1 . Have you ever been in mid-conversation with someone, when you look over and find them standing in the same position as you or holding the same facial expression? It may seem like they have consciously copied you, but it is much more likely that it is the chameleon (变色龙) effect at play.
The chameleon effect is the unconscious imitation of another person’s gestures or behavior. Just as a chameleon attempts to match any environment’s colors, people acquire the behavior of others to bring them closer together and help make their interactions smooth.
The chameleon effect was confirmed in an experiment by psychologists John Bargh and Tanya Chartrand in 1999. The part of their experiment included 78 people, who each spoke with an experimenter. During the test, Bargh and Chartrand studied whether participants would copy the actions of someone they hadn’t met before, like moving the foot and touching the face. The second part measured the impact that copying someone has on the person being imitated.
In the first stage, participants increased their face touching by 20% and their foot movement by 50% while in conversation about a photograph with the experimenter. The individuals weren’t aware of what they were being studied for, and the photograph was used to catch their attention to insure unconscious acts. The second stage involved half of the participants being copied, and then rating the likability of the experimenter. The results, showed that those who were imitated scored the experimenter higher. It has shown that when someone copies our behavior, we develop more positive feelings about them. These interactions could be a person unconsciously willing to be liked, and forming a moment of connection.
The main reasons behind humans’ imitation are positive. However, when people carry this chameleon effect to the extreme, they can lose their sense of self. Those who change their entire personalities in different groups often go undetected. But more common signs of the chameleon effect are easier to notice. Next time you are in a social gathering, take a look around and you might just see some chameleons for yourself.
1. Why do people imitate others’ behavior?| A．To show admiration for others. | B．To adapt to the surroundings. |
| C．To establish a connection with others. | D．To attract others’ attention. |
| A．By directing their attention to a photo. | B．By keeping an eye on their actions. |
| C．By telling them the purpose of the study. | D．By evaluating the impacts of imitation. |
| A．People tend to like those who imitate their behavior. |
| B．Too much of the chameleon effect can be beneficial. |
| C．People imitating others are not easy to be detected. |
| D．The copied movements help people to feel relaxed. |
| A．Students adopt teachers’ accents for fun after class. |
| B．People change their habits to please others on purpose. |
| C．A comedian copies a celebrity vividly on stage. |
| D．A husband and his wife share similar behaviors over time. |
2 . Due to social events in recent years, the relationship between social media and teenagers mental health has been under heated discussion.
On Sept 30 a British court decided that content on social media platforms contributed to the depression of 14-year-old Molly Russell. Russell interacted with 2,100 posts related lo pessimistic, self-harm in the six months, leading up to her depression, reported the Observer website.
The correlation has also been proved by science. A study in 2019 showed that the frequent use of social media by teenagers can lead to a decrease in their mental health.
So, how can we make sure that teenagers won’t get hurt while using social media? Chan, 18, from the University of Macao shared her experience. Chan said that she once came across short videos romanticizing mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. She immediately reported them to the platform.
But she said that the users’ power to regulate videos is still limited. “It is ultimately the responsibility of the social media platforms to filter out content that is potentially harmful.” She also noticed that the age of social media users has become increasingly younger. Society should pay attention to this, she said. “Since it’s not possible to cut off access to social media for younger users, why not introduce a ‘supervision mode’ with which parents can regulate the content to be viewed by teenagers beforehand?” she said.
Wu Chengyu, 18, studies at Tianjin Experimental High School. He said that several years ago he came across a game that lures teenagers to self-abuse and depression. He quickly chose to ignore it so he wouldn’t be influenced. This is the same way he reacts when exposed to negative content on social media.
In Wu’s opinion, teenagers today should improve their social media literacy (素养), telling real from fake and good from bad. “Also, everyone can be a content creator on social media.” he said, “We should all strengthen our awareness of ethics”.
