题型：阅读理解 题类：其他 难易度：难
年份：2017
Thousands of hungry birds left the countryside of Britain in the bitter winter to find food and warmth in urban gardens. The move included species such as the redwing and the fieldfare, almost unknown outside rural areas.
The hard situation of farmland birds has been revealed in the latest survey of bird populations from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds released today.
The redwing has an obvious stripe over the eye and a red flash on the flanks (侧翼), while the fieldfare has a grey head, a peach underbelly, and a distinctive dark band on the tail.
Graham Madge, the societyˈs spokesman, says,“For many urban birdwatchers the sight of these striking species is a real treat. Many people have never imagined there being such an amazing chance.”
“Frozen ground prevented them from getting food in the countryside and they have been saved from starvation in towns，”he added.
He says the unusual sight this year somewhat tempered the frustration felt at the suffering of small garden birds such as robins and wrens. These birds are sensitive to cold and must eat almost continuously to stay alive. Data from people who took part in the societyˈs Big Garden Birdwatch recorded sightings in 280，000 gardens during the last weekend of January, with the goldcrest down 75 percent, the longtailed tit down 27 percent, and the coal tit down 20 percent. The study highlighted the need for food to be left out for birds during winter.
The redwing and the fieldfare are relatively unknown outside the eastern part of the country. The research shows, however, that they moved to the other side of the country where the climate is generally mild in winter and that many for the first time have reached Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. The number of redwing sightings was up 185 percent, those of the fieldfare 73, and of the yellowhammer 68.
Another surprise garden“guest”this year was the blackcap. This robinsized, silvergrey bird was rare in Britain 50 years ago, but increasing numbers now arrive each year from Germany and Austria.
题型：阅读理解 题类：其他 难易度：难
年份：2017
Many foreign students report feeling lonely or unwelcome in Australia. Those feelings are among the reasons why Australia is taking a close look at its international education industry. But wherever international students go，making friends may not always be easy. Elisabeth Gareis of Baruch College in New York surveyed 454 international students. They were attending four－year colleges and graduate schools in the American South and Northeast.
Students from English－speaking countries and from northern and central Europe were more likely to be happy with their friendships. But 38% of the international students said they had no close friends in the United States. And half of the students from East Asia said they were unhappy with the number of American friends they had. Thirty percent said they wished their friendships could be deeper and more meaningful.
Professor Gareis says，“Students from East Asia have cultures that are different on many levels from the culture in the United States. There are also language problems，and maybe some social skills，such as small talks，which are possibly not as important in their native countries，where it’s not as important to start friendships with small talks. Many East Asian students blamed themselves for their limited friendships with Americans，for not speaking the language well enough and for not knowing the culture well enough.”
VOA’s Students Union blogger Jessica Stahl did her own survey to find out how American students and foreign students relate to each other. More than 100 students，about half of them American，answered her online questions. Half of the international students and 60% of the Americans said they related as well or better to the other group than to their own group.
Professor Gareis says，“International students who make friends with host nationals are，overall，more satisfied with their stay in the host country. They have better language skills，better academic performance and better attitudes toward the host country.”
题型：阅读理解 题类：其他 难易度：难
年份：2017
The newspaper must provide for the reader the facts，pure，unprejudiced，objectively selected facts．But in these days of complex news it must provide more；it must supply interpretation，the meaning of the facts．This is the most important assignment facing American journalists﹣to make clear to the reader the problems of the day，to make international news understandable as community news，to recognize that there is no longer any such thing as"local"news，because any event in the international area has a local reaction in the financial market，political circles，in terms，indeed，of our very way of life．
There is in journalism a widespread view that when you start an interpretation，you are entering dangerous waters，the rushing tides of opinion．This is nonsense．
The opponents of interpretation insist that the writer and the editor shall limit himself to the"facts"．This insistence raises two questions．What are the facts？And：Are the bare facts enough？
As for the first question，consider how a so called"factual"story comes about．The reporter collects，say，fifty facts；out of these fifty，his space being necessarily restricted，he selects the ten which he considers most important．This is Judgment Number One．Then he or his editor decides which of these ten facts shall hold the lead of the piece．This is Judgment Number Two．Then the night editor determines whether the article shall be presented on page one，where it has a large influence，or on page twentyfour，where it has little．Judgment Number Three．
Thus in the presentation of a socalled"factual"or"objective"story，at least three judgments are involved．And they are judgments not at all unlike those involved in interpretation，in which reporter and editor，calling upon their research resources，their general background，and their"news neutralism（中立）"，arrive at a conclusion as to the significance of the news．
The two areas of judgment，presentation of the news and its interpretation，are both objective rather than subjective processes﹣as objective，that is，as any human being can be．If an editor is determined to give a prejudiced view of the news，he can do it in other ways and more effectively than by interpretation．He can do it by the selection of those facts that support his particular viewpoint．Or he can do it by the place he gives a story﹣promoting it to page one or dragging it to page thirty．
题型：阅读理解 题类：其他 难易度：难
年份：2017
Scientists are debating how to limit their newly-discovered power to change genetic structure (结构). Scientists already modify the genes (基因) of farm animals and agricultural plants to make them more productive or stronger. But now they can also change genes in wild animals and plants. These genes would continue into later generations. For example, it may be possible for scientists to remove from existence the kind of mosquitoes, small flying insects, that carry the Zika virus. They might also be able to permanently remove species (物种) of plants and animals that are damaging to other species.
