All the unusual and interesting events from around the world are here in our review.
A chocolate wall at railway station in Netherlands
A wall of chocolate at the railway station, Utrecht Centraal, in Utrecht, the Netherlands, has become many food lovers new place to mark. The whole wall is made of chocolate, making it very fun, good-looking, and of course, delicious.
Wine bath resort launched in Japan
The 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau Wine on a Bathing was officially released on Nov. 21 in Hakone, west of Tokyo. A beverage-based bathing experience is the red wine hot spring, with its huge, 3.6-meter-tall wine bottle. People may even be present to witness the wine show, in which staff members spray bathers with a bottle of Hakone wine. Whether seeing the show or not, the red wine bath is perfect for every wine lover.
A Monkey Buffet Festival held in Thailand
The annual Monkey Buffet Festival, a fun one with a difference, was held in Lopburi, Bangkok, on Nov. 24. The Monkey Buffet takes place in the overgrown and ruined Khmer temple of Pra Prang Sam Yot, where the majority of the monkeys live. The monkeys are treated with respect. Endless oceans of fruits you can think of are spread out for the monkeys to feast upon. The festival begins with live performances and dances that draw the monkeys out. Culturally, the feast will bring good luck to the local townspeople.
World’ s strongest puffer jacket (羽绒夹克)
Dutch brand Vollebak has created the world’s strongest puffer jacket, which is 15 times stronger than steel. The exterior (外部) of the indestructible puffer is made from 100 percent Dyneema, the strongest fiber ever made. Dyneema was originally used in body armor (防弹衣) and bullet-proof vehicles. The puffer is made to withstand temperatures up to -40℃, as the colder it gets, the stronger Dyneema becomes. “It will withstand any abuse you put it through during your life time and be in good enough condition to pass down to your grandkids when you are done with it.” explained Vollebak’s co-founder Steve Tidball.
1.Where can a wine lover go for fun?
A.Utrecht. B.Hakone.
C.Lopburi. D.Tokyo.
2.What can a visitor see at the Monkey Buffet Festival?
A.Live performances and dances. B.Endless ocean of food.
C.A chocolate wall for local townspeople. D.Many kinds of animals besides monkeys.
3.Which of the following is NOT true about the puffer jacket?
A.It’s cold-resistant.
B.It’s designed to be a body armor.
C.It uses Dyneema as its main material.
D.It may be handed down to the younger generation.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
If you grew up in a household that had its fair share of book shelves, it might say something positive about your personally now that you're all grown up.
This new study found that people who grew up in book filled homes have higher reading, math, and technological skills. The researchers analyzed data featuring 160,000 adults (ages 25 to 65) across 31 nations. All participants were asked how many books there were in their home when they were 16 years old. They chose from a series of alternatives ranging from “10 or less” to “more than 500.”
If a household held at least 80 books, then participants went on to display the average rate of literacy and numeracy(认字和计算). The rate of literacy continued to increase in parallel to the number of books a household contained until the rate didn't increase from 350 books onwards. Furthermore, young teenagers who grew up around books were shown to have the same levels of literacy and numeracy as university graduates who had only grown up around a few books.
Literacy was clarified as “the ability to read effectively to participate in society and achieve personal goals.” Participants took tests that “captured ' a range of basic through advanced comprehension skills, from reading brief texts for a single piece of information to synthesizing information from complex texts.” Numeracy tests measured the “ability to use mathematical concepts in everyday life,” while IT-related tests “assessed the ability to, use digital. technology to communicate with others, as well as to gather, analyze, and synthesize information.”
The results suggest those books made a long-term difference. “Growing up with home libraries improves adult skills in these areas beyond the benefits from parental education or one’s own educational attainment, “the researchers report. Not surprisingly, the biggest effect was on reading ability. “The total effects of home library size on literacy are large everywhere,” the researchers report.
1.What can we learn from the new study?
A.Homes filled with books do much benefit to one’s growth.
B.One’s literacy and numeracy are finally shaped at the age of 16.
C.All participants need to have ten to more than 500 books at home.
D.Those reading a lot are more competent than university graduates.
2.What is paragraph 4 mainly about?
A.The benefit of literacy, numeracy and IT ability.
B.The measurement of literacy, numeracy and IT ability.
C.The relation between literacy, numeracy and IT ability.
D.The difference between literacy, numeracy and IT ability.
