1 . In America, when the eighth graders leave the middle school, they are often worried about moving to the high school. It is a hard time for them, but it can be an exciting one as well. To make it easier, students need to get familiar with their school.
Even though they’ve done this already in the middle school, it’s still important to find where their classrooms are. Most schools take students to the high school for a visit at the end of their eighth grade year. And, most schools also have a freshman (新生) speech for parents and students before the first year begins. Sometimes the main office will give away a map of the school. This can help students and parents to find different places in the school.
One way to know your high school more and make new friends is to join a club or play a sport. Schools often offer chances to join different clubs and sports. Fall activities begin in August before the first day of school. If you are not interested in sports, there are clubs for any interest, such as drama, dance, chess, photography, community service, etc. These clubs allow students from different grades. By joining in an activity, students can find new friendships, not to mention improving their chances in future college applications. The school office will have a list of activities offered at the school and information on how to join them.
What’s more, to have a great start to a high school year, students can write down some of their worries, and ask for help from teachers and school workers.
1. According to the text, most students feel ______ when entering the high school.| A．excited | B．nervous | C．lonely | D．disappointed |
| A．There are fewer students from higher grades in the school clubs. |
| B．The school clubs in high school only welcome sports fans. |
| C．Summer activities begin before school starts. |
| D．The school office can help new students join school clubs. |
| A．To tell the new students how to learn in high school. | B．To introduce new schools. |
| C．To give the teachers some advice. | D．To give advice to new high school students. |
2 . It’s time to go back to high school. Students are excited about the new beginning. But for many kids, the first day is more about friends than classes, and maybe with good reason. On that day, the teacher takes attendance, hands out books, and describes the teaching plan. If a student hears the same things in seven classes, you can’t blame (责备) them for thinking it’s going to be another long year. When the high schoolers’parents ask what they did in school, it’s pretty likely that the answer will be “Nothing.”
It doesn’t have to be this way. Last January, Jessica Johnson and Charlotte Jenkins, two ninth-grade physics teachers, suggested a school-wide movement called Make My Day to improve the first day of classes, and many teachers have changed their plan for the first class of a new term because of this.
One English teacher asks students to write 77 words about what they want to get out of her class. Then she reads their responses (回答) out loud. She keeps the responses until the last day of the school year when she hands them back to students so they can see if they achieved what they wanted. After encouraging kids with a year-long game, she begins the English course.
On the first day of science, a teacher gives students 30 minutes to build something to improve people’s lives. A history teacher organizes a debate on whether Swiss cheese is better than cheddar. In math class, another teacher puts students in groups of three, and gives them six minutes to come up with as many answers as possible to the question, “What is math good for?”
The new class activities are part of our school wide movement to improve the first day of classes. Many teachers choose to use creative ways to encourage kids from day one. And all students seem to enjoy the changes. Quite a few parents told me that their kids said, “I think English (or math or biology or Spanish) is going to be great!”
1. Which best describes the class on the first day of school in Paragraph 1?| A．A bit strange. | B．Too boring. | C．Really wonderful. | D．Quite challenging. |
| A．It was a city-wide movement. | B．It has been done for many years. |
| C．It was the idea of two P. E. teachers | D．It was attended by the whole school. |
| A．If their expectations have been realized. | B．If their writing skills have improved. |
| C．If they can understand the 77 words. | D．If the teacher likes their responses. |
| A．All ask students to work in groups. | B．All choose to do something exciting. |
| C．All hold discussions on teaching plans. | D．All try to improve students’creativity. |
| A．She shows little interest in it. | B．She feels surprised at it. |
| C．She is worried about it. | D．She supports it. |
3 . Bacteria are an annoying problem for astronauts. The micro-organisms from our bodies grow uncontrollably on surfaces of the International Space Station, so astronauts spend hours cleaning them up each week. How is NASA overcoming this very tiny big problem? It’s turning to a bunch of high school kids. But not just any kids. It is depending on NASA HUNCH high school classrooms, like the one science teachers Gene Gordon and Donna Himmelberg lead at Fairport High School in Fairport, New York.
HUNCH is designed to connect high school classrooms with NASA engineers. For the past two years, Gordon’s students have been studying ways to kill bacteria in zero gravity, and they think they’re close to a solution. “We don’t give the students any breaks. They have to do it just like NASA engineers,” says Florence Gold, a project manager.
