1 . Heimaey is a small island off the southern coast of Iceland of just 4,200 people. But with its neighboring islands, it hosts the world’s largest puffin colony (海鹦群). Each spring, more than 1.5 million puffins go to the islands to breed. Around August, puffin chicks make their way to the ocean. That’s when the trouble begins.
Instinct (直觉) tells puffin chicks to leave the nest at night and follow the light of the moon to the sea. But they are puzzled by Heimaey’s bright lights. Each year, a large number of them end up lost — or worse. Often, lost birds are hit by cars or eaten by cats.
Each breeding season, the children of Heimaey start their own middle-of-the-night adventure, which is called the Puffling Patrol. They get together to form search parties and take to the streets of Heimaey. “When you see a bird, you try to corner it and guide it into the box,” Eldur Hansen, a 14-year-old boy said. He has caught several puffins this way.
Then kids take birds home. The next morning, they take them to the beach for release (放走). Over the years, kids have even developed a gentle method. “You do not throw them like a baseball,” Eldur says. “You hold them in both hands. Then you spread your arms out in front of you and let go, so the bird is given as much energy as possible.”
Before releasing puffin chicks, they make a stop at the local animal center, where the birds are weighed and tagged (附上标签), for tracking purposes. This helps scientists learn more about puffins.
Erpur Hansen, Eldur’s dad, is with the South East Iceland Nature Research Center. “Thanks to data collected with kids' help, we scientists have learned that puffin chicks now weigh less than in previous years. That means they have a lower chance of survival,” he says.
Scientists worry puffins will die out completely. But the kids of Heimaey give energy to Erpur Hansen. “The message is that people can make a difference,” he says. “Each time these kids help a bird get back to the ocean, they show us that.”
1. What troubles puffin chicks according to the passage?| A．Their nests being destroyed. |
| B．Following the light of the moon. |
| C．Their parents being killed by humans. |
| D．Being unable to find their way to the ocean. |
| A．Strict and shy. |
| B．Careful and skillful. |
| C．Sensitive and creative. |
| D．Intelligent and talkative. |
| A．To identify them. | B．To track them. |
| C．To memorize them. | D．To protect them. |
| A．The Puffling Patrol is of great help. |
| B．Scientists need little help from children. |
| C．Puffins do not need protection anymore. |
| D．Puffins are becoming stronger than before. |
| A．Never stop trying. |
| B．One is never too old to learn. |
| C．An act of kindness can mean a lot. |
| D．Everyone should realize their self-worth. |
Sharing a room with a family member or a friend can be tough, but it becomes especially difficult when you're sharing it with someone you hardly know. Here are things you can do to help you deal with having a roommate, no matter who it may be.
First of all, you have to remember that you get what you give. If you are nice to others, then others will be nice to you as well. You also need to set boundaries for yourself and for the other person. So before your new roommate moves in, talk to him. Set the rules early on and discuss your expectations.
Remember that there are two things that make up any good relationship: trust and respect. The same thing applies to having a roommate. You have to respect each other. Suppose he has that new PS3 game that you've always wanted to try out, what should you do? Ask permission first. If he says no, don’t take it against him. If he lets you borrow his stuff, take care of the item and treat it as if it were your own. Make sure that you return it in the same condition as when you borrowed it.
For chores that can be shared, you may want to divide it equally so that you don’t do all the housework. Take turns in washing the dishes. You may do it every other day or you may split the task so that you only have to do it in the morning and your roommate only has to do it at night.
When it comes to food and grocery items, determine what can be shared. Don't be too mean when it comes to sharing food. The advantage of sharing food is that both of you can save on time and food preparation.
1. Before your roommate moves in, what should you two do? (no more than 10words)2. What is important for good relationship among roommates? (no more than 5words)
3. What does the underlined word “chores” in Paragraph 4 probably mean?(no more than 3 words)
4. What does the author suggest in Paragraph 4?(no more than 10 words)
5. What is the purpose of this passage?(no more than 20 words)
3 . English in Action
Kingswood Camps leads the way in integrated (综合的) language and activity camps. Set in holiday locations that UK young people love to visit, all our camps combine quality English teaching with an action-packed programme of sports and activities.
Through mini projects using research and thinking skills, we aim to build confidence and develop the language skills needed in real-life situations.
The programme is filled with fun, excitement and activities. You never have time to be bored at Kingswood Camps!
