1 . Do you know the following fun holidays?
Yellow Pig Day
The unofficial holiday that falls on July 17 was created in the early 1960s by Princeton mathematics students, David Kelly and Michael Spivak, while they were working on the special properties (属性) of the number 17, which is a prime number (质数) that has significance in mathematics.
Mole Day
It’s celebrated every year with a theme by scientists and chemistry students throughout the United States and around the world between 6:02 am and 6:02 pm (18:02) on October 23 because when written in the month-date format (格式), the date and time 6.02, 10/23 include the digits (数字) in Avogadro’s number (602×1023) in honor of the mole, a measuring unit in chemistry.
Tau Day
This has much to do with Pi Day (圆周率日). It has been held every year since 2010 on June 28. The day began as a way to recognize tau. Tau is equal to 2π or 6.283. In recent years, some mathematicians and physicists have argued for the replacement of pi(π) by tau, but it is not yet widely accepted within the scientific community.
Palindrome Day
Palindrome (回文) is a word or phrase that reads the same backwards as forwards, for example madam. Palindrome Day happens when the day’s date can be read the same way backward and forward. Because date formats vary from country to country, not all dates that are palindromic in one kind of date format are Palindrome Days in another. For instance, April 21, 2024 or 4-21-24 is a palindromic date in the m-dd-yy format, but it isn’t if you write the date as dd-m-yy yy (21-4-2024) or dd-mm-yyyy (21-04-2024).
1. What is special about Mole Day?A.It has a different theme every year. | B.It was created by a scientist. |
C.It’s the oldest of the four holidays. | D.It’s celebrated only in America. |
A.Palindrome Day. | B.Mole Day. | C.Yellow Pig Day. | D.Tau Day. |
A.They’re celebrated several times a year. | B.They each represent a scientific idea. |
C.They are enjoyed mainly by students. | D.They are accepted by governments. |
2 . The saying goes that a dog is man’s best friend, but this companionship isn’t unique to dogs. Even though rabbits are smaller and quieter than dogs, they are also intelligent, outgoing, active, and social and they make great pets. Here are five reasons for adopting (养) a rabbit.
Rabbits are budget-friendly.
Rabbit care is much less expensive than the budget (预算) required for taking care of a dog or cat.
It’s easy to fit a rabbit into the schedule.
Rabbits are awake in the early morning and early evening, and spend most daytime and nighttime sleeping.
Rabbits are clean, quiet, and contained.
Rabbits are clean animals that generally don’t make large messages. Rabbits don’t require as large living spaces as a dog or cat does, so they are apartment-friendly.
Rabbits are intelligent and lovely.
A.Rabbits don’t make loud noises. |
B.And a rabbit requires less care time. |
C.They can always be a good part of the community. |
D.It costs about $50 monthly to feed and care for a rabbit. |
E.This works well for someone with a typical day job schedule. |
F.Rabbits, like dogs, are smart enough to be trained to do all sorts of tricks. |
G.People should make sure they are ready for the responsibility before adopting. |
3 . Food festivals are a common occurrence in the UK and take place in all sorts of places and at all sorts of times. Whatever your taste, there’s a food festival to match it — no matter how special.
The Meatopia
This three-day, London-based festival takes place at the end of August or in early September and is a meat lover’s paradise. In addition to a range of legally sourced meat products, from juicy burgers to tender steaks, attendees can listen to live music, watch butchery demonstrations, and attend informal meat-based workshops.
The National Honey Show
If you have a sweet tooth, then it could be that the National Honey Show, which started in 1923, is the place for you. This three-day event attracts many local participants who showcase their sweet golden honey, some of which is sold globally.
The Orange Sauce Festival
Have you heard about a festival that is devoted only to orange sauce? Held in Cumbria, this sweet, fragrant festival has been running for many years. What attracts people most is a competition to find the best homemade orange sauce. There are thousands of participants from over 30 different countries across the globe, bringing their local snacks to share here.
The Ginger (姜) and Spice Festival
If you’d prefer something with a little more kick, then you could attend the Ginger and Spice Festival held in Market Drayton. Unlike other food festivals, it celebrates its town’s historic connection to Robert Clive,who returned from India with ginger. Because of this, people here specialize in baking gingerbread, and sell a range of traditional spices from mild ones to hot ones.
