My friend Mary came to school wearing a brand-new pair of Zee jeans. “Your new Zee jeans are so cute!” I said.

“My grandma took me clothes shopping last weekend,” Mary said. “The Zee jeans were on sale. They have cool pockets and are unbelievably comfortable. When you’re at my house after school, try them on and see for yourself.”

“Hmm.” I didn’t think so. But when I tried them on, I couldn’t help agreeing. “I’m totally taking these!” I said. As soon as I got home, I told my mom that I had to get some Zee jeans.

Mom said, “You already have three pairs of perfectly good jeans. There is no way Dad and I are paying that much for a pair of pants. If you want to buy them with your own money, I would be happy to make a long list of extra chores you can do.”

“I’ll start this minute,” I said.

It took me three weeks to save enough money. I changed kitty litter, watched my little brother and sister, and cleaned refrigerator. The refrigerator cleaning was the worst because one of the shelves fell while I was taking everything out. Food and milk splashed all over the floor. It took me one and a half hour to clean it up!

Anyway, I finally bought my Zee jeans, and I loved them even more than I thought I would. I loved them half because they had cool pockets and super comfortable, and half because I had worked so hard to earn the money to buy them myself.

1.Who bought the new Zee jeans for Mary?

A. Her mother. B. Herself. C. Her friend. D. Her grandmother.

2.Why did mom not want to buy a pair of Zee jeans to the writer?

A. She didn’t like the writer.

B. She thought the writer was lazy.

C. She thought that the writer had enough jeans.

D. She didn’t have enough money.

3.How did the writer buy the new jeans?

A. She got money from her mom.

B. She made money by doing housework.

C. She borrowed money from Mary.

D. She asked her grandma to buy them for her.

1.D 2.C 3.B 【解析】解析：本文主要講述了作者因為看到朋友穿著很酷的牛仔褲而且和很舒適，便也想買一條，但作者的媽媽說作者已經(jīng)有三條牛仔褲了，不可能再花錢給作者買。如果作者想要的話，只能自己賺錢去買。所以作者就做了許多的家務(wù)，攢夠了錢，自己買了一條牛仔褲的故事。 1.解析：題意：誰給瑪麗買了新的牛仔褲？根據(jù)文中的句子“My grandma took me cloth...

Note-taking is a skill that can help you do well in all your schoolwork-everything from taking tests to researching a paper.

If your teacher writes notes on the board, that’s bonus: You can copy them down. If not, write down the most important points in class. For example, does your history teacher mention the date of the Second World War? Or repeat a piece of information? Write it down! It can take time to learn how to listen to the key information, so keep trying and don’t give up.

If you want to write down every word that’s said in class, you’ll be mad. So it’s necessary to develop your own signs, for example, “pics” for “pictures,” or “hw” for “homework”. They can help you take notes more quickly. And if you pay too much attention to getting your notes right, you might miss listening to what the teacher is saying. Don’t be afraid to ask the teacher to repeat something you miss. If you don’t want to ask in class, see your teacher after class.

It is easy to miss information while taking notes, so compare your notes to what the textbooks says—you can add to your notes as you read. Go over your notes with a friend and compare what the two of you have put down. It will make you two be able to notice mistakes and reinforce what you’re learning. It can also help you remember information when it’s time for a test.

Even if you don’t have a test coming up, you’d better look over your notes within 24 hours of taking them. Your brain will start absorbing(吸收) the information while it is still fresh in your mind. Then when you study in the days before a test, you will be able to recall the information much better. Instead of simply reading your notes to yourself, say them aloud. Studies show that speaking aloud helps in memorization. When you speak, try paraphrasing(意譯) sometimes rather than reading directly. Paraphrasing and speaking aloud requires your brain to do more work, making it more likely that you will understand what you’re studying.

Good note-taking takes time. But the time you spend writing and reviewing notes pays off. Not only can this help you do better in a test, it’s also a great confidence supporter when you’re studying and find yourself saying, “Hey, I remember that!”

1.If a teacher doesn’t write notes on the blackboard, students should ______.

