1 . How to cancel plans at the last minute
Make a phone call
If you’re canceling at the last minute, consider giving the person you’re trying to contact a call rather than a text. “I know a call can be scary because sometimes you don’t know exactly what to say,” says friendship expert Danielle Jackson. “
Apologize upfront
Lies, even small ones, can damage a friendship more than simply starting with the truth. If you really feel like you have to stretch the truth, keep it general rather than inventing a story by saying something like, “I’m so sorry this is last-minute, but I’m unfortunately not going to be able to make it,” Jackson advises.
Expect and accept disappointment
Your friend may have been really looking forward to your time together. This may have been the only plan he has all the week, or the one that he has prepared for a long time.
Offer to reschedule first
Once you’ve explained yourself, try to find an alternative time to reschedule.
| A．Before canceling plans, assess the situation |
| B．Remember to start with the words “I’m sorry” |
| C．Either way, be prepared for a bit of a letdown |
| D．No lying even though you have no real excuse |
| E．Don’t wait and let the other person launch a new plan |
| F．It’s also important not to over explain when canceling plans |
| G．However, that’ll give the person a chance to hear your tone and sincerity |
2 . Generations of parents have told their children to practice their musical instruments. They have good reason for it: learning an instrument is not only associated with better educational attainment but also cognition (认知) and even intelligence scores in children. But does this musicality translate to better cognition (thinking) later in life?
A recent study showed that musical people had better memory and executive (决策的) function than those with less or no musicality. This makes sense as continued engagement in cognitively stimulating activities, such as playing an instrument, should result in continued brain health benefits.
Singing is a very popular musical activity as it allows joining musical groups, such as choirs. But does singing provide the same cognitive benefit as playing an instrument? According to the study, singing can result in better executive function but not memory, suggesting that playing an instrument has additional brain health benefits. However, when singing is done in choirs, there is good evidence that being engaged in social activity is good for our brain health.
Many people might remember the famous “Mozart Effect”, which was based on a 1993 study showing that when students were played Mozart, they scored higher on intelligence tests. Sadly, the current study found having played the recorder for three years at primary school might not have that big an impact on our cognitive performance. So, passively listening to music doesn’t seem to provide any cognitive benefits.
Playing an instrument or singing seems to have benefits to our brain health in aging, according to the study. What is yet to be established is whether this would also help prevent future cognitive decline or dementia. Still, considering the overall cognitive and social benefits of learning an instrument or singing in a choir, it might be worth engaging in such cognitive stimulation as we age. Our parents would be proud of us.
1. Why do parents intend their kids to play an instrument?| A．They suppose it can broaden the kids’ horizons. |
| B．They design the kids to be musicians in the future. |
| C．They expect to equip the kids with critical thinking. |
| D．They think it can improve the kids’ study and thinking. |
| A．It has better memories. | B．It has social benefits. |
| C．It requires more energy. | D．It shapes brain development. |
| A．To show cognition relies on active engagement. |
| B．To display the real role that music plays in study. |
| C．To list similarities between music and study. |
| D．To demonstrate how to play a recorder properly. |
| A．Why Do People Prefer Singing? | B．What Musicals Can Do for You |
| C．How Music Boosts Your Brain | D．Where Shall We Find Musicality? |
3 . Bridport Prize
The Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel AwardThe Novel Award is open to writers aged 16 and over living in Britain and Ireland and British writers living overseas.
IMPORTANT: All entries are judged anonymously(匿名地). Please do not include your personal information in the document or the file name, otherwise it will be disqualified.
General
Entries can be on any subject in any style or form.
Entries must be submitted online or by post. No email submissions.
Entries must be in English.
Do not add cover or title pages.
Do not send illustrated work.
Entries can be withdrawn by logging into your submittable account. Entry fees will not be refunded.
Deadline
The deadline date for entries is 12 midnight (UK time) on 30 July 2023.
Length
8,000 words maximum, 5,000 minimum taken from the opening chapter.
Fees
£24 per novel. There is no limit to the number of novel submissions.
Format
Entries must be typed in Arial 12 pt black font, double-spaced with numbered pages and the novel’s title on every page. Save as a Microsoft Word document(. doc or. docx) or PDF file with the novel title as the file name. Please do not include your name in the file name as this will lead to disqualification. The maximum allowed file size is 2MB. Include the word count for the submission on the top right first page.
Results & Awards
A prize-giving event will be held at Bridport Arts Centre, Dorset for the winner, runner-up and three Highly Commended winners on 22 October 2023. Full results and the Judges’ Report will be published on the website that afternoon.
If you want to learn more about the Novel Award, please contact kate@bridportprize.org.uk.
