1 . Four Good Books to Help You Relax
Most of you may sometimes feel stressful in your daily life. Therefore, it is necessary for you to relax yourself. Apart from your friends, family members, or colleagues, good books can also bring you relaxation.
There and Back: Photographs from the Edge, by Jimmy Chin
Enjoy breathtaking pictures and the stories behind them from Jimmy Chin, Oscar-winning director of Free Solo and National Geographic. The adventure photographer takes you from Tibet to Antarctica. It’s the perfect way to explore places you probably never imagined you’ll go to and meet people you’ve never had the chance to meet without ever leaving your home.
Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens
Based in part on her about 20 years’ researching lion groups in Africa. Delia Owens tells the story of Kya Clark, the “Marsh Girl” of North Carolina. who comes to the remote (偏远的) wild after experiencing a difficult childhood. She has made herself at home in the natural world and grows up there. This is a shocking but beautiful story in the human and natural world.
The Dogist, by Elias Weiss Friedman
We have already known that our four-legged friends are the perfect company when we need to relax ourselves. However, sometimes it may happen that we just can’t have them near by. For those times, look through this wonderful photo book. Each photo of a sweet dog will be sure to turn around a difficult day.
Tender at the Bone, by Ruth Reichl
This heartwarming book from well-known food writer Ruth Reichl brings readers into the kitchens of her childhood, where her love for cooking and eating began. From cooking at home with her mother to eating her first soufflé (蛋奶酥), each story about delicious food will make readers laugh. Warning: Your stomach may grumble (咕哝).
1. What is Where the Crawdads Sing about?| A．A girl’s growth. | B．Travel experience. |
| C．A lovely dog. | D．Family fun. |
| A．They are set in difficult times. | B．They are photo collections. |
| C．They share the similar story. | D．Their authors live in the wild. |
| A．Jimmy Chin’s. | B．Delia Owens’. |
| C．Elias Weiss Friedman’s. | D．Ruth Reichl’s. |
2 . A new study published in the journal Reading and Writing shows that reading is closely related to language skills. The piece was written by Sandra Martin, professor of education, and PhD student Stephanie Kozak. They found that people who enjoyed reading fiction for leisure and who saw themselves as readers scored higher on language tests, while those who read to access specific information scored more poorly on the same tests.
Martin and Kozak used a scale called the Predictors of Leisure Reading (PoLR) to investigate reading behavior. They then examined how well the PoLR predicted the language skills of 200 undergraduate students. The researchers note that the age range of the subjects in the study is of key interest. In early adulthood, reading becomes self-directed rather than compelled by others, which means people can choose to read any book they like. So, this is a key time for developing one’s own reading habits. But there is a general lack of research on this population, with most existing research mainly focusing on children.
The researchers administered(执行)a series of measures. First, the participants completed the 48-question PoLR scale measuring various reading factors, including motivations, obstacles, attitudes and interests. They were then given language tests similar to those found in the SAT and a measure of reading habits called the Author Recognition Test. This test asks participants to select the names of real fiction and non-fiction authors they are familiar with from a long list of real and fake names. Scores on this test are related to both actual reading behavior and verbal abilities: those who scored higher read more and have better verbal abilities than those who scored lower.
After analyzing the data, the researchers concluded that reading enjoyment, positive attitudes and deeply established interests predicted better verbal abilities and that they were more strongly associated with exposure to fiction than non-fiction.
The many benefits of reading have long been established. Besides having better verbal abilities, lifelong readers are known to be more understanding of others, to attain higher socioeconomic status and even to live longer, healthier lives than non-readers. The findings of the study can give teachers and parents some enlightenment(启发). They can promote a love of reading by letting young people read what they want, without guilt or shame.
1. What plays a key role in improving people’s language skills according to the study?| A．Their reading speeds. | B．Their reading frequencies. |
| C．Their motivations for reading. | D．Their understanding of the content. |
| A．Its research method. | B．Its scoring criterion. |
| C．Its large sample size. | D．Its selection of subjects. |
| A．By analyzing their performance in reading and comprehending a given article. |
| B．By asking them to introduce their favorite writers and books in detail. |
| C．By letting them choose their familiar authors from a partly real list. |
| D．By requesting them to do some SAT language tests. |
| A．Setting an example for kids in reading. |
| B．Allowing kids to read their favorite books. |
| C．Asking kids to make friends with lifelong readers. |
| D．Encouraging kids to start reading as early as possible. |
3 . There are literally thousands of books about running, each with their unique stories and angles. Here are four that might interest you.
● Advanced Marathoning – 2nd Edition
by Pete Pfitzinger, Scott Douglas ($38.13)
Shave minutes off your time using the latest in science-based training for serious runners. Advanced Marathoning has all the information you need to train smarter and arrive on the start line ready to run the marathon of your life.
Including marathon-pace runs and tempo runs, Advanced Marathoning provides only the most effective methods of training. You’ll learn how to improve your running workouts with strength, core, flexibility, and form training.
