Speed-reading is an indispensable skill in the Internet age. We skim over articles, e-mails and tweets to try to grasp key words and the essential meaning of a certain text. Bombarded with information from our electronic devices, it would be impossible to cope（应付）if we read word by word, line by line.

But a new trend calls on people to unplug and enjoy reading slowly, listing benefits beyond intellectual stimulation.

A recent story from The Wall Street Journal reported on a book club in Wellington, New Zealand, where members meet in a cafe and turn off their smart phones. They sink into cozy chairs and read in silence for an hour.

Unlike traditional book clubs, the point of the Slow Reading Club isn’t exchanging ideas about a certain book, but to get away from electronic devices and read in a quiet, relaxed environment. According to the Journal, the Wellington book club is just one example of a movement initiated (发起) by book lovers who miss the old-fashioned way of reading before the Internet and smart phones.

Slow readers, such as The Atlantic’s Maura Kelly, say a regular reading habit sharpens the mind, improves concentration, reduces stress levels and deepens the ability to empathize.

Some of these benefits have been backed up by science. For example, a study of 300 elderly people published by the journal Neurology last year showed that regular engagement in intellectually strenuous activities like reading slowed the rate of memory loss later in life.

Slow reading means a return to an uninterrupted pattern in a quiet environment free of distractions. “Aim for 30 minutes a day,” advises Kelly from The Atlantic. “You can squeeze in that half hour pretty easily if only during your free moments – whenever you find yourself automatically firing up your laptop to check your favorite site, or scanning Twitter for something to pass the time – you pick up a meaningful work of literature,” Kelly said. “Reach for your e-reader, if you like. Kindles make books like War and Peace less heavy, not less substantive(真实的), and also ensure you’ll never lose your place.”

1.We prefer speed –reading because ____.

A. we rely on e-mails and tweets too much.

B. we are busier than before

C. we have to read faster to get more information

D. we do not enjoy reading any more

2.The aim of setting the Slow Reading Club is to encourage people to _____.

A. share their ideas about a certain book

B. read old-fashioned books

C. read as many books as possible

D. to enjoy slow reading

3.We can learn from the passage that __________.

A. the benefits of regular reading hasn’t been proved

B. for elderly people ,a good reading habit helps slow memory loss

C. speed reading can improve concentration and reduce stress levels

D. more elderly people enjoy slow reading now

4.According to the last paragraph, a kindle is probably ________.

A. a software for downloading e-books

B. a software that helps people read slowly

C. a website for people to exchange books

D. a website for people to share their ideas about a book

5.What can be the best title of the passage？

A. Enjoy Speed-reading B. Enjoy Slow-Reading

C. Enjoy Effective Reading D. Enjoy Online Reading

The best selling children’s book, Pipilu Sending You 100 Lives, has been adapted into a homonymous play that will be put on for the first time next March and tour around 50 cities in China.

The book was adapted by the Hangzhou based Star Dream Factory.

“We don’t want to descend to the average children’s dramas that are overly eager to please the kids,” said Huang Qin, director of Star Dream Factory. “We want to provide something practically useful and mystically entertaining.”

The original book by Chinese children’s book writer Zheng Yuanjie focuses on safety tips for kids. With Zheng’s usual candor and simplicity, the book avoids sugar-coating reality. Instead, it illustrates the potential dangers in everyday life and provides possible solutions.

Zheng recalled that when he saw his new-born baby in the hospital, the first thought that hit him was to do his utmost to guarantee his son’s safety.

“Safety is of the greatest importance to a human being,” said Zheng. “If the person is gone, nothing else will matter.”

According to Zheng, there is no preaching or soapboxing in his book. He said that he just wanted to talk and tell the plain truth to the children in an easily understandable way.

This line of thought will be echoed in the theatrical reproduction, said director Guo Yan. She also said that the play will place emphasis on multimedia effects and the interaction with the families.

“Theatre may not ensure the children a path to professional esteem and better jobs in society, but it does have the power to give them strength (at heart),” said Huang Qin.

Huang also calls for consistent attention to child safety, pointing out the lack of universal education and effective legal channels.

The show is expecting an estimated audience of more than 100,000 people during its domestic tour in the upcoming year.

