1 . I have begun every conversation with the usual opening line, “Entschuldigung, mein Deutsch ist noch nicht so gut” since I moved to Hermsdorf, a little village in east Germany in 2015. The purpose was to let the Germans know that they shouldn’t expect me to express more ideas or respond quickly and accurately, so I escape too much conversation with them.
Learning to speak German was not funny for meat all. Even if I could technically write academic (学术的) articles in German, the thought of calling a doctor to make an appointment (约定) would still bring me anxiety. I would stammer (口吃) during small talk with a mother I had never met before, while dressing my one-year-old at kindergarten.
This went on for almost ten years until a month ago. I was at home, telling my husband about a meeting I’d had. As usual, I started the meeting by apologizing (道歉) for my poor German. The lady behind the desk looked at me somewhat confused, “But your German is great.” “She is right, you know,” my husband said. “I don’t know why you still think you speak poor German. OK, it is not perfect, but who cares?” After living in Germany for nearly ten years, why did I still worry so much? I finally saw the light. It was because I was trying to protect my feelings.
Lately, when I sat across from a woman who could be my future boss, I felt anxious about the interview, especially the unavoidable question, “Tell me about yourself.” I really wanted to use my usual opening line, but I didn’t and thought I should trust myself and my German. That afternoon, l was called back to meet the CEO who told me that I was hired, and when we shook hands, she didn’t mention anything about my German skills.
1. Why did the author begin conversations with the usual opening line?| A．She pretended to be polite. |
| B．She hoped to impress people with her language skills. |
| C．She wished form or c opportunities to practice German. |
| D．She wanted to avoid further conversation with Germans |
| A．Excited and inspired. | B．Anxious and bored. |
| C．Confident and relaxed. | D．Pleased and satisfied. |
| A．Not having confidence in speaking German. |
| B．Writing academic articles in German. |
| C．The basic rules of German grammar. |
| D．Small talks with her friends. |
| A．To stress the author’s language skills were praised. |
| B．To illustrate the mental challenges of job interviews. |
| C．To prove good relationship between the author and the CEO. |
| D．To show the author’s changes and growth in speaking German. |
2 . Overcoming barriers to exercising
If you’re having trouble beginning an exercise plan or following through, you’re not alone. Detailed exercise instructions and workout plans are just a click awav. But knowing how and why to exercise was far from enough. Making exercise a habit takes more.
While practical concerns like a busy schedule or poor health can make exercise more challenging, for most of us, the biggest barriers are mental. Maybe it’s a lack of self-confidence that keeps you from taking positive steps.
You don’t have to spend hours in a gym or force yourself into dull or painful activities to experience the physical and mental benefits of exercise.
Research shows that self-sympathy increases the likelihood that you’ll succeed in any attempt. So, don’t blame yourself too much for your current fitness level.
| A．Maybe your passion dies down. |
| B．A little exercise is better than nothing. |
| C．Expecting too much only leads to frustration. |
| D．You know there are great reasons to exercise. |
| E．All that will do is cause you to lose motivation. |
| F．You need the right mindset and a smart approach. |
| G．Many of us are struggling to get into the motionless state. |
3 . If you’re a keen photographer with a passion for making an impact, we’d love to have you join this nonprofit photography workshop in Africa! You don’t need to be a pro to join: you just need to have a good camera, basic photography skills, and an interest in giving back through photography.
·Program schedule One-week workshopThe program will be kicked off with a workshop taught by humanitarian photographer Anna Lusty. The first week will be focused on all elements of nonprofit photography, including how to prepare for shoots, how to approach projects in a culturally sensitive way, and how to best capture (捕捉) the essence of projects, etc. Half days will be spent on theory, and during the other half, we’ll visit a nonprofit organization so that we can put skills into practice.
·Photography assignmentsFrom the second week, you’ll start your photography assignments. Each week, you’ll be assigned to a grassroots organization of your choice. This can have a wide range of focus areas, such as education, animal welfare, sports coaching and more. You’ll spend your time getting to understand the organization’s mission and projects, and you’ll document their work with your camera. At the end of the week, there will be time for post production, and you can donate a selection of your images to the organization.
·Logistics and supportAccommodation, transport and support are all provided during this photography volunteer project. We’ll pick you up from the airport, provide all necessary transport and support on the ground and supply daily meals.
·Start dates and feesOur start dates for 2024 are as follows:
Cape Town: Feb 19/May 14 /July 17 /Oct 16
Livingstone: July 31
Program fees for 2024:
| 2 weeks | 3 weeks | 4 weeks | |
| Cape Town | $2,150 | $2,700 | $3,250 |
| Livingstone | $2,750 | $3,200 | $3,650 |
We’d love to receive your application!
