1 . Like many tales of the South Pacific, my “storytelling”begins on the water.
Our wooden boat, navigated by our guide Aminiasi, was saılıng smoothly to a popular island of Fiji(斐济) to spend the holiday. With melodic welcome, we
In the wooden house, a barbecued feast was
After meal, I
Throughout my island journeys,
A.flied | B.wandered | C.landed | D.swam |
A.made | B.laid | C.sold | D.held |
A.harvest | B.lead | C.benefit | D.trust |
A.essential | B.curious | C.secret | D.diverse |
A.turned on | B.passed by | C.settled into | D.broke down |
A.improving | B.rising | C.passing | D.coming |
A.decorated | B.prevented | C.refused | D.varied |
A.reason | B.method | C.language | D.show |
A.entering | B.explaining | C.producing | D.exchanging |
A.balance | B.compare | C.charge | D.replace |
A.usual | B.unique | C.rare | D.necessary |
A.honored | B.accompanied | C.prepared | D.affected |
A.therefore | B.otherwise | C.however | D.instead |
A.concerns | B.chances | C.wishes | D.shocks |
A.destroy | B.maintain | C.judge | D.change |
2 . To communicate without words, humans use a host of gestures—whether a wave to wish someone goodbye or a thumbs-up to indicate approval. Now researchers have found, in a particularly polite example, the first documented evidence of a symbolic gesture used by birds. Some birds seem to flutter (拍翅膀) their wings to tell their mates they should enter the nest first, suggesting that the animals may communicate with a variety of gestures.
Toshitaka Suzuki at the University of Tokyo and his colleagues set up hundreds of nest boxes in a forest populated with Japanese tits (山雀) near the town of Karuizawa. Each box had a 7.5-centimetre-wide hole, just big enough for one bird to squeeze through at a time. During breeding season, the team observed 321 nest visits across eight breeding pairs, with the tits often bringing food for their baby birds. If a bird couple arrived at the nest together, each tit would land on a nearby branch before entering. About 40 percent of the time, the female fluttered her wings for a few seconds, with her chest facing the male. This was quickly followed by the male entering the nest first, then the female. When neither bird fluttered its wings, which made up 44 percent of nest visitations, the females usually entered first. Only one male was seen repeatedly fluttering its wings, which was followed by the female entering first. Wing fluttering wasn’t observed at all when each bird arrived separately.
The team believes that this discovery conflicts with earlier beliefs that only a few species use gestures to communicate. “They’ve done a really good job here of showing there is an association between this movement, this gesture, and then… the other bird doing something,” says Mike Webster, an ornithologist at Cornell University, who was not involved in the research. “It’s a really strong support to the notion that it’s a symbolic gesture. The bird that’s the receiver knows what it means, and it does what it’s supposed to do.”
“We can conclude that this wing fluttering conveys ‘after you’.” says Suzuki. “This study is the first to show us clearly by evidence that birds can use wing movements to convey a particular meaning.”
1. What is the aim of Toshitaka Suzuki’s experiment?A.To find how the birds wings work in the wind. |
B.To observe whether birds treat their mates politely. |
C.To research whether birds can use symbolic gestures |
D.To prove whether birds can communicate with each other. |
A.To show direction to the other bird. |
B.To signal their mates to enter the nest. |
C.To dry off their wings after flying in the rain. |
D.To scare away potential predators near the nest. |
A.By listing some examples. | B.By reviewing previous data. |
C.By observing and comparing. | D.By analyzing cause and effect |
A.Favorable. | B.Opposed. | C.Doubtful. | D.Disappointed. |
3 . British artist James Lake was 17 when his life changed dramatically. That was the year he was diagnosed with bone cancer, which resulted in the loss of his right leg.
During his recovery, Lake generated a new idea of using his creative talents to understand and process the intense experience he was going through. He looked around his house and began making art with the resources closest to hand: old cardboard boxes and packaging that his parents had thrown away. Cutting up the cardboard and then reconstructing it, he created sculptural frames-his very first pieces of art.
