1 . The pace of today’s working life blurs (使模糊) the line between personal time and work time, and it increasingly mixes personal lifestyle and work style. And as companies are trying hard to attract and keep young people for their technical skills and enthusiasm for change, office culture is becoming an extension of youth culture. This may not be a bad thing. For most of human history the middle-aged have ruled, but in the future, they will have to share power with fresh-faced youths.
There have been a number of reasons for this change and the most dramatic of these is technology. Children have always been more expert than their parents at something, but usually a game or a fashion, not the century’s most important business tool. The Internet has started the first industrial revolution in history to be led by the young. Though there have been youth revolutions before, none of them made a big change the way the Internet has. Throughout the 20th century, if a young person wanted to enter an American company they needed to leave their youth behind.They got a haircut,and probably a suit or at least a tie. Now the same hair, same clothes, even nearly the same hours apply to office and home.
If it had not been for the Internet, this change could not have happened. However, it did not happen because of the Internet only; the corporate restructurings (公司重组) of the 1980s and 90s broke down traditional hierarchies (等级制度). In many companies, seniority-based (基于资历的) hierarchies have been replaced by hierarchies based on performance. The abilities to please your superiors are no longer the most valued skills. Today’s employees stay with companies only as long as they feel challenged and rewarded; moving from a job to another job is now a sign of ambition.
The rise of the young is a good thing, because it gives them more opportunity to put their ideas and energy into practice at their most creative stage in life. Nowadays youth and youth qualities seem to dominate, but the experience and maturity of older employees should be put to good use, too.
1. In the 20th century, to enter an American company, a young person needed to ______.| A．work in the office and at home |
| B．have an eye-catching hairstyle |
| C．dress in the business style |
| D．leave the business tool behind |
| A．achievements |
| B．age and experience |
| C．skills with the Internet |
| D．ability to please the boss |
| A．They become more energetic in life. |
| B．They have taken over the companies. |
| C．Their creativity can be put to good use. |
| D．Their ideas appeal to a great many people. |
| A．Young people will lead in fashion. |
| B．Young people will have more power. |
| C．Older people will step off the historical stage. |
| D．Older people will continue to be the main force. |
2 . Two new community initiatives offering the opportunity to borrow everything from sewing machines to party supplies are aiming to reduce waste and consumption.
Tools n Things Library in Leederville, Perth is a community library designed to allow community members to get access to the things they might need around the house instead of buying them in a hardware (五金店) store.
“That’s our philosophy — don’t buy, borrow. Many people buy things just for a small task at home, and then they won’t use them for a couple of years,” library volunteer Rex Breheny said.
The project is run by volunteers who founded it in 2019, and after an interruption in 2020 because of the pandemic (大流行病), it has now grown to several hundred members who can come and borrow things twice a week. In a way it is a return to an old tradition of neighbors borrowing each other’s tools and forming connections in the process.
Tools n Things Library is the first of its kind in Perth, and another called Share Shed has just started in Bassendean. Its co-founder Renee McLennan said they wanted to expand beyond tools to all sorts of things that people might use rarely, like camping equipment or entertaining needs.
“We’re doing the kind of equipment you’d use for a party. Instead of everybody buying disposable plates, and cups and things like that, we’ve got quality glasses and cutlery (餐具), as well as decorations that people can use for those events that they might have once a year,” she said.
The Share Shed is being considered as a way to tackle consumer culture. The world cannot continue to support our current level of resource consumption — at present overconsumption means that each year we consume 75 per cent more than the planet can regenerate.
“Borrowing items and shifting our thinking from an ownership to an access model helps to reduce the number of things that are produced and limits waste. At the same time, sharing the things that we use every now and then is a great way of connecting with people who live locally,” Bod Anderson, an officer in Perth said.
1. Why were the initiatives launched?| A．To introduce two new communities. |
| B．To advocate consuming fewer resources. |
| C．To call on people to fight against pandemic. |
| D．To encourage people to borrow daily necessities. |
| A．It is out of use. | B．It is well received. |
| C．It is out of fashion. | D．It is often interrupted. |
| A．Wider options. | B．Better quality. |
| C．Longer duration. | D．Newer equipment. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Supportive. | C．Critical. | D．Objective. |
3 . You know the feeling — you have left your phone at home and feel anxious, as if you have lost your connection to the world. “Nomophobia” (无手机恐惧症) affects teenagers and adults alike. You can even do an online test to see if you have it. Last week, researchers from Hong Kong warned that nomophobia is infecting everyone. Their study found that people who use their phones to store, share and access personal memories suffer most. When users were asked to describe how they felt about their phones, words such as “hurt” (neck pain was often reported) and “alone” predicted higher levels of nomophobia.
