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    In springtime, many Americans take on a major project: cleaning their homes from top to bottom. We often call this kind of work "spring cleaning." Part of spring cleaning often involves clearing out clutter (杂物). We do away with things we no longer need.

If we are to believe the many stories on Marie Kondo, the Queen of Clean, clutter adds unnecessary stress to our lives. Clutter is holding us back from our dreams and goals. 1.

An expert on the subject, Sabine Kastner of Princeton University, has been studying how the brain processes clutter for 20 years. The media, Kastner says, often writes about clutter in a very simple, black-and-white way: Clutter affects the mind and we need to clear it out. But it is much more complex than that. For starters, our brains are designed to deal with clutter. Very early in the development of our eyesight, we begin to group objects that we see. 2.

According to Kastner, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. 3. In fact, some people need to see their work. If something is carefully put away, to them it does not exist anymore. Out of sight, out of mind. For other people, objects can stimulate their creativity and give them ideas.

4. Kastner notes that some people may get distracted by having lots of things around them. These people may need more organization and less clutter to work well.

5.Whether the area is cluttered or clear-they work the same. And for others it may depend on the project. For administrative work, they might need a clear workspace. But for more creative projects, they may need many things around them. It is complex.

A.But is it true?

B.What is working and what is not?

C.Some people do not care either way.

D.This helps us to structure our environment.

E.People need to be able to design their workplaces.

F.The idea that an uncluttered workplace is better, is not universally true.

G.However, other people are unable to work in a cluttered environment.

    Playdoh—just one of the many waggy-tailed (摇尾巴的) residents at the Scottish SPCA’s (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) rescue centre in Aberdeen shire -is being introduced to a new sensory garden, getting used to new surroundings.

It is really a dog’s playground -providing scent stimulation and exercise many of them haven’t experienced before. So, we do rescue lots of sort of, abandoned, abused animals—and this garden will help to rehabilitate them. It's going to enrich their life and it's going to give them skills that will help them in the future. And hopefully it will give them a bit more confidence and help them to find their new homes—which is the main aim.

In recent years- the North East (of Scotland) has become something of a hot spot for illegal animal activity. The puppies were born at the rescue center after their mother was taken into care following a recent raid in Moray. Some puppy farm dogs have never been out of a doghouse—so they haven't been outside, they haven’t even walked on grass.

The sensory garden is somewhere safe that they can come and learn these skills. This garden is really going to help them with their confidence and help them to socialize. Some of them haven't even learnt basic, basic skills- so this is really going to boost that for them.

The center currently has 22 dogs waiting for a forever home. But in the meantime, the sensory garden, a new space filled with new pleasant smells, surfaces and barriers, is preparing them for “walkies" outside the center.

1.What does the underlined word "it" in paragraph 2 refer to?

A.The Scottish SPCA. B.The new sensory garden

C.The dogs’ new home. D.The North East of Scotland.

2.What does the underlined word “rehabilitate” in paragraph 2 mean?

A.Save. B.Dominate C.Restore. D.Feed

3.Which is the main aim of the sensory garden?

A.To make the dogs adapted to their future life. B.To protect the dogs from illegal animal activities.

C.To train the dogs for specific skills. D.To sharpen the dogs sense of smell.

4.What would be the best title for the text?

A.Playdoh-a lucky dog B.New challenges for dogs

C.Dogs waiting for a forever home D.Dog garden

    This may look like an ordinary plastic straw (吸管), but it is not made of plastic. Cameron Ross started the Celise Bio-products company, to produce single-use plastic alternatives from plant materials like these. They are made of poly lactic acid (聚乳酸) known as PLA from com starches (淀粉).

Cameron Ross said, "We work with food service providers, mainly larger brands, to help them get quality sustainable and cost-effective solutions, made from plants to start getting rid of single-use plastics." Single-use plastics such as bottles or straws are major cause of pollution. When we throw these away, they end up in a landfill or in the water like rivers. According to researchers, it could take up to more than 500 years for them to properly break down.

Ross says he wasn't always so environmentally conscious himself. But ever since the hiking trip in West Virginia, when he spent more time picking up trash than enjoying nature, his priorities changed. That meant making biodegradable products that can break down in only a few years.

While many cafes and restaurants are choosing paper products to be more eco-conscious, it isn’t cheap. Paper straws can cost about eight times more than plastic straws. But bio-plastic straws cost less a penny a straw, not even double the price of plastic ones.

Another problem with paper straws is that they get soft and wet. You don't want to be sipping (啜饮) something that alters your drink, or starts to melt while you're drinking and then you have to get which creates more wastes than needed. Ross hopes his Washington DC-based company will provide an eco-friendly solution for food service providers.

1.Which aspect is NOT the focus of the Celise Bio-products?