In a report published last week, the U. S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NAS) said it supports continued research on this kind of gene control. But it warned that it is not possible to know what will happen when these changed plants and animals are released (释放) into the wild.
Sixteen biologists, ethicists (伦理学家) and policymakers are on an NAS committee that is examining the issue. They say that there is value to the new technology. But, they say, there is not enough evidence to support the release of modified organisms (生物体) from the laboratory into nature.
Many people would support stopping mosquitoes and rats from carrying diseases. But scientists say we must understand the possible scientific, ethical, legal and social results of such action before we decide whether to take it. Gene modification is spread through reproduction (繁殖).
Changed genes will continue to spread as long as an animal or plant continues to reproduce. They cannot be limited to a farm or kept within a country's borders. Scientists are wondering what may happen if a modified organism mates with another species. They are not yet sure how the modified genes would affect the other species. It is possible that those genes could harm those creatures or even lead to their disappearance from our planet.
题型：阅读理解 题类：其他 难易度：难
年份：2016
Anna Schiferl hadn’t even got out of bed when she reached for her cell phone and typed a text to her mum, one recent Saturday. Mom was right downstairs in the kitchen. The text? Anna wanted an egg for breakfast. Soon after, Joanna Schiferl called, “If you want to talk to me, Anna, come downstairs and see me?” Anna laughs about it now. “I was kind of being lazy,” she admits.
These days, many people with cell phones prefer texting to a phone call. And that’s creating a communication divide—the talker vs. the texters. Some would argue that it’s no big deal. But many experts say the most successful communicators will, of course, have the competence to do both. And they fear that more of us are unable to have—or at least are avoiding—the traditional face-to-face conversations.
Many professors say it is not common to see students outside of class. “I sit in my office hours lonely now because if my students have a question, they email me, often late at night,” says Rence Hosuton, a professor at the University of Puget Sound in Washington state. “And they never call.”
As Anna sees it: “There are people you’ll text, but won’t call. It’s just a way to stay in touch with each other.” Some believe that scores of texts each day keep people more connected. “ The problem is that conversation is not very deep,” says Joseph Grenny, co-author of the book Cultural Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High.
“The problem has been there since we’ve had telephones—probably since the time of a telegraph,” Grenny says. Texting is just the latest way to do that. Though they may not always be so good at deep conversations themselves, Grenny suggests that parents model the behavior for their children and put down their own cell phones. He says that they also should set limits, as Anna’s mom did when she made the “no texting to people in the same house” rule.
| A. was very strict with her daughter |
| B. did not know how to use a cell phone |
| C. was angry that her daughter got up late |
| D. did not have any breakfast that morning |
| A. They often work late at night. |
| B. They often ask strange questions. |
| C. Few ask questions face to face. |
| D. Many email her if she feels lonely. |
| A. cell phone makes people lonelier |
| B. telephone help people communicate clearly |
| C. texting helps people have deeper conversations |
| D. talking should be encouraged instead of texting |
| A. It tells us a wonderful experience of Anna Schiferl. |
| B. It introduces a new tool used for communication. |
| C. It discusses the problem caused by sending texts. |
| D. It talks about the important role of phones in our life. |
题型：阅读理解 题类：其他 难易度：难
年份：2016
D
Even if you are saying and doing the right things at your job and in your personal life, you could be making a bad impression on people with what you don’t say. That’s because many of our reactions to others are based on body language. If your body language is communicating a negative message, that’s the message you could be sending, regardless of what actual words come out of your mouth.
