I work at a community library. Many people are under the assumption that public libraries are no longer needed because of the Internet. Nothing could be further from the truth. 1.
A simple Internet search for “cats” produces approximately 2. 98 billion results in less than one second. It is a huge number! How do you even begin to sort through all of those results? We hear so much about “false news”. 2. Librarians are there to help. They have been trained, through special classes and workshops, to sort through all of the results and find credible sources. Author Neil Gaiman said, “Google can bring you back 100, 000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one.”
3. It helps connect people with the resources they need to find a job, continue their education, and learn new skills. It helps seniors find the resources they need to keep up with the “modern” world. It helps new parents develop a love for literacy in their children and bond with them. It helps local artists and craftsmen display their work. It helps students find the answers to those seemingly impossible homework questions. It allows people to meet and exchange ideas.
Libraries are so much more than books and information. Yes, there are public computers, Internet access, movies, music, programs and a thousand other things. 4. They are places where people feel safe and welcomed. They are places where someone who has limited resources can freely access materials and equipment they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. They can, at times, be a harbor for someone who needs a quiet place to work or study.
Some of the best memories of my childhood involve going to the local library and in speaking with many others in the neighborhood, they too have those same memories. They are presently making those same memories with their children and their grandchildren. 5. I don’t see the Internet doing that.
A. We don’t know what sources to trust.
B. The public library helps people better their lives.
C. The importance of library staff comes to the surface.
D. However, libraries’ meaning and relevance goes even beyond that.
E. The public library brings people together to build a strong community.
F. In fact, it is because of the Internet that public libraries are needed now more than ever.
G. Every day children, students and adults use libraries to learn, grow and achieve their dreams.
On January 15, 2009, the crew of US Airways Flight 1549 experienced a never-in-a-lifetime event. Less than two minutes after takeoff, some birds found their way into the airplane’s two engines and brought them to a sudden stop. Over the next three and a half minutes, the crew managed to identify the problem, decide what to do about it, and make the most successful emergency landing in aviation (航空) history.
We all experience similar moments. Running into the person you canceled a date with – while you’re on another date. Realizing you hit “reply all” on an e-mail that you’d do anything to have back. Earthquakes, medical emergencies – whatever the situation, the first thing you probably do is panic. Everybody does. While many of us think that we’re cool in a crisis, science tells us that we seldom are. At the moment we need to be keenly aware of our surroundings, but our attention goes to the scariest thing on the scene, leaving us unaware of the other sights, sounds, and even smells around us. At the moment, we’re anything but at our best.
These normal human reactions can be reversed. For example, firefighters are taught how to bring down their blood pressure and heart rates quickly, Box breathing, belly breathing, hum breathing – you can learn these techniques in minutes. Once you calm down, you’ll identify accurately what the problem is really about. Lack of practice always causes us to judge problems in wrong ways. Doing the thinking ahead of time also helps you fire off the solution when it’s show time. This is why you are advised to find the closest exit before the flight. And sometimes we aren’t prepared with all the knowledge we need. Let’s say we’re on a hike and a bear shows up. What shall we do? Better to read suggestions on how to respond before heading into the wild.
Performing in a crisis is becoming more important for all of us for two reasons. Back in the good old days, the reliability of most anything we used or did was far less than it is today. Now think about what happens to our preparedness as the likelihood of something had happening reduces. Unless we practice what hardly ever happens, our ability to respond when it does happen tends to slip away. Reliability can kill you. Also, the systems we use today are more complex. There are seldom moving parts in plain view that allow us to see when things are about to go wrong. Consequently, terrible situations can “come out of nowhere”. Ironically, the systems that were designed to lessen our workload might require us to remain in a state of increased vigilance (警觉) in order to survive these increasingly infrequent events when they do happen.
As technology becomes part of most everything, and as once-large risks break into countless small ones, crisis situations may become standard affairs. We should all learn to breathe, recognize the situation, and carry out the plan that we are smart enough to prepare well in advance.
1.According to the passage, when an armed robbery (抢劫) happens, most witnesses will first ______.
A.observe the surroundings
B.pretend to be calm
C.decide what to do
D.focus on the gun
2.What does the underlined word “reversed” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?
A.Tested.
B.Changed.
C.Predicted.
D.Understood.
3.It can be inferred from Paragraph 4 that ______.
A.things are less dependable than they used to be
B.cautiousness helps prevent the occurrence of crisis
C.convenience reduces our problem-solving capability
D.the complexity of present systems ensures our safety
4.What is the main purpose of the passage?
A.To introduce ways of avoiding crisis situations.
B.To point out the connection between stress and risks.
C.To raise awareness of the preparation for emergencies.
D.To analyse the influence of technology on crisis management.
Surrounded by the sea off the coast in Mid-Norway, lies an island called Myken. This small island has about ten permanent residents, and for more than 50 years has been supplied with electricity via a 32-kilometer undersea cable (电缆). A break that appeared in the cable last autumn resulted in two months without power, so the island community started looking into a better way of sourcing their electricity.
