1 . At first glance, Huaguoshan kindergarten in Zhuzhou, a city in the southern province of Hunan, looks much like any other schools for kids in China. But it has a year-long waiting list, because of its widely advertised guoxue.
Children at Huaguoshan are taught how to bow, and how to greet each other politely. In some rooms they learn ancient techniques. In others, they recite poems, perform tea ceremonies and play Chinese chess. The school says that mastering skills is secondary to building character. “For example, our children learn to respect their rivals (对手) and accept defeat in chess,” explains one of the teachers.
Of course, the school charges hefty fees. Actually, the guoxue trend has already created a huge demand for education in kindergartens across China. Frost & Sullivan, a data firm, estimated that the market for preschool children was worth $73 billion in 2020, almost doubled its value in 2018.
Strictly speaking, guoxue content has long been part of the curriculums from primary to high schools in China. In 2014, the number of classical texts to be taught in primary schools increased from 14 to 72. In 2017, the government put out new guidelines for more comprehensive guoxue curriculums in primary and secondary schools by 2025. In 2020, more guoxue content was added to the university entrance exam. In May, 2021, the education ministry approved more guoxue classes to strengthen “a sense of belonging to and pride in the Chinese nation”.
Guoxue is the ancient system of thought that emphasizes respect for authority and usually involves learning traditional morals, thoughts, and classical Chinese texts, especially those associated with Confucius, who thought that such values were essential to achieve moral excellence as individuals. He thought that such upstanding citizens would form the basis for social harmony and stability.
After decades of welcoming foreign trends, many Chinese people are now interested in Chinese traditions. Television shows include “Chinese Poetry Conference”, in which participators are quizzed on classical poems. Young people wear traditional clothes in public.
1. Why is Huaguoshan kindergarten so popular?A.It has the best teachers. | B.It has very pretty buildings. |
C.It focuses on skill learning. | D.It stresses character building. |
A.Various. | B.Low. | C.Extraordinary. | D.Reasonable. |
A.The study burdens on students. | B.The increasing trend of guoxue. |
C.The effects of guoxue education. | D.The huge guoxue market potential. |
A.Classical poems. | B.Traditional morals. |
C.Modern technology. | D.Confucian thoughts. |
2 . Have you ever escaped taking on a role or opportunity because you didn’t feel confident enough? Perhaps the voice in your head asked: “Why me? I am not yet ready, not capable enough, or don’t have enough experience.”
If you can relate, you’re among the majority of women with whom I’ve worked. I recently asked more than 120 women, from areas including the U.S., UK, Australia, Georgia, Italy, India, Jamaica, and Bermuda: If you’ve ever avoided risks, what factors and reasons contributed to this? More than 70% reported that selfdoubt, or not having enough belief in themselves, their capabilities, or their skills, was a driving factor.
As one wellknown executive told me: “Every day I doubt myself. I doubt that I am good enough to be where I am.”
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. We know selfdoubt is a pervasive and often paralyzing concern, particularly for women. A study by psychologists at Cornell and Washington State highlighted higher levels of selfdoubt in women. Research has also shown that women will apply for a job only if they meet all of the qualifications, while men will apply when they fulfill only 60%. Another recent study identified a considerable gender gap when it comes to selfpromotion, with women providing less favorable assessments of their own past performance and potential future ability. Ultimately, men take more chances on themselves, and that pays dividends in the long run.
While this pattern of selfdoubt emerged again and again in studies, my interactions, and my client work, I also noticed another commonality: These women’s selfdoubts weren’t sabotaging their success. The vast majority of successful women leaders I’ve interviewed and coached have built exciting and satisfying careers even while facing selfdoubt.
What these women also had in common is courage in the absence of confidence—a trait that is often weaponized against women and used to explain why they fail to achieve career goals. My work has found that successful women take decisive action to move forward even while grappling with fears and doubts and questioning their own “readiness”.
“As women, we often feel like we have to be 100% ready in order to move forward. But, if you are 50% or 75% there, jump. Just do it,” said Megan Costello, former executive director of the Boston Mayor’s Office for Women’s Advancement.
