1 . Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
If you’re a high school student looking for research opportunities, it doesn’t get much better than the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program. This well-known research program has a selection rate of less than 3% and only 12 high school juniors or seniors are selected every summer to join the program.
In this post, we will dive deep into this program to help you understand the structure, the cost, location, research areas available, and reasons why you should apply for this intensive research program.
About Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program was established in 1963 in honor of Anson L. Clark , a former Texas A&M student who proceeded to create a successful business career!
This program is an intensive 7-week comprehensive research program that will allow you to gain hands-on practical research under the mentorship (导师制) of Texas Tech University faculty. Apart from conducting one-on-one research with faculty, you will have additional weekly seminars, discussions and even field visits!
Time
The program is off line and is conducted every summer at Texas Tech University. The current program dates are June 16, 2024 to August 1, 2024.
Cost
There is no program or registration fee, and your on-campus meals, on-campus room and board, and weekend activities will be covered by the program!
Research Areas
While the list of research disciplines for Summer 2024 haven’t been released, some of the general areas (based on the Summer 2023 disciplines) you can expect are biology, chemistry, computer science, economics/business, finance/marketing, electrical engineering & computer engineering, history, and physics.
You can access the specific research topics in 2023 in the attachment!
Qualification
This program is open to high school juniors and seniors who will graduate in either 2024 or 2025. You will have to be at least 17 years of age by the program start date.
1. What do we know about the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program?| A．It’s an annual research program. | B．It is hard to complete the program. |
| C．It is in honor of a famous scientist. | D．It is open to all high school students. |
| A．Visit Texas Tech University. | B．Create business career. |
| C．Listen to lectures online. | D．Do practical research. |
| A．By searching on the internet. | B．By referring to 2023 disciplines. |
| C．By paying registration fee. | D．By asking the mentors in college. |
2 . “What do you mean by this phrase? It’s incorrect and adds nothing to the sentence. Omit (省略).” Professor Jones’s critical feedback on my paper hurt me when I first read it. I scanned his comments for a “Good job!” or “I love this idea,” but they were nowhere to be found.
Everyone likes warmth and encouragement, but purely positive affirmations (肯定) don’t communicate what can be improved. Research conducted on Character Lab Research Network finds that direct, useful feedback requiring students to revise their own work is more effective. For Professor Jones, this looked like a note at the end of another paper: “I’m sure things will improve as the term and year wear on.” However, feedback that does the work for a student—correcting a misspelled word, rewriting a sentence—can signal a teacher’s low expectations.
When kids see comments that suggest what needs to be changed, they come to realize they can do things on their own and become more independent learners. As a bonus, this kind of feedback lets students know that their teacher believes in them.
As for me, I was benedictory for Professor Jones’s pointed criticism which let me know that he took me seriously. He was expecting me to do better, and the detailed comments scrawled (潦草地写) on every page gave me the tools to improve. Teachers can add affirmations to their feedback as long as it’s not the only thing they’re doing.
Don’t confuse warmth with promoting a growth mindset. Being nice isn’t the same as showing someone you believe they can improve. So give detailed feedback that sets young people up to take charge of their own learning. For example, instead of rewriting a sentence, say: “This is a run-on sentence. Try reading it out loud and add punctuation in places where you naturally take a breath.” Ask worth-exploring questions that inspire students to think about their approach, then let them revise on their own. When it comes to writing, the easiest path isn’t always the best one.
1. How did the author initially feel about Professor Jones’s feedback?| A．Happy and motivated. | B．Upset and disappointed. |
| C．Indifferent and unconcerned. | D．Confident and encouraged. |
| A．It should be brief and to the point. | B．It should be warm and encouraging. |
| C．It should be written at the end of the paper. | D．It should be up to students to fix their own work. |
| A．Responsible. | B．Generous. | C．Regretful. | D．Grateful. |
| A．Give students general praise. | B．Rewrite sentences for students. |
| C．Provide students critical support. | D．Show students corrected assignments. |
3 . The award-winning documentary “Feeding Tomorrow” explores the American food system’s shortcomings and the urgent need for change. Directed by Oliver and Simon English, the film dives deep into the complex web of issues surrounding food, climate change, and agriculture, leaving viewers with a clear realization of the challenges ahead.
At its core, “Feeding Tomorrow” raises fundamental questions about humanity’s relationship with the planet and the consequences of our consumption patterns. As the global population reaches up to 10 billion, the film shows the serious reality that our current methods of food production are unsustainable. With agriculture already occupying half of the habitable land and consuming 70% of freshwater resources, the harm on the environment is reaching critical levels.
