相关试卷

Postcards from the World

While the sun washed over the grass of my grandmother's front garden, I sank into one of her armchairs familiar to me. Life, as I knew it, had changed. My beloved grandmother, my Nanny, as a "parent" in the absence of my father, had cancer. It was terminal (晚期的).

As she watched Getaway, a Sunday afternoon TV program, she remarked to me that she'd never left Australia and that now she never would. Seeing her restricted to "travel" by watching TV, I swallowed the sadness that came with knowing that chapters of her life were to be left unwritten.

At work, feeling helpless, I wiped tables and took orders and thought. Hard. The Saturday afternoon lunch rush was not enough to stop me from my thoughts. Collapsed with growing sorrow, I was reminded of the power of Facebook and the collective strength of human sympathy. I raced from the end of my shift to ask strangers on the Internet for help.

My Nanny Del has cancer. It's terminal and she will never see the world. Please send her postcards so she can see the world from her armchair. I can offer nothing but gratitude.

I resolved not to breathe a word of this; if nothing came, I couldn't bear to carry her disappointment along with my own. . And if something should wander into our humble little letterbox, I vould consider it a blessing and embrace it gratefully.

Days turned to weeks: Nothing. And Nanny's health declined rapidly. I was trying to balance my full-time study, babysitting and waiting tables with the tiring responsibility of caring for my grandmother. As I helped Nanny in the early hours of those mornings, she would chat to me, sometimes reflections of her lifetime, and other times, the disturbance caused by medication. She seldom talked about her regret of being unable to travel, but I was still hoping for something.

注意：

1. 续写词数应为150个左右;

2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

One afternoon, about six weeks after my Facebook post, a travel-worn postcard arrived in our letterbox.

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My dreams of armchair travels became a reality.

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1. 观展安排；

2. 注意事项。

注意：1. 写作词数应为80个左右；

2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Dear Tom,

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Yours,

Li Hua

2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar and it is the first time that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) (include) the term "Chinese dragon" in its dictionary. The Chinese dragon has two definitions in the OED, with the first one about its physical image and the second one on its figurative and allusive (典故的) nature.

Emperors in ancient dynasties were dressed in a Dragon Robe, a traditional silk-woven costume with dragon designs, (symbolize) imperial power and authority. Jade Seals (玉玺), often (carve) with dragons, also symbolize the authority of the emperor.

Contrary the Western dragon, the image of the Chinese dragon, despite undergoing constant changes, has represented various' positive (quality) including prosperity, authority, strength and good fortune.

In ancient Chinese belief, dragons (associate) with the control of the weather, particularly rain. The dragon's ability to bring rain was seen as crucial for agriculture, which made it positive symbol for the fertility of the land.

With the rising China Chic trend and the country's booming cultural creative industry, the Chinese dragon in folktale is now (common) seen in creative products such as tear-off calendars, dolls, dragon-themed jewelry as well as the "dragon blind boxes" appeal to young consumers.

Whether it is through the hands of a national-level intangible (非物质) cultural heritage inheritor the hands of a Generation Z "blind box" designer, the Chinese dragon carries forward the Chinese cultural spirit.

Fast-forward to today, Xu, a Beijing native, has2 to the tropical island of South China's Hainan province, where he serves as a coral3 for a Sanya-based tropical biological laboratory attached to the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Each day, he spends several hours diving deep under the waves to observe and4 the growth and development of the creatures that5 him all those years ago. Xu, who is nicknamed "coral man", is6 engaged on such social media platforms as Sina Weibo, where he regularly shares visually amazing photos and entertaining videos of corals. He aims to7 individuals to take action in protecting coral reefs (珊瑚礁) and the oceans as a whole.

For Xu, who had been studying Peking Opera since childhood, becoming a coral conservationist was an8 turn of events. After he first saw corals at the aquarium, he began to9 the local market to learn about coral10 from merchants who sell decorative plants, fish and corals. He also11information online. Before long, he had set up a small fish tank at home and started cultivating a coral.

"The coral organism is quite sensitive to its environment and has extremely high12 for water quality," recalls Xu. "When I started growing coral, its state was not13." But as Xu gained more14 about coral, including how to control factors like water temperature and pH levels, his coral gradually started to flourish. He also learned that coral reefs are known as "tropical rainforests" and "underwater gardens" of the ocean, providing a15 for a quarter of all sea creatures.