1. Which of the following will result in disqualification?| A．Writing a novel of 6,000 words. | B．Resubmitting your entry by post. |
| C．Including illustrations in your entry. | D．Forgetting to add the cover page of your entry. |
| A．Name your file with your name. |
| B．Ensure your file size is 2MB at most. |
| C．Add the word count to every page of your entry. |
| D．Include the title of your entry on the top right first page. |
| A．It charges £24 per competitor. |
| B．It demands a specific subject. |
| C．Its winners will be awarded prizes on the website. |
| D．Its Judges’ Report will be available on 22 October 2023. |
4 . While many high-achieving students will spend their summers volunteering, working part-time jobs, or interning (实习), another great opportunity available to high schoolers is summer programs.
Experiences in ArchitectureDates: July 7 — 11
Location: University of Chicago
This workshop is perfect for high school students in architecture and design. In order to prepare them for a career in architecture, the two-week program promises to provide the study of the discipline at the college level while introducing them to life on a college campus.
Immersion (沉浸) into ASLDates: June 15 — 22 (overnight); June 24 — 29 (day camp)
Location: Gallaudet University
This program is designed for students who are either beginning or intermediate (中级的) signers and want to become more fluent. Participants will work with advanced ASL (American Sign Language) instructors and their assistants who are similarly deaf or hard of hearing, learn about deaf culture and history, and explore the nation’s capital. Students may participate in a residential or day camp program.
Conway School of NursingDates: July 15 — 19
Location: George Washington University
This one-week program hopes to introduce students to careers in nursing. Taught by the nursing teachers and aided by upper-class nursing students, participants will learn about the moral values guiding the work.
High School Drama InstituteDates: July 8 — 26
Location: Columbia University
Though this intensive three-week program is super-selective and a limited number of students are chosen to participate, it is a perfect fit for students with a passion for the performing arts. Participants develop acting skills focusing on voice, movement, and gesture, strengthen their dancing and singing skills, and learn what it takes to prepare for college auditions (试演).
1. What will Experiences in Architecture offer to participants?| A．Interning positions. | B．Pre-college courses. |
| C．A career in design. | D．On-campus tours. |
| A．Experienced teacher assistants. | B．Residential ASL programmers. |
| C．Staff members with hearing problems. | D．Starters and Intermediate ASL learners. |
| A．Experiences in Architecture. | B．Immersion into ASL. |
| C．Conway School of Nursing. | D．High School Drama Institute. |
5 . You can study a wide range of topics in an art and design school, from history to sculpting, theater to fashion. Due to the variety, learners remain interested, and a challenging curriculum encourages them to think outside the box. The top art schools in Hong Kong are listed below.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK PolyU)
The school benefits from its location as a link between the East and the West, enabling its students to improve their creative skills while also gaining a distinctively global cultural awareness. Practical skills are thought to be a crucial component of the problem-solving process, which students must practise through practical workshop activities. The workshop facilities give students the chance to become familiar with the techniques needed for perfect making.
The University of Hong Kong (UHK)
Study subjects that interest you and select from a large range of beginner arts courses to learn about new themes. You have the freedom to create a course of study that is ideal for you thanks to the program’s adaptable curriculum and inviting dual (双的) degree choices. You will choose your own combination of courses during your first year from a wide range of basic arts and humanities courses.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
The Faculty (系) of Arts at CUHK has always been essential to the university’s commitment to combining Chinese with Western traditions, with bilingual teaching, and with cutting-edge interdisciplinary (跨学科的) research.
Vocational Training Council (VTC)
The multidisciplinary program here exposes students to a wide range of modern visual arts mediums and actively involves them in the larger cultural sectors. And the program promotes a dynamic climate where interdisciplinary arts projects grow via cooperation and creativity within the arts sector. Graduates are also encouraged to pursue careers as professional artists.
1. Which school can you choose to learn to make things?| A．The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. | B．The University of Hong Kong. |
| C．The Chinese University of Hong Kong. | D．Vocational Training Council. |
| A．Obtain a global cultural awareness. | B．Choose courses suitable for them. |
| C．Perform cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. | D．Pursue careers as professional artists. |
| A．They all carry out bilingual teaching. |
| B．They all offer interdisciplinary courses. |
| C．They all aim to develop innovative talents. |
| D．They all provide a dynamic learning atmosphere for students. |
6 . This is the last Christmas that Faye and Matthew have spent in their house, which has already been sold. Faye and Matthew Gooding and their five young sons appear to have perfect lives. For the couple themselves, however, this “materially perfect world” was lacking in something—so now they are giving up all their possessions to travel around the world with their children. Most of their belongings have been given to their neighbors. Faye said, “It is a relief to get rid of so many possessions. Thankfully, our parents understand and support us.”
