Learning Is a Learned Behavior
Many people mistakenly believe that learning is an unchangeable trait like eye color, simply luck of the genetic draw. ''People are born learners, or they're not." 1. Here are three practical ways to build your learning skills, based on research.
Organize your goals
Effective learning often boils down to a type of project management. In order to develop an area of expertise, we first have to set achievable goals about what we want to learn. Then we have to develop strategies to help us reach those goals. A targeted approach to learning helps us cope with all the self-carping （自我挑剔）feelings associated with gaining skills: Am I good enough? Will I fail? What if I'm wrong? 2. While some self-carping is normal, these sorts of negative emotions can quickly rob us of our ability to learn something new.
Think about thinking
Metacognition （元认知）is crucial to the talent of learning. Psychologists define metacognition as "thinking about thinking", and broadly speaking, metacognition is about being more inspective about how you know what you know. It's a matter of asking ourselves questions like: Do I really get this idea? Could I explain it to a friend? Or do I need more practice? When it comes to learning, one of the biggest issues is not that something goes in one ear and out the other. 3.
Reflect on your learning
There is something of a contradiction in learning. Get into a discussion with a classmate, for instance, and often your best arguments arrive while you're washing the dishes later. In short, learning benefits from reflection. 4. Sleep is a fascinating example of this idea. It's possible that we tidy up our knowledge while we're napping or sleeping deeply. One recent study shows a good evening of shut-eye can reduce practice time by 50%.
Being a quick study doesn't mean you're the smartest person in the room. 5., thinking about your thinking, and reflecting on your learning at proper times, you can become a better study, too.
A.Is there any truth in these rumors?
B.By becoming the first to sail round the world
C.By deliberately organizing your learning goals
D.Isn't there something else that I'd rather be doing?
E.This type of reflection requires a moment of calm.
F.A growing body of research is making it clear that learners are made, not born.
G.The issue is that individuals don't push themselves to really think about their thinking.
Kristen Sorensen was 55 when she became paralyzed from the neck down. Diagnosed in October 2018 with a rare disorder that affects the body's nervous system, she never expected to walk again.
But earlier that year, the Brooks Treatment Center in Florida became the first center to use a unique technology developed in Japan --- the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL). HAL, essentially a wearable machine, helps those with spinal cord (脊髓的)injuries and muscular diseases regain their movements and strengthen their nerves and muscles. Known as exoskeletons, they're a type of lightweight suit, with joints powered by small electric motors, that serve as mechanical muscle. Patients use their brain waves to control them.
When Sorensen heard about the brain wave-controlled exoskeleton, she knew she had to place an order and give it a try. A trained nurse helped her fit HAL over her waist and trousers, connecting her to sensors that help pick up faint bio-electric signals on the surface of the skin, which communicate a patient's intention to move. Once HAL receives these signals, it helps support the person's movements.
After some training and efforts, Sorensen was able to walk at her daughter's wedding a few months later in December. It's a thought that Sorensen shares. "When I used HAL, there were people who came from all over the country to use the equipment," she says. "I would like this kind of technology to be more readily available and more accessible especially to those who learn slowly."
But it's not just those with disabilities or injuries who stand to benefit. By 2050, there will be more than 2 billion people over age 60, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and exoskeletons could offer a solution to the world's aging population.
In the future, as human bodies wear down with age, an exoskeleton - powered by active minds - could help people stay on their feet. With such huge potential applications available, the global medical exoskeleton market will be worth an estimated $2.8 billion by 2023, according to a research company.
1.What do we know about Kristen?
A.She had much difficulties in walking.
B.She was paralyzed due to an accident.
C.She volunteered in a science experiment.
D.She never gave up the hope to walk again.
2.HAL can be used as .
A.brain wave B.electrical nerve C.mechanical muscle D.spinal cord
3.What's the right order of how HAL works?
①Persons put on HAL.
②Persons are connected to the sensors.
③HAL helps support the person's motion.
④Persons send out intention to move.
⑤Sensors pick up signals and pass them to HAL.