“Myken is far out at sea, so as far as possible it should be taking care of things itself,” says Kyrre Sundseth, who is a hydrogen (氢) researcher in Norway and also the project manager for Myken’s energy project. “This is why we want Myken to become entirely self-sufficient in energy. It is also important to take the environment into consideration,” he says.
Much points to the idea that the solution may lie in a Hydrogen plant, specifically tailored for small islands. The “raw materials” for hydrogen production come from nature itself in the form of the sun and wind. Researchers have calculated that energy costs will be lower by using hydrogen production than the undersea cable option. And it is possible to store energy in the form of hydrogen for longer periods. This means that supplies will not have to rely on a lot of expensive batteries or external energy sources, even during periods when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.
The Myken project has attracted several technology companies. They are currently working on a pilot project. The pilot involves experiments on the feasibility (可行性) of the hydrogen system in which electricity is generated from solar and wind sources. The electricity can be used immediately, but during periods when all the energy generated is not required, the spare energy can be used to split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can be stored in a tank, and used later to generate electricity. The pilot will help researchers know more about how effectively the system will work in the hydrogen plant. Since the island has a distillery (酿酒厂), where the distillation (蒸馏) process relies on energy, a hydrogen plant on Myken offers an even greater environmental benefit. Spare heat from the hydrogen system can also be used for the heating part in the distillation process.
“In Norway alone there are about 300 island inhabited all year round by small populations,” says Kyrre Sundseth. “All of these islands may be candidates for using this technology. In global terms we’re talking about 10,000 similar islands.”
1.Why is a hydrogen plant suitable for Myken?
A.It is perfect in size for small islands.
B.It can send electricity to faraway places.
C.It will restore local natural environment.
D.It provides green and sustainable energy.
2.What is mainly talked about in Paragraph 4?
A.The study on the energy storage.
B.The test on the hydrogen system.
C.The experiment on the raw materials.
D.The research on the innovation of the pilot.
3.According to the passage, a hydrogen plant will ______.
A.produce purified seawater
B.prove more technically reliable
C.contribute in more than one way
D.benefit from the distillation process
4.What does Kyrre Sundseth think of the project?
A.Promising.
B.Systematic.
C.Irreplaceable.
D.Time saving.
When Brody, a 4-year-old Connecticut boy, was asked what wish he wanted to come true, his only dream was that he could be able to play outside.
Brody was born premature (早产) at 27 weeks, which caused him to overheat and burn easily. That means he can't spend any time outside and he'll get burn blisters (水疱) on his face even when he is driven to the hospital. Besides, there are a lot of things he can't do. He has trouble walking and only began talking one year ago. Brody can't eat or drink and has to wear a backpack 24/7 that contains a pump that feeds him. “I can't even count the number of surgeries he's had since he was born,” Brody's mother said. “He's spent probably half his life at the hospital.”
When Make-A-Wish Connecticut, an organization that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, heard about Brody's request to play outside, they immediately jumped into action. “It's the most simple, most sweet wish, just to play outside but it seems to be the most difficult to realize.” said Debbie Artinian, the manager of Make-A-Wish Connecticut.
Artinian and her team determined that a temperature-controlled tent outside Brody's home where he could play and not be in the sun would be the best option. But they had to find a tent that could stand weather conditions like wind and snow and had the right material to block all UV rays. Luckily, Artinian found a company based in the United Kingdom that could design and make the tent. Make-A-Wish Connecticut learnt that Brody loves the beach, even though he is not able to go into water because of his backpack. So they filled the tent with water toys and a kids’ pool filled with balls to make Brody feel as much as possible like he's out at the beach.
Brody got his first look at the tent earlier this summer. “When he walked out of the door and I saw his face, it was just everything,” said Artinian. “Now when Brody says ‘Can I go out and play?’, his mom can say, “Yes.” “Brody is now enjoying spending nearly all his time "outside” in the tent.
It's hard to make life completely normal for Brody, but Artinian and her team tried to make it as normal as they could.
1.What can we learn about Brody?
A.He can't be exposed to sunlight.
B.He can't stand on his feet.
C.He can't be given surgeries any more.
D.He can't communicate with others.
2.Make-A-Wish Connecticut thought Brody's dream was __________
A.inspiring and heart-warming
B.simple but incredible
C.difficult and unachievable
D.challenging but worthwhile
3.Why does the author mention the beach in Paragraph 4?
A.To show that Brody is a boy who loves nature.
B.To prove that the design company was responsible.
C.To suggest that Artinian and her team were considerate.
D.To emphasize that the skill in building the tent was the latest.
4.What does the story mainly tell us?
A.One good turn deserves another.
B.A helping hand makes a difference.
C.All things are difficult before they are easy.
D.Tough life experience may result in success.
The Youth Science Discovery Experience (YSDE) teams students and teachers with practicing scientists to pursue semester-long (整个学期) projects in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Goals
Introduce new scientific topics, especially those not typically covered in traditional courses in high schools.
