Some of the world’s most significant problems never hit headlines. One example comes from agriculture. Food unrest and hunger make news. But the trend lying behind these matters is rarely talked about. This is the decline in the growth in production of some of the world’s major crops. A new study by the University of Minnesota and McGill University in Montreal looks at where, and how far, this decline is occurring.

The authors study the four most important crops: rice, wheat, corn and soybeans. They find that the improvement in yields that took place before the 1980s slowed down in the 1990s and 2000s.

There are two worrying features of the slowdown. One is that it has been particularly sharp in the world’s most populous (人口多的) countries, India and China. Their ability to feed themselves has been an important source of relative stability both within the countries and on world food markets. That self-sufficiency cannot be taken for granted if yields continue to slow down.

Second, production growth has been lower in wheat and rice than in corn and soybeans. This is problematic because wheat and rice are more important as foods, accounting for around half of all calories consumed. Corn and soybeans are more important as feed grains. The authors note that “We have preferentially focused our crop improvement efforts on feeding animals and cars rather than on crops that feed people and are the basis of food security in much of the world.”

The report qualifies the more optimistic findings of another new paper which suggests that the world will not have to dig up a lot more land for farming in order to feed 9 billion people in 2050, as the Food and Agriculture Organisation has argued.

Instead, it says, thanks to slowing population growth, land currently ploughed up for crops might be able to revert (回返) to forest or wilderness. This could happen. The trouble is that the forecast assumes continued improvements in production, which may not actually happen.

1.What does the author try to draw attention to?

A.Food riots and hunger in the world.

B.News headlines in the leading media.

C.The decline of the grain production growth.

D.The food supply in populous countries.

2.Why does the author mention India and China in particular?

A.Their self-sufficiency is vital to the stability of world food markets.

B.Their food yields have begun to decrease sharply in recent years.

C.Their big populations are causing worldwide concerns.

D.Their food self-sufficiency has been taken for granted.

3.What does the Food and Agriculture Organization say about world food production in the coming decades?

A.The growing population will greatly increase the pressure on world food supplies.

B.The optimistic prediction about food production should be viewed with caution.

C.The slowdown of the growth in yields of major food crops will be reversed.

D.The world will be able to feed its population without increasing farmland.

4.How does the author view the argument of the Food and Agriculture Organisation?

A.It is built on the findings of a new study.

B.It is based on a doubtful assumption.

C.It is backed by strong evidence.

D.It is open to further discussion.

Does Fame Drive You Crazy?

Although being famous might sound like a dream come true, today's stars, feeling like zoo animals, face pressures that few of us can imagine. They are at the center of much of the world's attention. Paparazzi(狗仔队) camp outside their homes, cameras ready. Tabloids(小报) publish thrilling stories about their personal lives. Just imagine not being able to do anything without being photographed or interrupted for a signature!

According to psychologist Christina Villarreal, celebrities—famous people—worry constantly about their public appearance. Eventually, they start to lose track of who they really are, seeing themselves the way their fans imagine them, not as the people they were before everyone knew their names. “Over time，” Villarreal says, “they feel separated and alone.”

The phenomenon of tracking celebrities has been around for ages. In the 4th century B．C., painters followed Alexander the Great into battle, hoping to picture his victories for his admirers. When Charles Dickens visited America in the 19th century, his sold­out readings attracted thousands of fans, leading him to complain(抱怨) about his lack of privacy. Tabloids of the 1920s and 1930s ran articles about film­stars in much the same way that modern tabloids and websites do.

Being a public figure today, however, is a lot more difficult than it used to be. Superstars cannot move about without worrying about photographers with modern cameras. When they say something silly or do something ridiculous, there is always the Internet to spread the news in minutes and keep their “story” alive forever.

If fame is so troublesome, why aren't all celebrities running away from it? The answer is there are still ways to deal with it. Some stars stay calm by surrounding themselves with trusted friends and family or by escaping to remote places away from big cities. They focus not on how famous they are but on what they love to do or whatever made them famous in the first place.

Sometimes a few celebrities can get a little justice. Still, even stars who enjoy full justice often complain about how hard their lives are. They are tired of being famous already.

1.It can be learned from the passage that stars today ________.

A.are often misunderstood by the public

B.can no longer have their privacy protected

C.spend too much on their public appearance

D.care little about how they have come into fame

2.What is the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A.Great heroes of the past were generally admired.

B.The problem faced by celebrities has a long history.

C.Well­known actors are usually targets of tabloids.

D.Works of popular writers often have a lot of readers.

3.What makes it much harder to be a celebrity today?

A.Availability of modern media.

B.Inadequate social recognition.

C.Lack of favorable chances.

D.Huge population of fans.

4.What is the author's attitude toward modern celebrity?

A.Sincere. B.Sceptical.

C.Disapproving. D.Sympathetic.

    When emergency workers arrive at an old firehouse in New York City, the way they greet each other is not what you might expect. These first responders say," Ni Hao! " "Ni Hao" means "hello" in Mandarin Chinese.

First responders are the first emergency workers to arrive at a fire, traffic accident or other emergency. Some first responders are fire fighters, while others can be Emergency Medical Technicians.

In Brooklyn, New York, over 20 first responders are studying Mandarin Chinese for about two hours a week. The class is the first of its kind. It is offered by the New York City Fire Department Foundation.

The U. S. Census Bureau recently reported that some New York neighborhoods are made up mostly of immigrants. Some people have predicted that the Chinese community is likely to become New York's largest immigrant group. They think the city will have the largest Chinese community outside of Asia.

The Census Bureau also found that almost 200 languages are spoken in the city. So, knowing different languages is important, especially if you are a first responder.

Lieutenant(中尉,少尉) Steve Lee is president of the Fire Department's Phoenix Society. He says that first responders must be able to communicate quickly and effectively when an emergency happens. He explains that first responders enter neighborhoods and communities to assist regardless of where they are from. Many times first responders do not speak the same language as the people they are called to help. He adds that it is vital, or very important, that first responders are able to communicate with the people calling for help.

Without help from homeowners and others, Lee adds, discovering exactly where a fire is burning can be a real problem. First responders need to ask questions such as "What building? What address? What apartment?" And the most important question," Is there anybody left in the building and where?"

1.Who are first responders according to Paragraph 2?

A.People first learning the disaster. B.Persons leading the emergency rescue.

C.Rescuers first reaching the disaster D.People first find the disaster.

2.Why are the first responders in New York studying the Chinese language?

A.To show respect to the Chinese immigrants.

B.To learn about Chinese cultures much better.

C.To meet the rapid growth of Chinese population.

D.To find a better job in Chinese community.

3.What do first responders concern most?

A.The place where the fire occurs. B.The people trapped in the fire.

C.The language to communicate. D.The distance covered to the fire.

4.What can be a suitable title for the text?

A.Mandarin Being a Must for Emergency Workers

B.New York's Emergency Crews Learning Mandarin

C.Language Problem Disturbing First Responders' Work

D.Importance of Languages Used in Emergency Rescue

    Everyone fancies a bargain; if it is free, everyone loves it even more! Those who do not believe in a free lunch can now eat their words because it is possible to get things for free in Singapore without any conditions attached. Let me introduce you to some tips on where and how to gain some free presents, all without even touching your  wallet.

Food

Go search for food festivals and fairs. These food sellers usually put out a lot of small samples for all to try. Famous ones include the Singapore Food Festival held annually in the month of July at various locations including the Takashimaya Square and Plaza Singapura.

Haircuts

There are well-known hair salons every month that require hair models for apprentices(学徒) to exercise their skills or for their hair stylists(发型师) to experiment with new styles. Unbelievable as it might sound, most people come out of this experience satisfied and addicted to more of such deals. Free Internet

Most hotels offer free wifi. There are also many cafes in Singapore that offer free wireless surfing. However, order a coffee to avoid unfriendly stares from the staff. Popular spots include the McDonald’s, Starbucks and

Cafe Galilee outlets throughout our island. Free City Tour If you are a traveler in Singapore, the Singapore Tourism Board has arranged for you to enjoy a free two-hour city tour that offers you a choice to enjoy a Sentosa Island tour or a small-boat experience.

