1 . Popular Libraries in the World
The idea of a public library —— where anyone in the community is trusted to borrow books, often for long stretches of time, for free —— is fairly magical. Some of the libraries in the world are pretty popular now.
The British Library, London, the UK
The British Library is comparable to the Library of Congress in terms of the size of their holdings, many of which are unique. According to its annual report, the British Library welcomes millions of visitors every year, but the figure in 2016-2017 represents a small but disappointing reduction in the overall visitor numbers.
The State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
According to its annual report, the State Library of Victoria’s visitors broke the 2 million in 2016-2017 visit record for the first time in its history, making it the busiest library in Australia. It also recorded many online visits, accessed collection items and uses of digitized collection items.
The New York Public Library, New York, the USA
The New York Public Library reports that it has hosted millions of visitors and circulated large numbers of items over their locations. According to a press, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building —— the main branch of the library —— yearly receives the greatest number of visitors.
The National Library of China, Beijing, China
Established as the Imperial Library of Peking in 1909, the National Library of China is now the largest library in Asia, with holdings of over 30 million items. The library’s annual report puts its total visitors across multiple locations at several million every year.
1. What do we know about the British Library?A.It holds many rare collections. |
B.Its visitors are constantly on the rise. |
C.It has the largest collection of books in Europe. |
D.Its coverage is the smallest in the world’s libraries. |
A.They possess two branches. |
B.They gain plentiful visitors. |
C.They are the busiest libraries in their countries. |
D.They face a decline in tourism in the 20th century. |
A.Finance. | B.Culture. |
C.Architecture. | D.Technology. |
2 . Reading can be a social activity. Think of the people who belong to book groups. They choose books to read and then meet to discuss them. Now, the website Book Crossing.com turns the page on the traditional idea of a book group.
Members go on the site and register (登记) the books they own and would like to share. Book Crossing provides an identification number (识别码) to stick inside the book. Then the person leaves it in a public place, hoping that the book will have an adventure, traveling far and wide with each new reader who finds it.
Bruce Pederson, the managing director of Book Crossing, says, “The two things that change your life are the people you meet and books you read. Book Crossing combines both.”
Members leave books on park benches and buses, in train stations and coffee shops. Whoever finds their book will go to the site and record where they found it.
People who find a book can also leave a journal entry describing what they thought of it. E— mails are then sent to the BookCrossers to keep them updated about where their books have been found. Bruce Pederson says the idea is for people not to be selfish by keeping a book to gather dust on a shelf at home.
Book Crossing is part of a trend (趋势) among people who want to get back to the “real” and not the virtual (虚拟).The site now has more than one million members in more than one hundred thirty—five countries.
1. Why does the author mention book groups in the first paragraph?A.To explain what they are. | B.To introduce Book Crossing. |
C.To stress the importance of reading. | D.To encourage readers to share their ideas. |
A.An adventure. | B.A public place. |
C.The book. | D.The identification number. |
A.Keep it safe in his bookcase. | B.Mail it back to its owner. |
C.Meet other readers to discuss it. | D.Pass it on to another reader. |
A.Online Reading: A Virtual Tour | B.Electronic Books: A New Trend |
C.A Book Group Brings Tradition Back | D.A Website Links People through Books |
3 . Borrowing Policies
The Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library provides materials and services to meet the information needs of graduate and undergraduate students, face-to-face and online learners as well as teachers and community members.
Borrowing for Students
General Collection: 21 days (fall and spring); 14 days (summer)
Curriculum Collection: 7 days (fall and spring); 7 days (summer)
Borrowing for Teachers
General Collection: 90 days (fall and spring); 90 days (summer)
Curriculum Collection: 90 days (fall and spring); 90 days (summer)
OK-Share Card
Any teachers or students of any OK-Share institution may use the collections of any OK- Share library on site. Upon completion of the OK-Share card application at their home library, teachers or students will be given an OK-Share card.
Services
OK-Share card borrowers are allowed two books in their possession at one time. Electronic tools may not be available to the OK-Share card borrowers.
Inform the library you use immediately if your card is lost or stolen. A $5. 00 charge for a second OK-Share card must be paid to the lending library.