A.Material. B.Appearance.

C.Quality. D.Cost.

2.What inspired Ross to start the Bio-products company?

A.High profits. B.Requests from food service providers.

C.Lower cost. D.His changed environmental awareness.

3.What can we learn about the new straws?

A.They are widely used in cafes and restaurants.

B.They cost less than paper ones.

C.They may soften or even melt while carrying water.

D.They produce more waste.

4.What's the author's purpose of writing the passage?

A.To persuade more food service providers to work with Ross.

B.To explain the development of straws.

C.To introduce a new eco-friendly straw.

D.To compare different straws.

    Officer Michael Rivers, a policeman who was snapped and the image shared on Facebook, as he sat sharing his lunch with a homeless woman at the side of the road in North Carolina, in the USA, is praised.

According to Chris Barnes, his wife Cassie took the photo while she was on her lunch break. She saw the pair sharing a pizza and soft drink while they were having a friendly chat. Mr. Barnes uploaded the image with the notes:" Cassie was out on her lunch break and observed the officer enjoying lunch with a homeless person.”

Officer Rivers recalled seeing the woman earlier that day. He told Yahoo news: “I was leaving the parking lot of Walmart and she was standing by the stop sign. Her shirt read, 'Homeless the fastest way of becoming a nobody.’ I hated that she felt that way.” He added: “I always try to talk to the homeless just to see how they got into their situation. You know, because it can happen to any one of us, at any given moment.”

After he drove away, he circled back to ask if the woman was hungry and if she wanted food. The officer said she was honored by his offer. He bought them both pizza and Mountain Dew and when the pair sat down to eat, he learned of her family struggles and told her: “Hey, you still got stuff to live for, you still got your life ahead of you. It's never too late.”

Officer Rivers, who does recruiting for the Goldsboro PD, hopes to send a message of sympathy for others. He added: “When the younger or newer guys come in, I let them know, ‘Hey treating the community like human beings is the most important thing in the world.’”

“So, if we as police officers show that love and sympathy to everybody, no matter their age, financial background or race, the world would be a better place.”

1.Why did Chris Barnes share the photo on Facebook?

A.Because it was taken by his wife. B.Because the officer was his friend.

C.Because the officer was handsome. D.Because he was impressed by the officer's action.

2.Why did the officer come back for the homeless woman?

A.Because she asked him for food.

B.Because her situation was serious.

C.Because he wanted to make a difference to her.

D.Because he wanted to become an internet celebrity.

3.What does the officer want to pass on to his new colleagues?

A.Anyone can become homeless at any given moment.

B.Policemen should be sympathetic and caring.

C.Policemen should become heroes.

D.People should learn to draw others’ attention.

4.What does the text mainly talk about?

A.A policeman seen sharing lunch with a homeless woman. B.How policemen help the homeless.

C.A lucky homeless woman. D.How to become a good model for policemen.

    For some of us who long to travel, it can be difficult to find someone to journey with. Friends and family members are tied down in jobs, struggling to save money, and don't always want to go to the same places. The solution, of course, is to go it alone.

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is a hot-spot travel destination, which has beautiful beaches as well as busy and lively city life. Australia as a whole is considered a safe destination for international travel, and because of that, many solo (单独) travelers go there. Melbourne is incredibly easy to get around because you can walk or bike practically anywhere!

Thailand

Thailand is great for solo travelers-perhaps because it is one of the Buddhist mentality, which promotes equality among the sexes. Thailand is known for its friendly hospitality, and as a travel hot-spot, there are plenty of chances to meet other like-minded travelers. Overall known for being very cheap, especially in the north, it's a good choice if you want to get away on a budget.

Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the most cultural countries in the world. It is also home to the world's highest unclimbed peak，Gangkhar Puensum. The mountain is sacred（神圣的）and entry is only possible on a pre-booked tour，where you are accompanied around by your own personal guide. Plastic bags have been banned in Bhutan since 1999 and in 2004, it became the first country in the world to outlaw tobacco.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a great place if you're looking for adventure, with surfing, volcanoes and other recreational activities. You'll never get a chance to feel lonely because there's an abundance of exciting adventures to experience! Costa Rica has never seen political unrest, class struggles or revolutions commonly associated with other Latin American Countries. What's more, it doesn't have or need an army because it's such a peaceful country.

1.Which place is suitable for travelers short of money?

A.Melbourne, Australia. B.Thailand.

C.Bhutan . D.Costa Rica.

2.What can we learn about travelling in Bhutan?

A.You can climb the mountain without booking ahead.

B.You can prepare some plastic bags for your rubbish.

C.You can experience the rich culture there.

D.Smoking is allowed at the foot of the mountain.

3.Where does this text probably come from?

A.A historical document. B.A science magazine.

C.A travel guide. D.A book review.