1 . Everyone wants to perform well at school. Add these tips to your life and you should be on your way to being a top student!
Taking notes is important. You don’t need to write down every single word your teacher says but write down what he or she writes on the blackboard, or any special fact you think you might need for a test.
Don’t skip school. You will be missing courses.
Keep a good attitude (态度) towards things. If you have an “ I don’t care about school or this class” attitude, then teachers will be less willing to help you with problems. The same goes for lazy attitude. Have a respectful attitude to the teacher and other students.
Always ask questions.
| A．Be prepared. |
| B．Write in your own words. |
| C．Staying organized will be helpful. |
| D．Pay attention to what the teacher says. |
| E．It is true that you could make up the work. |
| F．There is no shame (羞愧)in needing some help. |
| G．Try not to laugh when other students make mistakes. |
2 . Banff National Park is home to an amazing wildlife population. But the busy Trans Canada Highway that cuts through the park is a hazard to the lovely animals. To address the problem, Banff first put-up wildlife fencing on either side of the highway to discourage animals from entering the busy road. Then, since 1996, they’ve opened six wildlife overpasses and 38 underpasses to help the animals cross the highway in safety. I was fortunate to visit Banff’s Red Earth Overpass with Trevor Kinley, the project manager with Parks Canada. He told me that so far, they have documented 10, 000 safe animal crossings on this overpass alone. “ Some animals have learned how to use the crossings much more quickly than others. Black bears are the fastest learners, followed by deer. Wolves and lions take the longest to work out how to use them, ” Kinley said, laughing. “ But those animals that are slower to adapt are usually more capable and determined at figuring out the safest way to cross those overpasses and underpasses. ”
There is some criticism (批评) that channeling so much wildlife into a few bridges and tunnels is like making a trap for the animals, offering big animals an easy meal on either side. “ But research has shown that this is not the case, ” Kinley assured me. “ There are no more killings around the crossings than there are anywhere else in the park. ”
Walking over the Trans Canada and then walking underneath through one of the tunnels, I was amazed to see the fresh tracks of black bears, wolves, deer and many kinds of smaller animals. Somehow, all these animal footprints made me so happy, knowing that all this wildlife was passing safely under and over the longest road in Canada.
Hopefully, the success of the wildlife crossings in Banff will continue to inspire similar solutions around the world, where human pressure on wildlife continues to grow.
1. Which of the following best explains “ hazard ” underlined in paragraph 1?| A．Shelter. | B．Message. | C．Answer. | D．Danger. |
| A．They are stupid animals. | B．They are cautious learners. |
| C．They are very dangerous. | D．They are good at adapting. |
| A．There are too many bridges and tunnels. | B．Many animals will not use the crossings. |
| C．More killings might happen at the crossings. | D．Illegal hunting might be encouraged in the park. |
| A．Concerned. | B．Disappointed. | C．Shocked. | D．Delighted. |
3 . “I’m sorry” are two very important words playing a big part in daily life. You might apologize while pushing your way through a crowd or using the last of the printer paper at work. It’s easy to say “I’m sorry”, but true apologies are a different story. You may have trouble finding the right way to send meaningful apologies. Or you may wonder how to properly demand an apology if the other person is at fault?
Apologize sincerely.
Apply specific. A meaningful apology comes down to the three R’s-regret, responsibility and remedy(补救方法). Firstly, communicate your regret. Show the other person you have recognized you error and can sense his or her pain. Then take complete responsibility. Don’t excuses or blame the victim.
Don’t expect immediate forgiveness. Most people hope for immediate forgiveness while apologizing. but that may mean you don’t respect the others’ emotions and all you care about is yourself. So give them some time to come out of the pain after your apology.
| A．Ask for an apology if necessary. |
| B．Don’t claim an apology if you’re offended. |
| C．However, they would refuse to apologize to you. |
| D．A genuine apology can help repair your relationship. |
| E．With the following tips, you’ll find these are not hard. |
| F．Lastly, show that you’re working to improve the situation. |
| G．After all, they were hurt and it would take them a while to recover. |
4 . A 70-year-old woman wins hearts with her energetic workouts on Douyin, He Qi reports in Shanghai.
Videos on the social networking platform Douyin—also know globally as TikTok—that show men and women with perfect physiques working out or giving fitness tips are commonplace. Trying to stand out from millions of such videos can often be difficult, but a relatively new account, which has only been active since last year, has managed to do so easily.