1. What do Meatopia and the National Honey Show have in common?A.They have a long history. | B.They hold workshops. |
C.They originated from London. | D.They last three days. |
A.The Meatopia. | B.The National Honey Show. |
C.The Orange Sauce Festival. | D.The Ginger and Spice Festival. |
A.It sells spicy food. |
B.The ginger used in the festival is from India. |
C.It has something to do with a historic figure. |
D.The food is cooked by Robert Clive. |
4 . Before traveling to Lake Tahoe, make sure your plans are in order. Complete vacation packages of the area are now offered online.
Package 1. Get Outdoors in Lake Tahoe Package Get outdoors and explore! With this fun vacation package, you can stay in the Lake Tahoe area for three nights and have a few adventures along the way. This package also features Lake Tahoe Sport Fishing, allowing guests to get out and fish! Click here to book | Package 2. Lake Tahoe Family Vacation Package If your next trip happens to be in the Lake Tahoe area, then consider booking this one. It is great because it can offer you four full nights at the hotel of your selection and an amazing sightseeing tour through the Emerald Bay. You also can enjoy Lake Tahoe Hot Air Balloons tours and the Wild West Tour. Click here to book |
Package 3. Lake Tahoe Romantic Getaway Package This is perfect for people who want to have a romantic time. It includes a two-night stay at the hotel of your choice and one of the finest activities in all of Lake Tahoe — the Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Sunset Boat Tour on the Bleu Wave. During this romantic sail, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Lake Tahoe. Click here to book | Package 4. Lake Tahoe Weekend Getaway Package The Lake Tahoe Weekend Getaway Package is great for people of all ages, so this is a great choice for families. This package includes a two-night stay at the hotel you choose. It also includes a trip which takes place on the Bleu Wave by boat. Click here to book |
A.Package 1. | B.Package 2. | C.Package 3. | D.Package 4. |
A.Their boat tour. | B.The hotel for staying. |
C.The places for traveling. | D.Their target customers. |
A.A guidebook. | B.A travel report. | C.A local newspaper. | D.A website. |
5 . The cost of living in countries like the U.S, Britain, Australia or France has skyrocketed in recent years. However, if you’re willing to leave your country and explore life in other areas, there are many countries boasting an extremely cheap and low cost of living. Check out the following countries when planning your next move.
EcuadorEcuador is similar to the United States in many ways, and as a result has become a popular American getaway. They even use the U.S. Dollar for their currency. In this country, it’s cheaper to eat out every day than cook for yourself on a budget in the U.S. You can even buy a building for around $50,000 and hire someone to look after it while you’re away.
MexicoAlthough the country is known for its poverty ridden streets, there are many wealthier areas that provide every facility you might need. You can live off a mere $700 to $800 a month in Mexico, and this includes rent for a nice place, facilities, food, and any sightseeing.
ArgentinaArgentina has been a popular tourist destination for many years. It has great restaurants, a rich history, and many places to explore. Not to mention, it’s not very expensive to live here. A decent sized home can cost around $139,000, which is relatively cheap in relation to homes in the United States.
VietnamVietnam has also become a popular tourist destination in recent years. There are many million-dollar luxury homes by the beach, but you can find a modest flat or a small home for around $25,000 to $50,000 if you search in the right areas.
1. How much does it cost to live in Mexico for a year?A.About $12,000. | B.About $7,000. | C.About $8,000. | D.About $8,800. |
A.They both have great restaurants. |
B.The cost of living in them is both expensive. |
C.Tourists enjoy travelling in the two countries. |
D.The middle-sized homes both cost around $139,000. |
A.Ecuador. | B.Mexico. | C.Argentina. | D.Vietnam. |
6 . Top Technology Products at CES 2024
One of the world’s largest technology events, CES, is taking place this week in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here is a look at some top products presented at CES 2024.
Robot that adds walking power
WIRobotics introduced a wearable robot that provides walking assistance to users. The company’s WIM model is designed for anyone who needs an extra “push” when walking. An online description explains the robot can help individuals “walk farther, faster and healthier”. The price for such assistance is high, though, with the WIM selling for about $2,500.
