1 . In the 1920s, Russian psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik observed a strange thing. While dining out, she was impressed by the complex orders the waiters were able to remember at one time.
The Zeigarnik Effect refers to our tendency to remember incomplete or interrupted tasks better than completed ones. At first glance the Zeigarnik Effect can seem like a handy adaptation: It’s good to remember the things we need to do, and it’s a positive thing to want to finish the things we start.
First, each incomplete task your brain reminds you about takes up a bit of your attention, making it harder to concentrate on whatever you’re currently working on. Second, even if we manage to physically disconnect from work, the Zeigarnik Effect ensures that our unfinished tasks follow us home. They bring trouble to our vacations, our weekends, and even our sleep.
So what can you do about it?
Write your tasks down. Your brain is a terrible filing system. Instead of keeping tasks in your head, make a habit of writing them down as soon as they come to you.
Don’t forget to look back at how far you’ve come.
| A．Establish a work shutdown routine. |
| B．Have a system for expanding your job skills. |
| C．The problem when it comes to our productivity is two-fold. |
| D．Yet when customers checked out, these were totally forgotten. |
| E．We always quickly forget everything we’ve already accomplished. |
| F．We need a way to mentally disconnect in our hours away from work. |
| G．You have to actually complete all of your tasks to feel mental relief from it. |
2 . Welcome to Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most-visited destinations in New York City for a reason: history, architecture, dining, and shopping, all under one magnificent roof. Let’s take a look at a few of public events.
Easter Brunch at City WineryDate(s): Sunday, March 31
Time(s): 12:00 pm — 4:00 pm
Location: Vanderbilt Hall West, Upper Level
Celebrate your Easter at Vanderbilt Hall with City Winery’s fine Easter Brunch. Taste half-priced cocktails while enjoying the beauty of Grand Central Terminal!
Los Sabores de Mi MexicoTime(s): Thursday April 4th, 10:00 am — 3:30 pm;
Friday April 5th – Sunday April 7th, 8:00 am — 6:00 pm
Location: Vanderbilt Hall East
Immerse yourself in this unique experience that celebrates the richness of art, history, and passion that shape Mexico.
St. Patrick’s Day at City WineryDate(s): Saturday March 16 & Sunday March 17
Time(s): 8:00 am — 9:00 pm
Location: Vanderbilt Hall West, Upper Level
Don’t miss out on these delicious specials as we celebrate all things Irish this weekend! Gather your friends, wear your green, and head over to City Winery.
Long Island, Where Golfers BelongDate(s): Monday April 8th — Wednesday April 10th
Time(s): 8:30 am — 6:30 pm
Location: Grand Central Madison
Come to meet our Discover Long Island team and test your golf skills! Long Island is proud to be home of the 2025 Ryder Cup. From lovely beaches to world-class championship golf courses, learn all about why Long Island is where you belong.
1. Which event lasts the longest?| A．Easter Brunch at City Winery. | B．Los Sabores de Mi Mexico. |
| C．St. Patrick’s Day at City Winery. | D．Long Island, Where Golfers Belong. |
| A．Festival celebration. | B．Artistic experience. |
| C．Tasty food. | D．Delightful sea view. |
| A．Vanderbilt Hall West. | B．Vanderbilt Hall East. |
| C．City Winery. | D．Grand Central Madison. |
3 . Improving your career development will help you stay competitive when it’s time to seek a promotion or apply for a new opportunity. The information below will help you improve your career development so you can succeed in your chosen career path.
Someone else’s experience is great to gain knowledge and introduce yourself to other opportunities.
Once you’ve explored your options and found a helper, you should have enough information to be able to set specific, measurable goals. Be sure your goals are realistic yet challenging, and take care to make them actionable. Give yourself a timeline for achieving your goals.
To achieve your goals, it is necessary to make a plan. You can outline it on your own or you can take advantage of external resources.
| A．You should be prepared to adapt your career plan as situations change. |
| B．This will help make sure you can reach your objectives in a timely way. |
| C．An important part of your career development will be expanding your job skills. |
| D．Some companies have formal programs to help employees develop their careers. |
| E．It is an ongoing process of improving yourselves as you explore your career path. |
| F．You can seek a helper at work, perhaps from a different department you’d like to explore. |
| G．Before you can begin working on your career development, it helps to know your options. |
4 . Often, research surrounding non-native — also referred to as invasive (入侵的) — species focuses on the negative impact on the environments they invade. Non-native species represent threats or even disasters; some are even famous for it. But according to a new study from Brown University, while the negative aspects of non-native life, including the increased risk of causing extinction to other species, are mainly talked about, the positives are not always addressed. Researchers say that non-native species also have the ability to increase biodiversity (生物多样性) within habitats.