The fitness instructor behind this account is not a young woman with a slim, toned figure that would leave viewers green with envy. The star here is 70-year-old Chen Jifang, a Shanghai resident with 3 million likes on her Douyin videos. She was once even featured on a reality show on China Central Television.
According to her trainer, who helped to manage the Douyin account, Chen attracted more than 400,000 followers within just a few months. "The main group that I wanted to encourage was people ages 30 to 50," says Chen. "I think they will be motivated to work out in the gym after seeing that a granny like me can. The message I want to convey is that it is never too late to pursue good health."
While most people would be concerned about having an elderly family member perform such intensive workouts in the gym, Chen has the full support of her family. Her husband shows his support by doing most of the housework. Her daughter, on the other hand, helps to pick her gym attire(运动服装).
Chen may be a star in her own right, but she is also just one of many elderly citizens in China's major cities who are embracing exercise.
1. What does "commonplace" probably mean?| A．unusual | B．important |
| C．usual | D．unimportant |
| A．attract as many followers as she can |
| B．inspire the middle-aged to stay healthy by exercising |
| C．stand out among the fitness instructors |
| D．to be a star in her own right |
| A．They are concerned about Chen's safety. | B．They do all the housework for Chen. |
| C．They support her in every way they can. | D．They work out with her. |
| A．favorable | B．doubtful | C．indifferent | D．critical |
5 . Accents are an important part of our identity. An accent gives clues about who we are, and the community we belong to or wish to belong to.
What is the difference between accents and pronunciation?
Accents are about localized ways of speaking a language. A French person may speak English flawlessly (完美无瑕地), just with a French accent.
If you think back historically people were much more localized with generation after generation of families living in the same small villages and few people traveled out of that area during their lifetimes. So over many generations differences in accent emerged and became very distinct to particular areas. Mountainous villages that are not easily accessible often develop very strong and distinctive accents.
How important is it to get an accent right?
If you’re moving to a certain part of a country, you might want to integrate better with your new community.
How to improve your accent?
| A．Where do accents and pronunciation emerge? |
| B．They’re also important for those learning a new language. |
| C．Try to adapt your speech to sound more like the locals’ speech. |
| D．The best way is to learn the specific accent of that region. |
| E．Where do different types of accents come from? |
| F．That’s fine because there is no wrong or right with an accent. |
| G．Learners should first think about which sounds don’t exist in your native language. |
6 . The past few years have been difficult for 13-year-old Adeola Abraham. In 2020, the teen was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, and he survived a successful bone marrow transplant (骨髓移植) and rounds of chemotherapy (化疗). Thankfully, Adeola is now out of the hospital. During his recovery, he found out that he had qualified for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ask for a dream wish from Make-A-Wish Mississippi. While many teens would choose a memorable Disney trip, meet a favorite figure or get a PlayStation, Abraham instead chose to feed the homeless in his local community.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is famous for brightening the lives of children suffering from critical illnesses by meeting their wishes. A wish typically falls into three categories: a wish to have something, go somewhere or meet someone. Abraham’s charitable wish to give came as a surprise to the organization. Linda Sermons, a Make-A-Wish Mississippi representative, said that Abraham’s generous wish was the first of its kind in the organization’s 35-year history. She was impressed with the teen’s maturity and sense of sympathy.
Make-A-Wish Mississippi approved of the teen’s wish in a big way. They created a service named after the teen, called Abraham’s Table, which would provide free meals to the homeless every month for the next year. Local businesses generously donated food and supplies, and receivers gathered in Jackson’s Poindexter Park for the meals. Abraham and his proud mom personally attended and handed out the food. Abraham’s Table fed more than 80 people at its first event. Abraham said it warmed his heart when the receivers came back to thank him for the meal he provided.
Abraham now wants to inspire other teens to get more involved in local charities. He also wants to continue his mission of helping others by starting his own nonprofit that helps those experiencing food insecurity.