Scientists collect water or soil samples from an environment and extract (提取) any DNA traces left behind by organisms. This is the environmental DNA (eDNA). They then use one of the two analysis methods — quantitative PCR (qPCR) or DNA sequencing (DNA 测序). Similar to COVID tests, qPCR is used to detect if a specific species' DNA is in the sample. For example, researchers tested river water eDNA to see if endangered fish X was present. When it was detected, they confirmed that the fish lived in that river without directly seeing it. DNA sequencing analyzes all DNA in the sample at once. Scientists can then match the DNA barcodes to databases to identify which species were in the sampled environment.

Although eDNA sampling cannot identify new species or those only known from photos and videos if they are not already listed in the reference databases, the real power of it lies in its ability to capture a wide range of organisms. With just one sample, scientists can detect all kinds of living things, from bacteria to whales, in almost any environment where life exists, including the deep sea and underground caves. One of the most significant advantages of eDNA sampling is that it allows scientists to detect species that are difficult to see or capture. This is particularly useful when studying rare or very small species, or when working in environments like dark water where visibility is limited.

This is just the start. Imagine a future where eDNA data could be collected from the most remote oceans by autonomous vehicles, analyzed by the drone or on board a research vessel (船舰), and integrated with other monitoring data so marine managers and the public can see near-real-time data about the condition of the ocean. Science fiction? Not any more.

Now many countries in East Asia are facing the aging population and declining working-age population problem. Compared with other advanced countries, Japan encountered the population aging problem at a slightly earlier stage, starting in the mid-1990s. As Japan's percentage of elderly population to the total population increased, it impacted the country's economy, leading to a contraction in domestic demand and decline in both production and consumption, and restricting the growth of economy.

Some innovative companies have actively increased outward FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), providing cost advantages from inexpensive overseas labor to maintain their cost competitiveness. However, the global economy is facing the challenge of declining trade owing to the protectionism practiced by certain countries. Consequently, the chances of boosting growth through outward FDI may be limited.

Developing artificial intelligence is another solution to the negative impacts of the demographic changes. AI and robotics will play a crucial role in stimulating productivity and innovation by making payment for the decline in the working-age population, and the following increase in productivity will in turn raise the demand for labor by creating new employment opportunities.

AI, robotics and other advanced technologies give rise to new tasks within their fields and across other sectors. Therefore, it is necessary to employ cooperation policies to support corporations that promote innovations by increasing investment in research and development, facilitating the growth of new companies, and building a perfect system to protect intellectual properties. Since AI and robotics may replace certain jobs, it is essential to address the potential challenges they may create in the labor market and work out strategies to ensure a balanced and comprehensive transition.

When beach-loving Madison noticed those plastic bottles during her family's trips to California, the 12-year-old "just felt like this needed to change," she told Smithsonian Magazine.

So as she began thinking about what to do for her school science fair back in 2021, the idea of a project centered on reducing plastic pollution quickly came to her mind: she would design an eatable water bottle called the Eco-Hero.

"One of my biggest ambitions for my project was wanting to help the world," the confident young inventor said in a video on the website.

To bring her idea to life, Madison built upon the already established method by experimenting with common food materials. She also took inspiration from previous versions of eatable water bottles, though she focused on making hers bigger and more durable. She found that the combination of water, lemon juice, natural gum, and Alginic acid (褐藻酸) resulted in a gel pouch that wouldn't break, could hold up to 3/4 cup of water, and would last in the fridge for three weeks.

Though she'd like to improve the Eco-Hero by making it able to hold more water, she believes her current version would work well as a replacement for the paper cups used by runners in races. All one needs to do is bite a hole in the water ball, drink the water, and then eat the pouch or throw it away to biodegrade.

Madison hopes the Eco-Hero inspires others to take better care of the planet. "It doesn't necessarily have to be in a big way," she told Smithsonian. "People can still make a difference in the world, even if it's just in a small way."

LE LOUVRE, PARIS

A visit to the Louvre lets visitors discover ancient civilizations and Western art from the Middle Ages to 1848. The palace of the museum, dating back to the twelfth century and developed by architects from 1200 to 2011, is a lesson in architecture. The most famous art work is Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa".

THE UFFIZI GALLERIES, FLORENCE

The museum occupies a large building constructed between 1560 and 1580. It's famous for its outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the Modern period, and mainly known for its paintings by Italian artists.