A. read the textbook and underline the important points

B. write down the information repeated by the teacher

C. listen carefully without taking notes

D. copy a friend’s notes in class

2.What can we learn from the passage?

A. Writing down words in short helps avoid missing important information.

B. Students should try their best to make sure the notes are right in class.

C. Reading the notes aloud can help students find out mistakes in notes.

D. Students need to spend time practising the skills of taking notes.

3.What’s the fifth paragraph mainly about?

A. The ways to review notes. B. The skills of correcting notes.

C. The methods to perfect notes. D. The necessity of taking notes.

1.A 2.D 3.D 【解析】【主旨大意】本文是一篇說明文，介紹了筆記的重要性，并給出了記筆記的建議。 1.細(xì)節(jié)理解題。題干意為：如果老師不在黑板上寫什么東西，學(xué)生們應(yīng)該。根據(jù)第二段第二句“If not, write down the most important points in class.”可知,如果老師不寫，就把課上的最重要內(nèi)容抄寫下來。故選A。 2.推理...

Zoos are hugely popular attractions for adults and children alike. But are they actually a good thing?

Those people who are against zoos, would argue that animals often suffer（遭受痛苦）physically and mentally by being enclosed. Even the best man-made environments can’t come close to matching the space, diversity（多樣性）, and freedom that animals have in their natural homes. This causes many zoo animals to become sick. Catching animals in the wild also causes much suffering by separating with dolphinh family. Some zoos make animals behave unnaturally. For example, ocean parks often force dolphins and whales to perform. These sea animals may die years earlier than their wild relatives.

On the other hand, by bringing people and animals together, zoos can educate the public about animal protection and encourage people to save animals and their homes. Some zoos provide a safe environment for animals which have been mistreated in circuses, or pets which have been given up and no longer wanted. Zoos also carry out important research into subjects like animal behavior and how to treat illness.

One of the most important modern functions of zoos is supporting international breeding（繁衍）programs, especially for endangered species（物種）. In the wild, some of the species have difficulty in finding mates and breeding, and they might also be hurt or even killed by people. A good zoo will enable these species to live and breed in a safe environment. In addition, as numbers of some wild species drop, there is an increased danger of populations becoming too genetically（基因上） similar. Breeding programs provide a safeguard: zoo-bred animals can be put into the wild to increase genetic diversity.

However, those people who are against zoos say that many zoo-bred animals are not put back into the wild. A lot of animals are sold not only to other zoos but also to circuses in the US or wild parks in South Aften, these some people are willing to pay a lot of money for the chance to kill a helpless animal. Often, where animals are familiar with humans and have very little chance of escaping.

So, are zoos good for animals or not? Perhaps it all depends on how well zoos are managed, and the benefits of zoos can surely outweigh their harmful effects. However, it is understandable that many people believe enclosing animals for any reason is simply wrong.

1.According to Paragraph 2, some sea animals may die earlier than wild relatives because _____.

A. they were born in the ocean park

B. they don’t have enough living space

C. they are forced to behave unnaturally

D. they suffer from family separation

2.What is the main purpose of international breeding program?

A. To increase genetic diversity.

B. To protect mistreated animals.

C. To free enclosed animals.

D. To do research on animal behavior.

3.What’s the author’s opinion for zoos?

A. He doubts the value of zoos.

B. He is a true supporter of all kinds of zoos.

C. He is against the idea of having zoos around.

D. He sees the importance of the zoo management.

1.C 2.A 3.D 【解析】【主旨大意】本文是一篇議論文。動物園對動物來說是好還是壞，不同的人給出了不同的觀點。 1.細(xì)節(jié)理解題。題干意為：根據(jù)第二段內(nèi)容，有些海洋動物可能比它們的野生親戚更早死亡，因為。根據(jù)第二段中“Some zoos make animals behave unnaturally...”可知，有些海洋動物可能比它們的野生親戚更早死亡，因為他們被迫不自...

Nowadays, many teens are badly addicted to using phones. It probably won’t surprise you that teens are texting more than ever before.