Living and traveling in Singapore is expensive, but sometimes all it takes is a closer look at all the little sheltered comers of this island to appreciate the occasional treasures that are given to those who seek.

1.Which of the following best explains the underlined part “all without even touching your wallet”？

A.Free of charge. B.Free of worry.

C.Free of pain. D.Free of tax.

2.From which way does free “Haircuts” benefit hair salons?

A.Advertising their products.

B.Attracting more customers.

C.Developing their staff’s skills.

D.Building their reputation.

3.In which part of a magazine can we read this text?

A.Health. B.Economy.

C.Education. D.Travel.

    Britain’s first zero-carbon homes are being built—and they look like something from a science-fiction movie.

There are 25 eco-friendly homes currently being built in Southmoor, near Abingdon, Oxon. Buyers are able to have the final say on floor layouts，kitchens and bathrooms. One three-bedroom home is on the market for￡801 ,000,with a custom build available to suit your own specification. These eco-friendly houses are powered entirely by electricity from solar panels around the houses. They also have advanced ventilation (通风) systems, making sure that temperatures inside the building don’t go beyond 25℃ for more than 10% of hours annually, as well as mini heat pumps to generate (产生) the heating and hot water on-site. Part of the cooling design includes avoiding east-or west-facing windows, and window shading.

And they’re in high demand. Ian Pritchett, of Ssassy Property, thinks the Government should do more to promote the construction of this type of housing. “Unfortunately, the Government relaxed the proposed 2016 zero-carbon targets after being lobbied(游说)by house builders,” Ian explained. “At present, the main house-building corporations control the land and only build at the rate they are sure will sell, keeping the UK’s housing shortage so that the normal rules of ‘supply and demand’ don’t apply. When there is a shortage of housing, buyers have to purchase what is available rather than what they might want.”

In any sensible society, we would expect the planning system to actively encourage zero-carbon houses，and he tough on anyone failing to deliver the necessary standard. Instead, we have a planning system that focuses on other aspects such as numbers of bedrooms, garden sizes, and parking places. These are important aspects, but they pale into insignificance compared to the catastrophic consequences of climate change.

1.What can a purchaser do before buying the type of housing?

A.Negotiate its price. B.Choose where to build it.

C.Decide how the inside of it looks. D.Design its ventilation.

2.How do people react to the zero-carbon homes?

A.Welcome. B.Uncaring.

C.Skeptical. D.Demanding.

3.What do house-building companies intend to do?

A.Balance the “supply and demand” of houses.

B.Purchase more land to stop climate change.

C.Build more houses powered by the sun.

D.Make it more difficult to buy houses.

4.What’s the author’s attitude to the Government’s planning system?

A.Satisfied. B.Disapproving.

C.Worried. D.Ambiguous.

    In the shadow of Kenya’s Mount Kilimanjaro, nine Rothschild giraffes, the rarest giraffes on the planet, are free to wander at the English-style manor (庄园). Every day shortly before 9am, they come up to the house and stick their heads through the windows and doors in search of morning treats. The manor’s owners, Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, share their dining table with them. And now the couple are sharing the fantastic experience with the public by opening the manor gates to guests at the giraffe hotel, the only hotel of its kind in the world. Now, guests can feed the giraffes at breakfast but can also get up close to them from their second-floor bedrooms.

Mr and Mrs Carr-Hartley，both 38, spent their childhood living close to the house in Nairobi and have always been enthusiastic about the animals. Tanya said, “Mikey and I grew up near this manor house when we were children. We are both third generation Kenyans and have always wanted to work in conservation. Mikey’s family have been related to the protection of animals for many generations. His granddad helped the removal of giraffes as far back as the 1930s because the Rothschild giraffes lost much of their natural living space. When the house came up for sale, we jumped at the chance to buy it as we had always dreamed of owning it. Now, we were absolutely overjoyed to do something for the giraffe protection. Having the giraffes so close is very special and something which people can now experience by staying in one of the ten rooms at the hotel.”

A conservation project to save them was started at the manor in 1974 by the previous owners. “The previous owners ran a very successful breeding (繁殖) programme, where many giraffes were set free into the wild and we hope to continue,” said Tanya.

1.Why are the Carr-Hartley family unusual?

A.They’re living on the rarest giraffes. B.They share their home with giraffes.

C.They’re good at making giraffes’ food. D.They train giraffes to manage the hotel.

2.What can we know about Mikey’s family?

A.It has had a long connection with giraffes. B.It used to raise giraffes around the manor.

C.It built a new manor for the wild giraffes. D.It removed giraffes to Mount Kilimanjaro.

3.Which can best describe the manor’s previous owners’ conservation project?

A.Visitor-friendly. B.Energy-saving. C.Costly. D.Fruitful.

4.What is the suitable title for the text?

A.Giraffes’ breakfast by guests B.Reasons for giraffe protection

C.The world’s only giraffe hotel D.History of the giraffe manor

    Some scientists believe that one of the most intelligent beings on Earth is in fact the octopus (章鱼).

Octopuses usually live at the bottom of river mouths and seas-areas which are not attractive to researchers. They are not social animals so it can be hard to study their interaction with others. And the octopus’ intelligence is not easy for humans to understand. When we observe some animals such as rats or dogs, we can often understand their behavior. Octopuses，however can seem like aliens (外星人). Scientists need to have a lot of imagination to understand what an octopus is thinking!

In the 1950s, the US Air Force sponsored scientists to study the way octopuses use their brains. They hoped that they could use this knowledge to help them build better computers. However, their brains were so complex that the scientists felt it of no significance to continue with it. Octopuses have a very complex nervous system and recent research suggests that they have some of their intelligence inside each arm, which means that each arm can “think” for itself. It also appears that they have a good memory, perhaps similar to a cat’s.

Perhaps the most striking thing about octopuses is their ability to change their color and body pattern. They do this to camouflage themselves to avoid their enemies and also to communicate with others. They can completely change their appearance in less than a second. It can change its skin to look like rocks, sand or planktron (浮游生物).

Some scientists have even suggested that these different patterns and colors are in fact a very hard language-and that each design is a different verb，adjective or noun. But nobody has been able to work out what they might be saying. There’s a long way to go to get to know the octopus completely.

1.What can we infer about the octopus’ intelligence from Paragraph 2?

A.It does not attract scientists. B.Little has been known about it.

C.It is equal to the cat’s or dog’s. D.Much has been done about it.

2.What can we say about scientists’ study on the octopus in the 1950s?

A.They had to give it up eventually. B.They used computers to help.

C.They found its arms could think. D.They judged it lived like a cat.

3.What does the underlined word “camouflage” in Paragraph 4 probably mean?

A.Relax. B.Strengthen. C.Hide. D.Express.

4.What does the author think of the octopuses?

A.They are the smartest animals. B.They’re easy to be seen in the sea.

C.It is useful to copy their language. D.It is difficult to understand them.

Buckingham Palace

It is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II in London. The architectural core of Buckingham Palace is the former Buckingham House，built in 1703. You can visit the state rooms from August to October when the Queen is on holiday. It is one of the world’s most familiar buildings. It has 775 rooms. During the summer the famous Changing of the Guards takes place at the front of the palace at 11:30 and is a popular event for visitors to the capital.

Big Ben and Westminster Palace

It is one of London’s best-known landmarks. Big lien is the name of the clock inside the Clock Tower. It lies at the north-eastern end of the Houses of Parliament. Westminster Palace is one of the largest parliaments in the world. It was built between 1840 and 1880.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historical monument in Central London on the north bank of the river Thames. It was founded by William the Conqueror. It was a palace and a prison (for Queen Elizabeth I for example).There you can see strange guards called “the Beefeaters”. Since the beginning of the 14th century, the Tower of London has been the home of the world famous British Crown Jewels-they are a must of your visit!

Trafalgar Square

It was named in 1835 to give honour to the memory of the British victory over the French at Trafalgar in 1805. There is a huge statue of Admiral Nelson (the British hero killed during the battle) in the middle of the square. It is a popular tourist attraction with the four lion statues.

