1 . Martin was returning to work in his London office after spending two weeks with his brother in New York. He was coming back with a heavy heart. It was not just that it was the end of a wonderful holiday; it was not just that he invariably suffered badly from jet lag(时差); it was that Monday morning always began with a team meeting and , over the months, he had grown to hate them.
Martin was aware that colleagues approached these meetings with hidden agenda（会议议 程）; they indulged in(沉溺于）game playing ; and he knew that people were not being honest and open. The meetings themselves were bad enough---there was all the moaning afterwards at the meeting like “I could have improved on that idea, but I wasn’t going to say.”
As this morning’s meeting began, Martin prepared himself for the usual dullness and boredom. But, as the meeting progressed, he became aware of a strange background noise. At first, he thought that he was still hearing the engine noise from the aircraft that had brought him back to London. But as he concentrated on the noise, it became a little clearer.
He realized, to his amazement, that he could actually hear what they were thinking at the same time as they were speaking. What surprised him, even more than the acquisition of this strange power, was that he discovered that what people were saying was not really what they were thinking. They were not making clear their reservations. They were not supporting views which they thought might be popular. They were not contributing their new insights. They were not volunteering their new ideas.
Martin found it impossible not to respond to his new knowledge. So he started to make gentle interventions (干涉), based more on what he could hear his colleagues thinking than on what he could hear them saying. “So, John, are you really saying.....” “Susan, do you really think that?” “Tom, have you got an idea on how we could take this forward?” They looked at him, puzzled. In truth, he felt rather proud of his newly -acquired talent.
As the meeting progressed, it was clear to him that each member of the meeting was learning how to hear the thoughts of the others. The game playing started to fall away; people started to speak more directly; views became better understood; the atmosphere became more open and trusting.
The meeting ended. As people left the room, Martin found that he could still hear what they were thinking. “That was the best meeting we’ve ever had.” “All meetings should be like that,” “ In future, I’m going to say what I think.”
1. It is known from the first paragraph that Martin_____.| A．just came back from his business trip in New York |
| B．was found to suffer from a serious heart disease during the trip |
| C．had a good time during his fortnight’s stay in New York |
| D．didn’t like his work in his London office |
| A．Because it had to be held every Monday morning. |
| B．Because he was tired of hosting such a meeting |
| C．Because he couldn’t control the meeting that was out of order. |
| D．Because the meeting atmosphere wasn’t open and trusting. |
| A．still hear the engine noise of the plane though he was back |
| B．clearly hear what the members of the meeting were saying |
| C．actually control the thoughts of the members of the meeting |
| D．express what the meeting members were thinking based on their words and their thoughts |
| A．Martin made people say what they were thinking immediately the meeting began. |
| B．Martin was angry at the dullness of the meeting at the beginning of the meeting.. |
| C．Martin led people to express their real thoughts with the meeting progressing. |
| D．Many members of the meeting played games and told lies at the meeting all the time. |
| A．I was thinking of making a suggestion ---but I couldn’t be bothered. |
| B．I have got an idea on how we could take this forward. I think we should... |
| C．The usual people say the usual things, so I have no other new ideas. |
| D．I could have imagined on that idea, but I wasn’t going to say. |
Every child has a dream of what they want to be, right? When Renee Butts was little, her dream was to become a volunteer firefighter because her father was one. Sadly, when she was 14, her beloved father passed away and she was unable to do volunteer work with him. However, she was determined and never gave up, which makes for a good firefighter.
Now Renee is a member of the Carmel Fire Department, where she is required to be an Emergency Medical Technician. She should also be ready to deal with any emergency, like fighting a fire, dealing with a car accident or helping someone who’s sick. Sometimes she is in the driver’s seat or using the water pump. Renec works nine to eleven days a month on 24-hour shifts. She also has a family to care for, as her husband is also a busy firefighter. Dealing with housework and working so much can show her great determination.
When I asked Renee what the best part of her job is, she replied, “Helping people and the satisfaction of saving lives.” I think that shows signs of being a true hero. She’s always willing to do anything for anyone in need. Renee says that her job is frightening at times, but extremely exciting. “The worst part of my job is that I see death. Actually, sometimes, people die in the accident, for which I was very sorry,” said Renee.
