1 . As we age, we find our mind is easily distracted.
●Mindfulness
“Practising mindfulness has been shown to rewire the brain so that attention is stronger in everyday life,” says Kim Willment, a neuropsychologist of Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
●Cognitive training
Computerized cognitive training games aim to improve your response time and attention. “The goal of playing these games is not to get better at them, but to get better in the cognitive activities of everyday life,” Willment says, “
●A healthier lifestyle
Many aspects of a healthy lifestyle can help attention. Start with exercise and sleep. When you exercise, you increase the availability of brain chemicals that promote new brain connections, reduce stress, and improve sleep. When you sleep, you reduce stress hormones that are harmful to the brain.
A.What happened to the laser-sharp focus we once enjoyed |
B.And you clear out proteins that injure it |
C.If you reach a certain level of sustained attention |
D.Then what are the strategies to improve attention |
E.Once you master the skills of playing these games |
F.And you have a more comprehensive way of thinking |
G.She recommends sitting still for a few minutes each day |
2 . When we think of bananas, the image of a vibrant yellow fruit comes to mind. However, there exists a unique variety of blue bananas that adds a colorful twist to this classic fruit. While not as widely available as their yellow counterparts, blue bananas offer a delightful and nutritious addition to fruit lovers. So, embrace the unexpected and seek out the extraordinary blue bananas for a truly unforgettable taste experience.
One of the most well-known blue banana varieties is the Blue Java, also called the “Ice Cream” banana. This distinctive fruit owns a pale blue or silver skin when unripe, which gradually turns to a creamy yellow when fully ripe. Its flesh has a delicate, sweet flavor like vanilla ice cream, earning it the fitting nickname.
Originating from Sri Lanka, the Pisang Ceylon banana is another interesting blue variety. Its striking blue-green skin hides a creamy white flesh that is slightly sweet of citrus. This unique banana is valued not only for its appealing color but also for its nutritional benefits.
There are other related varieties with similar coloration. These include the Namwah Blue, Kluai Khai, and Kluai Namwa Aw. Each exhibits its own distinct flavor, ranging from sweet, creamy to subtly tangy (强烈的) respectively.
Blue bananas are widely used fruits that can be enjoyed in various cooking preparations. Their sweet, creamy flesh lends itself well to smoothies, milkshakes, and desserts. Additionally, their unique color adds a visually striking element to fruit salads or tropical-themed dishes.
Like their yellow counterparts, blue bananas are abundant in vital nutrients. They are a good source of potassium (钾), which supports heart health and helps maintain proper blood pressure. Blue bananas also contain protein, vitamin C, and other beneficial antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being and immune system support.
1. What can we learn about blue bananas from the text?A.They have become a hit worldwide. | B.They are still limited in supply. |
C.They have been exported to Sri Lanka. | D.They have the highest medical value in fruits. |
A.It has light blue skin. | B.It tastes like ice cream. |
C.It is as sweet as Kluai Namwa Aw. | D.It contains a lot of nutrients. |
A.They improve the resistance to infection. | B.They cure heart disease. |
C.They strengthen the digestive system. | D.They contain less sugar. |
A.Yellow bananas are replaced by blue ones. |
B.Blue bananas are perfect for delicious cuisine. |
C.We should raise the awareness of preserving blue bananas. |
D.It’s time to explore the amazing world of blue bananas. |
3 . Steven Elliot grew up in a poor town in China. He knew he wasn’t in the same
Steven’s uncle decided to do something to help. Finally, in the
For a kid like Steven, growing up in a modest environment, toys weren’t just a fun
Now, since he is on the cover of Forbes, Steven has
A.shape | B.situation | C.direction | D.field |
A.heartily | B.orally | C.financially | D.mentally |
A.Therefore | B.Otherwise | C.Also | D.However |
A.game | B.friend | C.pet | D.toy |
A.competitive | B.international | C.civil | D.dynamic |
A.led to | B.amounted to | C.submitted to | D.referred to |
A.adjustment | B.assessment | C.labor | D.life |
A.mended | B.hit | C.made | D.revealed |
A.intention | B.highlight | C.target | D.exhibition |
A.escape | B.assistant | C.reminder | D.work |
A.harvest | B.observe | C.store | D.plant |
A.missed | B.proved | C.estimated | D.overstated |
A.changes | B.displays | C.influences | D.forecasts |
A.businessman | B.interviewer | C.employee | D.player |
A.practised | B.anticipated | C.memorized | D.reserved |
Five years ago, a homeless kitten wandered in a park, its fur matted and eyes wide with fear. Hunger bit its tiny body. Accidentally, a kind-hearted woman Shelley Hall spotted the trembling ball of fur and felt a tug at her heartstrings. Approaching slowly, she extended a gentle hand, offering food and warmth. Feeling Shelley’s kindness, the kitten accepted her food and home offer. At home, Shelley named the kitten Sophie. In the warmth of Shelley’s care, Sophie transformed from a scared wanderer to a beloved companion, seeking out affection and purring contentedly in her arms.