The documentary reveals the interconnectedness of food, climate, and health, weaving together narratives from diverse voices in the fields of farming, health, and education. Through the stories of innovators like Mark Shepard, Clare Fox, and Lisa McDowell, “Feeding Tomorrow” highlights the urgent need for systemic change.
One of the central themes of the documentary is the importance of regenerative farming practices. By promoting biodiversity and topsoil growth, regenerative agriculture offers a promising path towards sustainability. The film emphasizes the need to transition from conventional, monoculture (单一) farming to more overall approaches.
Moreover, “Feeding Tomorrow” shows the significance of adopting plant-forward diets and reducing meat consumption. With animal agriculture being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation (恶化), the documentary advocates for a shift towards more sustainable dietary habits.
Ultimately, “Feeding Tomorrow” serves as a cry for collective action and social change. It challenges viewers to reevaluate their relationship with food and embrace sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet. The documentary reminds us that the power to shape a better future lies in our hands. In the words of Mark Shepard, “What are you going to eat for dinner tonight? Start asking the questions.”
1. What do we know about our current food production methods?| A．They are suitable to feed the increasing population. |
| B．They are inefficient and harmful to the environment. |
| C．They are too focused on producing large quantities of food. |
| D．They are all outdated and need to be replaced with new ones. |
| A．To praise their achievements. | B．To indicate different opinions. |
| C．To stress the necessity of change. | D．To give examples of farming methods. |
| A．Keep the balance of nature. | B．Take up sustainable practices. |
| C．Prioritize economic interests. | D．Invest in agricultural innovations. |
| A．To briefly introduce an award-winning film. | B．To explore American agriculture’s issues. |
| C．To present new food production methods. | D．To show the impact of climate on agriculture. |
4 . On a Saturday in November, Annacarin Elf, the head of Gothenburg City Library, just happened to walk by her workplace. Noticing that the door was unlocked, she entered the library, and was surprised that people were using it like on a regular day.
However, it was scheduled to be closed for the November 4 All Saints’ Day holiday, dedicated to remembering the dearly departed and for spending time with family. “In the library, many were sitting reading newspapers, some families were in the children’s section and others were searching for books on the computer,” Elf told The Local.
It seemed that Elf’s colleagues had simply forgotten to lock the door, and because this popular library is usually open on Saturdays, people just assumed they could walk in. Elf called to check with her staff team, before announcing that the library was about to close. The visitors calmly shut their books and left, some taking their books with them.
It later demonstrated that 446 locals visited the city library, borrowing a total of 246 books during the day. What’s remarkable is that clients checked out their books via the library’s electronic self-service system, and that to date, all the books have been returned!
While Elf did express surprise that the library seemed emptier than usual, due to the lack of staff, she highly praised the care shown by locals: “Nothing was destroyed. It’s amazing that Gothenburgers enter an empty library and treat it so lovingly.” The library itself was quick to show its support in an appreciative post with “Thank you for Saturday, dear Gothenburg.”
This story really attracted Swedes, going viral in the country. They were moved by this community’s respect for the books and equipment of what is a treasured community resource. The Mayor EU has even suggested that this unusual Saturday serves as an experiment of the possibility of operating a totally automated library.
1. Why did Elf enter the library on Saturday?| A．She was doing some research. | B．She forgot that it was a holiday. |
| C．The library was accidentally left open. | D．The library was usually open on Saturdays. |
| A．They behaved normally as usual. | B．They held family party in the library. |
| C．They checked the self-service system. | D．They volunteered to serve as librarians. |
| A．The honest community spirit. | B．The library’s appreciation to visitors. |
| C．The community’s treasured resources. | D．The library’s unusual Saturday service. |
| A．A Library Looked Up To The Bookworms | B．A Library Operated An Unusual Experiment |
| C．A Library Can Bring Out The Best In People | D．A Library Was Open For All Saints’ Day Holiday |
5 . How to Fall Back in Love with Reading
Do you remember the last time you spent time reading books for pleasure? In the age of digital distractions, it is easy to struggle to find the time and headspace to get lost in literature.
Set aside time for reading books. Whether it’s 20 minutes before bedtime or an hour on your lunch break, carving out sometime in your schedule will make it easier to sit down and read. And if you find that you don’t have much free time, try listening to audiobooks.
Keep a reading journal. In your journal, you can write down your thoughts about what you’re reading or graffiti pictures inspired by the book.