Fast forward 26 years and the now 43-year-old artist has made a career from that decision to “steal” his parents’ recycling box as a teenager. By cutting, and sticking together littered pieces of cardboard, Lake creates detailed life-size human sculptures.
“My work is about transforming an old box and giving it a new life, valuing resources,” he says. “For that reason, I think it’s important that the cardboard is visible in my sculptures, and that people can still see they’re made from it. My works question how we perceive and value art and all the things around us. Arc they reusable? Do we need to buy that? Can we repair it?”
By exhibiting his work in primary schools, Lake wants to show children that art is something that’s attainable, created from the same materials they play with in the classroom. “I have developed a way of working wherein the materials and the method mean that art can be created anywhere: a bedroom, a garage. Great art should not only be about the materials that you use, but also about the passion and effort you put into the work.”
“It’s incredibly important for me to inspire a new generation of artists beyond the limit of economic barriers,” he explains.“ I want to create a level playing field for all and I hope that I’m a positive role model for them, both as an artist and as a disabled person.
1. What led James Lake to start making art with cardboard boxes?A.His interest in environmentalism. |
B.The inspiration from his parents. |
C.The easy access to waste cardboard. |
D.His desire to deal with his difficult time. |
A.To show his outstanding talent. | B.To prove art works are easy to make. |
C.To stress the value of reusing resources. | D.To make his works more attractive. |
A.Hard-working and polite. | B.Generous and easy-going. |
C.Strong-willed and creatIve. | D.Determined and humorous. |
A.Embracing the unknown. | B.Thinking outside the box. |
C.Thinking twice before you leap. | D.Stepping out of the comfort zone. |
4 . Summer’s Classical Music Festivals
Rockport Chamber Music FestivalRockport
June 20-Aug 25
Rockport Chamber Music is a high-end festival. Some of the summer’s highlights include pianist Inon Barnatan, who plays Rameau, Ravel, Stravinsky and Rachmaninoff. Rockport’s season ends with the superb Borromeo String Quartet (四重奏), with guest pianist David Deveau and guest violist Barry Shiffman, in music by Bach, Mozart and Brahms-a concert that may very well distract you from the view.
New Hampshire Music FestivalVarious locations
July 9-Aug 1
If you’re spending any time in New Hampshire this summer, keep your eye out for these appealing concerts from small chamber groups and small and large orchestras popping up all around the Granite State, promoting community engagement with classical and modern music. This festival includes both lovable standards and fresh, more recent pieces on its programs. For example, the program titled “Midsummer Serenade” presents pieces for string orchestra as Grieg’s “Holberg” Suite, Lars-Erik Larsson’s Concertino for Trombone and Strings and Dvorak’s String Serenade.
Newport Classical Music FestivalDifferent locations
July 5-21
For one of New England’s outstanding concert series, the venues are some of the great Newport mansions. Many of the concerts are already sold out, so here are a few for which tickets are still available at the time of this writing (but probably not for long). The wonderful Tony Award-winning Broadway star Laura Benanti has two concerts. Vıolinist Anne Akiko Meyers and pianist Max Levinson make up a superb duo (一重奏) for a program ranging from Corelli and Beethoven to Philip Glass and Morten Lauridsen.
1. When can the visitors enjoy all the three Music Festivals?A.From the 9th day to the last day of the 6th month. |
B.From the 1st day to the 5th day of the 8th month. |
C.From the 10th day to the 20th day of the 7th month. |
D.From the 17th day of the 6th month to 1st, Aug. |
A.It features famous musicians. |
B.It is a festival touring the world. |
C.It can be viewed both online and offline. |
D.It shows a mix of classical and modern styles. |
A.A research report. | B.A science fiction. |
C.A music textbook. | D.A travel brochure. |
5 . How to develop emotional intelligence
Identify and make note of your emotional reactions throughout the day
The ability to recognize and name your own emotions is an important sign of a high EQ.
