1 . Everyone complains. Even if you argue that you are the happiest person in the world, you still complain sometimes. Sometimes you complain without even realizing it, but rarely is it ever helpful.
When you find yourself thinking or saying a negative comment about something or someone, stop and force yourself to say something positive instead. Seek the help of a cheerful friend to change you when you complain and help you to see the positive in the situation.
Make a list of things you are grateful for.
You often complain about the things you don’t have without noticing those things you already have. Be grateful for what you have in your life because you are lucky simply for being yourselves.
Learn to adapt to the changes.
There are many things you can’t change.
Allow yourself to vent (发泄) your feelings every once in a while.
Constantly ignoring negative thoughts could add up. If you are really going through a rough time, don’t be afraid to share your feelings with a close friend or family member or see a therapist.
Find what makes you happy.
| A．Sometimes this list can be easy, full of hobbies you enjoy. |
| B．The best and only thing you can do is to accept them. |
| C．Change the way you think. |
| D．Are you constantly complaining about your present job? |
| E．Set down things you are thankful for and you’ll see that you don’t have any reason to complain. |
| F．Make friends with positive people. |
| G．So how can you manage to force yourselves to end complaining? |
2 . Smartwatches and fitness trackers (健身追踪器) have gained popularity recently. These tools can record your daily steps, heart rates, etc.
It’s a struggle to overcome the addiction to fitness trackers.
Of course, failing to meet your daily goal can be discouraging. You might focus on your shortcoming rather than your progress. Another problem is that you might find yourself paying too much attention to the step number rather than how your body feels.
Therefore, if you’re spending too much time looking at your smartwatch, limit your daily step count to a comfortable level.
| A．How can you tell whether you’re addicted to your fitness tracker? |
| B．Actually this addiction to step count can be risky, mentally and physically. |
| C．Don’t overuse your smartwatch. |
| D．However, do you find yourself checking your steps and heart rates too often? |
| E．After all, reaching a daily step count can be so appealing. |
| F．Besides, you can find other things to do that don’t involve checking your fitness tracker. |
| G．It doesn’t covey what you’re really feeling. |
3 . At eleven, I decided to learn to swim. There was a pool at the YMCA offering exactly the opportunity. My mother continually warned against it, and kept fresh in my mind the details of each drowning in the river. But the YMCA pool was safe.
I had a childhood fear of water. This started when I was three years old and my father took me to the beach.The huge waves knocked me down and swept over me.
The pool was quiet. I was afraid of going in all alone, so I sat on one side of the pool to wait for others. Then came a big boy. He yelled, “Hi, how’d you like to be ducked?” With that he picked me up and threw me into the deep end.I landed in a sitting position, and swallowed water. But I was not frightened out of my wits—when my feet hit the bottom, I would make a big jump to come out of the surface. It seemed a long way down. I gathered all my strength when I landed and made what I thought was a great spring upwards. Then I opened my eyes and saw nothing but water. I tried to yell but no sound came out. I went down, down, endlessly.
When I came to consciousness, I found myself lying on the bed in the hospital.
I never went back to the pool. I avoided water whenever I could. This misadventure stayed with me as the years rolled by.It deprived(剥夺) me of the joy of boating and swimming. Finally, I decided to get an instructor. Piece by piece, he built a swimmer. Several months later, the instructor was finished, but I was not .Sometimes the terror would return.
This went on until July. I swam across the Lake Went worth.Only once did the terror return. When I was in the middle of the lake, I put my face under and saw nothing but bottomless water. I laughed and said, “Well, Mr Terror, what do you think you can do to me?” I had conquered my fear of water.
1. What was the author’s original fear of water caused by?| A．His poor skill in swimming. |
| B．His mother’s warning of drowning. |
| C．An outing to the beach with his father. |
| D．An unpleasant memory of the pool. |
| A．He knew how to swim in the pool. |
| B．He felt that the YMCA pool was safe. |
| C．He was waiting for others to save him. |
| D．He came up with an idea to go upwards. |
| A．He was still a poor swimmer. |
| B．He had not overcome the fear yet. |
| C．He was not afraid of drowning any more. |
| D．He was not satisfied with the swimming training. |
| A．Goodbye,Mr Terror |
| B．Hello,Childhood Fear |
| C．A Swimming Adventure |
| D．My Passion for Swimming |
4 . Scientists at MIT have managed to change ordinary spinach (菠菜) plants into natural sensors which can find chemicals used in bombs. The secret to giving spinach these special powers is nanotech (纳米技术), which is scientific area that deals with making or changing things that are extremely tiny.
