Many Americans think of driverless cars as a futuristic technology that will revolutionize travel in cities and along state highways. But recent experiments are proving that autonomous vehicles also have the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans underserved by traditional ways of transportation, such as the elderly and disabled, so long as lawmakers make smart policies that pave the way for innovation.
A retirement community in San Jose, Calif. , which has been transformed by a small fleet（车队） of driverless taxis, shows the potential of self-driving cars to transform people’s lives. Built by a tech start-up called Voyage, the modified(被改进的) Ford Fusions are currently limited to a two-mile road, but residents are already having the benefits of these autonomous vehicles, which allow them to participate in social activities they would otherwise be unable to enjoy simply because they could not get to them.
When the trial run finally expands to 15 miles of road, these residents—whose average age is 76—will also have a convenient and reliable new way to appointments. As these cars continue to serve residents there, it is easy to understand why California is moving to simplify regulations for the industry.
In Michigan, forward-thinking policies have the potential to unlock other hidden benefits of autonomous vehicles, especially for those with physical disabilities. The Michigan Disability Rights Coalition has strongly advocated for the development of this technology, saying that it could give people with disabilities greater opportunities in the workforce and enable them to lead more fulfilling(满意的), independent lives.
Many recognize that autonomous vehicles will be the future of transportation, but it is too often overlooked that this future cannot arrive fast enough for millions of Americans who are forced to depend on others for day-to-day travel. The policymakers should follow the lead of places like California and Michigan, and pass rules and regulations to unlock these hidden benefits of driverless cars.
1.What’s the attitude of most American people to the future of autonomous vehicles?
A. uncertain B. doubtful
C. indifferent D. optimistic
2.What is the modified Ford Fusion?
A. The collection of social activities. B. The name of a retirement community.
C. A kind of autonomous vehicle. D. A two-mile road for self-driving cars.
3.Examples are given in the third and fourth paragraphs to prove
A. what are preventing the development of the technology
B. why driverless cars are restricted in many states in America
C. how driverless technology benefits the aged and disabled
D. when driverless cars can enter people’s life eventually
4.What does the author attempt to inform us in the last paragraph?
A. The concept of autonomous vehicles has been widely recognized.
B. The weak groups are often overlooked despite technology advances.
C. The benefits of driverless cars have been fully unlocked.
D. Regulations should go hand in hand with driverless technology.
AD.1: April Fool’s Party
On Friday, April 1, Inner Affair goes back to the days of funk! Classes Tunes from the 1970s and 1980s by DJS Den & Sion.9p.m till late.
Tickets: Free entrance for those in costume, otherwise 50 yuan(US$6)
Time/date: 9 a.m, April ,1
Place: Inner Affair, 1/F, Qiankun Dasha, 6 Sanlitun Xiliujie, Chaoyang District
Tel: (412)396-6321 Fax:(412)396-6890
AD.2:Sailing Club；
Our Young Sailor’s Course leads to the Stage 1 Sailing qualification．You’11 learn how to sail safely and the course also covers sailing theory and first aid．Have fun with other course member afterwards in the clubroom．There are 10 weekly two—hour lessons(Tuesdays 6 pm～8 pm).
Opening Hours：Tuesdays：6：00 pm一8。00 pm
Phone：(412)396—6644 Fax：(412)396—6644
AD. 3:The “worst” party
Organized by ozone productions, the party is set to be “the worst ever”, with the lamest music from the 1960s,1970s and 1980s. Special prizes will be awarded to the worst dressed or for bad fashion sense.
Tickets :Free entrance
Time/date: 9 a.m, April ,1
Place: Pula Pula, Tianze Lu, Oriental Seven Colors Plaza, Chaoyang District
Tel:(412) 396-6785 Fax: (412)396--6243
AD. 4:Riding School： ．
You can start horse-riding at any age．Choose private or group lessons any weekday be 9 am and 8：30 pm(3：30 pm on Saturdays)．There are 10 kilometres of tracks and paths for leisurely rides across farmland and open country．You will need a riding hat．
Opening Hours：Monday through Friday：9：00 am一8。30 pm
Phone：(412)396—6754 Fax：(412)396—6752
AD. 5:Diving Centre：
Our experienced instructors offer one-month courses in deep-sea diving for beginners．There are two evening lessons a week，in which you learn to breathe underwater and use the equipment safely．You only need a swimming costume and towel. Reduced rates for couples.
Opening Hours：Monday and Friday：6：30pm一8：30pm
Phone：(412)396—6312 Fax：(412)396—6706
1.Which of the following is NOT true according to AD.I and AD.3?