“There are no tests,” Gordon says. “There is no graded homework. There almost are no grades, other than ‘Are you working towards your goal?’. Basically, it’s ‘I’ve got to produce this product and then, at the end of the year, present it to NASA.’ Engineers come and really do an in-person review, and… it’s not a very nice thing at times. It’s a hard business review of your product.”
Gordon says the HUNCH program has an impact on college admissions and practical life skills. “These kids are so absorbed in their studies that I just sit back. I don’t teach.” And that annoying bacteria? Gordon says his students are emailing daily with NASA engineers about the problem, readying a workable solution to test in space.
1. What do we know about the bacteria in the International Space Station?| A．They lead to air pollution. | B．They are hard to get rid of. |
| C．They damage the instruments. | D．They appear in different forms. |
| A．To strengthen teacher-student relationships. | B．To sharpen students’ communication skills. |
| C．To allow students to experience zero gravity. | D．To link space technology with school education. |
| A．Check their product. | B．Guide project designs. |
| C．Adjust work schedules. | D．Grade their homework. |
| A．Nature: An Outdoor Classroom | B．NASA: The Home of Astronauts |
| C．Space: The Final Homework Frontier | D．HUNCH: A College Admission Reform |
4 . Austria Class Trip
Class 4A will soon be leaving for this year's trip to Salzburg, Austria. We will depart from the campus at 6 a. m. on January 18th to catch the 9 a. m. flight. Our return flight leaves at 8 a. m. on January 21st, and we will expect to arrive back at the campus by bus, around 4 p. m. For the entirety of the trip's duration, we will be staying all three nights at Hotel Salzburg.
In addition to your personal belongings, you will be required to pack your passport and travel insurance certificate. Furthermore, remember to pack the appropriate winter necessities, especially if you plan to ski during your free time in the afternoons. Our scheduled morning events are detailed as follows.
As Austria is a country of great importance in European history, learning more about its unique culture will be the foundation of your trip. Thus far, your pre-trip assignment has been to investigate the last 60 years of Austrian history. To bring this unit to its conclusion, we've arranged a meeting in the hotel's conference room with several local retirement associations. Also taking place on hotel grounds are various workshops that we've arranged, hosting three local speakers. Please be sure to attend at least one of these.
Upon return, use the information you obtained from the interviews and workshop(s)to write a 500-word reflection on a subject of your choice, worth 60%of your final grade. Of special focus should be the social and cultural impacts of World War Ⅱ, with a secondary focus on how the modern Austrian government treats its senior citizens. Your report is due by 5 p. m. on January 25th.
1. When will the plane for Austria take off?| A．At 6 a. m. on January 18th. | B．At 9 a. m. on January 18th. |
| C．At 8 a. m. on January 21st. | D．At 4 p. m. on January 21st. |
| A．European history. | B．Causes of World War Il. |
| C．Winter climate in Austria. | D．Life of Austrian elderly people. |
| A．Education. | B．Sightseeing. | C．Exercise. | D．Charity. |
5 . Fall 2023 Transfer Student Orientation (迎新会) Schedule
Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) is designed to offer you a vigorous introduction to the university, including informational sessions and small-group discussions that will help you navigate your academic program, campus resources, extracurricular (课外的) activities, and student life on the campus. Through TSO, you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with Transfer Student Leaders, who will serve as a guide throughout your first semester.