Our activities are great chances for international students to make new friends from Britain and around the world. You can speak English all day while you swim, surf, go climbing or horse riding.
Our teachers are hand-picked for their teaching ability and friendly, outgoing personalities. They always take the time to explain things carefully and to bring the language to life. Whether you are at beginner level or already quite fluent, the daily English lessons help you to understand the kind of practical language that is used in everyday situations.
Experience even more by upgrading (升级) your stay with a Specialist Holiday. Pick a favourite hobby or try something completely new and spend a minimum of 15 hours a week focusing on your chosen activity, sharing your hobby with like-minded friends. Choose from Surf Schools, Water Sports, Football Academy, and Dance.
From trips to historic cities and the bright lights of London, to famous museums and a spot of shopping, we have exciting short journeys covered. One full day and one half day short journeys are included in your programme.
Whether you are travelling al one or in a group, you can choose to be met or arrival in the UK. We will then transport you safely to your camp.
1. What is special about Kingswood Camps?| A．It is the world's leading indoor camp. |
| B．It aims to help children know the UK. |
| C．It offers educational and exciting activities. |
| D．It requires students to speak perfect English. |
| A．UK young people. |
| B．International students. |
| C．New friends. |
| D．Teachers. |
| A．What Kingswood Camps' aim is. |
| B．What activities Kingswood Camps has. |
| C．What the teachers and lessons are like. |
| D．How you can get to your camp. |
| A．Get language training. |
| B．Enjoy your favourite hobby. |
| C．Develop your teaching ability. |
| D．Make a journey to historic cities. |
| A．To introduce a camp. |
| B．To invite people to visit Britain. |
| C．To advertise several trips to London. |
| D．To present interesting activities in the UK. |
4 . When Jack Prelutsky was a kid in New York more than fifty years ago, he didn’t know he would grow up to write poetry for children.
Neither of his parents read poetry to him when he was little. When his fourth-grade teacher read poems in class, he thought they seemed boring. To nine-year-old Prelutsky, poetry seemed like serious business. And Prelutsky was anything but serious. “I wanted to hear poems about myself — about outer space and sports and music,” he says. “So I started to think of poetry as punishment.”
Prelutsky had always taken voice and piano lessons, but when he attended New York’s High School of Music and Art, his love for music grew deeper. “I liked the way songs said what they had to say — the simple, direct, ordinary language they employed. I really think that’s what made me see poetry in a new light.”
Then Prelutsky took a drawing class in his early twenties and found he wasn’t very good at life drawing. But he was good at drawing imaginary animals.
In six months, Prelutsky drew a lot of imaginary animals with strange characteristics. He loved each one, but felt something was missing. “Then one evening, I looked at them and said, ‘They need poems.’ I still don’t know why I thought of it, but within half an hour, I had all the poems written.”
Publishing the poems never crossed Prelutsky’s mind in those early days. But when friends fell in love with his poems, he agreed to share them with a children’s book editor.
“She didn’t think much of my illustrations (插图),” he says, “but she told me that I was a natural poet and encouraged me to keep writing.”
At the time, Prelutsky was surprised at the editor’s encouragement. But more than forty books later, he’s still making friends and fans laugh. From monsters to frogs, Prelutsky has turned silly into an art form.
1. What can we learn about Prelutsky when he was a kid?| A．He hated poetry. |
| B．He took sports seriously. |
| C．He found it hard to read poems. |
| D．He developed an interest in business. |
| A．It was a kind of punishment. |
| B．It was something serious. |
| C．It was simple but indirect. |
| D．It helped him to love poetry. |
| A．It drove him to love music. |
| B．It brought out his poetic skills. |
| C．It raised his confidence in writing. |
| D．It helped him become a famous painter. |
| A．She gave them high praise. |
| B．She was surprised by them. |
| C．She refused to publish them. |
| D．She showed no interest in them. |
| A．They are funny. |
| B．They are encouraging. |
| C．They are person-centered. |
| D．They are family-friendly. |
5 . Higher education costs have been on an upward trend globally, making it increasingly challenging for many students to finance their studies. Scholarships offer vital financial assistance, often covering full or partial tuition, textbooks, living expenses, and even research or travel allowances. By reducing or eliminating the need for loans, scholarships enable recipients to focus on their studies without the added stress of immediate repayment obligations or long-term debt. Luckily, increasing your odds of winning money for school doesn’t have to be difficult. So take out your smart phone and start earning more money towards your education.
