When Gitanjali Rao shared how she likes “finding solutions to real problems”, it was hard to imagine this dynamic 11-year-old girl could settle a problem that has escaped scientists for years.
In just three months, Rao came up with a device（装置）that can replace the costly and lengthy tests currently used to reliably determine lead levels in our fresh water. Inspired by the current litigation （诉讼）in Flint, Michigan, a case of water pollution from 2014 to 2015, Rao designed a new testing system that resulted in her being named America’s Top Young Scientist for 2017.
Rao had been following the water problem for about two years. She was amazed by the number of people affected by lead pollution in water and wanted to do something to change this. Gitanjali spent months trying to convince local high schools and colleges to give her lab time to continue her experiment. At home, Gitanjali worked on her project in the “science room” she asked her parents to create for her. Rao has created a device that uses three parts: a cartridge, a Bluetooth reader and an app. To put it simply, the cartridge contains carbon nanotubes（纳米管） that react to lead. This reaction is then registered by the Bluetooth reader, which sends a signal to a mobile app that can tell you immediately if your water is safe to drink.
Rao appropriately named the device Tethys after the Greek goddess of fresh water, and is hoping to make a little improvement to get the device on the market. While we may not be aware of any lead pollution present in our aging pipelines, lead poisoning can cause delays in physical and mental development. With Rao believing that the “purpose of science is to make a difference”, her incredible invention could make a difference to millions of people in the United States.
1.What do we know about Rao’s device?
A. It’s cheap and quick.
B. It’s cheap and inaccurate.
C. It’s expensive and reliable.
D. It’s portable and time-consuming.
2.What made Rao have the idea of designing the device?
A. Her parents’ suggestions.
B. The name of the Greek goddess.
C. Her interest in settling real problems.
D. The water pollution litigation in Flint.
3.What do the carbon nanotubes function as?
A. Sending immediate signals.
B. Recording the reaction results.
C. Detecting the presence of lead.
D. Showing the water quality results.
4.What does the author think of Rao’s invention?
A. It will lead Rao to make a fortune.
B. It will help millions of Americans drink safe water.
C. It will promote the development of science in America.
D. It will soon settle the lead-polluted problem thoroughly.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
If you’re new to San Francisco, paying the city a visit, or simply looking for a new playground for you and your dog, here are four of the finest dog parks in San Francisco.
◆ Corona Heights Dog Park
Often visited by residents from all over the city because of its nearness to the Randall Museum, Corona Heights
Dog Park offers pets and owners breathtaking views, after a steep hillside climb, and a fenced dog area that allows dogs to let loose without a leash（狗链）. Owners will also enjoy the playground, tennis courts and basketball courts.
◆ Dolores Dog Park
The grounds of Dolores Park once served as camps for those who were left homeless by the 1906 earthquake, but now often visited by crowds of Mission District people. Four-legged friends can also wander about carefree off-leash while making friends with other members of the doggie community.
◆ Pine Lake Dog Park
Noteworthy for its place as a rest stop for hundreds of species of birds to fly to and from warmer climates, Pine Lake Park is also prized by city dogs and their owners for their nice hiking paths, picturesque lake suited for swimming, and an off-leash area on the park's west end that lets dogs run free.
◆ Buena Vista Dog Park
At 146 years young, Buena Vista Park is San Francisco’s oldest park. Dogs and owners with plus energy will love burning it on this park’s steep paths and winding staircases. Dog owners should have good control over their dogs, as it’s quite easy for dogs to get separated when going through Buena Vista’s many twists and turns.
1.Why do dog owners take their pets to Dolores Dog Park?
A. To let them socialize. B. To give them rescue lessons.
C. To help them lose weight. D. To increase their physical activities.
2.Which dog park is popular with bird lovers?
A. Corona Heights Dog Park. B. Dolores Dog Park.
C. Pine Lake Dog Park. D. Buena Vista Dog Park.
3.What is special about Buena Vista Dog Park?
A. It is suitable for swimming. B. It is close to a museum.
C. Dogs must be on a leash. D. Dogs can go climbing.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Imagine jet-setting from Tokyo to Paris, enjoying first-class travel, a four-course dinner and a city tour－all without leaving the ground. This is the future of air travel according to Japanese company First Airlines, which has used the power of virtual reality to create dream vacations.
Passengers avoid the costly airport transfer, the baggage fees or busy airport terminal（航站楼）－and instead enjoy the privileges of business or first-class travel and an expensive tour of Paris－all while remaining motionless in Tokyo. As well as Paris, First Airlines also offers the virtual destinations of New York, Rome and Hawaii.