Registration: Friday, August 18 | ||
| 1:00 pm — 4:30 pm | Check in to receive your student ID card. If you have uploaded a photo for your ID, you’ll simply pick up your card; otherwise, working staff will take your picture and print the ID card while you wait. Check in at your residence hall (if you’re to live on campus). Your ID card functions as your residence hall room key. | Student Life Center Plaza |
| 4:30 pm — 9:00 pm | Get to know your Transfer Student Leader and other members of the new transfer fellows by participating in fun activities at this reception. Refreshments will be served. | Student Life Center Ballroom |
Orientation Day: Saturday, August 19 | ||
| 8:00 am — 12:00 pm | Welcome & Campus Tours Get your orientation materials. Explore banking options and open a bank account. Then students and families will learn about key campus locations during campus tours which are led by Transfer Student Leaders. | Student Life Center Lobby |
| 12:00 pm — 3:00 pm | Lunch & Resource Fair You and your family members are invited to enjoy lunch with Transfer Student Leaders. After lunch, you’ll learn about university resources and involvement opportunities at the Resource Fair. Working staff will be available to let you know about the resources, curriculum arrangement and support for the students. | Student Dining Hall |
| 3:00 pm — 4:00 pm | Student Life & Campus Safety Learn about life outside the classroom. Small groups will work together to solve your life challenges. Information about campus safety will also be shared. | Student Life Center Plaza |
| 4:00 pm — 5:30 pm | Announcements & Closing An assistant from the Office of the Dean of Students will discuss the expectations for you as a member of the community, and address campus values. | Student Life Center Meeting Room |
| A．11:00 pm. | B．9:00 am. | C．5:00 pm. | D．2:00 pm. |
| A．They will address campus values to transfer students. |
| B．They will help transfer students adapt to new school life. |
| C．They will accompany transfer students for one year. |
| D．They will get paid by transfer students’ parents. |
| A．Visit some campus locations. | B．Open a bank account. |
| C．Take a picture and print it. | D．Get the student ID card. |
6 . Reasons to Take Part in Student Clubs and Organizations
Many college students don’t know what they’re missing by not taking part in the student clubs and organizations that are offered at most colleges and universities. Taking part in one can be a rich and rewarding experience. So don’t just walk past those tables during clubs week. Check them out and see what’s available. Here are a few reasons
Meet new people.
It can be hard to meet new people in college, especially in your first year.
Help your major.
There are many student clubs and organizations for different majors and departments. Such clubs can be a lot of fun as well as a great academic resource for you. By joining an academic club you will probably have an easier time to know professors in your departments.
Learn important leadership skills.
Student clubs and organizations can be a good way to learn important leadership skills that would look great on job applications.
Lastly, student clubs and organizations can simply be a lot of fun. Make sure to take advantage of student clubs and organizations to make the most of your time in college!
| A．Have fun. |
| B．Class sizes can be big. |
| C．and never waste energy, |
| D．Take advantage of your major. |
| E．In a club, you will be able to gain other important skills. |
| F．And you might even study skills and other academic advice. |
| G．why you should take part in student clubs and organizations. |
7 . Interschool Sports Programme is coming. It will start on 30th April and end on 15th June.
Students in our school will join the boys’ basketball games. Each Wednesday the players will travel by bus to Sports Centre, Erinvale Street, Corinda. They will leave school at 12: 20 p.m. It will take them about 20 minutes to get there. The games will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. Players must wear their school clothes and sports shoes. It will be great if they can bring large water bottles.
If you are good at playing basketball and want to join the games, please go to Mr. David’s office (Room503) before 15th April to fill in form. We will choose 15 players.
Volunteers are also needed. Anyone who wants to be a volunteer needs to send an email to Mr David (davidss@qq.edu.au) to introduce yourself before 20th April.
For more information, please call Mr David (6783-5682) or visit his office.
1. Interschool Sports Programme is about ________ long.| A．half a month | B．one month |
| C．one and a half months | D．two months |
| A．12:20 p.m. | B．12:40 p.m. | C．1:00 p.m. | D．2:30 p.m. |
| A．practise every Tuesday | B．buy new sports clothes |
| C．call Mr David | D．fill in a form |
| A．know something about basketball | B．send an email to Mr David |
| C．bring a large water bottle | D．wear sports shoes |
8 . You may not know a lot of people when you start high school. Even if you know some freshmen,you still feel nervous that you don’t know any upperclassmen or teachers. How are you going to make friends among this sea of unknown faces?
Most high schools hold freshman orientation before school actually starts, which is helpful not only because you can know your way around the building, but also because you get to meet some of your teachers and fellow freshmen.That way,when you show upon your first day of school, you may already recognize a few familiar faces. When you talk to your new classmates, you’ll probably find that a lot of them are feeling just like you are.They’re all new to the school and don’t know what to expect.Talking about a common worry with them can help you develop friendships.
The work in high school is something that freshmen are possibly worried about.The work in high school builds on what you learnt in middle school,giving you a more advanced knowledge of many subjects. So you may find you have more work to do or that it’s a bit more challenging.If you ever find your work too difficult, teachers can give you extra help.
