1 . We know that keeping an organized space is a key factor in overall mental well-being. So, how to tackle a big decluttering project?

    1    

Much like closing down a restaurant or retail store for the night, have a routine for the end of your day that involves some easy, satisfying tasks. Maybe it’s having the coffee pot clean and ready to help you wake up in the morning.

Notice your “problem” spots

Pay attention to areas in your home that constantly demand attention, like the bathroom shelf that always overflows with products.     2    . Notice what is taking up most of your attention, and then brainstorm easy solutions that can catch the issue before it gets too big.

Set a timer

Five, eight, ten, or twenty minutes are all acceptable amounts of time to spend chipping away at an untidy area in your home. Progress is progress, whether it’s regular or one-and-done.     3    . A decluttering project does not have to be finished in a day!

Get help

    4    . Define a specific job to take on, like clearing out a closet or dresser drawer, and bring in someone who will support you emotionally and even make it fun time together.

Embrace the physical activity

Maybe you are struggling to fit a regular workout into your routine. Lean into the physical aspect of clutter-clearing to feel like you’re meeting two goals at once by relocating books or bringing clothes to the donation bin.     5     — celebrate yourself for getting moving while you clean up.

A．Make cleaning an easy habit

B．Hire a home organizing professional

C．Even washing the dishes is a physical activity

D．Be patient with the big picture of your clutter-clearing needs

E．Don’t ignore the snack packages that never make it to the trash can

F．You do not have to be alone in your journey toward a clean home

G．You’ll feel fulfilled when you have a completely clutter-free existence

2 . Ideally located in the heart of New York Times Square, Yotel New York, a five-star hotel, has comfortable accommodation in a modern design.

The hotel has convenient transportation with an 18-minute walk from Fifth Avenue and Grand Central Station. John F Kennedy Airport can be reached directly from Times Square Underground Station.

All rooms include cozy beds, 54-inch HD TVs with free Sports and Movie channels, and free Wi-Fi. Each room also has luggage storage, and hanging space for clothing. Yotel New York also offers wheelchair accessible rooms and free accommodation for kids under 13.

American breakfast is served in Yotel New York every morning, including fresh juice, corn flakes, buttered toast and scrambled eggs. A selection of salads, sandwiches and hot dishes are offered throughout the day.

Yotel New York is our guests’ favorite part of New York, according to independent reviews. This area is also great for shopping, with popular brands nearby: Apple, H&M, Zara, Burberry and Channel.

Yotel New York is rated for the best value in America! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other hotels in this city. Come and stay with us!

Prices:

Room type	Price	Options
Twin Room — non-smoking	$125	Non-refundable Good breakfast $9
Double room — non-smoking	$165	Non-refundable Good breakfast $9
Queen Room — disability access	$215	Pay at the hotel Good breakfast included

1. What probably makes a tourist choose this hotel?

A．Airport pick-up service.	B．Chinese-style breakfast.
C．Good value for guests’ money.	D．A shop with popular brands in the hotel.

2. If a person in a wheelchair wants to stay in this hotel for two nights, how much should he pay?

A．$ 259.

B．$ 339.

C．$ 421.

D．$ 430.

3. In which section of the newspaper will readers see the above information?

A．Advertisement.

B．Lifestyle.

C．Entertainment.

D．Business.

3 . There are many great independent bookstores in North Carolina. If you’re looking for some good books to read, you can visit the bookstores listed below.

Purple Crow Books

It’s a literary meeting place right in historic downtown Hillsborough. It was opened in 2009. You can find new books, used ones or the latest works by local authors. Because it specializes in local writers, Purple Crow Books is a favorite tourist destination. It’s a great place to grab a signed copy of a book by your favorite local author.

109 West King Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Quail Ridge Books

This is an independent bookstore with friendly staff dedicated to (致力于) providing the best customer service. Founded in 1984 by Nancy Olson, the store provides a wide variety of carefully selected books, events, discussion groups and town hall meetings. The owner Lisa Poole bought the store in 2013 and is dedicated to serving the locals.

4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27609

Pomegranate Books

This bookstore is located in the historic Borkenhagen House in the Winter Park neighborhood of Wilmington, North Carolina. It has been finding good homes for great books since 2005. It stocks a carefully selected collection of literary and life-enhancing titles for all ages and also features locally-made cards and gift items.

4418 Park Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403

Scuppernong Books

This bookstore was opened on December 21, 2013 and has been an important part of the rebirth of downtown Greensboro ever since. It features fiction and poetry along with a remarkable children’s section and a broad range of general interest titles. Within the store is a busy cafe serving coffee, wine, and beer sourced primarily from local small businesses.

304 South Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401

1. What is special about Purple Crow Books?

A．It holds various reading activities.	B．It mainly sells books by local writers.
C．It focuses on selling second-hand books.	D．It is supported by local small businesses.