1. What is required to apply for the program?| A．Professional photography skills. |
| B．Related volunteer experience. |
| C．Proper photographic equipment. |
| D．Interest in African culture. |
| A．Each volunteer is assigned a professional photographer. |
| B．The program combines theoretical learning and practical sessions. |
| C．Volunteers can team up freely to finish a project together. |
| D．Participants raise money for the organization. |
| A．$2,150. | B．$2,700. |
| C．$3,200. | D．$3,650. |
4 . World-famous Botanical Gardens
From botanical history to scientific discovery, here are the top picks for people to explore.
Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London, England (1840)
Located in London, Royal-Botanic Gardens at Kew are home to the world’s biggest collection of living plants. As a global resource for plant and fungal knowledge, it has more than 50,000 species of native and exotic plants, trees, and flowers on site. It is a setting rich in history that spans from royal decorations to wartime bombing, and its mission is to protect plants for the future of all life on Earth.
The Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou, China (1513)
The Humble Administrators Garden in Suzhou is a great masterpiece with its attractive design and careful arrangement of natural elements. It’s centered around water features, with beautiful fountains, complex rockwork, and historic buildings surrounded by thick vegetation. The combination of these elements creates a picturesque landscape. Because of its exceptional cultural and historical significance, the garden has become a world heritage.
Parque de Monserrate, Sintra, Portugal (1789)
Monserrate is a combination of wild landscape with old ruins, formal lawned areas and lovely gardens. The garden sits on the lower slopes of the Sintra Mountains, which have one of the mildest climates in Europe, so the garden is frost-free. At its very centre is a grand palace, which has a distinctive mixture of different architectural styles. It has been the site of various buildings and gardens for hundreds of years.
Missouri Botanical Garden, St Louis, USA (1859)
Established in 1859, Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in continuous use in North America. It is recognized internationally for its scientific research. With almost 50 themed gardens, Missouri Botanical Garden has been involved in the conservation of plants from native American regions and also from Madagascar, China and Central America.
1. Why are the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew established?| A．To collect tropical plants. | B．To conserve various plants. |
| C．To record the history of British plants. | D．To provide a shelter for people in wartime. |
| A．It highlights the waterscape. | B．It is surrounded by formal lawns. |
| C．It includes many themed gardens. | D．It shows different architectural ruins. |
| A．London. | B．Suzhou. | C．Sintra. | D．St Louis. |
5 . Tiny, black-capped chickadees (北美山雀) have big memories. They store food in hundreds to thousands of different locations in the wild — and then comeback to these places when other food sources are low.
Scientists have known that chickadees have incredible memory skills. That memory can be a matter of life or death for these birds when there are no enough food resources in colder months.
Some researchers thought that neurons called place cells (细胞) would explain these birds’ ability to remember where their food is stored. These cells are known to include information about where things are in space. But recently，Selmaan Chettih and his team found that each time a chickadee hides a seed (种子) in a specific location, a unique brain pattern appears — separate from place cells
To observe this, Chettih and his team created special areas with lots of feeders filled with sunflower seeds. They put small flaps (片状下垂物) where birds could hide seeds.
The scientists tracked the activity in their brains. Each time a bird hid a seed under a flap, researchers saw a brief unique brain pattern appear—what they called the barcode. Different patterns appeared even if the birds hid many seeds in the same location. When the birds revisited these sites and retrieved the hidden seeds, the same barcode-like pattern appeared again, as though all the information about each location and seed were related to a unique brain pattern.
The researchers compared these memories to episodic memories in humans, which are memories of specific events or personal experiences. They’re important to how humans connect time, people, places and sensory information together.
Chettih says that this see chiding behavior has a clear pattern of activity, which may help researchers build a structure for how the brain creates and stores memories
1. Why are memory skills necessary for chickadees?| A．Memory skills can help them survive in colder months. |
| B．Memory skills show their intelligence and learning abilities. |
| C．They need memory skills to identify different types of food. |
| D．They use memory skills to avoid being attacked by other animals. |
| A．Chickadees’ memories were controlled by place cells. |
| B．Chickadees preferred hiding sunflower seeds. |
| C．Unique brain patterns appeared when chickadees hid seeds. |
| D．Chickadees often hid many seeds in the same location. |
| A．Repaired. | B．Regained. | C．Decorated. | D．Designed. |
| A．To introduce a study on chickadees’ memory. |
| B．To present a detailed description of chickadees. |
| C．To compare chickadees and human memory skills. |
| D．To provide readers with a way to improve memory skills. |
6 . Edinburgh is famous for its many museums where you can learn its rich history.
Museum on the MoundLocated in the heart of Edinburgh’s city center, this appealing museum takes a fresh look at money — and much, much more. You will see coins and banknotes from over the ages, including the first Scottish banknote printed in 1727. There are also interesting interactive displays and you can even try your hand at opening a safe!