1. Pipilu Sending You 100 Lives has been adapted into a play by ____.

A. Huang Qin . B. Zheng Yuanjie.

C. Guo Yan. D. Star Dream Factory

2. Which of the following words has the closest meaning to the underlined word candor in paragraph 4?

A. difficulty. B. safety

C. responsibility D. honesty

3. The book Pipilu Sending You 100 Lives is trying to tell the readers __________.

A. how Pipilu give you 100 lives in a clear way

B. how Pipilu can live a more interesting life in a simple way

C. how we can live a safer life in an understandable way

D. how we can have 100 lives in a pleasing way

4. According to Zheng,safety __________.

A. is more important to people than any other things

B. is an essential part only to all the children

C. is more important to the old than the young

D. is more important to the young than the old

5. The purpose of the passage is to______？

A. introduce a play to remind children of the importance of safety

B. introduce a book and its homonymous play to the readers

C. tell the readers how to keep safe

D. tell the readers how important safety is

People with mentally taxing jobs, including lawyers and graphic designers, may end up having better memory in old age, research suggests.

A study of more than 1,000 Scottish 70-year-olds found that those who had had complex jobs scored better on memory and thinking tests.

One theory is that a more stimulating environment helps build up a “cognitive reserve” to help buffer the brain against age-related decline. The research was reported in Neurology.

The team, from Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, is now planning more work to look at how lifestyle and work interact to affect memory loss. Those taking part in the study took tests designed to assess memory, processing speed and general thinking ability, as well as filling in a questionnaire about their working life.

The analysis showed that those whose jobs had required complex skills in dealing with data or people, such as management and teaching, had better scores on memory and thinking tests than those who had done less mentally intense jobs such as factory workers, bookbinders, or carpet layers.

While the study did not look at biological reasons for the protective effect of certain jobs, potential explanations include that structural changes within the brain mean less damage is accumulated over time.

Study leader Dr Alan Gow said: “Our findings have helped to identify the kinds of job demands that preserve memory and thinking later on.” “However,” He added, “while it is true that people who have higher cognitive abilities are more likely to get more complex jobs, there still seems to be a small advantage gained from these complex jobs for later thinking skills.”

Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said the study added to the growing evidence about factors that affected brain health as we aged.

“Keeping the brain active throughout life could be helpful and different types of work may play a role. However, it’s important to note that this study points to a small and subtle association between occupation and later-life cognition rather than offering proof that people’s occupation has a direct influence.”

1. According to the research, who may have the best memory in old age?

A. Taxi drivers. B. Computer programmers.

C. Supermarket cashiers. D. Motor mechanics.

2. Which of the following about the research work is TRUE?

A. The research team studied both environmental and biological factors.

B. The researchers filled in a questionnaire about their working life.

C. The research objects included people from various jobs and of different ages.

D. The research is helpful to the study of brain health and is still under way.

3. What Dr Alan Gow said implies that __________.

A. their findings are helpful to identifying the kinds of job demands

B. people who do more complex jobs may benefit later thinking skills greatly

C. there exist links between job demands and preservation of memory

D. he didn’t confirm the links between complex jobs and later thinking skills

4.We can learn from Dr Simon Ridley that __________.

A. different occupations may make a difference in keeping the brain active

B. people’s occupation has a direct influence on later-life cognition

C. the study added more evidence about the factors affecting aging

D. the study denied the association between jobs and later-life memory

5. What is the best title of the passage？

A. Aging affects brain health

B. Complex jobs may protect memory

C. Occupations influence aging

D. Complex jobs demand complex skills

A third of 15 to 18-year-olds in the UK have met someone in person they originally met through social media.

The figure comes from an exclusive online Newsbeat poll（投票） of 1,015 British teenagers, put together by Comres. The survey also indicates that a quarter feel happier online than they do in real life.

But overall, real-life relationships are still considered far more important than online ones, according to the findings. Sixty-six per cent polled last month said the number of friends they knew in person was more important to them, compared to 28% who said the same of the number of friends and followers they had online.