Instead of sleeping, Kenny Alarcon, 16, often texts with his friends through the night. Frances Garcia, a high school senior, sends and receives about 1000 texts each day. Both Frances and Kenny wake up several times during the night to text. Kenny even sleeps with his phone under his pillow.

Dr.Elizabeth Dowdell, a professor at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, says that it’s common for teens to be interrupted by texts while sleeping. “If they often lose sleep,” Dr.Dowdell says, “teens may become angry, or depressed. A lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and even obesity because many people turn to junk food for quick energy when they are tired.”

Some experts are worried about how texting is affecting teenagers’ lives. One concern is that students might not learn correct grammar and spelling if most of the writing they do is made up of text messages. Some people also worry that teens don’t spend enough time talking with others face-to-face, which could be hurting their relationships with friends and family. Moreover, all that texting takes away hours that could be spent studying, exercising, taking up a hobby, or just relaxing.

According to Dr. Dowdell, teens need to learn that they can and should turn off their phones sometimes. She had Kenny and Frances do an experiment. These were the rules: No phone for 48 hours. No computer or Internet either, unless it was for schoolwork.

After 48 phone-free hours, Kenny and Frances were interviewed. “Wow, it was pure torture(折磨),” Kenny joked. Kenny missed his friends, and he was sad at times. But he also felt relief from the constant texting. He spent time reading books and talking with his family, which he really enjoyed. Frances had an even happier result. “I loved it!” she said, “I was going to the gym and hanging out with friends and playing basketball. I had a wonderful experience.” Frances decided to continue the experiment for a while. “I think I’ll be so much smarter and healthier,” she explained, “everybody in the world should try it.”

1.If teens keep waking up to text while sleeping, they may _____.

A. get overweight B. become happier

C. disturb their parents D. feel more relaxed

2.What is Paragraph 4 mainly about?

A. Mistakes in teens’ text writing.

B. Time wasted on meaningless texting.

C. Worries about how texting affects teens.

D. Encouragement to teens’ talking face-to-face.

3.The writer mentions the experiment on Frances and Kenny to _____.

A. advise people what to do without phones

B. show teens can live well without phones

C. explain phones are important in teens’ lives

D. introduce how they make good use of phones

1.A 2.C 3.B 【解析】【主旨大意】本文是一篇議論文，文中主要談到了手機(jī)對青少年的不良影響，并通過一個實驗表明，離開手機(jī)，青少年也能過得很好。 1.細(xì)節(jié)理解題。題干意為：在他們睡覺時，如果青少年堅持醒來發(fā)短信，他們可能。根據(jù)第三段最后一句中“A lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and even obesity”可知，這會導(dǎo)...

Next time you hear yourself wishing for something better in your life, remember the word “SMART”. When you’ve decided to take action, read the following first.

S is for specific (具體的): For example, instead of setting a goal (目標(biāo)): of “I want to lose weight”, set yourself a specific goal like “I want to lose five kilograms”. If you want to climb a high mountain, start your research, set a date and train for the climbing fitness.

M is for measurable (可測量的): Don’t try to “become healthy”, instead, set a goal that can be measured while carrying out an improved eating, exercise or lifestyle plan. For example, try to go to the gym for an hour three times a week, to visit your grandma once a week for an evening meal, or to eat no more than 200 grams of chocolate a week.

A is for achievable(可完成的): If you’ve never exercised in your life, don’t try to take part in the 2020 Olympics. Rather, get walking with a specific goal of how many steps to take a day. No need to try for the stars—baby steps are good.

R is for relevant (恰當(dāng)?shù)?: Many of us choose goals that seem right, but are in fact wrong. They may go on for a few weeks before they fail. Try to avoid making the same mistake—rather choose goals that really speak to you.

T is for time-conscious (心中有數(shù)的): Finally, be very clear in your mind about how much time you are giving yourself to achieve the goal. That way, you know when you’ve succeeded, failed or whether you need to work harder to finish it before the last day.

1.According to the passage, the writer tells us how to_______.

