1 . Under the background of the slow growth of its total population to 1.44 billion, China has seen a sharp rise in older adults over the past decade, solidifying the country’s rapidly aging pattern, the latest national census (人口普查) data shows. The population on the Chinese mainland increased by an average of 0.53 percent annually during the past 10 years to 1.41 billion, compared with an annual growth rate of 0.57 percent from 2000 to 2010, according to the 7th national census published by the National Bureau of Statistics.
“The growth of the total population has slowed down but remains at a steady pace,” Ning Jizhe, head of the bureau, said at a news conference. “Based on trends in recent years, China’s population will grow at an increasingly slow rate in the future while remaining above 1.4 billion.” The increasing elderly population has become a defining feature of the past decade.
Ning said an aging society will set the tone for China's population structure for a long time, presenting challenges and opportunities. “A graying population will pile pressure on supply of labor force and social services, as well as adding to families’ elderly care burden. But more elderly people could also motivate consumption of products and services targeting this age group, and advance the development of some technologies,” he said.
Ning added that those between the ages of 60 and 69, who are equipped with knowledge, experience and skills and are generally in good health, make up nearly 56 percent of all older adults. “Their potential to continue making contributions to society and playing a constructive role is big,” he responded to a question on the outlook for raising the retirement age and carrying out other potential measures aimed at addressing the aging trend. Some population economists also said the latest number and proportion (比例) of elderly are largely within predictions, and the aging trend will continue for a long time.
1. What does the 7th national census data show?| A．The aging population of China has risen rapidly. |
| B．The annual growth rate has increased by 0.04%. |
| C．The annual growth rate was 0.57% during the past 10 years. |
| D．The total population of Chinese mainland increased to 1.44 billion. |
| A．It is beyond predictions. | B．It brings few advantages. |
| C．It has sharply slowed down. | D．It will increase pressure on family. |
| A．Objective. | B．Doubtful. | C．Unclear. | D．Negative. |
| A．The aging trend brings problems |
| B．An aging society presents opportunities |
| C．China’s population gets old as growth slows |
| D．Measures are to be taken to tackle the aging trend |
2 . Ways to Show Gratitude (感激)
COVID-19 has a way of making people feel like their world was turned upside down overnight. They struggle with feeling frightened and feeling like everyone is overreacting (反应过度).
Give thanks for everyday things
One way to make gratitude a regular part of your day is to make it a habit to think of three things you are thankful for each day. It doesn’t really matter whether you perform this exercise first thing in the morning or just before you go to bed. The important thing is that you’re taking time and reflecting on what you are grateful for.
Keep track of everything you’re grateful for
Using a phone app like Gratitude Plus, you can record the things you’re grateful for. Another option is to use social media or even post-it notes to express your gratitude.
Reflect on past negative experiences
Look back on the worst moments in your life.
| A．Make gratitude a daily habit. |
| B．Stick to expressing gratitude in public. |
| C．Then, compare those with where you are now. |
| D．Gratitude doesn’t have to be over the top or something significant. |
| E．You can hardly stay strong while recalling the moments that ever happened. |
| F．But learning to practice gratitude every day can bring some changes to your life. |
| G．The key is to use a method to help you remember the things you are grateful for. |
3 . Singapore uses about two billion liters of water every day-a number it expects could double in the next four decades.
That kind of consumption is adding pressure to the Asian city state to address growing concerns about global water shortage. So it's building new technology to prepare itself for a future where obtaining clean water will be even more difficult. "Singapore truly has become a global water center,"said Shane Snyder,executive director of the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University. “But as it stands, it imports approximately 40% of its water today. And with climate change,that water has become far less dependable.”
Singapore, meanwhile, is home to more than five million people and is covered in fountains,reservoirs and other water features-including the world's tallest indoor waterfall, The Rain Vortex that pumps about 45,000 liters of water per minute. But it has no natural water sources of its own,instead relying heavily on recycled water and imports from its neighbors.