“The findings of our study suggest that users regard smartphones as their extended selves and get attached to the devices,” said Dr Kim Ki Joon. “People experience feelings of anxiety and unpleasantness when separated from their phones.” Meanwhile, an American study shows that smartphone separation can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
So can being without your phone really give you separation anxiety? Professor Mark Griffiths, psychologist and director of the International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University, says it is what is on the phone that counts — the social networking that creates Fomo (fear of missing out).
“We are talking about an Internet-connected device that allows people to deal with lots of aspects of their lives,” says Griffiths. “You would have to surgically remove a phone from a teenager because their whole life is ingrained in this device.”
Griffiths thinks attachment theory, where we develop emotional dependency on the phone because it holds details of our lives, is a small part of nomophobia. For “screenagers”, it is Fomo that creates the most separation anxiety. If they can’t see what’s happening on WeChat or Weibo, they become panic-stricken about not knowing what’s going on socially. “But they adapt very quickly if you take them on holiday and there’s no Internet,” says Griffiths.
1. Which of the following may Dr Kim Ki Joon agree with?| A．We waste too much time on phones. |
| B．Phones have become part of some users. |
| C．Addiction to phones makes memories suffer. |
| D．Phones and blood pressure are closely linked. |
| A．We worry we may miss out what our friends are doing |
| B．We fear without phones we will run into a lot of trouble |
| C．We are accustomed to having a phone on us |
| D．We need our phones to help us store information |
| A．Approved of. | B．Relied on. | C．Opposed to. | D．Determined by. |
| A．In a research report. |
| B．In a science textbook. |
| C．In a popular science magazine. |
| D．In a fashion brochure. |
4 . Making travel a surprise
Most people plan their vacations well in advance, including where they are going.
Earlier this year, mystery box purchases surged (激增) among young American people. Usually, travelers buy a mystery box at a low price—usually 100 or 200 dollars—and then receive several destination options to choose from.
A citizen named Carrie is eager to go on a mystery box trip, stating that travelling alone usually costs too much and that too many people don’t know where to go. ”However, the mystery box directly offers me a few destinations, which is wonderful and cheap,“ Carrie said.
Gary, 16, has turned his eagerness to go on a mystery box trip into a reality.
| A．It is the state capital of Texas |
| B．Tourism is a major source of income for the area |
| C．After the destination is decided, their trip begins |
| D．But some like the thrill of not knowing where they will end up |
| E．Months ago, he traveled with a group of friends to Austin in Texas |
| F．Travel mystery boxes bring excitement to many less popular destinations |
| G．But even so, a large number of people feel disappointed with travel mystery boxes |
5 . Individuals tend to befriend others similar to them for a range of physical factors (e. g. age, gender).To test whether friendship is connected with increased similarity of real-time mental responding, researchers used fMRI (功能性磁共振成像) to scan subjects’ brains during free viewing of naturalistic movies.
Forty-two students participated in the study by Professor Carolyn Parkinson of the University of California, Los Angeles. During the fMRI study, each subject watched the same collection of video parts. The videos covered a variety of topics and genres (e.g. comedies, documentaries, and debates).
The current results suggest that nerve responses when viewing audiovisual (视听的) movies are exceptionally similar among friends, and they are quite alike to one another in terms of how they perceive, interpret, and react to the world around them. These data also demonstrate that it is possible to predict whether two individuals are friends based only on the similarity of temporary patterns in their nerve responses during free viewing of complex, real-world scenes.
A follow-up study analyzing the social relationships of 1,186 children in 49 classrooms showed that similarity of the social brain varied by friendship distance: shared friends showed greater similarity in social brain networks compared with friends-of-friends and even more remotely connected peers.
“Although the results of the current study suggest that friends have incredibly similar nerve responses to naturalistic stimulation, due to this study’s cross-sectional nature, we cannot figure out, based on these results alone, whether nerve response similarity is a cause or consequence of friendship,” Dr Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist(人类学家)said. She described how two tightly bonded people mirror each other’s behavior. Best friends may have similar heart beats, body temperature and hormonal responses.“ It’s as if every part of your body is engaged in having a relationship with that person,” said Machin. “That for me sums up how important best friends are. We wouldn’t have developed this way if those relationships weren’t critical for survival.”