Make reading a social activity. Whether you start a book club with your friends or join an online reading group, being able to discuss what you’re reading with others can make the experience more enjoyable.
| A．Find a book that interests you. |
| B．Create a positive reading routine. |
| C．But that doesn’t mean reading books is a thing of the past! |
| D．By this way, you can easily fit reading into your busy lifestyle. |
| E．Plus, it’s a great way to get recommendations for what to read next! |
| F．The others in your book club may come from different backgrounds. |
| G．It doesn’t have to be very involved, just a couple of sentences to jog your memory. |
6 . International Day of Education
24 January
Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed (宣布) 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. Today, 250 million children and youth are out of school, and 763 million adults are illiterate (文盲的). Their right to education is being violated (侵犯) and it is unacceptable. It’s time to transform education.
International Day of Clean Energy
26 January
The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January was declared by the General Assembly as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition (过渡) to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet. 26 January is also the founding date of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a global intergovernmental agency established in 2009 to support countries in their energy transitions.
World Health Day
7 April
It is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.
The theme for World Health Day 2024 is “My health, my right”, which was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions.
World Environment Day
5 June
World Environment Day, held annually on 5 June, brings together millions of people from across the globe, engaging them in the effort to protect and restore the Earth. People from more than 150 countries participate in this United Nations international day, which celebrates environmental action and the power of governments, businesses and individuals to create a more sustainable world. The event has been led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since its start in 1973.
1. On what day is the event about world energy marked?| A．24 January. | B．26 January. | C．7 April. | D．5 June. |
| A．International Day of Education. |
| B．International Day of Clean Energy. |
| C．World Health Day. |
| D．World Environment Day. |
| A．They have a common goal. | B．They have a long history. |
| C．They’re international events. | D．They benefit world environment. |
7 . Employers are flooded with job applications on a daily basis. A recent study found that employers spend an average of six seconds reading a cover letter (求职信) before they make the initial decision on whether a candidate fits the job or not. Here's how to make sure yours gets the attention it deserves.
Add your cover letter keywords.
Show you “get” them. Your cover letter should demonstrate that you have done some research into what the organization’s pain points are.
Proofread (校对). Don’t assume spell check will catch every mistake.
| A．Actually, it won’t. |
| B．Adapt for the company. |
| C．Highlight your past achievements. |
| D．Address your cover letter to the proper person. |
| E．This helps you to tailor your cover letter to the role. |
| F．Remember that you’re selling yourself, but the employer has to want to buy. |
| G．It’s important to present yourself as a solution to a hiring manager’s problem. |
8 . Take a food tour along Italian shores from Tuscany to Northern Sicily with Amber Guinness. The food writer mixes stories from her travels with memories and cooking insights, sharing 60 easy-to-make recipes that offer a taste-of-specific Italian seaside regions — and the stories behind them including potato and ca per salad from the island of Salina and the delicious Amalfi lemon cream cake. Thames & Hudson, £29.99.
Professor of food studies and history, David E Bender shows how tourism has shaped our fascination with world cuisines through an examination of travel, from the age of the sailboat to the rise of the jet plane. He looks at how we eat on the road, covering subjects such as Tahitian roast pig in the 1840s, the occupational “discoveries” of fruit like the mangosteen (山竹), and 1970s hotel restaurants. Reaktion Books, £ 20.
Travel writer Sarah Baxter and illustrator Amy Grimes serve up a guide to 25 food destinations, uncovering local specialties like pastries handmade by religious sisters in Portugal, vegan curries (咖喱) in Southern India — where plant-based dishes have been offered to gods and travelers for centuries — and traditional Spanish seafood r ice from its Spanish birthplace in Valencia. Plus, visits to contemporary food capitals Montreal, Osaka and Melbourne, famed for global dishes and fusion food. White Lion Publishing. £14.99.
Try out the recipes served in Paris’s best small restaurants, cafes and restaurants in this taste-focused tour that takes in classic spots along the Seine as well as more local hangouts in hip hoods like Belleville. Divided into meals of the day, it includes 40 recipes enjoyed in France, including, wine braised chicken, and burnt cream dessert, plus plenty of practical tips on food shops, markets and more. Hardie Grant. £20.
| A．Students studying Italian history. |
| B．Collectors of traditional Italian travel souvenirs. |
| C．Tourists planning a visit to Italian seaside districts. |
| D．Professional Italian chefs interested in religious cuisine. |
| A．Southern India. | B．Portugal. |
| C．Valencia. | D．Melbourne. |
| A．They all focus on historical cuisines. |
| B．They combine cooking content with travel. |
| C．Each book is priced at more than 20 pounds. |
| D．All books are published by the same published be. |
9 . Working in an industry that’s constantly evolving is no small feat for musicians. Giving fans a memorable show is crucial, and some artists are looking to virtual reality to do just that. Travis Scott for example, partnered with Fortnite to bring his virtual-reality concert. Astronomical, to a global audience. The event drew in 12 million viewers. But interest in VR concerts came earlier. In 2019, the entertainment-technology company Wave launched a multichannel virtual platform for live concerts through various digital means: video games, live streaming channels, social networks, and more. Wave has since teamed up with the likes of The Weekend, Justin Bieber, and John Legend.
