ROSS TOWNSHIP, OHIO—Some Ohio high school students are regional winners in a national contest after inventing a mobile device app that helps needy families find local food pantries (食品储藏室).
And someday the teens, who are students at Ross High School in Ross Township, may be selling the app to food pantries and food banks across America.
Their “Smart-Pantry” app has won the local U. S. Congressional App Challenge, which spans 47 states and territories, for the 8th Congressional District that includes their Butler County school system of Ross Schools.
Created as part of computer science class coordinated by Butler Tech career school system at the high school—three students, Jacob Kahmann, Gunner Nonnamber and Kyle Inderhees, recently were visited by Congressman Warren Davidson, R-Troy. Davidson issued a statement praising the teens for creating “this app to set the standard for efficient food collection and distribution.”
Butler Tech IT Instructor Tom O’Neill said the students’ app includes features that help users locate the nearest food pantry, improve food collection procedures and allows pantries to better monitor for fraud (欺骗) by users, and the national challenge provides a real-life learning opportunity for his students.
“The Congressional App Challenge provides my students with an opportunity to develop solutions to real-world problems. This app helps people locate food pantries and is designed to increase efficiency at food pantries and food banks,” said O’Neill.
The students are continuing to add features to the app and are working on turning it into a commercial product, said O’Neill, who in recent years helped numerous Ross High School teens win national honors for their computer-science-based inventions.
Brian Martin, principal of Ross High School, said it’s “extremely exciting” to watch students excel on the state, national and international stages.
“The staff and students in the Ross school district continue to amaze me with their future-thinking and innovation,” said Brian Martin. “Our students are not only thinking about carecrs, they are thinking about problems and issues they want to change, solve or improve. The app that was created is very unique and will make serving a population in need more efficient.”
The three inventors will be invited in the spring to a Congressional App Challenge hosted by Congress in the nation’s capital.
1. According to Davidson, what can the app be used to do? （不多于10个单词）2. How did Brain Martin feel about what the staff and students did? （不多于5个单词）
3. What is the main idea of the passage? （不多于9个单词）
4. What kind of app would you like to design to solve a real-world problem? （单词数不限）
2 . As computers become all the more popular in China, Chinese people are increasingly relying on computer keyboards to input Chinese characters. But if they use the computer too much, they may end up forgetting the exact strokes（笔画） of each Chinese character when writing on paper. Experts suggest people, especially students, write by hand more.
Do you write by hand more or type more? In Beijing, students start using a computer as early as primary school. And computer dependence is more widespread among university students. Almost all their assignments and essays are typed on a computer.
All the students interviewed say they usually use a computer.
It’s faster and easier to correct if using a computer. And that’s why computers are being applied more and more often to modern education. But when people are taking stock in computers increasingly, problems appear.
“When I’m writing with a pen, I find I often can’t remember how to write a character, though I feel I’m familiar with it.”
“I’m not in the mood to write when faced with a pen and paper.”
Many students don’t feel this is something to worry about. Now that it’s more convenient and efficient to write on a computer, why bother to handwrite?
Many educators think differently. Shi Liwei, the headmaster of a famous primary school in the capital said, “Chinese characters enjoy both practical and aesthetic（审美的） value. But those characters typed with computer keyboards only keep their practical value. All the artistic beauty of the characters is lost. And handwriting contains the writer’s emotion. Through one’s handwriting, people can get to know one’s thinking and personality. Beautiful writing will give people a better first impression of them.”
To encourage students to handwrite more, many primary schools in Beijing have made writing classes compulsory（必修的） and in universities, some professors are asking students to turn in their homework and essays written by hand.
1. Which of the following can best serve as the title of the passage?| A．To Type or To Handwrite |
| B．The Value of Chinese Characters |
| C．The Importance of Handwriting and Typing |
| D．Writing by Computer Will Replace Writing by Hand |
| A．Students think typing is more efficient. |
| B．Handwriting contains the writer’s emotion. |
| C．A lot of Chinese people don’t write Chinese characters. |
| D．The writer’s thinking and personality are shown in his or her handwriting. |
| A．getting bored with | B．getting dependent on |
| C．becoming crazy about | D．becoming afraid of |
| A．writing by hand will give way to typing by computer one day |
| B．the typed article better expresses one’s emotion and quality |
| C．more and more students will give up writing on a computer |
| D．more and more students will pay attention to handwriting |
3 . One day, a college student was taking a walk with a professor. As they went along, they saw a pair of old shoes lying in the path. They supposed the shoes belonged to a poor man who was employed in a field close by and who had nearly finished his day’s work.
The student turned to the professor, saying, “Let’s play a trick on him: we can hide his shoes, and hide ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his confusion when he cannot find them”.
