| A. Chinese traditional B. classical C. country music D. hip-hop |
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IS EXPLORING SPACE
A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY?
NASA satellite image of Typhoon Goni
Countries around the globe are spending billions of dollars and lots of time on various space missions, whether to Mars or other planets much further away. Some people argue that we should stop wasting time and money exploring space. Instead, we should feed the world’s poor and find immediate solutions to other problems, such as pollution and fatal diseases. However, others feel this is a shallow view which fails to realise how exploring space helps us.
Firstly, exploring space has already made a difference in the fight against world hunger. It has directly resulted in the many satellites that now orbit Earth. A number of the satellites record data on land and weather patterns. Then the data is transmitted to scientists on Earth. After careful analysis, the scientists can provide useful recommendations and advice for farmers. As a result, space-based science has helped farming in its efforts to grow enough food to feed Earth’s increasing population.
Secondly, space exploration has already promoted technological improvements that benefit us all. High-end products around the world are made to a higher standard now because of advanced technology which was first created to meet the requirements for space exploration. For example, space technologies have helped the research and development of different types of new material. They have also helped companies make better heart monitors and other machines that doctors regularly use. Today, space technologies are widely used in all kinds of industries, and everyday products such as GPS, memory foam pillows, and smartphone cameras are changing our lives.
Finally, sending astronauts into space has helped people to think about the world’s problems and even to find ways to solve them. Seeing pictures of our planet as an island in a black sea made people realise that our planet’s resources are limited. In order to provide for such a rapidly increasing population, scientists are trying to find other planets that could one day be our new home. The greatest attention at present is on Mars because it is closer to Earth. In the future, humans may live on both planets.
In closing, exploring space provides the world with many different benefits. Therefore, it should continue so as to provide new and better solutions to people’s short-term and long-term problems.
| A. Space exploration has already promoted technological improvements that benefit us. B. Sending astronauts into space has helped people to think about the world’s problems and even to find ways to solve them. C. Different opinions about space exploration. D. Exploration space provides the world with many benefits, so it should continue. E. Exploration space has made a difference in the fight against world hunger. |
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Importance of Festivals in a Child’s Life
Festivals are a part of our culture. We have grown up around them. Children enjoy festivals more than adults. In fact, there are a lot of things that children can learn from celebrating festivals.
Festivals mean that the entire family can be together. Kids and parents find time to help each other to decorate their houses, prepare delicacies(美食), make gifts and so on. This allows children to form a stronger bond with their family and relatives.
Create a sense of togetherness
Celebrations always involve people coming together and helping each other to have a good time. In fact, it brings families closer and makes them more connected.
Festivals are a great way to understand one’s culture. A child can be taught more about their culture and their country during festivals and celebrations. This makes them proud of their country and culture.
Festivals also mean gift-giving and sharing. The exchange of gifts teaches children to share joys. When children participate in donating or gifting to the poor during festivals, they learn to share and care for others. While celebrations can be a fun time for children, the lessons they receive are even more valuable and long-lasting.
A. Bring family togetherB. Learn the value of sharing
C. Understanding their parents
D. Help them know their culture
| A. Staying up the Whole Night on New Year’s Eve B. Spring Festival Couplets C. New Year paintings D. The Poster Bearing the Character “Fu” Paper-cut for Window Decoration E. Paying New Year Calls F. Spring Festival Goods G. Red packets H. Gift Money to Children I. Dinner of the New Year’s Eve |
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| PROJECT LIST |
| A: Map the Monarch’s migration route B: Explore Monarch’s ecosystem C: Analyze Monarch’s population D: Make a Monarch fact file E: Provide conservation strategies for Monarch |
| 21. Project Subjects: Biology, English Task: Students will investigate the Monarch’s appearance, habitat, migration and other information. They are expected to create a detailed presentation or report in English, accompanied by illustrations or posters to showcase the related facts. |
| 22. Project Subject: Geography, English Task: Students will research and map the migration route of Monarch butterflies, focusing on their journey from North America to Mexico. They will use geographical tools to mark key points on the map and provide an English-written description of the migration. |
| 23. Project Subject: Math, Biology, English Task: Students will analyze data related to Monarch butterfly population, including their numbers and migration patterns. Using mathematical tools, they will create graphs and charts to visualize population changes and identify potential reasons for fluctuations. |
| 24. Project Subject: Biology, Geography, English Task: Students will explore the ecosystems where Monarch butterflies reside, including their habitats, enemies, activities and food sources. They will create a comprehensive report that delves into the ecological aspects, incorporating both biological and geographical insights. |
| 25. Project Subjects: Biology, Geography, English Task: Students will investigate conservation efforts for Monarch butterflies, addressing issues like habitat preservation and climate change impacts. They will propose practical solutions and write a persuasive essay in English advocating for Monarch butterfly conservation. |
Robots on the farm
What can drones (无人机) do? Their many uses include taking pictures from the sky, observing wild animals and delivering packages. Now these small flying robots are leading a new farming revolution (革命).
When equipped with cameras and other data-gathering devices, drones provide us with an eye in the sky. Here are a few of the farming-related jobs drones can do.
