1 . In today’s fast-paced world, comfort and relaxation are keys to a happy daily life. People want to have their tasks finished as quickly and as efficiently as possible. We all search for convenience.
Improved home security, safety, and privacy
Voice-assistant smart technology
Voice-assistant innovative technology helps users do a lot like turning on music, computers, TVs and other devices inside their homes!
You can also use Smart Home technology to help you with everyday household chores! You can stay in bed in your pyjamas while your AI vacuum cleaner does all the work for you!
Smart healthcare technology
A.Smart home cleaning |
B.Smart touchless technology |
C.We all want our homes to look nice and bright |
D.That’s why more and more people are interested in Smart Home |
E.These are always the most important things for every homeowner |
F.It also helps in making a cosy atmosphere by adjusting temperature and lighting |
G.Smart devices allow fast communication with medical professionals over the internet |
2 . It’s well-known that being in green spaces is good for physical and mental health.
“If you’re in a body of water, your internal state just becomes calm,” Dr Natalie Azar, NBC News medical contributor, told TODAY. “
Being near water gives people a consciousness of something greater than themselves. The sounds and movement of water can get people to focus their attention and this invites calm. “You don’t have to go to the coast to experience this wellbeing,” said Azar. “Any waterway will do, including lakes, rivers, canals or ponds.
A new study conducted by King’s College London has also proved that spending time near urban canals and rivers is linked to feeling happy and healthy, stressed a press release from the college. Moreover, it has found that urban waterways are superior to feelings of wellbeing than just being near the ocean.
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The study has also found that there are continuous improvements to mental wellbeing for up to 24 hours after visiting urban waterways.
A.These results remain to be tested. |
B.Even a flowing fountain will work. |
C.This is good news for urban people. |
D.It’s something that I think we’ve all experienced. |
E.Our findings show that blue spaces are naturally calming. |
F.Canals and rivers contain not only water but also trees and other plants. |
G.Now scientists have discovered blue spaces are also connected to better mental health. |
1. Whose birthday was celebrated last Sunday?
A.Anna’s. | B.Jason’s. | C.The waiter’s. |
A.Italian food. | B.French food. | C.Japanese food. |
A.Relaxing. | B.Terrible. | C.Noisy. |
A.Unfresh. | B.Great. | C.Tasteless. |
4 . Four homes built using everyday objects
Can newspapers and bottles be used as building materials? After touring these four homes built using these objects, you might just believe the answer is yes.
Plastic Bottle Village, Bocas del ToroOne man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Truer words could not describe Robert Bezeau’s project which began in 2012. After collecting tens of thousands of bottles, Bezeau recruited a team of locals to construct a building using the unwanted materials.
The Bottle Houses, Cape Egmon, Prince Edward IslandThe Bottle Houses on Prince Edward Island, Canada, are the creation of Edouard T. Arsenault and his daughter Rejeanne. The father and daughter began construction in 1980. Over the months, they collected empty bottles, and by 1981 they opened the house to the public. Since then, the building has remained open to visitors, with sunny days being the best time to visit.
Earthship Biotecture, Taos, New MexicoMichael Reynolds built his first Earthship when he was 23 years old. Starting out with nothing more than empty bottles, Reynolds set out to create a home that was not only sustainable, but also easy enough for someone without a construction background to build. Earthship Biotecture offers nightly stays. Self-guided tours are also available.
The Paper House, Rockport, MassachusettsWhen Elis F. Stenman built his summer home in 1922, he turned to paper for materials. The design has proven to be quite durable, as it’s still standing nearly 100 years later. The home has been open to visitors since the 1930s, and only began charging 10 cents per person in 1942 when it became a museum. Today visitors can experience the Paper House for themselves for $2 for adults and $1 for children.
1. What do we know about Plastic Bottle Village?A.It was designed by Bezeau. | B.It was finished in 2012. |
C.It became trash finally. | D.It was built for a team of locals. |
A.In the Bottle Houses. | B.In the Paper House. |
C.In an Earthship. | D.In Plastic Bottle Village. |
A.It is constructed by a Canadian family. | B.It is used to collect rubbish. |
C.It is free for children. | D.It is made of paper. |
5 . China’s first Universal Studios theme park opened this month in Beijing. Made up of seven themed lands filled with 37 rides, it is the world’s fifth Universal Studios theme park. It has many of the popular attractions found at its counterparts in Singapore, Osaka, Los Angeles and Orlando. But there are some Universal firsts as well, including the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness.