What are some of the negative messages sent via body language? Things like having arms folded across your chest can show unfriendliness. Lack of eye contact can indicate shiftiness(奸诈). An unsmiling face could communicate a variety of things, like anger, disappointment or sadness, depending upon what other facial expressions are included. However, many of the clues that indicate negativity could also be the result of nervousness or other issues. For example, somebody who doesn’t make eye contact could simply be nervous and less confident. The same goes with a not-so-warm handshake. Someone folding his arms could simply be more comfortable with the arms that way. Someone who doesn’t smile could be self-conscious about her teeth. The person who sends off bad body language may not even realize that they’re doing it.
Unfortunately, some people who do recognize what body language communicates are scam(欺诈) artists. They may have the firmest handshake, the shiniest smile and make the greatest eye contact to convince others of their sincerity, because they know how much this nonverbal communication plays a part in communicating sincerity. Yet people fall for them, because their body language seems sincere.
If you’re not sure what your body language is communicating, ask a trusted friend for help. Practicing in front of a mirror can also help you remove bad habits. Remember to smile and nod if needed. And try to learn how to relax. Thus, you will send more positive messages with your body language.
| A. A not-so-warm handshake may indicate that one lacks confidence. |
| B. A tired facial expression can certainly communicate boredom. |
| C. We should make the greatest eye contact at any time. |
| D. We can judge a person’s attitude correctly according to his expression. |
| A. will make a bad impression on everyone |
| B. just wants to be more comfortable with the arms folded |
| C. must be an aggressive person with a bad temper |
| D. may not realize what message the arms’ position sends |
| A. the shiniest smile is always a sign of sincerity |
| B. people can use body language for wrong purposes |
| C. sending positive messages through body language is not easy |
| D. nodding is necessary when it comes to sending positive messages |
| A. believe | B. forgive |
| C. understand | D. reject |
| A. The Secret of Body Language. |
| B. Facial Expressions and Messages. |
| C. Is Your Body Language Hurting You? |
| D. What Can Body Language Communicate? |
题型：阅读理解 题类：其他 难易度：难
年份：2016
B
If you live in a big city, there are many things to drive you crazy on your daily route, and it’s not just overcrowded subway trains.
Vicky Zhao is a mainlander working in Hong Kong. For her, one thing she can’t put up with is people standing on the wrong side of the escalator(自动扶梯) in subway stations. “Escalators help us move faster and save time. It isn’t a place to rest,” the 24-year-old says. “I often see tourists block the way with their suitcases or chatting on the escalators during rush hours. It annoys me to no end.”
Admitting she is not the patient type, Zhao says things are much better in Hong Kong than in cities on the mainland where “stand right, walk left” signs are often ignored.
The logic behind the “stand right, walk left” escalator etiquette(礼仪) seems obvious. Even though you may want to catch your breath while you’re transported up or down, you should still consider others and leave enough space for people in a hurry, so that they can run and catch the train.
Many cities’ escalators, including London’s and Beijing’s, use the “stand right, walk left” system to speed up the flow of people. (Australia is an exception and you should stand on the left side instead.) But some cities discourage people from moving on escalators out of safety reasons. In Hong Kong’s subway stations there are regular announcements asking people to “stand still” on escalators. Even so, most people in this fast-paced city observe the “stand right, walk left” etiquette.
But the people who stand on escalators defend themselves by telling the walkers not to be so impatient. The BBC quotes one stander as saying: “If the person is in such a rush, why not just take the stairs? Even when the escalator is packed and there’s nowhere to move, I see these same people complaining about not being able to pass.”
Whatever the escalator etiquette is in the place you live or visit, do what most people are doing and always be mindful of others: leave enough space between each other, don’t stay at the end of the escalator, and if someone is blocking your way, a simple “excuse me” is enough.
| A. the author’s living in the big city of Hong Kong. |
| B. being crowded on the subway trains in rush hours. |
| C. people’s blocking the way or chat on the escalators. |
| D. people’s standing on the right side resting. |
| A. stand still as the railway stations require. |
| B. ignore the “ stand right, walk left” signs |
| C. use the stairs instead of escalators. |
| D. follow the “stand right, wail left” etiquette. |
| A. Not everyone follows the “stand right, walk left” etiquette. |
| B. The BBC is against the “stand right, walk left” etiquette. |
| C. People should be patient and take the stairs if possible. |
| D. People shouldn’t complain about the crowded escalators. |
| A. People should stand right no matter where they are. |
| B. People should do as the Romans do and consider others. |
| C. People should do as they like on the escalators. |
| D. People should be seriously criticized when they block the way. |
题型：阅读理解 题类：其他 难易度：难
年份：2016
D
The arts, especially music, should be part of every school's lessons at every grade level. Students would be much smarter if they had some musical experience. They could improve their classroom skills, like paying attention and following directions. People develop all these skills when they learn music. Making music also lets children use their imagination. It provides students with a chance to try out their own ideas.