1. Why did the researchers carry out the fMRI study?| A．To find out the effects of fMRI. |
| B．To help the students analyze videos. |
| C．To test whether the students are true friends. |
| D．To check if friendship goes with nerve responses. |
| A．Subjects. | B．Types. | C．Results. | D．Responses. |
| A．Friends have the same mental responses. |
| B．It is impossible to tell whether two are friends. |
| C．Friendship distance affects similarity of the social brain. |
| D．Stronger relationships bring about more similar appearance. |
| A．Friendship is of great significance in our life. |
| B．Nerve response similarity is a cause of friendship. |
| C．Naturalistic stimulation leads to friends’ similar responses. |
| D．We develop because relationships are unimportant for survival. |
6 . “Looking good, feeling good” is a common phrase, but for many middle school students, it brings up the issue of appearance anxiety. In a world where social media often sets unrealistic beauty standards, teenagers can feel pressured to look a certain way. This pressure can lead to a lack of confidence and happiness.
Dressing in a style that reflects personal taste, rather than simply following fashion trends, can be a step towards overcoming this anxiety. Wearing clothes that make one feel comfortable and confident can help boost self-esteem. It’s important for students to understand that fashion is a way to express themselves, not a standard they must meet.
Healthy eating is also crucial. A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains, helps maintain a healthy body and mind. Sometimes, teens worry too much about their weight, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits. Learning about nutrition and understanding that healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes can help alleviate these concerns.
Physical activity plays a significant role in mental well-being. Regular exercise, like playing a sport or going for a walk, not only keeps the body fit but also releases endorphins, improving mood and reducing stress. It's a natural way to fight the anxiety that comes with appearance concerns.
Finally, it's essential for middle school students to focus on mental health. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with friends, and seeking support when needed can contribute to a more positive self-image. Understanding that everyone's unique and that real beauty comes from within is vital. Feeling good about oneself should come from personal achievements and qualities, not just from outward appearance.
1. What is the main concern addressed in the article regarding middle school students?| A．Choosing the right fashion trends. |
| B．Coping with appearance anxiety. |
| C．Learning about nutrition and exercise. |
| D．Finding comfortable clothing. |
| A．It can lead to unrealistic beauty standards. |
| B．It can help in overcoming appearance anxiety. |
| C．It pressures students to follow fashion trends. |
| D．It results in a lack of interest in fashion. |
| A．It sets beauty standards for students. |
| B．It mainly helps in weight management. |
| C．It improves mood and reduces stress. |
| D．It has no significant impact on mental well-being. |
| A．It helps in achieving academic success. |
| B．It contributes to a more positive self-image. |
| C．It encourages following social media trends. |
| D．It increases interest in fashion and style. |
7 . Many people like to explore the Internet. Exploring the Internet is one of the most important activities of the day. The Internet brings the outside world closer to people’s homes. Some people say the world is smaller than before because of the Internet.
What’s going on in other countries? How do people live in faraway places? Is there a good sports game somewhere? What’s life like in the deepest part of the sea? If you want to answer all these questions, just come to the Internet. Of course, people can also learn through reading or listening to the radio. But with the Internet they can learn better and more easily. A lot of information can be collected at a great speed.
Can we go shopping without leaving home? Can we see a doctor without going to the hospital? Can we study without going to school? All these things seemed to be impossible, but now they have become true.
The Internet helps us to open our eyes. The Internet also helps to open our minds. The Internet often gives us new ideas. In a word, it helps us in many ways. Great changes have taken place in our life since the use of the Internet.
1. What’s the main idea of the second paragraph?| A．We can learn only through reading or listening to the radio. |
| B．We can know nothing through the Internet. |
| C．A lot of information can be collected at a great speed through the Internet. |
| D．We can become wise because of the Internet. |
| A．go shopping without leaving home |
| B．see a doctor without going to the hospital |
| C．study without going to school |
| D．draw money without banks |
| A．we cannot think without the Internet |
| B．something is wrong with our minds because of the Internet |
| C．our minds can’t be opened unless we search the Internet |
| D．we can get some new ideas from the Internet |
8 . After Alexander Pushkin was shot in a duel (决斗) in 1837, crowds of mourners formed in Saint Petersburg. When the wagon carrying the much loved poet’s body reached Pskov province, where he was to be buried, admirers tried to pull the vehicle themselves.
Today’s celebrity funerals tend to involve the public largely digitally rather than in person. But people are passionate all the same. In the past few months, grief has coursed around the Internet for Milan Kundera, and most recently, Michael Gambon. If you stop to think about it, such expressions of strong feelings for writers and actors are odd, even irrational.
Unlike other kinds of grief, this one is not rooted in personal intimacy (亲密关系). If you ever interacted with a cherished author, it was probably during a book tour when she signed your copy of her novel. Maybe you once locked eyes with a musician during a live concert and he smiled at you, but actually he did not even know you.