1. What led to Russell’s depression according to a British court?| A．Her interaction with others online. |
| B．Negative information on social media platforms. |
| C．Short videos she watched on the Internet. |
| D．Her addiction to online posts. |
| A．The number of younger Social media users should be limited. |
| B．Parents should monitor the content to be viewed by teenagers in advance. |
| C．A supervision mode ought to be introduced by parents. |
| D．It is the responsibility of the society to romanticize mental illnesses. |
| A．Parents. | B．Social media platforms |
| C．Content creators. | D．Social media platforms. |
| A．Use social media wisely. | B．Reduce social media usage. |
| C．Stay away from online games. | D．Learn more about social media. |
3 . Teens often find themselves in difficult situations with friends where they struggle to communicate their needs or their values. Even when their gut(直觉)is telling them that someone is crossing a line, they may struggle to express that the situation is making them uncomfortable. For this reason, parents need to work with their teens to establish boundaries with others.
Although boundaries are different for everyone, when done correctly, they help teens set limits with others in order to protect themselves. Setting boundaries allows teens to communicate with other people about what is OK and what is not OK with them and is important to teen friendships.
What are boundaries? Boundaries are limits teens establish in order to protect themselves in some way from being hurt, manipulated(操纵), or taken advantage of. As an expression of self-worth, boundaries let other people know who they are, what they value, and how they want to be treated. Additionally, boundaries help to create space between teens and other people when they need it.
Learning how to set boundaries - both physical and emotional - is an important part of growing up. It’s also essential to developing friendships that are respectful, supportive and healthy.
Unfortunately, though, many teens have trouble setting boundaries with their friends; and when this happens, it puts them at risk for everything from unhealthy friendships to bullying(霸凌) or abuse.
Of course, setting boundaries isn’t easy. It’s uncomfortable and forces a teen to stand up for themselves. What’s more, communicating boundaries to other people can make for difficult conversations or uncomfortable situations. Yet, it’s one of the most important things that teens need to learn how to do.
1. Which of the following best explains “crossing a line” underlined in paragraph 1?| A．Sharing secrets. |
| B．Keeping in touch. |
| C．Behaving properly. |
| D．Going beyond accepted limits. |
| A．Their values and self-worth. |
| B．Their levels of independence. |
| C．Their ability to manipulate others. |
| D．Their physical and mental health. |
| A．Easy. | B．Rewarding. | C．Boring. | D．Unnecessary. |
| A．The benefits of setting boundaries. |
| B．The possible results of breaking boundaries. |
| C．Strategies for effectively setting boundaries. |
| D．The role of parents in helping teens set boundaries. |
4 . Kindness and kids just seem to go hand in hand. But 62% of more than 2, 600 participants in the NBC News State of Kindness Poll believe that today’s kids are less kind than those in the past. Women (66%) feel about this kindness fall more strongly than men (58%). Most of the participants who feel that way (77%) thank parents caused the seeming lack of kindness among today’s children, with a few thinking that society, schools, or friends caused it.
At the same time, Americans say they don’t put kindness first when it comes to teaching kids values. Among all participants, honesty is taught more than kindness as well as other things like courage, leadership and storing work ethic (道德). But the younger generation—those aged 18～24—think highly of kindness rules. They choose kindness by 10% over honesty as the most important quality to teach kids.
The question of whether kindness is learned or taught—or somewhere in between—causes different opinions. According to the study, Americans have different opinions on whether kindness in something one is born with or needs to be learned and nurtured over time. Slightly more than half (52%) of the participants believe that all of us are born with the ability to show kindness, while 48% believe kindness must be developed.
Parenthood (父母身份) makes a difference to your thoughts on the causes of kindness. Those without kids (56%) are more likely to think that people are born to be kind, while 50% of the participants with kids think kindness is developed.
Also, 51% of dads and 54% of men with no kids believe kindness is something time is born with. Slightly more than half of the moms say kindness must be learned, while 48% believe it is what one is born with.