After boarding, guests can settle down for the two-hour flight on their advanced Airbus seat－surrounded by decoration that is modeled on the inside of an aircraft, for maximum realism. There is flight service and VR, foods, music for every destination. Passengers will be served a delicious meal by air stewards, alongside drinks and other desserts. The menu depends on the destination of choice－Manhattan clam chowder and cheesecake for New York and salmon tartar and onion soup for Paris. After landing at the destination, guests can enjoy a 360-degree tour of the destination－all thanks to projection（投影）mapping and video.
It makes for a supposedly stress-free vacation, perfect for those whose ability to travel abroad is limited by cost or health. Virtual reality is becoming increasingly present everywhere at all times in the world of travel－allowing travelers to appreciate the wonders of the world, all without leaving their house.
At just 4,980 yen（$ 46）for business class and 5,980 yen（$ 56）for first class－these two- hour flights are far more affordable than their real-life flights. Tokyo citizens eager to experience First Airlines can book a trip on the website, with reservations currently being taken until May 2018.
1.What can we learn about the future of air travel from Tokyo to Paris?
A. It is high-flying. B. It is money-saving.
C. It is power-wasting. D. It is time-consuming.
2.When can passengers enjoy the beauty of the destination?
A. Upon arrival. B. During the flight.
C. After boarding the plane. D. On getting off the plane.
3.The flight is perfect for travelers who .
A. do little physical exercise B. work under great pressure
C. desire to travel a long distance D. have health or money troubles
4.What can be the best title for the text?
A. A Scientific Fantasy B. The Power of Virtual Reality
C. Japan’s Virtual Air Travel Abroad D. Appreciation of the Global Wonders
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
As the parent of a 7-year-old boy, sometimes I feel like “no” is my most frequently said word. But if I look honestly at the big picture of my daily vocabulary, I probably would conclude that it actually contains too much “yes”. Saying yes means opening myself up to new experiences, inviting new or deeper relationships. But too much “yes” leaves any of us feeling anxious, overcommitted（过分受约束的）and powerless to set and maintain boundaries in our lives.
This had been on my mind when The Book of No: 365 Ways to Say It and Mean It－and Stop People-Pleasing.
Forever came across my desk. The new edition of this decade-old book by psychologist Susan Newman is a must-read book for those of us who struggle to say “no” with authenticity, confidence and kindness.
Newman calls people who feel forced to say yes all their way through life “people-pleasers”. The chief symptoms of this condition include associating helping others with your self-respect, holding expectations that you will care for others and feeling unwilling to state your own needs when a request comes your way. For people-pleasers, “yes is the path of least resistance and the way to avoid damaging your relationship with the asker,” Newman writes.
The book offers brief dialogues for hundreds of scenarios in which “no” is the right answer, for reasons ranging from time management to financial pressures to emotional boundaries. Newman considers what came about among friends, at work, within families and in parenting. Reading through the scenarios, I realized they have some things in common－things that immediately started helping me improve my “no” skills.
Do you think this book might be helpful to you? It’s OK if the answer is “no”, but I do highly recommend it for your Positive Reading List shelf.
1.Why does the author include his own personal experience in Paragraph 1?
A. To blame himself. B. To show how to guide kids.
C. To tell his likes and dislikes. D. To help recommend a book.
2.What is mainly talked about in Paragraph 3?
A. How to deal with a request.
B. Why askers turn to others for a favor.
C. Why people-pleasers say “yes” too often.
D. How to strengthen relationships with askers.
3.What does the underlined word “scenarios” probably mean?
A. Occasions. B. Processes.
C. Adventures. D. Stories.
4.What does the author advise us to do?
A. Give no response to any demand.
B. Learn to say “no” in a positive way.
C. Keep open all channels of communication.
D. Say “yes” constantly without feeling guilty.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Caregivers care for someone with an illness, injury or disability. Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. 1. Women especially are at risk for the harmful health effects of caregiver stress. These health problems may include stress and anxiety. There are ways to manage caregiver stress.
The first thing to do is learn ways to better help your loved one. 2. To find these classes, ask your doctor or call your local Area Agency on Aging.
Take time out to meditate（冥想）or reflect. Spending 10 to 20 minutes twice a day to “clear your head” can work wonders when you’re feeling overburdened. Some caregivers learn meditation techniques from classes or books on the subject, while others simply take time out to quietly reflect. 3.
Exercising is another good way to help mind and body recover. It’s one of the best-known techniques for reducing stress and keeping healthy. A quick walk several times each week gives you significant health benefits. 4.
Your library may offer exercise DVDs. Invite a friend over to join you. 5. Nursing a garden, watching a favorite TV show, or reading an article that interests you. Your favorite hobby can help “center” you and remind you that you still have a life outside of caregiving. You must make some time－even for 10－to take care of yourself.