The survey also suggests what lots of people know already, that social media is now an integral part of teenagers’ lives. Only one per cent of respondents said they never checked in online for social reasons. Facebook is the most popular social network (89% have an account), followed by Twitter (62%) and Snapchat (58%).

Dr Emma Short, a psychologist at the University of Bedfordshire, said, “The number of teenagers meeting up with people they first befriended online is worrying. Even very sophisticated security experts find it very hard to verify the identity of accounts. When you’re 15 and you’re very effective at identifying friends and risk, it’s easy to assume you can do that online. It’s not safe in that they may not be who they say they are and you know nothing about them apart from the conversation you’ve had online – which is a very small part of their lives and the person they may be.”

The survey also indicated:

? 25% of teenagers admitted they were addicted to social media.

? 25% wished they could give up social media.

“I can’t do without my phone.” says 17-year-old Aisha from Clapton, north London. “I can’t do without checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat.”

When we ask Aisha about the prospect of taking her social networks away, the consequences, genuinely, are too hard to bear.

Jealousy, loneliness, happiness and stress are all emotions felt by teenagers.

1.From the first two paragraphs we get to know that __________.

A. the majority of the teenagers polled met their net friends

B. more and more British adolescents feel happier online

C. a third of 15 to 18-year-olds in the UK make net friends online

D. a little more than 300 adolescents surveyed met net friends

2.According to the survey, which of the following statements is TRUE?

A. Sixty-six per cent polled think it important to meet net friends in person.

B. More British adolescents consider friends in real life are more important.

C. 28% polled said they had the same number of online friends as other 66%.

D. 28% polled have the same number of real life friends and net friends.

3.What does the underlined word “respondents” in Paragraph 4 refer to?

A. researchers B. people

C. reporters D. teenagers

4.Which of the following best conveys Dr Emma Short’s view ?

A. The online friends teenagers meet in person are worrying.

B. It’s easy for 15-year-olds to make online friends.

C. It’s difficult for adolescents to identify online friends and risk.

D. The conversation with your virtual friends is helpful.

5.What is the writer’s attitude towards teenagers meeting up with online friends?

A. Negative. B. Positive. C. Neutral. D. Tolerant.

A. Malta

Malta is a beautiful southern European country in the Mediterranean Sea, which has a rich history and culture. There are amazing sky-high cliffs to climb, wonderful temples to explore, mysterious hidden caves, and lots of wonderful places to go scuba diving. In fact, there are plenty of interesting things to see and to do in Malta and this island country has something for everyone. The historic part of Malta has incredible architecture, great walled cities, and many underground tunnels to explore.

B. Australia

Australia is an amazing continental island country, which everyone should visit at least once in life. It’s often identified as mega diverse country as it boasts a rich culture, fantastic wildlife, nice people, and a plethora of fun and interesting things to see and to do. Australia has literally everything, from the spectacular beaches, canyons, to breathtaking green forests to explore.

C. The Maldives

Not only is the Maldives one of the most beautiful island countries, it is also one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is made up of an entire series of incredible ancient coral reefs that grew up along the sides of ancient volcanoes. There is a magnificent ocean, with fascinating beaches and luxury resorts. If you are looking for the best honeymoon destination, the Maldives will be perfect for you.

D. Cuba

Unfortunately, many people don’t even think of visiting Cuba these days. However, Cuba is a charming island country that boasts the clear blue waters, the white sandy beaches, the best coral reefs in the world, the small shops and numerous attractions. This country has a rich culture and history to explore. And if you like to scuba dive or snorkel, Cuba should be number one on your travel bucket list. Cuba is the closest island to North America, so why not visit it this year?

E. Fiji

Fiji is a wonderful island that has plenty of surprises for any adventurous traveler. There is one of the world’s best surf scenes, and many surfing enthusiasts travel to Fiji yearly to ride the great waves. If surfing is not for you and you love sitting on the beach and relaxing or hiking, seeing breathtaking waterfalls, Fiji is certainly the best island country to visit.

F. Japan

I’m sure there’s no other place on the planet like Japan. It’s an island country where East meets West, the cultures do not clash, and where you will never feel bored. You will fill up on ramen, sushi, experience different culture, go hiking in the spectacular hills, and don’t forget to visit Tokyo. Tokyo’s bars, restaurants, pubs, and clubs are busy each night of the week. If you are a true shopaholic, Japan is a must visit place for you.

