1 . Top 3 Best Museums in the World
Whether you are a fine art or historylover, the following three museums are sure to take your breath away.
Le Louvre, Paris, France
A visit to the Louvre and its collections lets visitors discover Western art from the Middle Ages to 1848 as well as a large number of ancient civilizations. The grand palace that houses the museum. which dates back to the late twelfth century, is a true lesson in architecture: from 1200 to 2011, the most innovative architects have in turn built and developed the Louvre.
●Official website: Louvre
●Highlight: Leonardo da Vinci`s “Mona Lisa.”
The British Museum, London, UK
The British Museum in London was founded in 1753 and opened its doors six years later. It was the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge, open to visitors from across the world. No other museum is responsible for collections of the same depth and breadth, beauty and significance.
●Official website: British Museum
●Highlight: the Rosetta Stone.
The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia
The second-largest art museum in the world, the State Hermitage Museum was founded in 1764(200 years later than The Uffizi Galleries, Florence, Italy), when Empress Catherine the Great acquired an impressive collection of works from the Berlin merchant Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky. Today, the collection of art works contains paintings, sculptures and so on.
●Official website: State Hermitage Museum
●Highlight: Golden masterpieces from Eurasia.
1. When was the British Museum, London, UK opened to the public?| A．1564. | B．1753. | C．1759. | D．1848. |
| A．They have exhibits from the Middle Ages. | B．They feature exhibits from ancient times. |
| C．They have exhibits concerned with kings. | D．They have both fine art and history exhibits. |
| A．Le Louvre, Paris, France. | B．The State Hermitage Museum, Russia. |
| C．The British Museum, London, UK. | D．The Uffizi Galleries, Florence, Italy. |
2 . Rewards at West Exe School
West Exe School is a fully inclusive comprehensive secondary school. Listed below are the ways the school celebrate success with students, parents and staff during the academic year.
Merit BadgesMerit badges are awarded in line with the student qualities. E.g., when a student reaches 200 merits in a semester for being kind, they receive their kind merit badge. The West Exe shield is awarded to students who have achieved all six merit badges.
The Golden TicketEvery two weeks, all members of staff have a ‘Golden Ticket’ which they can award to any student who has displayed what the student qualities stand for. There will be a bi-weekly focus on one of the student qualities as positive reinforcement. The golden tickets awarded are then placed in a prize draw, for prizes suggested by the student body.
Punctuality AwardStudents who are on time for every lesson across the week will be entered into a prize draw. This is to promote the importance of punctuality in school and in life.
Headteacher RewardHeadteacher’s Reward is given to students who have been nominated (提名) by staff members every month for demonstrating the qualities, behaviors and values of what it means to be an exceptional West Exe Student. They are also awarded to students who have shown exceptional achievement, either in school or as part of an extracurricular activity. This includes a certificate and pen, with a letter going home to parents to share news of the young person’s achievement.
1. Which of the following rewards is given most frequently?| A．Merit Badges. | B．The Golden Ticket. |
| C．Punctuality Award. | D．Headteacher Reward. |
| A．All staff members can be nominated for the award. |
| B．Students rewarded will receive a certificate and a letter. |
| C．Parents of the students awarded will be honored with a letter. |
| D．Only students making outstanding achievements in school can be awarded. |
| A．A school website. | B．A news report. |
| C．A travel leaflet. | D．A book review. |
3 . Sweating may not be your favorite thing to do, but it is a necessary process for maintaining the health of the human body.
Sweat is known to cool the skin, bringing toxins (毒素) to the surface and giving the skin a healthy glow. Research shows that sweating can increase and maintain skin hydration. However, leaving sweat on the skin for too long can cause skin diseases such as acne (痤疮).
When you are hot, your heart beats faster to cool the body, releasing endorphins that cause feelings of joy.
When sitting in a sauna (桑拿), your body temperature rises, so your body works overtime to cool itself down by sweating.
