At the opening ceremony (典礼) of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, everyone was amazed by the Malan Flower Children’s Choir (合唱团). The song moved people around the world. The choir was named after Malan Village. Deng Xiaolan taught music there for 18 years. Sadly, Deng passed away soon after this great performance, leaving behind her beloved village and the children she taught.
Deng Xiaolan was born in a small village in Hebei Province in 1943. She learned the violin and singing when she was young. She joined the school band after entering Tsinghua University, and she also taught her colleagues to play the violin after graduation. She worked in Beijing until she retired(退休). In 2004, the 61-year-old woman started volunteering to teach music in Malan Village.
Deng’s arrival (到来) brought changes to the children in the village. They fell in love with music. They would sing together in the morning, at noon, and at dusk (黄昏). Their beautiful voices went along with the birds’ songs and the wind through the trees. Some of the children went to college to study music and even became music teachers later. To let the children experience the beautiful views of our capital city, she even paid for their trip to Beijing. She led them to the Palace Museum, the Tiananmen Square, and so on. They opened their eyes to the outside world as well.
Teaching music in the village for such a long time was not easy for Deng, but she believed that music could make children healthier and happier. “In the last 18 years of her life, mum devoted (奉献) most of her time and energy to music education for children in Malan Village, which brought her great joy and made her life more meaningful. Her hard work had a big effect even though she’s no longer with us, ” said her daughter.
1. Is Deng Xiaolan still alive?2. When did Deng Xiaolan start volunteering to teach music in Malan Village?
3. What changes did Deng’s arrival bring to the children?
4. Do you think it’s necessary for the old people to volunteer in the way like Deng Xiaolan’s? Why or why not?
If you listen to the stream of articles and podcasts telling us how to become a billionaire in 10 easy steps, you might hold the belief that squeezing ourselves dry each second of the day will bring happiness and success.
But this obsession with productivity is costing us. Even a car doesn’t stay in the same gear the whole time. “We are not machines,” says psychologist Professor Drew Dawson. “Performance declines as a function of time, of task and time of day.”
Instead of moments of boredom, where we might let our minds wander and come up with novel solutions to problems and novel ways of thinking, we seek constant stimulation - and have a lowered tolerance for boredom as a result.
“It leads people to a false assumption that the world’s most successful people are literally making good use of every single minute,” Dawson says. “That’s a myth. We’re not hardwired to act that way as humans, and it’s a good recipe for burnout.”
COVID-19, for a variety of reasons, has led people to question and even opt out of this myth. “Who wants to lie on their deathbed going, ‘I wish I’d been more productive’?” Dawson says. “Post-COVID, people are starting to say, ‘what am I losing compared to what am I gaining?’”
So, if not more productivity, what should we be aiming for?
·Get our priorities straight.
A life spent chasing the state of being able to do everything is less meaningful than a life of focusing on a few things that count. We can reflect on five things that matter most to us and lead a life around them. Once clear on them, we also become clear on where to direct our attention and what to say “no” to.
·Enjoy downtime(停工期)for its own sake
Glorifying productivity can blind us to the value of other parts of our lives, including boredom, connection, creativity and play. But activities in our lives don’t need to always be productive or worthwhile-enjoying an activity is reason enough to spend time on it.
We weren’t meant to be productive all the time, so stop constantly struggling, and start chilling.
1. What does “obsession with productivity” refer to in the passage?2. How has COVID-19 changed the situation according to the passage?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
It is more meaningful to focus on a few things that count in life, so we can reflect on five things in our life to say “no” to. 4. Do you agree with the statement “enjoying an activity is reason enough to spend time on it”? Why or why not?(In about 40 words)
Is social media messing with children’s morals?
Parents are often concerned about the effects of social media on their children’s character. We have all heard complaints that young people are spending too much time online and not enough time in the “real world” —with studies showing that nearly three-quarters of 12 to 15-year-olds in the UK have a social media profile and spend an average of 19 hours a week online.
More worrying, perhaps, than the amount of time spent online, are the findings that suggest social media use can actually influence users’ personality and character. Recent research, for example, shown that there is a link between social media use and narcissism (自恋), and that the use of social networking websites may have an nagative effect on social decision making and reduce levels of empathy (同情心).
With this in mind, one of the latest research projects at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, looks at the impact social media has on young people’s character and moral development, and aims to understand the benefits social media can have on development.
