1 . It has been proved that self-care helps people lower stress and get healthier. And another interesting finding has been revealed recently.     1     As a typical form of caring about others, volunteering has been proved to be beneficial to us in the following ways.

Volunteering makes us happier.

Throughout history, cooperation and community have been essential parts of human survival. One reason we feel so rewarded when helping others is that the happiness of those around us has taken root in our survival instinct. According to one study, people who volunteered at least once a month reported better mental health than those who didn’t.     2    

Volunteering increases our sense of purpose.

Typically, the act of volunteering involves taking action and engaging with others. These are two mental health needs shared by most humans, especially people feeling aimless and disconnected.     3     As a result, they can have clearer goals in their own life and increase the sense of responsibility.

Volunteering helps manage depression.

    4     That’s because taking positive action helps to change the negative thoughts---whether by interacting with other people or realizing you have useful skills to share with the world. Based on that, some researchers even suggest including volunteering as an approach to treating depression.

    5    

Some researchers have discovered a link between volunteering and a lower risk of early death. This effect comes in part from how volunteering can reduce stress and depression, which in turn promotes life span, improved physical health, and better management of chronic(慢性的) diseases.

A．Volunteering cures many diseases.

B．Volunteering impacts our physical health.

C．Caring attention towards others also improves our health.

D．Volunteering also helps reduce sadness or hopelessness.

E．People who always hold a positive attitude is unlikely to get depressed.

F．Some even said volunteering made them as happy as having an extra $1,100.

G．When volunteering, people learn new skills and develop more social connections.

2 . The library is the heart of a university——its collections, services, and study spaces are central to every student’s educational journey. Let’s take a look at some famous university libraries around the world.

Magdalen College Old Library

Oxford University is famous for its academic programs, but it’s also known for its outstanding libraries that are said to include more than 11 million books. The Old Library at Magdalen College is the crown jewel of the university’s library system. It contains more than 20,000 rare books and manuscripts. Nearly all of these volumes were published before 1800.

TU Delft Library

The library at the Delft University of Technology was constructed in 1997, which has more than 862,000 books, 16,000 magazine subscriptions and its own museum. But it will only take a glance to be attracted, as it is a sight to remember. The building itself exists beneath the ground, so you can’t really see the actual library. What makes it interesting is the roof, which is a grassy hill.

Trinity College Library

The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the oldest library in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. It contains more than 200,000 of the library’s oldest books. Treasures of the library’s extensive collection include a rare copy of the 1916 proclamation of the Irish Republic and a beautiful 15th century harp (竖琴).

Joe and Rika Mansueto Library

Opened in 2011, the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library at the University of Chicago is designed with a grand glass roof, perfect for staring out when you are tired. The library can hold around 3.5 million volumes through its underground automatic storage and retrieval system. If you are not already impressed, the librarians, robotic cranes, will knock your socks off. They can locate and bring you any book within an average time of 3 minutes.

1. What do Magdalen College Old Library & Trinity College Library have in common?

A．Both house stringed instruments.	B．Both feature attractive designs.
C．Both boast numerous ancient books.	D．Both gain recognition as crown jewels.

2. Which library possesses its own museum?

A．TU Delft Library.	B．Trinity College Library.
C．Magdalen College Old Library.	D．Joe and Rika Mansueto Library.

3. What may impress you most in Joe and Rika Mansueto Library?

A．The glass roof.	B．The volume of books.
C．The storage system.	D．The robotic librarians.

3 . “Dad, I need your help. Come here!” My 5­-year­-old girl pulled me towards the computer. “Dad, please buy everything I have in the Amazon shopping cart (购物车). Here, take this cash from my savings!” The shopping cart showed ten items for a total of about 130 dollars. “Wait!” I replied.“That’s too much money! Why do you need all these things?”“Please, Dad! These items will get here before Christmas. I have a surprise for everyone. No peeking(偷看)!” she explained, and I bought everything.

A couple of days later, she got everything. I saw her then wrapping (包装) all her gifts. “Can I help you?” I asked.“No, Dad. I told you these are special surprises. No peeking!” she replied. Her excitement was obvious.