A. The two parties will be held in the same day.
B. The two parties will be held at the same time.
C. Some old music will be played at the parties.
D. The entrance fees of the two parties will not be charged.
2.If you want to experience a new activity in the countryside in the mornings，you may fax
A. (412)396--6312 B. (412)396--6706
C. (412)396--6752 D. (412)396—6876
3.You want to do an activity one evening a week and get a certificate in the end，you can go to
A. AD. 4:Riding School： B. AD. 5: Diving center
C. AD.2:Sailing Club D. AD. 3:The “worst” party
假定你是李华，正在一家美国博物馆实习，负责向参观者介绍美式英语的发展历史。请你根据以下提示，写一篇英语短文，作为讲解时的参考。
形成
1607年，首批英国移民者来到北美，将英语带到北美大陆。
发展
1. 18与19世纪，伴随着移民潮，美式英语受到了德语、西班牙语等语言的影响；
2. 1806年，美国著名的词典编纂家诺亚·韦伯斯特（Noah Webster）正式提出“美式英语”这一说法，被看作是美式英语形成的重要标志；
3. 1828年，诺亚·韦伯斯特编纂的American Dictionary of the English Language出版，系统而全面地规定了美式英语单词的拼写、意义和用法；
4. 随着美国的发展，美式英语的影响力不断增大。
注意：1. 词数150左右；
2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
参考词汇： 移居 immigration；词典编纂家lexicographer
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请认真阅读下面短文，并根据所读内容在文章后表格中的空格里填入一个最恰当的单词。
注意：每个空格只填一个单词。
Imagine a classroom full of smiling students! What a great place that would be! Here are some tips on how to create a happy classroom.
In the first place, spend some time getting to know your students on a personal level. When you are breaking the ice in the beginning of the school year, join the students in a few getting-to-know-you activities. This will not only help them feel more comfortable but also help you get to know your students better, which will finally benefit you in the long run.
Then give your students something to look forward to. Think about how excited you are when you are expecting an upcoming vacation. Do the same for your students by creating excitement and something they can look forward to. Try telling them that at the end of the week they will get a big surprise and throw them a classroom party, or give them a weekend free from homework. They will love it and be so happy.
Humour is also important for you to create a happy classroom. Children love to laugh. Research even shows that humour relaxes people, brings them closer together, and helps them learn. You don’t have to be a comedian to make your students laugh. All you have to do is try adding a joke or a riddle to your worksheets. It’s that easy.
Music is a powerful tool to use in your classroom. It has many known benefits, such as reducing stress levels， increasing energy levels, helping you focus, as well as stimulating (激励) your creativity. Try using music during independent work time, or play music to encourage classroom communication. When you add music, you will find that your students will be so happy and joyful throughout the schoolday.
Play is an essential (必要的) part of a child’s developmental process. Make sure that you are incorporating (合并) independent play, as well as interactive (互动的) play into your schoolday, and you will have a lot of very happy students.
Children love to make their own choices. By giving your students a choice, you are empowering them and showing them that their opinions matter a lot. This independence will create a very happy classroom.
How to create a happy classroom | |
Get to know your students better | Spend some time getting to know your students and give them a chance to know you, which will 1. your students and benefit you. |
Create expectations for your students | Get your students 2. by creating expectations, such as holding a classroom party or 3. them from homework for a weekend. |
Use humour in your classroom | ●Humour is of great help in improving students’ moods, 4. and studies. ●You can be humourous by telling a joke or a riddle. |
Incorporate music into your lessons | ●Music will make your students less stressed, energetic, focused and 5.. ●Playing music will make your students joyful throughout the 6.. |
Let there be play | ●Play is very important for your students’ 7.. ●You need to combine 8. play and interactive play with your lessons. |
Allow students to make their our choices | Students should be given some chances to make their own choices, which shows that they have 9. over their own life and their opinions are 10.. |
Because computer knowledge is important in our society today, many parents believe that the earlier their children begin to use the computer, the better. Accordingly, most children are spending a large amount of time on computers during their preschool years. But is it healthy for preschoolers to use computers? And if so, how can parents decide how much computer time is proper?
Some studies have shown that using computers from an early age has several advantages. Computer classes are given in most kindergartens and grade schools, so preschoolers who have already become familiar with the operation of the keyboard and mouse come out top in their studies. They may also have an advantage if they have the chance to play educational games, from which they can learn language and math.
The greatest benefits, though, are gained when preschoolers use computers side by side or when they work with adults. In these situations, preschoolers develop cooperative (合作的) problem-solving skills. They also have the chance to communicate with others, which will reinforce their overall learning.
In spite of many benefits, experts also point out disadvantages of preschool computer use.
Preschoolers’ muscles (肌肉) and bones are still developing, but computers and furniture, especially at home, are seldom set up properly for them. “Most parents,” says Peter Buckle of the Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics, “seem unaware of the possible dangers of preschoolers sitting for long periods unsupported, with necks and wrists (手腕) damaged.”