The Redefine Black ScholarshipDeadline: March 5,2024
Currently, words like “dirty” and “evil” are still used in dictionaries to define the word “black”. The words we choose matter, so it’s time to change them. It is a chance for you to learn how language affects perception. Sign up for resources on www.dosomething.org for a chance to win $5,000.
The Law Offices of Joel J. Kofsky ScholarshipDeadline: March 15,2024
This firm is looking for a short video — just two to three minutes — on the topic of avoiding a car accident when driving, like texting while driving, or something more complex. Videos will be judged based on innovation, design and topic-related content. Sign up on the wedsite: www.phillyinjurylawyer.com. The first place winner will receive a scholarship of $1,500.
Oleg Fastovsky Outstanding Citizen ScholarshipDeadline: April 30,2024
In 500 words or less, the Maryland Criminal Defense Group wants you to talk about how you and others can serve your community. It’s perfect for those with personal volunteer experience. Sign up on mdcriminalattorney.net. The first place winner will receive $500towards their education.
VIP Voice ScholarshipDeadline: July 31,2024
If you want a simple way to earn money for college, look no further than VIP Voice’s $5,000 scholarship. To enter, all you have to do is sign up www.vipvoice.com and complete two short surveys. As you complete surveys, you’ll earn points. The more points you have, the better your chances of winning the contest.
1. What’s the purpose of the text?| A．To introduce four scholarship-winning programs. | B．To share the experience of winning scholarships. |
| C．To describe requirements of four clubs. | D．To help students apply for colleges. |
| A．VIP Voice Scholarship | B．The Redefine Black Scholarship |
| C．The Law Offices of Joel J. Koksky Scholarship | D．Oleg Fastovsky Outstanding Citizen Scholarship |
| A．A 15-minute video about the causes of many accidents. |
| B．A two-minute video about it texting while walking. |
| C．An eye-opening video about drunk driving. |
| D．A well-designed video about criminal law. |
| A．It is difficult for college students to win it. |
| B．It will be given to the applicant with the highest points. |
| C．It offers students more money than the other scholarships. |
| D．It asks students to complete three surveys before signing up. |
| A．An article in a fashion magazine. | B．The front page of a newspaper. |
| C．The homepage of a company. | D．The website of a university. |
6 . Trees should only be pruned (修剪) when there is a good and clear reason for doing so and, fortunately, the number of such reasons is small. Pruning involves the cutting away of overgrown and unwanted branches, and the inexperienced gardener can be encouraged by the thought that more damage results from doing it unnecessarily than from leaving the tree to grow in its own way.
First, pruning may be done to make sure that trees have a desired shape or size. The object may be to get a tree of the right height, and at the same time to help the growth of small side branches which will thicken its appearance or give it a special shape. Secondly, pruning may be done to make the tree healthier. You may cut diseased or dead wood, or branches that are rubbing against each other and thus cause wounds. The health of a tree may be encouraged by removing branches that are blocking up the centre and so preventing the free movement of air.
One result of pruning is that an open wound is left on the tree and this provides an easy entry for disease, but it is a wound that will heal. Often there is a race between the healing and the disease as to whether the tree will live or die, so that there is a period when the tree is at risk. It should be the aim of every gardener to reduce that risk of death as far as possible. It is important to make the area, which has been pruned, smooth and clean, for healing will be slowed down by roughness. You should allow the cut surface to dry for a few hours and then paint it with one of the substances available from garden shops produced especially for this purpose. Pruning is usually done in winter, for then you can see the shape of the tree clearly without interference from the leaves and also it is very unlikely that the cuts you make will bleed. If this does happen, it is, of course, impossible to paint them properly.
1. Why should pruning be done?| A．To make the tree grow taller. | B．To improve the shape of the tree. |
| C．To get rid of the small branches. | D．To make the small branches thicker. |
| A．gives a tree a special shape and a definite height |
| B．removes small side branches and makes a tree look less thick |
| C．allows too many branches to grow in the middle |
| D．has a tree surrounded by many other trees |
| A．To prevent disease entering a wound. | B．To cover a rough surface. |
| C．To make a wound smooth. | D．To help a wound to dry. |
| A．The author tends to favor pruning frequently. | B．It’s easy to find a reason to prune trees. |
| C．Pruning trees properly is not easy. | D．Pruned trees will always grow taller. |
| A．Discussing different methods of pruning. |
| B．Introducing some potential risks of pruning a tree. |
| C．Explaining how trees develop disease. |
| D．Giving practical instructions for pruning a tree. |
They say to find out what you really want, go back to when you were a child.