● Determined to Win: The Overcoming Spirit of Jean Driscoll
by Jean Driscoll ($10.99)
Jean Driscoll was named 25th of the top 100 women athletes in the century by Sports Illustrated for Women. Born with spina bifida (脊柱裂), Jean was never supposed to walk. But because of her intense determination, she not only learned to walk but to fly – in a wheelchair across the finish line.
In her autobiography, Jean describes her flight from physical paralysis (瘫痪) to true spiritual freedom. She shows us what perseverance can achieve.
● Boston Marathon Portraits: Pictures of Inspiration
by Raymond Britt ($19.99)
Boston Marathon Portraits features dramatic images of an exceptional race: the Boston Marathon. On race day, Boston comes alive with excitement and determination. This book presents these emotions and the action of the Boston Marathon, focusing on striking scenes and photos of runners before the race, at the starting line, the finish line and when the celebration of finishing begins.
● Women Runners
by Irene Reti, Bettianne Shoney Sien ($11.18)
This selected set of literary fiction, poems, and essays by women runners captures the essence of running, and the many hopes and dreams of women.
1. Which book would be your best choice if you were looking for tips on marathon training?| A．Women Runners. |
| B．Determined to Win: The Overcoming Spirit of Jean Driscoll. |
| C．Boston Marathon Portraits: Pictures of Inspiration. |
| D．Advanced Marathoning - 2nd Edition. |
| A．Development of marathon. |
| B．Effective training methods. |
| C．Amazing photos of runners. |
| D．Essays written by runners. |
| A．A novelist. | B．An editor. |
| C．A marathon winner. | D．A photographer. |
4 . Some libraries use unique architecture to encourage visitors to explore the bookshelves and settle down with a new book, or use roving libraries to bring books to hard-to-reach populations. No matter how they achieve it, these novel libraries are keeping the magic of reading alive.
Bishan Library (Singapore)
Built in 2006, this library with skylights and trellises, is meant to invoke a modern glass treehouse. Glass pods of varying colors stick out of the building randomly to create cozy yet airy corners for reading throughout the building. At the same time, a more open-plan children’s room on the basement level invites interaction while preventing noise from filtering upward and disturbing those concentrating in the lofty perches above.
Stuttgart City Library (Stuttgart, Germany)
Opened in 2011, this nine-story public library is characterized by its attractive white color scheme (lit by blue light at night), its bold cubic shape. This cultural center for the city, designed to feel open and full of light, can be entered from any of its four sides, and people can borrow artwork as well as books.
The Camel Library Service (North Eastern Province, Kenya)
To combat low literacy rates in the desert of Kenya, the government created a roaming library composed of nine camels bringing books to villages. The library travels four days a week serving the region’s nomadic people. With more funding, they plan to increase their reach both in distance and the books they carry.
Macquarie University Library (Sydney, Australia)
A wonderful combination of cutting-edge and sustainable ideas, this building was made from recycled materials, features a green roof, and was designed to look like the shape of a eucalyptus tree. It is also state of the art, using robot cranes to bring requested books to the front desk.
1. Which of the following can offer the service of lending artwork?| A．Bishan Library. | B．Stuttgart City Library. |
| C．The Camel Library Service. | D．Macquarie University Library. |
| A．It is intelligent and environmentally-friendly. |
| B．It has a green roof and a eucalyptus tree outside. |
| C．It is like a modern glass treehouse with skylights. |
| D．It opens four days a week serving the local people. |
| A．prevent noise |
| B．recycle old books |
| C．encourage reading |
| D．present beautiful appearances |
5 . Marie Curie and Her Daughters
by Imogen Greenberg
Illustrated (插图) by Isabel Greenberg
You’ve probably heard of scientist Marie Curie and her discoveries, but how about her daughters, Irene and Eve? This beautiful illustrated book follows the adventures of the family as they save lives during wars, travel around the world, and change the history of science.
Swordswoman!
by Devika Rangachari
Discover the amazing true story of Queen Lakshmibai of Jhansi — an Indian queen who could read and write. Find out how she trained other women to fight next to her and became a symbol of resistance to British rule in India in 1857.
Queens: 3,000 Years of the Most Incredible Women in History
by Victoria Crossman
Celebrating queens from all over the world and through history, this book describes Cleopatra of Egypt, Queen Nanny of Jamaica, Catherine the Great of Russia, Empress Jingu of Japan, Boudicca in Britain and Queen Elizabeth II, among others. It’s full of illustrations and details.
The Girl with Her Head in the Clouds
by Karen McCombie
Illustrated by Anneli Bray
London, 1904. When a couple of showmen need help with a stunt, 16-year-old Dolly volunteers. Soon, she’s busy with working as a parachutist (跳伞者). This story is based on the real life of parachute performer Dolly Shepherd.
1. Which of the following books is science-related?| A．Queens: 3,000 Years of the Most Incredible Women in History. |
| B．The Girl with Her Head in the Clouds. |
| C．Marie Curie and Her Daughters. |
| D．Swordswoman! |
| A．Imogen Greenberg’s. | B．Devika Rangachari’s. |
| C．Victoria Crossman’s. | D．Karen McCombie’s. |
| A．They have the same social background. | B．They describe the influence of wars. |
| C．They are created by two people. | D．They are about women heroes. |
6 . Some libraries use unique architecture to encourage visitors to explore the racks and settle down with a new book, or use flowing libraries to bring books to hard-to-reach populations.
