1 . What do you say when your boss propose a programme you think is impractical? How do you decide whether it’s worth speaking up? And if you do, what exactly should you say?
Decide whether to wait. Consider whether it’s best to wait before expressing your opinion. Maybe you haven’t fully thought through the problem yet. Maybe you want to know what other people think.
Find common ground. Before you share your thoughts, understand the goals of your boss.
Stay calm. You might feel your heart racing or your face turning red. When you seem anxious, it weakens the message you’re conveying.
| A．Stay humble. |
| B．Consider the risks. |
| C．Ask permission to disagree. |
| D．You may even send a mixed message. |
| E．Seeking opinions from others is helpful. |
| F．Think about what your boss cares about. |
| G．Here are tips on how to show your disagreement. |
2 . In the digital world of endless comparisons, a thought-inspiring study by a team at Ruhr University Bochum reveals a surprising truth: materialism (物质主义) on social media adds stress and reduces happiness. This research, conducted through an online survey of over 1,200 participants, highlights the unique way social media causes materialistic attitudes and the subsequent impact on mental health.
Conducted with a diverse group of participants, the survey analyzed the social media behaviors and psychological states of individuals, focusing on their materialistic posts. The study employed six questionnaires to understand the participants’ materialistic attitudes, social media habits, stress levels, and life satisfaction. The participants, averaging over two hours a day on social media, revealed a clear pattern: higher levels of materialism on social media are associated with lower life satisfaction, increased stress symptoms, and a higher risk of social media addiction.
The study’s implications extend beyond numbers and charts. It suggests a worrying trend where individuals seeking validation (肯定) through materialistic displays on social media might be sacrificing their mental peace and happiness. Social media addiction is characterized by frequent use of social media platforms, often at the expense of other activities. Stress symptoms can range from anxiety to physical signs like headaches or tiredness. What’s clear is that social media may cause far more harm to users than good.
While the study acknowledges the risks associated with social media, especially for materialistic individuals, Dr. Ozimek, a psychologist, advises against completely abandoning these platforms.
Instead, he suggests a balanced approach of various activities to avoid comparison. Researchers also propose incorporating materialism and social media usage assessments in mental health treatment. Recognizing these factors as potential starting points for interventions offers new methods for addressing modern-day mental health challenges.
1. What does the survey find about the materialistic posts?| A．They produce high life satisfaction. |
| B．They help to ease stress symptoms. |
| C．They lead to social media addiction. |
| D．They bring about high consumption patterns. |
| A．Some people avoid too much use of social media. |
| B．Some people try to seek the good of online displays. |
| C．Some people undervalue mental peace and happiness. |
| D．Some people pursue recognition through online material shows. |
| A．Abandoning social media platforms. | B．Keeping a balance among various activities. |
| C．Assessing social media posts objectively. | D．Searching for potential interventions. |
| A．Turn to Rich Life for Growth |
| B．Assess Real Life for Mental Health |
| C．Materialism on Social Media Decreases Happiness |
| D．Understanding of Materialism Differs among Individuals |
3 . A rare snowstorm blanketed our city and transformed it into a magical scene: the square resembled a moonscape, monuments took on an alien appearance, and buildings appeared like castles in the clouds. When I awoke to this sight, I immediately ran outside to build a snowman. Exhausted, I fell onto the ground with my arms and legs spread out. Then I noticed I had an audience—a well-dressed couple observing me with their unspoken question: Don’t you have anything better to do?
A middle-age woman playing by herself in the snow seems strange, but perhaps it shouldn’t be. Recent research suggests that modern adults suppress their human desire to play, and that’s causing all kinds of problems. “The opposite of play isn’t work; it’s depression,” says psychiatrist and play researcher Stuart Brown. “The lack of playfulness is becoming a public health crisis.”
Last summer, scientists found that for mammals, play may be as essential as the need for sleep. The play drive starts in the brain stem—one of the oldest parts of our nervous system. Moreover, adult play has been linked to important discoveries throughout history. Deep in our evolutionary history, a playful early human came up with the concept of stone tools. Even today, the urge to play inspires most of humanity’ s greatest inventions, artworks, and scientific breakthroughs. “When I interviewed Nobel winners, I was struck by how most of them didn’t separate work and play. Their labs were their playgrounds,” says Brown.
Unfortunately, social norms (准则) hold back our urge to let loose. “Being a playful adult is shameful in our society,” says Brown. “You don’t want to feel irresponsible. You don’t want people to think that you’re childish.” Yet, there is hope that playfulness could make a comeback in modern society as we are shifting to a knowledge-based economy. At companies like Apple, workers are encouraged to chat freely during coffee breaks. They understand the value of encouraging adults to play. In the face of global challenges such as climate change, having a playful mindset may be crucial for creative problem-solving and cooperation.