Encourage lifelong learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Develop science reasoning skills and an understanding of the scientific research process.
Prepare students to face challenges of college, career, and continuing education.
Develop creativity, build self-confidence, and promote friendship among the youth.
Program Overview
The YSDE program uses a project-based learning model. Each research team consists of six tenth-grade students, one teacher, and one practicing scientist. Together the team investigates an area of current scientific concern.
The program integrates in-residence experiences with continuing education activities conducted in the students’ and teacher’s school setting. YSDE begins with a five-day residential session in the center where students will learn principles of scientific inquiry. Each research team works with its scientist to plan an approach to its project. Session in residence allows YSDE members to participate in the magnificent outdoor natural laboratory provided by the surrounding national forests. Then the teams return to their home institutions and continue working on research projects throughout the semester.
YSDE concludes with a final session in residence where teams present their research.
Program Features
Physical Environment
YSDE facilities include science laboratories, a computer center, and arts and music studios. The area provides an outstanding natural laboratory for teaching and experimentation. Being separated from the usual disturbances of cities provides a nurturing atmosphere.
Intensive (集中的), Cooperative Learning
The residential part of YSDE offers near “around-the-clock” learning opportunities in a challenging yet friendly setting. Cooperative learning encourages teamwork and cooperative skills, using science as a common language to allow students to learn from peers, staff, and visiting experts.
Professional Partnerships
YSDE’s relationship with partner organizations helps complete the program. Partner organizations are selected and invited on their interest in developing project-based learning activities for students in high school. YSDE’s partnerships with organizations like the Canaan Valley Institute and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory provide unique access to world-class facilities and human resources.
For more information about YSDE, please visit our website at www.nysf.com, or write to us at Post office Box 715, Charleston, WV 15358-352.
1.One of the purposes of YSDE is to ______.
A.provide young scientists with assistance
B.promote the mode of science thinking
C.introduce new university courses
D.encourage education research
2.The YSDE program participants will ______.
A.do research in the natural environment
B.spend five days organizing the program
C.live in the center throughout the semester
D.present research result in their own schools
3.What makes the YSDE program special?
A.Competitive learning atmosphere.
B.Access to various physical activities.
C.Methods of acquiring science language.
D.Support from cooperative organizations.
Colleen and her husband were part of a group walking the Overland Track. It was the fifth day of a 6-day walk. The guide, who was waiting for them at the nearest camp, had ______ them about the slippery and potentially dangerous conditions. Colleen, an experienced adventurer from Sydney, was a naturally ______ walker. She walked in front of her husband and carefully checked the safety of the track when they were going down a steep slope (陡坡). Suddenly she heard a cracking sound from ______.
“When I realized what was happening, I was ______ to a deep ditch (沟壑), my pack on my back.” Colleen’s fall was only ______ by the presence of a branch that stretched across the ditch and ______ her from a fall that could otherwise have been deadly.
Colleen hit her head badly and went into ______. She soon woke up and turned around to see her husband sitting stunned on the side of the track. He had ______ fallen from the top. He had first slipped above Colleen, and his full weight, with his pack, ______ down on top of her. He was uninjured, and Colleen was suspended on the branch. He ______ out to grab Colleen’s arm. Colleen felt so ______, the worst physical suffering she had ever felt in her life. She knew ______ that her arm was broken.
Her husband took her pack along with his own and together they ______ for the final three kilometers to the camp. Once they reached the camp, the guide gave her first aid and called for the rescue helicopter immediately.
Colleen was ______ to the nearest hospital by helicopter. She was ______ in the hospital and was told that her head and neck were okay, but her arm had been broken in four places.
Later, Colleen ______ with emotion. “After this personal ______ of near-death and being saved, I realized that in some situations there’s absolutely no ______ to get to hospital, and the rescue helicopter was the only way. At that moment, the most ______ noise was hearing the helicopter come. The helicopter rescue workers were so generous, so highly skilled as well. When they arrived with the policemen, I was never more ______ to see anyone in my whole life.”
1.A.interviewed B.warned C.asked D.taught
2.A.curious B.independent C.cautious D.patient
3.A.opposite B.ahead C.faraway D.above
4.A.jumping B.heading C.turning D.walking
5.A.broken B.caused C.followed D.protected
6.A.hid B.released C.kept D.pulled
7.A.shock B.action C.silence D.panic
8.A.consequently B.immediately C.accidentally D.eventually
9.A.lay B.settled C.bent D.crashed
10.A.looked B.ran C.spread D.reached
11.A.fearful B.painful C.regretful D.pitiful
12.A.straight away B.after all C.at times D.without hesitation
13.A.prepared B.struggled C.searched D.competed
14.A.forced B.guided C.rushed D.invited
15.A.consulted B.cured C.assessed D.examined
16.A.recalled B.declared C.advised D.responded
17.A.experience B.training C.evaluation D.feeling
18.A.possibility B.privilege C.alternative D.necessity
19.A.familiar B.unexpected C.deafening D.wonderful
20.A.honored B.grateful C.motivated D.confident