1. What made Abraham a remarkable boy?| A．His exceptional choice for a dream wish. | B．His great sufferings from a critical disease. |
| C．His special qualifications for a dream wish. | D．His successful survival from a blood disorder. |
| A．Eighty people or so benefited from Abraharn’s Table. |
| B．Abraham’s act of kindness received positive reaction. |
| C．The organization provided financial help for the homeless. |
| D．The local businesses were greatly appreciated by the receivers. |
| A．Energetic and determined. | B．Mature and intelligent. |
| C．Sympathetic and selfless. | D．Generous and cautious. |
| A．Hard work always pays off. | B．It’s a blessing to be a giver. |
| C．Actions speak louder than words. | D．Miracles often occur in bad luck. |
7 . The Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
While most parks tend to draw families in the summer and fall, there are also ideal spots for adventurous winter trips.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The country’s oldest and best-known national park takes on an almost otherworldly atmosphere in winter: the air filled with rolling steam, the strong colors of hot springs, the surrounding white landscapes, let alone the impressive wildlife during this time, like bison, wolves, and playful red foxes. Just book a guided hiking tour to get a ranger’s perspective on the park and local people.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
With its giant red rocks and unique trees, you’ll feel like stepping onto a foreign planet as you spend hours hiking the Panorama Loop or Maze Loop. The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, featuring virtually zero light pollution and the country’s best views of a starry sky.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
A significantly lower number of visitors in winter means you can take in unblocked views of the South Rim, and get to see the rare beauty of the Grand Canyon dusted with snow. For those adventurous and daring, it is recommended to hike the Bright Angel Trail and take the chance to see the canyon’s wintertime wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and bald eagles.
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
Surprise! Not all wintertime national park trips need to involve snow. Virgin Islands National Park is most famous for its white-sand beaches. You can also hike inland to visit old sugar plantations, or venture out to the water to swim along with sea turtles and manta rays. You will definitely enjoy a different winter here.
1. Which park will one choose if he/she is interested in stars?| A．Yellowstone National Park. | B．Joshua Tree National Park. |
| C．Grand Canyon National Park. | D．Virgin Islands National Park. |
| A．We can have a poor view of the South Rim there. | B．It lies in an area with rolling steam and hot springs. |
| C．There is a slight decline in visitor numbers in winter. | D．The Bright Angel Trail is challenging in cold weather. |
| A．Hiking. | B．Skiing. | C．Swimming. | D．Hunting. |
8 . The newly-elected president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro says that his country should withdraw (退出) from the 2015 Paris Agreement, and that Brazil’s rainforest protections are standing in the way of economic success. During the election campaign, he promised to ease protections for areas of the Brazilian Amazon set aside for native people and wildlife. Are Brazil’s rainforests in danger?
The Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest, is called “the lungs of the planet.” Each tree takes in and stores carbon dioxide from the air around it. Billions of trees pull up water through their roots and release water vapor into the air, forming tiny drops of water. The Amazon creates 30 to 50 percent of its own rainfall. Carlos Nobre, a climate scientist, says that it is almost impossible to say Just how important the rainforest is to the planet’s living systems.
Some of Bolsonaro’s support comes from business and farming groups. One supporter, Luiz Carlos, noted that farmers “are not invaders, they are producers.” He blamed the past government for supporting rainforest protections at the cost of farmers. “Brazil,” he said, “will be the biggest farming nation on Earth during Bolsonaro’s years.”
Paulo Artaxo, a professor of environmental physics at the University of Sao Paulo, says that if Bolsonaro keeps his campaign promises, then “deforestation of the Amazon will probably increase quickly — and the effects will be felt everywhere on the planet.”
Other scientists warn that if the Amazon and other tropical rainforests lose too many trees, this could affect rainfall in other areas. Without enough trees to support the rainfall, the longer and bigger dry season could turn more than half of the rainforest into a tropical grassland.
1. The first paragraph is intended to ________.| A．draw people’s attention to the disappearing rainforests |
| B．ask people to ease the protection of rainforests |
| C．attract the public to the newly-elected president |
| D．to complain about the new government's withdrawing |
| A．produce much farmland |
| B．examine people’s lungs |
| C．change the earth’s living system |
| D．destroy farmers’ crops |
| A．The new president’s supporters care less about farmers. |
| B．Scientists are concerned about the protection of rainforests. |
| C．The rainforests will stop the economic development in Brazil. |
| D．The past government is to blame for the destruction of rainforests |
| A．a newspaper |
| B．a magazine |
| C．a guidebook |
| D．a textbook |
9 . The SNAG stands for stereotyped nature-inspired aerial grasper and it’s a 3D-printed bird robot with claws. It can fly, stay on various surfaces catch and carry objects, just like the mighty falcon（隼）that was used as the source of inspiration in its development.