The day came. She was all around her gifts, planning, protecting, arranging. Everything had to be perfect. As soon as dinner was over, she jumped from her chair and took her gifts. She went around giving each one of us her piece of love. These were small items, but it was the meaning of giving her heart that we were really feeling. As she gave the gift to each person, she watched the expression on our faces. Our smiles were her greatest reward. Her last gift was for my 2-­year-­old boy—a toy car. It was hard to describe my little boy’s delight at getting this gift! For several minutes, everyone’s attention was focused on watching him go all around the house happily.

Seeing these acts of my 5­-year­-old helped me understand the power of giving—giving from the heart. Later that day, my girl received some gifts, but she didn’t need them. She focused on others, not on herself. It was clear that she was the one feeling true joy.

1. Why did the girl ask her father for help?

A．She didn’t have enough money.

B．She needed him to keep the secret.

C．She wanted to get his opinions on gifts.

D．She couldn’t make the online payment.

2. How did the girl feel when wrapping the gifts?

A．She felt proud.

B．She felt delighted.

C．She felt cautious.

D．She felt satisfied.

3. What did other family members think of the girl’s acts?

A．Pleasant.	B．Creative.
C．Reasonable.	D．Surprising.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To praise his daughter for her generosity.

B．To share his experience of raising his kids.

C．To discuss how to find happiness in daily life.

D．To share the lesson learned from his daughter.

4 . Fancy earning rewards for giving your opinions? Norstat is offering exactly that.

What are you going to do?

Participate in surveys whenever you want and get rewarded for expressing your opinions. By participating in Norstatpanel surveys, you get to influence the products and services of the future. This part-time job is completely flexible, and an excellent way to earn money.

How does it work?

Each survey will only take between 5~20 minutes. It is completely free to sign up, and up to you which surveys you would like to do. You will be rewarded for each completed survey and as you respond to more surveys, you unlock new benefits and receive more rewards! Complete your profile survey to be in with a chance of winning a ＄20 Amazon voucher (代金券).

What do we offer?

Completing surveys will earn you coins, which you can choose to spend in different ways.

You live by the motto “cash is king”? No problem! You can spend your coins on a universal gift card that can be used at hundreds of different stores! You can also use your coins as a donation towards forest planting.

What do we ask?

·No education background is required.

·Don’t be afraid to give your honest opinion. There’re no incorrect answers.

·You have access to the internet, a mobile phone or computer.

·You live in the UK.

·No experience is required.

Are you the perfect candidate? Click “apply now”!

1. What will you do in the job?

A．Sign up with little cost.	B．Collect surveys.
C．Design better products.	D．Give your opinions.

2. Which is a must for the job?

A．A mobile phone.	B．A UK residence.
C．Related experience.	D．College education.

3. Where can you probably read this passage?

A．On a website.	B．In a magazine.
C．In a travel guide.	D．On a notice board.

5 . Fast walkers may live longer than dawdlers (缓慢的人)— regardless of their weight, a new study suggests.

Researchers at Leicester University analyzed data on 474, 919 people with an average age of 52 in the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2016. They found women who walked briskly had a life expectancy of 86.7 to 87.8 years old, and men who kept up the pace had a life expectancy of 85.2 to 86.8. Slow walkers hadn’t much encouraging prospects (前景): women had a life expectancy of 72.4, and men of 64.8 years old, if they were more leisurely in their movements. According to the paper, published last week, that ratio held true even if the fast walkers were severely overweight. It does not necessarily mean fast walkers will live longer. Experts say it suggests walking speed could be a simple way for doctors to judge their patients’ general health alongside other tests.

It is hardly the first study holding up walking speed as a powerful evidence that appears to improve and determine our health.

In 2011, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study by Stephanie Studenski, who found the same: walking speed was a reliable predictor of life expectancy.

In 2013, US researchers found walking pace was linked to lower heart disease risk and longer life expectancy. In 2018, a study from the University of Sydney found picking up your walking pace to even an “average speed” could cut your risk of premature death by a fifth.