Body power to charge a phone
Sports equipment developer LifeSpan introduced an exercise bicycle/desk combination that uses human power to charge phones or other devices. The Ampera bike is designed to be used with a “standing” desk table. LifeSpan says the bike can produce up to 65 watts of electricity per hour.
Home-made ice cream in 2 minutes
The ColdSnap company introduced a machine that can make single servings of ice cream in about two minutes. The machine uses small containers, called pods, just like Keurig coffeemakers. The company points out the pods for its ColdSnap machine can be kept at room temperature, saving energy costs. The machines can be taken anywhere and are simple to operate.
Smart mirror for better mental health
French health product developer Baracoda presented what it described as “the world’s first AI-powered smart mirror for mental wellness.” The company’s BMind model is built to work in any bathroom. The product was designed to use cameras and sensors to collect data on a person's movements , expressions and language. It can identify a user’s moods (心情) and sense other possible mental health issues.
1. What do the first product and the second one have in common?A.They are expensive. | B.They are related to sports. |
C.They can produce power. | D.They can make walking easier. |
A.Maintain a good mood. | B.Make bathing more comfortable. |
C.Improve your image gradually. | D.Find your mental health problems. |
A.The robot that adds walking power. | B.The Ampera bike. |
C.The home-made ice cream machine. | D.The AI-powered smart mirror. |
7 . The United Kingdom (UK) is rightly celebrated as the birthplace of the railway. The UK’s rail network is not only a testament (证明) to engineering genius, but also the gateway to some of the most attractive landscapes to be found anywhere in the world.
The West Highland Line
Considered by some to be the most beautiful railway line in the scenery on the earth, this line takes passengers from the busy city of Glasgow through Scotland’s wild western highlands to the remote port of Mallaig. Built in stages through the 1890s, the line is a true wonder of late Victorian British engineering. The line passes through Corrour, the UK’s highest altitude train station.
The Caledonian Sleeper
Linking London with the Scottish Highlands, it has been taking travellers northward during the night along the West Coast Main Line since way back in 1873. Passengers can enjoy falling asleep to the rhythm of the train on leaving London, then waking up to the beauty of the Highlands at dawn right outside your window.
The Cambrian Line
Wales, with its dramatic landscapes and historic sites, offers some of the most scenic train journeys to be found in the UK. And perhaps the jewel in the Welsh crown is the Cambrian Line, which weaves its way through Mid Wales to the coast. The route begins in Shrewsbury in England and is famous for its scenery. Travellers will love the wonderful views of the Cambrian Mountains, a range of peaks.
The Settle-Carlisle Line
Opened in 1876, the 73-mile-long route takes travellers from Settle Junction in North Yorkshire to Carlisle in Cumbria. Rolling hills, beautiful valleys and picturesque villages along the way leave a deep impression on passengers. Threatened with closure in the 1980s, the line was saved thanks to the efforts of rail lovers, and passenger numbers have gone from strength to strength.
1. Which railway line is considered the most scenic by some across the globe?A.The West Highland Line. | B.The Caledonian Sleeper. |
C.The Cambrian Line. | D.The Settle-Carlisle Line. |
A.It is the east-west line. | B.It offers overnight travel. |
C.It is the oldest railway line. | D.It runs through the whole UK. |
A.They run along the coast. | B.They appeared at the same time. |
C.They own many historic sites. | D.They have amazing views. |
8 . It was a very hot day in late summer. I was a young dad working in a local wood mill. It was dangerous, back-breaking work that paid very little. In the year I worked there, only four other people hadn’t quit and been replaced with new faces. Those of us who stayed did so just because there was no other work to find to support our families.
On this day all of us were covered in sweat and dust. When I looked around, every face I saw looked angry and frustrated. Suddenly, a voice called out, “Hey! There’s a deer in here,” A lost little female deer had wandered through the open loading bay doors and was now cowering in between the huge stacks of wood. All of us stopped working immediately and went looking for her as she ran about looking for a way out.
Now most people where I live hunt deer for meat in the fall but also treat them with great kindness the rest of the year. Many will even buy 50 bags of corn to help feed them during the harsh winter months. It was no surprise then that all of us were soon quickly working together to free this little creature. By blocking off all the other routes, we were able to guide her search back to the open bay doors. We watched as she jumped out of the building and back into the woods. Then we walked back in to work. I noticed something, though. On every face there was a joyful smile. It was as if this one single act of kindness had energized us again and reminded us of what life is all about.