The first stage of the research involved a “parent poll (survey)” of 1,738 parents of 11 to 17-year-olds from across the UK asked a series of questions on their feelings around social media, and the moral (or immoral) messages that appear online. Our findings so far indicate that parents’ attitudes towards social media are largely negative–over a half of parents we questioned agree that social media “hinders or weakens” a young person’s character or moral development. While only 15% of respondents agreed that social media could “enhance or support” it.
However, it isn’t all doom and gloom, because our research also shows that social media can be a source for good. Nearly three quarters of the parents who use social media on a regular basis reported seeing content with a positive moral message at least once a day-including humour, appreciation of beauty, creativity, kindness, love and courage. And it could well be, that viewing this type of positive online content could have a positive influence on young people’s attitudes and behaviours.
This is because on social media sites, users often come across new perspectives and situations-such as different religions, cultures and social groups. And exposure to these situations online could actually help young people be more understanding and tolerant—and in turn develop their empathy skills. This is because it allows them to view things from other people’s perspectives, in a way they might not be able to in “real life”.
Of course, this translation from exposure to empathy may not always follow-which can be seen in the high rates of cyber bullying. According to a 2015 report, 62% of 13 to 20-year-olds who had been bullied reported some degree of cyber bullying—which shows that empathy doesn’t always play a part in online environments.
But while it may be tempting for some parents to just ban social media use altogether, it is unlikely to be a successful strategy in the long term-social media is not going away. Instead, we need to better understand the relationship between social media use and a young person’s character and moral values. And through our research, we hope to be able to offer constructive evidence-based advice on exactly this.
Because it is clear that the online environment is a moral terrain which requires successful navigation. By understanding how some immoral events can be avoided, we can help to create a safer and more even path for young people to negotiate.
1. According to the research, what are the parents’ attitudes towards social media?2. Why could viewing positive online content have a positive influence on young people’s attitudes and behaviours?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
For parents, it is a good strategy to ban social media because it may have a negative influence on young people’s moral development.4. Please briefly present your opinion on how to be a moral person on social media. (In about 40words)
Alle Pierce knows how to plan a holiday. A few months ahead of time, she constructs a spreadsheet of what she wants to do and see. She examines the menus of restaurants she is planning to visit. She uses a picture of the destination as her phone’s locked screen image and downloads a countdown app. “What’s so exciting about a trip is the anticipation before it,” says Pierce, founder of a luxury travel company.
Experts stay she is right. Recent studies suggest that hoping for something boosts your mood and lowers your stress. “Imagining good things ahead of us can increase motivation, optimism and patience,” says Simon Rego, a psychologist from New York.
Of course we can’t just book a flight every time we need a little cheering up or feel low. But there are ways to incorporate the power of anticipation into your everyday life.
Get excited about little things. Write down one thing you’re excited for tomorrow. Maybe it’s a new book, or a package you’re expecting. The collection of these mini thrills means you will still gain the benefits of looking forward to something. Plus, with the nearer stuff, there’s more of a sense that it’s going to happen for sure.
Remember that anxiety and anticipation can coexist. “The dark side of positive anticipation is anticipatory anxiety. Anxiety and excitement are sister emotions,” says Christian Waugh, a psychology professor from North Carolina. But it is harmful only when you just focus on the anxiety part and ignore the excitement part. The key is acknowledging the happy, positive aspect of what you are doing, along with the nervous feelings. When you consider anxious things as exciting, it actually makes you feel better about them.
Connect with your future self. Research has shown feeling as if you are on a path to your future self can have a positive effect on your well-being by getting you out of short-term thinking. Thinking ahead may help you prioritize your goal and move toward it. As you start seeing progress, you will look forward to doing the things that get you closer to your future self.
In short, to enjoy life more, embrace anticipation. It’s worth waiting for.
1. What makes a trip exciting according to Alle Pierce?2. How does hoping for something benefit us?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
According to the research, connecting with your future self can have a negative effect on your well-being.
4. Please give an example to show how you can incorporate the power of anticipation into your daily life. (In about 40 words)
Imagine 50 years from now. Imagine the perfect school.
Getting to school is already difficult because of traffic. In 50 years time, it will be even difficult. A solution is needed. Imagine one big school in your city, a big cyber (网络) school, but the classes are in any different places. In fact there would be classes all around, both in the countryside and the city. You would never need to walk more than 10 minutes to get to school.
Once you get there, there is no teacher speaking at the front of the class. Instead, there is a large screen playing a video of the teacher. There is a classroom helper who walks around helping you with your problems. You can get the best teaching there, and you have a helper who can help you understand your work.