以下是几位旅游计划者的介绍，请把人物与其合适的旅游目的地匹配起来。

1.Peter and Jane have just got married. They want to spend their honeymoon on an island where they can see ocean and beautiful beaches. They would like to stay at a luxury hotel.

2.Linda is a young lady who likes shopping and colorful night life. She hopes to spend her holiday in an island country where she will never get bored and do a lot of shopping.

3.Tom is a young man who likes to take adventures. This summer, he wants to go surfing on an island. Meanwhile, he also wants to see waterfalls.

4.James is from The United States. He is planning a holiday to an island that is the closest to North America. He likes scuba diving, and wants to experience the local culture and history.

5.Mary is a university student who majors in ancient history. She prefers to visit an island where she can see historical architectures and experience the local culture.

去年圣诞节前，部分学校决定不允许学生在校园内举行任何与圣诞有关的活动。对于这一决定，不同的学生有不同的看法。

参考词汇：carry forward the traditional culture

【写作要求】

只能用5个句子表达全部内容。

【评分标准】

句子结构准确，信息内容完整，篇章结构连贯。

Parents of teenagers will have heard something like this: Leave me alone or I told you, we didn’t do anything at school. Maybe they’ve had a door or two slammed on them. And maybe they feel that all of their interactions are arguments.

Sarah loves hanging out with her friends. That’s not surprising. Sarah is 16 and it’s typical for teenagers to spend time with their peers, especially their pals. So it makes sense when she gets mad about having to leave get-togethers with her friends early to meet her parents’ rule that she must stay at home after 9 p. m.

“Sometimes my parents don't let me do anything,” Sarah says. “It seems that their rules are for a 10-year-old child, not a 16-year-old one.” Sarah admits she often responds to her parents’ rules by openly complaining about them. And to get her pride again, she sometimes does what she wants behind her parents’ backs.

Sarah’s unwillingness to obey her parents may remind you of your own behavior toward your mom and dad. And the good news for young people is that it is normal for teens to rebel against their parents. “All teens go through a process of separating from their parents in order to gain some independence and a sense of identity,” says John Brightman, a child and adolescent psychologist. “Sometimes this process is accompanied by some anger, defiance(反抗), and eye-rolling. But this stage of shifting relationships is an important part of growing up.”

【写作内容】

1．以约30个词概括上文的主要内容；

2．然后以约120个词谈谈你对“青少年心理叛逆”的看法，内容包括：

1）你认为青少年产生心理叛逆的原因；

2) 你熟悉的青少年典型叛逆期的行为表现；

3) 你是如何解决自己在叛逆期与父母之间的矛盾的。

【写作要求】

1．在作文中可以使用自己亲身的经历或虚构的故事，也可以参照阅读材料的内容，但不得直接引用原文中的句子；

2．作文中不能出现真实姓名和学校名称。

【评分标准】概括准确，语言规范，内容合适，篇章连贯。

Welcome to the 2015 Winter Camp

The 2015 Winter Camp opens between 9: 30 a m and 11:30 a. m .from Feb.5th to Feb. 15th. A11 children aged 8-14 are welcome. Each child can take part in only one of the following activities and needs to pay,￥150 for it

1. Sports (basketball, football, table tennis, etc )

2. Internet Groups (painting online, piano-learning, computer study, etc. )

3. English World (English songs/games/plays, English speaking contest etc.)

Some American children are coming to the camp. If you really want to spend an interesting winter holiday, please join us for learning with fun. Act now! Book your seat as soon as possible either by phone or by e-mail Pay before Jan. 25th, then you can have a Mickey T-shirt as a member of the camp,

Beijing Children's Palace

No. 23, Fu Xing Road, Beijing City

Tel: 010-888093445

E-mail: Children's Palace@163. com

1.This Winter Camp is intended for

A .parents

B. teachers

C. students

D. English learners

2.The participants can do the following things except _____;

A. making friends with American children

B. playing computer games

C. learning English songs

D. having basketball matches

3.What should you do if you want to get a T-shirt?