2. Which bookstore has the longest history?

A．Quail Ridge Books.	B．Purple Crow Books.
C．Pomegranate Books.	D．Scuppernong Books.

3. Who would prefer to visit Scuppernong Books?

A．People loving non-fiction books.	B．People liking handmade cards and gifts.
C．People enjoying a very quiet environment.	D．People fond of buying collections of poetry.

4 . Maximalism, as a design aesthetic (审美), is rooted in cultural shifts throughout history. In the mid-20th century, minimalism dominated social aesthetic, which laid great emphasis on the idea of less was more. In the late 1960s, postmodernism challenged the ideas of minimalism and embraced a more playful approach to design.     1     During the 1980s, maximalism reached its peak and continued to evolve in the following decades.

Today, maximalism has become a noticeable design style characterized by celebrating individuality,embracing the unexpected, and creating st unning and expressive spaces.     2     They hold that maximalism can make homes blossom into spaces that radiate with warmth and joy, and reflect the personalities and tastes of everyone in the house.

    3    Even hallways can be turned into gallery-like spaces with unique art collections, vibrant wall coverings that enhance visual impact. Mirrors, if strategically placed, can add to the pleasant feel of a space that could otherwise be a boring passage.

The living room unfolds with patterns and decor items, creating a dynamic and cozy atmosphere which is all about individuality and comfort.     4     A combination of decoration items such as sculptures, vases, and books are also on display.

Breaking free from regular kitchen aesthetics, maximalism transforms kitchens into exciting and inspiring environments. Using unexpected kitchen lighting options can add some home atmosphere.    5    

As an interior (室内的) stylist, I encourage you to get the best from your home and the possessions you already have by displaying what you love most. This will spark joy everywhere you look, and this concept is at the heart of maximalism.

A．Delicate table lamps may work well.

B．Your home should be a celebration of all you are.

C．Many interior designers are advocates of maximalism.

D．Maximalism breathes life into often-overlooked corners.

E．You can find a variety of ways to bring it into your home, too.

F．Maximalism emerged as a reaction against the idea of simplicity.

G．There is a mix of different patterns through throw pillows and curtains.

5 . 4 Really Strange Beaches

Sandy stretches of gray, brown or even white are the world’s norm. Even rocky beaches or those with sheer cliffs barring passage for everyone save the bravest adventurers are not rare. These unique beaches are some of the best treats nature has to offer.

Papakolea Beach, Hawaii, USA

Papakōlea Beach is a green sand beach located near South Point, in the Ka’ū district of the island of Hawai ’i. One of only two green sand beaches in the World, the other being in Galapagos Islands.

Papakōlea Beach is associated with the southwest rift (裂谷) of Mauna Loa. Since its last eruption, the cinder cone has partially collapsed and been partially swallowed by the ocean.

San Alfonso del Mar Beach, Chile

This beach is located between the largest artificial pool. San Alfonso del Mar Beach is an essential part of the luxurious resort of the same name.

It seems a strange spot for the world’s largest swimming pool. But the pool’s remarkable spaciousness (宽敞) complements the ocean beyond rather effortlessly, and jumping in the pool’s 79℉(26℃) water is a much more attractive prospect than venturing into the 63℉(17℃) seawater nearby.

Maho Beach, Sint Maarten

Maho Beach is a beach on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, in the country of Sint Maarten. It is famous for the Princess Juliana International Airport next to the beach.

Arriving aircraft must touch down as close as possible to the beginning of Runway 10 due to the short runway length of 380 metres, resulting in aircraft on their final approach flying over the beach at minimal altitude.

Ocean Dome, Japan

This is an artificial beach constructed in the Seagaia re son along the coastal highway outside the city of Myazaki in Japan it has a fully controlled indoor climate throughout the year.

The Ocean Dome, which was a popular part of the Sheraton Seagaia Resort, measures 300 meters in length and 100 meters in width.

1. What has Papakōlea Beach experienced in Hawaii?

A．One mineral.	B．One connection.
C．One fierce rift.	D．One severe outbreak.

2. What’s the most exciting in San Alfonso del Mar Beach, Chile?

A．Jumping into the pool’s water

B．Learning to jump water in the pool

C．Building a spacious swimming pool

D．Taking a risk of swimming in the pool

3. What do Maho Beach and Ocean Dome have in common?

A．They lie beside good places built.	B．They both lie on an island.
C．They are both artificial beaches.	D．They are both well-known.

6 . At Ynez Library, we are champions of curiosity. At its core, our mission for nearly four centuries has been to advance the learning, research, and pursuit of truth. Our efforts are motivated and powered by working collaboratively, embracing diverse perspectives, championing access, aiming for the extraordinary, and always leading with curiosity.