I was inspired by this because I know I would be very scared to do her job and don’t know if I could handle seeing people die. With 140 people in her station, Renee is one of the only three women, but that doesn’t bother her. She says everyone gets a fair shot and they all do the same jobs.
We would never live without people like her who have the courage to risk their lives. Renee’s determination rubs off on me and helps me believe that I can do anything.
1. What’s Renee’s job in the Carmel Fire Department? (No more than 5 words)2. What makes Renee balance between doing housework and working so much? (No more than 5 words)
3. Why does the author-think Renee Butts is a true hero? (No more than 15 words)
4. How do you understand the underlined part in Paragraph 4?(No more than 5 words)
5. What do you think of Renee? Please give your reasons. (No more than 25 words)
3 . Community Development Projects Overseas
The aim of Community Development Projects abroad in Temple Conservation, DIY and more is to improve poorer local communities. You can do them as part of your work experience, gap year or career break, or just as a volunteering holiday.
South Africa
Time: 1st, March — 31st, May 2024
Registration fee: $65
Maintenance/Handyman/DIY skills, this project would love to have you! The project is truly unique. You will assist an Animal Rehabilitation Center that desperately needs any help it can get and you will be benefiting the animals at the same time! And, of course, the location is very unusual. And finally, conservation are lovely people to work with!
Sri Lanka
Time: 1st, May — 31st, July 2024
Registration fee: Free
Buddhist Temple Repair and Construction, Project in Kandy
Rebuild and repair Buddhist temple in and around Kandy. This unique and fascinating project offers an opportunity to learn about Sri Lankan construction using traditional manual methods, without using modern machines.
Work includes construction, repairing temples, cleaning in and around temples, interacting with children and villagers and helping the Temples arrange Community Centers for the village youths. You will also assist with the repair of paintings and sculptures inside the temples.
Zimbabwe
Time: 1st, October — 31st, December, 2024
Registration fee: $120
Community Healthcare and Medical Project in Gweru gain basic medical experience in local clinics and play a role in HIV/AIDS education and awareness. You will be able to get involved in not only this clinic but others in the nearby area as well. You do not need to be qualified in any particular area. You will work with children from the ages of 3 to 6 years. It is a very worthwhile, enjoyable placement.
1. What is the aim of Community Development Projects abroad?| A．To improve your work experience. |
| B．To bring you a chance to travel abroad. |
| C．To offer a meaningful volunteering holiday. |
| D．To better underdeveloped local communities. |
| A．People skilled in painting. |
| B．People good at treating AIDS. |
| C．People experienced in travelling. |
| D．People expert at tending animals. |
| A．It will all be done in modern method. |
| B．It will involve using hands and strength. |
| C．Experienced experts will direct the work. |
| D．The village youths will help with the repair. |
| A．health and medicine |
| B．animals and resources |
| C．food and environment |
| D．community and education |
| A．They require specific skills. |
| B．They charge a registration fee. |
| C．They have the same length of time. |
| D．They need fluency in foreign languages. |
4 . Richard is a very a successful businessman. It is common for him to work hard with a non-stop. He wasn’t aware that he might wear himself out or die an early death until he overslept one morning, which was a sort of alarm. And then what happened? He had a week’s leave during which time he read novels, listened to music and walked with his wife on a beach, which has enabled Richard to return to work again.
In our modern life, we have lost the rhythm between action and rest. Amazingly, within this world there is a universal but silly saying: “I am so busy.”
We say this to one another as if our tireless efforts were a talent by nature and an ability to successfully deal with stress. The busier we are, the more important we seem to ourselves and, we imagine, to others. To be unavailable to our friends and family, and to be unable to find time to relax — this has become the model of a successful life.
Because we do not rest, we lose our way. We miss the guide telling us where to go, the food providing us with strength, the quiet giving us wisdom.
How have we allowed this to happen? I believe it is this: we have forgotten the Sabbath, the day of the week — for followers of some religions — for rest and praying. It is a day when we are not supposed to work, a time when we devote ourselves to enjoying and celebrating what is beautiful. It is a good time to bless our children and loved ones, give thanks, share meals, walk and sleep. It is a time for us to take a rest, to put our work aside, trusting that there are larger forces at work taking care of the world.
Rest is s spiritual and biological need; however, in our strong ambition to be successful and care for our many responsibilities, we may feel terribly guilty when we take time to rest. The Sabbath gives us permission to stop work. In fact, “Remember the Sabbath” is more than simply permission to rest; it is a rule to obey and a principle to follow.