Kansas City Library (Kansas City, Missouri)
Along the south wall of this parking garage’s exterior, visitors are treated to what looks like a huge shelf of books. The building originally served as a bank, which is readily apparent when the library has screenings in its Vault Theater, inside an actual 1925 bank vault.
Stuttgart City Library (Stuttgart, Germany)
Opened in 2011, this nine-story public library designed by Eun Young Yi is characterized by its impressive white-on-white color scheme, its bold cubic shape and its cavernous interior. This cultural center for the city, designed to feel open and full of light, can be entered from any of its four sides, and readers can borrow artwork as well as books.
The Camel Library Service (North Eastern Province, Kenya)
To fight with low literacy rates in the desert of Kenya, the government created a roaming library composed of nine camels to bring books to villages. The library travels four days a week serving the region’s migratory people. Currently the service focuses on children, but with more funding they plan to increase their reach both in distance and the titles they carry.
Macquarie University Library (Sydney, Australia)
A stunning combination of cutting edge and sustainable, this building was made from recycled materials, features a green roof, and was designed to imitate the look of a eucalyptus tree. It is also state of the art, using robot cranes to bring requested books to the front desk.
1. What is the feature of Kansas City Library?| A．It used to be a bank. | B．It has only a book shelf. |
| C．It served as a park lot. | D．It makes use of robot cranes. |
| A．Kansas City Library. | B．Stuttgart City Library. |
| C．The Camel Library Service. | D．Macquarie University Library. |
| A．To sell the artwork in libraries. | B．To urge people to read books. |
| C．To show the art of architecture. | D．To keep people staying in the libraries. |
Recently, 16 Chinese online novels have been added to the collection of the British Library.
The library usually selects works
One of the 16 novels, Happiness in Palm tells a story about love and delicacies (美食) in ancient times. The author created a
Great Power, Heavy Industry tells of how China’s manufacturing industries
8 . Looking for books suitable for your juniors? Here are what our editors recommend:
Room for Everyone
Musa and Dada drive to the shore — but the bus stops many times: “You need a ride? Come in! There’s still room!” One stop becomes two stops which soon becomes ten, and the bus is overcrowded, but there’s always room for one more if you make the room, making this trip a joyous tale.
Author: Naaz Khan
Reading age: 4 - 8
Wonder
Auggie Pullman was born with a facial difference which prevents him from going to a mainstream school. Entering a new school, he wants nothing more than to be treated normally — but his new classmates can’t ignore his extraordinary face. Auggie is a hero to prove that you can’t give in when you were born to stand out.
Author: R. J. Palacio
Reading age: 8 - 12
Starfish Hardcover
Ellie is tired of being fat and she’s found her safe space — her swimming pool — where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world. In the water, she can stretch herself out like a starfish and take up all the room she wants. Finally, with the support of those loving her, Ellie might be able to be a starfish in real life — by being her own excellent self.
Author: Lisa Fipps
Reading age: 10 - 13
Swimming to Antarctica: Tales of a Long-Distance Swimmer
Lynne Cox started swimming almost as soon as she could walk. By age sixteen, she had broken all records for swimming the English Channel. She narrowly escaped a shark attack, and was cheered across the Cook Strait by dolphins. She even swam a mile in the Antarctic. Lynne writes the same way she swims, with tough spirit and joy.
Author: Lynne Cox
Reading age: 14 - 18
1. Who are the target readers of this text?| A．Teenagers. | B．Parents. | C．Booksellers. | D．Editors. |
| A．Their schooling. | B．Their appearance. |
| C．Their weight. | D．Their friendship. |
| A．Naaz Khan’s. | B．R. J. Palacio’s. | C．Lisa Fipps’s. | D．Lynne Cox’s. |
9 . How to read more and learn more
Today, more and more Chinese people enjoy sending and receiving messages on the phone. It can help them to get the latest news and communicate with friends. But I think I should read more books besides the textbooks, the more, the better. It can open my eyes and improve my language skills.
◆ Clear your purpose for reading
◆
No matter what you are reading, it is important to enjoy what you read. Your friends may tell you the books they love, but those books might not necessarily be the ones you enjoy.
◆ Give up books that you don’t enjoy
You may have chosen books that you are interested in, and they are right to your purpose. But while you are reading them, there may still be some books that you don’t enjoy reading. Whenever you realize that you aren’t enjoying the book you are reading, give it up.
◆ Set a reading goal
It is interesting that I read the books borrowed from libraries faster than those I bought. The reason is the books I bought don’t have a due date! I don’t need to return those books.
| A．Read only what you are interested in |
| B．Read the books borrowed from others. |
| C．Remember reading shouldn’t be a chore (烦恼事). |
| D．Of course, it also can help me to get good grades. |
| E．We need to get the latest news and communicate with friends. |
| F．Before you start reading, ask yourself why you are reading this book. |
| G．Having a reading goal helps you work out how much reading you need to do in a week or even a day. |
