While you’re grounded and social distancing, you can still travel the world through the pages of these novels whose setting is often the main character. Whether going back in time to Cartegna, Colombia in “Love in the Time of Cholera” or getting lost on a remote volcanic Russian peninsula in “Disappearing Earth”, these books will transport you all around the globe.
1. ‘Snow Falling on Cedars’ by David Guterson
Puget Sound, Washington
While San Piedro is a fictional island in the real life San Juan Islands off Washington, the location of this haunting mystery is believed to be based on Bainbridge Island, which is more to the south in Puget Sound. But for anyone who’s been to these Pacific Northwest islands and experienced their pine and cedar forests and quiet harbors, the book’s description of San Piedro rings true: “a brand of green beauty that inclined its residents toward the poetical.”
2. ‘Disappearing Earth’ by Julia Phillips
Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
This detective fiction’s main character is Kamchatka, the remote Siberian peninsula full of unique
characters who reveal the ethnic and cultural conflicts of the region, all connected by a crime.
3. ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Cartagena, Colombia
Although the location of the book goes unnamed, it’s generally accepted that Marquez’s hometown was the inspiration for this story of unrequited love. The film adaptation was shot within the walls of the Old City.
4. ‘Florida’ by Lauren Groff
Florida
Storms, snakes, sinkholes and stories? Welcome to Florida. The fantastical tales in this collection span centuries, characters and towns, but all take place in the Sunshine State. You’ll be swept up in a wild hurricane of a ride with these lyrical stories of anger and love, loss and hope.
1.The text is especially helpful for those who ________.
A.are fond of traveling B.are afraid of working
C.are eager to read D.are happy to be grounded
2.Which of the following is an imaginary place?
A.San Piedro. B.Puget Sound.
C.San Juan Islands. D.Bainbridge Island.
3.Which book will you choose if you like the stories in the Sunshine State?
A.Snow Falling on Cedars
B.Disappearing Earth
C.Love in the Time of Cholera
D.Florida
难度: 简单查看答案及解析
The moment I see a beautiful cloud while driving, taking in the colorful light during a sunset, or watching birds flying south, I begin to think what we are supposed to learn from nature and animals. Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. As seasons change, we are guided to learn acceptance and non-resistance. A green leaf doesn’t resist turning red when autumn approaches. Trees don’t resist leaves falling when winter arrives. They stand deeply rooted in the ground, with their vulnerability out in the open and branches spread wide, giving up to the universe. Do what you will with me; I trust it is for my highest good.
Who said that the bamboo is more beautiful than the maple tree and maple tree is more valuable than the bamboo? Does the bamboo feel jealous of the maple tree because it is bigger and its leaves change color? The idea of trees comparing themselves to others is ridiculous, as should humans comparing themselves to one another. We must compare our growth to who we were yesterday not to the growth of another. Everyone is incomparably unique.
The community of bees and ants all participate together to benefit all those in their community. We each have our own calling that is best performed by us. Each part is necessary for a functioning family, community, nation and world. Embrace your special responsibility, share it proudly with the world, and always do your best.
Birds flying through the sky represent the limitless freedom and potential available to us if we release our fears. Taking off to fly for the first time can be scary and bring about feelings of fear. Without taking the risk of the first flight, we won’t find the internal freedom we desire. We must dare to take our feet off the ground, spread our wings and fly.
1.What does the underlined word “vulnerability” in paragraph 1 mean?
A.Weakness. B.Possibility.
C.Disability. D.Resistance.
2.What does the example of the bamboo and the maple tree indicate?
A.We humans should learn from one another.
B.There is no sense in comparing different plants.
C.Everyone has his own quality and strengths.
D.Each part is necessary for a functioning world.
3.What can we learn from bees and ants?
A.Independence. B.Unity.
C.Pride. D.Diligence.
4.Which is the main idea of this text?
A.Acceptance and non-resistance are the law of nature.,
B.The bamboo is more beautiful than the maple tree.
C.Animals’ way of living has changed human’s life.
D.Humans can learn from nature and animals.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Latin and the works of Sophocles (索福克勒斯,诗人) are no longer the preserve of private schools thanks to a project that links professors with underprivileged teenagers.
The new project between King’s College London (KCL) and Newham Sixth Form College in east London offering lessons in Classics to bright senior-three students is now in its second year.
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds with high academic potential can attend the classes, which are designed to inspire and engage them in challenging topics that are often the preserve of private schools.
Lecturers cover subjects including ancient literature, religion, theology, Persian history and philosophy. Some teenagers from neighbouring state schools also attend. The students act out Greek plays such as Antigone by Sophocles and are encouraged to consider Classics as a degree.