For the past two years, Shelley would go for daily walks in the woods with a cat carrier attached to her back and Sophie would peer out. “I tell her that her job is to bring joy - and she does,” Shelley said, recalling how her cat would greet the people they passed. “She’s very sweet and social.”
Sophie was also very confident, until that day last summer when the cat jumped out of her carrier and an energetic dog chased her away. Shelley searched for Sophie all day, but the cat didn’t come back.
“It was the worst day of my life,” Shelley said. She found herself experiencing the worst weeks of her life. After putting up posters, posting on social media, and searching the 565 acres of forest surrounding Royal Roads University every day from dusk until dawn, there was no sign of Sophie. “It is like she vanished into thin air,” Shelley said. “It does get harder and harder to believe that you are going to find her.” But then a former neighbour, Marilyn Hanner, stepped up to help. “There’s nothing to think about,” Marilyn said after being asked why she joined the daily search for Sophie. “You have an animal in danger, you jump in.” Marilyn and her husband also bought four trail cameras to set up around the forest. “If you have the means, why wouldn’t you?” Marilyn said.
注意:1.续写词数应为150左右;2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
As weeks turned to months, the cameras captured countless other creatures—from slugs(鼻涕虫)to a cougar(美洲狮).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Sophie and Shelley were reunited after being apart for more than three months.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Heading off to the train station straight after work on Friday, checking in
Last May Day witnessed the peak of this intense travel practice, as the number of tourists reached a record high of 200 million. The hashtag(标签) “Young People’s Special Force Style Tourism during May Day Holiday” enjoyed more than 3. 3 million
Many people flocked to the online space to share
This
6 . Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery with Saskia Wilson-Brown
Course DescriptionLed by Saskia Wilson-Brown, the founder and director of The Institute for Art and Olfaction, this course will provide an expansive overview of perfumery. Starting with the important social context for the global history of perfumery, the class will go on to cover fragrance families and classification, materials of natural and synthetic (合成的) origin, diluents, and the basics for a safe practice. Importantly, we’ll do the fun work of smelling, discussing each material in the kit through a process of sensorial evaluation. Finally, we’ll create several introductory perfume formulas and end the course with a glimpse into the perfume industry with a focus on independent and experimental practices.
SyllabusSession 1(7: 00-9: 00 pm, Mar. 18): Lah Basics: Safety, tools, and fragrance families
Session 2(7: 00-9: 00 pm, Mar. 25): Materials and Strategies
Session 3(7: 00-9: 00 pm, Apr. 1): Industry: Mainstream vs. artisan practice
Price
$215 per person(course only)
Course Materials
We offer a material kit containing 18 aromatic materials and some tools, which costs $75. We recommend ordering your kit instantly you have purchased the course to ensure your receiving it in time for class, though it’s not strictly necessary to have received it by the first sess10n.
Please note that these are professional-grade perfume materials and although we have carefully selected all our materials to prevent allergens, there is nevertheless a slight possibility that you may experience a sensitivity to one or two of them. We request you not work with your material kit until our first class, in which we will cover health and safety tips. If you’re highly sensitive to fragrance, we recommend you not take this class.
Please contact us at experiences@atlasobscura. com if you have any questions.
1. Which is covered in this course?A.Strategy of selling fragrance. | B.Distribution of global perfumery. |
C.Smelling scents. | D.Evaluating perfume formulas. |
A.On Mar. 25. | B.On Mar. 18. | C.On Apr. 1. | D.On May 18. |
A.The kit should be opened in advance. | B.The materials are safe for they are natural. |
C.We need to pay $290 for the experience. | D.It is suitable for those sensitive to fragrance. |
7 . Tilly Williams, a Parkside primary student, has broken a world distance running record, beating other girls who were eight years older than her to run 5,000m in just 17 minutes and 22. 7 seconds.
Tilly started running just three years ago and has already shot straight to the top. When some of her friends told her about the international record, she decided to give it a go while competing at the SA State Championships.
“Some of my running friends told me about it and I was like, wow, it would be crazy if I got that and here I am,” Tilly said. “I am the kind of person who really enjoys the challenge,” she added, “I really love surfing and I love bike riding and hiking - all different kinds of adventures and sports.”
She started running in 2021 when she joined her school’s cross-country team. Since then, she has run two to three times a week with her dad, Mark Williams, or at the Adelaide Harriers Athletics Club.
Tilly said, “It’s good knowing that my family’s on my side and my friends are on my side as well. Usually I just go out and run with my running group and with my dad as well because it is like a bond.”
Tilly doesn’t follow a strict diet, so her favourite food is still on the menu - her dad’s home-cooked pizza. “I do love pepperoni pizza,” she said.
“You never think that anyone’s going to get a world record at this age, at any age really. It’s just surreal,” Mr. Williams said, “It’s very important to recognise these achievements, but also to stay very much grounded and just enjoy the other pursuits that she likes. She loves her running, but she does so many other things as well and I think it’s really important that the focus is on life rather than just one thing.”