When I was a kid, I really wanted to be a painter, but I was never great at it. I was discouraged, because in art classes my paintings were never the most beautiful. In the third grade, we were given a project to create a portrait. I used the skills and tips we were all taught in class. After we were done, we presented our portraits. We stood in front of the class and explained our technique. I remember looking at other portraits thinking, “We were given the same skills, why do theirs look so professional and mine looks so amateur?”
But I still really enjoyed painting because it’s a forgiving art. If I don’t like what I’ve put on paper, I can paint over it. I can mix colors and make new ones. Also, I can release some creative juices, use what has inspired me and allow that to pour out of me in a way I may not have imagined.
But because I have always wanted to paint beautiful pictures, I just decided to change what beauty looked like. I changed what beauty meant to me.
Throughout school, they taught us about Picasso, Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci who were always painting whatever was in front of them and around them. But that’s not what I saw around me.
Then I learned about Basquiat, who inspired me to paint abstract pictures. I paint when I’m moved, and I am often moved by what’s natural: emotions, nature, and other forms of art. I am also very moved by pain. When there is pain in the world or in my heart, it can be unbearable. I had a conversation with an activist in St. Louis named Spook, and I explained to her this feeling and she told me, “Pain is energy. You have to learn how to channel that energy into something productive.” So sometimes I channel that pain into art, into a painting.
Even if the picture doesn’t turn out aesthetically (美学地) pleasing by society’s standards, it’s still beautiful that I was able to create something. My paintings may not be a Basquiat, but they’re mine, so I love them anyway.
1. What was the author’s dream as a kid? (no more than 5 words)2. What did the author find after the portrait presentation?（no more than 15words）
3. What factors motivated the author to keep his passion for arts? (no more than 15 words)
4. How do you understand the underlined word in Paragraph 6? (I word)
5. Besides painting, what other art form would you use to express your feelings? And explain why. (no more than 25 words)
8 . In spring, chickens start laying again, bringing a welcome source of protein at winter’s end. So it’s no surprise that cultures around the world celebrate spring by honoring the egg.
Some traditions are simple, like the red eggs that get baked into Greek Easter breads. Others promote the egg into a fancy art, like the heavily jewel-covered “eggs” that were favored by the Russians starting in the 19th century.
One ancient form of egg art comes to us from Ukraine. For centuries, Ukrainians have been drawing complicated patterns on eggs. Contemporary artists have followed this tradition to create eggs that speak to the anxieties of our age: Life is precious, and delicate. Eggs are, too.
“There’s something about their delicate nature that appeals to me,” says New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast. Several years ago, she became interested in eggs and learned the traditional Ukrainian technique to draw her very modern characters. “I’ve broken eggs at every stage of the process—from the very beginning to the very, very end.”
But there’s an appeal in that weakness. “There’s part of this sickening horror of knowing you’re walking on the edge with this, that I kind of like, knowing that it could all fall apart at any second.” Chast’s designs, such as a worried man alone in a tiny rowboat, reflect that delicateness.
Traditional Ukrainian decorated eggs also spoke to those fears. The complex patterns were believed to offer protection against evil.
“There’s an ancient legend that as long as these eggs are made, evil will not take over in the world,” says Joan Brander, a Canadian egg-painter who has been painting eggs for over 60 years, having learned the art from her Ukrainian relatives.
Although the tradition dates back to 300 B. C., the old symbols on the eggs still reflect their good wishes. A decorated egg with a bird on it, given to a young married couple, is a wish for children. A decorated egg thrown into the field would be a wish for a good harvest.
