Anyone who doubts if children are born with a healthy amount of ambition need spend only a few minutes with a baby eagerly learning to walk. No matter how many times the little ones stumble in their first efforts, most keep on trying, determined to master their amazing new skill. It is only several years later, many psychologists and teachers agree, that a good number of kids seem to lose their natural drive to succeed. For the parents of such kids, whose own ambition is often tied to their children's success, it can be a painful experience.
Figuring out why the fire went out is the first step. Assuming that a kid doesn't suffer from a learning disability, or isn't involved in some family crisis(危机) at home, many educators attribute a sudden lack of motivation to a fear of failure or classmate pressure.“Everything is within the kids' control；their intelligence is changeable,”says Lisa Blackwell, a research scientist at Columbia University. More than any teacher or workshop, Blackwell says,“Parents can play a key role in conveying this message to their children by praising their effort and progress rather than emphasizing their “smartness” or praising high performance alone. Most of all, parents should let their kids know that mistakes are a part of learning.”
Some experts say our education system, with its strong emphasis on testing and separation of students into different levels of ability, also bears blame for the disappearance of drive in some kids.“These programs shut down the motivation of all kids who aren't considered gifted and talented. They destroy their confidence,” says Jeff Howard, a social psychologist. Howard and other educators say it's important to expose kids to a world beyond homework and tests, through volunteer work, sports, hobbies and other extracurricular activities.
“The problem of the issue is that many students experience education as irrelevant to their life goals and ambition,”says Michael Nakkual, a Harvard education professor. The key to getting kids to aim higher at school is to free them of the idea that class work is irrelevant, and to show them how doing well at school can actually help them fulfill their dreams beyond it. They need to understand that you have to learn to walk before you can run.According to the passage, the parents of kids with no ambition ________.
| A．don't do a very good job on teaching them to walk |
| B．are to blame if the kids do poorly in school |
| C．feel pain because their own ambition is connected to their kids' success |
| D．should take part in extracurricular activities with kids |
The underlined part “the fire went out” probably means ________.
| A．the motivation was suddenly lost |
| B．the fear of failure was suddenly gone |
| C．the learning disability was suddenly lost |
| D．the fire was suddenly gone |
All the following can contribute to a sudden lack of ambition EXCEPT ________.
| A．learning disability | B．classmate pressure |
| C．emphasis on testing | D．extracurricular activities |
What is the most important thing for parents in motivating their kids?
| A．Punishing kids who don't display ambition. |
| B．Emphasizing smartness and high performance. |
| C．Telling kids that mistakes are a part of learning. |
| D．Praising the effort and progress they have made. |
A few months ago, Dr. Ken Duckworth, a psychiatrist（心理医生） in Massachusetts, was swimming in his community's pool, chatting with other swimmers. When he mentioned his career, one man wanted Duckworth’s opinion on his struggles with depression; another asked for advice on a family member's mental illness.
“I was sort of amazed. They were talking openly about their mental disabilities with a stranger in a swimming locker room, ” said Duckworth, “That wouldn't have happened 15 years ago. ”
New research shows that these swimmers aren't the only ones opening up. According to a new study, more American adults than ever are reporting being disabled by the symptoms of depression, anxiety or other emotional problems.
The report, published Thursday in the American Journal of Public Health, found that people who said they couldn’t perform everyday tasks or engage in social and leisure activities because of a mental illness increased from 2 percent in 1999 to 2.7 percent in 2009. That increase amounts to nearly 2 million more people disabled by mental distress (痛苦) in the past decade, the report said.
Although people did not say they felt more mental distressed compared to past years, they reported that their mental health problems had a greater impact on their daily lives.
Dr. Ramin Mojtabai, the study's author, said it's unclear whether the findings tell a sad story of greater mental distress in recent times or point to a victory for public education about the importance of acknowledging and evaluating mental illness.
“It is possible that people are realizing the effects of mental illness more acutely now than before," he said. "People could be becoming more aware. ”
Mojtabai said it's also possible that a number of factors could be taking a toll on the population's mental well-being. High unemployment, economic hardships and a growing sense of isolation could be putting greater stress on Americans.
But Duckworth said there could be a more positive explanation -- like his fellow swimmers, people may be getting more comfortable with talking about their mental distress.
