1 . International Day of Education
24 January
Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed (宣布) 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. Today, 250 million children and youth are out of school, and 763 million adults are illiterate (文盲的). Their right to education is being violated (侵犯) and it is unacceptable. It’s time to transform education.
International Day of Clean Energy
26 January
The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January was declared by the General Assembly as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition (过渡) to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet. 26 January is also the founding date of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a global intergovernmental agency established in 2009 to support countries in their energy transitions.
World Health Day
7 April
It is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.
The theme for World Health Day 2024 is “My health, my right”, which was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions.
World Environment Day
5 June
World Environment Day, held annually on 5 June, brings together millions of people from across the globe, engaging them in the effort to protect and restore the Earth. People from more than 150 countries participate in this United Nations international day, which celebrates environmental action and the power of governments, businesses and individuals to create a more sustainable world. The event has been led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since its start in 1973.
1. On what day is the event about world energy marked?A.24 January. | B.26 January. | C.7 April. | D.5 June. |
A.International Day of Education. |
B.International Day of Clean Energy. |
C.World Health Day. |
D.World Environment Day. |
A.They have a common goal. | B.They have a long history. |
C.They’re international events. | D.They benefit world environment. |
1. What made the restaurant popular at first?
A.Great food. | B.Live performances. | C.Interaction with diners. |
A.Mr. Muller. | B.Mr. Muller’s father. | C.Mr. Muller’s grandfather. |
A.A restaurant owner. | B.A college student. | C.A famous singer. |
A.Skip supper. | B.Eat some rich food. | C.Order a takeout meal. |
A.Cloudy. | B.Windy. | C.Sunny. |
A.Confused. | B.Embarrassed. | C.Disappointed. |
6 . Pickleball, which combines elements of badminton, Ping-Pang, and tennis, has two characteristics that make it a good choice for older adults. It’s slower than other racket (球拍) sports, and it’s easier to learn.
With a play area about a quarter the size of a tennis court and a plastic ball that doesn’t bounce as high or as fast as a tennis ball, you don’t have to run as much or as quickly. The bats are lighter and shorter than tennis rackets, making them easier to swing and control. There are fewer rules than tennis.
Plus, pickleball is more social than many types of exercise and it’s fun. In one study, participants rated pickleball 150 percent higher for enjoyment than walking. “People are finding it’s not boring,” says Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief science officer at the American Council on Exercise, who has played pickleball for more than 20 years. “It’s not something they’re doing just because they should, but because they enjoy it and want to do it.”
Pickleball is an effective workout, and like walking, you can adjust the intensity to your preferences. A friendly doubles match can qualify as proper exercise. A competitive singles match is likely to be tighter.
And pickleball offers plenty of health pluses. After six weeks of playing an hour of pickleball three times a week, older adults improved their cardiorespiratory (心肺的) fitness and blood pressure, according to a study published in 2018 in the International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology. Another study found that the activity may keep you mentally sharp. “You’re making a lot of quick decisions while engaged in a physical task,” says study author David Bolton, PhD, assistant professor at Utah State University in Logan. “It is effectively training cognitive (认知的) ability.”
But it is not without risks of getting injured. Don’t just hit the court and go right into having a game. A warm-up is the best defense against injury, so take at least 5 minutes to prepare your body.
1. What is one of the reasons for the popularity of pickleball among older adults?A.Its slow pace. | B.Its great intensity. |
C.Its complex rules. | D.Its cheap equipment. |
A.It is demanding. | B.It is enjoyable. |
C.It is beneficial. | D.It is practical. |
A.Making quick decisions. |
B.Training cognitive ability. |
C.Brain activity during physical exercise. |
D.The proper frequency to play pickleball. |
A.Pre-workout preparations. | B.The rules of this exercise. |
C.Comments on this game. | D.Disadvantages of pickleball. |
7 . Four Festivals From Around The World
It seems every country has its inviting events on the annual calendar. Here we’ve boiled down the options to add to your bucket list.
Boryeong Mud Festival, Republic of KoreaThe extensive beneficial qualities of the mud in Boryeong coastal region have prompted wellness-related lines, as well as an entire coastal festival. The festival celebrates the natural benefits of this precious resource with a dose of pops, beach fun and street food, drawing visitors from around the world to get messy and learn about the region’s resources.
Rock Oyster Festival, EnglandRock Oyster Festival is a summer event on the Cornish coast. With musical performances from the huge names, the three day festival also showcases some of the best chefs and restaurants from around Cornwall as well as cooking demonstrations. Big shots in the food world like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Olia Hercules and Andi Oliver share their stories, while over at Mussel Beach, there’s a celebration of live fire cooking in all its glory.
Copenhagen Photo Festival, DenmarkCopenhagen Photo Festival showcases s international contemporary photography in a stunning, dramatic setting at the water’s edge. The Festival Centre and exhibition park are located in an urban coastal wilderness, formerly an industrial shipyard site. With the theme “Entanglement” for the 2024 edition of the festival, it encourages people to think relations on all the ways we are co-dependently connected.