If you sweat heavily during exercise, that’s usually a positive sign. Athletes tend to sweat sooner and more than inactive people. Their bodies have learned to cool down more efficiently during physical activity. A study conducted by the Public Library of Science supports this, showing that long-distance runners not only got sweatier sooner, but also activated more sweat glands (汗腺), resulting in more sweat than their non-active counterparts.
| A．And you’ll be better off for it. |
| B．Sweating a lot means that you are fit. |
| C．Thus, it’s essential to wash your face and body after sweating. |
| D．Sweat is the stuff that floods out when our body temperature rises. |
| E．Sweating contributes to a decrease in blood pressure to some extent. |
| F．Your sweaty self can also make those around you feel more delightful. |
| G．This is a natural bodily function that helps to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. |
4 . Here are four universities in Germany that offer free tuition for their students.
Technical University of Munich (TUM)This university is the best technical university in Germany. It was established in 1868 by King Ludwig II. The university was renamed Technische Universitat Munchen in 1970. Its alumni (校友) included several Nobel Prize winners, including Konrad Emil Bloch for Medicine or Physiology and Robert Huber for Chemistry. This free university offers undergraduate degrees in Aerspace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Information Science, Nuclear Technology, and Agricultural Sciences and others.
Munich University of Applied Sciences (MUAS)Established in 1971, it is the largest university of applied sciences in Bavaria, and the second largest in Germany. It was established following the merger (合并) of seven colleges of higher education. It offers a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in different subjects. It holds partnerships with more than 200 universities across Europe, North and South America, and Asia. Approximately 13% of its students come from abroad.
Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU)LMU, founded in 1472, is a renowned European university known for its academics and research, As a top European research university, LM covers many subjects, including humanities, law, economics, medicine, and natural sciences. LMU has 18 faculties and an excellent library system. They emphasize creative thinking, problem - solving, and research in their academic programs.
Academy of Media Arts Cologne( KHM)The Academy was founded in 1990, also known as KHM in German. It is a public academic institution that offers a special and unique concept of study: instead of separating the field s of film, television, art, design and theory, they are integrated into a single course of study leading to a diploma in Audiovisual Media. It is home to over 400 students, with nearly 50% international students.
1. What do we know about Munich University of Applied Sciences?| A．It is the biggest university in Germany. |
| B．It was formed by combining several colleges. |
| C．It owns an excellent library system. |
| D．It has some Nobel Prize winners in its history. |
| A．TUM. | B．LMU. | C．KHM. | D．MUAS. |
| A．It was founded by a king. | B．It is a private academy. |
| C．It has fewer international students. | D．It only provides one program. |
5 . Do you know what to do when there is an emergency? By calling the police, you can protect yourself and those around you.
Call the police in all of the following emergencies:
◆A crime, such as a theft, especially if it is still in progress.
◆A car accident, especially if someone is injured.
◆Domestic violence (家庭暴力), such as a child being mistreated.
◆Anything else that seems like an emergency.
◆What should you do when you call the police?
◆Dial 110 (the emergency number in China; the number varies from one country to another—in the U. S., you dial 911 to call the police). Stay calm when calling and give your name, address and phone number. Then, tell the person why you are calling (What happened? Where did it happen? When did it happen? Is it still in progress?). Follow any instructions you are given. For example, the dispatcher (调度员) might say, “Stay on the line” or “Leave the building”.
◆If you dial the emergency number by mistake, do not hang up. Doing so could make the dispatcher think an emergency really exists. Instead, just tell the person that you called by mistake. Most police departments have a communication center. The communication center staff reach police officers by radio. Police officers carry headsets, like earphones, to stay in touch with the communication center.
1. When calling the police, you DON’T need to give ________ to the dispatcher.| A．your name | B．your phone number |
| C．your ID card number | D．some details of the emergency |
| A．Power off your phone. | B．Tell the dispatcher you called by mistake. |
| C．Hang up your phone at once. | D．Go to a police station to explain. |
| A．Monitor police officers. | B．Answer emergency calls. |
| C．Tell people what to do in an emergency. | D．Reach police officers when there is an emergency. |
| A．To tell people when and how to call the police. | B．To introduce a police officer’s duties. |
| C．To share the author’s experience. | D．To thank the police. |
6 . Why Subscribe to Reader’s Digest?
The world’s best-loved general-interest publication contains something for everyone. Reader’s Digest magazine is bursting with stories, articles, advice, recipes, reviews, tips, jokes and anecdotes. Each issue is small enough to fit in your handbag or pocket, but big enough to keep you entertained for weeks on end.
From regular columns packed with information to gripping (扣人心弦的) human-interest stories and helpful how-tos, our magazine offers knowledge, positivity and humour. In this month’s issue you’ll find...