THE BRITISH MUSEUM, LONDON

As the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge, it was founded in 1753 and opened its doors in 1759. Its eight million objects allow us to explore the diversity of human cultures, and discover the expressions in human being's life. It boasts the world's second finest collection of Egyptian antiques.

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK

Also known as "the Met", it's the largest art museum in the America. Presenting over 5,000 years of art from around the world, the museum lives in two sites in New York: The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Since its founding in 1870, it has been a treasury of rare and beautiful objects, ranging from European paintings, Egyptian collections to American paintings.

My family went on our annual (每年的) summer vacation in a small house on a lake. Every day we kids are busy swimming, fishing and building sand castle on the beach. By the third day of our vacation, however, something caught my attention. I noticed my 10-year-old sister, Kate, always watching videos and looking through online shops indoors. She was so addicted to her cell phone! Over dinner, I asked Kate whether she would like to go hike to the top of the mountain across the lake the following morning, "Maybe you need put your phone away and enjoy the wonderful scenery. It's really amazing."

"Well," Kate replied unwillingly, "there are some bargains (减价品) tomorrow in several online shops, so I'll not be available tomorrow."

"You can't miss the fresh air and beautiful views here. Hiking is really fun!"

"I cannot walk so far", she didn't look up from her soup and mumbled (嘟囔), "and it sounds more like punishment than a vacation."

When I said it only took us half an hour of steady walk to climb to the top, though reluctant, she nodded, "Fine, I'll go."

The weather was fine as usual with clear skies and gentle winds. After packing, I found Kate walking slowly downstairs and in a very unenthusiastic (不热情的) voice, "Ok, I'm ready to go. Tom"

Anyway, when we stepped out of our house, quite a different view unfolded before our eyes. Sunlight brightened on the glassy surface of the lake. Not far away, a rough path wound to the top of the mountain across the lake with flowers and grass on both sides. We began from the path.

"Tom, I'm still wondering if it is a good idea to go hiking." Kate said, frowning (皱眉).

注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右；

2. 请在答题卡的相应位置作答。

She followed me but kept some distance, thinking something else.

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Reaching the top, Kate widened her eyes, shouting, "How wonderful!"

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1. 表达慰问

2. 推荐运动项目及理由

3. 注意事项

注意：1. 词数80左右；2. 可适当加入细节，使行文连贯。

Dear Paul,

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Yours,

Li Hua

My name is Mark brown, a teacher. Many students write to me to ask for help and I reply to them to help them solve their(problem). Timmy is one of the students I once helped. Timmy is a (talent) boy. He is   going to be a dentist when he grows up,he likes playing football very much. His parents are angry with him. They are afraid that (play) football too much is bad for Timmy's studies. They care about Timmy's grades a lot. Timmy (feel) upset, so he writes to me.

I write a letter to Timmy. I tell Timmy both schoolwork and hobbies are important. I advised him to plan his spare time better. For example, he must do his homework    (careful) and them he can make (few) mistakes than before. In that way, he can have more time (do) his favorite things. If Timmy does well his studies, his parents will agree with him. In the letter, I also tell him some (suggest) on his relationship with his parents and football.

The first try-out day finally came. I got a cheerleader try-out clearance (许可) form, but the thought of not trying out made me increasingly3. This nervousness finally led to4. As soon as school was over, I jumped on the5 heading home.

About five minutes into the bus ride a6 called my name and asked, "Why aren't you at cheerleader try-outs?" I said, "Oh, I got7 and left. Maybe I'll go back tomorrow. I have a lot of homework tonight." My friend knew it was just a(n)8 and could clearly tell my nerves had got the best of me. She said, "You have to go back, or you'll9 it!" Before I could say anything, she had pushed the "stop requested" button (按钮). The bus10 and1got off.

My anxiety-ridden legs brought me back to school in a11, because now I was late. Once I got outside the gym doors, I12 for a second, took a deep breath (呼吸) and walked in.

As the varsity captain (校队队长) for this upcoming fall, it is almost impossible to imagine my life without13. I've had so many doors open for me because of it, and met so many wonderful people through it. I'm so14 for the friend making me realise that following my15 is the best thing I can do.

Are you trying to read a book and have no idea when a character appeared and became the most important character in the book?