“My young friend,” answered the professor, “we should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor. But you are rich, and may give yourself much greater pleasure by helping the poor man. Put a coin into each shoe, and then we hide ourselves and watch how the discovery will affect him.”
The student did so, and they both placed themselves behind the bushes close by. The poor man soon finished his work, and walked across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes. While putting on his coat he slipped his foot into one of his shoes, feeling something hard. He bent down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment and wonder were seen on his face.
He fixed his eyes on the coin, turned it round, and looked at it again and again. He then looked on all sides, but no person was seen. He put the money into his pocket, and continued to put on the other shoe, but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin. His feelings overcame him. He fell upon his knees, looked up to heaven and cried a sincere thanksgiving, in which he spoke of his wife, sick and helpless, and his children without bread. He said the timely help, from some unknown hand, would save them from dying.
The student stood there, deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears. “Now,” said the professor, “aren’t you much more pleased to do that than to play your intended trick?”
The student replied, “You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget.”
1. The student wanted to play a trick on the poor man to ______.| A．find the truth | B．show his wisdom | C．teach him a lesson | D．amuse himself |
| A．interested | B．thankful | C．peaceful | D．helpless |
| A．humorous | B．rich | C．wise | D．serious |
| A．God helps those who help themselves. | B．Where there is a will, there is a way. |
| C．A small act of kindness brings great joy. | D．Actions speak louder than words. |
4 . Whether you’re brand new to hiking or looking to discover your next favorite trail (路线), hiking apps might be the tool to help you get there. Take a look at the list below and choose one that meets your needs.
1．G-GPS
G-GPS is one of the most popular navigation (导航) tools designed for remote mountainous areas. For some hikers, dependable maps and an easily searchable trail database are a must for a hiking app. G-GPS has both, which makes it a great option for beginners and expert hikers alike. It provides data like pace, distance and increased height. Moreover, it works fine when you’re offline and without cell service.
If you’re a fan of cold-temperature hiking, this app’s paid version ($40) has a winter map choice that displays features to help navigate in snowy weather.
2．P-Finder
Many hikers tend to have the experience of standing on a peak, looking at another mountain and wondering “What peak is that?”
If you’d like to avoid the problem, P-Finder might be the app for you. It takes the guesswork out of your exploration, thanks to its unique offering: a 360° view of mountain peaks and their names from your current location, requiring no Internet connection. Plus, all levels of hikers can use it, especially for finding new peaks to hike.
Added bonus: The app has some practical functions, which allow you to take some breathtaking shots and then automatically (自动地) label each peak with its correct name.
You can buy the app for $5 on its official website.
3．N-Land
N-Land Digital is a Canadian nonprofit that helps expert hikers to learn more about their local history and the Indigenous territories (土著领地).
By entering your address, a number of links will appear with the names of different Indigenous nations. Clicking on those links, you will be taken to a page specifically about that nation, language, or treaty, where you can view some sources, give feedback, and learn a little more. You can even do this if you’re offline. This app is an ongoing project, and maps of new territories are regularly added.
You’ll likely want to use this app together with another app such as A-Trails or V-Ranger, if you’re also seeking navigational help.
1. Which app can provide a whole view of mountain peaks?| A．G-GPS. | B．P-Finder. | C．N-Land. | D．A-Trails. |
| A．They suit all levels of hikers. |
| B．They should be used with other apps. |
| C．They are free of charge in the app stores. |
| D．They can be used without Internet connection. |
| A．To recommend apps for hikers. | B．To introduce various hiking trails. |
| C．To encourage people to go hiking. | D．To compare different kinds of apps. |
5 . Have you ever wondered what happens to all of the old object s launched into space, such as rockets and satellites? It’s called space junk, and much of it is still out there now. According to NASA, the definition of space junk is “any man-made object in orbit (轨道) around Earth that no longer serves a useful function”.
One large piece of space junk, an abandoned rocket, hit the dark side of the moon on March 4. The rocket’s origin is not clear, but scientists know that it was massive—weighing about 3 tons. It must have left a large crater (坑), estimated 10 to 20 meters wide, on the moon’s surface. It won’t be visible right away, but scientists are trying to locate it. “We will find the crater, eventually,” Mark Robinson, lead investigator for NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera, told USA TODAY. “Depending on its location, it could take as long as 28 days.”