And Tom Yates, the physical activity professor at Leicester who's behind the latest study, has been publishing findings on this connection for years.

In 2017, he analyzed the same UK Biobank data and found walking speed appeared to affect the risk of dying from heart disease — concluding that the slowest walkers were twice as likely to suffer a heart-related death compared to quick walkers.

1. What does the underlined word “briskly” in paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．Casually.

B．Quickly.

C．Actively.

D．Energetically.

2. What does the paper published last week show?

A．Most fast walkers are overweight.

B．Fast walkers have a simple way of living.

C．Walking speed can help doctors know about their patients’ general health.

D．Doctors will surely have better ways to cure their patients of their illness.

3. What did US researchers find?

A．Walking slowly is bad for people's health.

B．Walking speed can predict a person’s life expectancy.

C．People won't die early by increasing their walking pace.

D．Lower heart disease risk is determined partly by walking pace.

4. What’s the best title for the text?

A．Fast Walkers May Have a Long Life Expectancy

B．Life Expectancy Is Determined by Exercise

C．Researchers Try to Improve Life Expectancy

D．The Public Doubt Researches on Walking Speed

6 . Small talk. Chitchat. These are the short conversations we have at parties, while we wait in line at the store, at family events or work.     1     Often we have to make small talk with complete strangers.

Many people find these small conversations about random topics difficult. Some people say they hate it.     2    They may even call it idle chitchat or idle chatter, meaning it doesn't do anything. They consider small talk not important.

    3     These exchanges can open doors that may lead to larger, more meaningful conversations. When you first meet someone or talk to someone you don't know well, it would be awkward to begin a conversation about a really deep topic such as war, politics or the meaning of life. Small talk also gives you the chance to decide if you want to know that person better-or not. Let's say you make small talk with someone at a party.     4    You may not want to build a friendship with them unless you really, really love cats.

Chitchat can also increase your feeling of understanding, or empathy, toward people you know but not well. Chatting with a colleague about their child may help you to understand more of their life outside the office.     5    

A．However, small talk is important.

B．And small talk may make us happier.

C．But they only want to talk about cats.

D．Others say small talk is a waste of time.

E．This could help build healthy work relationships.

F．However, some people are not good at small talk.

G．Sometimes we make small talk with people we already know but not well.

7 . Are you planning your family holiday in London? Book one of London's best family-friendly hotels, which can help your stay run smoothly.

Athenaeum

Rely on the Athenaeum's kids concierge(礼宾部)for the perfect family stay in London. Even before you arrive at the hotel in London, they’ll be in touch to make sure your kids have their favorite DVDs, treats and more to keep them happy. After you settle into your family room, they help plan your perfect routes.

Cost £79

The Nadler Kensington

Relax in one of the Nadler Kensington's large family rooms in London, which can sleep up to four people. Perfect for a reasonably-priced family holiday, it has no extra charge for baby beds. There's a mini kitchen so you can prepare your own light meals and snacks. The west London hotel is also close to two subway stations, making it easy to get around.

Cost £118

St James's Hotel and Club

Meet all your family's needs at St James's Hotel and Club, one of the best I child-friendly hotels in London. The hotel can help you plan family days out, and you can enjoy the hotel's quiet position in a peaceful cul-de-sac(死胡同)off St James's Street. Inter-connecting rooms at this fashionable hotel are available on request.

Cost £320

Melia White House

Let kids feel grown-up with their own check-in area at Melia White House, which is close to Regent's Park. There are also treats like an ice cream voucher(券)and activities in its kids club. Stay in a family room, which holds two adults and two children under the age of 11 for no additional charge.

Cost £ 140

1. What do we know about Athenaeum?

A．It provides fee meals.	B．It has special rooms for kids.
C．It helps guests find local tour guides.	D．It learns about kids' preferences ahead of time.

2. What can you do if you live in the Nadler Kensington?

A．Make your own food.	B．Teach your kids to cook.
C．Get to bus stations quickly.	D．Ask for a baby bed with little money.

3. Which hotel is the best choice for the kids wanting to check in like an adult?

A．Athenaeum.	B．The Nadler Kensington.
C．St James's Hotel and Club.	D．Melia White House.