A. Book the seats as soon as possible.

B. Phone the Palace in advance.

C. Pay money before Jan. 25th

D. Ask some others to join in,

The Asuncion zoo is looking for a mate for Coco, an endangered hyacinth macaw （蓝紫金刚鹦鹉），and it is the last known male of his species left in Paraguay.

Coco was sent to the zoo eight years ago. A recent DNA test showed that he is male. Zoo worker Celia said To avoid mixing species, the zoo has had to keep him apart from the other macaws, which has left him lonely and bored. "He is quite sociable, although he has only learned to say 'Hello', but when he hears music, he dances" Celia said

He has a yellow circle around his eyes that set off the rest of his blue feathers. He is more or less a cousin to Blu , he macaw that starts in the movie, Rio.That species, cyanopsitta-spixii（小蓝金刚鹦鹉），is all blue and even more endangered than the hyacinth macaw.

Like the bird in the movie, scientists hope to find Coco a mate to- rebuild the species. Because international laws against animal training are now so strict, nobody is willing to lend the zoo a female. "The best solution is to find a female hyacinth macaw in our country. " Celia said, "there are at least two other known hyacinth-macaws but without DNA test, it is impossible to know if they are female, and the owners are not willing to help,because the mating process can take some time and be a little hard on females.“

1.From the text we know that Coco____

A. is the last known hyacinth macaw

B. lives apart from the other macaws

C. has adapted to being left alone

D. can say "Hello" when he hears music

2.Why is it difficult to find a mate for Coco?

A. Because there is no known female macaw in Paraguay.

B. Because the international laws are against Coco mating.

C, Because the DNA test on female Coco takes time.

D. Because nobody is willing to hunt for a female.

3.It can be inferred from the text that______.

A. Coco stars Rio in a movie

B. Coco has only blue feathers on his body

C. Coco is the most endangered macaw

D. rebuilding the Coco's species will take time

4.Which of the following would be the best title?

A. Coco, a Rare Macaw-in Asuncion Zoo

B. Asuncion Zoo Is Seeking a Mate for Coco

C. Hyacinth Macaws Are Endangered in Paraguay

D. Coco, the Only Known Male Macaw in Paraguay

In modern society there is a great deal of argument about competition. Some value it highly, believing that it is responsible for social-progress and prosperity. Others say that competition is bad; that it sets one person against another; that it leads to unfriendly relationship between people.

I have taught many children who held the belief that their self-worth relied on how well they performed at tennis and other skills. For them, playing well and winning are often life-and-death affairs. In theirsingle-minded pursuit of success, the development of many other human qualities is sadly forgotten.

However, while some seem to be lost in the desire to succeed, others take an opposite attitude. In a culture which values only the winner and pays no attention to the ordinary players, they strongly blame competition. Among the most vocal are youngsters who have suffered under competitive pressures from their parents or society. Teaching these young people, I often observe in them a desire to fail. They seem to seek failure by not trying to win or achieve success.By not trying, they always have an excuse:"I may have lost, but it doesn't matter because I really didn't try." What is not usually admitted by themselves is the belief that if they had really tried and lost, that would mean a lot Such a loss would be a measure of their worth. Clearly, this belief is the same as that of the true competitors who try to prove themselves. Both are based on the mistake belief that-one's self-respect relies on how well one performs in comparison with others. Both are afraid of not being valued. Only as this basic and often troublesome fear begins to dissolve (缓解) can we discover a new meaning in competition.

1.What does this text mainly talk about?

A Competition helps to set up self-respect.

B. People hold different opinions about competition.

C. Competition is harmful to personal quality development.

D. Failures are necessary experience in competition.

2.Some people favor competition because they think it __.

A. pushes society forward

B. builds up a sense of pride

C. improves social abilities

D. develops people's relationship

3.The underlined phrase "the most vocal”in Paragraph 3 refers to those who

A. try their best to win

B. highly value competition

C. are strongly against competition

D. mostly rely on others for success

4.Which viewpoint does the author agree to?

A Self-worth relys on winning.

B. Competition leads to unfriendly relationship.

C. Winning should be a life-and-death matter.

D. Fear of failure should be removed in competition.