A. lose weight B. take exercise

C. set a goal D. spend time.

2.What does the word “SMART” mean in the passage?

A. Five exercise plans. B. Five suggestions.

C. Five training steps. D. Five big letters.

3.Which of the following is not true according to the passage?

A. Specific numbers should be included in the goals you set.

B. You should begin with small steps while achieving a goal.

C. In order to make the goal fit for you, you should be careful.

D. More time should be given for you to achieve your goal.

1.C 2.B 3.D 【解析】本文介紹了設(shè)定目標(biāo)的聰明方法：1、你最好使你的目標(biāo)更加詳細(xì)和準(zhǔn)確；2、不要以"健康"或"壓力小"為目標(biāo)；3、努力實現(xiàn)目標(biāo)；4、選擇你真正感興趣的目標(biāo)；5、你要清楚你心里有多少時間給自己去實現(xiàn)目標(biāo)。 1.主旨大意題。根據(jù)短文中的句子For example, instead of setting a goal (目標(biāo)): of “I want t...

“Joe, did you book your ticket yet?” I asked. “No. I changed my mind. I’m not going to go.”“What? You aren’t going to Australia? We’ve been planning this vacation for months!”“Yeah, I don’t feel like it. We’ll go some other time.”

Over the coming weeks, I tried to get my friend to reconsider, but failed. Our trip to Australia was off. And none of my friends wanted to replace him. If I wanted to travel, it would have to be on my own.

It’s taught me that if I wait for others, I’ll never go anywhere. But there are places I want to visit, people to see, experiences to have, and food to try—and only so much time to achieve it all. So I refuse to wait. I won’t let others keep me from realizing my dreams. It can be scary travelling alone, especially then you’ve never done it before. But, to me, growing old without experiencing everything you want from life is more frightening.

If you’re been putting off a trip because you’re waiting for someone to go with—stop. Just go. Don’t let others hold you back from your dreams. Trust me, along the way you’ll make plenty of friends. More than that, travelling alone gives you real freedom. You wake up and it’s just you—what you want, where you want, when you want. In that freedom and great space of possibility, you meet yourself.

It’s sink or swim and you have to learn how to survive—who to trust, how to make friends, how to find your way around alone. That’s the greatest reward（獎賞） of travelling alone. Each time you go away, you learn to become a little more independent and confident.

Travelling alone is not for everyone. Some people return home soon after starting off, some cry for weeks before accepting it, and others just accept it right away. But you’ll never learn that if you don’t travel once by yourself. Whether a weekend away, a two-week vacation, or a trip around the world, try it at least once.

1.What does the writer think is more frightening?

A. Travelling alone for the first time.

B. Changing your mind all the time.

C. Waiting for others during a long trip.

D. Failing to experience life in your growth.

2.The underlined words “hold you back from your dreams” in Paragraph 4 probably mean“______”.

A. get you out of trouble B. stop you from travelling

C. keep you waiting for them D. wake you up from your dream

3.According to the writer, the best reward of travelling alone is _____.

A. the experience of travelling

B. the freedom to go anywhere

C. the chance to taste delicious food

D. the possibility of meeting new people

4.The passage is mainly about__________.

A. where to travel B. when to travel

C. how to travel safely D. why to travel alone

1.D 2.B 3.A 4.D 【解析】【主旨大意】本文是一篇說明文。愛旅行愛自由的你，愿意因等待他人而耗費時間浪費掉假期不去出游嗎？讓我們在一個人旅行中，遇見真實的自己并練就強大的內(nèi)心吧！ 1.細(xì)節(jié)理解題。題干意為：作者認(rèn)為什么是最令人害怕的？根據(jù)第三段最后一句“But, to me, growing old without experiencing everyth...

Songs help memories

The power of music

Most people can remember important news stories clearly, whether it was the murder of President Kennedy in the US or 9/11.But now psychologists Martin Conway and Catriona Morrison, from the University of Leeds in the UK, are investigating how music can create “autobiographical memories” of the main events in our lives. The study is online. People have to choose a song by the Beatles and describe the memories that they have when they listen to it.