There are plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience our collections. Ynez ID holders may bring up to four guests into the library. For more details, click on the following icons (图标).

Visitors Interested in using our libraries, but are not a Ynez student, faculty, alum, or staff? You’re in the right place.

Exhibits Library exhibits tell the unique stories of our diverse and deep collections. Many are open to the public.

Tours Browse upcoming library tours. Some tours are open to the public; others are open to Ynez ID Holders and their guests.

Events Many library events are open to the public, including academic meetings, forums, lectures, etc. Check Admittance information first.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Many of our libraries are home to rare and unique materials, which are available to all researchers.

• Our special collections are open to all without a fee, by appointment.

• Please contact the holding library to learn more about accessing their special collection items in person.

• Different libraries have different holdings, so you may want to start by using our search tools to find materials relevant to your research.

1. What does Ynez Library highlight in the first paragraph?

A．Its new changes.	B．Its main values.
C．Its best achievements.	D．Its working principles.

2. Which part should a person click on if he plans to attend a scientist’s speech?

A．Visitors.

B．Exhibits.

C．Tours.

D．Events.

3. How can a researcher find the special holdings quickly in the library?

A．By paying a special fee.	B．By visiting main libraries.
C．By locating them online.	D．By appointing a librarian.

7 . In Takoma Park, Maryland, in suburban Washington, people, adults or students, lined up at a pay phone outside a restaurant several times a week.

“Once I put the phone out there, it just took off,” said David Schulman, a Takoma Park violinist who created the Bird Calls Phone. Listeners push 1 to hear a yellow-crowned night heron (夜鹭), 7 to hear a pileated (红冠) woodpecker’s call and 9 for the distinct scream of a red-tailed hawk. Instructions about how to use the phone are in three languages: English, Spanish and Amharic — a reflection of Takoma Park’s Ethiopian community. In all, 10 birds native to the Takoma Park area are featured.

In addition to being fun, listening to Bird songs can reduce stress and anxiety, studies show. Even hearing recordings of birds can relieve negative emotions.

After noticing an abandoned, nonworking pay phone in town, Schulman wondered if he could turn it into something appealing. He said, “I really like the old technology of just picking up a receiver, pressing one button and having something happen.” Schulman thought bringing birds sounds to the abandoned phone was a way to add a bit of nature to the neighborhood.

Takoma Park city officials agreed, and they budgeted $5, 000 to complete the project. Schulman reached out to The McCaulay Library in Ithaca, New York, which agreed to send him a few dozen recordings of native birds. He then managed to gain the help of software engineer and artist Branden Hall to rewire the phone to play different bird calls. Schulman said he persuaded several of his friends to record short descriptions of each bird to go with the calls.

“One thing I like about the Bird Calls Phone is that it’s the opposite of a loud broadcast,” Schulman said. “Only one person can listen at a time, and each person will take away their own unique experience.”

1. What will listeners hear if they press buttons on the pay phone?

A．The calls of native birds.	B．Songs in different languages.
C．Descriptions of local creatures.	D．Instructions on reducing stress.

2. Which of the following best describes David Schulman?

A．Observant and nature-loving.	B．Diligent and easy-going.
C．Serious and public-spirited.	D．Ambitious and kind-hearted.

3. What can be inferred about the project?

A．It encourages art appreciation.	B．It presents the harmony among birds.
C．It turns loud broadcasts into private phones.	D．It receives broad support from the community.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．A Violinist Specializes in Ecology	B．Pick up the Phone, Hear Bird songs
C．Close to Nature, Far From Depression	D．Turn Trash into Treasure in Washington

8 . Lighting is a key design feature in your home and deserves consideration, whether it’s to brighten up a dull corner or you’re planning a full renovation (翻新). Here, we put the spotlight on four key lighting design layers and how you can use them to capture every room of your home in its best light.

General lighting

Think of general lighting as the background layer that casts an even illumination (照明) throughout a room, most commonly from your ceiling lights. As these are often the main source of light for a room, it’s wise to have flexible options depending on the time of day, or desired brightness to suit the mood and the room’s purpose at the time.

Ambient (氛围的) lighting

Ambient lighting is the layer that adds warmth and softness to your space. Think lamp belt under the kitchen bench, or floor lamps in the corner. Use ambient lighting where you want to encourage rest and comfort, such as living spaces and bedrooms.

Task lighting

The next layer to consider is task lighting for more practical uses. These are brighter and are designed to illuminate workplaces, and are also used for study areas, home offices, bedside tables and reading corners.

Accent lighting

Accent lighting is placed to create a specific light effect, such as downlights or spotlights to highlight artwork, and wash lights against walls. The layering of accent lighting can be used to highlight architectural details and is an artful way to create focus and play with light in your space.