A.②①④⑤③ B.①②③④⑤ C.②①③④⑤ D.①②④⑤③
4.We can conclude from the passage that .
A.HAL can now be used with no difficulty
B.HAL may have a large potential market
C.HAL has been widely used in the world
D.HAL can only help people with disabilities
Felicien, a 29-year-old African graduate student, smiled as he helped a woman use a ticket on her phone to enter the Summer Palace in Beijing. As a volunteer in the palace garden, Felicien is just one of many African students studying in China.
The China-Africa Cooperation Meeting was held in Beijing from Sept 3 to 4. On the meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised to offer working training courses, 50,000 scholarships for African youths and invite 2,000 young African people to visit China. "The future of China-Africa relations lies in our young people," Xi said. He also said that China will provide $60 billion in support, including free aid and special funds, for Africa's development.
The friendship between China and Africa dates back 600 years to the travels of Chinese explorer Zheng He, whose ships reached East Africa four times. Zheng brought gifts to his African hosts and took back nothing but a few giraffes. Today, China sees Africa as an equal partner in development and in international and regional affairs. China has been Africa's largest trading partner for 9 years. Chinese investments in Africa have increased more than 100 times in the past 18 years. China and Africa have strengthened cooperation since 2013, with the tremendous help of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
"China follows the principle of giving more and taking less, giving before taking and giving without asking for return. With open arms, we welcome African countries aboard the train of China's development, Xi said. Xi's words received much praise from African leaders.
Indeed, "With goodwill and cooperation with Bejing, Africa can bring her wisdom on board, mix it to the Chinese Dream and jointly build a community of shared future for all mankind,", commented an expert
1.Why does the author mention Felicien in Paragraph 1?
A.To describe Felicien's part-time job.
B.To demonstrate China-Africa relations.
C.To show foreigners can be volunteers.
D.To show it is convenient to use E-tickets.
2.Which of the following statement is TRUE?
A.5,000 African young people will be invited to visit China.
B.Zheng He strengthened the ties between Asia and Africa.
C.The BRI has greatly promoted China-Africa cooperation.
D.China will provide Africa with $60 billion special funds.
3.What can we learn from Xi's words in Paragraph 4?
A.China helps Africa develop high-speed trains.
B.China welcomes African countries to invest in China.
C.China's development brings opportunities to Africa.
D.China gains nothing from China-Africa cooperation.
4.What can be the best title for the text?
A.China's Aids to African Countries B.African Students in China
C.China Sees Africa as Equal Competitor D.China's Bond with Africa
It is reported that using a smartphone at mealtimes can lead to an expanding waistline. Researchers have found that men and women consumed 15 percent more calories when looking at their phones while eating. They also ate more fatty food. The groundbreaking study suggests that staring at a phone screen may distract diners from how much food they are actually eating.
"It may prevent the correct understanding of the brain over the amount of food that is eaten," said researchers who filmed 62 volunteers eating alone.
The men and women, aged from 18 to 28, were invited to help themselves to a choice of food 一 ranging from healthy options to soft drinks and chocolates - until they were finally satisfied. In three trials, the volunteers were recorded eating with no distractions, using a smart phone or reading a magazine. According to the study, on average, the volunteers ate 535 calories without the distraction of a smartphone but 591 calories when using a mobile phone instead.
Those in the sample who were classified as overweight ate 616 calories while using their phones. When they were in possession of their mobile phones, the volunteers consumed 10 percent more fatty foods. When reading a magazine, they also ate more compared with no distractions during a meal, but they consume less calories compared with the use of smart phones when having a meal.
"The use of a smart phone during a meal increased calorie and fat intake," said Marcio Gilberto Zangeronimoa, a lead author of the study carried out at the Federal University of Lavras in Brazil and University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands.
He added, "At present, tablets and smart phones have become the main 'distractors' during meals, even early in childhood, and distractors prevent the brain correctly understanding the amount of food ingested, so it is important to pay attention to how this may impact food choices."
1.Which phrase can best replace the underlined word "distract" in the first paragraph?
A.Draw ... to ... B.Give ... out.