Edith Hall, a Classics lecturer at KCL, said: “We wanted to enable the students from Newham to understand the richness and relevance of the classical world. They have a unique opportunity to engage with world-class lecturers,”
Juned Malek,19,who is in his first year at KCL, was introduced to literature, theology, history and philosophy by the classical outreach program when he was at Newham. He now helps to run it. He said the program was “essential in making the myths that surround studying Classics disappear, namely that it is an elitist (精英) subject or that it has limited career opportunities”.
The analytical skills that the degree develops are in high demand by employers, particularly investment banks and law firms.
He said all schools should teach Classics to give a “basic introduction of historical principles passed down through millennia”, adding: “A limited classical education leaves you stuck in the constant present, lacking the ability to use the past as a frame of reference when making decisions.”
1.Why do the professors start the project?
A.To control the study time.
B.To help the underprivileged students.
C.To help the talented students from KCL.
D.To inspire and engage all students in challenging topics.
2.According to the text, who may attend the classes?
A.A naughty student with no talent in study.
B.A bright student with a talent for music.
C.A clever student with disadvantaged background.
D.A talented student with private school learning background.
3.According to the text, which is one of the benefits of studying Classics?
A.Being admitted to the private school.
B.Having limited career choices.
C.Observing the life of the elitists.
D.Having reference when making decisions.
4.Which section in a magazine is this text most likely from?
A.Education. B.Technology.
C.Business. D.Science.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Authorities in China have approved a drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (早老性痴呆), the first new medicine with the potential to treat the cognitive (认知的) disorder in 17 years.
The seaweed-based drug, called Oligomannate, can be used for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, according to a statement from China’s drug safety agency. The approval is conditional however, meaning that while it can go on sale during additional clinical trials, it will be strictly monitored and could be withdrawn if any safety issues should arise.
In September, the team behind the new drug, led by Geng Meiyu at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said they were inspired to look into seaweed due to the relatively low incidence of Alzheimer’s among people who consume it regularly.
In a paper in the journal Cell Research, Geng’s team described how a sugar contained within seaweed prevents certain bacteria contained in the gut (肠子) which can cause neural decline and infection of the brain, leading to Alzheimer’s.
This mechanism was confirmed during a clinical trial carried out by Green Valley, a Shanghai based pharmaceutical company that will be bringing the new drug to market.
Conducted on 818 patients, the trial found that Oligomannate-which is got from brown algae (海藻)－can statistically improve cognitive function among people with Alzheimer’s in as little as four weeks, according to a statement from Green Valley.
The company said Oligomannate will be available in China “very soon”, and it is currently seeking approval to market it abroad, with plans to launch third-phase clinical trials in the US and Europe in early 2020.
1.What can Oligomannate be used for?
A.Curing the severe Alzheimer’s.
B.Treating the minor Alzheimer’s.
C.Killing all bacteria in the body.
D.Treating all cognitive disorders.
2.What inspired the team to look into the seaweed?
A.The praise from a patient with Alzheimer’s.
B.An incident of brain infection in the laboratory.
C.The approval for the seaweed research from the authorities.
D.The low occurrence of the disease among people eating the seaweed.
3.What causes the Alzheimer’s?
A.The brown algae.
B.The wound of the head.
C.Some bacteria contained in the gut.
D.A sugar contained within seaweed.
4.What is the company Green Valley’s attitude to the future of Oligomannate?
A.Optimistic. B.Uncertain.
C.Indifferent. D.Anxious.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Protecting Yourself Against COVID-19
You’re probably really worried about the COVID-19 virus, especially if there are confirmed cases near you. Fortunately, you can take action to protect yourself and your family from getting infected.
1. Wash your hands with soap and water to minimize your infection risk. The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to wash your hands as often as possible. Wet your hands with warm water. 1. And then rinse your hands clean under warm running water.
2. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. 2. When this happens, the germs can stay on your hands, so you can easily infect yourself if you touch your face with dirty hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth in case the virus is on your skin.
3. 3. Since COVID-19 is a respiratory infection (呼吸道感染), coughing and sneezing are common symptoms. Additionally, coughing and sneezing both release the virus into the air, so they may increase your risk of infection. Keep your distance from people who appear to have symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.
4. Stay home as much as possible to distance yourself from other people. You’ve probably heard about “social distancing” or “physical distancing” which can help limit the spread of the virus.4. If you can, work or do your schoolwork at home, as well. Don’t go out to eat, hang out in bars, or participate in recreational activities, like going to the movies.
5. Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth when in public. The WHO recommends even healthy people wear cloth coverings when expecting to encounter others in public, like when you are going to the grocery store or using public transportation. “5.”,experts also warn.
A.Ask the person to stay away from you.