As far as famously feared non-native species go, zebra mussels are high on the unwanted list. They originated in the waters of Eurasia and have grown to become a major issue in lakes and waterways across the Great Lakes, as well as in states such as Texas and California. In unnatural habitats, they reproduce rapidly, outcompeting native species for resources. Additionally, they attach themselves to hard surfaces, such as pipes and boats, costing millions to remove.
But for its research, the team decided to focus not only on non-native species’ negative impacts but also on what they can contribute to habitats. In forests, the earthworms have the ability to change the ecosystem negatively. However, when earthworms are present in agricultural land, there is a possibility for a 25-percent increase in the productivity of agricultural crops. As far as brown trout — a non-native species in New Zealand — are concerned, locals have embraced the fish, enjoying the economic and recreational benefits of fishing for the species and adding it to their local food.
Biologist Dov Sax, along with co-authors of the Brown University study, says that these benefits are not as uncommon as past research on invasive species may suggest.
“Our new paper argues that the positive impacts of non-native species are neither unexpected nor rare but instead common and important,” says Sax.
1. What does the new study focus on?| A．Bad influence of invasive species. | B．Uncertain future some species face. |
| C．Possible benefits non-native species bring. | D．The importance of biodiversity protection. |
| A．They are listed as endangered species. | B．They disturb the local natural balance. |
| C．They receive a warm welcome in Texas. | D．They bring huge business opportunities. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Unclear. | C．Supportive. | D．Discontent. |
| A．Say No to the Non-Native Species | B．What do Unnatural Habitats Mean? |
| C．A Close Link Between Researches | D．Are Invasive Species Always Bad? |
5 . If you connected your grandparents with flowers or blooms, what types would they be?
A theory called “orchids (兰花) and dandelions (蒲公英)” was introduced to describe how people adapt to their environment. Just like orchids that need specific conditions to grow, some people show a similar nature. On the other hand, dandelions, like weeds, can grow almost anywhere and stay strong even in difficult environments. The theory, which first came out in 2005, was created to understand how kids grow up. But in 2022, Canadian scientists discovered it also applies to older people. They investigated the lifestyle activities of more than 3,530 older adults, and then studied the influence of these activities on their cognitive (认知的) health, including whether their cognitive patterns changed.
The cognitive patterns of “dandelion” elders appear steady, which means that they tend to have better cognitive health, showing great adaptation and an ability to handle tough conditions. Dandelion-type seniors usually have strong social networks, engage positively with family members and the community, and always seek out the silver linings in life experiences. Having various hobbies or careers, they actively communicate with the world and realize their values, which allows them to find satisfaction in life.
Orchid-type seniors, who tend to have changes in cognitive patterns, maintain limited communication with the outside world. While deeply crazy about one or two hobbies or careers, they tend to focus on these interests. Although they may do well in familiar environments, unfavorable conditions lead them to overreact and struggle.
Knowing what flower type your grandparents are enables you to love and care for them better and helps them enjoy delightful and fulfilling golden years. Dandelions sometimes might struggle with loneliness, so family members’ company is helpful in such cases. For orchids, families should encourage them to express how they feel and what they need.
1. What is the “orchids and dandelions” theory mainly about?| A．The change of lifestyle. | B．Personal response to conditions. |
| C．Growth habit of two plants. | D．Differences between generations. |
| A．Surprising truths. | B．Unexpected turns. |
| C．Hopeful aspects. | D．Lasting memories. |
| A．They are willing to make changes. | B．They have good social connections. |
| C．They have a wide variety of hobbies. | D．They manage new conditions poorly. |
| A．Flowers and their influence. | B．Family members’ care and love. |
| C．An insight into seniors’ personalities. | D．Tips on how to improve seniors’ health. |
6 . Walking only 4,000 steps each day - not exactly 50% of the 10,000 steps frequently suggested for keeping a functioning way of life- might be sufficient to assist with expanding your life, according to a study distributed in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
The key point of the study shouldn’t discourage anybody from going for a more extended walk; the scientists observed that greater development is better, with 1,000 extra advances each day connected with a generally 15% lower chance of sudden passing. However, it joins a developing collection of examination that proposes exercises needn’t bother with to be all that difficult or extended to work on your wellbeing. All that from walking to housework to moving can make a difference, studies have shown.