Another problem arises when parents put educational games into computers and believe it’s better for their preschoolers to play these games than sit in front of a TV. Educational expert and teacher Jane Healy disagrees. She doesn’t believe there is much difference between the two. “Simply watching a screen is not the same as real mental activity.” Healy says. She suggests that reading together, having family discussions, or playing are much more valuable. Besides, Healy also questions whether some popular computer games have educational value. “Some,” she says, “may even damage creativity, attention and motivation (动力) .”
To make the computer valuable for you and your preschoolers, you need to decide on rules and time limits. When purchasing software for your preschoolers, look for programs that offer many different functions, which can help improve preschoolers’ creativity and ability to solve problems. Above all, try your best to stay with your preschoolers rather than leaving them alone before the computer.
Here are some additional tips:
★Adjust （调整）the computer and furniture for your preschoolers’ use;
★Manage your preschoolers’ computer activities;
★Limit the amount of time your preschoolers spend on the computer.
1.We can learn from Paragraph 2 that _____.
A. computers are good for preschoolers’ learning
B. most preschoolers are familiar with computers
C. preschoolers shouldn’t use computers too early
D. preschoolers can learn to use computers easily
2.What does the underlined word “reinforce” in Paragraph 3 mean?
A. Protect. B. Strengthen.
C. Continue. D. Praise.
3.Peter Buckle most probably agrees that _____.
A. parents have realized the dangers of preschoolers’ using computers
B. using computers has many advantages for preschoolers
C. improper computer use can lead to health problems
D. preschoolers are developing too fast nowadays
4.According to Jane Healy, parents should _____.
A. forbid their preschoolers to watch TV
B. join in their preschoolers’ practical activities
C. encourage their preschoolers’ creativity
D. realize that educational computer games are valuable
5.The author advises parents to _____.
A. give their preschoolers enough time to play computer games
B. place the computer and furniture properly
C. purchase all kinds of computer programs
D. stay with their preschoolers when they are using computers
6.What’s the main idea of the passage?
A. Preschoolers shouldn’t use computers.
B. Computers have their advantages and disadvantages.
C. Preschoolers have benefited a lot from using computers.
D. Parents should help their preschoolers use computers properly.
Spanish is No. 3 among the more than 5,000 languages spoken in the world today. Even English takes a back seat to Spanish with 330 million native speakers in the world, compared with 346 million of Spanish. In the United States, college students are flocking (聚集) to learn Spanish and major American book companies are publishing Spanish-language editions. In addition, many other American companies are increasingly selling their products through Spanish-language ads.
In spite of the popularity of Spanish, no one questions the continuing dominance (优势) of English in the United States.
Then what is the future of Spanish in this country? In general, the fate of immigrant (来自外国的) languages has been to flower and then disappear. Many experts say immigration only prolongs (延长) the process. Since large-scale Latin American immigration will not continue forever, they think Spanish in the United States will finally disappear.
The mixture of Spanish and English called “Spanglish” was considered by some as a brief stop on the road to the disappearance of Spanish. But Spanglish was blamed by Roberto González Echevarría, a leading literary critic at Yale University. He said, “Those who support Spanglish don’t realize that it is a Spanish invasion (侵略) of English.”
Other experts have argued that the mixing of languages and bilingualism (双语能力) are not two-way streets. In the case of the United States, Spanish speakers tend to become bilingual, but English speakers do not. When all the native Spanish speakers become bilingual, the need to speak Spanish tends to disappear.
It has happened before. German was once a popular language in the United States. However, German immigration then reduced and World War I caused anti-German feelings and English-only measures. Today, more than 45 million Americans claim their ancestry (祖先) as German, but only 1.5 million claim to speak the language.
However, there are reasons to believe Spanish will follow a different course from German. Strictly speaking, Spanish is not an immigrant language. It was here before English, its presence in North America preceding (在……之前) the founding of the United States. Spanish is the native language of Puerto Rico who are native U.S. citizens.
Additionally, Spanish has advantages German didn’t enjoy at the turn of the century. The size of the Spanish-speaking population worldwide, the communications revolution and the global economy mean there are more opportunities to use the language.
1.We can learn from Paragraph 1 that _____.
A. American book companies are required to publish Spanish editions
B. college students have to learn Spanish in America
C. Spanish has enjoyed popularity in America
D. Spanish has taken the place of English in America
2.According to the passage, Roberto González Echevarría probably agrees that _____.
A. Spanish will disappear soon
B. Spanglish shouldn’t be supported
C. Spanish speakers should become bilingual
D. Spanglish will prevent Spanish from disappearing
3.What is the future of Spanish in America according to the passage?
A. It will be remembered as an immigrant language.
B. It will be used to do business by most Americans.
C. It will continue to find a place in America.
D. It will be used by Puerto Ricans forever.
4.The author writes this passage to _____.
A. introduce the development of Spanish in America
B. show the popularity of Spanish in America
C. encourage people to speak Spanish
D. introduce the history of Spanish