1. Why did the author keep working in the local wood mill?A.He wasn’t content with the pay and working conditions. |
B.He was tired of wood cutting and wanted more freedom. |
C.He disliked the treatment of the boss and animals around. |
D.He didn’t find other jobs to make money for his family. |
A.They blocked all the routes except the proper ones. |
B.They caught her and then sent her to the wide wild. |
C.They used signals to guide the deer out of the woods. |
D.They used foods to guide the deer out to the open doors. |
A.Life is not always a bed of roses. | B.Roses given, fragrance in hand. |
C.Don’t go against the law of nature. | D.The weak are the prey of the strong. |
9 . If there was an app claiming to improve your memory, would you be willing to try it? It’s hard to resist the idea of having a better memory.
In response to this perceived need, the brain training industry has grown rapidly, offering a wide range of accessible and affordable mental exercises through smartphone and tablet apps. Many researchers have found evidence suggesting that well-designed exercises can improve mental abilities and lead to better scores on IQ tests. They compare the brain to muscles, suggesting that targeted repetition of memory exercises can strengthen and condition our memory processes, similar to how athletes engage in strength and conditioning by repeatedly exercising specific muscle groups.
In contrast to everyday activities like solving a complex puzzle, memory training apps are specifically designed to provide a more challenging workout for the brain. These apps typically involve tasks that require tracking a large number of objects while being distracted (使分心) by a secondary task, such as mental calculations or exploring a game’s landscape. If this brain training proves effective, it could be beneficial for individuals with brain-related disabilities or those recovering from conditions like cancer.
Critics, though, argue that while the concept is appealing, the overall evidence fails to demonstrate significant improvement in core brain processes. Additionally, despite the claims made by many apps and brain training companies, scientists have yet to identify the key factors that make an intervention truly effective or determine the best approaches to address the diverse needs of individuals seeking help.
While the question is still open to debate, there is evidence suggesting that short-term working memory training can benefit high-functioning individuals. However, it’s important to note that brain training, like diet and exercise, is unlikely to have identical effects on every individual.
1. In what way is the brain similar to muscles according to many researchers?A.In testing results. | B.In work processes. |
C.In bodily functions. | D.In training methods. |
A.Simple. | B.Effective. |
C.Demanding. | D.Interesting. |
A.Legal claims. | B.Proven effects. |
C.Tailored services. | D.Appealing concepts |
A.Can Our Memory be Improved? |
B.Does Brain Training Actually Work? |
C.What have Scientists Found about Memory? |
D.What does the Brain Training Industry Bring? |
10 . Top Family Vacation Destinations Everyone Will Love
Think of taking a vacation and need some inspiration for where to travel? We have you covered. Here are some of our top picks for kid-friendly destinations.
Anaheim, California
California is a great family vacation destination that you will remember forever. Additionally, there are many other places to visit around the Anaheim area besides Disneyland Park. Other attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm, a water park and museums are close by as well, so you are sure to have lots of family adventures.
Panama City, Florida
If you’re looking for some family beach fun, why not try Panama City in Florida? You’ll find white sand and a beautiful tropical climate. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself.
Salzburg, Austrian Alps, Austria
One of our top family vacation destinations outside of the United States is Salzburg. You can visit Mozart’s home and catch a concert show. Or, if you’re looking for a snowy outdoor adventure, then Austria is also a great place to go during the right time of year. Austria has some great family hotels. Some even offer baby monitors and child care available.
Dublin, Ireland
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, and beautiful surroundings, why not go to Dublin? It’s a place where your kids can run around wild and free and it also has a romantic feel. There are attractions to visit as well, such as Clara Lara Amusement Park, located in the Wicklow mountains and many other outdoor activities kids can take part in.1. Which of the following destinations is suitable for kids fond of coastal life?
A.Anaheim, California. | B.Panama City, Florida. |
C.Salzburg, Austrian Alps, Austria. | D.Dublin, Ireland. |
A.White sand. | B.Wildlife. | C.Music. | D.Water. |
A.They both feature theme parks. |
B.They both offer child care service. |
C.They are both perfect places for museum lovers. |
D.They both provide visitors with a romantic feeling. |