My son loves video games very much. He spends hours every day playing video games in his room. Is there any redeeming（补偿的）educational value to video games? Some seem like they could help him learn strategy. But I worry others may be too violent or numb（使麻木）his mind.
Cecilia
Some games may improve kids’ hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Games that require kids to actually move or manipulate（操纵）the game through their own physical movement can even get sedentary kids moving, though not as much as they could if they actually played outside or participated in sports or other outdoor acuities. Others, though, don’t have such benefits, and violent video games have been shown that they might increase kid’s aggressive behavior.
Like a lot of aspects of raising kids, when it comes to video games, the healthiest approach is actually self-control.
The American academy of Pediatrics(AAP) recommends that kids should spend no more than 2 hours each day on screen time, including watching TV or movies, or playing computer or video games. So consider setting limits at least that strict to keep game playing from affecting their schoolwork, household responsibilities, and the physical activity your son needs very day.
Make sure that he’s playing games which are suitable for his age group. All video games are rated and labeled by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. Steer clear of（避开）any rated “M” for mature. Those are for ages 17 and older and can contain heavy-duty violence, strong language, and sexual content.
Try to keep the video game console（游戏机控制板）in a common area of the house, not your son’s room. That way you can catch any inappropriate content in the games he’s playing, and he’ll be in a position to interact with others in the house while he’s playing.
Make sure your son has appealing alternatives, too, such as sports, activities, opportunities to socialize with peers; and downtime to be creative. If you continue to have concerns about his video game activity, talk with your doctor.
Reviewed by：Mary L. Gavin, MD
1.What is the opinion of Mary L. Gavin about playing video games?
A．Whether it’s beneficial or harmful depends on what the video games are.
B．It always improves kids’ hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
C．It will make kids more violent and increase their aggressive behavior.
D．Kids should give it up and put their hearts fully into their schoolwork.
2.The underlined word “sedentary” in the first paragraph of the answer letter is the nearest in meaning to “______”.
A．unhealthy B．lively C．bright D．inactive
3.According to Mary L. Gavin, which of the following is encouraged to do by parents?
A．Keep the video game console out of their house.
B．Allow their children to play only such video games as rated “M”
C．Let kids play video games as much as possible if it doesn’t affect their lessons.
D．Help their children develop other healthy hobbies such as sports and painting.
4.Which is the best title of this passage?
A．Should children play video games?
B．Kids’ playing video games is harmful.
C．Is playing video games good for kids?
D．Help children choose video games.
It can’t be truer that when in Rome do as the Romans do. So it’s necessary for you to know what you can talk with the local people in France, Australia and Switzerland, and different customs of these countries.
In France
You’ll find that conversations often turn into heated debates. Give opinions only on subjects that you are knowledgeable about. There is rarely a moment of silence, except when the topic under discussion has been exhausted, and nothing new has been introduced.
Food, art, music and current events or history are welcome topics. French believe in freedom, and you can criticize anyone, but not Napoleon, who is a symbol of French spirit and never use the standard. U.S. conversation opener “What do you do”.
In Australia
Australians tend to be enthusiastic debaters. A wide range of topics may be open to discussion, including religion and politics. The best policy, however, is to wait for Australian companions to bring up these two subjects; be prepared to hear their arguments.
Sport is a common topic of conversation in Australia and Australians tend to use sporting comparisons. Australians like to criticize themselves, but they can’t stand criticism from others. Don’t talk big；instead Australians prefer to judge your competence and abilities through your actions. People who show off their education in conversation may be subject to teasing.
In Switzerland
The Swiss may seem cold. Once you get close to them, however, you’ll find that they are honest, responsible people, who will be loyal to your interests.
They are good listeners and will remember practically everything you say to them. Sometimes they will even go so far as to take notes while you speak. The Swiss are a very private people, so you should avoid asking personal questions. They can be rather serious, so it is advisable to avoid making jokes on them.
1.Which of the following statements is TURE according to the passage?
A．There is no moment of silence when you talk with French.
B．French don’t like others asking their careers.
C．The Swiss may seem cold but humorous sometimes.
D．Australians tend to judge you by your words.
2.It is suggested during talking that ______
A．you should tell the Australians what education you have received.
B．you should not use too much sporting comparisons with Australians.
C．you should not ask personal questions from people of the three countries.
D．you should have the Australians bring up subjects first.
3.We can infer from the passage that ______
A．Australians don’t like to show off their success before others.
B．Australians like to criticize themselves and others.
C．you can talk with French about anything even if you know little.
D．you can criticize anyone in France because you have the right.
4.What is the best title of the passage?
A．Talking in western countries
B．How to argue with foreigners
C．Things that can’t be talked with foreigners
D．How to adapt to the life in western countries
5.What will the author talk about in the following paragraphs?
A．How to talk efficiently with foreigners.
B．Customs of the three countries.
C．How to choose topics in the western countries.
D．How to be a good listener.
As a substitute teacher, my daily routine involves driving to a new school almost every day so I’m usually unable to anticipate the day’s events, good or bad!