Each leg of the SNAG has two motors, one for helping it move back and forth, and the other one for grasping. Twenty printing attempts were necessary for the robot to finally reach its current structure, but it was worth it. Now, according to researchers, the flying machine has an impressively strong and high-speed clutch（离合器），being able to land and wrap its claws around a branch in about 20 milliseconds. SNAG has ankles lock, and there’s an accelerometer （加速计）on its right foot that reports that it’s landed while triggering（触发）a balancing process to stabilize it.
Scientists have already conducted several tests with the robot in rural areas and on different surfaces. In all the situations, the SNAG was able to catch objects thrown by hand, such as bean bags, a tennis ball, and more.
As for the applications of the bird-like robot, the SNAG can get attached to drones（无人机）and be used for search and rescue missions, wildfire monitoring, to offer just a few examples. Another great application is environmental research, with the SNAG also featuring a temperature and humidity（湿度）sensor. By using a robot that can act like a bird, you can unlock new ways of studying the environment, as explained by William Roderick, mechanical engineer and one of the researchers involved in the project. Now scientists are moving on to improving the robot’s situational awareness and flight control.
This isn’t the first time that nature has inspired groundbreaking technologies. We also wrote a piece recently about the F-SAM micro drone, which was inspired by the flight of samara（翼果）seeds, also known as “twisters” which have a special way of spinning down to the ground.
1. What gave the researchers inspiration for the SNAG’s development?| A．The plane. | B．The falcon. |
| C．The micro drone. | D．The samara seeds. |
| A．To balance the SNAG in flight. |
| B．To change the SNAG’s flying speed. |
| C．To keep the SNAG’s feet in balance. |
| D．To make the SNAG steady on a surface. |
| A．The SNAG has huge potential for practical use. |
| B．The SNAG has a long way to go before being used. |
| C．The SNAG will be helpful in putting out forest fires. |
| D．The SNAG is sensitive to temperature and humidity. |
| A．It doesn’t know its situation well. |
| B．It can’t fly fast enough in the air. |
| C．It is easily broken by the branches. |
| D．It can’t catch objects with smooth surfaces. |
10 . Many orb weaver spiders have yellowish stripes or spots on their undersides for a good reason. That color yellow attracts bees and flies into a spider’s web, a new study suggests.
Orb weaver spiders get their name because they spin and sit on circular webs. But these spiders and their bright colors seem contradictory. Why would a spider look so noticeable? In the new study, researchers examined if yellow coloration on a species of golden orb weaver spiders (Nephila pilipes) attracts their flying insect prey. Found across Asia, this spider sits on its web day and night with its underside facing open space. The team found more than 250 female N. pilipes in the wild. They removed each female and either left its web empty or replaced it with a cardboard spider. These cardboard models had paper stripes of yellow, blue or black color stuck to them.
After almost 1,800 hours of video recording the webs, the team found that during the daytime, the yellow-striped model that looked like a real N. pilipes attracted more than twice as many insects, including bees and flies as any other fake spider or empty web. What's more, the yellow color worked just as well at night attracting moths, the scientists reported.
The team then searched online zoological databases for associations between yellow markings and prey attraction in orb weaver spiders. Surveying dozens of distantly related species showed that yellow stripes or spots were more likely to have evolved in orb weaver spiders that sit on their webs in open, bright spaces, where visual baits may be more effective.
Scientists don’t yet know why insects are attracted to yellow stripes on orb weaver spiders. Perhaps the prey mistake a spider for a yellow-flecked flower, a hypothesis (假说) supported by the fact that most prey attracted were pollinators (传粉者).
1. What made the scientists confused about orb weaver spiders?| A．Their name. | B．Their prey. | C．Their coloration. | D．Their webs. |
| A．By finding wild male and female N. pilipes. |
| B．By filling each web with a cardboard spider. |
| C．By studying the stripes on female N. pilipes. |
| D．By using fake spiders or leaving the web empty. |
| A．Insects knew how to avoid an empty web. |
| B．The spiders’ stripes could attract insects. |
| C．Insects could be attracted to dark colors. |
| D．Yellow markings didn't function at night. |
| A．Yellow Stripes Work for the Spiders Hunting for Food |
| B．Yellow Stripes on Orb Weaver Spiders Have Evolved |
| C．Stripes and Spots can Easily Draw Much more Insects |
| D．Preys are Drawn to Spiders on Circular Webs Quickly |
