A 12-year-old girl from Virginia, US, never thought that a simple message she put online could bring her big problems. She posted the words, “Killing. Meet me in the library Tuesday”, with three emojis(表情符号) of a gun, a knife and a bomb(炸弹) on Instagram, a social media(社交媒体). She was told that she broke the law because of threatening(威胁) her school.
This problem is not far away from us. Not long ago, Ni Hanxiang, a Chinese student at a university in the US, was sent back to China after expressing on social media that he would kill his teachers if he failed to pass his exams.
In China, posting threatening words online is also against the law. In 2013, Wu Hongfei, a singer, got into trouble for saying on weibo that she wanted to blow up a building.
“Threatening happens not only face to face but also through the Internet, social media and the telephone,” said Mr. Cao, a lawyer from Chongqing. “Although the law of China protects people’s right of free speech, it doesn’t include words that threaten others’ lives and national safety.”
“Some people may not mean to threaten. They may just be trying to say “I’m strong”, said Fred Pratt, a lawyer from the US.
The girl’s mother said her daughter was a good kid who had never been in trouble before. Ni Hanxiang also said he didn’t realize that what he put online was so serious.
“But not knowing the law doesn’t mean the law will treat you any differently if you break it,” says David Allen Green, a lawyer from the UK. So, do you think we’d better spend a minute or two thinking about the words or emojis we use on social media before we press “send”?
1.The 12-year-old girl from Virginia put the words “Killing. Meet me in the library Tuesday”, with three emojis ________.
A.in her own diary B.in a letter to her friend
C.on a social media D.on the wall of the library
2.Ni Hanxiang was sent back to China ________.
A.because he broke the US law B.because he wasn’t honest
C.after he killed his teachers D.after he blew up a building
3.From this passage, we can infer(推断) that ________.
A.Fred Pratt thinks some people may not mean to threaten
B.the girl’s mother didn’t think her daughter was a bad child
C.Cheating in an examination at school may get you into trouble
D.Putting threatening words on QQ may bring you problems
4.This passage mainly wants to tell us that _______.
A.we shouldn’t break the US law if we study at a university in the US
B.students and singers shouldn’t post words or emojis on social media
C.students should study hard at school and not use the Internet too much
D.we should be careful when we send words or emojis on social media
The spring season brings warm weather, flowers and other changes for people to enjoy. For some restaurant cooks, the most exciting spring arrival is ramps.
Ramps are a wild plant in the eastern mountains of North America. They are one of the first plants that grow in the spring. Usually between April and May. They are recognized (识别) by their red stem (茎), and two long and wide green leaves. They are also famous for their strong taste, similar to onions(洋葱).
Ramps are not as well-known as other vegetables, but they have a long history in the United States. In the Appalachian Mountains, ramps have been an important food for a long time. During spring it is common for small towns in the Appalachian area to hold large ramp dinners for the community.
However, over the last 30 years, ramps popularity has grown quickly. They are now a highly-desired vegetable for many nice restaurants in cities like New York and Washington D. C.
One reason the plant is popular is that it grows in the wild. It is difficult to grow them on farms. Most restaurants get them from foragers, who collect ramps by searching forests for some small pieces of land where they grow. Ramps have a short season. Within a few weeks of full growth, the plant is done for the year. This short life is some reason for their popularity.
And that popularity could lead to their disappearance from Earth. In 1995, the local government in Quebec, Canada stopped people selling the plant to businesses in order to protect the plant against being over-dug.
The season is short, but it has not ended yet. If you are in the right place, You still have time to try a taste of ramps yourself.
1.Why are ramps so popular in North America?
A.Because they grow in spring. B.Because they are hard to get.
C.Because they have a good taste. D.Because they have a long history.
2.Which of the following is the picture of a ramp?
A. B. C. D.
3.What does the word "they" refer to(指的是) ?
A.foragers. B.restaurants. C.customers. D.ramps.
4.What's the best title for the passage?
A.Ramps were once popular in North America.
B.Americans have discovered a new vegetable.
C.Americans go crazy for ramps in spring.
D.Ramps will soon be enjoyed all over the world.
In students' daily talks, celebrities(名人)are usually a hot topic, including their dress, behavior, families and other personal things. Then, is it a celebrity's job to be a good role model? Please read the following students' debate:
Is it a celebrity's job to be a good role model?
Pros(正方)
It's a celebrity's job to be a good role model because people usually look up to stars. If a celebrity drinks and smokes, his fans will follow him because they look up to the celebrity so much. If a celebrity's lifestyle is inappropriate for kids, then their parents should be more careful about what they let their kids see. |
I think everyone should try to be a good role model, even if you are not a celebrity! You can still be a role model to your sisters and brothers, a younger neighbor, or anyone. But I think celebrities should be very good, because they are role models for so many people! |
Cons(反方)
A celebrity doesn't have to try to be a good role model. They are famous because they worked hard at what they love for a living. They should, however, try to make good choices for themselves, not their fans. Lots of stars have to post apology(道歉)letters after being caught doing bad things. It's good, but if the only reason they do is to win back their fans, it's not good. |
Although it is a wonderful thing to be a good role model, that's not what the celebrities must do. They are famous because they love what they do and are good at it. Being a role model is never in the job. If the celebrity knows they are affecting the young people, they should try hard to set a good example. |
1.Which of the following reasons is NOT from the pros?
A.People look up to the celebrities.
B.Everyone should try to be a good role model.
C.Celebrities should be very good.
D.Celebrities get much love and support from fans.
2.What does the underlined word "inappropriate" mean?
A.难以言说的 B.非同寻常的 C.不适当的 D.不合情理的
3.What conclusion(结论) can we draw from their opinions?
A.Whether a celebrity is a role model or not, he should care about his behavior .
B.Even though a celebrity makes mistakes, young people should follow him.
C.When you become a celebrity, you have been a good role model, too.
D.Family members should encourage kids to be fans.
what, he, know, happened, might
________________________________________________________________________.
do, should, our, housework, we, help, parents
________________________________________________________________________.
you, will, if, come, I, you, wait for
________________________________________________________________________.