The park has many attractions and restaurants designed to reflect the country’s cultural heritage. Guests who have been to the other Universal parks and want to experience something fresh will be most excited about the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness. Attractions here include Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, the Carousel of Kung Fu Heroes and the Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrior. And yes, it does feature a Mr. Ping’s Noodle House, modeled after the movie version, among the dining options.
Among the most popular attractions are the scream-inducing Decepticoaster inside the Transformers area, and all the Harry Potter rides. The Jurassic World Adventure and the Minions simulator rides also attract long lines.
Visitors to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can experience the globally popular Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride inside the towering Hogwarts Castle, as well as the Flight of the Hippogriff. Transformers Metrobase is where guests will experience the impressive outdoor Decepticoaster, while the Minion Land and Jurassic World Isla Nubar have plenty for the little ones.
1. What special experience will guests attain in the Kung Fu Panda Land?A.Chinese culture. | B.Thrilling rides. |
C.Delicate western desserts. | D.The noodles cooked by real Mr. Ping. |
A.Mr. Ping’s Noodle House. | B.Jurassic World Isla Nubar. |
C.Transformers Metrobase. | D.The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. |
A.To make a contrast with other theme parks. | B.To persuade tourists to visit the theme park. |
C.To enhance the reputation of the theme park. | D.To present a brief introduction of the theme park. |
A.Lifestyle. | B.Entertainment. | C.Culture. | D.Society. |
6 . The best restaurants for outdoor dining in Greater Boston
Beehive Restaurant (541 Tremont St., Boston)
If you want to have fun while you enjoy your meal, head to Beehive, where you get specialized brunch, cocktails, and live music with your patio(露台) dining.
“Great food and service, fun atmosphere in and out.”
—Esta E., Back Bay
Brighton Bodega (328 Washington St., Brighton) and Devlin’s Bistro & Bar (332 Washington St., Brighton)
Although these are two separate eateries, they share a patio space in Brighton. Visit Brighton Bodega for its Asian-inspired small plates and Devlin’s for the drinks menu. While you’re there, you may get to experience some live jazz.
“These sister restaurants share a lovely patio area with a good atmosphere and excellent food! I love the constantly changing and always creative Brighton Bodega menu, and the steady favorites menu of Devlin’s.”
—Wendy, Cambridge
Chart House (60 Long Wharf, Boston)
Chart House has served hungry customers in the Boston area for more than 60 years and continues to do so with its patio dining experience and “perfect views”.
“It is not in a too-crowded area. It’s not amidst cars and too many passers-by, so you can hear the water and the silence once in a while. There is parking at the back so I can drive in, dine, and drive out.”
—Lissa W., Uxbridge
Frenchie Wine Bistro (560 Tremont St., Boston)
Outdoor dining is becoming more popular in Boston, but there’s something about it that feels very European. especially at this South End spot. Sit out on the patio for its modern French menu and wide selection of wines.
“It’s just the best. Great views, food and drink, and THE BEST people watching!”
—Chris H., Boston
1. What do Beehive Restaurant and Brighton Bodega have in common?A.Both share one patio. | B.Both have great views. |
C.Both provide live music. | D.Both are in the same street. |
A.Chart House. | B.Devlin’s Bistro &Bar. |
C.Beehive Restaurant. | D.Frenchie Wine Bistro. |
A.It is in the south of America. |
B.It has a European flavor. |
C.It changes its menu frequently. |
D.It allows customers to drive in. |
7 . The following is the information of some excellent hotels at the famous resort (度假胜地) for skiers in Italy.
Hotel Ela
£550 per person
The hotel Ela lies in the center of the resort, only 100 m from the main ski lift and 300 m from the ski school meeting point. It is ideal for those who prefer a hotel which is very close to all the resort’s action.
Rooms (2-4 people): Twin rooms with cable TV, hairdryer, shower and WC. All rooms have recently been redecorated.