C.Bring about... D.Break ... up.
2.According to the study, a lady may consume the least calories during a meal when .
A.eating with no distractions B.eating with a magazine
C.eating with a phone D.eating with a tablet
3.What is Marcio Gilberto Zangeronimoa's attitude to the use of phones during a meal?
A.Favorable. B.Negative. C.Indifferent. D.Surprised.
4.This passage most likely comes from .
A.a diary B.a magazine C.a novel D.a tourist guide
Although Macao is small, it has all its vital organs. When you come to this unique town, there are experiences you can't miss.
Macao Tower
The Macao Tower, 338 meters tall, is the world’s 10th highest tower, with a variety of activities, such as eating and entertainment. One of the activities is the bungee jump. The AJ Hackett Macao Tower Bungee Jump is 233 meters high, making it a Guinness World Record as the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. Raise your arms and off you go!
Macau Maritime Museum
Occupying an area of 800 square meters, the Macau Maritime Museum was built on the site where the first group of Portuguese explorers landed on Macau in 1553. Enlarged in 1990, the museum follows the typical museum layouts of a European style. The exhibits explore major themes in the history of the maritime industry in Macau and show traditions, fishing techniques and navigation equipment of the fishermen in Macau.
Ruins of St. Paul
The Ruins of St. Paul is the signature landmark of Macao. The ruins consist of the St. Paul's College and the Church of St. Paul, built in 1583. However, after three intense fires in 1595, 1601 and 1835, the church was seriously damaged. Surprisingly, after the vigorous cycles of rebuilding and fires, the huge facade （正面）and the front stairway remain unburned.
Macao Grand Prix
The Macao Grand Prix is a major worldwide car-racing event held annually, attracting over 300 top drivers every year. Racing through the small streets and roads over this tiny city, the Macao Grand Prix circuit is the only street circuit racing in the world for car and motorcycle events. Thus, it is also well-known as one of the world's most demanding circuits.
1.As a bungee enthusiast, Brian will most likely visit .
A.the Macao Grand Prix B.the Macau Maritime Museum
C.the Ruins of St. Paul D.the Macao Tower
2.What will you do in the Macau Maritime Museum?
A.Enjoy amazing egg tarts. B.Learn about the sea history of Macau.
C.Take a boat to the sea. D.Listen to tours led by local fishermen.
3.What is special about Macao Grand Prix?
A.It is held annually. B.It attracts many drivers.
C.It features street racing. D.It offers relics views.
阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文，续写的词数应为150左右。
Christmas was hanging around. Six-year-old David was thinking what presents he could get from Santa. He wanted slippers; he wanted a silk tie; he wanted some toys. And school starting soon, he also hoped to get something about schooling. In order to get Santa to know what he needed, he thought he would write a letter to Santa, which he believed would bring him those presents. He found a sheet and made list of the items on it, and then bent down to post the letter up the chimney, waiting for the winds to take it up.
David got up very early on the Christmas morning. He searched his room carefully, but to his disappointment, he didn’t find the presents he hoped for. Hadn’t Santa received the letter? Was he too busy to send him the gifts? Although feeling a little upset, David was convinced that Santa would not forget him and he was bound to receive the items.
Many years had passed and 2019 came. In an old house, young builder, Lewis Shaw was removing the fireplace with his colleagues when he suddenly found a small piece of paper, which was still in perfect condition even if it had turned yellow. He picked it up and unfolded it. It was a letter written to Santa. The touching hand-written note read:
Dear Father Christmas.
Please can you send me drum, box of chalks, slippers, silk tie, pencil box, any little toys you have to spare.
Love you,
David
It was then signed off with lots of kisses.
This was the very letter written by David and the house was where he had lived during his childhood! The letter struck Shaw so much. How simple Christmas once was! David didn’t ask for much, just the things he just needed. Nowadays kids always wanted expensive gifts and took it for granted.
Paragraph:
Shaw decided to find out the author of the letter. He shared a photo of the note on Facebook.
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Paragraph 2:
A great surprise was on the way. After a pleasant chat,
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