The Writers’ MuseumIt is housed in the beautiful Lady Stair’s House, a category A listed building. The collection celebrates the legacy (遗产) of Scotland’s literary contributions, with special emphasis given to Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns. The museum is home to numerous paintings, books and manuscripts (手稿), and you can also see Burns’ writing desk and Scott’s chess set.
Our Dynamic EarthIt celebrates the beauty of the earth via technology. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience earthquakes, the ocean floor, ice ages and mountains by the use of computer software. Particularly interesting is the “tour” around the eleven Earthscapes. It is educational fun for the whole family and can serve as a good introduction to concepts surrounding the formation of the planet and the creatures we share the earth with.
National Museum of ScotlandThe diverse collections here include the history of Scotland with exhibitions of international interest. The natural world, science and technology, discoveries, art, and world cultures are all explored. There are interactive elements and activities to suit children of all ages, including science experiments and musical instruments.
1. Which might be the most attractive to finance majors?| A．Our Dynamic Earth. | B．Museum on the Mound. |
| C．The Writers’ Museum. | D．National Museum of Scotland. |
| A．They have an artistic atmosphere. | B．They have interactive exhibits. |
| C．They provide hands-on activities. | D．They showcase world cultures. |
| A．Play with your family. | B．Tour the world virtually. |
| C．Design computer software. | D．Learn about ancient creatures. |
7 . Are you ready to get down to a thrilling journey through the pages of captivating stories and profound knowledge? Join us for an unforgettable reading event that promises to ignite your passion for literature and broaden your horizons!
Celebrating the Richness of American Literature
Immerse yourself in a treasure of literary masterpieces that showcase the cultural richness and diversity of American voices. From timeless classics to contemporary gems, there’s something for everyone to discover and enjoy.
Book Highlights:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Delve into the timeless tale of justice, morality, and compassion set against the backdrop of the American South.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Experience the glitz, glamour, and disillusionment of the Jazz Age through the eyes of the enigmatic Jay Gatsby.
Beloved by Toni Morrison: Journey into the haunting world of slavery’s legacy and the enduring power of love and memory.
Meet the Authors: Signed Copies and Book Giveaways!
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet renowned authors and get your books personally signed! Plus, stand a chance to win exclusive giveaways and limited edition merchandise.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, March 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Central Public Library, 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA
Who Should Attend?
This event is perfect for crazy readers, literature enthusiasts, and anyone eager to explore the diverse landscape of American literature. Whether you’re a high school student preparing for college or a seasoned bookworm, there’s something here for you!
Registration and More Information:
Visit our website at www.booklovers.com to register for this exciting event and learn more about the featured authors and book selections.
Why It Matters:
By celebrating the rich tapestry of American literature, we not only honor the voices of the past but also inspire future generations to embrace diversity, empathy, and the power of storytelling.
1. Which book is NOT mentioned as an emphasis of the event?| A．To Kill a Mockingbird. | B．The Great Gatsby. |
| C．Moby-Dick. | D．Beloved. |
| A．Sign their own names on books. | B．See and greet famous authors. |
| C．Participate in a reading competition. | D．Watch a movie screening. |
| A．A food magazine. | B．An astronaut’s journal. |
| C．A sci-fi handbook. | D．A reading website. |
8 . It took an ill screech owl (鸣角鸮) to teach a scientist the value of up-close-and-personal study.
In his Harvad talk, Carl Safina, an ecologist and author of Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe, recalled that the chick was found dying in his backyard. Safina took it in and planned to nurse it back to health and then perform release. But the owlet's flight feathers didn't grow properly. Safina delayed the release. Over those extended months, Safina got to know Alfie in ways that moved and changed him.
“An owl found me and then I was watching ‘an owl’,” he said. “It was no longer an owl after a while, it was ‘she’ because she had a history with me. This little owl, who was with me much longer than I thought she would be, became an individual to me by that history and all those interactions.”
The bond with Alfie strengthened to the point that, when she was finally released, she created a territory with Safina's home at its center. Safina was able to spend hours each day observing her in the woods as she learned to take care of herself in the wild, met two mates, and raised chicks of her own.
When he heard Alfie calling, Safina said, he'd call back and she'd land nearby. Their closeness allowed him to learn more things about screech owls. Field guides, for example, describe two known calls but he identified six, some of which you have to be quite close to hear. The relationship also opened a window for Safina onto personality differences between Alfie and her mates.
When pointed out that his approach to Alfie—including the act of naming her—ran counter to widespread scientific practice, Safina said he wasn't concerned about violating (违反) convention, particularly if something interesting like individual personality differences among owls could be learned.