3.According to the text, books influence one's_________ most.
A.parental education. B.occupational attainment.
C.calculating ability. D.reading ability.
4.What is the writer's purpose in writing the text?
A.To describe the importance of receiving good education.
B.To clarify the effect of home library size on one's adult skills.
C.To explain the necessity of acquiring literacy and numeracy.
D.To introduce methods of improving one's literacy and numeracy.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
True heroes are all around us. Some help others, and others are simply good role models. My hero is my brother Thomas.
When Thomas and I were little, we used to go to the playground a lot. Kids would be scared of him and ask, “Is your arm broken?”
Thomas would respond by explaining what happened: he was born without the left arm. If they ran away, he wouldn’t let it bother him.
Thomas is expert at both cross-country(越野跑) and track. He is a 4:46 miler, which with the setback he has makes it an even greater accomplishment. Missing an arm affects his balance, which affects his leg drive. The work he has put in, however, has made up for this. He practices so hard that anything short of success would seem a disappointment.
Thomas used to play baseball like it was a religion. His idol was Jim Abbott, a pitcher(投球) for the California Angels. Abbot was a very good pitcher who only had one arm. “I looked up to Abbott because I saw what I could achieve,” Thomas said. Thomas had a lot of trouble giving up baseball for: track because he felt like he was taking the easy way out, though he liked track more.
One of Thomas’ best friends, Brad, didn't even notice Thomas only had one arm for a few weeks after meeting him. “He carried himself so confidently, so I felt okay admitting that I hadn’t noticed”, said Brad. Not only is Thomas a confident person who is not ashamed of his arm, he is often the center of attention in sports and school.
Thomas seems to have accepted his disability. I see it as more of a difficulty, and difficulties can be overcome. Sometimes, if you try hard enough, you can overcome impossible things. As the great distance runner Steve Prefontaine said, “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
1.Which of the following words best describe Thomas?
A.Courageous and modest. B.Determined and religious.
C.Confident and strong-willed. D.Energetic and changeable.
2.Why did Thomas give up baseball for track?
A.Because he had a preference for, track.
B.Because his idol encouraged him to change.
C.Because he thought track was easier for him.
D.Because he couldn't play baseball with single arm.
3.The underlined sentence in the last paragraph is intended to remind us __________
A.giving is receiving. B.nothing is impossible.
C.hard work leaves no regrets. D.difficulties are gifts from God
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
With schools close in the UK during the COVID-19 outbreak, most children must now be homeschooled. Parents have found themselves not only having to balance work and having the children at home but also having to try and teach them. How can you keep your children focused while learning?
Nicola Anderson--Head of Customer Support at the UK’s leading online tutoring service MyTutor, provides new, up-to-date tips to hearten parents at this difficult time and advises how they can structure their children’s days.
One is to keep to a regular timetable so it still feels like your child is taking part in the school day. Ms Anderson said: “Children of all ages do well on routine and boundaries; schools provide this in abundance and it will most children feel secure and happy if they can follow a similar timetable for their homeschooling.”
Another tip is to create an environment which is favorable to learning. She said:” The environment should be free from distractions and ideally near to an open window, to provide them with appropriate levels of fresh air and natural light. Some children find it comfortable and helpful to have quiet, instrumental music playing in the background to help them to focus, but this isn’t for everyone.”
Using technology to help with your child’s learning is also advised. Many schools are offering online classes and resources to help and companies are reducing or even not charging their fees during this time.
It is also important to keep physical exercise as a part of your routine. Joe Wicks, otherwise known as The Body Coach, has been keeping kids healthy with daily 10 minute workouts for children on his Youtube channel. Ms Anderson said:” It can be anything from running around the garden, walking the dog, a game of football or dancing around your living room!”
1.Who is the text intended for?
A.Student. B.Teachers.
C.Coaches. D.Parents.
2.What does the underlined word“this" in paragraph 3 refer to?
A.Homeschooling. B.Tutoring service.
C.A regular timetable. D.Difficult time:
3.What may Nicola Anderson agree?
A.To allow children to adjust schedule freely.
B.To offer children peaceful study environment.
C.To recommend high-tech to online schools.
D.To combine routine with kids' mental heath.
4.What is the text mainly about?
A.How to improve homeschooling efficiency.
B.How to obtain online learning resources.
C.How to study attentively at home.