On one particular day, I was teaching in a very difficult classroom. I was managing behavior all morning and by lunch time, I knew I needed coffee to even consider surviving the afternoon. So on my lunch break, I drove to a nearby plaza（购物中心）to get a cup of coffee. Upon returning to the car I realized I had locked my keys and my phone inside! I had about 15 minutes to get back to the school which was a good 4 or 5-minute drive away. I contemplated (思考）sprinting（冲刺）back, but it being winter, I thought a nasty fall on ice would only make the situation much worse.
So I ran into a McDonald’s which was in the same plaza and asked the man at the counter who happened to be the manager to please call me a cab. I briefly explained my situation to him, and I could tell by the look in his eyes, that he empathized. He hurried to the back to use the phone while I paced in the restaurant. I had less than 10 minutes to get back to my school at this point.
The manager returned only to tell me that the cab company had put him on hold and then the line got disconnected, and that he was now on hold again, but had not yet been able to request the cab yet. My expression, I assume, began to resemble some combination of hopelessness and fear.
Without a thought, he grabbed his coat and offered to drive me to the school. Without hesitation, I followed him into his car and made it back into my classroom with 2 minutes to spare before the bell!
Upon arriving at the school, I thanked this man endlessly. His calm demeanor（举止）and kind nature made me think he was probably a wonderful manager to work for, and also a wonderful human being to have on this earth. This experience makes me realize that out of every seemingly hopeless situation, there is the opportunity for acts of kindness to transpire（发生）, which can have an unimaginable impact on those who receive them.
1.Why did the author go to get a coffee?
A．Because he needed to eat something as lunch.
B．Because he was very thirsty.
C．Because he had to refresh himself for the classes in the afternoon.
D．Because he wanted something hot to drink.
2.What happened to the author after he got a cup of coffee?
A．He fell on the icy road.
B．He realized his keys and phone were locked inside the car.
C．His car was broken.
D．He lost his keys and phone.
3.How long probably had the author stayed in the McDonald’s?
A．For about 15 minutes. B．For about 10 minutes.
C．For about 8 to 9 minutes. D．For only 2 minutes.
4.What kind of person is the manager?
A．Kind-hearted. B．Active. C．Good-mannered. D．Thoughtful.
I keep a two dollar bill in my wallet that was given to me by my mother when I was six years old.
The 31 goes with me wherever I go. My mother gave it to me so that 32 would follow me. She looked at me and said, “I want you to carry this two dollar bill for extra good luck.”
“Thanks, mom,” I replied, “I will keep it 33 to me always.”
My mother passed away when I was seven years old. I remember I took out my two dollar bill and held it in my hand for the longest time, knowing that she would 34 me the rest of my life.
Each time I felt I had a crisis, I would 35 for my two dollar bill and set it on the table. I would 36 at it for several hours and could always 37 a solution. When I applied for my first job, I was thirty years old and very shy. The thought of being interviewed for a job was 38 but I had to work. I saw one of the interviewers well dressed with 39 purse and shoes. I also knew the chance of being chosen was 40 when looking at the length of others’ resumes.
“What makes you feel you are 41 for this job?” The well－dressed woman asked. “I really need this job and there is nothing I can not do” I responded. She then asked me a series of questions and the interview was over. As I left, I 42 and said “Please give me a chance. I learn quickly and can be a very 43 member of your team.”
I went home, 44 . That evening I received a phone call. “Gina” she said, “we decided to give you a chance to 45 yourself.” “Thank you, you will not regret this decision.” I 46 the phone and yelled. At that instant, I remember my mom once said to us “You are 47 in my mind. Don’t 48 failure. It is a way to get us to try harder.”
How 49 this gift from Mom! It had built up 50 in me.
1. A．money B．check C．bill D．paper
2. A．luck B．happiness C．wealth D．wisdom
3. A．close B．near C．hard D．firm
4. A．look out for B．watch over C．see to D．come across
5. A．get B．stretch C．hold D．reach
6. A．stare B．glance C．observe D．glare
7. A．come up with B．put forward C．set up D．pull through
8. A．exciting B．amazing C．nervous D．scary
9. A．suitable B．matching C．fancy D．exaggerating（夸张的）
10. A．slim B．terrible C．few D．abundant
11. A．born B．qualified C．stable D．grateful
12. A．turned around B．turned back C．put up D．raise up
13. A．productive B．additional C．concise（简洁） D．effective
14. A．terrified B．exhausted C．sound D．cautious
15. A．test B．challenge C．prove D．strengthen
16. A．hung up B．got through C．set aside D．got off
17. A．brilliant B．awesome C．careful D．unbelievable
18. A．stand B．bend C．fear D．ruin
19. A．rare B．special C．relative D．primary
20. A．confidence B．perseverance C．model D．intelligence
My grandma’s after-supper ______ includes: walking the dog in the neighborhood and dancing in the park with many other aged women.
A．regulation B．training C．routine D．program
Poorer families often lack ______ to a car, which they need to drive their children to a more successful school outside their own district.
A．approach B．access C．appeal D．assessment