Music not only makes children better students, but also gives them something positive to do. In a music program, 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 practice performing in front of an 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 should be offered in every single grade in every school.
| A. improving their classroom skills and paying attention |
| B. improving their classroom skills and imagination |
| C. improving their attention, direction and imagination |
| D. learning music, making music and trying out their own ideas |
| A. give children self-expression and self-confidence |
| B. bring to children achievement and success |
| C. give children something to be proud of |
| D. develop children's self-confidence |
| A. Music is a must as a course at school |
| B. Music builds children's self-confidence |
| C. Music makes students much smarter |
| D. Learning music and making music |
题型：阅读理解 题类：其他 难易度：难
年份：2016
In the UK there are a variety of rail companies operating. As a result, if you are going for a long journey across the country, you may find that you not only have to change trains as you travel, but rail companies as well. However, you should be able to buy all you tickets from any train station.
Rail travel can be expensive, but there are various choices at lower prices Make sure that when you book your ticket you ask for the cheapest and bear in mind that if you 7 days in advance you can save a lot of money.
There are lots of other good ways to save money on train tickets. So here are some choices you might want to consider : If you are visiting the UK from abroad and plan to do a lot of rail travel, you should consider a rail pass. You need to buy this pass before you enter the UK or Europe so ask your travel agent for advice and costs.
It is advisable to reserve a seat in advance, as many trains do get crowded. And if you are a smoker, check if there is a smoking carriage(车厢) as many trains do not allow smoking. There will probably only be one carriage for smoker so seats get booked up quickly.
Despite the prices and the fact that you might be delayed, rain travel is probably the most comfortable method of transport so it is definitely worth considering.
| A. To call for the reduction of train fares. |
| B. To advertise the rail transport in the UK。 |
| C. To introduce various rail companies in the UK。 |
| D. To give advice on one way of transport in the UK。 |
| A. Tourists to the UK。 |
| B. Rail companies in the UK。 |
| C. Travel agents in the UK。 |
| D. Travel agents in other countries. |
| A. Slow | B. Dirty |
| C. Expensive | D. Comfortable |
题型：阅读理解 题类：其他 难易度：难
年份：2016
A popular saying goes, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” However, that’s not really true. Words have the power to build us up or tear us down. It doesn’t matter if the words come from someone else or ourselves—the positive and negative effects are just as lasting.
We all talk to ourselves sometimes. We’re usually too ashamed to admit it, though. In fact, we really shouldn’t be because more and more experts believe talking to ourselves loud is a healthy habit.
This “self-talk” helps us encourage ourselves, remember things, solve problems, and calm ourselves down. Be aware, though, that as much as 77% of self-talk tends to be negative. So in order to stay positive, we should only speak words of encouragement to ourselves. We should also be quick to give ourselves a pat on the back. The next time you finish a project, do well in a test, or finally clean your room, join me in saying “Good job!”
Often, words come out of our mouths without us thinking about the effect they will have. But we should be aware that our words cause certain responses in others. For example, when returning an item to a store, we might use warm, friendly language during the exchange. And the clerk will probably answer in a similar manner. Harsh (刻薄的) and critical language will most likely cause the clerk to be defensive.
Words have power because of their lasting effects. Many of us regret something we once said. And we remember unkind words said to us! Before speaking, we should always ask ourselves: Is it true? Is it loving? Is it needed? If what we want to say doesn’t pass this test, then it’s better left unsaid.
Words have power: both positive and negative. Those around us receive encouragement when we speak positively. We can offer hope, build self-esteem (自尊) and motivate others to do their best. Negative words destroy all those things. Will we use our words to hurt or to heal? The choice is ours.
| A. it does no harm to have “self-talk” when we are alone |
| B. talking to ourselves always gives us courage |
| C. almost everybody has the habit of talking to themselves |
| D. we can benefit from talking to ourselves |
| A. praise ourselves |
| B. give ourselves amusement |
| C. make ourselves relaxed |
| D. remind ourselves |
| A. encouraging words are sure to lead to kind offers |
| B. it is better to think twice before talking to others |
| C. people tend to remember friendly words |
| D. negative words may motivate us to make more progress |
| A. News. | B. Fashion |
| C. Health. | D. Language. |