D.How to design a proper schedule.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
From virtual tours to e-learning tools, museums and art galleries have been sharing resources using digital platforms to continue to connect with the public, share collections and stories, and support those who are vulnerable(脆弱的)during closures and the COVID-19 crisis.
Hastings Museum and Art Gallery
Hastings Museum and Art Gallery is a family friendly museum in Hastings with a diverse collection of 97,000 objects of local history, fine a d decorative arts and natural sciences. To deal with the COVID-19 outbreak, we have launched a digital museum via the Twitter hashtag #HastingsDigitalMuseum as well as via out Facebook and Instagram pages.
The British Library
Over the past two years, our imaging specialists have been trying to digitise the globes, which form one of the most beautiful parts in the British Library’s vast maps collection. The virtual globes will be made available for up close interaction on the British Library’s website throughout 2020, with the first seven due for release on 26 March.
Art UK
Art UK is the online home for every public art collection in the UK. Art UK is a charity, which features almost digitised 250,000 artworks available online. Through our work, we make art available for everyone--for enjoyment, learning and research. From May we will offer users the opportunity to create and share albums of artworks as well as”digital surrogate(替代的)exhibitions”.
Leeds Art Gallery Online
The displays at Leeds City Art Gallery have been selected by the staff to reflect the richness and variety of the collections. Established masterpieces are presented alongside lesser known works. It includes recent acquisitions and long term works from the collection. The collection is quite large--only a fraction(部分)is on display at any one time. When not on show, these may be seen by appointment at the Gallery.
1.Which is the most inviting to a geography lover?
A.Hastings Museum and Art Gallery. B.The British Library.
C.Art UK. D.Leeds Art Gallery Online.
2.What is special about Art UK?
A.It is an ideal museum for a family.
B.It has the largest collection of art works.
C.It is a non-profit art learning service.
D.It displays lesser known works besides famous ones.
3.What is the purpose of the text?
A.To introduce virtual tours options. B.To inform readers of art events.
C.To provide a cure for COVID-19. D.To popularise art knowledge to readers.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Artificial flesh is growing ever closer to the real thing. Scientists in Australia have now created a new jelly-like material which they claim has the strength and lasting usage of actual skin, ligaments(韧带),or even bone.
“With the special chemistry we’ve engineered in the hydrogel(水凝胶),it can repair itself after it has been broken like human skin can,” explains chemist Luke Connal from the Australian National University. “Hydrogels are usually weak, but our material is so strong it could easily lift very heavy objects and can change its shape like human muscles do.”
Having a wet and soft material with such remarkable properties could be very important for the development of next-generation soft robotics and biomedical devices. Creating a shape-changing hydrogel that has multiple functions has proved an ongoing challenge for scientists, even with natural inspiration from sea creatures, such as jellyfish, sea cucumbers, and Venus fly traps.
While some hydrogels can withstand mechanical stress, others have self-healing properties, and a few more have the abilities to memorize shapes or change colours. As far as the ANU researchers know, no one else has been able to incorporate all these functions into one all-encompassing gel. At least, not at the speed and efficiency they’ve achieved.
Using this material, the researchers made extremely thin films of “flesh” without any breakage.
When these films were heated or cooled, they then changed into different shapes, bending one way or the other before returning back to their original state along with the temperature. If temperature is somehow used as a control, the authors think this gel could one day be moved like an artificial muscle. Researchers are trying to modify their temperature control technology accordingly and make a significant step towards turning this hydrogel into practical use.
1.What do you know about the new material according to the text?
A.It looks like the jelly and functions like the robot.
B.It can be easily repaired by scientists after being broken.
C.It is likely to be the most multifunctional hydrogel at present.
D.It can hardly go back to its original shape after heated or cooled.
2.What is the author’s attitude towards the future of the dynamic hydrogel?
A.Indifferent.
B.Neutral.
C.Negative.
D.Positive.
3.What is the best title for the text?
A.Getting scientific inspiration from nature.
B.Lifting heavy objects by dynamic hydrogels.
C.Creating a new kind of flesh with chemistry.
D.Enabling artificial robots to heal themselves.
4.What will the author most probably talk about in the following paragraph?
A.The characters of artificial flesh.
B.The creation of the dynamic hydrogel.
C.The shapes and colors of artificial flesh.