“Ordinary spinach plants can be found everywhere and easy to store; like other plants, they normally take in carbon dioxide gas,” the scientists say. “But actually they can sense small changes of soil and water potential and respond to them. If we tap into this point, there is a wealth of information to access.” That’s what the scientists use to power their tiny experiments.
For this experiment, the scientists placed two different kinds of tiny nano-materials into spinach plants. To get them into the plants, the scientists put a liquid containing them on the bottom of the plant’s leaves. As part of its natural process, the spinach plant pulls water through its roots and into its leaves. If the water contains certain chemicals used in bombs, the tiny sensors in the leaves make the nano-tubes, which, along with the sensors, were placed into the spinach plant before by the scientists, produce a slightly special kind of light. By watching the plant constantly using a camera attached to a cheap computer, the scientists set up a system that can send a warning email if chemicals from explosives are found in the water.
The computer the scientists used is about the size of a playing card. They say that in the future, their system could even use a cell phone with its camera changed slightly. Discovering chemicals used in bombs is just one of the many uses the researchers are exploring. They have used such plants to discover several other dangerous chemicals as well. From their point of view, there’s no doubt that in the future, such systems could give farmers specific information about the health of the land and water on their farms.
1. Why do the scientists use plants to do the experiment?| A．They are common in the daily life. | B．They are environmentally responsive. |
| C．They absorb much carbon dioxide gas. | D．They are small in size and easy to store. |
| A．To control the camera. | B．To contain the liquid. |
| C．To fix the tiny sensors. | D．To give off plant light. |
| A．It’s diverse. | B．It’s unexpected. | C．It’s limited. | D．It’s cheap. |
| A．Spinach Is Sensitive to Chemicals in Bombs |
| B．Spinach Sends Warning Emails Using Nanotech |
| C．Nanotech Helps Spinach Grov Healthily |
| D．Nanotech Protects Spinach from Danger |
5 . As a popular subject of study among evolutionary ecologists, the threespined stickleback (三刺鱼) is known for their different shapes, sizes, and behaviours — they can even live in both sea water and fresh water, and under a wide range of temperatures. But what makes that?
The researchers tracked six populations of the fish before and after seasonal changes to their environment, using genome sequencing (基因组测序). Seasonal changes result in great changes in habitat structure and balance of salt and fresh water, and only those fish able to tolerate these rapid changes survive into the next season.
“These changes probably resemble the habitat shifts experienced by stickleback populations during the past 10,000 years, ” says Professor Barrett. “We hope to gain insight into the genetic changes that may have resulted from natural selection long in the past.”
Remarkably, the researchers discovered the evidence of genetic changes driven by the seasonal shifts in habitats, which mirrored the differences found between long-established freshwater and saltwater populations. “These genetic changes occurred in independent populations over a single season, highlighting just how quickly the effects of natural selection can be detected, ” says Professor Barrett, “the findings suggest that we may be able to use the genetic differences to predict how populations may adapt to the environment.”
The research emphasizes the importance of studying species in dynamic environments to gain a better understanding of how natural selection operates. In the further research, they plan to investigate how repeatable the observed genetic changes are, by testing whether they show up year after year. Doing so would demonstrate their ability to reliably forecast the evolutionary future of these populations.
1. What does the underlined word “that” refer to in Paragraph 1?| A．The threespined stickleback is under a wide range of temperatures. |
| B．The threespined stickleback is popular with evolutionary ecologists. |
| C．The threespined stickleback can adapt to different living conditions. |
| D．The threespined stickleback has different shapes, sizes, and behaviours. |
| A．The difficulties of the research. | B．The purpose of the research. |
| C．The background of the research. | D．The methods of the research. |
| A．Habitat shifts. | B．Genetic changes. |
| C．Seasonal changes. | D．Independent populations. |
| A．To know what natural selection is. |
| B．To study species in dynamic environments. |
| C．To test the reliability of the present discoveries. |
| D．To forecast the evolutionary future of certain species. |
6 . North Americans value independence, and Europeans value togetherness. I never fully understood that stereotype until two months ago, when I left Canada for a 4-month period in a lab in France. On my first day, Pierre, a Ph. D. student, tapped me on my shoulder and asked: “Coffee?” I nodded and followed him to the common room, where other grad students were filling in. I sat there, cautiously sipping the bitter liquid and trying hard not to reveal my uncultured tastes, while lab chatter filled the air.
Coffee breaks are a ceremonial part of lab culture here. The chatter sometimes turns to serious scientific topics. But mostly, the meet-ups offer a chance to wind down, to share stories about life inside and outside the lab and to sympathize with people who understand what you’re going through.