1.Which has the second longest history?

A.Trafalgar Square. B.The Tower of London.

C.Westminster Palace. D.Buckingham House.

2.What is The Tower of London noted for in the world?

A.Its strange guards. B.Its British Crown Jewels.

C.Its founder. D.Its geographical site.

3.Why was Trafalgar Square built?

A.A battle happened here. B.It could be good for tourism.

C.Admiral Nelson was horn here. D.Four lion statues had been built.

    Student loan (贷款) debt has become a worldwide problem. In America, the country's overall student debt reached a record of $1.6 trillion in 2019. The average person with student loan debt owed between $20,000 and $25,000. A recent Japanese government report says it has been lending over $9 billion yearly to students since 2010. Similar conditions exist in Africa and South America.

Several factors account for high student loan debt. One is that employers everywhere have increased their demands for skilled workers, making higher education a requirement for many jobs. The students, however, after graduation, often find that their country's economy is not strong enough to support their financial needs, so their ability to pay back the loan becomes a problem.

To solve the problem, many countries are seeking their ways. Australia has developed a system where students do not have to pay anything back until they are earning at least $40,000 a year. In America, several candidates running for president in the 2020 election have offered more extreme solutions that all or at least some of these loans will be forgiven.

Some professors in several universities recently studied what the effects of debt forgiveness might be. They found that, overall, sudden debt relief greatly improved the borrowers' lives. Not only did they have more money, but they were more likely to move to a new area and seek better paying work.

Yet the professors' research doesn't include what might happen to financial institutions or the overall economy if debt were totally forgiven. It only looks at how debt forgiveness would help the borrowers. They warn of some other possible negative effects. If a borrower knew that if he ran into any trouble he would be saved because he could get the debt relief, then he might actually become more reckless (轻率的) with his borrowing in the future.

No matter what, the professors agree that if countries do decide to approve some student debt relief the neediest students should be helped first.

1.How does the author introduce the problem of student loan?

A.By making a comparison. B.By making classifications.

C.By presenting some statistics. D.By setting down general rules.

2.What can we learn about student loan debt relief?

A.It will surely provide some benefits to borrowers.

B.It has already been carried out in the United States.

C.It aims to encourage more students to borrow money.

D.It will prevent a person from landing a well-paying job.

3.What is the professors' attitude to debt forgiveness?

A.Uncaring. B.Positive.

C.Disapproving. D.Cautious.

4.What's the main idea of the text?

A.Student loan debt is the most serious problem worldwide.

B.Growing global student debt fuels search for solutions.

C.Student loan debt tends to pull the needy out of trouble.

D.People hold different opinions on debt forgiveness.

    Mice and rats have long been used in medical research because of their biological similarities to humans. Recently scientists at the University of Richmond in Virginia have trained rats to drive small vehicles.

The research team built tiny cars out of plastic and other materials, which had an opening at one end to which electrical wires were attached. By touching one of three different wires, the rat could control the car in different directions-left, center and right. Sweet treats were placed inside the containers in an attempt to get the rats to drive the vehicle for the food. After several months' training, the animals could drive to get to the treats.

Kelly Lambert, who has long been interested in the way the brain changes to react to different experiences and difficulties, led the experiment. She told the French news agency AFP the research suggested rat brains might be more complex and flexible than once thought. The driving activity seemed to help the rats relax and the rats kept in what was called “enriched environments” performed far better than those in labs.

The researchers examined levels of two hormones (荷尔蒙) in the rats — one that causes stress and the other that counters it. All the rats that took part in the training had higher levels of the hormone that reduces stress. The research suggests the increased relaxation levels could be linked to the enjoyment of successfully completing a new skill. The team also found the rats that drove themselves showed higher levels of the stress-fighting hormone than those that simply rode in small cars controlled by humans.

Lambert's team is planning to further the research to learn more about how the rats learned to drive. This research may open new areas of non-drug treatments for people suffering from mental health conditions.

1.Why have scientists chosen rats for the research?

A.They can build tiny vehicles on their own.

B.They are biologically similar to human beings.

C.They are clever enough to be trained to drive cars.

D.They can be used as non-drug treatments for humans.

2.What does the underlined word "counters" in paragraph 4 mean?

A.removes. B.substitutes.

C.resists. D.transforms.

3.What can we learn about the experiment?

A.The brains of rats might be more complex and flexible than those of human beings.

B.The increased relaxation levels led to the rats' enjoyment of learning a new skill.

C.All the rats involved in the training had higher levels of the hormone causing stress.

D.The rats in cars controlled by humans had lower levels of the stress-fighting hormone.

4.In which section of a newspaper may this text appear?

A.Science. B.Sports.

C.Education. D.Entertainment.

    An unusual trip to Hawaii brought two strangers closer and closer and their story deserves a wide spread.

As her plane sliced through the sky above the ocean, there came a sudden thunderstorm. Five minutes later, Uemoto and her copilot McMahon heard a strange sound. Then, without warning, they lost power to both of the engines. It took them a moment to process the fact that they might crash. The pilots powered through the items on the emergency checklist. Nothing worked. As the plane was falling, they jumped into the ocean.

By ten that night, their bodies began trembling uncontrollably in the cool night air. Something must be done to pull them through. Swimming on her stomach, Uemoto had McMahon wrap his arms around her knees so he could rest his head on the back of her legs. To be with someone else and to feel another person's comforting presence in the darkness somehow made the suffering bearable.

When the sun rose the next morning, they caught sight of the island of Hawaii, the destination they had dared dream! Suddenly, Uemoto saw a shark, which made her breath catch in her throat. "What do we do? What do we do?" Uemoto asked, panicked. "Just keep looking forward! If it comes close, I'll kick it in the eye!" said McMahon evenly. Unexpectedly, the shark circled them for about 30 minutes. Then, as quietly as it had appeared, it swam off. Uemoto and McMahon breathed a sigh of relief.

After struggling in the water for over 20 hours, there came a US Navy helicopter. It flew overhead and next banked towards them. Uemoto and McMahon burst into tears. Alone, either of them would have died. But together, they made it.

1.What caused the plane to crash?

A.A sudden thunderstorm hit the plane.

B.The engines of the plane broke down.

C.The pilots operated the plane improperly.

D.The emergency list failed to help the pilots.

2.What do we know about McMahon in paragraph 4?

A.He calmed his partner down.

B.He kicked the shark in the eye.

C.He was scared to death at the shark.

D.He managed to drive the shark away.

3.Which of the following best describes Uemoto and McMahon?

A.Ambitious and humorous. B.Clear-headed and generous.

C.Demanding and appealing. D.Strong-willed and considerate.

4.What may be the best title of the passage?

A.A Race against Death

B.A Test of Friendship

C.A Wonder Made by Joined Hands

D.A Struggle Fought in the Darkness

    Camp Odayin provides fun, safe and supportive camp experiences and community building opportunities for young people and their families this year.

Winter Camp February 15 - February 17

It is hosted in Amery, a two-hour drive from the Twin Cities and free round trip transportation is provided from Minneapolis and Madison. This camp is for children who have attended Residential Camp or Day Camp before. Campers can experience snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding. Registrations are processed during December & January.

Moms Retreat May 16 - May 17

Scheduled in downtown Stillwater, Moms Retreat will seek to improve the quality of caregivers' life. It will include meals, boarding and yoga activities.

Registration will open in April for moms that receive the email invitation from Camp Odayin. If the limit is reached, we will start a wait list.

Residential Camp July 13 - July 18

Campers will have a chance to communicate with other young people sharing the same grade. Hosted in Lutherdale, it will include swimming, horseback riding and talent show. The approval by the Camp Odayin Director is necessary.

Registration will open in early March and is due May 1st.

Family Camp October 26 - November 1

Hosted in Camp Lake, the camp is a two-night commitment for families with children suffering from heart diseases, who will benefit from connecting with other families who have similar health, emotional and social concerns. Activities will include drawing, fancy dress balls and movies.

Families who have a child in 12th grade or younger (no minimum age) can attend. Camper registration is available online in late August.