Snyder's research facility is one of several places developing solutions for Singapore's water dependency. The hope is to create projects that could be used across the city. "What we have become used to as reliable water may quickly change-so we have to be prepared,and we have to be thinking about the basic facilities in advance. " Snyder said. " There's a big drive to become water independent-to control our own future -and that is largely dependent on the technologies we're developing. "
Another company,Wateroam, is already taking innovation from Singapore to the rest of the region. Founded in 2014,Wateroam says it has developed a lightweight,portable filtration（过滤）device that has already provided clean drinking water to more than 75,000 people across Southeast Asia. Wateroam CEO David Pong said one of the most innovative aspects of the product is its simplicity. The water filtration device is no bigger than a bicycle pump,yet it can provide clean water to villages of 100 people for up to two years.
"We've been very blessed to have access to clean drinking water," Pong said. It's necessary to bring the privilege to the rest of the region, and advocate that clean water is an essential aspect for life on Earth,according to him.
1. What worsens the water shortage problem in Singapore?| A．More water imports. | B．The lack of technology. |
| C．The increasing population. | D．Double water consumption. |
| A．Searching for natural water sources. |
| B．Controlling the increase of population. |
| C．Importing water from more neighbors. |
| D．Using technologies to provide clean water. |
| A．It is easy to carry and use. |
| B．It is larger than a bicycle pump. |
| C．It has already been used across Asia. |
| D．It has already been in use for two years. |
| A．Clean water is an essential aspect for life on Earth. |
| B．Technology can help Singapore out with its water shortage. |
| C．The increasing water consumption is adding pressure to Singapore. |
| D．Singapore's filtration device has provided many people with clean water. |
4 . As the popularity of hiking vacations grows , scores of walkers have discovered hiking over trails(路线) sparks an instant connection with the land. This interaction with nature also provides fantastic exercise, combining sightseeing and workouts into one.
Inca Trail, Peru
The four-day, 27-mile trail starts outside the tiny town of Ollantaytambo and winds through a number of passes in the Andes Alone the wav the trail passes nearly a dozen archaeological sites that serve as evidence of the Inca culture.
Cape Scott Trail, British Columbia
The new five-day, 36-mile Cape Scott Trail begins gradually. From the trailhead at Cape Scott Provincial Park, the trail follows an old settler's road along a stream. The highlights of this hike are its river crossings. Hikers must pull themselves across the cable-car crossings for both water ways , an effort that leaves shoulders suffering pain from overuse. Still, the thrill of crossing wilderness rivers is hard to get anywhere in life.
Skeleton Gorge(峡谷) , South Africa
The three-day trail through Skeleton Gorge is absolutely a natural feast to the eyes. The trail begins just outside Kirstenbosch, one of eight National Botanical Gardens in the country. Starting at Cecilia Forest, the trail is flat for the first section, and then climbs steeply into the gorge. This second part of the hike is tricky, with two ladders and loose river stones to negotiate as the peak comes into view.
Larapinta Trail, Australia
Australia's Larapinta Trail, a 130-mile hike across the northern desert of the island continent, is divided into 12 sections, each of which can be completed in l or 2 days. Each section is accessible by off-road vehicle. The route itself passes some of the most spectacular natural features: Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen.
1. Which trail takes the longest time?| A．Inca Trail, Peru. | B．Larapinta Trail, Australia. |
| C．Skeleton Gorge, South Africa. | D．Cape Scott Trail, British Columbia. |
| A．Little effort to complete it. |
| B．An old settler's road of exploring. |
| C．Great pleasure to swim in the stream. |
| D．A unique experience of crossing rivers. |
| A．Various natural features. | B．Different botanical gardens. |
| C．Wonderful desert scenery. | D．Convenient off-road vehicles. |
5 . How to stop mindlessly eating
Are you trying to manage your weight or a health problem, but find yourself guzzling a bag of crisps?
Put down the devices.
It’s too common to chat through your phone as you have your meal, but it can make for mindless eating. Studies have found that we can put away as much as 25 per cent more calories if we concentrate on a phone, tablet or television at the same time.
Do you tend to choose the prepackaged (包装食品), which are believed to be healthy foods like cereal bars and low-fat ready meals? These meals and snacks aren’t always as nutritious as you might think, even if they seem to be beneficial to your diet.
Stop right there.
I once went to a French wedding where the guests had six courses over six hours, with a break for entertainment between each one. I never felt full. There was something about the slow speed of the meal that made it more satisfying but less full. It takes around 20 minutes for your brain to realize that your stomach is full.