Drones can scan crops using different kinds of light. Then they produce multispectral images (多谱图像) that can help us find sickly yellow plants within fields of green. Drones can also detect bacteria (检测细菌) that are harmful to crops in the air from a few kilometers away. Farmers can check the drones’ air samples and try to find ways to protect their crops before the bacteria get to them.
When flying over cattle, drones can track the livestock (牲畜) and find out where fences need fixing. People can also equip drones with thermal imagers (热像仪) and night-vision cameras. This can help farmers know if they have their cattle lost and what animals are a threat to their cattle.
Most fields aren’t perfectly flat. After watering, some places may dry out faster than others. Other spots might not get water at all. Drones can scan the field and make a 3-D map. Using the map, farmers can figure out which parts of a field are dry or need improvement.
A. Counting cattle
B. Warning farmers
C. Watching water
D. Looking for sick crops
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and there are good reasons for that.
Eating breakfast is good for both adults and children in many ways:
Your body is fasting (禁食) during the hours when you are asleep at night. So eating breakfast means you “break the fast” and gives your body and head the energy that they need to work with. Starting the day with more energy means you’ll feel better throughout the day.
A healthy eating habit is important to your health. By eating breakfast, you will feel more pleasant and be less likely to overeat later in the day. If you are trying to lose weight, don’t try to cut calories by skipping (略过) breakfast. Studies show that most people who are thinner eat breakfast every day.
Better at Work and School.
Studies show that adults who eat a healthy breakfast are more active during their workday than those who do not. Children who don’t have breakfast get sleepy at school, have a harder time paying attention, and eat more junk food later in the day. Kids who do eat breakfast get higher test grades and perform better in sports.
Breakfast is a great chance to eat nutritious (有营养的) foods like whole grains, fruits, and dairy products to make sure that you are getting all of the nutrition you need.
A. Good Nutrition
B. Energy for Your Day
C. A Healthy Eating Habit
D. Better at Work and School
How to Survive a Stampede (蜂拥)
At least 154 people were killed and more than 100 others injured in a stampede accident that occurred in Korea, during a Halloween gathering, local authorities said early Sunday morning. What should we do in case of similar crowding and trampling (踩踏) accidents? Here are a few tips to increase the chances of survival in an incident.
If you are in a crowd, a first and most important thing is to make yourself familiar with your surroundings and mentally notice alternate exits. No matter where you are, make sure you always know how to get out.
Keep an eye on the crowd.
Be aware of the general atmosphere of the crowd, as panic situations can often be expected. When in danger, a few seconds can make all the difference, giving you the possibility of taking advantage of your escaping route.
If you find yourself in the middle of a moving crowd, do not fight against the pressure, do not stand still or sit down, because you could easily get trampled. Move in the same direction of the crowd, keeping your hands up by your chest like a boxer — it gives you movement and protects your chest.
If you fall, get up quickly. If you can’t keep moving by crawling in the same direction of the crowd, or if that is not possible, then cover your head with your arms and curl up. Do not lay on your stomach or back, as this dangerously exposes your lungs.
A. Look for exits.
B. Protect your head.
C. Avoid any choke points.
D. Keep pace with the crowd.
9 . Nowadays, many people find it difficult to slow down. Fast-paced lifestyles make it hard for many people to really relax. Some people try to find nice places for relaxation. But in fact, you don’t have to do that. The following may help you relax in a quick and easy way.
The ability of relaxation depends more on your thinking than your situation. The next time when you suffer from worry, think about the situation. What is the problem? What is the cause? Most importantly, what can you do about it? Make an “action plan” or a “to-do list” to help you feel less worried.
Even the busiest people arrange short periods of relaxation in their timetable. They do so because they know it’s necessary. The time you spend relaxing is an important period. A 10-minute break in the middle of a long workday can help you a lot. You can find an activity, such as exercise, a shower or watching a favorite TV show, to make yourself come to life.
Unluckily, not being able to relax causes some people to lose their most important rest—sleep. If that happens to you, write everything in your mind in your diary before going to bed. Write down both problems and possible solutions. This can help you release thoughts that might prevent you from getting necessary sleep.
Finally, accept your disadvantages. You can’t do everything perfectly, but you can get the rest and relaxation you need to do many things better
A. A habit of relaxing
B. Better thinking
C. Not thinking too much
D. Restful sleep
How to show your love to your parents
Sometimes it is difficult to understand your parents because they are from a different generation. Yes, we know how it feels, but remember, your parents always love you. Here are some ways to show your love to them.
People always give their friends gifts but often forget to do that to their parents. To show your love, the next time you buy gifts for your friends, remember to buy something for you parents too.
If a busy man like Bill Gates can find time to see his parents, so can you. Remember many things of your life will come and go, but your parents are always there.
Look at your childhood pictures with them
Why don’t you find your childhood photos when you are at home and look at them with your parents? They love remembering the “good old times”.
“Hello, Mom, I just think of giving you a call and saying ‘hi’.” Is it difficult to say that on the phone? Your call will bring a smile to their faces.
A. Give them gifts often.
B. Find time to see them.
C. Call them from time to time.
D. Help them with the housework.