1. What do participants aged 18～24 consider the most important for kids?| A．Honesty. | B．Leadership. | C．Kindness. | D．Courage. |
| A．kept | B．developed | C．replaced | D．protected |
| A．48% | B．51% | C．52% | D．54% |
| A．Causes of today’s kids being less kind. |
| B．The important qualities of today’s kids. |
| C．Different people’s opinion’s on kindness. |
| D．Findings of research on today’s kids’ kindness. |
1. What are the speakers mainly talking about?
| A．Chicago-style pizza. | B．Hot dogs. | C．Sauce. |
| A．Father and daughter. | B．Husband and wife. | C．Presenter and interviewee. |
6 . “Just sign here, sir,” the deliveryman said as he handed Oscar Reyna a package.
The package consisted of a long, narrow box
Oscar was 16 when he first saw the
Oscar
Oscar talked his grandparents into going by Mrs. O'Brien's house on their way home. An elderly woman opened the door. “May I help you?” she asked. “I'd like to return it if it's yours,” Oscar said,
Years later, Oscar was staring at the finely carved handle of the umbrella as he remembered Mrs. O'Brien. It was in perfect condition, considering how
| A．strictly | B．carefully | C．obviously | D．curiously |
| A．After | B．When | C．Since | D．Although |
| A．adapted | B．reserved | C．recognized | D．removed |
| A．ordinary | B．unusual | C．simple | D．formal |
| A．beauty | B．shape | C．size | D．history |
| A．ordered | B．demanded | C．encouraged | D．persuaded |
| A．laid | B．found | C．confirmed | D．searched |
| A．putting up | B．referring to | C．picking up | D．holding out |
| A．as if | B．as long as | C．due to | D．instead of |
| A．wide | B．confident | C．confusing | D．shy |
| A．patience | B．kindness | C．impression | D．determination |
| A．officially | B．naturally | C．exactly | D．probably |
| A．old | B．amazing | C．valuable | D．unique |
| A．in turn | B．in return | C．in exchange | D．in answer |
| A．professional | B．mean | C．selfless | D．wise |
7 . I'm a Russian. In my native country, people believe that those who always keep big smiles on their faces, if they don't have a real reason to do so, are not genuine（真诚的）. For the last five years, I've lived in Kansas. What brought me to this country was my American husband, John. I work in a department store, where my coworkers show big smiles to me and pronounce my Russian name so sweetly. Every time I hear it, I feel as though my mom is embracing（拥抱）me.
Last year John encouraged me to go to see my mom back in Russia, and my manager even gave me a month of for the trip. When you live an ocean apart from your family, you need at least a month to visit them. I bought a plane ticket and packed my suitcase. Then came Covid-19. My mood became grey as I realized I couldn't go to see my mom.
A couple of weeks later, my sweet coworker Miss Donna asked me, “So what's happening with your trip to Russia?” I told her I had to cancel it and I wouldn't be able to see my mom this year.
Miss Dona didn't say anything at first. Then she put on a big smile and said, “Well, you can come to my home and see my mom!" “Oh my Lord!" I was at a loss for words. Imagine a mom for loan（借出）!I honestly don't know whether I would offer the same to someone in need of a mother's warmth, but my new people surely would do it for me.
I know that because of the virus, you shouldn't hug friends, but you can still embrace someone's heart. That's how my heart felt at that moment: hugged. So, yes, believe me, big smiles with no reason can be genuine.
1. What can we know from the first paragraph?| A．The author believes big smiles are false. | B．The author works together with her husband. |
| C．The author seldom wears big smiles in Russia. | D．The author gets along well with her coworkers. |
| A．Because her mother's home was too far away. | B．Because the manager didn't allow her to leave. |
| C．Because Covid-19 broke out unexpectedly. | D．Because she was invited to Miss Donna's home. |
| A．She was happy. | B．She was touched. | C．She was confused. | D．She was uncertain. |
| A．A Canceled Trip | B．Imagine a Mother for Loan |
| C．The Outbreak of Covid-19 | D．Big Smiles Embrace My Heart |
8 . Smiling gives you a happy appearance.
What does your smile mean as a company manager? Management is serious business! However, most managers are aware of the positive effect that a well-meant smile can have on others.