Books should be returned to the library where the library materials were borrowed. Materials returned by mail should be sent by first-class, insured mail. Materials sent by post office must be insured for at least $ 100.
Billing
The library is not responsible for informing borrowers that materials are overdue. OK- Share card borrowers are billed for fines for materials returned late.
1. What is the similarity for teachers and students to borrow materials?A.They all can borrow them in winter. |
B.They can keep them for 90 days anyway. |
C.They can keep either General or Curriculum collections. |
D.They can keep them in autumn for 14 days. |
A.Using necessary electronic tools. |
B.Borrowing two books at a time. |
C.Getting materials mailed for free. |
D.Getting another card for free. |
A.Punish them by fining them. |
B.Tell them the date in advance. |
C.Force them to hand in the OK-Share card. |
D.Post a fine bill to them. |
4 . Teens and younger children are reading a lot less for fun, according to a Common Sense Media report published on Monday.
While the decrease over the past decade is steep(急剧的) for teen readers, some data in the report shows that reading remains a big part of many children’s lives, and indicates how parents might help encourage more reading.
According to the report’s key findings, “the proportion (比例) who say they ‘hardly ever’ read for fun has gone from 8 percent of 13-year-olds and 9 percent of 17-year-olds in 1984 to 22 percent and 27 percent respectively today.”
The report data shows that pleasure reading levels for younger children, ages 2-8, remain largely the same. But the amount of time spent in reading each session has decreased, from closer to an hour or more to closer to a half hour per session.
When it comes to technology and reading, the report does little to suggest parents looking for data about the effect of e-readers and tablets on reading. It does point out that many parents still limit electronic reading, mainly due to concerns about increased screen(屏幕) time.
The most hopeful data shared in the report shows clear evidence of parents serving as examples and important guides for their kids when it comes to reading. Data shows that kids and teens who do read frequently, compared to infrequent readers, have more books in the home, more books bought for them, parents who read more often, and parents who set aside time for them to read.
As the end of school approaches, and school vacation reading lists loom (逼近) ahead, parents might take this chance to step in and make their own summer reading list and plan a family trip to the library or bookstore.
1. What is the Common Sense Media report probably about?A.Children’s reading habits. | B.contents of children’s books. |
C.Children’s after-class activities. | D.Parent-child relationships. |
A.In Paragraph 2. | B.In Paragraph 3. |
C.In Paragraph 4. | D.In Paragraph 5. |
A.E-books are of poor quality. | B.It could be a waste of time. |
C.It may harm children’s health. | D.E-readers are expensive. |
A.Act as role models for them. |
B.Ask them to write book reports. |
C.Set up reading groups for them. |
D.Talk with their reading class teachers. |
A.a book review | B.a magazine | C.a science fiction | D.a student’s diary |
5 . 4 Books for Your Christmas List
These spectacular books would make fantastic presents this Christmas.
Journey to the River Sea
by Eva Ibbotson.
Illustrated by Katie Hickey
(Macmillan Children’s Books)
In this children’s classic, travel deep into the Amazon jungle in search of adventure with heroine Mala. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of an award-winning, best-selling story this gift edition comes packed with lots of colorful artwork from illustrator Katie Hickey.
Little People Big Dreams Treasury
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Lisbeth Kaiser
(Frances Lincoln Children’s book)
In this wonderfully illustrated collection you can explore the fascinating true stories of 50 brilliant “dreamers” including activists like Greta Thunberg, artists such as Frida Kahlo, musicians, scientists, sporting legends and writers.
Daughter of the Deep
by Rick Riordan
(Puffin Books)
Percy Jackson author Rick Riordan’s latest book is a thrilling sci-fi adventure set in an academy for underwater explorers. During the sea-trials at the end of their first year, Ana and her classmates witness a terrible tragedy and soon begin to uncover deep, dark secrets and age-old rivalries.
Everyone Sang
by William Sieghart.
Illustrated by Emily Sutton
(Walker Books)
If you like poetry, you’ll love this illustrated collection, which is divided into four sections: Poems to Make You Smile; Poems to Move You; Poems to Give You Hope; and Poems to Calm and Connect You. Poets such as Carol Ann Duffy and Lemn Sissay are included.