What’s significant about this space junk crash is that it draws attention to some of the potential dangers of space junk. First, the accumulation of space junk in Earth’s orbit means that satellites and the International Space Station (ISS) are at risk. In 2016, tiny space debris (残骸),smaller than a millimeter, caused a tiny chip in the ISS’ window. Imagine the damage that a larger piece of debris could cause. The European Space Agency website states that objects “up to 1 cm in size could disable an instrument or a critical flight system on a satellite” while objects over 10 cm “could shatter a satellite or spacecraft into pieces”. If this sounds terrifying, that’s because it is. Any collision (碰撞) with larger pieces of debris could be especially dangerous for manned spacecraft.
In addition to potential damage to spacecraft and satellites, space junk also poses a threat to the Earth itself Crashes can send debris into the atmosphere where it can remain for many decades. Some powerful collisions can even send large debris hurtling (猛冲) toward Earth’s surface where it can affect the local environment. Leftover rocket debris can contain toxic materials that are harmful to plant and animal life. Some people in Siberia have even reported serious health problems after rocket debris landed in their regions in 2012, a local doctor told the BBC.
1. Which of the following can be regarded as space junk?| A．A disused space station. | B．A spacecraft orbiting the moon. |
| C．A crater on the moon’s surface. | D．A satellite working in low Earth orbit. |
| A．Locating the crater. | B．Tracking the rocket. |
| C．Cleaning up the space junk. | D．Finding out the rocket’s origin. |
| A．It’s likely to cause a global environmental crisis. |
| B．It’s impossible to stop it from entering the atmosphere. |
| C．It can cause a lasting threat if it remains in the atmosphere. |
| D．The toxic materials contained in space junk are the biggest risk. |
6 . 2023 Illustration(插画) Competition
Welcome to enter for the Communication Arts Illustration Competition, most respected and admired in the industry for creativity in illustration. Each winner will receive a professionalized Award of Excellence, a trophy (奖杯) and a certificate. This award is one of the most desired awards. If chosen, winning will place you in the highest position of your industry.
What To Enter WithAny illustration first published or produced from Jan. 2023 to Jan. 2024 is qualified. Entries may originate from any country. Descriptions in English are necessary for the judges to read.
Entries Can Be Submitted (提交) In The Following FormatsDigital Images: RGB images in JPG format with a maximum file size of 2 MB. GIF images may be livelier, but would be turned down, and so would the PNG ones.
Dlustration Competition Categories & Entry FeesCategory | Single illustration | Series of illustration |
Books (covers, jackets, etc.) | $40 | $80 (limit of 5) |
Motions (media for films, videos, etc) | $90 | $180 (limit of 3) |
Student Work | $20 (Image) $45 (Video) | $40 (limit of 5) $90 (limit of 3) |
Late Fees
Entries must be registered no later than Jan. 13,2024. Entries registered after that date will be charged a fee of $ 10 each. No entries can be registered after Jan. 27, 2024.
1. What will the winner get?| A．A tailor-made award certificate. | B．A chance for overseas study. |
| C．Widely accepted in the industry. | D．Prize money from Communication Arts. |
| A．An image with 1MB JPG format. | B．A motion published within 2 years. |
| C．A series for jackets of 10 illustrations. | D．A student work without English introduction. |
| A．$ 80. | B．$ 120. | C．$ 110. | D．$ 90. |
Are you aged between 14 and 19 years old? Do you care about your local environment? Would you like to help make the area you live in better, cleaner, safer and friendlier? If your answers are “yes”, “yes” and “yes”, then read on! A local organization is carrying out a project, giving money to groups of teenagers who want to become active citizens. Here are a few easy things you could do to get started.
Meeting the neighbors. Everybody needs good neighbors. Knock on people's doors and find out what they would like to improve in your area. Set a date for a meeting and then make some plans together. If you don’t want to go round to their houses, then you could always put a note through their doors.
Neighborhood watch. It is very popular in the UK. If you go away on holiday and leave your house, it’s very nice to know that a neighbor is keeping an eye on it. It’s a good way to make the area you live in safer.
Lending a hand. There are often elderly people living in the neighborhood who may not be able to do the things that you can. Offer to do their shopping once a week, look after their gardens for them or maybe walk their dogs!
No littering. Nobody likes picking up other people’s rubbish, but a clean street can make all the difference. Go out once or twice a week and see what you can find. You never know, one day you might find something valuable!
Just tell us what you want to do. Then we’ll send you more information.
1. What is the aim of the project? (no more than 12 words)2. Who is asked to take part in the project?(no more than 6 words)
3. What does “Lending a hand” mean?(no more than 6 words)
4. How often are the teenagers advised to get around and pick up rubbish? (no more than 5 words)
8 . Some time ago I discovered that one of my chairs had a broken leg. I didn’t think there would be any difficulty in getting it repaired as there are a whole lot of antique (古董) shops near my home. So I left home one morning carrying the chair with me. I went into the first shop expecting a friendly reception. I was quite wrong. The man wouldn’t even look at my chair.