Noosa Festival of Surfing, AustraliaNoosa is an iconic surf spot on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Big waves crash on to the sunny and expansive beaches, backed by bars, cafes and the Noosa National Park. The annual festival is a homage to global surf culture and talent. Exhibitions, art shows and live music punctuate the moments between the actions on the water, while lighthearted activities such as dog surfing competitions accompany the more serious contests.
1. Which festival is most likely to appeal to people who are health-conscious?A.Boryeong Mud Festival. | B.Rock Oyster Festival. |
C.Copenhagen Photo Festival. | D.Noosa Festival of Surfing. |
A.Take part in a cooking contest. | B.Meet masters in food industry. |
C.Visit an industrial shipyard site. | D.Make alive fire cooking freely. |
A.Free food is available. | B.Celebrities are invited there, |
C.They provide live music shows. | D.They take place in coastal areas. |
8 . What do a student in China, an office worker in the UK and an astronaut in space all have in common? They all eat instant noodles. And they’re not alone—over 100 billion servings of instant noodles are consumed globally each year, making them one of the world’s most successful industrial foods. But how did this happen?
Put simply, they’re cheap to produce and cheap to buy, which was exactly what their creator intended to achieve. Momofuku Ando, an entrepreneur, spent a year perfecting the recipe just after the Second World War. He wanted to make something similar to traditional noodles. His creation was instantly popular, playing a part in the post war economic rise. Even in the year 2000—according to a poll by the Fuji Research. Institute—instant noodles Were voted the most successful invention, ahead of high speed trains, laptops and karaoke.
According to the World’s Instant Noodles Association, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and India—in that order—all consumed more instant noodles than before in 2021. Instant noodles’ popularity abroad is in part due to how easy they are to adapt to local tastes. In Thailand, for example, you can get green curry flavour, while in Mexico the noodles are garnished (加饰菜) with lime and salsa. And it seems that consumers have grown to expect innovation. Nisin, the food company founded by Ando launches over 300 products yearly, according to employee Kasura Suzuki.
Instant noodles have their critics, too. Their rise in popularity has come at an environmental cost—they’re made with palm oil, contributing to deforestation, and their packaging is plastic. And while they are a hot, tasty and filling meal, instant noodles don’t have much nutritional value, and include high levels of salt and fat. Nevertheless, instant noodles are undoubtedly lifesavers in emergency or extreme situations.
More than 60 years after their invention, instant noodles have become the default food for anyone short on money, time, or even a kitchen.
1. How does the author bring in the topic in Paragraph 1?A.By giving examples. | B.By making an assumption. |
C.By asking questions. | D.By reasoning and analyzing. |
A.To promote traditional culture | B.To reduce environmental cost. |
C.To earn more profit. | D.To make them low-cost and affordable. |
A.Their worldwide popularity. | B.Their major contribution. |
C.Their consumers’ preferences. | D.Their innovative features. |
A.The preferred food. | B.The most delicious food. |
C.The cheapest food. | D.The most nutritious food. |
9 . Physical exercise can play an important role in mental well-being and can even relieve symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. While the physical health benefits of exercise are frequently discussed, the link between exercise and mental health is often overlooked.
Physical activity distracts you from negative thoughts and emotions.
Exercise can be a good source of social support. The benefits of social support are well-documented.
Have you ever noticed how your body feels when you are under stress? Your muscles may be tense, especially in your face, neck and shoulders, leaving you with back or neck pain, or painful headaches.
If you are just starting out with an exercise program, it’s important to consult with your doctor to determine the best form of exercise for your physical condition.
A.Exercise promotes confidence. |
B.Exercise helps reduce health risk. |
C.Many physical activities can be social activities as well. |
D.Physical exercise is considered to help you make a difference to others. |
E.Research shows exercise can improve the symptoms of many existing mental illnesses. |
F.Physical activity can take your mind off your problems and get you into a state of peace. |
G.The worry and discomfort of all these physical symptoms can in turn lead to even more stress. |
10 . College is an exciting milestone for a lot of most important steps you’ll need to take so you’ll be ready to take on higher learning!
College is an exciting milestone for a lot of people.
Decide on the degree program you want to pursue.
Choose a path that matches your interests. You’ll be most likely to succeed in college if you choose a major that you really like.
Sign up for the basics when registration opens. Most colleges have the same entry-level courses for freshmen, regardless of what your major is. Sign in to the school’s registration website as soon as it opens to make sure you get the classes you want. Then use the course catalog (目录) to choose the electives that you want to take that semester.
Decide where you’re going to live.
Plan whether to live on or off campus. Living on campus will require you to pay for the accommodation expenses in the dormitory. However, some financial aid requires you to live on campus, and it can be cheaper to live in a dorm than to rent an apartment near the school. You’ll also have access to on-campus meals if you live in a dorm.
Study a map of campus.
Map out where each of your classes will be. College campuses typically cover a vast area — different departments are often housed in different buildings, not to mention dorms, administration buildings, the bookstore, and the food court.
A.Register for classes. |
B.Check the course plan for each class. |
C.But there’s a lot that goes into getting ready for that first day. |
D.Plan visits to a few different colleges to really get a feel for them. |
E.And you won’t have to factor in transportation to your college each day. |
F.To avoid getting lost, it’s better to figure out the route for each class in advance. |
G.Try taking interest assessments and skills assessments to get matched with careers. |