The computer keyboard helped kill shorthand—a system of rapid handwriting, and now it' s threatening to finish off handwriting as a whole. When handwritten essays were introduced on the SAT exams for the class of 2011, just 15% of the most 1.5 million students wrote their answers in cursive (草写字母). The rest? Block letters.
And those college hopefuls are just the first edge of a wave of US students who no longer get much handwriting instructions in the primary grades, frequently 10 minutes a day or less. As a result, more and more students struggle to read and write cursive.
At Keene Mill Elementary School in Springfield, all their poems and stories are typed. Children in Fairfax County schools are taught keyboarding beginning in kindergarten. Older students who never mastered handwriting say it doesn't affect their grades.
There are those who say the culture is at a crossing, turning from the written word to the typed one. If handwriting becomes a lost form of communication, does it matter?
It was at University of Virginia that researchers recently discovered a previously unknown poem by Robert, written in his unique script. Handwritten documents are more valuable to researchers, historians say, because their authenticity can be confirmed. Students also find them more fascinating.
The loss of handwriting also may be a cognitive opportunity missed. Several academic studies have found that good handwriting skills at a young age can help children express their thoughts better-a lifelong benefit.
It doesn't take much to teach better handwriting skills. At some schools in Prince George' s County, elementary school students use a program called Handwriting Without Tears for 15 minutes a day. They learn the correct formation of manuscript letters through second grade, and cursive letters in third grade.
There are always going to be some kids who struggle with handwriting because of their particular neurological wiring, learning issues or poor motor skills. Educators often point to this factor in support of keyboarding.
1.What is the author concerned about after 2011 SAT exams?
A.Keyboarding. B.Shorthand. C.Handwriting. D.Block letters.
2.A poem by Robert mentioned in the passage is used to _________.
A.prove how valuable handwriting is B.explain what a famous poet he is
C.show how unique his poem is D.stress how fascinating the documents are
3.The example of Handwriting Without Tears helps to argue that_________.
A.the schools are responsible for the loss of handwriting
B.the loss of handwriting is a cognitive opportunity missed
C.it doesn't take much to teach better handwriting skills
D.the culture is turning from the written word to the typed one
4.According to the author, when is a perfect time to learn handwriting?
A.Kindergarten. B.Primary school. C.High school. D.College.
In today's fast paced，high stress world people are working longer hours than ever，and often exhaust themselves at day's end in front of the television to relax enough to begin again in the morning. However，television watching，for most people，does not really lower stress. Studies show that TV viewing more than an hour or so actually creates stress and，especially in women，may lead to the blues. Most individuals are unaware that doing some exercise after work makes them more energetic since it increases energy levels.
Wise use of free time does not mean getting an advanced degree，although the mental encouragement gained through education is unbeatable in keeping your mind active. Learning new things nearly always adds a spark to your daily life，especially if it is a favorite topic，such as sport，fashion，or art. Also，look through your bookstore or library to find books on your interests. Try to replace a half hour TV watching with reading.
It is reported that in the United States recently，many individuals have as few as two good friends. Long work hours and car commute act to separate people from each other. This separation is deadly. Find ways to meet people at the end of the day and on weekends. Often this can be best done by combining activities，such as by joining a walking group to get both exercise and companionship. Taking a class will lift your spirits and allow you to meet others with similar interests. Hobbies are great for reducing stress and provide another opportunity for social interaction.
Using your free time to aid your health may include these elements and many more，such as going to concerts and spending time with family. Overall，the key is to spend less free time being passive. The best ways to use free time are to be mentally and physically active，spend some time outdoors，and interact with other people on a regular basis.
1.What can we learn from the passage?
A.Watching television may cause women to feel depressed.
B.Finding interests and hobbies in common means taking a class.
C.Going to concerts is the best way to make you mentally active.
D.Getting an advanced degree in education always lights up your life.
2.What does the underlined word “commute” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?
A.The arrangement to work every day.
B.The journey to work every day.
C.The communication between people.
D.The separation between people.
3.Which would be the best title for the passage?
A.Live a Happy and Healthy Life
B.Relax Yourself in Various Ways
C.Spend Your Free Time Wisely
D.Interact With Others Outdoors
"Mum, can I invite my classmate Brett over to stay tomorrow night, please? It's Friday, and we don't have any _______. Can I, please?" Mum was sitting at the kitchen table. Dad was _______next to her, resting his head on his arms. Mum could _______that James wanted so badly to have his friend over.
"I'm so sorry, James," she said.
"I'm never allowed to have friends come to the house? Why, Mum?" James asked sadly, almost in _______.
"I know it's _______for you," Mum said softly. "But I'm just worried other people might think we're a little. . . strange. And then they would make fun of you. "
"No, they wouldn't, Mum," James protested. "We're not _______at all. We're just ordinary people. "
Mum sighed heavily. "To tell you the truth, James, my neck has been so painful that it's given me a heavy _______. And your poor father — he doesn't feel _______. He really needs a rest. "
"I can help, Mum!" James said. " _______I can make you and Dad feel better, can Brett come over? Please?"
"Well. . . " Mum began.
"Great! Thanks, Mum!" James almost shouted. "Just sit there, don't move. " He rushed over to the kitchen drawer and ________what he needed — two spanners(扳手). "Hang on, Mum," he said. "This won't take a second. " After some ________, James was finished. With a smile of ________on his face he said, "There! How does that feel?" "Oh, James," Mum said. "That's much better! How did you do it?"
"Easy," James said ________. "Dad had tightened your neck bolts(螺栓) too much! I just________them slightly! I learned that in robotic science at school. "
"What about your father? Can you ________him?" asked Mum.
"I'll try," James replied. He ________up Dad's hair at the back of his neck, and plugged the electric wire into Dad's head. Then he turned the ________on. Dad opened his eyes and ________immediately. "He just let his ________run too low, that's all," James said. "Shall I tell Brett to come over straight after school tomorrow?"
"I guess so," replied Mum. "Your friends will just have to ________that we are a very unusual family. Thanks, son!"
1.A.chance B.message C.homework D.difficulty
2.A.asleep B.reading C.alone D.standing
3.A.explain B.see C.agree D.doubt
4.A.terror B.tears C.surprise D.silence
5.A.fair B.easy C.good D.hard
6.A.strange B.normal C.popular D.anxious
7.A.headache B.loss C.task D.day
8.A.ill B.funny C.sorry D.well
9.A.As B.If C.Since D.Before
10.A.kept B.controlled C.found D.returned
11.A.requests B.thoughts C.repairs D.instructions
12.A.sympathy B.satisfaction C.bitterness D.politeness
13.A.embarrassedly B.gratefully C.impatiently D.proudly
14.A.adjusted B.collected C.produced D.covered
15.A.greet B.accompany C.help D.ask
16.A.lifted B.caught C.gave D.filled
17.A.television B.power C.light D.gas
18.A.grew up B.lay down C.broke down D.sat up
19.A.food B.temperature C.battery D.blood
20.A.prove B.expect C.suspect D.accept
—What makes you so unhappy?
— .
A.Because I’ve put on weight
B.Putting on weight
C.For I’ve lost some weight
D.Because of my putting on weight
We had no food left in our backpacks, and things worse, it began to pour.
A.making B.to have made C.having made D.to make
—Can I help you, sir?
—Yes, what’s the price of the apple?
—Ninety-seven per kilogram.
A.pences B.pence C.penny D.pennys