The second shop, though slightly more polite, was just the same, and the third and the fourth, so I decided that my approach must be wrong, and I should try another way.
I entered the fifth shop with a plan in my mind. I placed the chair on the floor and said to the shopkeeper, “Would you like to buy a chair?” He looked it over carefully and said, “Yes, not a bad chair. How much do you want for it, sir?” “Twenty pounds,” I said. “OK,” he said, “I’ll give you twenty pounds.” “It’s got a slightly broken leg,” I said. “Yes, I saw that. It’s nothing.”
Everything was going according to plan and I was getting excited. “What will you do with it?” I asked. “Oh, it will be easy to sell once the repair is done.” “I’ll buy it.” I said, “What would you mean? You’ve just sold it to me,” he said. “ Yes. I know but I’ve changed my mind. I am sorry. I’ll give you twenty-seven pounds for it.” “You must be crazy.” he said. Then, suddenly the penny dropped. “I know what you want. You want me to repair your chair.” “You’re right,” I said.
| A．plan for dealing with things |
| B．way of doing things |
| C．idea of repairing things |
| D．decision to sell things |
| A．saw the writer’s purpose |
| B．accepted the offer |
| C．changed his mind |
| D．decided to help the writer |
| A．honest | B．careful | C．clever | D．funny |
| A．The writer wanted to sell his chair for 20 pounds |
| B．It was very easy to repair the writer’s broken chair. |
| C．The writer succeeded in getting his chair repaired at last. |
| D．The man in the first shop thought the chair was too old. |
9 . Booking a vacation has never been more convenient. As your one-stop vacation planner, VME has everything you need to book an unforgettable getaway. If you aren’t sure where to go, check out our most popular destinations (目的地):
Nashville
Nashville is the capital of the state as well as the capital of country music. Nicknamed “Music City”, Nashville is where many of the most legendary performers got their start.
Things to do
There are many amazing activities to enjoy in Nashville. For country music lovers, there truly is nothing better than watching a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry.
Pigeon Forge
Home to the Great Smoky. Mountains, the Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee is a must-see. This beautiful region is filled with natural wonders and amazing shows.
Things to do
The Smokies are known for the entertainment offered within its shadow! Be sure to head out to beloved dinner shows in Pigeon Forge such as Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show, Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show, and the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster (过山车).
Myrtle Beach
If coastal views and oceanic adventures are just what you want, then Myrtle Beach is the place for you! This city is known for its great beaches and adventures that offer up unique opportunities to create the most unforgettable memories.
Things to do
There are many awesome things to do in Myrtle Beach! Set out on the sparkling (波光粼粼的) waters to look for dolphins on the Myrtle Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Cruises (航行) before returning to the city to visit Ripley’s Aquarium (水族馆). No matter what sort of adventures you are looking to have, there is something for everyone.
San Antonio
Home to rich Texan and American history, San Antonio is a great place to visit for a combination of history and modern attractions.
Things to do
Whether you want to get in some thrills at SeaWorld or see the shops, restaurants and entertainment of the Riverwalk on the Go Rio San Antonio Riverwalk Cruise, your trip to San Antonio will be a blast (狂欢).
1. Who would most probably want to take a trip to Nashville?| A．Those who like hiking. |
| B．Those who love Texan history. |
| C．Those who are into country music. |
| D．Those who like oceans and beaches. |
| A．Nashville. | B．San Antonio. |
| C．Pigeon Forge. | D．Myrtle Beach. |
| A．Go on a cruise to watch dolphins. |
| B．Shop at bookstores of the Riverwalk. |
| C．Visit an aquarium and take a roller-coaster ride. |
| D．Visit some attractions to learn about American history. |
| A．In a book review. |
| B．In a travel journal. |
| C．In a social magazine. |
| D．In a travel agency website. |
10 . Taking good notes is a time-saving skill that will help you to become a better student in several ways.
The following methods may work best for you.
·Read the text quickly to find the main facts and ideas in it.
Carefully read the text and watch for words that can show main points and supporting facts.
Write your notes in your own words.
·
Note any questions or ideas you may have about what was said or written.
As you take notes, you may want to use your own shorthand (速记). When you do, be sure that you understand your symbols and that you use them all the time.
| A．Use words not complete sentences. |
| B．There are three practical note-taking methods. |
| C．You must write your notes on separate paper. |
| D．Otherwise, you may not be able to read your notes later. |
| E．You will also want to develop your own method for taking notes. |
| F．That means you must first decide what is important enough to include in your notes. |
| G．First, the simple act of writing something down makes it easier for you to understand and remember it. |