The next time I’m caught playing, I know exactly what I’ll say: “I am not wasting time, or acting immature. I’m playing around for the benefit of all humanity. You’re welcome.”
1. Why does the author mention her personal story in paragraph 1?| A．To introduce the topic of adult play. |
| B．To illustrate her deep affection for snow. |
| C．To talk about how unfriendly the couple were. |
| D．To highlight the city’s magical transformation. |
| A．Encourage. | B．Share. | C．Create. | D．Control. |
| A．Different attitudes to adult play. | B．The significance of adult play. |
| C．Ways to balance work and play. | D．The reasons for adults lacking play. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Cautious. | C．Unconcerned. | D．Neutral. |
4 . There are robot cleaners and robot mops to help us around the house, so why not a robot to build our houses? Wait no longer. Now there is a set of electronics to do just that, build a house from scratch, and fast.
Forget weeks to find a builder and months for house construction; a machine developed in the United States can build a 232 sqm house layer by layer in a single day. University of Southern California’s Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis has designed the giant robot that replaces construction workers with a mouth on an arm of crane, which spits out concrete and can quickly build a house according to a computer pattern. The technology, known as Contour (轮廓) Crafting, could revolutionise the construction industry.
Contour Crafting could greatly decrease the cost of homeowning, making it possible for millions of displaced people to get on the property ladder. It could even be used in disaster relief areas to build emergency and replacement housing. As Prof. Khoshnevis points out, if we look around almost everything is made automatically these days—shoes, clothes, home appliances, cars. The only thing that is still built by hand are buildings.
The Contour Crafting system is a robot that automates age-old tools normally used by hand. These are applied by a robotic crane that builds a three-dimensional object. The nature of the technology means it will also be possible to create curved walls and architecture that is both “exotic (异国情调的) and beautiful” according to Prof Khoshnevis. As a result, it could be ideal to print out expensive houses according to customers’ demands.
Furthermore, Prof. Khoshnevis believes that the technology could be applied beyond our planet. “Contour Crafting technology has the potential to build safe, reliable, and affordable structures, habitats, laboratories, and other facilities on the moon and Mars before the arrival of human beings,” his website reads.
According to the International Labour Organisation, construction employs nearly 110 million people worldwide and “plays a major role in fighting the high levels of unemployment and in absorbing extra labour from the rural areas”. What the implications are for builders is, of course, a major concern. But Khoshnevis says “the reality is that a lot of new jobs can be created in this field as well”. Instead of building the house, workmen are used to maintain the machine.
1. Which advantage does the giant robot have for the consumers?| A．It saves a great deal of time. | B．It decorates houses beautifully. |
| C．It provides energy-saving apartments. | D．It builds environmentally-friendly houses. |
| A．to print objects | B．to purchase a house |
| C．to predict disasters | D．to accumulate wealth |
| A．low-income residents | B．people at different income levels |
| C．middle-income people | D．wealthy immigrants |
| A．Many construction workers will lose jobs. |
| B．Professionals will be hired to make robot builders. |
| C．More rural people will engage in construction. |
| D．Construction workers will update their skills. |
5 . Hope to have a cultural trip? Why not try these biggest and best exhibitions around the world?
Acts of Creation
The pains and joys of motherhood are not always described with as much care and detail as in this exhibition. With over 100 artworks by over 60 artists, three themes of motherhood — creation, maintenance and loss — will be explored through paintings, photographs, sculptures, sound and films.
Time: Until November 12
Location: Midlands Arts Centre, Bristol
From the Other Side
An exhibition on horror? It might not sound a good one for those who are not brave. However, you needn’t worry: this collection is far different from scary paintings. Instead, these artworks of 19 Australian artists aim to raise questions about horror in the women’s views.
Time: Until December 23
Location: ACCA, Melbourne
Modes and Characters
This museum exhibition is taking a look at the history of modern graphic design and explores how computer-based publishing technology has changed the world of design. Special focus is given to the work of Japanese designers and Japan’s different graphic culture, with individual exhibits ranging from magazine covers to the posters seen on trains.
Time: Until October 30
Location: 21 Design Sight, Tokyo
Hip Hop and Contemporary Art
Hip hop has had an influence on culture over the last 50 years, and this exhibition is taking a deep dive into its history. It ranges from fashion and photography to video and sculpture. Highlights include a large-scale installation from Lauren Halsey, the work of artist Hank Thomas, and photographs from Deana Lawson.