1. What is the real factor for women to escape taking on a role?A.Higher risks. | B.Different beliefs. | C.Inner feelings. | D.Related experiences. |
A.They tend to be less optimistic. | B.They prefer to be well qualified. |
C.They try to be favorably assessed. | D.They hope to be clearly identified. |
A.Promoting. | B.Weakening. | C.Achieving. | D.Balancing. |
A.They should be courageous and decisive. | B.They should keep themselves unprepared. |
C.They should stop questioning their careers. | D.They should learn from famous executives. |
3 . Emerging economies struggled to grow through the 2010s and pessimism covers them now. People wonder how they will pay debts during the COVID-19 and how they can grow rapidly as they did in the past in an era of deglobalisation (去全球化).
The freshest of many answers to this issue is the fast-spreading digital revolution. The digital revolution is already as progressive in emerging economies as developed ones. Among the top 30 nations by income from digital services as a share of gross domestic product(GDP), 16 are in the emerging world. Indonesia, for example, is further advanced by this measure than France or Canada. And since 2017, digital income has been growing in emerging countries at an average annual pace of 26 percent, compared with 11 percent in the developed ones.
How can it be that poorer nations are adopting common digital technologies faster than the rich? One explanation is habit and its absence. In societies filled with physical stores and services, customers are often comfortable with them and slow to abandon the providers. In countries where people have difficulty even finding a bank or a doctor, they will jump at the first digital option that comes along. Outsiders have a hard time grasping the impact digital services can have on underserved (服务不足的)populations. Nations lacking in schools, hospitals and banks can quickly bridge these gaps by establishing online services. Though only 5 percent of Kenyans carry credit cards, more than 70 percent have access to digital banking.
It’s early days, too. As economist Carlota Perez has shown, tech revolutions last a long time. Innovations like the car and the steam engine were still transforming economies half a century later. Now, the fading era of globalisation will limit the number of emerging markets, but the era of rapid digitisation has only just begun. This offers many developing economies a revolutionary new path to catch up with the living standards of the developed world.
1. What can we know about the digital revolution?A.It increases people’s debts in deglobalisation. |
B.It prevents emerging economy from developing. |
C.It advances in emerging and developed economies. |
D.It develops most rapidly in Indonesia in terms of GDP. |
A.In economies lacking in online services. |
B.In countries short of basic physical facilities. |
C.In nations with adequate stores and services. |
D.In societies easy to access doctors and banks. |
A.Stable. | B.Hopeful. | C.Depressing. | D.Challenging. |
A.Digital technology saves emerging economies. |
B.Deglobalisation limits technology revolutions. |
C.Emerging economies struggle in the pandemic. |
D.Digital revolution grows better in globalisation. |
4 . One form of social prejudice (偏见) against older people is the belief that they cannot understand or use modern technology. Activities like playing computer games, going on the Net and downloading MP3s are only for the youngsters. Isn’t it unfair that older people enjoying a computer game should be frowned upon (反对) by their children and grandchildren?
Nowadays older people have more control over their lives and they play a full part in society. Moreover, better health care has let more people in their sixties and seventies feeling fit and active after retirement. Mental activity, as well as physical exercise, can contribute to better health. Playing computer games is a very effective way of exercising the brain. So that’s why grey gamers are often seen now.
When personal computers were first introduced, most older people didn’t believe they would ever get familiar with them. Now computers have been around for a few generations and retired people have gradually become more relaxed about using them for fun. Gamers over 65 prefer playing puzzle games and card games. Kate Stevens, aged 72, says, “I find it very relaxing. It’s not very demanding, but you still need to concentrate.”
Another development that has favored “grey games” is a change in the type of video games available on the market. There’s a greater variety of games to choose from, including more intellectual and complex strategy and simulation (模拟) games. For example, Internet Chess and Train Simulator are among the most popular of these. Train Simulator is based on real — world rail activities. Players can choose from a variety of challengers, such as keeping to a strict timetable and using helper engines during a winter storm.
Some people argue that “grey gamers” simply don’t have the skills required for computer games, and that teenagers are better. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Most computer games require the kind of analytical thinking that improves with practice, which means that the “grey gamers” may well be far better than the young. In games where speed is the main consideration, older people would be at a disadvantage because they may have slower reaction. time. On the other hand, “grey gamers” have a preference for slower — paced, mind challenging games.
