Researchers are often interested in how culture changes over time. All cultures go through periods of change and some cultures change faster than others. For example, in the past 10 years, Chinese culture has changed rapidly as western products have become popular. Other countries, such as France, have created rules to prevent their culture from changing too quickly.
Even though cultures change at different paces, the causes of cultural change are quite similar around the world. One of these is technology and medicine. In the United States the invention and development of birth control pills and other measures helped parents to limit the size of their families. As a result, families grew smaller and parents could give more attention to fewer children. On the other hand, new technology has also created emotional distance among families.
Cultures also change when they come into contact with other cultures. Immigration, for example, often results in cultural change for both immigrants and the host culture. Immigrants often bring with them different ideas, food, music, language, and manners when they move to a new culture. In Canada, for example, the government has a policy of multiculturalism where immigrants are encouraged to share their background cultures with Canadians while adopting and accepting Canadian culture.
Cultural change can occur due to larger events. For example, economic depression, war, and disaster can endanger societies, which must adapt to these challenges and events. Because of these changes in society, ideas and ways of life also affect the entire culture. For example, during World War II, many American men were sent far off to fight. Consequently, women were suddenly needed to work in the factories. As a result of this change, it is no longer culturally acceptable to believe that they should not have the right to work.
1.In the first paragraph which country has experienced rapid cultural change in the last decade?
A. Canada. B. China. C. France. D. America.
2.What will probably be talked about following the last paragraph?
A. Another reason for cultural change.
B. A discussion of immigration policy in France.
C. Another cultural change caused by World War II.
D. Some examples of highly successful working women.
3.What would be a good title for this passage?
A. Immigration Policy and Culture B. Immigration and Culture
C. New Technology and Family Culture D. Theories of Cultural Change
Have you ever made your life look a little more charming than it actually is by posting truths on social media? If so, you may be damaging your mental health.
The posts we make on social media platforms allow us to look back and see what we did on a given day. But what happens when, in an effort to impress our online friends, photos and videos we post become beautified versions of the things we did?
A young girl named Sophia went out to a romantic anniversary dinner with her boyfriend, had a near relationship-ending fight during dessert, then came home and posted, “Had the best time out with the love of my life!” — even with a photo of the meal. No surprise, but according to a new study, Sophia was by no means unique. Two-thirds of users admit lying about their lives on social media with 20 percent of young people between the ages of 18 and 24 stating that they edit their own stories by frequently lying about relationships and promotions.
By beautifying our online stories, we are harming our memories. We start believing the stories we tell rather than remembering what really happened. Soon, the real experience is lost and all that remains is the beautified version of history.
Scientists fear that these edited stories will end up changing our memories. It’s well confirmed through research that our own memories are often unreliable and can be easily controlled. Writing down one’s life in the form of a journal, or even on social media can help us keep our memories undamaged, but only if we tell the truth. So recording our experiences through whatever medium, to later recall lessons we learned, is not only acceptable but desirable. In fact, looking back at our own past - however embarrassing or uncomfortable - is not just healthy but can be enjoyable.
1.Why did Sophia post her story with a photo of the meal?
A. To make her post attractive.
B. To show his photography skill.
C. To convince others of her story.
D. To show how enjoyable the meal was.
2.In what kind of tone did the writer write the text?
A. Encouraging. B. Critical. C. Humorous. D. Enthusiastic.
3.The last paragraph implies that many people don’t realize ________.
A. Recalling the unpleasant past can also be enjoyable
B. Writing down our life on social media does no good to us
C. recording experiences through media is unacceptable
D. Recording our experiences through media is beneficial
4.What a lesson can be drawn from the text?
A. Leaving others a good impression is desirable.
B. Editting our online stories weakens our memory.
C. Posting our experiences on social media is risky.
D. Beautifying our history ends up hurting ourselves.
It was a mid-winter's day. My Mom had ordered me and my two brothers outside so she could get a little housework done.
My brothers were seven and five years older than me and much bigger as well. Still, it was I who decided to start the snowball fight. I hit one of them when they weren't looking and soon we were all making and throwing snowballs as fast as we could. Being little helped me avoid the first dozen or so snowballs that came my way until the one that caught me in the back of the head and sent me sliding into the two foot deep snowdrift. I felt two hands grasp my shoulders as my oldest brother lifted me out safely. I laughed as I dusted the snow off.
Later Mom called us back inside for a lunch of hot, chicken soup. I drank it slowly and then sat near the old, wood stove in our living room and let the warmth quickly dry my damp socks and jeans. It felt so nice. I couldn't describe the feeling back then but I know now that it was pure happiness.
In those innocent days of childhood there was no regret for the past or worry for the future. Each moment could be enjoyed just the way God intended. Each day could be filled with fun, laughter, and love. I think that we all need to re-experience that feeling in our lives. We need to live with childlike joy while keeping our adult wisdom. We need to throw a few snowballs and drink a few bowls of soup afterwards. We need to trust in our Heavenly Father's love for us and share our love with others as well. Life here is too brief not to enjoy all of its precious moments.
1.Why did the writer’s mother order them outside?
A. To let them do more outdoor exercises.
B. For the convenience of doing housework.
C. To let them help her do housework outside.
D. To give them a surprise when they returned.
2.Why could the writer avoid so many snowballs?
A. Because his figure was small.
B. Because he was the youngest.
C. Because he had quick reaction.
D. Because he was good at avoiding.
3.What is the writer’s purpose in writing the text?
A. To introduce a good outdoor exercise.
B. To recall an experience in his childhood.
C. To show life should be enjoyed to the fullest.
D. To sing high praises of his mother’s greatness.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.Who is the speaker?
A. Brandon’s mother. B. A customer. C. An announcer at Wal-Mart.
2.Where was Brandon last seen?
A. In the frozen foods section.
B. In the sporting goods section.
C. In the toys section.
3.What is Brandon wearing?
A. A white shirt and a red baseball cap.
B. Blue jeans and a black baseball cap.
C. A dark shirt and blue jeans.
4.What should customers do if they see Brandon?
A. Call the security department.
B. Take him to the Pizza Hut.
C. Help him to get to the security desk.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Why does the woman call the man?
A. To invite him to a party.
B. To help him buy some food.
C. To ask him to send some invitations.
2.What does the woman say about Ben?
A. He is leaving France.
B. He has become a teacher.
C. He will work for a magazine.
3.Who will attend the party?
A. Ben’s teachers. B. Ben’s parents. C. Ben’s workmates.
4.When will the speakers meet?
A. At 8:45. B. At 9:00. C. At 10:00.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What’s the woman’s trouble?
A. She argued with her classmate.
B. She has difficulty getting a job.
C. She lacks of fashionable clothes.
2.What should the woman do according to her parents?
A. Spend more time on her study.
B. Buy some new clothes.
C. Get a part-time job.
3.What do we know about the woman?
A. She is the same size as her sister.
B. She doesn’t want to wear her sister’s clothes.
C. She will have a talk with her parents.