Keep Notes

Find any type of paper to keep notes in. Get as many pieces of paper as you think you'll need for the story. Try writing down characters and their relationships.Of course, writing down a basic time line for the story is also necessary.

Let Information Guide You

If you are reading a textbook, use the organization of it to guide you. You should pay attention to the following: The syllabus(大纲)or class outline. The homework assignment. What the instructor emphasizes in class. Any available sample tests or quizzes.

Read books over again

Reading teachers talk about fluency(流利).

To be fluent, you want to be able to read 90 words a minute. That seems like a lot, but with only a little bit of practice, you should be able to get there.Re-reading! Read books over again, twice or even three times. After the first time, the words will read easier and fluency will improve.

Whether that helper is a teacher, a friend, or a parent, read with someone above your level who you're comfortable with talking to and asking questions.

A. Read with a helper.

B. What kind of practice?

C. Draw a family tree, if it helps.

D. Become better at identifying words.

E. It is the ability to read words at a certain speed.

F. Have a dictionary or a computer with you while reading.

G. Read this article to help improve your reading comprehension.

But some people do not think that kids should get rewards for doing chores. Susie Walton, a parenting educator and family coach, believes that by rewarding kids, parents are sending a message that work isn't worth doing unless you get something in return. "Running any kind of household is a team effort," Susie said. "A home is a living space for everyone in the family. It's important for kids to see that we all have responsibilities in the house, and that families decide together what they want their home to look like, and how they make it look like what everyone wants."

Other people believe that getting pocket money or other rewards motivates kids to do chores, and it also teaches them real world lessons about how we need to work to earn money. There are also new applications that give kids points and digital gifts that can be redeemed (兑换) either online or in the real world. With the ChoreMonster app, kids earn digital points by completing chores that they can turn in for real-life rewards such as extra Xbox time or a trip to the mall. "Our goal is to encourage kids to earn rewards," says Chris Bergman, founder of ChoreMonster. "Kids need positive reinforcement to help motivate them."

What do you think? Should kids be rewarded for doing chores? Or should kids help out around their homes without getting anything in return?

Write a 200-word response. Send it to tfkasks4you@timeforkids.com. Your response may be published in a future issue of Time For Kids. Please include your grade and contact information of your parent or teacher if you want your response to be published. The deadline for responding is February 18.

Music not only makes children better students, but also gives them something positive to do. In a music programme, children can be part of a band instead of joining a gang (团伙). Parents can enjoy listening to their children's music instead of seeing them glued to a computer or TV screen. In a school band, students get to be part of a team. They can get along well with old friends and make new friends through music.

Music builds self-confidence, too. It gives children a sense of achievement and success. Making music is something for them to be proud of, and it lets kids practise performing in front of the audience. Music gives children an opportunity for self-expression, and that helps develop their self-confidence.

Once again, music is important because it can make children better students, give them something positive to do, and build their character. That is why music lessons should be offered in every single grade in every school.

Abdul, known as "India's Statue Man", has been performing his daily routine ever since 1985, soon after getting a job as a security guard. His boss had recently traveled to the UK, where he was So impressed by the statue-like members of the Royal Guard outside Buckingham Palace that he wanted to do something similar back home. So he had his guards receive three months of training, where they would sit perfectly still for around four hours. They weren't allowed to talk or smile, eat, drink, or even shoo away a fly if it sat on their faces. In the end, Abdul proved the best of the group, So he got the strange job.

Abdul isn't the only person in the world acting as a living statue, but what makes him special is the fact that he can do it for as long as six hours without even blinking his eyes. Once, a $ 155 prize was put up for anyone who can make him move a muscle. But try as they might, no one has ever succeeded. Actually, Abdul tries to move about as much as he can in his spare time, and only eats healthy home-cooked food, to keep his body in shape. But he claims yoga has been the biggest help. In the 32 years, Abdul has become a famous person in India and other Asian countries. Many Bollywood stars have come to witness this living statue and try to finally make him move, but none have succeeded.

Abdul earns about 10,000 rupees ($ 156) a month, which is enough to support his family, but definitely not enough to encourage his children to follow in his footsteps. It's just too stressful and taxing on the body. "Despite all the hardship and health problems, I love my job and I am thankful to people for the love and respect they have showered on me" he says, "When the time comes, I want to die playing a statue."