1. What do we know about Tilly?A.She prefers surfing to bike riding. |
B.She failed at the SA State Championships. |
C.She holds the 5000m record of her age. |
D.She’s lucky to have her dad as her coach. |
A.We’d better concentrate on a single thing. |
B.Tilly deserves the reputation and praise. |
C.Tilly should make efforts to keep her record. |
D.People should consider needs more than hobbies. |
A.Gifted and persevering. | B.Optimistic and careful. |
C.Determined and humorous. | D.Dynamic and warm-hearted. |
A.www. naturewatch. com. | B.www.thecookinghouse.com. |
C.www. kidsnews. com. | D.www.adventuretours.com. |
8 . Pawn shops (典当行) have long been known as treasure banks of unexpected finds. From musical instruments to electronics, these establishments offer a diverse range of items that motivate the imaginations of both buyers and sellers. In this article, we explore the fascinating world of popular items frequently pawned at shops. Now, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a journey through the fascinating stock of pawn shops.
In today’s digital age, electronics have become an essential part of our lives. From smartphones and laptops to gaming devices and home entertainment systems, pawn shops have become hotspots for tech enthusiasts seeking bargains and unique finds. These shops are packed with the items that have bridged distances, captured memories, and entertained us in various ways.
Guitars have a magnetic charm, attracting musicians and enthusiasts alike. From vintage classics to contemporary models, pawned guitars arouse a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship. They have been the backbone of countless melodies and the catalyst (催化剂) for musical dreams. Whether it’s a legendary electric guitar that once rocked a stadium or a humble acoustic (原声吉他) that accompanied close and friendly performances, each guitar carries a unique tale of passion and creativity.
Pawn shops are also renowned for their dazzling arrays of jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches — these delicate pieces hold sentimental value and timeless beauty, carrying stories of love, milestones, and cherished memories. From vintage heirlooms to modern designs, the jewelry section of a pawn shop offers a remarkable mixture, where you can find unique and eye-catching pieces and appreciate the charm and craftsmanship of fine decoration.
So, the next time you find yourself near a pawn shop, step inside, explore the aisles, and let your imagination roam. You never know what hidden treasures you might uncover, or what remarkable tales you might encounter in the attractive world of pawned items.
1. Who would most probably enter a pawn shop?A.A research chemist. | B.A travel planner. |
C.A wedding food provider. | D.A family party organizer. |
A.Conserve the antiques. | B.Appreciate fairy tales. |
C.Practice with the craftsman. | D.Experience the history and love. |
A.Emotional. | B.Social. |
C.Economic. | D.Decorative. |
A.Legends behind Pawned Items Never Disappear |
B.Hidden Treasures in Pawn Shops Speak |
C.Try Various Pawn Shops to Meet Your Beloved |
D.Borrow Attractive Old Things from Pawn Shops |
9 . George jumped on an e-scooter (电动摩托车) and went to a supermarket. At the end of the ride, a message appeared on the screen: “Your ride was carbon-free.” These words showed the environment-friendly marketing of e-scooter companies. But George, then a graduate student, and his adviser, Johnson had doubts about them.
E-scooters have appeared in cities over the last two years. Sure, they don’t produce waste gases. “But you have to think about the other things that are required to have the e-scooter charged (充电) and ready for you to use,” Johnson said. So he and his students decided to work out the full environmental influence of e-scooters over their lifetimes.
The researchers bought an e-scooter and separated it into parts. They worked out the greenhouse gas emissions (排放) while people make it. They also looked at the resulting air and water pollution. Those influences were great. They found that materials and production accounted for about half of the e-scooter’s global warming influence.
Those results depend heavily on e-scooters’ long life. Bird’s first e-scooters lasted about 3—4 months, and the newer Bird Zeros are said to make it to about 10 months. However, one study found that e-scooters in Louisville, Kentucky, only survived about 29 days. If such short lifetimes are common, it would worsen the true influence of materials and production mentioned above, Johnson said.
Luckily, there are ways to reduce the environmental influence of e-scooters. They suggest that companies take steps to increase e-scooters’ lifetimes. They also suggest simplifying the collection process. Not every e-scooter needs to be picked up. About one in six e-scooters still had a full charge at the end of the day.
1. Why does the author talk about George’s riding an e-scooter?A.To introduce the environmental benefits of e-scooters. |
B.To describe e-scooter companies’ marketing methods. |
C.To bring in research on e-scooters’ environmental influence. |
D.To show the popularity of e-scooters among university students. |
A.Disadvantages of e-scooters. | B.The development of e-scooters. |
C.Preparations for the use of e-scooters. | D.The reason for their research on e-scooters. |
A.Their lifetimes are too short. | B.Their charging rates are low. |
C.They use too much electricity. | D.They need to be charged frequently. |
A.They need to be managed better. | B.They shouldn’t be collected at night. |
C.They need more support and attention. | D.They should be banned from production. |
1. What is the speaker doing?
A.Teaching a class. | B.Reporting a news story. | C.Chairing a meeting. |
A.Go on holiday. | B.Attend a match. | C.Look for another job. |
A.It will have a new director. |
B.It has won every match this year. |
C.It needs improving its performance. |