“I wonder if this tells us that American culture is becoming more open and is giving people the ability to speak about it,” he said. “If people have this problem and are willing to acknowledge it, then we're getting closer to dealing with it.”Why was Dr. Ken Duckworth surprised when other swimmers talked about the depression with him?
| A．He hadn’t expected those swimmers had so many questions. |
| B．He didn’t know there would be so many people suffering mental disabilities. |
| C．People wouldn’t talk about their mental disabilities with a stranger in the past. |
| D．It amazed him that people were becoming more and more open-hearted. |
Which of the statements may Dr. Ramin Mojtabai agree?
| A．More and more people are suffering mental distress nowadays. |
| B．People may be more willing to acknowledge their mental illness. |
| C．People are becoming more and more aware of the effects of mental illness. |
| D．The public education about the importance of acknowledging mental illness is successful. |
What does the underline phrase “taking a toll on” in para.8 mean?
| A．making a contribution to |
| B．taking part in |
| C．playing a part in |
| D．doing harm to |
What’s the best title of the text?
| A．How mental illness come about? |
| B．Swimmers with mental illness puzzled psychiatrist. |
| C．Study shows more mental illness. |
| D．You should have an accurate attitude towards mental illness. |
Thailand is a country with a long and rich history. It is also one of those countries which have many traditions which modern times fortunately have not affected. Thailand is famous for its unique culture. It is well worth noting that Thai culture handed down from one generation to the next.
Thai Classical Dance
The inspiring culture includes local music and wonderful Thai dances. The dances of course have something to do with its deep rooted Buddhist religion, fighting arts and beautiful clothing. Thai classical dance performances are generally performed by gracious(高雅的) Thai ladies wearing beautiful Thai local costumes. Most resort(旅游胜地) areas and many hotels frequently offer these Thai culture dance shows for foreign visitors.
Thai Greeting
The Thai unique gesture of greeting another person, the wai, is especially one of the great aspects of Thai culture. The wai is when a person joins both hands to either head or chest level while bending their head slightly towards their hands. This way of greeting is especially done when a younger person greets an older person and it indicates a sign of respect to their elders. Employees would also wai their managers even if the manager would be younger than themselves.
Bangkok
Bangkok is the culture center of Thailand and has been the Thai capital since the end of the eighteenth century. Observing Thai culture in Bangkok can be great experience as the combination of modern times and traditions have created a kind of unique atmosphere. Bangkok offers a package of Thai culture which is shown by numerous beautiful Buddhist temples and many examples of modern Thai architecture.
Bangkok National Museum
Another location in Bangkok where one can enjoy and see Thai culture is at the famed Bangkok national museum, which offers tourists an opportunity to view national treasures and unique Thai art pieces with its culture feature dating back as early as the late sixteenth century.Thai classical dance is related to __________.
| A．living level and education | B．ages and pretty clothing |
| C．the Thai’s customs | D．the Thai’s belief |
If you want to watch Thai culture dance shows you can go to_______.
| A．anywhere in Thailand | B．Thai resort areas or big hotels |
| C．Thai museums or big streets | D．Thai theaters or restaurants |
In Thailand a worker uses the gesture the wai to greet _______.
| A．his young boss | B．a younger stranger |
| C．his younger colleagues | D．his close friend |
What make Thai culture in Bangkok so unique?
A, The long history and fine weather of Bangkok.
B. The mixture of the modern culture and traditions.
C. A number of beautiful Thai Buddhist temples
D. Many examples of modern Thai architecture.
Motherhood Is a Career to Respect
A woman renewing her driver’s license at the Country Clerk’s office was asked to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
“What I mean is,” explained the recorder, “do you have a job, or are you just a …”
“Of course I have a job,” said Emily, “I ’m a mother.”
“We don’t list ‘mother’ as an occupation…‘housewife’ covers it,” said the recorder.
One day I found myself in the same situation. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, confident and possessed of a high sounding title. “What is your occupation?” she asked.
The words simply popped out. “I’m a Research Associate(研究员) in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.”
The clerk paused, ballpoint pen frozen in mid-air.
I repeated the title slowly, then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement(声明) was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
“Might I ask,” said the clerk with interest, “just what you do in your field?”
Coolly, without any trace of panic in my voice, I heard myself reply, “I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn’t), in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?), and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.”
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk’s voice as she completed the form, stood up, and showed me out.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up(激励) by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants—ages 13,7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model (a 6-month-old baby), in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt proud! I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable(不可缺少的) to mankind than “just another mother”.
Motherhood… What a glorious career! Especially when there’s a title on the door.How did the female clerk feel at first when the writer told her occupation?
| A．Cold-hearted. | B．Open-minded. |
| C．Puzzled. | D．Interested. |
How many children does the writer have?
| A．3 | B．4 | C．7 | D．13 |
Why did the woman clerk show more respect to the writer?
| A．Because she thought the writer did admirable work. |
| B．Because the writer cared little about rewards. |
| C．Because the writer did something that she had little knowledge of. |
| D．Because she admired the writer’s research work. |
What is the point of the article?
| A．To show that how you describe your job affects your feelings toward it. |
| B．To show that the writer had a grander job than Emily. |
| C．To argue that motherhood is a worthy career. |
| D．To show that being a mother is hard and boring work. |
For some students, especially those from poor families, taking a job is not a matter of choice, but necessity. They need to work to save for college, or even to supplement family income. Counselors should help students who have a real need to work improve time management skills and seek employment that helps their educational goals.
