Soon, Laurent Simons, 9, of Belgium will become one of the youngest people in the world to graduate from a university. And now he is studying electrical engineering at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) - a tough course even for students of an average graduate age.
Described by staff as “simply extraordinary” , Laurent is on course to finish his degree in December. He then plans to embark (从事)on a PhD program in electrical engineering while also studying for a medicine degree, his father told CNN.
Laurent was given test after test as teachers tried to work out the extent of his talents. “ They told us he is like a sponge,” said Alexander, Laurent's father.
While Laurent comes from a family of doctors, his parents have so far not received any explanation as to why their child prodigy is capable of learning so quickly.
The TUE has allowed Laurent to complete his course faster than other students. “ That is not unusual,” said Sjoerd Hulshof, education director of the TUE bachelors degree in electrical engineering, in a statement. “Special students that have good reasons for doing so can arrange an adjusted schedule. In much the same way we help students who participate in top sport.” “Laurent is the fastest student we have ever had here,” he said. “Not only is he hyper intelligent but also a very sympathetic boy.”
His progress has not gone unnoticed and he is already being sought out by prestigious universities around the world, although Laurent's family wouldn't be drawn on naming which of them he is considering for his PhD .
While Laurent is evidently able to learn faster than most, his parents are being careful to let him enjoy himself too. “We don't want him to get too serious. He does whatever he likes,” said Alexander. “We need to find a balance between being a child and his talents”
Laurent said he enjoys playing with his dog Sammy and playing on his phone, like many young people. However, unlike most 9-year-olds, he has already worked out what he wants to do with his life: develop artificial organs. He explained why he wanted to create artificial hearts in the future. The grandparents he grew up with have heart conditions. “I'd like to help people like them,” he said.
1.What is the reason for the child prodigy learning so quickly?
A.It hasn't been decided yet.
B.B. His parents are doctors.
C.His family's gene is very good.
D.His mother ate a lot of fish during pregnancy.
2.What can we know from paragraph 6?
A.Laurent's parents would rather let him unnoticed.
B.TUE is proud of the progress Laurent has made.
C.Laurent is promised to name a university in his name.
D.Many top universities in the world maybe send invitations to Laurent.
3.What caused Laurent to devote his life to developing artificial organs?
A.His parents expect him to research it.
B.He hopes to earn a fame by doing so.
C.He wants to make contributions to his hometown.
D.He wants to help people who have heart disease like his grandparents.
4.What is the text mainly about?
A.A 9-year-old boy will be admitted by TUE. B.A young genius creates artificial hearts.
C.A 9-year-old is about to get a university degree. D.A little boy learns faster than others.
Best Christmas Markets around the World
Christmas shopping doesn't have to mean joylessly battling through department store crowds or trawling the Internet for bargains. Why not combine present-buying with some travel?
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, in eastern France, is home to one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, with the first edition taking place in 1570.
Before getting lost down Strasbourg's narrow alleyways and beautiful squares, visitors should be sure to head to Place Kleber, where they'll find the Great Christmas Tree, a towering effort that puts the spruce (云杉)at New York Rockefeller Center to shame.
Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic
No city lends itself to Christmas better than Prague.
The city's two main Christmas markets, in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, are only five minutes' walk from each other, so can both easily be explored in one day. Each one has the usual wooden huts found in similar markets across Europe, but the Czech treats are what really set them apart. Visitors can grab a klob sa ( Czech sausage) and wash it down with a Pilsner Urquell in the afternoon, then hang around for the main tree to be lit up on Old Town Square. Both markets are open every day over the festive period until January 6, including Christmas Day.
Grand Christmas Market, Montreal, Canada
Montreal’s Grand Christmas Market in Canada takes its inspiration from Europe's biggest festive events.
Running from December 1 to 24 in the pedestrian thoroughfare of Ste Catherine Street, it has more than 60 wooden houses plying their wares, from warming winter drinks to essential Christmas handicrafts. The market is especially good for kids, with an elves' (精灵)workshop, Santa’s sleigh and even an igloo. Although it closes its doors on Christmas Eve, Montreal's Grand market reopens a week later to see in the New Year.
Viennese Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria
Few cities steep (沉浸)themselves in the festive spirit like Vienna. The Austrian capitals first Christmas Market was held in 1298 and today the city has more than 20 events to choose from. With around 151 stalls serving everything from boozy Christmas punch to gut busting Austrian sausages, the market also boasts a huge ice rink (溜冰场)for skating and reindeer rides for kids.
1.What makes markets in Czech Republic different from other markets in Europe?
A.The fact that there are two markets near each other.
B.The fact that Czech has its own specialties .
C.The fact that the markets are open every day.
D.The fact that the Christmas tree there is the highest one .
2.According to the text, which of the following statements is TRUE?
A.Christmas shopping tends to be joyless.
B.Strasbourg is the oldest Christmas market in the world.
C.Grand Christmas Market was inspired by Europe's largest festive events.
D.Montreal's market is especially intended for kids to explore on Christmas Eve.
3.If you want to enjoy a Christmas on ice, which market should you go?
A.Viennese Christmas Market. B.Grand Christmas Market.
C.Strasbourg. D.Wenceslas Square .
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.How has social media changed our life according to the talk?
A.People are more connected than before.
B.People are more confused than ever.
C.People are not as happy as they used to be.
2.Why might social media be an effective tool for small companies?
A.It encourages social discussions.
B.It changes the way we get our news.
C.It provides a cheap way to advertise.
3.What is the speaker^ attitude towards social media?
A.Objective. B.Positive. C.Negative.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What is the book about?
A.Army plans. B.Chess moves. C.Business competition.
2.Why is Matt reading the book?
A.To improve his reading.
B.To become a better chess player.
C.To prepare for entering the army.
3.What would the woman like to do?
A.Be a manager at work. B.Quit her job. C.Borrow Matt's book.
4.What is the relationship between the speakers?
A.Teacher and student. B.Aunt and nephew. C.Boss and employee.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What are the speakers mainly talking about?
A.Their favorite sports.
B.The best game they ever saw.
C.Childhood sports memories.
2.What sport did the man use to play?
A.Baseball. B.Basketball. C.American football.
3.Why does the woman suggest watching the team from Oakland?
A.She likes the coach.
B.The players are the best.
C.Their live games are shown online.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What does the man suggest doing at first?
A.Going hiking. B.Doing some exercises. C.Playing a computer game.
2.What do the speakers decide to do?
A.Visit Mike. B.Go to work. C.Play table tennis.
3.How many people will probably have dinner together?
A.2. B.3. C.4.