1. What is the major function of general lighting?

A．Brightening a dark corner.	B．Refreshing the surroundings.
C．Lighting up the entire room.	D．Adding warmth and softness.

2. Where is task lighting usually placed?

A．Beside the study table.	B．Under the kitchen bench.
C．In the middle of the ceiling.	D．On the wall of the hallway.

3. Which lighting can highlight a focus artfully?

A．General lighting	B．Ambient lighting.
C．Task lighting	D．Accent lighting.

9 . Museums in Switzerland

Chaplin’s World

Charlie Chaplin was the greatest artist of the silent movies. His legacy (遗产) lives on through the creation of Chaplin’s World a this former home, the Manoir de Ban, Corsier-sur-Vevey. Beneath shady trees on the shores of Lake Geneva, the residence remains as Chaplin would have known it. Inside the museum, you’ll find yourself in a backstreet of old London, which is part of the latest exhibition “The Kid”.

The Swiss Museum of Games

This museum, located within the double-towered 13th-century castle La Tour-de-Peilz on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva, is Switzerland’s one and only museum focused on games. Its collection of some 10, 000piccesgoes all the way back to the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. It’s interesting to see how everyone has enjoyed playing games over the centuries.

Swiss Open-Air Museum

Not all museums are housed in buildings. The Swiss Open-Air Museum in Ballenberg allows visitors to walkthrough and around over 100 rural houses and farm buildings sourced from all over Switzerland. All the structures in the museum are original, de construe ted from their original sites, and reconstructed in Ballenberg. It’s the closest visitors can get to relive the life of Swiss people in ancient times.

Queen-The Studio Experience

It’s a kind of magic to step into the former Mountain Studios, situated in the Casinos Barriere in Montreux. Not only did the rock Rolling Stones and band Queen record six albums there, but the Rolling Stones and David Bowie also recorded hits in the studios. Since 2013 there has been a permanent exhibition museum honouring Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury. With a background of Queen music and recorded interviews, the rooms are filled with photos, albums and instruments.

1. What do the first two museums have in common?

A．They attract art lovers worldwide.

B．They have Swiss history as the theme.

C．They are castle-turned museums.

D．They are located near Lake Geneva.

2. Where can you go if you are looking for an outdoor museum?

A．Corsier-sur-Vevey.	B．Ballenberg.
C．La Tour-de-Peilz.	D．Montreux.

3. What can you do in Queen-The Studio Experience?

A．Record music.

B．Watch magic shows.

C．Attend a figure-focused exhibition.

D．Enjoy live concerts by the Rolling Stones.

10 . Last summer on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, Tina Taniguchi worked close to the ground. Her coconut leaf hat covered most of her thick brown hair. Wet soil had gotten on her clothes and her smiling face.

Taniguchi smiles a lot while working on the Hanapepe salt land on the west side of Kauai. It is a piece of land about half a hectare in size with pools of salty water. The salt becomes crystals (晶体)as the water dries.

“The work is tiring, but for me it’s also play,” Taniguchi said with a laugh. Taniguchi’s family is one of 22 families who make salt, following a cultural and spiritual tradition. Hanapepe is one of the last remaining salt lands in Hawaii. Its salt can be traded or given away but must never be sold. Hawaiians use it in cooking, healing, and as protection.

Over the past 10 years, there have been several threats to this field. They encompass development, pollution from a neighboring airfield, damage to the sand from vehicle traffic and waste left by visitors to the nearby beach. In addition, rising sea levels and weather might stop the practice.

The process of turning sea water into salt can be slow. The season begins once the rain stops and water starts to disappear from the salt beds. Ocean water travels underground and enters the wells. Each family has their own well. As water enters the well, so do tiny, red brine shrimp. These small ocean animals give Hanapepe salt its unusual, sweet taste.

The families first clean the salt beds and line them with black clay (陶土). Then they move water from the wells into the beds. There, salt crystals form. The top level, or layer, is the whitest. It is used for table salt. The middle layer is pinkish and is used in cooking, while the bottom layer, which is a deep red color, is used in blessings.

1. What do we know about Taniguchi?

A．She gives salt to others as a gift.	B．She works hard but with pleasure.
C．She has found a new way to make salt.	D．She fears old traditions will disappear.

2. What are Hawaiians not allowed to do with their salt?

A．Trade goods with it.	B．Use it as a treatment.
C．Make money from it.	D．Cook vegetables with it.

3. What does the underlined word “encompass” mean in paragraph 4?

A．Prevent.

B．Include.

C．Improve.

D．Discover.

4. What does a small sea creature bring to the traditional salt?

A．The special taste of the salt.	B．A thicker middle layer of salt.
C．More water in the wells.	D．A quicker process of making salt.