Reminiscence bump

Morrison explained that they looked at different age groups and their memories. We often remember more from when we are teenagers and this is called “the reminiscence bump”. This is the time in your life when you form your idea of who you are. For older people who have memories related to the Beatles’ music, most of those memories are from when they were teenagers. But younger people also had clear personal memories from their past.

She loves you

This study was different from other memory studies, because people remembered events from their past with lots more details. Morrison explained: “It was like people had travelled back to the past, and they had very clear memories of things that had happened. When they heard a song like She Loves You by the Beatles, they could remember one night in autumn 1963.They remembered what they were wearing, what the weather was like and what their friend said to them. You get a lot more information than if you just say, ‘tell me about a night you remember’. ”

The study has found that music could be used with people who have problems remembering the past. “You could use music to help improve people’s ability to remember,” said Morrison. “In the future, we would like to do more experiments to see how useful music is in helping people to remember the past, and compare it to other things that might also help.”

1.Professor Conway and Dr. Morrison’s research aims to _____________.

A. see how music can help people remember the past

B. study old songs’ influence on people’s behavior

C. find out what influences people’s memories of the past

D. find ways to help people with memory difficulties

2.The example of She Loves You is used to show that ___________.

A. love songs can help people to have clearer memories

B. songs tell stories that are similar to our experiences

C. music can take people back to their teenage years

D. people can remember more details with the help of music

3.Morrison’s team’s future research is probably on ___________.

A. why some people have memory problems

B. what methods can best help people bring back memories

C. how music can help people in their studies or work

D. how to help older people remember more details about the past

1.A 2.D 3.B 【解析】解析：這篇文章談?wù)搩晌豢茖W(xué)家研究音樂怎樣幫助人們記住過去。 1.解析：根據(jù)文中的第一段中But now psychologists Martin Conway and Catriona Morrison, from the University of Leeds in the UK, are investigating how music c...

Students in western Ohio(俄亥俄州) have to say “bye-bye” to snow days. Snow may fall, but students won’t be able to spend the days sledding(滑雪橇). Classes will continue online. Officials say that holding electronic workdays(e-days) will help students keep up with their studies. It will also prevent requiring students to make up schooldays later in June.

Which would you prefer: spending a cold day on a computer, or sitting in school in June when you should be on vacation? Jordan Dewar, a student reporter, holds the opinion that having online work on a snow day is the better choice. “You would be working on a day that you already planned on having schoolwork.”

“Having extra days of school in summer can interfere with(妨礙) families’ vacation plans. Besides, what if your school does not have air-conditioning? Imagine sweating through seven hours at school on a hot June day when you could have been relaxing by a pool with your family. Doesn’t an e-day sound better than that?” Jordan Dewar said.

For some students, it would be easier to concentrate(專注) on e-days than on makeup days. “You can do a little work online, go play, and then come back later,” says Rachel Meyers, 12. “But on June days you would just have to sit there for seven hours, thinking about how you could be outside, so you lose focus.”

There are some students arguing that it’s not fair to ditch snow days, however. They say that snow days give them a much-needed break. They also note that missing a day here and there is not enough to put them behind. Most students in Silver Valley School think one problem of e-days is that sometimes siblings(兄弟姐妹們) have to share computers at home. In addition, it punishes the students who don’t have computers at home. When school starts again after e-days, these students will be left behind and have to work double-time to catch up with others.

“School budget cuts(預(yù)算削減) across the country are expected to continue into the 2017-2018 school year.” the American Association of School Administrators(AASA) Web site states. “The school wouldn’t be able to afford both online classes and taking care of the school,” Austin Krewson, an eighth grader, says.

Moreover, electricity is likely to be cut off during snowstorms. If kids don’t have power at home, the money and the time in running the new program would be wasted.

1.What can we learn from Paragraph 1?

A. Officials suggest students should have more schooldays in June.

B. Officials believe snow days put students behind in their studies.

C. Students have to end snow days earlier than planned.

D. Students won’t have sledding classes at school.

2.The student reporter, Jordan Dewar, believes that _____.