1. What’s the function of the paragraph 1?| A．To tell us that Richard lives a healthy life. |
| B．To bring up the topic of the passage. |
| C．To give us a brief introduction of Richard |
| D．To tell Richard is a successful businessman. |
| A．a signal of stress | B．a warning of danger |
| C．a sign of age | D．a spread of disease |
| A．be able to work without stress | B．be more talented than other people |
| C．be more important than anyone else | D．be busying working without time to rest |
| A．Praying for our family. | B．Taking a good break. |
| C．Only working for two hours. | D．Enjoying delicious meal. |
| A．We should balance work with rest. |
| B．The Sabbath gives us permission to rest. |
| C．It is silly for anyone to say “I am busy.” |
| D．We should be available to our family and friends. |
5 . Gymnastics Instructor Wanted
About us
PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club) Queensland is a not-for-profit organization established in 1948, aiming to build safer and healthier communities. We focus on young people’s personal and leadership development by offering state-wide programs, services and facilities through 54 branches, two leadership development centers and two activity centers.
About the position
PCYC Burdekin currently wants gymnastics instructors, who will assist in the development and delivery of the gymnastics programs to PCYC clients.
•Casual work (approximately 20 30 hours per week)
•$28.38-$31.80 per hour (depending on previous experience and qualification—junior rate may apply)
•To be employed, you must be qualified to get a Working with Children Check or Blue Card and be willing to undertake a National Police Check.
•Applicants with intermediate accreditation (认证) from Gymnastics Queensland will be considered with priority.
What we can offer
•Free onsite parking and free access to PC 24/7 gyms
•Flexible work environment and working hours
•Opportunity to work in an established branch with a great team
Key responsibilities include
•Deliver a broad range of fun group gymnastics programs for all ages, in accordance with safety and industry-approved practice requirements.
•Contribute towards creative marketing and promotion of the gymnastics programs to maintain current participants and attract new participants.
•Ensure our gymnastics equipment is maintained and used in a safe manner.
•Instruct and assist the work of junior coaching staff.
Deadline
Applications close on 8 September, 2022. Interested? Click here to apply.
1. What is PCYC Queensland’s goal?| A．To provide the youth with advice on personal emotions. |
| B．To make a fortune through state-wide programs. |
| C．To build more branches outside Queensland. |
| D．To improve community security and health. |
| A．$100-$300. | B．$330-$530. | C．$560-$960. | D．$990-$1390. |
| A．Express the desire to work for National Police Agency. |
| B．Show the intermediate gymnastics qualification. |
| C．Present the experiences in dealing with children. |
| D．Explain the urgent need for a full-time job. |
| A．seeking junior coaches to build a team |
| B．seleoting suitable equipment for teenagers |
| C．helping advertise the gymnastics programs |
| D．designing new gymnastics programs independently |
| A．A Queensland’s local paper. | B．A job-hunting mobile app. |
| C．A popular science website. | D．A notice-board in a gym. |
6 . When I was a boy growing up in New Jersey in the 1960s, we had a milkman delivering milk to our doorstep. His name was Mr. Basille. He wore a white cap and drove a white truck. As a 5-year-old boy, I couldn’t take my eyes off the coin changer fixed to his belt. He noticed this one day during a delivery and gave me a quarter out of his coin changer.
Of course, he delivered more than milk. There was cheese, eggs and so on. If we needed to change our order, my mother would pen a note — “Please add a bottle of buttermilk next delivery” — and place it in the box along with the empty bottles. And then, the buttermilk would magically (魔术般) appear.
All of this was about more than convenience. There existed a close relationship between families and their milkmen. Mr. Basille even had a key to our house, for those times when it was so cold outside that we put the box indoors, so that the milk wouldn’t freeze. And I remember Mr. Basille from time to time taking a break at our kitchen table, having a cup of tea and telling stories about his delivery.
There is sadly no home milk delivery today. Big companies allowed the production of cheaper milk, thus making it difficult for milkmen to compete. Besides, milk is for sale everywhere, and it may just not have been practical to have a delivery service.
Recently, an old milk box in the countryside I saw brought back my childhood memories. I took it home and planted it on the back porch (门廊) . Every so often my son’s friends will ask what it is. So I start telling stories of my boyhood, and of the milkman who brought us friendship along with his milk.