1. The second paragraph is intended to___________.A.show the best way to exercise the brain | B.stress the importance of good health |
C.explain why grey gamers exist | D.teach how to play video games |
A.Doubtful. | B.Concerned. | C.Enthusiastic. | D.Supportive. |
A.offering numbers | B.giving examples | C.making comparisons | D.providing details |
A.mind challenging games are not suitable for older people |
B.teenagers should improve their skills with practice |
C.playing computer games requires analytical thinking |
D.older people may perform well in computer games |
5 . Empathy (同理心) is one of those strange qualities — something almost everyone wants, but few know how to truly give or receive it. In a world where self-satisfaction is emphasized, it is in short supply but high demand. This is all the more reason to teach the next generation what it means to have empathy for those around them.
What Is Empathy? — Many people confuse sympathy and empathy, but they are two distinct values. Empathy is not just the ability to understand someone's feelings; criminals often take advantage of people by appearing to understand their feelings and subsequently gaining their trust. Empathy is more than that. Not only is it the ability to recognize how someone feels, but it also values and respects the feelings of another person. It means treating others with kindness, dignity, and understanding.
Kids Need To See Adults Show Empathy — While some children are gifted with naturally kind hearts, in most cases kids need to see empathy modeled by the adults around them. It begins with the way parents relate to their children. Parents who show an interest in the things that matter to their kids and respond to emotions in a positive and caring way are teaching the skill of empathy.
Meet Emotional Needs — When children have their emotional needs met, two things happen. They learn how to meet the emotional needs of others and they are anchored in what they are receiving, meaning that they are secure enough to give to others when the need arises but first they need to receive. An empty jug cannot fill a cup.
It's a good idea to talk to kids about emotions and how other people experience them. Give their emotions names (for example, jealousy, anger, and love) and teach them that these are normal. Talk to them about how to handle emotions in a positive way and point out situations where other people are experiencing emotions. Teach them about respecting the emotions of others and show them how to act in a situation where a response is required.
1. Why is it that the next generation are taught to have empathy?A.Because people tend to center themselves. | B.Because everyone lacks empathy. |
C.Because empathy is a strange quality. | D.Because it's better to give than to receive. |
A.When a mathematician is calculating the area of a farmland. |
B.When a teacher is comforting a student about his failure in exams. |
C.When a criminal is cheating a victim. |
D.When a dancer is dancing to music. |
A.An empty jug is too small to hold a cup. |
B.It's a must to talk to kids about emotions. |
C.Adults should set an example to kids. |
D.Kids give empathy with their emotional needs met first. |
A.How to train kids to have empathy. |
B.How to distinguish sympathy and empathy. |
C.How to help kids finish empathy-related tasks. |
D.Whether kids can be trained to be more empathetic. |
6 . Becoming famous is the dream of many, and Tian is getting closer to that dream.
Tian, 30, is a white - collar worker in Beijing. On short video application Douyin, Tian has more than 2, 000 fans, So far, she has received more than 50, 000 likes on the Dubsmash - like app. On her page on Douyin, Tian shares everything, from her son's daily activities, to her pet dogs, to little skits (段子) made up by her and her husband. “Making funny videos, and combining them with music is really interesting, ” Tian said. “Of course, I make the videos for fun because it is quite relaxing.”
China's short video market has seen great growth, according to a report. The report said that China's short video market was valued at 5. 73 billion yuan ($ 900 million) in 2017, an increase of 184 percent. The industry value is expected to go up to the 30 billion mark in 2020. Companies like Tencent, Sohu and Iqiyi have all started providing short video content.
“Short videos are popular because they are an addition to traditional audio and video content on the internet, ” said Sun Jiashan with the Chinese National Academy of Arts.
Fans say that the short videos help them “chill out” from a stressed - out lifestyle. “My favorite videos are all about pets, ” said Zhou Na, a nurse in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui province. “After a whole day's work, watching the 15 - second videos makes me laugh, which reduces my pressure.”
1. Why does Tian make short videos in Douyin?A.To get fun | B.To become a well - known person |
C.To attract fans | D.To record her family's routine |
A.They have a huge amount of value |
B.They make people s star dreams come true |
C.They enrich internet audio and video content |
D.They greatly reduce people's pressure |
A.Feel cold | B.Calm down |
C.Catch a cold | D.Become concerned |
A.China's short video market is open |
B.Douyin brings the Chinese great happiness |
C.Every Chinese is using Douyin to make short video |
D.China's short video market has developed rapidly |
7 . Although problems are a part of our lives, it certainly doesn't mean that we let them rule our lives forever. One day or another, you'll have to stand up and say—problems, I don't want you in my life.