1.Which camp is intended for previous campers only?

A.Moms Retreat. B.Winter Camp.

C.Residential Camp. D.Family Camp.

2.Where can you go if you choose to register on August 28?

A.To Amery. B.To Stillwater.

C.To Camp Lake. D.To Lutherdale.

3.What is special about Residential Camp?

A.It offers a variety of activities.

B.It provides access to shopping.

C.It allows sick children to participate.

D.It requires the camp leader's approval.

    Britain's got talent——but we're still wasting it. That's the main finding of a new report by researchers from Oxford University. Children of similar cognitive (认知) ability have very different chances of educational success； it still depends on their parents' economic, socio-cultural and educational resources. This contradicts a commonly held view that our education system has developed enough to give everyone a fighting chance. The researchers looked at data from groups of children born in three decades: 1950s, 1970s and 1990s.

They found significant evidence of a wastage of talent. Individuals with high levels of cognitive ability but with disadvantages in their social origins are unable to translate their ability into educational achievement to the same extent as their more advantaged counterparts (对照组). The research, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, found that only about half of the difference in educational achievement between children from advantaged and disadvantaged parental backgrounds is due to differences in their cognitive ability. The other half is due to other factors (因素)associated with their backgrounds.

“If we compare the educational achievement of children born in the 1990s to those in the late 1950s and early 1970s, we see that parents' economic resources have become a less important factor, but their socio-cultural and educational resources have grown in significance," says Dr. Bukodi. “That means that your parents' place in society and their own level of education still play a big part in how well you may do."

These experts are now calling for policy-makers to acknowledge that formal qualifications is only one channel for upward mobility (流动性)for high-ability individuals of disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr. Bukodi says, “These findings show that there are limits to how far inequalities of opportunity can be reduced through educational policy alone. Changes in educational policy aren't having the powerful effect we want."

1.What is the main finding of the research?

A.We're wasting talent due to education system.

B.Children of similar cognitive ability have different chances of educational success.

C.Children's cognitive ability depends on different educational resources.

D.Education system has developed enough to give chilidren a fighting chance.

2.How does the author mainly develop the text?

A.By making a comparison.

B.By discussing a result.

C.By giving examples.

D.By presenting reasons.

3.According to Dr. Bukodi, what affects children's educational achievement greatly?

A.Children's cognitive ability.

B.Parents' economic resouces.

C.Educational policy.

D.Parents' socio-cultural and educational backgrounds.

4.What is the author's attitude towards the finding of the new report?

A.Favorable. B.Objective.

C.Doubtful. D.Negative.

    A 23-year-old British woman has invented a product she hopes will one day replace single-use plastic.

The new product is made by combining fishing waste and algae (水藻).It could be used to replace plastic bags or containers that people use once and throw away. Lucy Hughes created the material, called MarinaTex, for her final year project at the University.

MarinaTex is edible, to put it in another way, it can be tasted without danger. Hughes says it is also strong and stable. But unlike plastic, MarinaTex biodegrades (生物降解)in four to six weeks under normal conditions and does not pollute the soil. The inventor said she is concerned about the growing amounts of plastics in ocean waters. She noted one report that there would be more plastic than fish in the world's oceans by the year 2050. The United Nations estimates that 100 million tons of plastic waste has already been left in the oceans. Hughes also was investigating ways to reduce the amount of waste from the fishing industry. The industry produces an estimated 50 million tons of waste worldwide each year, UN officials say.

Examining fish parts left over from processing helped to give her the idea for a material that was useful and did no harm to the environment. “Why do we need to have hundreds of man-made polymers (聚合体)when nature has so many already available?" she asked. After months of testing, Hughes produced a strong, flexible sheet that forms at temperatures below 100 degrees Celsius. Inventor James Dyson said that MarinaTex is “stronger, safer and much more sustainable (可持续的)”than plastic. It is also easier to break down. Hughes will receive about $ 41,000 prize money as the first place winner of the James Dyson Award. She plans to use the money to further develop the product and ways to mass produce it. "Further research and development will ensure that MarinaTex evolves further, and becomes part of a global answer to the abundance of single use plastic waste," Dyson said.

1.What do we know about MarinaTex?

A.It is a safe seafood.

B.It is a kind of waste.

C.It is a new kind of plastic.

D.It is a safe material that can replace plastic.

2.What does the underlined word “edible" in paragraph 2 mean?

A.Useful. B.Eatable.

C.Replaceable. D.Delicious.

3.What gets Hughes to creat MarinaTex?

A.Her concern about the growing amount of plastic in ocean.

B.Her occupational habit of trying out new things.

C.Her hope to help develop the fishing industry.

D.Her desire to win the prize money.

4.What can we infer from the last paragrach?

A.We need to have hundreds of MarinaTex available.

B.Hughes produced MarinaTex without much effort.

C.MarinaTex will be a good solution to plastic waste.

D.Hughes is the first winner of the James Dyson Award.

    A letter to the editor complained about someone stringing toilet paper on their trees. That letter brought a flood of responses defending this act as being harmless to friends: “ It's an honor to get toilet papered", said one writer, “and good fun for teenagers."

Reading these letters brought me chuckles (轻声笑)and then tears as they woke old memories of my mother’s ninety-second year. She was seriously ill that autumn. And I watched, powerless.

A decade before, I helped her break out" of the nursing home. It was a fine place with a caring staff. But Mom didn't want skilled care: she wanted to live on her own and just needed some assistance to do so. Being in a more restrictive environment than necessary was bad for her condition. The risk paid off, and I was rewarded by seeing my mother once again enjoying her life.

Ten years later, Mom's health declined, and my care-giving duties increased. One evening, for some unexplainable reason, I invited my mother to go toilet papering!

This outing would push my mother to her physical limits. Was I making a mistake? Secretly we went to my brother's home. In his backyard, I handed Mom a roll of toilet paper. Without hesitation she shot it skyward...

Mom papered a dozen trees in four family yards that unforgettable evening. The day after our big adventure, Mom and I sent a card to each of our victim, signed “From your decorators". We laughed all the way home from the post office, like two schoolgirls.

My mother's last year was marked by physical decline. However, we shared some simple fun each day. Those light-hearted moments were like a salve (慰藉)，and they are the ones I'll always remember. Toilet papering has taught us that play is powerful medicine!

1.Why did the author cry when reading the letter?

A.She was blamed for toilet papering.

B.It brought her childhood memory.

C.She thought of her sick mother.

D.It was very stressful.

2.The author helped her leave the nursing home in order that ____.

A.Mom could enjoy a free life

B.Mom could get more skilled home care

C.the nursing cost could be cut down

D.they could avoid taking risk

3.What can we learn from the mother's experience of toilet papering?

A.They did some damage to four family yards.

B.They were made to apologize for their mistakes.

C.Toilet papering made her illness worsened.

D.Toilet papering brought them much pleasure.

4.What would be the best title for the text?

A.A Letter of Complaint

B.Love Between Daughter and Mother

C.The Curing Power of Toilet Papering.

D.An Unforgettable Evening in Family Yards

Guinness World Records Set by Kids

♦ The youngest club DJ

Oratilwe A J Hongwane likes putting in more efforts when playing music for a crowd. In 2012, he became the youngest club DJ—he was five when he played a one- hour set to 100 people at a bar in South Africa. Known in the business as DJ Arch Jnr, he broke the record previously held by a six-year-old in Japan.

♦The most viewed video game-unboxing video

Kids love watching someone unbox a new purchase—especially if it's something they can't get themselves. Maybe that's why more than 25 million people have watched YouTube HD. What's really cool about Evan is that he actually donates most of the toys to those in need. He also uses his popular YouTube channel to draw people's attention to worthy organizations for helping the poor.

♦The youngest drummer

The rules of Guinness World Records say a drummer must record a real song and be paid for his skills and that the drummer must give at least 20 concerts of 45 minutes or longer within five years. At the age of just four Julian Pavone met all those qualifications.