Finding the right balance between showing a happy facial expression and a serious facial expression is an art in itself.We want to come across as being relaxed and friendly.
| A．Smiling a lot is a valued personality. |
| B．In addition，not all smiles are created equal. |
| C．Most people respond angrily to this gesture |
| D．The smile here is more by way of an apology. |
| E．But we also want to be taken seriously at the same time. |
| F．In most situations your smile will contribute to your success. |
| G．You will quickly feel uncomfortable in situations where smiling is required. |
9 . I have forgotten the name of the old lady, who was a customer on my newspaper route when I was a twelve-year-old boy back in 1954. Yet it seems like just yesterday that she taught me a lesson in forgiveness that I can only hope to pass on to someone else some day.
On a Saturday afternoon, a friend and I were throwing stones onto the roof of the old lady’s house. I found a smooth rock and sent it. The stone headed straight for a small window on the old lady’s back door. At the sound of broken glass, we took off from the old lady’s yard.
I was too scared about getting caught that first night. However, a few days later when I was sure that I hadn’t been discovered, I started to feel guilty for her misfortune.
She still greeted me with a smile each day when I gave her the newspaper, but I was no longer able to act comfortably when seeing her.
I decided to save my paper delivery money, and in three weeks I had the seven dollars that I thought would cover the cost of her window. I put the money in an envelope with a note saying that I was sorry for breaking her window and hoped that the seven dollars would cover the cost of repairing it.
The next day, I handed the old lady her paper. She thanked me for the paper and gave me a bag of biscuits she had made herself. I thanked her and ate the biscuits as I continued my route.
After several biscuits, I felt an envelope and pulled it out of the bag. When I opened the envelope, I was shocked. Inside were the seven dollars and a short note that said, “I’m proud of you.”
1. What work did the author do at the age of 12?| A．Collecting old papers. |
| B．Delivering newspapers. |
| C．Picking rocks. |
| D．Repairing roofs. |
| A．They broke the old lady’s back door. |
| B．They heard the old lady shouting. |
| C．They broke the old lady’s window. |
| D．They were seen by the old lady. |
| A．He saved some money to cover the cost. |
| B．He gave the old lady papers for free. |
| C．He apologized in the old lady’s presence. |
| D．He bought cookies for the old lady. |
| A．strict | B．patient | C．mean | D．generous |
10 . Neighbors play an important role in our lives. Their lifestyle, friends, and social habits can have a strong influence on our lives. So it's a good idea to get along well with neighbors and build a better relationship that will last for many years to come. But how should you get along with your neighbors?
When you hear of a special need you can meet, do it, such as sitting with a sick child while your neighbor goes to work or taking an elderly parent to a doctor's appointment when their car won't start.
If you hear that someone close by is ill, has an accident, or is out of work, give him or her a hot meal or a fresh dessert. Your kindness will add a special feeling during a difficult time. If your neighbor is cutting down a tree or building a doghouse, offer helping hands to him or her. There is no better way to build relationships. Besides, you never know when the favor might be returned.
Exchange holiday cards, gifts or traditions. Invite your neighbors over for a cup of coffee or lunch. A backyard barbecue can be a great way to share food and fun. If they've watched your kids grow up or been concerned about your family events, they may want to share these special events.
Plan a party. Invite all your neighbors to your party. Planning and carrying out the activity helps everyone to know and understand each other. Your neighbors are like your family in many ways since you have to live with them, or near them for a long time. Appreciate their strong points and ignore weak points, and everyone will get along well.
1. The purpose of the first paragraph is to ________.| A．introduce how you can get along well with your friends |
| B．explain the importance of getting along well with your neighbors |
| C．show how to make friends with your new neighbors |
| D．list the advantages of building strong family relationships |
| A．try to give them a helping hand |
| B．do housework for them when they are sick |
| C．give them a good job if they're out of work |
| D．lend them money when their parents are ill |
| A．Tips on how to form a healthy lifestyle. |
| B．The best way to form good habits. |
| C．The importance of being helpful. |
| D．Tips on how to get along with your neighbors. |
| A．a physical science magazine |
| B．the travel news |
| C．a magazine of social life |
| D．the technology news |