8 . I am on holiday here in Switzerland with my parents and I am having a fantastic time.     1     It is the first time I have ever been to the mountains and I love it.     2     My father isn’t very happy though. He isn’t allowed to smoke in the hotel so he has to go outside!

We have been on lots of walks in the mountains but we always go with a guide.     3     You can easily get lost—it’s so remote.

Yesterday we went for a boat trip around the lake but we had to go back to the hotel early.     4     It was fun but a bit frightening.

    5     The worst thing is that I can’t go out at night. Not because my parents won’t let me but because there’s nowhere to go.

A．It’s safe to go out alone.

B．You don’t have to go with a guide but it’s safer.

C．It started to rain heavily and we couldn’t even see the shore.

D．It’s also the first time I’ve ever stayed in a hotel and I really like it.

E．It’s the second time I’ve been to Switzerland.

F．We’re staying in a hotel near a lake and I can see snowy mountain peaks from my bedroom window.

G．The best thing of all is the beautiful scenery.

9 . Working provides good experience

Working part-time is a good experience for students. Of course, it has some bad points. As for me, I have a part-time job working at a supermarket. It is harder than it looks. Sometimes I have to give up my sleeping time in order to do my homework.     1     However, thanks to it, or because of it, I have learned to use my time more wisely.

    2     Of course we do, but I don’t think students work just for money. We get other things from working. For example, I have learned to communicate better with other generations.

    3     I can’t spend as much time at school as I did before. I don’t have as much time to see my friends. It’s harder to get my schoolwork done. Sometimes, I have to ask for time off from work because I need time to finish school projects.

I can’t act the same way at my workplace as I do at school. However, to communicate with different generations is a useful experience for me.     4     When I am part of it, thanks to my part-time work experience now, I’ll have learned how to communicate better with adults.

What I want to say is that although working part-time has some bad points for students, it also gives us valuable experience for whatever we do later in life.     5    

A．That is not good, I know.

B．However, working does affect my life as a student.

C．I think schoolwork is more important for students.

D．Sooner or later, I have to be a member of adult society.

E．In conclusion, students should balance part-time job and study.

F．Some people say that students take part-time jobs only for money.

G．Therefore, working part-time is really a good experience for students.

10 . My 12-year-old niece was staying with us for a couple of days. She was remembering some acts of kindness that we did together when she was less than five years old. We talked about how so much had changed, and with the pandemic, how difficult it would be to do so many of those things, especially when it comes to strangers.

The next day, I needed something from the downtown area and happened to take her with me. As we walked

around on the street, we heard a beautiful male voice singing a very soulful song. We turned around to see a middle-aged man sitting on a street comer with his guitar. A couple were sitting on a bench nearby and listening to his music.

After getting a few things done, we happened to sit at an outdoor dining restaurant across from him on the other side of the street. My niece was learning how to sing herself, and she kept smiling and saying how wonderful his singing was. Seeing how moved she was by his music, at the end of our meal, I gave her a ten-dollar bill and asked her to walk across the street and put it in his bowl.

She was a little surprised. “Really?” she asked with bright eyes. I nodded. So she headed over and as she approached, the man was just finishing a song and started talking to her, and they ended up having a sweet conversation. She told him how touched she was by his music, and he ended up telling her that she made his day. As she was excitedly repeating the conversation back to me, she mentioned, “He didn’t even know how much it was. He was just thankful that someone was enjoying his music.”

1. What did the author and her niece do in the first paragraph?

A．They thought back to the past.

B．They decided to do good deeds outside.

C．They made a plan for going downtown.

D．They talked about meeting more strangers.

2. What caught the author and her niece’s attention on the street?

A．A guitar.	B．A restaurant.
C．A couple.	D．A voice.

3. What did the author want her niece to do?

A．Talk with the man.	B．Praise the man.
C．Learn music from the man.	D．Give money to the man.

4. What do we know from the meeting of the man and the author’s niece?

A．They shared singing skills.

B．They felt thankful to each other.

C．The man was proud of his singing.

D．The girl introduced the author to the man.