Time: November 5
Location: Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto
1. Where do the artists for the exhibition on horror come from?| A．England. | B．Australia. | C．Japan. | D．Canada. |
| A．The technology of computer. | B．The contribution of Japanese designers. |
| C．The history of modern graphic design. | D．The importance of magazine covers. |
| A．Acts of Creation. | B．From the Other Side. |
| C．Modes and Characters. | D．Hip Hop and Contemporary Art. |
6 . “Never give up! Never give up!” sang my two young children, Max and Charley, as they marched barefoot behind their grandmother Mimi on another adventure, off the beach where they had spent the day building sand castles and beating the waves. This time, they were seeking the ice-cream truck.
Over the years, Mimi had become our family’s source of positivity through her effort. My father’s death left her to raise me and my ten-year-old brother alone at forty. She faced tragedy that is powerful enough to cloud just about anyone’ s outlook. Instead, she challenged herself to find joy every day. She was always up for a new challenge, whether parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico, or signing up for tap-dancing classes at fifty. Leading by example, Mom taught us how much one could accomplish with a positive attitude.
She has taken the same approach in her relationship with her grandchildren. Prior to starting her adventure with Max and Charley that hot July afternoon, Mimi heard the familiar sound of the ice-cream man’s bell from her beach chair. The ice-cream man’s visit is a daily occurrence at the beach, but one must be quick to catch his truck. Max and Charley were disappointed when they didn’t catch him in time that day, until Mimi’ s eyes sparkled and explained that they could rush to find it at its next stop.
They walked block after block. My kids’ tiny legs were tired, but they went on. After about twenty minutes’ walking, Max spoke out loud, “Maybe we should give up.” Charley responded with a quick “No way! Never give up!” and resumed her singing with Mimi.
Just two blocks later, they found it. Max and Charley screamed with excitement, “Never give up!” Simple though it was, that phrase has become our battle cry (口号) for the challenges we face. Upon hearing those words, they are instantly transported to a positive state of mind—where the next ice-cream truck is just around the corner.
1. Why were Max and Charley marching barefoot?| A．To get some extra exercise on the beach. |
| B．To meet their grandma’ s special request. |
| C．To run after the truck for an ice cream. |
| D．To build sand castles and fight the waves. |
| A．She was optimistic despite misfortune. | B．She once had a bright prospect in life. |
| C．She was dominant in her community. | D．She developed an interest in adventure. |
| A．She blamed him for being loud. | B．She took the chance to be outstanding. |
| C．She turned to Mimi for some advice. | D．She opposed him and went on seeking. |
| A．Self-trust is the first secret of success. | B．Remain positive in times of difficulties. |
| C．Seize a chance in life before it disappears. | D．Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. |
7 . When my school offered the opportunity to take part in a School Challenge, I didn’t hesitate to sign up for the initial meeting.
Of course, it was not a case of simply signing up and paying the money.
We had been warned that our trip would not be a holiday and that things would not always go to plan. We certainly experienced the difficulties during the trip.
My School Challenge trip influenced my life in so many ways. It gave me a taste for independence and adventure, and certainly made me want to travel more.
| A．This had to be raised by us to fund the trip. |
| B．Despite the obstacles, it was a truly amazing trip. |
| C．Above all though, it has made me realise how easy my life is. |
| D．It was much more challenging than I thought it would be at times. |
| E．This was where we met other team members and chose our destination. |
| F．However, we wouldn’t be spending any time there until the end of the trip. |
| G．For example, a few people became ill because we were so high up in the mountains. |
8 . For eight years, Sophie created realistic-looking limbs (肢) for those who wanted to fit in. But she longed to work on more odd designs that would stand out. Then she met Pollyanna Hope, a young amputee (被截肢者).
“She wanted something a little different on her leg: pictures of a cartoon she loved, Peppa Pig,” said Sophie, who is now based in London. So she designed a unique leg covered in tattoo-like images of Peppa and other pigs riding a bicycle and eating ice cream. Working with Hope made Sophie realize there was a potential market for limbs.
Since then, Sophie founded the Alternative Limb Project (ALP) to make artistic limbs. Her work includes an arm wrapped in sculpted snakes and a leg that looks like porcelain (瓷器) covered in a painted flowery vine. She makes about six limbs per year, always including clients’ ideas so that they receive a personal piece they can celebrate rather than hide.
Of course, a fancy-looking limb won't suit everyone. For Sophie, the basis is that each limb must satisfy a combination of comfort, beauty and functionality, and pushing too hard in one direction can weaken other areas. But for amputees who appreciate novelty, Sophie has some amazing ideas.
“I’d really like to make a candy-dispenser leg with colorful candies inside it” she says. “Or a cuckoo-clock leg with a wooden bird that pops out every hour.” Her goal is to fashion a striking limb.
“It’ll transform the limbs from an elephant in the room into a conversation piece.”