B.Wash them with soap for 20-30 seconds.
C.Always wash your hands before you eat or drink anything.
D.Face coverings are NOT a replacement for social distancing!
E.Distance yourself from people who are coughing or sneezing.
F.Only get out for necessities, like buying necessary groceries or going to work.
G.You may come into contact with corona virus on a surface, like a doorknob or countertop.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
At an airport I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her plane’s ________ and he said, “I love you. I wish you ________.” They kissed good-bye and she left.
He walked over to where I was seated. I could see he wanted to ________.I tried not to ________ him, but he welcomed me in by asking, “Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?” “Yes, I have,” I ________.
Saying that brought back ________ I had of expressing my ________ and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Knowing his days were________,I took the time to tell him how much he ________ to me. So I knew what this man was experiencing.
“Forgive me for asking, but why is this a(n) ________ good-bye?” I asked.
“I am old and she lives too far away. I have challenges ahead and her next trip back will be for my ________,” he said ________.
“I heard you say,” I wish you enough. “May I ask what that means?”
He began to smile. “That’s a wish ________ from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.” He ________ into the air as if trying to remember it in ________.
“When we said ‘I wish you enough’, we ________ the other person to have a life filled with enough good things,” then he shared the following as if he were ________ it from memory.
“I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude ________. I wish you enough ________ to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest ________ in life appear much bigger. I wish enough ‘Hellos’ to get you through the final ‘Good-bye’.”
He then began to sob and walked away.
1.A.arrival B.departure C.accident D.delay
2.A.enough B.happiness C.luck D.success
3.A.shout B.laugh C.cry D.fly
4.A.interrupt B.meet C.invite D.disturb
5.A.added B.replied C.thought D.promised
6.A.words B.gifts C.memories D.stories
7.A.anger B.regret C.love D.sorrow
8.A.numbered B.wasted C.lost D.spent
9.A.turned B.spoke C.gave D.meant
10.A.instant B.forever C.unforgettable D.disappointing
11.A.funeral B.birthday C.anniversary D.wedding
12.A.loudly B.happily C.sadly D.calmly
13.A.taken up B.taken down C.given away D.handed down
14.A.looked down B.looked up C.looked around D.looked forward
15.A.detail B.surprise. C.trouble D.silence
16.A.forced B.wanted C.encouraged D.persuaded
17.A.reciting B.singing C.reaching D.painting
18.A.different B.right C.negative D.bright
19.A.sky B.storm C.light D.rain
20.A.results B.hardships C.joys D.failures
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
In 1949 when the People’s Republic of China was founded, 1. number of people living in urban areas accounted for only about 10 percent of the total 2. (populate).
China is today home 3. more than half of the skyscrapers in the world. Of these, 680 are more than 200 meters tall. In addition,310 skyscrapers 4. (add) in the country since 2015.In contrast, only 33 new skyscrapers were built in the United States during the same period.
One of the best-known examples of skyscrapers in China is the Shanghai Tower, the nation’s 5. （tall)and world’s second highest building. 6. (stand) in the heart of Lujiazui, the 132-story building has 575,000 square meters of space 7. can accommodate up to 40,000 people. The 114 8. (elevator) running inside the building have been arranged like metro lines, heading to different floors and at different speeds.
“What we want to achieve and demonstrate to developers and designers of skyscrapers around the world is 9. we can make living and working in 10. (high)populated cities more efficient, energy-saving and fun through skyscrapers,” says Ge Qing, chief engineer and architect of the building.
As the first skyscraper in China that is more than 600 meters tall, the Shanghai Tower has the highest recognition of the energy and resource efficiency of a building.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有10处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。每处错误涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。
增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号（∧），并在其下面写出该加的词。
删除：把多余的词用斜线（＼）划掉。
修改：在错的词下画一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意：1. 每处错误及其修改均仅限一词。
2. 只允许修改10处，多者（从11处起）不计分。
With our activity approach, I’m now writing to invite you to join us. Here are some detail about it.
The activity will be organized to a farm from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the next Sunday. What we had to do is to gather together at the school gate at 8:30 a.m. We are expected to pay a visit to the farm first. After that we will enjoy picking vegetables by ourself. We also have the opportunity to look after animals for a while, without that I will be disappointing because of my passion for animals. Knowing that you’re really into nature, I believe you will definite have a good time.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
假定你是李华，你的澳大利亚朋友Tom 打算今年暑假到你市某高校进行一个月的游学。出发前他向你了解更多相关信息，请你给他回信。内容包括：
1. 欢迎他的到来；
2. 课程介绍；
3. 费用、住宿及其它。
注意：1. 词数100左右；
2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Dear Tom,
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours
Li Hua
难度: 中等查看答案及解析