You listen to the teacher for only 15 minutes. Then you work in teams to do group projects and solve problems together. After classes finish, you can stay there and talk with your school friends.
Your class would always be cool in summer and warm in winter. There is solar (太阳能) and wind power on the roof of the building. Each room is kept at a comfortable temperature automatically.
Because your class is close to homes and businesses, you can take part in community life as part of your schooling. If you need to learn about measuring and weighing things, then you can go home and spend time in kitchen with your Mom!If you need to learn about adding and subtracting (减法), then you can spend time in a local shop.
The school of the future is high-tech, but it is a friendly place to be.
1. How long might it take you to walk to a cyber school in the future?2. If you have a problem in class, who could you ask for help?
3. What are the solar and wind power in the cyber school used for?
4. How would you learn outside of the cyber school according to the text?
5. What will the future cyber school be like?
After visiting family in Rutland, Tay, together with her three-year-old son and his “favourite companion”, a cuddly toy monkey, caught the train to go back to their home in Bristol.
As they switched trains at Birmingham New Street station, Tay realized that the monkey had been left behind. Her son, she said, was heartbroken.
“He just burst into tears,” Tay said. “He just kept asking ’Where’s my monkey?’ I told him ‘it’s just like playing hide and seek’ and reassured him that lots of kind people were looking for the monkey and the postman would send it back.”
Tay called Network Rail but it was too late, and the CrossCountry train had already left the station. Tay was not hopeful about a reunion but the monkey was a gift to her son on the day he was born, so she passed its sentimental (情感的) value to the train staff.
As she and her disappointed son made their way home, staff at various train companies worked together to track down the toy. They managed to locate the monkey. Tay was kept informed of the progress and told that, as it was by then too late that day, the monkey would be kept overnight in the Lost and Found at Birmingham. Determined to give the monkey a comfortable stay, staff at the station found it a hand-knitted sweater that had been previously used as a Christmas decoration. Next morning, the monkey, which usually slept with its owner every night, was on an early train from Birmingham to Bristol, where Tay was waiting.
“I collected it on my bicycle and brought it home. I just said to my son ’guess what I’ve got for you’ and pulled it out my bag. ” She added that the monkey’s new sweater had been a “lovely surprise” and the railway logo on there reminded them of the journey it made.
In total, four train companies helped the monkey home and it covered an extra 619 miles. Tay said, “The monkey’s been with my son ever since and we are keeping it close, so no more adventures for it in the future.”
1. What was the son’s reaction when he found the monkey lost?2. How did the mother comfort her son?
3. Why was the monkey precious to the boy?
4. What added to the pleasure of their reunion with the monkey?
5. What qualities do you think the railway staff have?
The Importance of Global Education
Global education plays a crucial role in preparing individuals for the challenges of an interconnected world. It promotes understanding, empathy, and respect for different cultures and perspectives. Global education also fosters critical thinking skills and encourages individuals to become active global citizens. By learning about global issues, individuals can develop a sense of responsibility and contribute to positive change. It prepares them to navigate diverse environments and collaborate with people from different backgrounds.
Questions:
1. Why is global education important?
2. What are the benefits of global education?
3. How does global education contribute to positive change?
The Impact of Social Media
Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with others. It allows people to connect with friends and family, share updates, and discover new information. However, excessive use of social media can have negative effects on mental health. Studies have shown a correlation between heavy social media use and feelings of loneliness, depression, and low self-esteem. It is important to use social media in moderation and maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
Questions:
1. What are the benefits of social media?
2. What are the potential negative effects of excessive social media use?
3. How can individuals maintain a healthy balance with social media?
The Importance of Time Management
Effective time management is essential for success in both personal and professional life. By managing time efficiently, individuals can prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and reduce stress. Time management skills involve setting goals, creating schedules, and allocating time for specific activities. With good time management, individuals can achieve a better work-life balance and have more time for leisure activities. It also enables them to make the most of their time and increase productivity.
Questions:
1. Why is time management important?
2. What are some benefits of effective time management?
3. What skills are involved in time management?
The Benefits of Exercise
Regular exercise has a range of benefits for both physical and mental health. Firstly, exercise helps to strengthen the heart and improve cardiovascular health. It can also help to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity. Additionally, exercise boosts mood and reduces stress levels. People who exercise regularly often report feeling happier and more relaxed. Finally, exercise can improve cognitive function and memory. It has been shown to enhance concentration and increase mental clarity.
Questions:
1. What are the benefits of exercise for physical health?
2. How does exercise affect mood?
3. What are the cognitive benefits of exercise?
