2 . Art and science may seem like opposite things. One means the creative flow of ideas, and the other means cold, hard data-some people believe. In fact, the two have much in common. Now, a study finds art can help students remember better what they have learned in the science class.
Mariale Hardiman, an education specialist at Johns Hopkins University, noticed that students who used art in the classroom listened more carefully. They might ask more questions. They might volunteer more ideas. What’s more, students seemed to remember more of what they had been taught when their science lessons had involved(涉及) art. To prove that, Hardiman teamed up with some researchers and six local schools.
In the experiment, the researchers worked with teachers in 16 fifth-grade classrooms. They provided traditional science lessons and art-focused ones. In a traditional science class, for example, students might read aloud from a book. In the art-focused one, they might sing the information instead.
The team randomly assigned(随机分配) each of the 350 students to either a traditional science classroom or an art-focused one. Students then learned science using that way for the whole unit-about three weeks. When they changed to a new topic, they also changed to the other type of class. This way, each student had both an art-focused class and a traditional one. Every unit was taught in both ways, to different groups of students. This enabled the researchers to see how students did in both types of classes.
The team found that students who started off in a traditional class performed better after they moved into an art-focused class. But those who started off in an art-focused class did well even when they went back to a traditional science class. These students appeared to use some of the art techniques(技巧) after going back to a traditional class. Classroom teachers reported that many students continued to sing the songs that they learned after finishing the unit. “The more we hear something, the more we retain it,” Hardiman says. “It suggests that the arts may help students apply creative ways of learning on their own.”
1. Why did Mariale Hardiman do the study?A.To prove the importance of art at school. |
B.To see if art might improve science learning |
C.To find a way to help her students learn better. |
D.To know how to encourage students to ask questions. |
A.Take two types of classes. | B.Learn three units in total. |
C.Learn two topics for three weeks. | D.Choose what they’d like to learn. |
A.Finish. | B.Express. | C.Improve. | D.Memorize. |
A.Art helps students develop creativity. |
B.Art-focused classes interest students a lot. |
C.Art can make science easier to remember. |
D.Art has something in common with science. |
3 . Five years ago, I was a trail ride leader at a holiday farm in Victoria. My favourite horse was a warmblooded called Holly, a chestnut mare. Aged seven, she was
One day, as we headed back from a ride on the beach, Holly and I were
At the bottom of the hill as we rounded a corner, Holly
I have heard that horses have a better sense of
Holly then
A.negative | B.graceful | C.pitiful | D.aggressive |
A.solution | B.reaction | C.problem | D.difficulty |
A.frightened | B.delighted | C.touched | D.attracted |
A.chasing | B.leading | C.following | D.pushing |
A.proceeded | B.preferred | C.hesitated | D.refused |
A.evidence | B.truth | C.signals | D.symbols |
A.sped | B.rushed | C.escaped | D.slowed |
A.rabbit | B.horse | C.monster | D.snake |
A.turn | B.case | C.chance | D.rule |
A.sealed | B.planted | C.fastened | D.frozen |
A.vision | B.direction | C.smell | D.hearing |
A.proved | B.denied | C.ignored | D.demonstrated |
A.Unfortunately | B.Undoubtedly | C.Thankfully | D.Instantly |
A.fell off | B.went back | C.came out | D.stepped forward |
A.responsible | B.regretful | C.grateful | D.available |
This “dazzling” animation, Suzume (铃芽之旅), from Japanese director Makoto Shinkai has already become
6 . By now, we are all aware that social media has had a tremendous influence on our culture, in business, on the world-at-large. Social media websites revolutionized the way people communicate and socialize on the Web. However, aside from seeing your friend’s new baby on Facebook, or reading about Justin Bieber’s latest conflict with the law on Twitter, what are some of the real influences?
Social networks offer the opportunity for people to re-connect with their old friends and acquaintances, make new friends, share ideas and pictures, and many other activities. Users can keep pace with the latest global and local developments, and participate in campaigns and activities of their choices. Professionals use social media sites like LinkedIn to enhance their career and business development. Students can work together with their peers to improve their academic and communication skills.