Objectively, sorrow makes sense when a star dies young or violently. Had she not died at 27, who knows what music Amy Winehouse would have added to her already impressive collections of work? The death of a long-lived and fulfilled artist, however, is far from the saddest item in an average day’s headlines. And while most ordinary people sink into oblivion, these celebrities live on in their output. Why, then, are these losses felt so widely and keenly?
One interpretation is that departed celebrities are merely the messengers. Part of your past —the years in which the musician was the soundtrack, the writer your ally (盟友) — can seem to fade away with them. The grief can be seen as a form of gratitude for the harmony and joy they supplied.
More importantly, the passing of an artist is an occasion for exchanges of ideas. In an atomized age, in which the default (默认) tone is critical, a beloved figure’s death is a chance to share positive feelings and memories with fellow admirers. These sad occasions are the parting gifts of these artists.
1. Why does the author mention Milan Kundera and Michael Gambon in paragraph 2?| A．To prove that celebrities’ funerals tend to attract wider public attention. |
| B．To illustrate why people express their sadness at the loss of those celebrities. |
| C．To demonstrate that people’s mourning for celebrities seems strange and unreasonable. |
| D．To show that people’s grief over celebrities’ death is ridiculous and impractical. |
| A．are upset | B．are desperate | C．are helpless | D．are forgotten |
| A．People won’t mourn for celebrities unless they have intimate relationships with celebrities. |
| B．It’s natural that people mourn for celebrities dying young but not for those long-lived ones. |
| C．People feel sad for the passing of celebrities because of the mental nourishment received. |
| D．People attend celebrities’ funerals, either in person or on the Internet, to express their loyalty. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Disapproving. | C．Skeptical. | D．Concerned. |
9 . Use Phones Respectfully
You probably spend more time on your smartphone than any other possessions. You take it everywhere—to school, to meals, and even to the bathroom.
Use “do not disturb” instead of “vibrate (振动)”.
Loud vibrations in your trousers are disturbing. People can hear your phone vibrate or not, depending on how violently it vibrates.
Tell others what you’re doing.
Sometimes, you will be in a situation where you need to use your smartphone.
Respect others’ privacy such as text messages and e-mail senders by not letting what they type appear on the home screen of your phone when you receive a new message. While you’re at it, use a password to make sure the information stays between you.
Ask permission to swipe (滑动).
When people hand you their phone to look at a photo, this doesn’t mean you can look through all of their photo albums.
| A．They probably want you to see the one photo they hand to you, not every photo they have taken. |
| B．Just tell people what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. |
| C．It is difficult to ignore it and it distracts people from what they are doing. |
| D．Don’t use the feature of SMS Preview on your home screen. |
| E．You should use your smartphone secretly. |
| F．Of course, using the smartphone is a great way to keep in touch and share life events. |
| G．So it’s thrilling to look through all their photos. |
10 . In most towns today, you can see teenagers standing over electronic machines with flashing lights, shooting at spaceships from other planets and dropping bombs on strange monsters (怪兽). The machines have names like Space Warrior, Dark Invader and so on. It used to be believed that damage was done only to those strange visitors from outer space, but now it seems that they are striking back.
Many teenagers like electronic games so much that they can’t stop playing. They spend hours tightly holding the joystick controls and constantly pressing buttons marked “fire”. They develop pains in their fingers because of the constant pressure. They play and play so that the pains have no chance to cure properly. The rapid wrist movement required to guide the spaceship across the screen causes another problem: The muscles of the wrist and arm become so inflamed and swollen (肿胀的) that they press against the bones. This condition is what doctors now call “Space Warrior’s Wrist”.
Other strange aches and pains are also likely to affect the elbows and shoulders. Another even more alarming problem is shown by the case of a 17-year-old girl which was recently in the British Medical Journal. She had been playing various kinds of electronic games for more than two hours a day. Her father repaired games and machines and she could use the cassettes and systems in his workshop as often as she liked. One day, after playing a game called Dark Invader, she lost consciousness and fell to the floor.
Doctors who examined her found she was suffering from an unusual illness caused by lights flashing at a particular frequency.
1. Who are electronic games found very popular with?| A．People living in towns. | B．Students studying in high school. |
| C．Girls working in their father’s workshops. | D．Young people. |
| A．By constantly pressing the buttons. | B．By rapidly moving across the screen. |
| C．By tightly holding the joystick controls. | D．By inflamed and swollen muscles of the wrist. |
| A．The writer supports playing electronic games. |
| B．The writer feels very sorry for the girl. |
| C．The writer disagrees with young people’s playing electronic games. |
| D．The writer feels worried about young people’s poor health. |
| A．Enjoyable and helpful to the study. | B．Exciting but harmful to the health and study. |
| C．Interesting but harmless to the eyes. | D．Amusing and satisfying. |