1. Why do people in many cultures prize the egg?| A．It is a welcome sign of the coming of spring. | B．It is their major source of protein in winter. |
| C．It can easily be made into a work of art. | D．It can bring wealth and honor to them. |
| A．They are shaped like jewel cases. | B．They are cherished by the rich. |
| C．They are heavily painted in red. | D．They are favored as a form of art. |
| A．Eggs serve as an enduring symbol of new life. | B．Eggs have an oval shape appealing to artists. |
| C．Eggs reflect the anxieties of people today. | D．Eggs provide a unique surface to paint on. |
| A．She never knows if the egg will break before the design is completed. |
| B．She can add multiple details to the design to communicate her idea. |
| C．She always derives great pleasure from designing something new. |
| D．She is never sure what the final design will look like until the end. |
| A．The Russians prefer baking red eggs into breads. |
| B．It has a history of over two thousand years. |
| C．It is the most time-honored form of fancy art. |
| D．It is especially favored as a church decoration. |
9 . Best Education Apps for Android
SoloLearn
Price: Free
SoloLearn has tons of education courses on computer programming. All of them teach you a computer language. There is a range of languages available, including Python, Java, C++ and even JavaScrip. If you’re into computer programming at all, you should look into these.
Quizlet
Price: Free
Quizlet is considered the best flashcards app out there. You can use it for almost any topic. You can practice memorizing vocabulary terms, and more. It also includes foreign language support, images and audio, and you can share flashcards with friends.
EdX
Price: Free
EdX offers courses from actual colleges, including computer programming engineering, history, psychology, and hundreds of others. It features online o offline video lectures, course announcements and handouts, and various tutorials Anyone looking for higher education should have this app right now.
Khan Academy
Price: Free
Khan Academy is another education platform. It currently has over 10,000instructional videos, classes, and other content. It deals with more typical education such as mathematics, economics, history, science, and more. There is also a version specifically for younger kids and we highly recommend that one as well.
If we missed any of the best education apps for Android, tell us about them in the comments. You can find our latest app lists by clicking here.
1. What type of courses does SoloLearn offer?| A．Educational theories. | B．Computer programming. |
| C．Foreign languages. | D．Applied Mathematics. |
| A．SoloLearn. | B．Quizlet. | C．EdX. | D．Khan Academy. |
| A．They attract computer lovers’ interests. | B．They are designed for younger kids. |
| C．They cover a wide range of subjects. | D．They are targeted at higher education. |
| A．EdX. | B．Quizlet. | C．SoloLearn. | D．Khan Academy. |
| A．An educational journal. | B．An advertisement. | C．A travel guide. | D．A website. |
10 . Think about things around you when you get up in the morning: the alarm clock, toothbrush, toile, coffee maker, and shower heads… What do these things have in common? They are all inventions. They come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. And their inventors were from diverse backgrounds. Sure, many scientists have made discoveries and turned those discoveries into inventions. However, that doesn’t mean you must be a scientist to be an inventor.
We often hear that necessity is the mother of invention, and it means that people often identify one of their needs and then try to meet that need. Sometimes the only way to meet that need is to invent a new product!
Think about all of the musical instruments in the world. Now think of all the products that go along with those instruments. Instead of scientists, many of those products were invented by musicians. They discovered a need and then invented a product to satisfy it. They may have thought scientifically about the product. They may have had help from a scientist, but many people have shown that inventors can come from any background.
Non-scientific approaches can help develop new inventions. Although thinking scientifically is often a necessity, it can also be helpful to think out of the box. We often get used to doing things the same way and thinking that some ideas won’t work, which makes us stop thinking about new things. But if we keep thinking, we might discover something amazing. That is why some inventors can come from a variety of non-scientific backgrounds. For example a poet and an astronomer both look at the sky, but they see it differently. The poet might have ideas about a problem the astronomer would never consider.
See? You don’t have to be a scientist to be an inventor. Somehow, everyone can invent something.
1. What is the main idea of the first paragraph?| A．Inventions can be made by anyone, not just scientists. |
| B．Inventions are mainly the result of scientific discoveries. |
| C．Inventors must have scientific backgrounds. |
| D．Inventors is good at inventing daily things. |
| A．Remember. | B．Invent. | C．Find. | D．Develop. |
| A．the need for a solution leads to invention |
| B．music is very important in our lives |
| C．inventions come from scientific thinking |
| D．music can help scientists become inventors |
| A．It is helpful for people to keep thinking. |
| B．It is not important for people to think scientifically. |
| C．People need to think about things in new, different ways. |
| D．People need to get used to doing things the same way. |
| A．We should take a look at the sky. |
| B．It’s not easy to write a piece of music. |
| C．We should try to solve scientific problems. |
| D．It’s possible for everyone to invent things. |