An interview with Hugh Dancy:
The newest addition to the leading roles of the TV series Downton Abbey on New York, Law & Order, and the nostalgia (怀旧) of playing an English gentleman.
Saving the sound of the Stradivaius:
Meet the experts fighting to save the unbeatable sound of history’s greatest violins, meeting the love of her life.
Community Power:
Across the UK, communities are coming together to save their pubs, shops, and more.
If Grace Dent ruled the world:
The restaurant critic shares her manifesto (宣言) for world domination.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY FROM AS LITTLE AS £22.99
Our best price yet — It’s only £22.99 for a full one-year subscription — A Saving of over 50% OFF the usual £47.88 retail price — and what’s more, we will deliver it direct to your door for free!
If you don’t want to commit to a full year, we have the perfect taster package.
TRIAL NOW with 3 Issues for ONLY £3!
Plus, make sure you always keep up to date with all of the top stories, news and promotions from Reader’s Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.
1. How often does the magazine come out?| A．Annually. | B．Daily. | C．Weekly. | D．Monthly. |
| A．Community Power. | B．If Grace Dent ruled the world. |
| C．An interview with Hugh Dancy. | D．Saving the sound of the Stradivaius. |
| A．£22.99. | B．£3. | C．£47.88. | D．£24.89. |
7 . With a pair of glasses and mild manner, Siew Te Wong could be described as a Malaysian Clark Kent (a fictional character in Superman). This wildlife biologist is a Superman of sorts — a tireless defender of the world’s smallest bear species: the sun bear.
“I often call the sun bear a forgotten species,” Wong said. “When I first started, 20 years ago, no one had ever studied sun bears. Most people did not know that they even existed,” As he studied the animal and realized the threats it faced from deforestation and illegal hunting, he knew the bears were in serious trouble. “The more I learn about them, the more I care. The more I care, the more I worry,” he said. “I have to help them.” Today, Wong’s nonprofit, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center, is the only sun bear sanctuary (保护区) in the world.
Sun bears are found in the rainforests of South Asia, and the small bears play a big role in keeping these woodlands healthy. Many plants and animals depend on them to spread seeds, create nesting sites and control the termite (白蚁) population. Healthy rainforests provide clean air and water to the entire world.
But the sun bear population has decreased by 30% during the last three decades. In 2007, the bear was officially classified as vulnerable (易危的) to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Currently, 44 sun bears live at Wong’s center. All of them were orphaned by illegal hunting or rescued from captivity (囚禁). The center has also become one of the leading tourist destinations in the area. “They can see how special the sun bear is and learn about how their survival is important to ours,” Wong said, “so they can take some action when they go back home.”
For Wong, this work is simply his responsibility. “Sun bears have become part of my family. When they’re endangered, I care for them. When they are in trouble, I speak for them,” he said. “I want to be the voice for the sun bear, to fight for the sun bear, to ensure the survival of the sun bear. But my goal is to save the entire forest ecosystem and that is so important to the survival of mankind. I want bears to live in the forest and not in captivity.”
1. When Wong first started to study sun bears, ______.| A．they were paid little attention |
| B．they were a great threat to mankind |
| C．they were well protected by the local people |
| D．they were officially classified as rare animals |
| A．The importance of healthy rainforests. |
| B．An introduction to the rainforests of South Asia. |
| C．A dependent living situation of all species in rainforests. |
| D．The role sun bears play in keeping a balanced ecosystem. |
| A．To finance this center. | B．To protect species diversity. |
| C．To recognize the value of the center. | D．To raise awareness about sun bears’ situation. |
| A．How to turn a sun bear center into a tourist destination. |
| B．An introduction to a great defender of the sun bear. |
| C．A call for stopping the sun bear hunt. |
| D．What we can do to save the sun bear. |
8 . Making a Difference
In my 7th-grade year, we undertook a project focused on encouraging people to register to vote. I discovered that the registration process is quite simple, and I couldn’t understand why many individuals weren’t registered.
My brother surprised me. He called the registrar’s office. He was calling to find out where he could register, but he learned more.