High school also has more extra-curricular activities than middle school does such as clubs, music and theatre groups and sports teams.This is a good time to explore your interests and try new things.
High school gives you the chance to learn how to manage your time, to develop your social skills and interests, and more importantly to be more independent and responsible.
1. How do the freshmen usually feel when they start high school?| A．Proud. | B．Anxious. | C．Excited. | D．Curious. |
| A．A game. | B．Discussion. | C．Training. | D．An examination. |
| A．The learning tasks. | B．The ability to make friends. |
| C．The friendship with teachers. | D．The freshman orientation. |
| A．build up their strength | B．develop their interests |
| C．develop friendships | D．improve their learning ability |
9 . Are you looking for some club suitable for you in the senior high school? Here are some introductions of popular clubs.
Speech Club
Do you enjoy talking? Do you think you can be a future lawyer? Try out for the school’s speech team. Not only will you meet people and make new friends, you’ll also get to practice public speaking, a valuable, important tool that you will use at every stage of your life. By researching, talking about, and debating hot-button political, social, cultural, and environment topics, you will also become more aware and up-to-date on current events.
Band Club
Are you in a band in junior high? If so, you probably remember always hanging around with your musical buddies (同伴). If you haven’t joined one of these three high school clubs yet, you should! The beauty of these three classes is that they’re not merely fine arts electives (选修课), they’re also clubs! Most high school bands give shows, and even go on trips to Disneyland. Not sure? Did I mention that studies show that students with music education tend to receive higher grades? You read it right.
Red Cross Club
If you are interested in the medical field or planning to take a combined M.D. program, perhaps you should consider joining your school’s American Red Cross Club. As part of the high school club working with the local Red Cross chapter, you can become a lifeguard, learn how to perform CPR, or become a trained instructor who teaches others.
Language Clubs
Are you a native Spanish, French, or German speaker? Or maybe you just really like the foreign language class! Either way, you should consider joining your school’s language clubs and learn a new language during your pastime. Spanish, French and German clubs put on several charity and cultural events throughout the academic (学术) year. You could be helping others in need, and making new friends all at the same time!
1. What would be the best choice if you dream of becoming a lawyer?| A．Speech Club. | B．Band Club. | C．Red Cross Club. | D．Language Clubs. |
| A．It improves students’ grades. | B．It makes students’ speaking ability better. |
| C．It enables students to be aware of new events. | D．It helps students to learn how to use medical facilities. |
| A．They both can make new friends. |
| B．They allow you to support people in need. |
| C．They make you a man of many gifts and languages. |
| D．They can help you to be a person with first aid knowledge. |
10 . School is a place that is familiar to everyone. Let’s find out what American students do in school.
An official dance party is held about twice a year in high schools in the United States. When the final football game is over for the season there is a homecoming party. Sometimes, students select a king from among the football players, and a queen from among the girls. Every student can attend and have fun with the help of their teachers. Sometimes, to the surprise of everyone, students, who devote all their time to study, come to the party in a beautiful dress.
The most exciting party that students can go to would have to be a prom (毕业舞会). Students attend it in dresses similar to those of Hollywood stars and the atmosphere is comparable to an Oscar Award party. Since such a party is for seniors, students usually stay up the night trying to enjoy their last year in high school.
In American schools, instead of the teachers going to different rooms, students have their own class schedules and go to different classrooms. When a student is away from school, they must have an explanation for being away along with the signature (签名) of a parent. The signed paper is then handed in to the school office. American students also enjoy a number of activities out of school like cheerleading (啦啦队), student government and a host of different sports.
1. Whose presence at the homecoming party can make others amazed?| A．The king and the queen acted by students. | B．Students who study hardest. |
| C．The teacher who offers advice. | D．The laziest student in study. |
| A．Because they would like to dance and sing madly. |
| B．Because this is the only chance that they get dressed like film stars. |
| C．Because students make it as exciting as an awarding party of Oscar. |
| D．Because this perhaps is the last chance that they can enjoy their high school life. |
| A．study in the same classroom | B．have the same class with each other |
| C．attend different classes in different places | D．wait for their teachers in their classroom |
| A．The organizing of dance parties. | B．A homecoming party. |
| C．The class in America. | D．School life in America. |