A. Stress from caregiving is common.
B. Try to do something you enjoy every day.
C. You’d better keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings.
D. Find caregiving resources in your community to help you.
E. Whichever way you choose, it’s important that you focus on clearing your mind.
F. There are many good indoor choices, too, from walking in place to yoga or tai chi.
G. Some hospitals offer classes that can teach you how to care for someone with an injury or illness.
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
Experts say boredom is good for kids. It forces them to be creative, ______ their imaginations, and helps them discover new things. A(n) ______ in point is 13－year－old Luke Thrill from Dubuque, Iowa.
Luke was ______of playing video games and riding his bike, so he decided to build a tiny house in his backyard instead. He made money from cutting lawns(草坪) and ______ exchanged some services, such as gaining the help of an electrical engineer ______ sweeping his garage. Luke also ______ spare materials from his grandmother's house and other ______ materials from his neighbors for some of the windows and the door.
The 89－square－foot home cost $1, 500 to build and ______ 18 months. Inside there's a kitchenette, a back sitting room, a table and a mounted(镶嵌的) TV, and an upstairs bedroom can be easily ______ by stairway.
Although Luke did the ______ and learned how to do all the work, he had his father's ______ throughout the project. Greg Thrill was very happy that his son learned to stay on ______ and deal with grown－ups. ______， he had some simple rules when Luke ______ the house: “You ______ the money. You build it. And you own it.”
Luke is now in love with ________. He has a YouTube channel and hopes to ______ other kids to start building. ______， he wants to build a bigger tiny house to live in, but for now, he ______ in his new home a few nights a week, does homework there, and uses it to take a ______ from his twin brother.
1.A. changes B. ignores C. improves D. weakens
2.A. method B. explanation C. procedure D. case
3.A. tired B. fond C. confident D. guilty
4.A. thus B. even C. still D. anyhow
5.A. in exchange for B. in praise for C. in support of D. in place of
6.A. updated B. ordered C. removed D. used
7.A. recycled B. cheap C. new D. raw
8.A. spent B. took C. saved D. wasted
9.A. supported B. accessed C. held D. landed
10.A. research B. housework C. experiment D. discovery
11.A. permission B. help C. control D. order
12.A. credit B. business C. budget D. duty
13.A. Therefore B. Besides C. Rather D. However
14.A. finished B. decorated C. started D. painted
15.A. borrow B. donate C. raise D. distribute
16.A. books B. videos C. riding D. building
17.A. inspire B. press C. command D. warn
18.A. Luckily B. Eventually C. Frequently D. Strangely
19.A. brings out B. leaves out C. hangs out D. puts out
20.A. ride B. risk C. chance D. break
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。
Roofs and windows of buildings aren’t the only surfaces that can be used to produce solar power. In China, 1. （construct）has begun of the country’s first solar highway, in which solar panels are placed underneath transparent concrete.
The solar highway is a 2 km stretch（一段）of road 2.（lie）on the Jinan City Expressway, and it’s divided into three layers. The see-through concrete protects a set of solar panels of two 3.size）. Beneath the solar panels 4. （be）a layer that separates them from the damp ground.
The road 5.（it）has already been completed, and now it’s only a matter of connecting the grid（输电网）, 6. is expected to be finished by the end of the year alongside the completion of the Jinan Expressway’s south section.
This isn’t the first solar road China has worked on. Earlier this year, the Qilu Transportation Development Group, also handling the Jinan Expressway solar road, 7.（build）a 160-meter- long solar road in 8. city of Jinan. It has the ability of heating up to keep the highway clear 9. snow and ice* and is able to 10. （wireless） charge electric vehicles. The new solar highway is expected to one day be equipped with the same features.
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。每处错误仅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：在错的词下划一横线，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（从第 11 处起）不计分。
People always say that we lack of the eyes of realizing the beauty in life. I can’t agree complete. Last Friday, I woke up very early and decide to take a walk. In the square there many senior citizens were dancing, I found several elders bury in feeding birds. Without many cars, I realized the city looked so clean but beautiful. Some coffee shops were decorated pretty well, which attracted our eyes. The whole city was covered with green trees, making it green city. At this moment, I found the city was so interested. How I regret ignore its beauty before!
难度: 中等查看答案及解析
假定你是李华，打算去澳大利亚参加游学夏令营活动（tour-and-learn summer camp）。请给你的澳大利 亚笔友 John 写一封电子邮件，告知参加目的和所需帮助。
注意：1. 词数 100 左右；2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
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难度: 中等查看答案及解析