If you do find yourself overeating, stop and ask yourself if you are bored, worried or depressed. Once you identify the reason behind your mindless eating, you’re in a better position to put a stop to it.
| A．Know what you’re really hungry for. |
| B．Here’s how to really focus on the right food in the right amounts. |
| C．So if you eat more slowly, you tend to eat less and feel ready to eat again sooner. |
| D．Be aware of the “healthy” choice. |
| E．And when you’re dining out, simply be more interested in the food. |
| F．To be really aware of the food you’re eating, stop halfway through your meal. |
| G．Worse still, it is most likely that you eat more later in the day. |
6 . The moment I was born, I seemed to be part of a set, as if my twin brother David and I were a package deal. We faced constant comparisons in our physical appearance. People were always comparing our personalities and academic performances as well! These constant comparisons made me decide not to go to the same university as my twin brother.
That is not to say we didn’t have good academic experiences in the past or didn’t get along. In eleventh grade, we were placed in the same class. I recall arriving early to the first class and being a bit disappointed when I saw David already seated at his desk. It was hard to avoid comparisons when we were in the same class. However, we found that we actually worked well together, in our own way. We would argue about the best way to solve a problem and debate its answer. As the year went on, I noticed that our teacher kept moving us closer and closer together. Our argument was actually productive.
However, we were two very different individuals. I was very involved in after-school activities, while David had better test scores than I did. I’m fond of writing while David enjoys playing computer games. I am currently studying English and French at McGill University, while David is studying computer science at Union College.
Besides escaping comparisons, there have been other benefits to going to different universities. The first one is that we are forced to talk to each other, as we no longer see each other every day. This is healthier for our relationship. The second, also the more important one, is that after having so many similar experiences together we can have our own experiences separate from one another. Going to a different university has benefited me thus far. It allows for more personal growth, and I’m not attached to the label of being a twin.
1. What did the author think about the constant comparisons?| A．He was bored with them. | B．He cared little about them. |
| C．He tried his best to study them. | D．He forced himself to accept them. |
| A．Strict teachers. | B．Productive arguments. |
| C．Performing in his own way. | D．Classmates ignoring the twins. |
| A．He can escape arguing with David. | B．He can avoid David in everyday life. |
| C．He can be less dependent on David. | D．He can pursue a personal experience. |
| A．Why did people like to compare me with my twin brother? |
| B．What are the main benefits of being twin brothers at school? |
| C．Why did I choose a different university with my twin brother? |
| D．How can twin brothers get along well with each other at school? |
7 . China launched a large robotic spacecraft on Nov. 24, 2020 at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in South China's Hainan province, tasking it with landing on the moon and bringing back lunar samples, 44 years after the last time such substances were brought back to Earth.
If everything proceeds smoothly, about 2 kilograms of stones and soil will be collected and packed in a vacuum metal container. The entire mission is scheduled to last about 23 days, according to the China National Space Administration. Considering these highly sophisticated operations, Chang'e 5 will be more difficult and challenging than previous Chinese lunar expeditions, designers have said.
According to a statement published by the space administration, the Chang'e 5 mission is intended to fulfill several objectives. In terms of space engineering, it will demonstrate technical plans and apparatus for autonomous lunar sampling and packing and moon-based launching, as well as lunar orbital docking. In the scientific field, it will investigate the landing site's features, and enable scientists to analyze the lunar samples' structure and physical traits so they can deepen their research into the moon's origin and evolution. It added that the mission also will help to foster the country's knowledge, technology and talent pool for its future manned missions to the moon and other deepspace expeditions.
Pei Zhaoyu, spokesman for the Chang'e 5 mission, said if the mission becomes successful, it will be a milestone in the nation's lunar exploration and will show the world China's scientific, technological and engineering capabilities.
Furthermore, Chang'e 5 will strengthen the nation's status and influence in the international space community, pave the way for the country's future lunar expeditions and boost its space science, and will offer more opportunities to lunar researchers around the world. Scientists around the world are welcome to participate in the research related to the lunar samples brought back by the mission. China will publish a set of guidelines about the use and distribution of the samples after the mission.