♦The fastest assembly (组装)of 10,000 Lego pieces and the longest Lego chain

A group of school kids in New Jersey went for their world records to increase public awareness about a fellow student who is suffering from a rare and deadly disease. The group put together 10,000 Lego pieces in just three hours, breaking the old one by five hours. They also set the record for the longest Lego chain, which ended up at 947 meters, beating the old record by 40.

1.Who is devoted to charity?

A.Oratilwe A J Hongwane. B.Evan.

C.DJ Arch Jnr. D.Julian Pavone.

2.What do we know about the youngest drummer?

A.He has recorded 20 real songs.

B.He gave at least 20 concerts at five.

C.He must earn a lot of money by recording.

D.He was qualified for the Guiness World Reords at four.

3.Why did the school kids set the world record?

A.To help a sick schoolmate.

B.To inspire team spirit.

C.To prevent a rare disease.

D.To make their school famous.

    I used to believe that love meant putting everyone else and their needs first, before my own. While I do think there is some truth to that, in the sense that being a giving person is one of the ultimate acts of being a loving person, I came to realize that I must give to and love myself first and foremost.

Here's why. When you put everyone and everything else above you, you are no longer valuing yourself and your needs. And when you are not meeting your needs, and you don't take care of yourself （emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually）, you can't be the best version of yourself to the special people in your life. So in fact, you don't love them at your full potential!

Here are some things to consider. Are you physically taking care of yourself? Do you nourish yourself with the right foods? Do you get enough sleep and exercise? Are you at a healthy weight, and on top of your check-ups? If not, I bet your energy is low, you're tired and stressed, and your confidence isn't the highest （because you probably don't feel your best）. Now think about how much more you could give to others when you aren't exhausted, you're happy with what you see in the mirror, and you aren't on edge with stress.

Are you emotionally and mentally healthy? As humans, we're so complex and having ups and downs is normal. But in general, assess where you stand emotionally. If it's in a healthy place and you can manage your emotions in a healthy way - great! But if you self-soothe（自我安慰）in destructive ways and have a negative attitude and energy about you, realize that it's not just affecting you, but others too. When you aren't an emotionally and mentally healthy person, that energy pours into everything you do, and everyone you're around will feel the effects, too.

How's your spirituality? In this sense, spirituality is about having an ultimate purpose and being in tune with your true self. Do you wake up every day excited for what your life is about, and have gratitude for all the abundance you already have? If not, you may not be listening and living to what your heart truly desires. Living this way long term, may affect the essence（本质）of your inner being and, in turn, may not allow you to show up your very best for the world.

Be kind to yourself. It can be difficult to put your health and well-being first when life is demanding between your career, family, friendships, relationships, and so on. If you can think of any ways to improve your well-being and love yourself more, start today! Take a baby step towards this. Perhaps try getting an hour more of sleep. Move your body in a way that feels good. Take time for yourself to be with your thoughts and without distractions and feel that peace.

1.Which of the following can best serve as the title of the passage?

A.Put Others Above Yourself B.Keeping Physically Healthy

C.Meeting Your Own Demands D.Taking Good Care of Yourself

2.According to the passage, it can be concluded that .

A.only if you are at your best can you love your loved ones best

B.if on top of your health index, you're tired and stressed

C.being kind to yourself means being cruel to others

D.physical health is more important than mental health

3.Keeping spiritually healthy means .

A.dissatisfaction with what you have B.waking up in time every day

C.showing up your best for the world D.agreeing with your true self

4.Which of the following shows the right structure of the passage?

A. B.

C. D.

    Fifteen years ago, I took a summer vacation in Lecce in southern Italy. After climbing up a hill for a panoramic(全景的) view of the blue sea, white buildings and green olive trees, I paused to catch my breath and then positioned myself to take the best photo of this panorama.

Unfortunately, just as I took out my camera, a woman approached from behind, and planted herself right in front of my view. Like me, this woman was here to stop, sigh and appreciate the view.

Patient as I was, after about 15 minutes, my camera scanning the sun and reviewing the shot I would eventually take, I grew frustrated. Was it too much to ask her to move so I could take just one picture of the landscape? Sure, I could have asked her, but something prevented me from doing so. She seemed so content in her observation. I didn’t want to mess with that.

Another 15 minutes passed and I grew bored. The woman was still there. I decided to take the photo anyway. And now when I look at it, I think her presence in the photo is what makes the image interesting. The landscape, beautiful on its own, somehow comes to life and breathes because this woman is engaging with it.

This photo, with the unique beauty that unfolded before me and that woman who “ruined” it, now hangs on a wall in my bedroom. What would she think if she knew that her figure is captured(捕捉) and frozen on some stranger’s bedroom wall? A bedroom, after all, is a very private space, in which some woman I don’t even know has been immortalized(使……永存). In some ways, she lives in my house.

Perhaps we all live in each others’ spaces. Perhaps this is what photos are for: to remind us that we all appreciate beauty, that we all share a common desire for pleasure, for connection, for something that is greater than us.

That photo is a reminder, a captured moment, an unspoken conversation between two women, separated only by a thin square of glass.

1.What happened when the author was about to take a photo?

A.Her camera stopped working.

B.A woman blocked her view.

C.Someone asked her to leave.

D.A friend approached from behind.

2.According to the author, the woman was probably___________.

A.enjoying herself

B.losing her patience

C.waiting for the sunset

D.thinking about her past

3.In the author’s opinion, what makes the photo so alive?

A.The rich color of the landscape.

B.The perfect positioning of the camera.

C.The woman’s existence in the photo.

D.The soft sunlight that summer day.

4.The photo on the bedroom wall enables the author to better understand ____________.

A.the need to be close to nature

B.the importance of private space

C.the joy of the vacation in Italy

D.the shared passion for beauty

Dear Mom,

The big question which shocked parents often ask their child after a confrontational（冲突） moment is, "Where did you get this attitude from?" I know you hate to admit it, but I get much of my determined and strong-willed nature from you.

Mom, I know it's hard dealing with the teenage anxiety and the ever-changing moods that come with raising a child. But you should also marvel at the fact that I've made it this far, that I'm healthy and happy.

When I was small, I would attend barbecues and family events and wander away from my parents. It wouldn't be long before someone would stop me to ask whether I was my mother's daughter.

"Your mom is Melissa," they'd say, a warm smile on their faces. "Is that Tight?” I would nod. I think parents feel much hurt when their child talks back or defies them, I was shocked at this statement. To me, I acted nothing like you, Mom.

No one says, ”I know you're Melissa's daughter because of your eyes and nose". It's the character traits（特点）that seal the deal. Dry wit, intelligence, and yes, maybe a little bit of attitude-these are the things I am grateful I have received from you. There's nothing wrong with having attitude.

Like for most black individuals, attitude is what defines you and me, and it's what keeps us from being mentally oppressed and defeated. Attitude is a non-violent form of protection and confrontation-where would we be in the world without this tool? Surely not where we are.

Mom, when people ask me where I get my attitude from, I tell them: you. And when they ask me where I got my drive, my work ethic, my good hair, and my sense of humor, I say you as well. I will always say this.

When I'm asked why I am the way I am, why I refuse to allow others to hurt me with their words or actions and why I think and speak about things openly and without fear. I'll tell them it's because of you.

I'll complain to you about the arguments between us that leave me wondering about how God made us so much alike that we hardly even noticed. But I'll tell them about you.

Love,

Malahni

1.In this letter, Malahni mainly expressed her to her mother.

A.complaint B.love

C.argument D.anxiety

2.People recognized Malahni as Melissa's daughter mainly because of her .

A.appearance B.behavior

C.character traits D.race

3.The underlined word "defies" in the 4th paragraph most probably means

A.refuses to obey B.agrees with

C.takes pride in D.tries to understand

4.Malahni can be a woman .

A.easy to be oppressed and defeated B.hard to get along with

C.with a positive attitude towards life D.with violent confrontation

Amazing Kids! Wild Jungle Writing Contest 2020

Amazing Kids' Magazine is proud to announce that we will be hosting a Wild Jungle Writing Contest this fall! Send us your best jungle-themed stories using this starter: "I had no idea why they were standing there.