1. Why did Pollyanna Hope come to Sophie?| A．She hoped to have a tailored limb. |
| B．She intended to design a cartoon figure. |
| C．She longed to expand the market for limbs. |
| D．She expected to sell Sophie some odd ideas. |
| A．boost users’ confidence | B．sharpen users’ creativity |
| C．improve Sophie’s sculpture skills | D．extend Sophie’s art business |
| A．The novelty of the pattern tops the list. | B．The balance of multi-needs comes first. |
| C．Fashion is the best policy. | D．Functionality is the key. |
| A．Sophie resolves to lead the fashion of limbs. |
| B．Sophie plans to further transform artistic limbs. |
| C．Amputees will feel at ease to talk about limbs. |
| D．Amputees will have easy access to artistic limbs. |
9 . I’ve loved to sew all my life. I started sewing clothes for my dolls when I was 7. My mother showed me how to stitch with a needle and thread, and it was my favorite pastime when it was too cold and snowy to play outside. As a teenager, I began to design and sew my own outfits. I cut out paper patterns to construct dresses and skirts, and I’d sit at the old sewing machine for hours.
In my late 20s, I began to buy used and vintage clothes to upcycle and refashion. My favorite places to buy vintage clothes are thrift shops (旧货店) and church rummage sales (教堂义卖).
However, about 10 years ago, when I was ripping out the silk lining (内衬) from a beautiful long blue evening dress, I stopped. There was a hidden pocket in the front that I failed to notice as I merrily ripped at the seams. I pulled out an old photo of a young woman wearing the very same blue evening dress. A long silver chain necklace hung gracefully down the front of the dress, and she was holding a black purse. She had a soft smile, and she looked to be in her early 20s.
Somebody else wore this dress many years ago. Who was she? Did she wear it to the theater? To a fancy dinner party? And I was now tearing it apart. I felt guilty.
I mentioned my concerns and guilt to my daughter. She said, “Mom, you should be proud of your upcycling and your sewing creations. You are keeping clothes out of the landfill (垃圾填埋场), and you’re creating new fashions. Consider it a bonus (意外收获) if you find objects in the pockets. The clothes are talking to you!”
I decided to pay homage to this upcycling discovery -and the many others I’ve found over the years — by displaying them on a bulletin board in my sewing room. These discoveries have made me enjoy refashioning and upcycling clothes even more. But I have learned to be a little gentler when I rip seams open with my scissors, and I approach pockets more carefully.
1. What are the first two paragraphs mainly about?| A．The author’s mom’s influence on her. | B．The author’s growing love for sewing. |
| C．The author’s preference for vintage clothes. | D．The author’s deep interest in design. |
| A．Excited. | B．Regretful. | C．Amazed. | D．Nervous. |
| A．It’s a waste of time. | B．It’s a challenging hobby. |
| C．It’s a professional business. | D．It’s environmentally friendly. |
| A．Sells them online. | B．Donates them to thrift shops. |
| C．Shows them in her sewing room. | D．Gives them to her daughter as gifts. |
10 . Must-read New Fiction Books
We all have a few tried-and-true fiction favorites, but there’s something special about a brand-new, hot-off-the-press novel. Whether it’s your favorite author’s new release or a new writer’s first work, great fiction books make the perfect escape from ordinary life. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the best new books released in February.
Age of Gold by Jerry Lapoor
Jerry Lapoor’s latest action-packed novel unfolds like a crazy movie. This thriller begins when a wealthy man’s car gets out of control. But when the dust settles, the rich man is nowhere to be found. How and to where does he disappear? With an exciting plot that will carry you from old-money houses to small agricultural villages, Age of Cold will take you on an unforgettable ride across a vast land.
City Under One Sky by Rachel Young
In the book, Young presents a crime story set in a small town. Detective Sara Kennedy has been sent to investigate a case. But soon after arrival, Sara gets snowed in with the 205 townsfolk living in the same apartment building. Who is hiding the key to the crime? And is there anyone she can truly trust? The appealing story, strange but distinctive characters and unexpected plot are just a few of the reasons why City Under One Sky gains its popularity.
Lady by Jess George
Lady is an irresistible fiction from Jess George. The story of Mary’s fresh start at adulthood is shot through with themes of family, race and discrimination, womanhood and the immigrant reality of feeling torn between cultures. Though struggling with life in London as an African, Mary jumps at every chance to stand on her own feet.
1. What will impress the readers in Age of Gold?| A．The thrilling plot. | B．Traditional cultures. |
| C．The family conflict. | D．Crazy characters. |
| A．She is trapped in the snow. | B．She is to investigate a case abroad. |
| C．She hides the key evidence. | D．She has trouble discovering the truth. |
| A．Self-reliance. | B．Gender equality. |
| C．Domestic violence. | D．Cross-cultural communication. |