“I hesitated for a while because some friends think Faye and I are mad to give up so much. When we told the older boys, they were so excited that they were going to have so much time as a family. It made me realize the amount of toys or material possessions can’t replace time spent with our children. They’ve had to give away so many toys, bikes and books. My wife Faye was so determined to keep to our plan,” said Matthew.
They will leave this month and plan to start their travels in Sweden where they have friends. Faye said, “My older boys plot where we go next but we hope to see Europe and over two years travel as far as Japan, America, Bali and Thailand. We don’t plan to hire any tour guides. We just depend on a compass and local people to move in the right direction.”
Faye, who posts on Instagram as a mother of five boys, added, “It is a risk because we are giving up so much. I, however, even plan to quit my job after the travel. We can’t wait to spend more time with our sons without the stresses of everyday routines. We don’t know what will happen, but we do know if we didn’t do this we would always regret it.”
1. How will Faye and Matthew cover the travel costs?| A．By selling their house. | B．By doing part-time jobs. |
| C．By asking parents for help. | D．By borrowing from neighbors. |
| A．Worried | B．Excited | C．Uncertain | D．Firm |
| A．Faye | B．Matthew | C．The children | D．The tour guide |
| A．A travel guidebook | B．A life journal | C．A paper | D．A diary |
7 . Many high school students look forward to volunteering abroad. Here are some programs that such students can consider.
Spring Break Voluntary Service
Through this program, you’ll volunteer to build schools and community centers in the Dominican Republic, and help with reforestation (重新造林) or water purification (净化) projects. You’ll also have the chance to spend some free time on beaches, and explore freshwater lakes and underwater caves. This eight-day program costs $1,899.
Tanzania Expedition
Raleigh International’s Tanzania Expedition includes an adventurous hike in the Southern Highlands, through which you can help out with some environmental projects, and also pick up wildness survival skills. Except for these, volunteer work includes planting trees, improving access to clean water, and helping with hygiene (卫生) awareness events. This expedition lasts five, seven, or ten weeks, starting at $2,595.
Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Plan My Gap Year (PMGY) is offering a Sri Lanka volunteering experience to travelers aged 16 and 17. For two weeks, you’ll explore and volunteer, with activities including visiting an elephant center, watching animals at Yala National Park, relaxing on the beach and volunteering for different projects which mainly focus on English teaching, elephants, and sea turtles. The cost starts at $1,599.
Volunteer in Morocco
Another volunteer opportunity perfect for teens is the Morocco program provided by Cross-Cultural Solutions, where you will be able to travel across this beautiful country for two or four weeks and help with education, health, technology, or sports leadership activities. The cost (including housing and meals, in-country transport handbooks, and more) starts at $750, plus a $249 registration fee (注册费).
1. What is special about Tanzania expedition?| A．It includes a trip to a national park. |
| B．It puts volunteering and adventure together. |
| C．It aims to raise locals’ environmental awareness. |
| D．It requires volunteers to be equipped with first aid skills. |
| A．They are of the same lasting time. | B．They are for teens aged 16 and 17. |
| C．They both stress environmental protection. | D．They offer volunteers chances to visit beaches. |
| A．Pay a registration fee. | B．Work out an activity plan. |
| C．Make a booking online. | D．Join Cross-Cultural Solutions. |
8 . After inventing a life-saving device, a student is set to stand on the stage of the Global Innovation (创新) Challenge this fall.
Anna McCord, 13, won a top title at the National Innovator Challenge and has become the top story in the news. The National Innovator Challenge is a yearly competition that encourages and celebrates youth innovation where the top 10 inventions are chosen for “Top Innovator” honors. On July 3, the eighth-grader won “Top Innovator” for her invention, “Sea Me Here,” a device that makes anyone lost at sea more visible to the rescue team.
The “Sea Me Here” device is made from plastic and a metal ring. It can be stored in a small pocket or bag. When removed, it spreads into a much larger size behind the user, increasing visibility.
Anna said she came up with the idea for the device from her mother’s past diving experience. “My mom used to div e for a living and she would keep a white plastic bag in her pocket, so if she would ever get lost, she could stick it up on the surface,” Anna said. “I improved on that when she told me about it.”
Jeremy Brannon, Anna’s earth and life science teacher, said when Anna told him about her project, he was impressed. Brannon added that Ann a was independent with her project, asking for guidance only when needed.
The project took six months, Ann a said. “Everyone liked it... I got some good questions, and it helped me improve on the device,” Anna said.
Anna believes her invention has a bright future ahead. “The end goal would probably be to have it built into life jackets, so you could have it at anytime,” she said. “If you had a life jacket on you and you were lost at sea, you could just pop it out.”