This contest is open to grades K-12, with three groups of K-3, 4-8, and 9-12. Three winners from each age group will be chosen to win Amazing Kids' prizes, along with an official certificate verifying（证实）their winning entry. All participants will receive a certificate of participation in the contest.

Submit all entries by September 30 to be considered! Email editor@amazing-kids.org for more questions about rules and specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How should I format my entry?

A: Stories should be written in English, with submissions of less than 1,200 words. Please submit your entry as a Microsoft Word document.

Q:How do I submit my entry?

A: E-mail your submission to editor@amazing-kids.org. Each e-mail submission will receive a return message verifying that the essay was received.

Q:Is there just one prize?

A: No. Nine separate prizes will be given out, with a cash value of $20 for first place, $15 for second place, and $10 for third place in each age group. Certificates of participation will also be awarded to each participant in the contest.

1.Which of the following stories suits the contest most ?

A.A couple lost their way in the jungle. B.A teenager caught a thief in a cave.

C.A pupil met a bear while searching the forest. D.A soldier saved a drowning boy.

2.A champion will receive .

A.a cash value of $15 B.a thank-you letter

C.only a certificate D.a prize and a certificate

3.What type of writing is the passage?

A.News. B.Summary.

C.Announcement. D.Guide.

    Jonathan Agnew recently described “unofficial interviews” as those where you agree that it’s “between you and I”. And a Times journalist wrote about someone who had “made Jenny and I feel so welcome”. They are both intelligent people with the ability to express ideas fluently and logically. And yet they wrote “I” where they meant “me”.

It’s happening more and more. We are scared of the mistake like “Terry and me went to the pub”. We’ve all been taught that it should be “Terry and I went to the pub”. Plus we’ve heard the Queen say “my husband and I” a lot. So we begin to use “and I” even when it should be “and me”.

But my point here is not to support the correct usage. It’s the opposite: I want to reject the idea that there’s such a thing as “correct” English at all. Language isn’t like maths, where you can show that two plus two is four. Language has no fundamental rights and wrongs, only conventions. You cannot definitively prove that any are “right” and others “wrong”.

Sometimes correct language sounds absurd. Look at Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) who came up with a new rule. Primary school children now have to be taught that “inverted commas” is right, while “speech marks” is wrong. You and I know that those terms are interchangeable. And the child who looks at those marks on the page can see that both make perfect sense. That’s because a primary school child is more intelligent than the Ofsted turkey who came up with this rule.

As the teacher who told me about the ludicrous rule pointed out, there is no doubt that in a few years’ time, the “incorrect” term will become the “correct” one. But the truly horrible thing about an education system like this is that it destroys children’s love of language. It tells them they have to worry about rules, instead of encouraging them to read and write for its own sake. Let them read for fun and they’ll absorb the rules — or conventions — anyway. Have them shaking in fear about English tests, and you’ll increase their insecurity about getting language “right”.

Then one day that insecurity will have them saying “and I” even though they mean “and me”.

1.Why do people use “and I” when it should be “and me” according to the text?

A.The Ofsted sets a rule.

B.“and I” is the correct English.

C.The Queen makes a similar mistake.

D.People feel insecure about using “and me”.

2.What can we learn from paragraphs 3 and 4?

A.Rules benefit children’s language learning.

B.Language learning is more complicated than maths.

C.Language is based on commonly accepted rules.

D.A primary school child is smarter than the Ofsted.

3.What does the underlined word “ludicrous” in Paragraph 5 mean?

A.Influential. B.Particular.

C.Conventional. D.Ridiculous.

4.Which of the following best describes the author’s attitude towards the correct English?

A.Critical. B.Objective.

C.Favourable. D.Indifferent.

    In 1992, Teen Talk Barbie was released with the controversial voice fragment, “Math class is hard.” While the toy's release met with strong public reaction, this underlying assumption persists, spreading the myth that women do not thrive in science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) fields due to biological inadequacies in math aptitude. However, in 2019 Jessica Cantlon at Carnegie Mellon University led a research team that comprehensively examined the brain development of young boys and girls and found no gender difference in brain function or math ability.

Cantlon and her team conducted the first neuroimaging study to evaluate biological gender differences in math aptitude of young children. Her team used functional MRI（核磁共振）to measure the brain activity in 104 young children (3-to-10-year-old; 55 girls) while watching an educational video covering early math topics, like counting and addition. The researchers compared scans from the boys and girls to evaluate brain similarity. In addition, the team examined brain maturity by comparing the children's scans to those taken from a group of adults (63 adults; 25 women) who watched the same math videos.

After numerous statistical comparisons, Cantlon and her team found no difference in the brain development of girls and boys. In addition, the researchers found no difference in how boys and girls processed math skills and were equally engaged while watching the educational videos. Finally, boys' and girls' brain maturity were statistically equivalent when compared to either men or women in the adult group.

Cantlon said she thinks society and culture are likely steering girls and young women away from math and STEM fields, as previous studies show that families spend more time with young boys in play that involves spatial cognition（空间认知）. “Typical socialization can make worse small differences between boys and girls that can snowball into how we treat them in science and math,” Cantlon said. “We need to be aware of these origins to ensure we aren't the ones causing the gender inequities.”

However, this project is focused on early childhood development using a limited set of math tasks. Cantlon wants to continue this work using a broader scope of math skills, such as spatial processing and memory, and follow the children over many years.

1.What can we infer about the toy’s release?

A.It has raised a storm of applause.

B.Girls perform no worse than boys in math.

C.Math is a subject difficult to every one of us.

D.Women are born with insufficient math abilities.

2.What can we learn from the study conducted by Cantlon?

A.Boys process math skills more quickly than girls.

B.Boys and girls have similar brain in math abilities.

C.Boys and girls have similar interest in math.

D.Adults have better brain than children in math.

3.What will Cantlon most likely agree with?

A.Parents should lengthen the time spent with girls.

B.Society is causing a greater gender difference in math abilities.

C.Culture plays a leading role in children’s brain development.

D.We should cultivate boys’ and girls’ math abilities equally.

4.How will Cantlon further her research?

A.By using a wider range of math skills.

B.By involving a broader scope of subjects.

C.By increasing the complexity of math tasks.

D.By following the children until their adulthood.

    A cloudless Southern California sky looms over the Pro Park Course for the Pro Skate Park Series. Here to compete are some of the top female skaters in the world. The women skaters range in age from early adolescence to early 30s, but in a sport that embraces youth, there is one who stands out. At 8 years old, Sky Brown, would be the youngest skater, male or female, ever to compete at this series.

She is known to some — a minor star of the viral age. When her first video was posted to YouTube, Sky initially gained a little internet fame as a premature and level-headed 4-year-old — highly intelligent, well-spoken beyond her years, hugely talented, and yet grounded. Four years later, it was announced that she would be competing at Huntington Beach. Still, the question remains: Is she truly ready, or will this be another case where reality comes crashing down hard on all the hype?

And then, it turns out to be anything but. Sky goes out and presents one surprise after another. Commentators Neal Hendrix and Chris Pastras are left in awe, “Half of the pros can't do.” The only thing that makes the prodigy look like a kid is her size. In every other regard, she holds her own with skaters 10 and 20 years her senior. Before the competition at Huntington, Sky was a curiosity. After, she is a competitor.

Sky's first memory of a skateboard is seeing her father, Stuart, doing a few tricks in front of the family home. “It always looked really fun,” says Sky. “I just kept begging to try it.” Sky progressed quickly, although she never had a formal coach. Somehow she just had the knack. Every movement, every shift in weight, every push and pull of body on board, she absorbed. Then, she did it herself.

“You get so close to making it,” she says of her process, “and think you're about to land it, and then it takes you 100 more times. I'm always saying to my parents, 'Just one last try.'” If anyone was pushing, striving to get better, it was Sky herself, learning new tricks the same way everyone else does — by trying, failing, falling, and getting back up again.

1.What does the author intend to do in Paragraph 2?

A.To show Sky’s early experience.

B.To show Sky’s talents from varied aspects.

C.To show the public’s doubt about Sky’s competence.

D.To show the public’s recognition of Sky’s performances.