D.The application of the dynamic hydrogel.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
It was the homecoming parade in Rockwall,Texas,and cheerleader Tyra Winters,was riding on the top of one of the school's floats(彩车)。As it slowly made its way down the wide road,the 17-year-old enthusiastically waved at the crowd,all the while soaking in the music,laughter,and applause.
All of a sudden.a horrific scream sounded.Looking down,Winters saw a two-year-old on the sidewalk gasping for air.his extremely worried mother begging for help.The boy,Clarke Hornback Lad been sucking on a piece of candy when it slid down the back of his mouth,lodging in his throat and blocking his windpipe.
"I see a little bright red face and his mom's begging,Someone help me,someone help me.'"
Winters told KTVT."There was no coughing;there was no breathing,Clarke's mother,Nicole Homback,later told news station NBCDFW.He was just gasping for air."No one seemed to know how to help.
Except for Winters.A senior with dreams of becoming a pediatric surgeon,she had learned the Heimlich maneuver and CPR.Knowing that the clock was ticking,she leaped off the moving float and ran to the child.
By the time she got to Clarke,his face had turned purple."I got him!"she yelled to Nicole as she grabbed the boy from her."I tilted him and gave a good three back thrusts,"she told the local CBS station.
Soon,the boy coughed up the piece of candy,gasped,and began breathing again.Without another word,Winters handed Clarke back to his mother and ran back to her float before it could leave her behind.
It all happened so fast,Nicole never had time to thank the teen.Winters' s heroic actions left Nicole speechless."I don't really have any words,"she says."The words that you would say to anyone who does something for you is' thank you.' But that doesn't seem good enough."
1.What does the underlined word"lodging"mean in Paragraph 2?
A.Stuck. B.Caught.
C.Slid. D.Found.
2.Which of the following is the correct order of the events?
a. The boy coughed up the piece of candy, gasped, and began breathing again.
b. Winters leaped off the moving float and ran to the child.
c. Winters was riding on the top of one of the school's floats.
d. Winters tilted the boy and gave a good three back thrusts.
e. The boy, Clarke Hornback, had been sucking on a piece of candy, blocking his windpipe.
A.c-a-d-b-c
B.c-e-b-d-a
C.b-d-a-c-e
D.a-e-d-c-b
3.What can we infer from the last paragraph?
A.It happened so fast, Nicole had no time to thank the teen.
B.Nicole didn't want to say anything about the incident.
C.Nicole was grateful for Winters' s heroic actions.
D.It is always good to learn more knowledge.
4.What kind of person do you think Winters is?
A.Helpful. B.Mean.
C.Organized. D.Determined.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Have you always wanted to discover the night sky but just don't know where to start?If so,then Back Garden Astronomy SkyatMight , Week is for you!
Launching at the start of March,this new beginner's guide from BBC Sky at Night Magazine will introduce the wonders of Earth's constant companion in space,the Moon,in easy-to-do, nightly observing instalments.
Just sign up and each day from Monday 2 to Monday 9 March we'll send you a no-nonsense email newsletter that will help you discover the wonders of our planet's natural satellite.We'll show you how to judge the Moon's movement across the sky,and introduce you to some of the most spellbinding sights on its surface.
We'll guide you to the Moon's most dramatic craters and seas,allowing you to discover for yourself the rugged locations that attracted the Apollo astronauts.
Each day during Back Garden Astronomy Week you'll also get essential observing tips and a fascinating insight into the Moon-explaining everything from what's behind its ever-changing phases to how old we think it is.
Sign up today to start your journey of discovery and we'll send you a FREE 62-page digital starter pack including a Guide to the Moon before Back Garden Astronomy Week starts!
SIGN UP TODAY!
Visit www.skyatnightmagazine.com/backgarden to sign up in a few easy steps.
1.Who is the Back Garden Astronomy Week intended for?
A.Researchers studying the universe.
B.Anyone interested in space.
C.Teenagers interested in the Moon.
D.New beginners interested in the Moon.
2.After signing up,what can you receive from this project before Monday 2?
A.Essential observing tips.
B.A free Guide to the Moon.
C.A no-nonsense email newsletter.
D.A chargeable digital starter pack.
3.Where can you most probably read this passage?
A.On a website.
B.On a university bulletin board.
C.In a text book.
D.In a travel guide book.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Scientists warn that our earth is drowning in plastic. The world’s cities produce 2 billion tons of rubbish every year. That number is expected to rise to 3 billion tons by 2050.