1. Which book tells true stories about some famous people?A.Journey to the River Sea. |
B.Little People Big Dreams Treasury. |
C.Daughter of the Deep. |
D.Everyone Sang. |
A.A folk tale. | B.A biography. |
C.A science fiction. | D.A true story. |
A.It is written by Eva Ibbotson. |
B.Itis intended for poetry lovers. |
C.It is one of the best-selling hooks. |
D.It contains stories about Lemn Sissay. |
6 . Today, many people spend a lot of time reading online, whether reading news, social media, or e-books. While online reading opens up a lot of knowledge to people, there are some drawbacks, too. These include eyestrain, headaches, as well as difficulty in even finishing reading the text. Now a new reading plugin (插件) has been intended to help people overcome these problems and read faster online.
The reading plugin called Bionic Reading, which was developed by Swiss designer Renato Casutt, was created with the belief that your brain can read faster than your eyes. The plugin makes the first few letters of each word in bold (粗体), which actually allows your eyes to skip over parts of the text and your brain to fill in what is missing. Incredibly, reading like this feels like finally unlocking 100 percent of people’s brain.
Casutt came up with the plugin by accident. He was reading a book in a foreign language and realized he could read it faster and well master it if he separated it into parts. He has worked for six years to develop Bionic Reading and is still working to perfect it. Many people who want to strengthen their reading ability show interest in it, but more research is needed before it can be definitively shown that the system improves reading ability. But people with dyslexia (诵读障碍) have confirmed that Bionic Reading did help them focus on what they are reading.
Casutt’s goal is to integrate the plugin into all reading apps and online services. “In a digital world dominated (支配) by shallow forms of reading, Bionic Reading aims to encourage a more in-depth reading and understanding of written content,” he said. Bionic Reading is available in several apps like Fiery Feeds, Lire, and Next App. The best way to know if it helps you read better online is to try it yourself and find out what it is all about.
1. How does Bionic Reading work?A.Users can read faster with less thinking. |
B.Users keep their brains much less active. |
C.Users keep an eye on part of the whole text. |
D.Users guess the meanings of some key words. |
A.Selecting suitable reading contents. |
B.Keeping up with reading contents. |
C.Limiting reading time. |
D.Reducing stress from reading. |
A.It has not been put into use so far. |
B.It has already been fully developed. |
C.It leaves users a further reading and thinking. |
D.It helps users skip the new words in reading. |
A.New Pioneering Plugin Improves Online Reading |
B.Online Reading Is Sure To Perfect People’s Brain |
C.Spending Time On Online Reading Is Worthwhile |
D.New Pioneering Plugin Still Needs To Be Improved |
7 . How to Motivate Teens to Read
With lots of studies showing the benefits of reading, how can teachers motivate their students to open a good book or power up their e-readers?
Lead by Example
Require students to spend at least 20 minutes in independent reading every day.
Freedom to Choose
Share Your Excitement
Teachers’ excitement for a particular book may have a huge influence on their students. Give students a taste of what the book is about.
Visit the Library
Make time to visit the school library and require students to borrow at least one book of interest.
Stay Informed
Teachers can help motivate students by finding out the latest popular young adult reading matter, such as “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins and the “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld.
With varied activities competing for students’ time and attention, it can be difficult to encourage youngsters to read.
Teachers who make independent reading a daily part of the classroom experience and find creative ways to motivate their students may be on the way to writing a success story.
A.They can read books in silence |
B.Then when it comes time for them to choose a new book |
C.There is science fiction that they are interested in |
D.Encourage them to spend some time reading the book before borrowing |
E.However, there is little doubt that reading can help with students’ studies |
F.By taking part in this regular activity themselves |
G.Allow students to pick their own literature, as long as it is suitable for school reading |
8 . Reading can make you feel less alone and more connected with the world at large. It can open your eyes to issues, successes and challenges that you never dreamed of, and take you to faraway places. Here are the top books all teens should read before they turn 18.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Though this book recently became popular again due to the release of the movie version, the movie is not a substitute for this beautiful story about family and the process of becoming who you truly are through the angle of space and time exploration.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Auggie was born with a facial difference that kept him out of school for years. In fifth grade, he discovers what it’s like to long for normalcy and also that difference can be the most meaningful teacher.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
The author shares beautiful poetry that will speak to teenagers about her experience of growing up in the South as an African-American in the 1960s and 1970s. The poems are charged with the themes of self-awareness and identity.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
The attractive advice given in this book is perfect for teens going off to college or beginning a new stage of independence. It is a book that can be reread all throughout life without losing its power.