My brother talked with his high school social studies teacher. He said he wanted to help other students get registered. The teacher set. up a voter registration table in the lunchroom. My brother sat there every day for a week. When students came in, if they were 18, they could go to register at his table.
| A．He didn’t come right away |
| B．He said he would do better than that |
| C．Our class decided to do something about this |
| D．He found out he could be a volunteer registrar |
| E．I wanted to find out why they refused to register |
| F．At the end of the week, 108 students had registered |
| G．I learned in social studies that voting is a crucial aspect of being a citizen |
9 . People with special access requirements across Brisbane are finding homes that are easier to live in thanks to a home access information trial.
Started by the Queensland Department of Housing and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, the trial encourages real estate agents to identify and promote homes for sale or rent which include access features for older people and people with disabilities.
The access listing includes homes that have at least one entry with no more than three steps. Alternatively, there may be a ramp (斜坡), elevator or lift that provides easy entry into the main living areas. The listing agent may also have information on door widths, bathroom space and other important considerations for those requiring wheelchair access.
Rosslyn Kennedy from Gateway Properties is one of about 70 agents who have elected to participate in the trial. Rosslyn says access features are a big selling point.
“While people may not necessarily come out and ask for these types of properties, when you mention it to them, they say ‘oh great’,” she says. “It’s like an unconscious thing that people are looking for.”
Gateway Properties is also promoting several new developments featuring lifts and easy access to local beaches and hospitals. People who wish to have a home that is accessible for friends or family with a mobility disability will also benefit from this trial, Rosslyn says.
“We’ve had success in talking to developers early to encourage them to consider access features, especially in ground level properties,” she says. “Making modifications (改进) to properties before they are completed is also a good way to introduce access features, and can often be cheaper than designing a home from scratch.”
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten says the trial will be held in the Brisbane area and is expected to run until later this year.
“The purpose of the trial is to work with real estate agents to test and evaluate the process,” he says. “Following the results of the evaluation, we may consider a state-wide release.”
1. Who can benefit most from the home access information trial?| A．Real estate agents. | B．Tourists and patients. |
| C．The old and the disabled. | D．The Queensland Department of Housing staff. |
| A．are hard to find | B．are well-received |
| C．are priced much too high | D．refer to those without steps |
| A．Critical. | B．Worried. | C．Surprised. | D．Supportive. |
| A．Homes sold in Brisbane | B．Homes get nod for access |
| C．Homes attract more agents | D．Homes available for everyone |
10 . The long fishing pathway is a well-worn narrow road, about six feet across, covered in stones and dirt. I’m in Barranquilla, Colombia－a seaport city known for great fish.
I keep an eye out so I don’t trip on the rocky path. Along the way, I come upon a man likely in his 50s. I stop and watch him for several minutes as he stands on the rocks and fishes. Instead of a rod (钓竿), the man holds a large bunch of fishing line. On the other end, far off in the distance, the line is attached to a kite. The wind pushes the kite away from him and carries his long line out to sea with several hooks (鱼钩) tied to the line to catch fish. As the sun is setting, I silently reflect on his life. A life so different from my own but no less meaningful.
I’ve chosen not to live anywhere for the time being. I gave up my apartment in Toronto over two years ago, choosing to live and work remotely. I move around often and live permanently out of a suitcase, often staying with friends, family and in hotels. Toronto has become unaffordable, even more so since I’ve left, and I want a lifestyle where I can save some money while discovering unfamiliar locations and forming connections with individuals I’ve yet to meet.
I guess you could call me a digital nomad (数字游民). Work can be done from anywhere now. As a publicist in the film industry, the majority of my job involves meetings and emails and that can all be done virtually.
I learned about a new word recently: “sonder,” coined to define when you realize that each person around you is experiencing a life as vivid and complex as your own. I met the man from Barranquilla early on in my travels. Participating in that small slice of his life made me excited and curious about the world. The longer I’m on the road, the more my eyes are opened to see the world this way and seek out opportunities to understand others.
1. What might the author think of the man’s fishing method?| A．Unique. | B．Traditional. | C．Fruitful. | D．Risky. |
| A．Job requirements as a publicist. | B．Unaffordability of a settled life. |
| C．Inability to find a permanent residence. | D．Desire to explore new places and meet new people. |
| A．They are fond of traveling. | B．They do most of their work virtually. |
| C．They have experienced many ups and downs. | D．They are aware of the richness of others’ life. |
| A．Fishing. | B．Travel. | C．Life. | D．Technology. |
