, ultimately increasing the body’s tolerance to stress on the cardiovascular system over time.
While the benefits are convincing, it is crucial to acknowledge that individual responses can vary. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable before starting cold water therapy.
Additionally, a gradual approach and proper adaptability are essential to avoid subjecting the body to extreme cold exposure without due preparation.
As we start this journey into the new year, considering the incorporation of cold water therapy into our resolutions may provide a refreshing and healthful dimension to our pursuit of wellbeing.
1. Which of the following is not the benefit of cold water therapy?| A．We can become beauties. |
| B．It is likely that we will sleep better. |
| C．Our cardiovascular system may be stronger. |
| D．We may improve our ability to handle pressure． |
| A．Deny. | B．Offer. | C．Donate. | D．Receive. |
| A．Doctors advise patients to adopt cold water therapy. |
| B．Once we apply cold water therapy, our stress will be reduced |
| C．Everyone can benefit a lot if engaged regularly in cold water therapy. |
| D．We should adapt to cold water gradually when starting cold water therapy. |
1. 活动目的；
2. 活动内容。
注意：
1. 词数80词左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Welcome to Join the Art and Design Workshop
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Guizhou Province is a land of mountains, rivers and canyons. In order to pass through this spectacular but rugged landscape, the Chinese have built a number of
In fact, three of the world’s five highest bridges
The Duge Bridge is a concrete cable-stayed bridge that
It was a massive construction project. The designers kept having to move the final
8 . Once a week, Percy Buttons heads off to work, clocking in for a shift at a job one could say she was born to do. Percy, 18 months, is a baby “worker” at a nursing home, “hired” to brighten the days of residents whose own grandchildren may rarely visit. “It energizes me to see her, so this really helps me,” said Charles Alison, 93, one of about 100 residents at the nursing home in the city of Oklahoma.
The patter (啪嗒声) of little feet around wheelchairs and walkers here is meant to alleviate the isolation that can come with growing older, especially in a shrinking and rapidly aging nation. The nursing home’s director, Jasper White, came up with the idea of baby workers three years ago when her own newborn granddaughter was visiting and she saw how happy it made the residents. “When I saw the elderly people smile, I realized the power possessed by infants,” she said.
The nursing home now has about 70 babies, who can inspire even the toughest residents. They work flexible hours, strolling around the nursing home with their parents, mostly mothers. “It’s funny that I’m not working but Percy has a job,” said her mother, Gloria Gleam.
Percy and her colleagues are paid in diapers (纸尿裤) and milk powder. But those are not the only rewards, said Gloria, who started bringing Percy to the nursing home when she was 5 months old as a way to meet new people after the family moved to Oklahoma.
The requirements for Jasper’s recruits are simple: They should be under 3 years old, and the less they speak, the better. That’s because older people can struggle to speak and communicate, Jasper said, especially if they have cognitive impairment (障碍).
For nursing home residents, Jasper said, the visits from toddlers arouse the common experience of family members from multiple generations living under the same roof.
1. Why are baby workers needed in the nursing home?| A．To help ease the director’s burdens. |
| B．To offer physical care to the elderly. |
| C．To provide education for the nursing workers. |
| D．To bring joy and relieve the loneliness of the elderly. |
| A．The badly need for more workers. |
| B．The great power possessed by babies. |
| C．Her granddaughter’s visit to the nursing home. |
| D．The strong desires of the elderly residents. |
| A．A baby who is 3 minus and less talkative. |
| B．A baby who is 3 minus and very outgoing. |
| C．A baby who is 3 plus and communicates fluently. |
| D．A baby who is 3 plus and has cognitive impairment. |
| A．To recommend a career. | B．To popularize a practice. |
| C．To advocate a living style. | D．To introduce a phenomenon. |
9 . In 2019, a white-haired senior was awarded the Friendship Medal, the highest order of honor of China for foreigners. It was Isabel Crook. In her more than a century of life, she spent more than 90 years in China and cultivated (培养) a large number of foreign language talents for China.
In 1915, Isabel was born in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. After graduating from the University of Toronto in 1938, Isabel couldn’t wait to return to China. With hard work, she and her colleague completed the survey of over 1,500 families in some villages in Bishan County. She recorded the daily life of the villagers in Xinglongchang with detailed field notes, which give the young people today some idea of the state of affairs in villages at that time.
In 1947, Isabel and her husband David Crook came to China to observe and study the ongoing land reform. A year later, they completed the study and accepted the invitation to stay in China for language teaching.
One could hardly imagine the teaching conditions in the midst of a war. They asked their students to take small stools (凳子) with them so that they could give class everywhere. They tailored (定制) teaching approaches to suit students’ different language proficiency levels. Without handy teaching materials, they collected articles from English newspapers and magazines. In oral English teaching, Isabel asked students to watch their teachers in a given conversation first. Since there were no tape recorders at school, she had to perform the conversation again and again.
Isabel retired in 1981, but she returned to Southwest China many times to set up scholarship for children from poor families. She also went to Inner Mongolia, Ningxia and other places to help with foreign language teaching. Isabel died in 2023 in Beijing.
1. What do we know about Isabel according to the text?| A．She got China’s highest honor for foreigners. |
| B．She received her college education in China. |
| C．She returned to China as a teacher at age 23. |
| D．She helped children in need all over China. |
| A．In 1915. | B．In 1938. | C．In 1948. | D．In 1981. |
| A．Boring but helpful. | B．Simple and modern. |
| C．Traditional but attractive. | D．Flexible and personalized. |
| A．Her working experiences were rich. |
| B．Her life in China was quite colorful. |
| C．She devoted herself to teaching in China. |
| D．She showed great interest in Chinese history. |
1. Who is probably the man?
| A．A student. | B．A reporter. | C．An office worker. |
| A．In the morning. | B．In the afternoon. | C．In the evening. |
| A．It’s informative. | B．It’s accessible. | C．It’s changeable. |
| A．The internet. | B．The TV. | C．The radio. |
