Do Cyber Schools Make the Grade?
Students in Caldwell, Idaho, can attend class in their pajamas!
At Vallivue Virtual Academy, courses are taught online. Students work at home with parents, who serve as learning coaches. A certified teacher oversees the students' progress.
The cyber school was launched as a free option for students in kindergarten through grade 8 who have trouble succeeding in the district's traditional public school. Supporters of the program say that virtual learning can help students work at their own pace. If students struggle with subjects, they can take those courses online and spend more time on them. Valerie VanSelous, a teacher from Hopewell Township, N.J・，agrees. "Teachers, students, and parents need to accept new technology and not be afraid of it. Offering different teaching aids just might be the key to unlocking a student' s potential. "
Some also believe that attending virtual school can prepare students for college and for work after graduation. "We need to be responsible for working on our own,” says Angela Goscilo, a senior from Pound Ridge, N.Y. "We need to develop technology skills that will help us in whatever we do. Getting an early start is a good idea."
Not everyone gives cyber schools a passing grade， however. Some educators argue that online learning makes it hard for students to make friends. Payton Mcdonough, 13, a seventh grader from Glencoe, m., agrees. " I don't know how I could sit at a computer all day without actually interacting with my peers and teachers," he says.
In addition, virtual schools don’t have enough structure. Students who take online courses can set their own schedules, which will cause problems for students who have trouble staying motivated.
Many parents also feel that cyber schools put unrealistic time demands on them because they have to oversee their kids' daily work. Many of them have full-time jobs. How are they going to run their children's education, excel in their jobs, and take care of their other responsibilities at home?
1.What is the cyber school intended for?
A.Reducing the time students spend online.
B.Helping those who struggle in traditional schools.
C.Allowing teachers to work at their own pace.
D.Encouraging students to learn about technology.
2.What does the underlined sentence mean in paragraph 5?
A.Not everyone approves of cyber schools.
B.Not everyone has attended a cyber school.
C.Not everyone has given cyber schools a test.
D.Not everyone cares about students in cyber schools.
3.How do working parents feel about overseeing their kids' daily work?
A.It's worthwhile.
B.It's unnecessary.
C.It's demanding.
D.It's discouraging.
4.What is the main idea of the text?
A.Students in Caldwell can attend class at home every day.
B.There are various arguments for and against virtual schools.
C.It's important for students to learn to work in the virtual world.
D.Cyber schools are better than traditional schools in many ways.
One rainy afternoon, I was on a crosstown bus when a young woman jumped on. She had a child with her who was about three or four years old. The bus was full, bumpy(颠簸的), and it soon got noisy, as her kid began crying — he was upset that he couldn't sit next to his mother. She looked embarrassed.
Then another woman, a little older, stood up and moved so that the mother and child could sit together. The mum smiled as a thank-you. And then three words came out of the older woman's mouth that raised the entire energy of that bus ride: “I've been there.”
Simple, undramatic, and honest. In that moment, it seemed to unite the diverse people of the city. Why? Because almost all experiences are shared human experiences. They're universal. We forget that as we go through life, focused on our own troubles and needs — which are actually less unique than we think.
Sometimes painful past experiences prevent us from wanting to open up to others because we don't want to revisit our own history. But a wonderful way to honor your past hurt is to help comfort another's current pain.
When I was a little girl, we lived on donations from local families and clothing from the " lost and found" baskets. It was shameful for me at the time — I lived in fear of being caught in a friend' s cast-off item.
Even when it was warmer, I refused to take off a layer in the classroom for this reason. Now I don't meet people who are in this exact situation, but I do notice when someone is struggling with financial shame or feels less than other people they meet. And I'm quick to say some version of, "I've been there."
Can the essence of these three words help you make a small difference right now? It can be as simple as volunteering your seat, sharing some helpful advice, or even lightening the mood with a joke when you notice that someone's uncomfortable — because we're all in this together.
1.What influence did the older woman's words have on the people around?