A. siblings can help each other with their studies on e-days

B. students can learn better on e-days than on makeup days

C. having e-days in winter will save the cost of air-conditioning

D. students should study online when it snows heavily on weekdays

3.What does the word “ditch” in Paragraph 5 probably mean?

A. give up B. put off C. carry out D. pay for

4.The writer mentions the statements on the AASA Web site to _____.

A. explain the reason to hold the e-day program

B. show the difficulty of running the e-day program

C. suggest government should spend more money on education

D. stress why some students can’t afford computers for online classes

1.D 2.D 3.A 4.C 【解析】【主旨大意】本文是一篇新聞報道，主要講述美國俄亥俄州的學(xué)生在下雪天仍然要在網(wǎng)上學(xué)習(xí)，而不能玩雪橇。對此，不同的學(xué)生有不同的看法，某些政府官員也發(fā)表了自己的觀點。 1.細(xì)節(jié)理解題。題干意為：我們從第一段中可知什么？根據(jù)第一段第二句“Snow may fall, but students won’t be able to spend...

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence（AI:人工智能）discusses AI technology and how it might affect humans in the future, but the future is already here. In 2011, America’s Favorite Quiz Show held a competition between two men and an IBM computer named “Watson”. IBM describes Watson as “a technology that understands all forms of data and also reasons and learns.” Both men thought they could beat Watson. Instead, the computer and its Artificial Intelligence soundly beat both of the human beings.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MADE SIMPLE

Artificial Intelligence generally refers to machines with human-like intelligence, such as problem-solving and learning. In order to be considered AI, the computer must pass the Turing test, named after Turing, a British mathematician who worked with the first computer.

In the 1950s, Turing published a paper questioning whether a computer could be used to trick humans into believing they were interacting（互動） with an actual human being. He found that if 30% of humans who interacted with a “machine”believed they were actually interacting with a human being, then the computer could be considered as AI.

A simple example of AI is Apple’s Siri. Ask Siri to do anything, from calling a friend to booking a dinner table, and Siri can do them. Siri seems almost to be a human being. When you ask, “Are you a real person?” Siri answers, “That is a really personal question.”

But just because a system can behave like a human being, that does not mean it can think like humans, Or, does it?

JOINING OF HUMAN & MACHINE

It seems that our devices（設(shè)備）will turn into humans. Our phones already tell us to take an umbrella before we walk out the door. They volunteer traffic conditions so we know how long it will take to drive to work.

Our devices can interact with us in a way that looks like a real conversation with another human being, like with Siri. It does not seem crazy at all to think that AI may be programmed to actually think. If it has not already happened, it will likely happen in the near future.

Have we come to the time when computers and AI have caught up to human beings? Although computers have the ability to make our life better, is it possible that they may control and destroy human beings in the end?

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

It seems pretty clear that in the future, we’re going to see a human-machine hybrid. Humans will be stronger, live longer and be smarter. Ray Kurzweil, a computer scientist, believes that within 50 years, the humans on Earth will be about 50 to 80% robotic. There is no question that AI will be a part of every technology that humans create. Will it turn out be more of a benefit to humankind or will it be a risk and threaten（威脅到） humanity as we know it? If AI is programmed according to Isaac Asimov’s 3 Laws of Robotics, humans won’t have a problem with machines; but for some, evil AI still stands in the way of a peaceful and safe life on Earth.

1.The story of computer Watson is mentioned here to tell us that ______.

A. the age of machines has come

B. humans make their own enemies

C. AI has actually come into our life

D. humans are playing a dangerous game

2.From the passage, we can learn that _____.

A. Turing test was designed to examine the first computer

B. machines interacting with humans can be called AI

C. Siri can volunteer to book a dinner table

D. AI will help humans to be stronger and smarter

3.What does the underlined expression “a human-machine hybrid” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A. A machine with a human look.

B. A human created by machines.

C. A body part robotic part human.

D. A robot that can behave like humans.

4.The passage is mainly about _____.