The lighthearted atmosphere and sense of community is a welcome contrast to my life in Canada, where I spent most of my workdays in isolation. I went into the lab each morning with set goals for my day. At lunch, I’d keep my eyes glued to my computer while I fed forkfuls of salad into my mouth, trying to power through my to-do list. For 9 months, I struggled to figure out why I couldn’t exactly copy the results of another study. I didn’t want to trouble my advisor too much. I was also hesitant to ask my labmates for help.
How much we were missing! Researchers need community because good ideas don’t just come from reading literature and thinking deep thoughts. It’s helpful to bounce ideas off others, and, to have a venue to share the day-to-day ups and downs of life.
Would coffee breaks have solved all my problems? Probably not. But I think sharing ideas with my peers would have helped solve my research dilemma. My time in France has taught me that it’s important to create space for organic conversations about lab life. A scientist’s life can feel isolating, but it’s not necessarily so when you’re connected to a supportive community.
1. How did the author feel when he drank coffee for the first time in France?| A．A little nervous. | B．Very happy. |
| C．Somewhat excited. | D．Quite curious. |
| A．Cultural ceremonies in France. | B．Various topics of the chatter. |
| C．Coffee breaks in French lab culture. | D．Lab culture in French style. |
| A．Comfortable and fulfilled. | B．Busy and lonely. |
| C．Tense but satisfactory. | D．Boring but healthy. |
| A．To introduce the coffee break in Europe. |
| B．To explain the difference between cultures. |
| C．To recall his personal experience in France. |
| D．To convey the importance of a supportive circle. |
7 . Challenging work that requires lots of analytical thinking, planning and other managerial skills might help your brain stay sharp as you age, a study published on Wednesday in the journal Neurology suggests.
Researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany gathered more than 1,000 retired workers who were over age 75 and assessed the volunteers’ memory and thinking skills through a battery of tests. Then, for eight years, the scientists asked the same group to come back to the lab every 18 months to take the same tests.
Those who had held mentally stimulating, demanding jobs before retirement tended to do the best in the tests. And they tended to lose cognitive (认知的) function at a much slower rate than those with the least mentally challenging jobs. The results held true even after the scientists accounted for the participants’ overall health status.
“This works just like physical exercise,” says Francisca, who led the study. “After a long run, you may feel like you’re in pain and tired. But it makes you fit. After a long day at work — sure, you will feel tired, but it can help your brain stay healthy.
It’s not just corporate jobs, or even paid work that can help keep your brain fit. Francisca points out. A waiter’s job, for example, that requires multitasking, teamwork and decision making could be just as stimulating as any high-level office work. “Running a family household also requires high-level planning and coordinating abilities,” she says. “You have to bring order to the activities of the children and take care of the bills and groceries.”
Of course, our brains can decline as we grow older for lots of reasons — including other environmental influences or genetic factors. Sill, continuing to challenge yourself mentally and keeping your mind busy can help.
1. Why did the scientists ask the volunteers to take the tests?| A．To assess their health status. | B．To evaluate their work habits. |
| C．To measure their mental abilities. | D．To analyze their personalities. |
| A．By using an expert’s words. | B．By making a comparison. |
| C．By referring to another study. | D．By introducing a concept. |
| A．Operating. | B．Budgeting. | C．Refusing | D．Organizing. |
| A．Retired Workers Can Pick Up New Skills. | B．Old People Should Take Challenging Jobs. |
| C．Your Tough Job Might Help Keep You Sharp. | D．Cognitive Function May Decline As You Age. |
8 . SEED Madagascar Volunteer
Whether your passion is sustainable community development or vital- conservation work, we can offer you an unforgettable experience. No particular skills are required to volunteer in a short term with us and training is given locally, but if you do have particular experience in areas relevant to your program, all the better!
Who it’s for
High schoolers, university and college students, corporate team building groups are all welcome.
At a glance
·Program length: 2—4 weeks
·Start dates: flexible, please discuss with our team
·Group size: 10—30 participants
·Activities: construction/conservation/English teaching—combined as required
·Location: Anosy region, Southeast Madagascar
What’s included
·Transport costs for the duration of the program from Day 1 collection at Fort Dauphin airport to drop-off at the program’s end
·Use of our beautiful campsites and facilities
·All meals while on program (Optional meals out at Fort Dauphin restaurants are extra.)