1. Mr. Basille gave the boy a quarter out of his coin changer to __________.| A．show his magical power | B．pay for the delivery |
| C．satisfy his curiosity | D．please his mother |
| A．He wanted to have tea there. | B．He was a respectable person. |
| C．He was treated as a family member. | D．He was fully trusted by the family. |
| A．Nobody wants to be a milkman now. | B．It has been driven out of the market. |
| C．Its service is getting poor. | D．It is not allowed by law. |
| A．He missed the good old days. | B．He wanted to tell interesting stories. |
| C．He needed it for his milk bottles. | D．He planted flowers in it. |
7 . The Internet has completely changed the workplace over the past three decades. Artificial Intelligence is now all set to do the same, and businesses that don’t take advantage of the technology risk being left behind.
Global tech giants like Amazon have been leading the change, and businesses of all sizes are now using the technology for employing and managing their staff.
Among them is L’Oreal. With about a million applicants for roughly 15,000 new positions each year, the company is using AI to hire.
“We really wanted to save time and focus more on quality, diversity and candidate experience. And AI solutions were the best way to go faster on these challenges,” said Eva Azoulay, global vice-president of L’Oreal’s Human Resources Department.
The company uses Mya, a chatbot, to save employers’ time during the first stage of the process. It handles routine questions from candidates, and checks details such as availability and visa requirements. Should candidates make it to the next round, they’ll run into Seedlink, an AI software that scores applicants based on their answers to open-ended interview questions. These scores don’t replace human judgment, said Azoulay, but they do exclude candidates who might not seem like obvious choices.
Early results have been promising. For one internship program, where 12,000 people apply for about 80 spots, employers claim they saved 200 hours of time while hiring the most diverse group to date.
Other businesses have gone beyond employment and are using AI to help manage employees. Some UK firms have started using Isaak, a system designed by the London-based company StatusToday, to track how many hours staff spend online and the number of emails they receive. London real estate agent JBrown has been using this system since March. CEO James Brown said it helps the firm understand employees’ habits and prevent them from overworking. “It enables us to solve bottleneck problems and relieve overburdened employees,” he said.
Despite these examples of good practice, there is still a long way for AI to reach its full potential, and the technology comes with risks. Another AI danger could be its impact on jobs through automation.
McKinsey predicts AI could add $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with early adopters doubling their cash flow over that period. But the demand for repetitive (重复的) or digitally-unskilled jobs could drop by around 10%, the consulting firm said in a 2018 report.
1. What can we learn about AI technology from Paragraph 1?| A．It causes a great problem in workplace. |
| B．It will become a necessary part of business. |
| C．It requires businesses to invest much money. |
| D．It will replace the Internet in the future. |
| A．pick out the most suitable candidates directly |
| B．come up with more questions unlimitedly |
| C．improve the company’s hiring efficiency |
| D．save money by replacing human judgment |
| A．Prepare. | B．Consider. | C．Remove. | D．Include. |
| A．prevent their employees from surfing the Internet |
| B．force their employees to form good working habits |
| C．monitor the contents of all their employees’ emails |
| D．help their employees avoid being overstressed at work |
| A．What AI will bring to the workplace. |
| B．Why AI could be good for the workplace. |
| C．How businesses can prepare for an AI future. |
| D．How to use AI to improve workplace efficiency. |
8 . Top 4 Traditional Summer Jobs for College Students
With the summer break around the corner, students will be looking for seasonal and short-term jobs for extra cash, to stay busy or to make additions to their resume (简历). The following jobs have been longtime go-tos for many young adults.
Lifeguard
Because summer is the busiest season for pools and beaches, lots of summer jobs exist for strong swimmers. Lots of positions can be found at community and neighborhood pools, while those who live near the coastline can also find positions at public beaches. These jobs are a great opportunity to build your fitness, keep people safe and be outdoors to enjoy some fun in the sun. The average hourly wage for lifeguards is $9.50.
Camp Counselor (辅导员)
Students, who enjoy spending their time with children, being a leader and overseeing fun, outdoor activities are often the perfect fit for camp counselor positions. Students studying science, for example, can work at a science camp, while those with a creative talent can work at an arts-focused summer program. The average hourly wage for camp counselors is $9.28, but those with years of experience or specific academic backgrounds may earn more.