We often buy packaged goods but that packaging is often made of plastic. Now, it may be changing. A new environmentally friendly shopping model, called Loop, was recently launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. It aims to replace throwaway containers with reusable ones. This is what some people call the zero-waste movement. The main belief driving this movement is that much of the trash we create is unnecessary.
Loop is the idea of TerraCycle, a recycling company. It first came from the “milkman model” of the 1950s in the US. Back then, someone brought milk to your doorstep in glass bottles and then left with empty bottles. These could be cleaned and used again. The result is zero-waste. Loop will work the same way. Instead of throwing away, the product comes in a reusable one. When the product is all gone, someone will collect and clean the old container, fill it up and then return it to you.
At the start, Loop will offer about 300 products. Proctor & Gamble will start by selling 10 products on Loop as a test. If the results are good, more products will be added later.
Representatives from Greenpeace also joined in the discussion about Loop at Davos. Jennifer Morgan said that “Greenpeace welcomes the aim of the Loop Alliance to move away from throwaway culture and disposability. But I doubt whether companies worldwide are ready to change their business models”.
Loop is set to launch later in three eastern U. S. states, and also in Paris, France and some of the surrounding area. Then Loop plans to expand to the U. S. West Coast, Toronto, Canada and Britain by the end of this year.
1.The purpose of Loop is to___________.
A.make packaging easier
B.reduce the plastic waste
C.lower the production cost
D.change shopping model
2.What is the third paragraph mainly about?
A.The origin of the idea of Loop.
B.The way to recycle milk bottles.
C.The future of shopping pattern.
D.The benefit of recycling containers.
3.What is Morgan’s attitude towards the current situation of loop?
A.Optimistic. B.Desperate.
C.Worried. D.Ambiguous.
4.What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
A.To show scientists’ concern about plastic.
B.To present us benefits of recycling plastic.
C.To introduce the zero-waste shopping model.
D.To inform us of an environmental issue.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
When Americans Kay and Larry Day found a store selling kites nearly 20 years ago, they decided to buy a few kites for their children. For fun, Larry bought one for himself. “He went out and flew it and decided he needed to go back and get a better one.” Kay remembered. Since then, she and her husband have loved kite - flying. They own many kites and plan trips around flying them. They also organize a kite - flying event each winter in their hometown in lowa. “I’m at peace when I’m flying.” said Larry.
Kite - flying has a long history as an activity for adults and children. The custom of flying a piece of cloth high in the sky began more than 2, 000 years ago in China. Since then, kites have been used to do scientific experiments, power boats, take pictures from the air and much more.
“There is a kind of a kite for everybody out there.” said Nic O’Neill, president of the American Kitefliers Association. “Kite - flying can be done alone or with friends and family. And kite - flying requires skill, but also a little artistry. Experience makes a difference, as does the weather.” she added.
“Sometimes the best flying conditions happen in winter - on a frozen lake.” said Kay Day, who with her husband organizes the Color the Wind Kite Festival. It takes place every February on Clear Lake in lowa. This year, more than 100 children attended a kite - making class. Kiters are a really good group of people. It’s a family.
“The kiting community makes everyone feel welcome. said Oregon. “Her two children started flying kites about three years ago after attending a kite festival. And the kite fliers we know want to teach the kids everything they can,” she added. “They like that there’s a new generation coming up.” Her sons, Dylan, and Cardin, fly with kiters of all ages. “I do enjoy seeing different people.” Dylan said.
The 13 - year - old also likes the happy feelings that he experiences when his kite moves through the sky.“ It’s really calming.” he said.
1.Why does Larry like flying kites?
A.It can bring much fun. B.It is his favorite hobby.
C.It will build up the body. D.It helps him feel good in mind.
2.According to Nic O’Neill, we know that
A.individuals are not recommended to fly kites
B.China is the home of flying kites
C.flying kites is suitable for all people
D.weather conditions are not important in kite - flying
3.What can we learn about people in kiting community?
A.They are a group of grown - ups.
B.They get on well with each other.
C.They can acquire everything.
D.They tend to make new friends.
4.What is the best title for the text?
A.Kite- Flying: a Lift to People of All Ages
B.Kite - Flying: a Traditional Custom of China
C.Kite - Flying: a Close Bond to Strangers
D.Kite - Flying: a Hobby of Family Members
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析