Pay attention to your body
Instead of ignoring the physical manifestations (表现) of your emotions, start listening to them. Our minds and bodies are not separate, and they affect each other deeply. You can raise your EQ by learning how to read physical cues (信号) that clue you into what emotions you’re feeling.
Work on your willpower
Work on your listening skills
Truly listening to others while they speak helps you pick up on their emotions and respond to them, which is a key aspect of emotional intelligence. Work on your active listening skills in order to be a good listener.
Getting out of your comfort zone and making an effort to be more social can help you practice and master your social skills. This is key to building your emotional intelligence. Social connection also leads to better emotional and physical health and promotes well-being.
A.Put yourself out there socially |
B.Active listening skills include using engaged body language |
C.Self-control is one of the five major aspects of emotional intelligence |
D.To understand the emotions of others, you need to understand your own first |
E.This essentially raises your self-awareness, which is a key component of EQ |
F.Try starting a journal to keep track of your emotions and reflect on their causes |
G.These skills, which include conflict management, teamwork, and the ability to inspire others |
6 . Libraries are highly regarded as symbols of local history and traditions, acting as places for a community’s shared memories. Their new and diverse developments must be supported with great design, strong facilities, and popular programs.
Improving communication
In fact, libraries aren’t content serving as one-way road of information. Many of them access television and radio stations, and other means of spreading information freely.
Becoming public gathering places
The spaces inside and outside libraries are perfect for public celebrations, fairs, and festivals, as well as smaller but no less important events that occur on a regular basis. To succeed as attractive gathering places, a library can offer outdoor exhibits, games and chess tables, or outdoor play areas linked to the children’s reading room.
Offering public convenience
Operating a library for public use isn’t just only for ensuring safety and keeping it in good condition. It should make sure how effectively the programs serve readers Therefore, a good effort of management keeps the library lively by responding to the needs of users with ongoing improvements.
A.Based on wise management |
B.Treating readers in a safe way |
C.Libraries need to be convenient to get. |
D.Let’s explore the strategies to help libraries fulfill their potential. |
E.They want to encourage dialogue and exchange with their users. |
F.Libraries should focus on traditional roles and forget about new trends. |
G.These activities enhance the library’s status as a lively heart of the community |
1. What can be found on the Western Hill?
A.Wild animals. | B.Wild flowers. | C.Small lakes. |
A.Go fishing. | B.Take photos. | C.Go swimming. |
A.To save money. | B.To keep healthy. | C.To be relaxed. |
A.Get some food for the outing. |
B.Listen to the weather report. |
C.Tell the classmates about the plan. |
1. Who is the speaker probably?
A.A teacher. | B.A writer. | C.A reporter. |
A.They recycle plastic. |
B.They wear their new clothes. |
C.They throw tomatoes at each other. |
A.About one hour. | B.About two hours. | C.About three hours. |
A.He dances with others. |
B.He enjoys fireworks. |
C.He cooks local food. |
The Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain in Ear (芒种), the
Rainfall increases during Grain in Ear
Besides, during Grain in Ear, people are not encouraged
10 . Whether you’re a fitness coach or a beginner, making fitness part of your daily life definitely benefits your health and well-being.
Figure out why you exercise
It means identifying your deeper reason for getting healthy. For example, do you want to be able to keep up with your workout partners or friends? Are you sick of being tired all the time in the classroom? Do you want more energy and confidence?
Pay attention to your thoughts
Make sure you have at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week to keep yourself healthy! Break it down to 40 minutes 4 days a week, 30 minutes 5 days a week, or whatever you’d like. Choose what works best for your lifestyle, whether it’s yoga, walking, or anything else that gets your heart rate up.
Keep a fitness diary
Writing down your progress helps you stay connected with yourself during moments of doubt.
A.Thoughts are powerful |
B.Take exercise for at least 150 minutes per week |
C.Moreover, it allows you to reflect on your progress |
D.Stop forcing yourself to exercise as much as you can |
E.Here I share some of the best fitness tips to get you covered |
F.Staying in touch with a reason for exercise gives you a sense of purpose |
G.By being positive about your body, you will become happier and healthier |