The experience caused Safina to think more deeply about humankind's relationship with nature and the kind of personal connection he was able to feel with a wild individual. “What I learned from Alfie is that all sentient (有情感的) beings seek a feeling of well-being and freedom of movement,” Safina said. “That's a guide to what's right and what's wrong to me.”
1. What do we know about Alfie?| A．She developed a close bond with Safina. |
| B．She was a fictional character in Safina's book. |
| C．She intentionally landed in Safina's backyard. |
| D．She was dying because of the broken flight feathers. |
| A．Alfie chose to stay with Safina at his home. |
| B．They maintained a continous communication. |
| C．Alfie met mates and raised chicks by herself. |
| D．Safina kept his distance from her to prevent attachment. |
| A．Recording six different calls of the screech owl. |
| B．Identifying different types of owls by their calls. |
| C．Learning how to release owls back into the wild. |
| D．Understanding personality differences among owls. |
| A．He became more focused on exploring nature. |
| B．He initiated his commitment to wildlife conservation. |
| C．He developed a deep appreciation for the welfare of living creatures. |
| D．He decided to guide readers to distinguish between right and wrong. |
9 . Medical Examination Instructions
These medical instructions are being issued as your immigration (移民) application has reached the stage where medical examination results are required.
When, who and how to complete your Immigration Medical Examination
You are required to have the medical examination within 30 days of the date of this letter; your medical examination must be performed by a doctor from the IRCC list of Panel Physicians; book an appointment with a Panel Physician in your area as soon as possible.
Once your medical examination has been completed, the Panel Physician will submit medical results to IRCC for assessment. To obtain a copy of your Immigration Medical Examination, please ask the Panel Physician at the time of your appointment.
Paying for your Immigration Medical Examination
Any costs related to the medical examination are your responsibility and are payable to the Panel Physician at the time of examination. This payment is for the Panel Physician's services and cannot be returned even if your immigration application is refused or the validity period (有效期) of your immigration medical examination ends.
Note: If you are qualified for coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program, the costs related to your immigration medical examination may be covered by the IFHP. Please confirm with the Panel Physician in your area that they are registered with the IFHP.
What must I bring to my appointment?
★ The attached Medical Report form
★Identification, including your passport if one is available (Proof of identity must include at least one government-issued document with photograph and signature, such as a passport.)
★Eye glasses or contact lenses (隐形眼镜), if worn
★Four recent photographs
★For individuals qualified for Migration Medical Examination coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program, please bring one of the following documents:
●Refugee Protection Claimant Document
●The Interim Federal Health Certificate
●Acknowledgement of Claim and Notice to Return for Interview
If available, you may be offered vaccinations (接种疫苗) by the Panel Physician.
1. After your medical examination, _________.| A．the previous health reports ought to be consulted |
| B．you will submit the results to IRCC for assessment |
| C．the Panel Physician will present the results to IRCC |
| D．you will surely obtain a copy of examination results by the physician |
| A．The IFHP will cover them. | B．They cannot be returned. |
| C．The Panel Physician will pay in cash. | D．They will be returned if you apply. |
| A．Proof of identity. | B．The Federal Health Certificate. |
| C．The application form. | D．Medical examination instructions. |
10 . After years of writing papers and cramming for tests, many young travelers look forward to their cap toss and the celebratory trip, which serves the purpose of celebrating the completion of this phase of schooling.
Danube River, Europe
Experience Europe by booking your family on a Danube River Cruise to have a great trip with your college-age kids. You can visit eight cities in four different countries as you cruise from Germany to Hungary, having a peep into European history and culture.
New York City, New York
If your college-going kids are into theater, a visit to New York City’s Broadway will be the perfect family vacation destination you can gift them. There is some new show that’s happening there always and could even be on the bucket list of the young adults in your family!
London, England
If your young ones have been bitten by the Harry Potter bug, a visit to the Wizarding World in London will be irresistible for them. See Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in his West End home, and then proceed to the Palace Theatre.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
South Africa’s Kruger National Park covers nearly two million hectares of land with a wide diversity of life forms along with historical and archaeological sights. The Cape buffalo, African elephant, leopard, the fish eagle and Marula trees are within sight.
For more information, please refer to the chart below:
Ratings | Danube River, Europe | New York City, New York | London, England | Kruger National Park, South Africa |
| Activities Attractions | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affordability | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Safety | 4/5 | 3. 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Accessibility | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Accommodation Options | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| A．Danube River, Europe. | B．New York City, New York. |
| C．London, England. | D．Kruger National Park, South Africa. |
| A．Accommodation choices. | B．Financial costs. |
| C．Personal security. | D．Transport system. |
| A．Graduates. | B．Parents. | C．Travel bloggers. | D．Tour guides. |