2.What do we know about Sky?

A.She equals the senior skaters in the competition.

B.She looks like a professional skater in terms of her figure.

C.She participates in a competition inappropriate for the young.

D.She has already become a household name before the competition.

3.What is the main reason for Sky’s achievements?

A.Her parents push her too hard.

B.She practices hard and never quits.

C.Her coach is very strict with her.

D.Her father exerts a strong influence on her.

4.What is the best title for the text?

A.A Rocky Road Leads to Internet Fame

B.A Strong Competitor Stands out from Crowd

C.An 8-year-old Skater Amazes the World

D.A Wonder Shows at the Pro Skate Park Series

    With all the attention Thanksgiving and Christmas get from travellers, it’s easy to overlook Halloween as a destination holiday. While a few cities provide a ghostly atmosphere all year round, annual festivals, theme park pop-up events and other haunted happenings elsewhere have helped make the holiday a travel mini-season all its own.

New Orleans

Home to year-round cemetery walks, New Orleans is among the cities that naturally harmonize with Halloween. Worth noting every October is the family-friendly Halloween parade, happening this year on Oct. 21, with floats devoted to themes like werewolves and vampires. Float riders throw locally made candies to the crowd. New Orleans hosts plenty of after-event-parties, but the procession itself draws all ages in costume.

Whitby, England

This picturesque town on England’s Yorkshire coast is considered to be the home of Dracula, though in a different way. Bram Stoker spent just a month in Whitby, but those four weeks in July and August 1890 were important in the creation of his most famous book, “Dracula”, which was published in 1897. Whitby celebrated the 125th anniversary of Stoker’s visit in 2015, but this year you can see the skeletal remains of Whitby Abbey illuminated throughout the final week of October.

Salem, Massachusetts

Home to the infamous witch trials of the early 1690s, it should come as no surprise that this town is a hotbed for Halloween activity. One way Salem builds on its spectral past is with the nearly month-long festival of the Dead. Events starting from mid-October this year include psychic readings, mourning-themed tea and on Halloween night, a witches gathering.

Orlando, Florida

The home of Disney World and Universal Studios goes all-out with huge Halloween events. Universal this year will hold its 27th Halloween Horror Night on Oct. 30, a seasonal pop-up featuring haunted houses and “scareactors” employed to frighten visitors. Plus, there are many other activities like trick-or-treating, Disney character encounters, a Halloween ball and fireworks.

1.Which of the following is most recommended for a family going together?

A.New Orleans. B.Whitby, England.

C.Salem, Massachusetts. D.Orlando, Florida.

2.Where do Halloween activities last the longest this year?

A.New Orleans. B.Whitby, England.

C.Salem, Massachusetts. D.Orlando, Florida.

3.What can you do in Orlando, Florida ?

A.Have mourning-themed tea. B.Enjoy dancing.

C.Watch Disney movies. D.See skeletal remains.

    Google’s self-driving car is designed to work without a gas pedal(踏板)or steering wheel(方向盘). Now, the company has confirmed that the car doesn’t have any windscreen wipers either, because there’s no need for passengers to see where they are being driven.

The car requires no input from a driver, other than telling it the destination. There is no driving in the way we know it and all people inside the cars will be passengers who can spend their time paying no attention to the road. While the car may not need windscreen wipers, the lack of them may make passengers feel helpless if they are unable to see where they are going clearly.

Google’s two-seater “bubble” cars have buttons to begin and end the drive, but no other controls. An on-board computer uses data from sensors, including radar(雷达)and cameras, to make turns and navigate its way around pedestrians and other vehicles. Under the vision made public by Google, passengers might set their destination by typing it into a map or using commands. The new car can’t go faster than 25 miles per hour(40 km/h). It is electric and has to be recharged after 80 miles(129 km). They can only be used in areas that have been thoroughly mapped by Google.

Google has been testing its self-driving cars since 2009 and its steering wheel-less sample since early this summer. It intends on making its driverless cars available to consumers in the next five years. The ultimate goal of the project is computer-controlled cars that can get rid of human error, which results in about 90 percent of the 1.2 million road deaths that occur worldwide each year and it was also inspiring to start with a blank sheet of paper.

1.Why may people feel helpless riding in Google’s self-driving car?

A. They have no idea of the destination. B. There are no other controls.

C. They are unable to see the road clearly. D. The car is traveling too fast.

2.What’s the main idea of the third paragraph?

A. The tests the car needs to pass.

B. What the drivers need to drive the car.

C. The development of the new car.

D. How Google’s self-driving car works.

3.How long can Google’s self-driving car travel before being recharged?

A. 25 miles. B. 40 miles. C. 80 miles. D. 129 miles.

4.What can we learn from the last paragraph?

A. Google began to test self-driving cars this summer.

B. The majority of the road deaths are caused by drivers.

C. Driver less cars will be available to consumers next year.

D. Google’s computer controlled cars fire the drivers’ inspiration.

    Do you ever find yourself spending time on product reviews when you buy something online, only to find that the product you bought is junk(废物)? New research led by Dr. Powell of Stanford University may explain why this happens: it boils down to the number of reviews a product has.

The study found that when choosing between two products online, people tend to favor the one with more reviews despite the fact that the more reviewed product is of lower quality. This is because when shopping online, consumers engage(从事)in a type of “social learning”, where they learn from observing the decisions of other people and the results of those decisions. People attach more importance to the choices of others. When evaluating online products, the item’s rating and number of reviews can be helpful to an unsure customer. But a new study, published in the journal Psychological Science, found that consumers don’t check those figures to learn their true meaning enough. So they fail to do a simple task when viewing online rating and reviews, leading them to purchase products of poor quality. When shopping online, consumers engaging in social learning become informed from the decisions of others. For example, you’re more likely to buy a book at the top of the New York Times’ best-sellers list or buy an app that’s been downloaded millions of times. But looking at other people’s choices is only a part of social learning. However, how people understand or fail to understand this data is affecting their decision-making in a negative way. Overcoming this bias(偏见)is difficult because consumers find comfort in popularity.

Powell and his colleagues also found evidence of this trend beyond the study. “It doesn’t necessarily mean that better things don’t become more popular, but as a consumer, when you’re looking at the number of reviews, it’s not telling you anything,” said Dr. Powell.

1.What does the underlined phrase “boils down to” probably mean?

A. is equal to B. results in C. is due to D. focuses on

2.What belief do unsure consumers hold when purchasing products?

A. Rating determines quality. B. Popularity is good.

C. Bad  reviews should be ignored. D. More-reviewed products is poor.

3.What do Dr. Powell’s words mean in the last paragraph?

A. The product’s rating often fails to reflect true quality.

B. Usually consumers will find much comfort in popularity.

C. Consumers should distinguish good things and bad things.

D. Consumers should follow others when buying things online.

4.What is probably the best title of the text?

A. How to Purchase Online B. Why We Buy Junk Online

C. Why We Ignore Bad Reviews D. How to Review a Product

    Some African schools are adding programs that teach what officials are calling “soft skills” to students. Soft skills are personal qualities that help a person relate effectively to others. Officials say this kind of training can help students succeed in the job market and in life.

The training is being offered at the St. Bernadette Kamonyi Secondary School in Kigali, Rwanda. For weeks, its students have been visiting neighborhood businesses. The goal of these field trips is for the young people to learn what is necessary to secure a job.

For the secondary school students, this information is important. In a few months, they’ll complete their studies and try their best to find work. One of the Rwandan students is 22-year-old Aminadab Niyitegeka. He says he will look for any job available. He hopes that what he learns in his work readiness class will help. Traditionally, secondary schools in Africa have spent more time on subjects like mathematics and science, largely ignoring areas like public speaking and teamwork. But that is changing. Schools are exploring new teaching models to offer soft skills and professional training. It is part of an effort to perpare students to become better communicators, problem solvers and citizens(公民).

Rwanda has started a work readiness training program called Akazi Kanoze Access. It means “work well done” in Kinyarwanda, the official language of Rwanda. The program has trained more than 20,000 students to help make them more appealing to employers.