·Full training for building and construction tasks and conservation field research techniques
·Malagasy language lessons
Additional costs
| International flights(leave/return to the UK) | £680—£1,000 |
| Internal flights (from Antananarivo to Fort Dauphin) | £280—£400 |
| Comprehensive travel insurance | £60—£150 |
| Tourist visa | £20 |
| Medical preparations | £30—£80 |
| Personal equipment | £0—£100 |
Get started
Contact us today via our online form: Online enquiry form
1. What should you bear in mind if you want to apply for SEED Madagascar Volunteer?| A．It lasts for four weeks. | B．It doesn’t have fixed start dates. |
| C．It requires relevant experience. | D．It is intended for high school students. |
| A．Comprehensive travel insurance. |
| B．Conservation field research techniques. |
| C．Short term training for different languages. |
| D．Transport from Antananarivo to Fort Dauphin. |
| A．£560. | B．£680. | C．£1,360. | D．£2,000. |
9 . Growing up as kids we are told to share our toys and not to be selfish. We also live in an age when discussing our feelings is encouraged. But when does it all become too much? With new trends growing all the time, such as dance challenges and wearing a carpet as a dress, the question is: when can sharing become oversharing on social media?
“Oversharing” has become associated with social media, but it isn’t exclusive to this platform. Imagine you head to a party and meet someone. Within five minutes they have revealed private details about their life. While some of us may try to escape these people, according to marriage advisor Carolyn Cole, this form of oversharing could come from a strong desire to connect with someone. But how does this translate to social media?
Dr. Christopher Hand, a lecturer in cyberpsychology (网络心理学), says the more details people uncover, the less sympathy we express when things go wrong. It seems that searching for sympathy by oversharing is generally considered as negative rather than the cry for help it could really be.
However, Dr. Hand’s research also seems to suggest that the more we post on a platform, the more socially attractive we become-only if the posts that we share are positive. Even back in 2015, Gwendolyn Seidman PhD said that we should avoid complaining and being negative online. We should also avoid showing off, especially about our love lives. It makes sense-if your date is going “that well”, would you really have time to share a photo with text?
So, how can you know if you are oversharing? Well, why not ask your friends in real life. They would probably be happy to tell you if your posts about your breakfast or your complaints about your lack of money really are too much.
1. What does the underlined word “exclusive” in paragraph 2 mean?| A．Unique. | B．Similar. | C．Relevant | D．Distinct. |
| A．To draw others’ attention. | B．To satisfy others’ curiosity. |
| C．To remove negative feelings. | D．To develop good relationships. |
| A．Sharing more details online can attract more sympathy. |
| B．Oversharing negative experiences is equal to crying for help. |
| C．Oversharing isn’t likely to happen online when things go wrong. |
| D．Sharing negative posts can’t help one become socially attractive. |
| A．Reflecting on past bad manners. | B．Showing a great many expensive goods. |
| C．Writing a recipe for a balanced breakfast. | D．Recording unforgettable moments with friends. |
10 . Two British teachers have broken the world record for the longest journey in a tuk-tuk after pulling their failing vehicle for 43 miles. Richard Sears and Nick Gough traveled 37,500 kilometers around the world and passed through 37 countries. They did this to support grassroots education project in Africa, Asia and South America.
The pair, who set off from London, thought their expedition was over when the vehicle started to fail. When the tuk-tuk broke, they were only 70 kilometers from their destination. They decided to pull it the rest of the way. The tuk-tuk, which weighs 800 kilograms, was pulled in turns by Richard and Nick over three days. On arrival in Chepen, Peru, they discovered a mechanic who specialized in tuk-tuks and managed to fix it.
The pair were back on the road and aiming for their next goal. Along their journey they had to tackle deserts and jungles. They also survived close encounters with elephants in Uganda and Botswana and an accident in Malaysia. The greatest hardship on the tuk-tuk was the mountain ranges lying in their path, including the Alps, the Himalayas and the Andes.
Nick and Richard uncovered some inspirational projects across Africa, Asia and South America. They witnessed firsthand the educational challenges facing these areas today. They joined street children in the slums of Cairo, Khartoum, Kampala, Mumbai and Phnom Penh. They visited Congolese refugees (难民) in camps in Eastern Burundi. They witnessed how education could free sex-workers in Delhi and victims of human trafficking in Nepal.
The pair established the Tuk-Tuk Educational Trust, a U.K. registered charity.
Talking about their motivation, Richard said, “The world’s leaders have made a commitment to achieving universal primary education but in spite of this pledge (承诺), over 57 million primary-aged children worldwide are still out of school; many more are in school, though still cannot access quality learning opportunities.”
1. Why did the two teachers travel the world?| A．To support an education project. |
| B．To create a new world record. |
| C．To entertain themselves. |
| D．To challenge themselves. |
| A．A little more than 23 kilometers. |
| B．About 14 miles. |
| C．43 miles. |
| D．70 kilometers. |
| A．How they realized their next goal. |
| B．Their exciting experience on the road. |
| C．The beautiful scenery of famous mountains. |
| D．The difficulties and dangers they faced in the journey. |
| A．Curious and brave. |
| B．Humorous and generous. |
| C．Courageous and responsible. |
| D．Efficient and honest. |