A. the history and future of AI

B. the advantages and disadvantages of AI

C. the examples of AI

D. the competition between humans and AI

1.C 2.D 3.C 4.A 【解析】【主旨大意】本文是一篇說明文。主要講述了人工智能的歷史和未來發(fā)展情況。 1.推理判斷題。題干意為：這里提到電腦Watson的故事是為了告訴我們。根據(jù)第一段第一句可推知，提到電腦Watson的故事是為了告訴我們?nèi)斯ぶ悄苁聦嵣弦呀?jīng)進(jìn)入我們的生活。故選C。 2.細(xì)節(jié)理解題。題干意為：從本文我們能夠了解到。根據(jù)WHAT THE F...

Mindfulness Matters

In recent years, some schools have begun to introduce meditation, or mindfulness training, into their classrooms. During mindfulness training, students may be asked to sit quietly and observe their own thoughts and feelings to avoid being controlled by them. Mindfulness training can help students overcome anxiety (焦慮), control their behavior, and improve their ability to pay attention in class. Students are expected to learn how to meditate in order to reduce stress and do better in their schoolwork.

Among schools that already teach meditation, the results have been positive. In one study, teachers reported that after five weeks of mindfulness practice, their students were more focused. They also participated more fully in class. A middle school in San Francisco reported that a student meditation program led to higher attendance rates and better grades. Another study suggested that meditation helped students perform better on tests by improving their working memory and reducing their anxiety.

Many supporters believe that meditation training programs can also help students overcome stress. For example, Headstand is a mindfulness education program designed to help students overcome anxiety. A study concluded that ninety-eight percent of participating students felt less stressed after they completed the Headstand program. In another study, researchers in New Haven, Connecticut, followed students who participated in meditation and yoga classes three times a week. They found that after each class, participants had lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone (激素), in their bodies.

Despite the positive results seen so far, critics also point out that much of the current research is not rigorous(嚴(yán)謹(jǐn)?shù)? enough. Associate Professor Tamar Mendelson agrees that research on meditation in children is still in its early stages. However, even she insists that she has seen the positive impact of meditation on children. Others express worries that meditation is not a valuable use of class time. But many disagree. Denise Pope, a professor from the Stanford University, says, “This is something teachers can do immediately. You get a lot of bang for your buck and anyone who is against it isn’t thinking clearly.” Indeed, additional studies will surely strengthen our understanding of the benefits of mindfulness.

Although still in its early stages, research shows that meditation can help students learn to deal with anxiety and stress. As an added bonus, students of mindfulness training also report better concentration and gains in their academic performances. Therefore, meditation should be a part of every student’s school day. Participating in “stillness” can be just as productive as other school-related activities.

1.Why do some schools introduce mindfulness training into classes?

A. To control students’ working memory.

B. To reduce students’ stress and anxiety.

C. To increase students’ attendance rates.

D. To research students’ thoughts and feelings.

2.What can we learn from the passage?

A. Mindfulness training is not a valuable use of class time at school.

B. Mindfulness training is more productive than other school activities.

C. Students felt more stressful after joining yoga classes three times a week.

D. Students paid closer attention in class after weeks of mindfulness practice.

3.The words “a lot of bang for your buck” in Paragraph 4 probably mean “_____”.

A. challenges B. complaints C. advantages D. influences

4.The writer probably agrees that ______.

A. further studies will prove the benefits of mindfulness training

B. students will become more talented with mindfulness training

C. doctors will do researches on the spread of mindfulness training

D. mindfulness training decides students’ mental and physical health

1.B 2.D 3.C 4.A 【解析】【主旨大意】本文是一篇議論文，文中作者主要通過幾個實驗以及專家教授的觀點向我們介紹了在學(xué)校內(nèi)進(jìn)行正念訓(xùn)練的好處。 1.細(xì)節(jié)理解題。題干意為：一些學(xué)校為什么將正念訓(xùn)練引入校園？根據(jù)第一段最后一句“Students are expected to learn how to meditate in order to reduce st...