“College costs are high, and young adults also want the amenities (便利设施) that extra money brings,” according to John B. Boshoven, counselor for continuing education at Community High School in Michigan. However, he warns, “School is my students’ full-time job.”
Studies show that students who work are more confident and possess better time management skills than students who are not employed. In addition to offering a paycheck, some independence, and satisfaction, a part-time job can provide teenagers with both training and experience. Working teaches students about responsibility and can also reinforce (充实) what they are learning in school. “Colleges want to find candidates who demonstrate maturity, responsibility, independence, and initiative, and good workers certainly demonstrate those important character traits,” Boshoven says. “Employers can write excellent recommendation letters for the students who have worked for them.”
On the other hand, experts agree that students who work more than 15 to 20 hours per week often experience lessened school success, which can lead to dropping out entirely. Working long hours can also limit opportunities to build friendships and explore interests that enhance a teenager’s intellectual and emotional development.
The major point that students should keep in mind is the importance of balance. Dan Crabtree, college and career counselor at Wheaton Academy in Illinois, explains, “We want our students to establish a healthy balance in life and work to maintain it throughout their lives.” If working will interfere with completing school work, participating in extracurricular activities, spending time with family and friends, or getting enough rest, it may not be a wise decision.What’s the purpose of the passage?
| A．To show how students can find a part-time job. |
| B．To discuss the issue of students’ part-time work. |
| C．To stress the importance of students’ part-time work. |
| D．To explain what is a part-time job. |
In Boshoven’s opinion, students _____.
a. should take their studies as the first priority
b. can benefit from part-time work
c. can form healthy habits in their lives
d. shouldn’t depend on their families financially
| A．bc | B．bd | C．ab | D．ac |
According to the passage, we know that _____.
| A．without counselors' help, few students can get employed |
| B．teenagers show strong interest in part-time work |
| C．experts encourage students do more part-time work |
| D．too much part-time work can lead to bad academic performance |
What can be concluded from the passage?
| A．Students should balance part-time work well with other things. |
| B．Part-time work is important for most students at college. |
| C．Experts’ advice is the key to finding a good part-time job. |
| D．All in all, students had better not spend time on part-time work |
Life on earth depends on water, and there is no substitute for it. The current assumption is that our basic needs for water—whether for drinking, agriculture, industry or the raising of fish—will always have to be met. Given this premise (前提), there are two basic routes we can go; more equal access to water or better engineering solutions.
Look at the engineering solutions first. A lot of my research concentrates on what happens to wetlands when you build dams in river basins, particularly in Africa. The ecology of such areas is almost entirely driven by the seasonal changes of the river—the pulse of the water. And the fact is that if you build a dam, you generally spoil the downstream ecology. In the past, such problems have been hidden by a lack of information. But in the near future, governments will have no excuses for their ignorance.
The engineers’ ability to control water flows has created new kinds of unpredictability, too. Dams in Africa have meant fewer fish, less grazing and less floodplain (洪泛区) agriculture, none of which were expected. And there average economic life is assumed to be thirty years. Dams don’t exist forever, but what will replace them is not clear.
The challenge for the future is to find new means of controlling water. Although GM technology(转基因) will allow us to breed better dry-land crops, there is no market for companies to develop crops suitable for the micro-climates of the Sahel and elsewhere in Africa. Who is going to pay for research on locally appropriate crops in the Third World? What’s the main idea of this passage?
| A．The engineering solutions to water resource and their limitation. |
| B．The challenge for the future. |
| C．The basic means of controlling water. |
| D．The challenge for developing crops. |
The author suggests that governments will have no excuse for their careless ignorance in the future because _____.
| A．The ecological destruction will be known to the public by researchers |
| B．The ecological destruction will no longer be a problem in the future |
| C．The future is an information age |
| D．Governments will face greater challenge in the future |
Which of the following statements is NOT true for meeting our basic needs for water?
| A．Water resource should be used more reasonably. |
| B．More dams should be built in river basins. |
| C．More wetlands should be protected from destruction. |
| D．More dry-land crops could be developed in Africa. |
The last sentence probably implies that _____.
| A．No one will invest in developing locally appropriate crops in Africa |
| B．Researchers have no interest in developing dry-land crops |
| C．Research on locally appropriate crops in the Third World may be profitable |
| D．There is less water resource in the Third World |
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