Hotel Sport
£540 per person
It is near shops, bars and restaurants. The hotel is a great choice for those looking for lively nightlife. The famous bar is just on the ground floor.
Rooms (2-4 people): All rooms are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors and have hairdryer, mini-safe, satellite TV, shower and WC.
Please note: This hotel doesn’t accept groups larger than 6 people.
Hotel Xalet Verdu
£559 per person
It is an attractive hotel decorated in the traditional style and offers comfortable accommodation. The atmosphere is welcoming. It is 300m from the main ski lift and the village center.
Garage: £10 a day
64 rooms: Twin or double bedrooms with shower, hairdryer, satellite TV, telephone and safe.
Villa Cary Hotel
£540 per person
The Villa Cary is a small but well located hotel with comfortable rooms for two people making it ideal for couples. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome from the English owner.
Rooms (2 people): Pleasantly furnished double bedrooms with cable TV, mini-safe and bathrooms with shower and WC.
1. What is the benefit of staying in Hotel Ela?A.It’s the cheapest of all the hotels. |
B.It’s the best among all the hotels. |
C.It’s convenient for the resort’s activities. |
D.It has rooms with cable TV and a hairdryer. |
A.Guests can enjoy the exciting nightlife there. |
B.All its rooms have just been redecorated. |
C.It sometimes offers free accommodation. |
D.It is the largest of all the hotels. |
A.£90. | B.£70. | C.£30. | D.£10. |
A.Hotel Ela. | B.Hotel Sport. |
C.Villa Cary Hotel. | D.Hotel Xalet Verdu. |
A.Hotel Ela. | B.Hotel Sport. |
C.Villa Cary Hotel. | D.Hotel Xalet Verdu. |
There are
Morgan’s Inspiration Island is a water park in San Antonio, Texas. It is accessible to people with disabilities. The attractions, which include Rainbow Reef, Shipwreck Island, and even a boat ride,
The water park
The University of Pittsburgh helped create a new kind of wheelchair particularly for
10 . Can you imagine the bad guy Megatron (威震天) chatting non-stop about small household affairs with a human being? Well imagine no longer as Universal Studios Beijing’s newest “employee,” Megatron himself, has earned social media fame on Chinese platforms such as Sina Weibo and Douyin for doing just this.
Searches for videos featuring the giant Transformer have increased. as Chinese netizens enjoy seeing him joke and amuse visitors at Universal Studios Beijing. “It must be a comedian who was from some stand-up comedy club and took a part-time job at Universal Studios,” one Sina Weibo user commented, representing the voices of many others.
Visitors who have had the chance to enter the park have recorded many videos of their experience and recommending interesting sights to netizens, who have been eagerly waiting to try out the park for themselves.
“Why are you alone here? Where is your boyfriend? Why did he stand so far away? Does he refuse to tell others about your relationship?” Megatron says in one video clip as he talks with a young woman standing in front of him to take pictures.
The Megatron suit is actually quite complicated. The performer wears the mechanical armor(盔甲)and interacts with the outside world via a remote control with a voice-changing microphone, according to 36kr.com.
The popularity of Megatron online has made many people more interested in visiting the park. “When I visited the Universal Studios during the weekend, there was a huge line of visitors waiting to take photos and talk with Megatron in the Transformers section,” a Beijing father of a 3-year-old boy said.
Many people who are still waiting to get into the park have said that the robot will be their first stop. “He is so different from the bad guy image in the movie. He’s cute.” a university student who has been won over by Megatron’s charm noted.
1. What do we know about the Megatron in Universal Studio Beijing from the passage?A.Tourists are scared of its bad guy image. |
B.It is a part-time comedian from a stand-up comedy club. |
C.People who didn’t visit the park don’t know about Megatron. |
D.Its personalities are different from those in the movie Transformers. |
A.It likes talking with young women. |
B.The Movie Transformers is of great popularity. |
C.It is very entertaining and approachable to the visitors. |
D.Its armor and voice are cool with full sense of technology. |
A.Humorous. | B.Enthusiastic. | C.Appreciative. | D.Delightful. |
A.A science fiction. | B.A travelling column. | C.A movie magazine. | D.A TV interview. |