Emmanuel Ntagungira is a teacher and works as a trainer for Akazi Kanoze Access. He often visits employers who have given jobs to high schools. The employers are very happy because the graduates are ready to work. He says he hopes the program will help lower unemployment, which stands at over 13 percent nationwide. He also explains that the graduates have a healthy mindset and employers are satisfied with the job they’ve been doing.

1.Why do St. Bernadette Kamonyi Secondary School students visit neighborhood businesses?

A. To find some suitable jobs for them.

B. To explore new learning methods.

C. To help the neighbors with daily affairs.

D. To learn some skills to get a job.

2.What do secondary schools in Africa traditionally focus on?

A. Subjects like mathematics and science.

B. Public speaking and teamwork.

C. Communicating skills with employers.

D. New teaching models and skills.

3.What does Emmanuel Ntagungira think of the program?

A. Instructive. B. Beneficial. C. Persuasive. D. Controversial.

    If you want to try out some unique and strange hotels, the following might be interesting to you.

Dog Bark Park Inn

Located in Cottonwood, Idaho, this hotel is actually in the shape of a dog. Every detail inside displays the love of dogs.The room sleeps 4 and contains a full bath, a microwave, air conditioning, books, games, but no television or telephone. You will feel the rural atmosphere more vividly without outdoor influences. Since this hotel is extremely popular with visitors, you should book in advance.

Palacio de sal Hotel

This hotel is located at the eastern shore of the Great Salar de Uyuni, near the world’s biggest salt flat. Since the building and some furniture are made entirely of salt, there are some specific rules the guests should follow. For example, visitors are banned from licking(舔)the walls and they also should be careful with salt furniture. Typically, the Bolivians treat their guests to salty meat.

Das Park Hotel

Das Park Hotel, located in Linz, Austria, is actually a number of drainpipes(排水管)that have been turned into rooms. It’s one of the greatest example of how people can reuse materials. Since the space of each room is about 2 square meters, there are only a bed, light, power and ventilation(通风设备). You should pay for the bathroom and kitchen equipment. It uses a wonderful sound-proofing material to protect from being disturbed by the outer noise. The hotel is only available from May to October.

V8 Hotel

Are you a car lover? The V8 Hotel in Meilenwerk, Germany may be your cup of tea. Both design and architecture are about automobiles, which will surely create the racing mood! Each room has an automotive theme as well. You can sleep in a bed made from a white Mercedes or sleep in the workshop room where your car bed is actually lifted up on jacks.

Moreover, the V8 Hotel isn’t located in somewhere; it is located in a special and unique area—the Motorworld Stuttgard. Car specialists, enthusiasts, people who love technology and technical aesthetics(审美学)can find everything here.

1.Which hotel should be reserved to live in?

A. Dog Bark Park Inn. B. Palacio de sal Hotel.

C. Das Park Hotel. D. V8 Hotel.

2.What is forbidden in the Palacio de sal Hotel?

A. Eating salty meat. B. Licking the walls.

C. Lying on a salt bed. D. Taking a bath with salt.

3.What can we infer about Das Park Hotel?

A. Each room is large enough to hold two beds.

B. The sound of the pipes is the main disturbance.

C. People can cook there if they pay extra money.

D. The hotel can be available throughout the year.

4.Who may like V8 Hotel best?

A. Statue artists. B. Construction workers.

C. Art collectors. D. Car enthusiasts.

    "Did you hear what happened to Adam last Friday?" Lindsey whispers to Tori.

With her eyes shining, Tori brags, "You bet I did, Sean told me two days ago."

Who are Lindsey and Tori talking about? It just happened to be yours truly, Adam Freedman, I can tell you that what they are saying is （a） not nice and （b） not even true. Still, Lindsey and Tori aren't very different from most students here at Linton High School, including me. Many of our conversations are gossip （闲话）.I have noticed three effects of gossip: it can hurt people, it can give gossipers a strange kind of satisfaction, and it can cause social pressures in a group.

An important negative effect of gossip is that it can hurt the person being talked about. Usually, gossip spreads information about a topic—breakups, trouble at home, even dropping out—that a person would rather keep secret. The more embarrassing or shameful the secret is, the juicier the gossip it makes. Probably the worst type of gossip is the absolute lie. People often think of gossipers as harmless, but cruel lies can cause pain.

If we know that gossip can be harmful, then why do so many of us do it? The answer lies in another effect of gossip: the satisfaction it gives us. Sharing the latest rumor （传言）can make a person feel important because he or she knows something that others don't. Similarly, hearing the latest rumor can make a person feel like part of the "in group". In other words, gossip is satisfying because it gives people a sense of belonging or even superiority （优越感）.

Gossip also can have a third effect: it strengthens unwritten, unspoken rules about how people should act. Professor David Wilson explains that gossip is important in policing behaviors in a group. Translated into high school terms, this means that if everybody you hang around with is laughing at what John wore or what Jane said, then you can bet that wearing or saying something similar will get you the same kind of negative attention. The do's and don'ts conveyed through gossip will never show up in any student handbook.

The effects of gossip vary depending on the situation. The next time you feel the urge to spread the latest news, think about why you want to gossip and what effects your "juicy story" might have.

1.The author uses a conversation at the beginning of the passage to _________.

A.introduce a topic B.present an argument

C.describe the characters D.clarify his writing purpose

2.An important negative effect of gossip is that it ___________.

A.breaks up relationships B.embarrasses the listener

C.spreads information around D.causes unpleasant experiences

3.Professor David Wilson thinks that gossip can ____________.

A.provide students with written rules

B.help people watch their own behaviors

C.force school to improve student handbooks

D.attract the police's attention to group behaviors

4.What advice does the author give in the passage?

A.Never become a gossiper B.Stay away from gossipers

C.Don't let gossip turn into lies D.Think twice before you gossip

    It's natural for parents to praise their children, but offering this praise could actually backfire, according to new science.

In the study, researchers at Michigan State University looked at 123 children who were about 7. The team assessed the children to determine whether they had a “growth mindset" (believing that you can work harder to get smarter), or a “fixed mindset" (believing that your intelligence is unable to change). They then asked the children to complete a fast-paced computer accuracy task while their brain activity was recorded.

Based on the data they collected, the researchers concluded that children with a growth mindset were much more likely to have a larger brain response after making a mistake, and in turn were more likely to improve their performance by paying closer attention to the task after making an error.

While previous research has shown that people with a fixed mindset didn't want to admit they had made a mistake, this study found that children with a fixed mindset were able to — “bounce back” after making an error, but only if they gave their full attention to the mistakes. “The main implication here is that we should pay close attention to our mistakes and use them as opportunities to learn study author Hans Schroder told Science Daily.

For parents, the lessons are clear—if a child hands you an A+ test, don't say “You're so smart! ”

Instead, say “Wow, that studying really paid off!" or “You clearly mastered this material — way to go!" Note the effort, not the intelligence.

Second, focus on using errors to work together and learn. Many teachers and parents avoid addressing children's mistakes, telling them “It's OK. You'll get it next time. . . ” Without giving them the opportunity to figure out what went wrong. Dr. Schroder says, "Instead, it's better to

reassure children that mistakes happen, and to pay attention and work to figure out where and how they made the mistakes. ”

1.The underlined word “backfire" in Paragraph 1 probably means “ ” .

A.make a loud noise B.leave a good impression

C.have an opposite result D.produce an explosion

2.According to the text, which one belongs to the group who has a “growth mindset" ?

A.Tom manages to correct every mistake by heart.

B.Mary believes her mistakes are made by chance.

C.John keeps an idea that he has a good gift for studying.

D.Lily thinks she can get A+ without any effort.

3.If your child gets the best mark in the test, you should .

A.praise him with some delicious food and money

B.comment him to be cleverer than other students

C.confirm his effort that he has made for the test

D.believe that he is an honest and smart child

4.What should parents do with the child's mistakes from Dr. Schroder?

A.Parents should avoid talking with child about his mistakes.

B.Parents should compare his mistakes with others' and criticize him.

C.Parents should ignore the mistakes and believe he will do better.

D.Parents should analyse the mistakes with their child patiently.