The appeal of such immersive concerts, by placing the audience in a digital world that stimulates both sight and sound to create an experience that makes one feel like they are truly part of the event, lies heavily in their experimental mature. Artists can try new ways to connect with listeners in digital environments. For fans skirting painful concert-ticket prices avoiding large crowds at venues, and experiencing their favorite musicians in an alternate world are convincing benefits.
VR has its downside. Only about 13% of households in the US own a VR headset so the technology isn’t common. In a survey, 67% of respondents who didn’t own a VR headset said its price tag kept them from purchasing one. Some people who paid a pretty penny have returned the headset because they simply didn’t know how to set it up or didn’t think the image quality was worth the cost. Discomfort is another issue: long-term use of a headset could cause discomfort in the neck and eyes, and according to the Food and Drug Administration, motion sickness is the most commonly reported negative side effect of VR. There’s also the possibility of VR separating users too far from reality, which could rewire their brains if they don’t moderate headset use. However, looking ahead. Amy Dorsey, the managing director of Dorsey Pictures, said that developments in advanced digital reality would pave the way for the next version of entertainment.
1. Which artist cooperated with Fortnite to deliver a virtual-reality concert?| A．Justin Bieber. | B．Wave. |
| C．Travis Scott. | D．Astronomical. |
| A．Cost-effective. | B．Environmentally friendly. |
| C．Quick and efficient. | D．Engaging and surrounding. |
| A．VR concerts could cause a decrease in video image quality. |
| B．They may prevent people from attending live concerts altogether. |
| C．Long-time standing with VR headsets may lead to motion disability. |
| D．The high cost of VR headsets could limit accessibility for some fans. |
| A．The historical development of VR technology. |
| B．Future directions and innovations in VR. |
| C．Present market trends in VR headset sales. |
| D．Comparisons between VR and traditional concerts. |
10 . While conquering the world’s swimming pools in the late 1990s and the 2000s. Amanda Beard had already included breathing exercises in her training. Several years after the end of her athletic career, she discovered walking meditation. Today the seven-time US Olympic medalist practices walking meditation in nature, around the house, or while walking the dog. It’s a daily practice with the focused mindfulness of meditation that contributes positively to every aspect of her life, she says.
You don’t need equipment or a designated space to start. The idea of a walking meditation is to pay attention to the way your body feels, noticing things like the sky, trees, tuning into all of your senses. This means you can meditate “on the go” in the countryside, in the city, in your backyard, and virtually anywhere. A simple, 10-minute walking meditation for beginners requires that you just start at ease. Consider what you hear, smell and see. Think about how your feet touch the ground. Fully focus on these feelings.
A report in Health Promotion Perspectives also found that walking meditation can improve your balance, adjust your heart rate, boost your mental focus, and help you battle anxiety and depression. “The benefits of meditation are many,” says Dr. Schramm, a board-certified family physician and meditation teacher. “When we do this over and over again, we train the brain to focus on only one thing at a time and this increases both our blood flow and actual neuronal (神经元) changes within our brains.”
“The magic of meditation is to be able to help you connect with yourself; meditation shouldn’t feel a certain way,” says Tara Stiles, a yoga and wellness expert. It’s a common mistake in meditation: People fear a wandering mind. “A wandering mind is completely normal,” Stiles says. “Even experienced meditators aren’t sitting there never having a thought, but when they have the thought they choose to guide themselves back to their breath instead of getting frustrated.
1. What is walking meditation?| A．Plain walking. | B．Mindful walking. |
| C．A competitive sport. | D．Deep thought while stationary. |
| A．A familiar environment. | B．A 10-minute walking time. |
| C．A relaxed but observant state. | D．A piece of special equipment. |
| A．Enhancing the blood flow. | B．Undergoing balance training. |
| C．Having more active thoughts. | D．Decreasing neuronal changes. |
| A．Carefree. | B．Frustrated. |
| C．Concerned. | D．Positive. |