A.Causing discomfort. B.Breaking long silence.
C.Creating a heated debate. D.Inspiring common feelings.
2.What does the author think of personal troubles and needs?
A.They are mostly shared experiences. B.They don't really matter to anyone'
C.They will be forgotten with time. D.They are unique to each individual.
3.Why did the author refuse to take off the coat in the classroom?
A.Because she had the same sweater with others.
B.Because she stole the sweater from someone'
C.Because she liked wearing the coat in summer.
D.Because she felt embarrassed wearing others' clothes.
4.What's the best title for the text?
A.Painful Experiences Are No Big Deal B.The Best Way to Honor Your Past Hurt
C.True Happiness Comes from Helping Others D.Three Little Words That Bring Us Together
Some psychologists say that community art — art made to be displayed free of charge in a particular community — can make a big difference.
Unlike the random graffiti （涂鸦）that many people consider an eyesore, community art can bring people together and encourage respect. In the U.S. city of Philadelphia, for example, psychologists are doing a citywide project where mental health patients work with average people to paint murals（壁画）. The aim of this project is to reduce the mental illness and promote a new dialogue about people who struggle with these issues.
Art also makes neighborhoods more attractive and has a unique ability to open people up. Neighbors can share comments with one another about a recently painted mural, which can challenge their prejudices and open their eyes to the world.
Businesses can also be promoted by community art. In Fort Smith, a town in the U.S. state of Arkansas, artists from around the globe came together to paint murals. One of the goals of the project was to expand the town's cultural offerings in order to attract more visitors. Not only locals but also tourists were drawn to see the murals. The money they spent while visiting the town benefited local businesses.
Generous financial support is provided for community art projects in many cities and towns. In the UK, the Arts Council England has invested nearly half a million dollars in community art. Some of it, for example, has paid for a new exhibition space created inside an old mill in the town of Brierfield. In the U.S., an organization called the Knight Foundation has invested millions of dollars in community projects, including many that focus on art.
1.What is the purpose of the community art project in Philadelphia?
A.To replace random graffiti.
B.To deal with the issues about mental illnesses.
C.To promote dialogues about art issues.
D.To encourage respect for psychologists and fine arts.
2.How does community art open people up?
A.By changing people' s views on prejudices.
B.By giving new life to traditional murals.
C.By providing a subject for conversation.
D.By making neighborhoods more attractive.
3.What does the text indicate about towns like Fort Smith?
A.They can profit from art economically.
B.They provide inexpensive courses in art.
C.They've placed some restrictions on art.
D.They borrow art from other communities.
4.What do we know about the community art in the UK?
A.It is limited to rich communities.
B.It has the support of the government.
C.It started from a mill in Brierfield.
D.It is paid for by the Knight Foundation.
Here are some ideas for really great gifts for graduating seniors who are heading off to college.
Rocketbook Everlast
What： The beauty of this notebook is that the ink is erasable with water. When finished with your notes, you can scan them into your computer with your phone* s camera. You have to use special pens, but they are readily available in office supply stores.
Who it's for： People who still like to take notes by hand.
Cost： $34 for a notebook with 32 pages.
Find it： Getrocketbook. com.
Roland R-07 Audio Recorder
What： It's a palm-sized portable digital audio recorder recording extremely high-quality WAV or MP3 files, powered by two AA batteries or through a USB port for continuous operation. You can set it up and control it wirelessly through your phone.
Who it's for： Perfect for recording lectures, but it really shines if your are a music major.
Cost： $149.99.
Find it： Roland, com.
Toast Leather Laptop Cover
What: It's a thin piece of leather sized exactly to your laptop. Carefully place it on your computer, and your laptop will take on an entirely new look. It really protects the laptop from scratches.
Who it's for： Laptop users who like keeping their machines in good condition.
Cost： $99 for the top cover, $60 for the bottom （sold together）.
Find it： Toastmade. com.