1. Why was Anna in the news?| A．She won an honor in a national event. |
| B．She entered an international competition. |
| C．She became the youngest inventor in her school. |
| D．She saved a person’s life with an innovative device. |
| A．Making reusable plastic bags. |
| B．Collecting plastic waste from the sea. |
| C．Protecting the safety of rescue workers. |
| D．Helping rescue workers find people lost at sea. |
| A．From her teacher’s science class. |
| B．From her mother’s diving practice. |
| C．From her mother’s traveling stories. |
| D．From one of her diving experiences. |
| A．Hardworking and polite. | B．Warm-hearted and gifted. |
| C．Confident and smart. | D．Humorous and honest. |
9 . The Australian National University (ANU) and an Australian start-up, Lunaria One, are teaming up to grow plants on the moon together, as early as 2025. Lunari a One’s ALEPH project is an early step toward growing plants for food, medicine and oxygen production. However, the problem is that the moon is like a desert (沙漠). There’s no life there, only dust, rocks and water.
“Space provides a unique opportunity to study how to grow plants in extreme environments,” said ANU Associate Professor Caitlin Byrt. “The extreme conditions that the Earth is facing because of climate change present challenges for how we manage food security in the future. Having controlled environments can create the ability to rapidly grow plants after natural disasters or events caused by climate change. So this project is important. If you can create a system for growing plants on the moon, then you can create a system for growing food in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.”
As to what plants to be grown on the moon researchers are still deciding, but one of the front runners under consideration is Tripogon loliiformis, a kind of Australian native (本土的) grass that can live in extreme conditions and survive for months without water. According to a plant biologist, even after losing more than 95 per cent of its relative water content, the dead-looking grass remains alive and continues to grow when provided with water. Whatever plants are selected, they will be transported to the moon in a dry and sleeping state and will come to life upon watering.
The ship will take off in 2025. Upon arrival, pictures and videos will be sent back to Earth over a 72-hour period and will be publicly accessible (可得到的). “The ALEPH project aims to make the science and engineering behind growing life on the moon open to people. And we hope to get everyone involved (参与的) and listen to their opinions. If you’re interested in the project, you can get all the necessary information from our website,” said Lauren Fell, the director of Lunaria One.
1. What does the second paragraph mainly tell us?| A．The methods of growing plants in space. | B．The challenges of growing plants after disasters. |
| C．The value of growing plants on the moon. | D．The need to grow food for a growing population. |
| A．It can produce young plants fast. | B．It can live with little water. |
| C．It is the most common grass in Australia. | D．It can naturally wake up from a sleeping state. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Shocked. | C．Negative. | D．Worried. |
| A．Plants are on the moon for the first time |
| B．How to care for plants in extreme environments? |
| C．Why can this Australian native grass grow in space? |
| D．A space project aims to grow plants on the moon |
10 . My father is a retired army officer and thanks to his job, I was able to stay in many different places. Changing schools, homes, cities and towns was a part of my growing up years. Thus, making new friends came very easily for me. All I can say about my experience is that to find new friends is always easy. Because someone in your new school is also looking for your valuable friendship.
The first step towards making new friends is to accept the fact that you need to meet new people. If you keep complaining about your situation, then it’s not going to get you anywhere. Maybe you’ve moved to a new place or a new neighborhood or you have changed a job, whatever the situation is, staying alone is never a perfect idea. Thus accept your situation and try hard to make a new friend.
Get in touch with people. This is the only way of coming across people and making friends. Begin with a small change every day. Talk to the person sitting next to you in your classroom. Share your interests with your neighbour. Talking to the closest person to you will help you build confidence in yourself. This will give you an opportunity to discover new people.
The biggest mistake that most of us make, while looking for new friends, is that we look for the same qualities that we liked in our old friends. As a piece of friendly advice, no two people are the same. Therefore, it’s not correct on your part to expect a new person to have the same qualities as your old friends.
If you like to dance, paint, play some sports, listen to music or read, join their clubs. Joining a club help you come across different kinds of people in all kinds of situations. Clubs are great places to meet people, share common interests and know one another better. Joining a gym is also a great way to meet people; learn from them and have things to talk about.
1. What does this text mainly tell us?| A．Some suggestions on how to learn more. |
| B．Some advice about how to make new friends. |
| C．Some tips on how to get on well with others |
| D．The author’s life experiences in different places. |
| A．move from one place to another |
| B．teach the author lots of useful things |
| C．make lots of friends in his life |
| D．be very strict with the author |
| A．Trust other people too easily |
| B．Judge a person only by what he says |
| C．Compare new friends with our old ones |
| D．Forget our old friend after we have new friends. |
| A．Teachers. | B．Parents. |
| C．Foreign travelers. | D．Students. |