1. What can we learn about the mission of Chang'e 5?| A．It was exactly the same as 44 years ago. |
| B．It will help to complete space walking. |
| C．It aims to bring back lunar samples. |
| D．It will try to land on the moon for the first time. |
| A．impossible | B．complex |
| C．ambitious | D．effective |
| A．The first nation to bring lunar samples back in the world. |
| B．A further step in understanding the evolution of the earth |
| C．More competition in lunar expeditions with other countries. |
| D．China's scientific, technological and engineering abilities. |
| A．The landmark mission of Chang'e 5. |
| B．A new guideline from the moon samples. |
| C．New opportunities to lunar researchers |
| D．China's scientific contributions. |
8 . China has made great improvements in environmental protection during the past 70 years.
In recent decades, a series of wildlife-protection movements have been carried out by the central government.
The giant panda used to have a population of 1,114 in the 1970s. It now totals 1,864 thanks to 52 protection areas.
| A．As environmental damage has increased, signs of change have appeared around the world. |
| B．Another species was once thought to be extinct. |
| C．Scientists have worked to feed pandas and then release them into the wild. |
| D．People call for immediate protection of the remaining species. |
| E．The protection of several species in danger of extinction has made impressive progress thanks to the methods. |
| F．China will continue its efforts of the wildlife protection. |
| G．Protecting wildlife is, without doubt, an important part. |
9 . If you live in a city where everyone rushes, you should realize that you don’t have to be like everyone else.
Do less
Cut back on your projects, on your task list, on how much you try to do each day. Focus not on quantity but on quality. Pick 2 or 3 important things — or even just one important thing — and work on those first.
If you’re constantly rushing to appointments or other places you have to be, it’s because you don’t allot (分配) enough time in your schedule for preparing and for traveling. Arrange your schedule to allow time for this stuff. If you think it only takes you 10 minutes to get ready for work or a date, perhaps give yourself 30 to 45 minutes so you don’t have to shave in a rush or put on makeup in the car.
Realize that if it doesn’t get done, that’s Ok.
Practice mindfulness (正念减压法)
Simply learn to live in the present, rather than thinking so much about the future or the past. When you eat, fully appreciate your food．
| A．Save smaller, routine tasks for later in the day． |
| B．Walk instead of driving in rush hour traffic. |
| C．Give yourself time to get ready and get there. |
| D．You can be different. |
| E．Practice being comfortable with sitting, doing nothing. |
| F．There is always tomorrow. |
| G．When you’re with someone, be with them fully. |
10 . Recently, researchers at the University of Toronto figured out a way with a quick video selfie to accurately measure blood pressure with your smartphone’s camera by developing a technology known as transdermal optical imaging (TOI)(透皮光学成像).
Cameras on smartphones can catch red light reflected from hemoglobin (血红素）under our skin, which permits TOI to visualize and measure blood flow changes. Researchers measured the blood pressure of 1,328 Canadian and Chinese adults by getting two-minute videos of their faces on an iPhone. “From the video got by the technology, you can see how the blood flows in different parts of the face and through this flow, you can get a lot of information,” said Kang Lee, lead author of the study.
Lee also helped create an app called Anura, which allows people to try out the TOI software for themselves, giving them the ability to record a 30-second video of their face and receive measurements for stress levels and resting heart rate. Lee said more research was needed to make sure that the measurements were as accurate as possible, explaining that the study didn’t test people with very dark or very fair skin.
“In order to improve our app to make it usable, particularly for people with hypertension (高血压)，we need to collect a lot of data from them, which is very hard because a lot of them are already taking medicine,” Lee explained. “We cannot tell them not to take medicine, but from time to time, we get participants who don’t take medicine so we can get hypertensive people this way.”
The scientists said there were many potential applications of the technology, including providing health services for those who lived in remote areas.
1. What is mainly talked about in Paragraph 2？| A．Information offered by TOI. | B．New findings on hypertension. |
| C．How TOI is put into smart phones. | D．How the TOI technology works. |
| A．Living a life free from stress. | B．Improving the heart function gradually. |
| C．Accessing health services for free. | D．Knowing abnormal blood pressure earlier. |
| A．Equipping phones with better cameras. |
| B．Allowing phones to record longer videos. |
| C．Collecting data from more diverse samples. |
| D．Persuading participants not to take medicine. |
| A．To predict future applications of TOI. |
| B．To introduce TOI and an app related. |
| C．To describe functions of cameras on phones. |
| D．To evaluate the quality of an app called Anura. |