Coal Catalyst Portable Charger
What： It's a portable battery to charge your devices when you are away from a wall plug, available in five colors and two sizes that can charge the latest phones in just two hours.
Who for： Everyone with a USB-powered phone, tablet or headphones.
Cost： $34.99 for 8.000 mAh； $39.99 for 12,000 mAh.
Find it： Amazon, com.
1.What do we know about Rocketbook Everlast?
A.It uses ink mixed with water.
B.It uses a camera to record notes.
C.It needs to be equipped with special pens.
D.It needs pens that can be found in any store.
2.How much will you need at most if you buy one of the four products?
A.$34. B.$99.
C.$ 149.99. D.S159.
3.Where is the text most likely from?
A.A book review. B.A science fiction.
C.A popular magazine. D.A government report.
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
When it comes to your brain, researchers have found there’s no better superfood than a book. According to the data 1. (collect) by the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study, 2. hopeful pattern came out: people who read books for as little as 30 minutes a day over several years were an average of two years 3. (long) than people who didn’t read anything at all.
Strange still, as science reminds us, reading books--- especially fiction--- 4. (force) your brain to think critically and make 5. (connection) from one chapter to another, and to the outside world. Also, reading stories can lead to a noticeable increase in human interaction, 6. in turn can lower stress levels.
But it doesn’t mean that magazines, newspapers and web articles are useless. Any reading material that fills your mind and enlarges your vocabulary seems 7. (carry) mental benefits. Therefore, whether you’re reading a page-turner or 8. (simple) scanning the instruction for your coffee maker, many parts of your brain 9. (involve) in positive thinking. Still not inspired to give 10. a try?
“How dare you!” My anger finally burst out when my son ______ to go to the piano classes for the third time that day. He rolled his eyes at me, which made me even _____-. I completely lost my ______ and screamed at the top of my lungs, “Enough! You are not my boy anymore!” He didn’t ______ or talk back to me. He responded in ______ with a look of helplessness that I had never seen before. He used to cry violently and beg me to ______ him. The innocence shining in his big eyes would ______ that hot-tempered beast in me away in the end. ______, this time...
Did what he had done really make me ______? No. Did such anger come entirely from his improper ______? No. Had I ever given it a chance to listen to and ______ him? No. My demanding job, my ______ housework, my kid’s cry for company..., all formed a minefield and all that was needed to ______ it up was a fuse（导火索）. My son was the ______.
The rest of the day, he ______ an outdoor walk, a ride in the park and even his favorite games and just wanted to be alone. I could ______ the greatest sorrow and the most true innocence in his eyes. After admitting my own fault, I held this tiny trembling creature ______ in my arms, tears swelling in my eyes.
For those who believe “Sticks and stones may break the bone, but ______ can never hurt anyone”, I have a piece of heartfelt advice. Do not try this most powerful weapon ______ the people you love. It is ______ enough to cut the deepest into a soul.
1.A. refused B. requested C. decided D. demanded
2.A. calmer B. emptier C. happier D. angrier
3.A. breath B. weight C. temper D. thought
4.A. cry B. shout C. smile D. respond
5.A. doubt B. relief C. silence D. surprise
6.A. pardon B. praise C. abandon D. accompany
7.A. put B. give C. throw D. drive
8.A. Otherwise B. However C. Therefore D. Moreover
9.A. satisfied B. puzzled C. moved D. annoyed
10.A. advice B. behavior C. words D. argument
11.A. hug B. blame C. forgive D. understand
12.A. endless B. enough C. important D. meaningful
13.A. put B. blow C. heat D. bum
14.A. choice B. answer C. victim D. disaster
15.A. declined B. shared C. enjoyed D. accepted
16.A. retell B. forget C. read D. forecast
17.A. rudely B. firmly C. loosely D. causally
18.A. voice B. words C. force D. feelings
19.A. for B. with C. beyond D. against
20.A. hard B. soft C. sharp D. smooth