Sales Associate
Students with a skill for persuasion and helpfulness often enjoy sales associate jobs. Students interested in business, finance or sales/marketing often gravitate (被吸引) towards these roles, but they’re also a great fit for anyone seeking a low-pressure summer position or even just a discount at their favorite store. The average wage is $10.20 hourly.
Food Server
Although it may not seem like the greatest way to spend a summer, working as wait staff allows students to build their social skills, stay active, enjoy free meals while working and familiarize themselves with different cuisines. The average salary is $9.00 hourly, but tips can raise that number hugely.
1. Being a lifeguard means you can___________.| A．work indoors only | B．work near your home |
| C．have fun with your friends | D．work without certifications |
| A．It requires students to be good at outdoor activities. |
| B．A background in a specific area may provide an advantage. |
| C．It offers the highest average hourly wage among the four jobs. |
| D．The experience of babysitting can help you earn more money. |
| A．Enjoy free meals. | B．Enjoy lower purchase prices. |
| C．Develop a set of new skills. | D．Build a career for sales or marketing. |
| A．How to deal with people. | B．How to deal with pressure. |
| C．How to grow their patience. | D．How to make different cuisines. |
| A．Lifeguard. | B．Camp counselor. | C．Sales associate. | D．Food server. |
9 . 阅读短文，并按照题目要求用英语回答问题。
You’ve got to know your own value, know what you want, and stick with it. That’s what T. McDowell’s advice to others is, and it’s certainly worked for him. This high school senior is currently the owner of Immersion Imaging, a successful company specializing in Internet commerce solutions and online financial databases.
McDowell launched the company in 2012, which was originally called 4th Dimension Graphics. Two years later, it was recognized as Immersion Imaging. Surprisingly, he didn’t begin the company with the assistance of any partner, but instead founded it on his own with the experience and contacts that he already had.
“It’s always been a one - person operation. I could easily take on partners or scale up the business some more, but I want to keep it this way for now,” McDowell said. I don’t lack any contracts right now. I like it because it’s flexible, so that if I need more income, I can do more; and if I take a break for a while, I don’t have any problems.” If McDowell spends between 30 and 60 hours a week working, Immersion Imaging will offer him a steady income.
Part of the reason why McDowell ended up in the computer industry might be explained by the exposure he had as a child. However, he spends his free time on more than just computers. His real interest lies in aviation. With his business spirit and success, McDowell won’t have a problem realizing his dreams of the sky one day
1. What does McDowell’s company focus on? (No more than 10 words)“Someone once asked me, ‘What’s the tool you would want to give any student’? And I said, ‘A mask and snorkel (潜水通气管) set,’’’ the ocean biologist Thys says in a video. And Thys explains, “Ninety-eight percent of the living space on this planet is the ocean. It’s worth a view.”
Thys has devoted her career to seeing the ocean, and to helping others watch the great diversity of the underwater world. A big part of what motivates her work is the chance to let people develop a sense of respect for the grandness of the ocean, and to get people to participate in efforts to protect endangered ocean ecosystems.
Since studying ocean biology, Thys has focused her research on how sea animals live. One animal she particularly studies is the ocean sunfish. “It’s so different from any other fish,” says Thys. “It looks like a mistake. Where does the tail go?” Thys adds. “The sunfish provides an entry point to understanding more about the behavior of creatures in the ocean, and about how environmental changes impact underwater ecosystems.”
Thys’s work also takes her above ground, where she’s looking at ways to create new connections between human populations and natural environments to help address social and environmental challenges. For instance, she’s working on nature’s effects on mental well-being.
Thys’s passion for her work is evident in every lecture, video, and public appearance she makes. Using the media, Thys encourages people to learn about the ocean and love it. Due to many ocean research projects and activities from the media, Thys is up to her neck in work every day. She could hardly spare plenty of time for a good rest. Thys’s devotion to her work as an ocean scientist and ecological warrior is infectious. She’s a role model and an inspiring guide to ocean life.
1. Why would Thys like to send students a mask and snorkel set? (no more than 8 words)2. What greatly motivates Thys’s work according to Paragraph 2? (no more than 10 words)
3. What does Thys think of the ocean sunfish? (no more than 10 words)
4. What does the underlined part in the last paragraph mean? (no more than 5 words)
5. What’s your attitude towards Thys and her work? (no more than 20 words)