Unfortunately, there are a few downsides too to social networking. If you are not careful, immoral people can target you for cyber bullying and disturbance on social sites. School children, young girls, and women can fall victim to online attacks which can create tension and suffering. If you are a victim of cyber bullying, do not take it lying down, but try to take appropriate legal action against the attacker.
Many companies have blocked social networks as addicted employees can distract themselves on such sites, instead of focusing on work. In fact, studies show that British companies have lost billions of dollars per year in productivity because of social media addiction among employees.
Also, what you carelessly post on the Internet can come back to trouble you. Revealing (泄露) personal information on social sites can make users vulnerable (易受伤害的) to crimes like identity theft, stalking, etc. Many companies perform a background check on the Internet before hiring an employee. If a potential employee has posted something embarrassing on social media, it can greatly affect their chances of getting the job. The same holds true for our relationships too, as our loved ones and friends may get to know if we post something undesirable on social networks.
Social media has its advantages and drawbacks as each coin has two sides. It is up to each user to use social sites wisely to enhance their professional and social life, and exercise caution to ensure they do not fall victim to online dangers.
1. Paragraph 2 mainly shows that social networks ________.A.help students finish their homework | B.offer professionals good chances |
C.benefit users in various ways | D.guide users to make right choices |
A.forbid the use of social networks during work time |
B.avoid posting embarrassing information |
C.refuse to hire potential addicted employees |
D.take legal action against the attackers |
A.share experiences in using social media | B.remind people to wisely use social media |
C.provide some advice on social problems | D.raise public awareness of social problems |
A. | B. |
C. | D. |
Blood: Water Mission is founded by the Grammy Award-winning band, Jars of Clay.
The results of our efforts paint a new picture in these communities. There has been a remarkable improvement in the water situation and community health.
It’s a beautiful story. We invite you to be a small part of a larger, beautiful story.
A.Clean water wells have been built. |
B.Most children get the opportunity to go to school. |
C.There is a vital link between HIV/AIDS and clean water. |
D.Meanwhile, the 1,000 Wells Project has expanded along the way. |
E.Blood: Water Mission has also created social effects in the United States. |
F.Blood: Water Mission has developed a close friendship with these communities. |
G.There are many projects providing much-needed assistance to African communities. |
9 . Challenging work that requires lots of analytical thinking, planning and other managerial skills might help your brain stay sharp as you age, a study published on Wednesday in the journal Neurology suggests.
Researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany gathered more than 1,000 retired workers who were over age 75 and assessed the volunteers’ memory and thinking skills through a battery of tests. Then, for eight years, the scientists asked the same group to come back to the lab every 18 months to take the same tests.
Those who had held mentally stimulating, demanding jobs before retirement tended to do the best in the tests. And they tended to lose cognitive (认知的) function at a much slower rate than those with the least mentally challenging jobs. The results held true even after the scientists accounted for the participants’ overall health status.
“This works just like physical exercise,” says Francisca, who led the study. “After a long run, you may feel like you’re in pain and tired. But it makes you fit. After a long day at work — sure, you will feel tired, but it can help your brain stay healthy.
It’s not just corporate jobs, or even paid work that can help keep your brain fit. Francisca points out. A waiter’s job, for example, that requires multitasking, teamwork and decision making could be just as stimulating as any high-level office work. “Running a family household also requires high-level planning and coordinating abilities,” she says. “You have to bring order to the activities of the children and take care of the bills and groceries.”
Of course, our brains can decline as we grow older for lots of reasons — including other environmental influences or genetic factors. Sill, continuing to challenge yourself mentally and keeping your mind busy can help.
1. Why did the scientists ask the volunteers to take the tests?A.To assess their health status. | B.To evaluate their work habits. |
C.To measure their mental abilities. | D.To analyze their personalities. |
A.By using an expert’s words. | B.By making a comparison. |
C.By referring to another study. | D.By introducing a concept. |
A.Operating. | B.Budgeting. | C.Refusing | D.Organizing. |
A.Retired Workers Can Pick Up New Skills. | B.Old People Should Take Challenging Jobs. |
C.Your Tough Job Might Help Keep You Sharp. | D.Cognitive Function May Decline As You Age. |