To arrive at the new discoveries, a group of specialists investigated 17 recently distributed papers on walking and wellbeing. In total, those reviews included more than 225,000 grown-ups from various nations with a typical age of 64, some of whom were in commonly great wellbeing and some of whom had risk factors for cardiovascular(心血管的) illness.
After examining the information from those reviews, the specialists established that death risk logically declines as individuals walk more. They didn’t find a place where extra movement stops seeming useful, as far as possible up to 20,000 steps each day. In any case, they likewise assumed that it doesn’t take countless day to day moves toward further develop wellbeing. The edge was even lower-around 2,500 steps each day-while checking out exactly at the risk of dying from cardiovascular sickness.
There are a few limitations on the discoveries. The scientists couldn’t completely represent members’ financial situations with in general ways of life, and individuals who were most dynamic likewise had various other sound tendencies that could add to a longer life expectancy.
Regardless, the new study joins a lot of different investigations in a similar end: greater development is quite often better, yet a limited quantity is likewise not all that great, but not terrible either than nothing.
1. What is the author’s purpose of writing paragraph 2?| A．To bring in the topic of the essay. |
| B．To further explain the study result. |
| C．To indicate his own idea about the topic. |
| D．To make a comparison with previous research. |
| A．They had rich experiences. |
| B．They developed healthy diet habits. |
| C．They differed in physical conditions. |
| D．They had similar professional backgrounds. |
| A．Walking more can surely avoid death risk. |
| B．Extra movement is of no effect to individuals. |
| C．2,500 steps each day can help prevent death risk. |
| D．It needs 20,000 steps each day to develop wellbeing. |
| A．Scientists Offer You Suggestions for Healthy Life |
| B．What Specialists Find on Cardiovascular Sickness |
| C．How Much Science Says You Actually Need to Walk |
| D．Financial Situations May Limit Health Development |
7 . The Equatic Process, a novel carbon removal technology, is getting a major increase, with the world’s largest ocean carbon dioxide removal (OCDR) facility set to be built in Singapore-sparking optimism for what has been regarded as a potential game change r for global climate efforts.
On Tuesday, Singapore’s national water agency PUB announced that it was furthering its cooperation with the University of California in Los Angeles and Equatic, a startup founded by UCLA scientists. Together, they plan to build a $20 million plant that removes 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the ocean every year through the Equatic Process, which uses electrolysis (电解) to change carbon dioxide in seawater into stable solids.
The extracted (提取) carbon dioxide is stored in the form of solid calcium and magnesium-based materials-similar to how seashells are naturally formed- “for at least 10,000 years,” according to a recent press release. And the treated seawater that is pumped back into the ocean would then have the capacity to absorb even more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Advocates of the Equatic Process say that it would be a big boost for the global fight against climate change. But the technology has also been met with apprehension by some scientists who realize its potential ecological risks and who urge more research and investment into OCDR to better understand both its benefits and dangers.
Pang Chee Meng, PUB’s chief engineering and technology officer says that the treated seawater is specially processed before being poured back into the ocean, to “ensure that the ocean chemistry is preserved,” adding that the agency and Equatic will closely monitor the environmental impact of the plant.
PUB also says that they are currently exploring the potential for the solid carbonates (碳酸盐) produced by the Equatic Process to be used in the construction industry. And hydrogen, another by-product of the Equatic Process, may be used to power the process itself, the agency adds, or used as a clean energy source to produce electricity.
1. What is the main idea of the text?| A．Scientists have agreed to keep global warming at safe levels. |
| B．People have become more optimistic about global climate. |
| C．Singapore will strengthen ties with the University of California. |
| D．Singapore will boost carbon-removal power of the ocean with a new facility. |
| A．Building a factory to store seawater. |
| B．Changing the form of carbon dioxide. |
| C．Collecting natural seashells in the ocean. |
| D．Pumping treated seawater back into the ocean. |
| A．Support. | B．Confirmation. | C．Anxiety. | D．Underestimate. |
| A．PUB’s measures to guarantee safety. |
| B．How to make use of solid carbonates. |
| C．Dangerous by-products of the Equatic Process. |
| D．Other benefits brought by the Equatic Process. |
8 . Haili Smith, 16, says she and her sibling, Brooke, “have very different tastes in books.” Haili likes spine-tinglers. Brooke, 13, prefers fantasy. What they share is the belief that kids are more motivated to read if they relate to a book’s characters. That’s why, in 2020, they started Books Like Me. The nonprofit group supplies teachers with culturally diverse children’s books.