1. What is special about A Wrinkle in Time?A.It shows a teen’s difference. | B.It’s about space exploration. |
C.It has been adapted for film. | D.It has opened teenagers’ eyes. |
A.Jacqueline Woodson’s. | B.R. J. Palacio’s. |
C.Madeleine L’ Engle’s. | D.Don Miguel Ruiz’s. |
A.A Wrinkle in Time. | B.Wonder. |
C.Brown Girl Dreaming. | D.The Four Agreements. |
9 . What will you do when one of the few bookstores in your neighborhood shuts down? If you’re Latanya DeVaughn, you will make a new and improved one! The Bronx mom and writer has always dreamed of opening her own bookstore, so after watching yet another close its doors for good during the pandemic, she saw her chance.
While Latanya said every neighborhood deserved a bookstore, opening physical stores on every block simply wasn’t an option. So she decided to bring the books to her neighbors, instead, by turning a bus into a bookmobile! With the help of her community, she raised money for her dream and, at the end of 2021, it came true! Bronx Bound Books rolled out in style as a bus with orange cube bookshelves. “People love the way it smells,” Latanya added. “One woman said the wood smell makes her feel like she’s at home.”
Although the bookstore on wheels carries around 3,0000 new and used books, it has more room than you might expect! Latanya also makes sure to stock books with a range of diverse characters so all readers can see themselves in the pages. Of course, her collection also features works of renowned Black authors like James Baldwin and Alice Walker. “It’s meant to be that way,” she explained, “because I remember going to bookstores and having to look through books just to find someone that I felt I could resonate with (引起共鸣).”
Setting up her bookstore in a new spot each day, Latanya is doing her part to make sure that everyone in the Bronx has books to read. That’s what Bronx Bound Books is open for. “I can’t open up a bookstore on every corner, but I can probably pop up on a lot of different corners,” she said.
Thanks to Latanya and Bronx Bound Books, the Bronx is becoming a heaven for book lovers day by day. I’m sure that the little bookstore will continue to develop quickly!
1. How did Latanga DeVoughn respond to the shutdown of bookstores?A.She set up her own special bookstore. |
B.She purchased and reopened them soon. |
C.She opened common stores on every block. |
D.She asked her neighbors to open a new one. |
A.it’s hard to stock books with diverse characters |
B.all renders can see themselves in Black authors |
C.the collection of Bronx Bound Books is diverse |
D.finding someone with common interest isn’t easy |
A.To recycle old books around the neighborhood. |
B.To raise money for Latanya DeVaughn’s dream. |
C.To open up a bookstore on every corner worldwide. |
D.To make reading accessible to everyone in the Bronx. |
A.Conservative. | B.Unaffordable. | C.Promising. | D.Controversial. |
10 . Reading fluency is one of the most important skills for middle school students learning English.
Find time to read every day.
Find the best time of day for you to read. Try to read when you are not tired. You will become a more went reader by reading every day.
Fluent readers make predications before and as they read. Use the title, and pictures to ask yourself questions about what you are going to read. Find answers to the questions when you read. After reading, think about what you’ve learned and decide what you need to read to continue learning.
Try not to translate.
Enjoy your reading.
Perhaps today you do not like to read in English, but as you read more, you should see a change in your attitude.
Read as much as you can.
The best tip to follow to become a more fluent reader is to read whenever and wherever you can. Good readers read a lot. They read many different kinds of material. To practice this, keep a reading journal.
A.Use clues in the text to make predications |
B.If you’re concerned about your reading skills |
C.Translations slow down your reading |
D.Read in phrases rather than word by word |
E.Only then will you become a more fluent reader |
F.The more you read in English |
G.Before you read a text, think about the purpose of your reading |