But good news is that all problems can be dealt with. Now read on to know how to solve your problems.
Talk, it really helps. What most of us think is that our problem can be understood only by us and that no talking is going to help.
Write your problems.
Don't lose faith and hope. No matter what you lose in life, don't lose faith and hope. Even if you lose all your money, family…you should still have faith.
Your problems aren't the worst. No matter what problem you get in life, there are another one million people whose problems are huger than yours.
Go about and solve your problems because every problem, however big or small, always has a way out.
A.Of course, we've been fighting troubles ever since we were born. |
B.When we have a problem, a pressing, critical, urgent, life-threatening problem, how do we try and solve it? |
C.Having a personal diary can also be of huge help if you don't want a real person to talk with. |
D.But the truth is that when you talk about it, you're setting free the negative energies that have been gathering within you. |
E.We can often overcome the problem and achieve the goal by making a direct attack. |
F.Tell yourself:when they can deal with them, why can't I? |
G.With faith and hope, you can rebuild everything that you lose. |
A regular inspection last month by the Ministry of Agriculture showed that food quality in 37 major cities has improved after
The nationwide inspection of vegetables, pork and aquatic products
Since the campaign, public
The ministry said it will follow up the campaign by cracking down on fake agricultural supplies and develop a network that gives farmers access to authentic and good-quality agricultural materials.
9 . During the ongoing battle against the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (NCP)(新型冠状肺炎), you may have read news that garlic can quickly kill the virus but it proved to be misinformation. While the nation continues to fight against the NCP, it’s also stepping up efforts to fight the spread of misinformation.
In the Internet era, the nature of how information spreads has changed largely. Information and misinformation can spread to thousands of people in seconds.
For most people, fact-checking is an afterthought — if it is a thought at all. Therefore, misinformation spreads, said The Washington Post. People simply prefer passing on information that will lead to an emotional response(反应) from readers. Whether or not it is factual is not always important.
Misinformation could be a greater danger than the virus itself. Misinformation is “making the work of our heroic workers even harder”, World Health Organization(WHO) Director-General Tedros told China Daily. He said misinformation “causes confusion and spreads fear”.
During the fight against the NCP, Ghebreyesus said that “at the WHO we’re not just fighting against the virus, we’re also battling conspiracy(阴谋) theories that undermine our response. ”
It is true that as China races to contain the NCP and minimize(减少到最低限度) its spread across countries, fears and rumors(谣言) surrounding the virus are creating their own problems on social media. “Ironically(讽刺地), speed is important on those things,” US professor Gabriel Kahn told The Los Angeles Times. “But.... those are the ones you have to be most certain about verifying (验证) before you share.”
As ordinary people, we may not be able to devote ourselves like those medical staff. But we could think twice about what we read. If you can be careful about sharing information, it’s your contribution to the fight against the outbreak.
1. According to the article, what is the main cause of the spread of misinformation?A.The lack of fact-checking. |
B.An increase in viruses. |
C.People’s desire to trick others. |
D.Changes in the way people view information. |
A.Test. | B.Harm. | C.Guide. | D.Explain. |
A.People have fears caused by misinformation. |
B.It is hard to deal with misinformation across countries. |
C.Rumors about the virus travel too fast to be controlled. |
D.Social media creates problems for people to verify misinformation. |
A.To share tips on how to fight against misinformation. |
B.To introduce some misinformation about the NCP. |
C.To call on people to watch out for misinformation. |
D.To tell people what China has done to deal with misinformation. |
10 . A new kind of makeup is becoming increasingly popular on some short video sharing platforms: the domestic violence makeup(家暴妆).
In the video clips, some women wear makeup that makes them look like victims of domestic violence.
Naturally, many users of social networking sites have criticized those who came up with the idea, saying it was ignoring a serious issue.
It is only thanks to growing awareness that more people are beginning to accept that domestic violence is a crime and the perpetrator should be punished.
Worse, some women might actually begin applying makeup and making false accusations about domestic violence in order to draw attention or get someone in trouble.
A.The criticism is not without reason |
B.If this “domestic violence makeup” gains popularity |
C.Therefore, this new fashion trend should not be encouraged |
D.When people start to raise the awareness of domestic violence |
E.There are also some people objecting to this freedom of makeup |
F.They paint their face purple or blue and their lips red to look like blood |
G.Besides, many victims of domestic violence often turn to social media for help |