So far, Haili and Brooke have given away more than 16,000 books. Most have been donated in Florida, where the siblings (姐弟) lived when they started Books Like Me. Many have gone to California, which is where they live now. As word about their organization has spread, requests have come in from schools nationwide. Teachers and librarians can request a donation from Books Like Me online.
Educators say a book can be a mirror, letting kids see themselves in its characters. Or it can be a window, helping kids see from the perspective of characters with backgrounds and experiences different from their own.
Over the years, Haili and Brooke have been invited to speak with educators about the importance of culturally diverse books. They’ve also taken books directly to students. At a book fair in Florida, “I was at a table showing kids the books and they were picking them out,”Haili recalls. “They all looked so happy when they found a book that struck a chord with them.”
That, of course, is the goal. “I hope, and I think,” Haili says, “that all kids should see themselves represented in books so that they enjoy reading.”
1. What inspired the siblings to start the nonprofit group?| A．Their interests in books differed. | B．They held common belief in reading. |
| C．Children lacked motivation for reading. | D．They needed money to buy favorite books. |
| A．It has bought over 16,000 books. | B．It’s originally set up in California. |
| C．It has become known nationwide. | D．Its donations are mainly from teachers. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Supportive. | C．Intolerant. | D．Unclear. |
| A．She is proud to give speeches to kids. |
| B．She is critical about children’s books. |
| C．Kids are inspired to create new characters in books. |
| D．Kids enjoy books with characters reflecting themselves. |
9 . Welcome to Dragon Boat Festival Celebration! In a short visit, you will be able to participate in a range of activities, from Language Corner to the Chinese Tea ceremony. This celebration is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Confucius Institute, meet the institute teachers, learn some Chinese culture and enjoy several cultural activities.
For this event, we also invited Hello Art to run a clay-making dragon boat workshop. The clay-making workshop will run from 11:00-12:30 and 1:00-2:30 pm and on a first come and first serve basis. A maximum capacity has been set per workshop to optimize the experience. The spaces are very limited!
Event details:Date & Time: Saturday, June 24th, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Location: Abden House, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP
Free entry, all welcome.
Please reserve your place HERE
Various other activities to explore, fun for all the family.
·Traditional Chinese Calligraphy
·Kung Fu Demonstrations and performances
·Pop-up Asian cakes and deserts shop by Chi Chi Bakery
1. What does the celebration feature?
| A．Festival foods. | B．Sports values. |
| C．Chinese culture. | D．Working experience. |
| A．It is run by the organizer. |
| B．It lasts for three hours. |
| C．First comers enjoy better service. |
| D．Room is enough for visitors. |
| A．A school club poster. | B．An academic article. |
| C．A travelling advertisement. | D．A university website. |
10 . Join the Virtual Book Club
Join our virtual community, which will introduce you to fellow alumni (校友) across industries, generations, and geographies all while gaining different perspectives by reading the book.
Why Join
Reading is good for you. It can reduce stress and increase your emotional intelligence and your creativity. The facilitated book club will also provide new insights to make you more effective in areas including leadership and communications skills, which will help you become a lifelong learner.
How It Works
Joining is completely free. You just have to get a copy of the book to enjoy. Then you can participate anywhere you have Internet access and on days and times that are convenient for you.
The book club will connect through a private forum where all participants can discuss the current book and network with each other. It will have a leader from Professional Book Club (PBC) Guru who manages the forum, shares relevant articles and facilitates conversation about topics in the book. Members will be encouraged to post and share as well.
The Books
The book club will read one book every two months so that you’ll have plenty of time for each book. We will vote among several options each period and decide on the book to read according to reader interests. Feel free to name specific titles and include things like “not too technical” or “easy but informative reads.” Our May to July Selection: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. If you have between 1 and 1.5 hours a week to read, you should be fine.
1. What is probably the main reason for joining the club?| A．To meet schoolmates | B．To improve academic performance. |
| C．To raise health level. | D．To embrace continuous learning. |
| A．Download the book in advance. | B．Have online discussions. |
| C．Manage public forums. | D．Post personal experiences. |
| A．Reader interests | B．Sales volume. |
| C．Writer’s popularity. | D．Expert recommendations. |
