1 . During my graduate studies, countless workshops taught me one thing: To make it in science, one must design and carry out big projects. As I established my own research lab, a senior colleague encouraged me to try something big. So when I landed an associate professor position, my goal seemed obvious: I should perform big projects. This was the only way to lay a foundation for a successful academic research career. The path, however, would not be as clear as I had pictured.

When I contacted famous researchers to suggest cooperating, as is typically required for high-profile projects, they frequently replied enthusiastically to start, agreeing my project sounded interesting and promising. But when they learned I had just established my lab, they became skeptical and hesitant, ultimately saying no. And when I sought grant funding, my lack of experience and reputation was cited as a reason to deny support for my ambitious proposals.

I spent about two years being stuck in this mindset, excited about my big ideas but making little actual progress, leading to frustration and depression. As I neared my breaking point, I began to ask myself: were big projects really the only route?

When I shifted to small projects, I became brave enough to step into fields I was not familiar with. By reading papers in new areas, I found creative ideas to pursue. When I discussed these adventurous, low-cost projects with early-career researchers, they were glad to cooperate. We secured funding. When I published papers out of these projects, they were not exciting enough to make headlines — but for me, it was a moment of joy and self-contentment.

It has now been 3 years since I embraced this “small” approach. Sometimes senior colleagues say I’m wasting time with projects that aren’t important enough. But I disagree. When I do these studies, I also find clues for future big projects. Going forward, I will still commit part of my time to exploring small projects, which I think can help pursue more fundamental questions

1. What is the author trying to do with big projects?

A．Establish an academic research center.	B．Pursue his graduate studies.
C．Seek a route to academic success.	D．Apply for an associate professorship.

2. What prevented the author pursuing his big project?

A．The toughness of work.	B．The opposition from colleagues.
C．Lack of necessary support.	D．Shortage of academic talents.

3. How did the author carry out his small project?

A．By publishing influential papers.	B．By getting young colleagues’ funding.
C．By cooperating with senior colleagues.	D．By exploring and initiating new ideas.

4. What does the author learn from his experience?

A．Good jobs require a high degree.	B．Small doesn’t mean unimportant.
C．Success results from preparation.	D．Ambition isn’t fit for the young.

2 . The Best Art Competitions to Enter in 2024

Watermedia Showcase

Watermedia Showcase is back for its 15th year! Showcase your best watercolor art in this exciting competition. All winners and honorable mentions will have their works featured in the magazine. First prize winners will receive an additional $2,500 cash prize and a free Artists Network Membership. Entry fee is $45 ( $30 before August 6, 2024).

Closing Date: December 17, 2024.

Jackson’s Painting Prize

Jackson’s Painting Prize was created to reward original art created with oil paints. A $7,500 total cash prize will be equally divided between the first three winning artists. There are also awards for emerging artists and best oil paintings. Winners will be given an opportunity to have their works shown in an exhibition. Entry fee is $35 per entry.

Closing Date: October 14, 2024.

The Strokes of Genius Contest

Open to artists in the United States and Canada, this con test celebrates original drawings made in pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencil and so on. Top prize is $3,500. Winning entries will be published in a special edition of The Best of Drawing. Entry fee is $45.

Closing Date: July 29, 2024.

The Sunny Art Prize

Contestants can submit works made in a diverse range of media, including drawing, sculpture, printmaking, video art, and photography. Top prize winner receives $6,000 and a silver medal. Open to artists worldwide aged 18 and over. Entry fee is $40 for one artwork.

Closing Date: June 18, 2024.

1. What is the final deadline for the submission of watercolor works?

A．October 14.

B．July 29.

C．June 18.

D．December 17.

2. What can a winner get in The Strokes of Genius Contest?

A．A silver medal.	B．A free membership.
C．A chance to exhibit his entry.	D．A qualification to publish his work.

3. What is special about the Sunny Art Prize?

A．It accepts entries in multiple types of media.	B．It charges the least for each artwork.
C．It is most popular with emerging artists.	D．It is open to artists based in North America.

5 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why does the woman move here?

A．She has got a new job.

B．She hates her old community.

C．She wants to live in the city centre.

2. What does the woman think of the restaurant?

A．It is acceptable.

B．It is terrible.

C．It is excellent.

3. What is the woman satisfied with in her new place?

A．The cinema.

B．The parking lot.

C．The sports centre.

6 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What is the relationship between the man and woman?

A．Husband and wife.

B．Mother and son.

C．Neighbors.

2. Who will look after the dog?

A．Toby.

B．Alfred.

C．Maggie.

3. When will the man be back home?

A．Next Thursday morning.

B．Next Friday morning.

C．Next Wednesday morning.

7 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What are the speakers doing?

A．Discussing an accident.

B．Reading some news.

C．Looking at some pictures.

2. How does the woman feel in the end?

A．Helpless.

B．Moved.

C．Annoyed.

8 . Where does the conversation probably take place?

A．At home.

B．In a car.

C．At a gas station.

9 . What will Marina probably drink?

A．Coffee.

B．Orange juice.

C．Water.

10 . What does the man ask Helen to do?

A．Give a history lecture.

B．Take care of his brother.

C．Lend him her notes.