In a video shared online, a young photographer, Lily, is seen confidently directing a well-known action movie star for a photoshopot. Even though the actor is very tall, she is not nervous. She tells him what to do like a real professional, even though she’s still quite young.
“Given his size, I asked him to make more pronounced movements,” said Lily, reflecting on the shoot in a recent interview. The young shutterbug (摄影爱好者) has already taken photos of several personalities and has earned a significant following online, with her work receiving millions of likes.
Lily’s journey into photography began when she was just four years old, with a simple point-and-shoot camera. Her father, recognizing her natural ability to connect with people, encouraged her to explore street photography. At the age of five, she captured a portrait of a renowned musician-turned-actress during a chance encounter in a store, which quickly went viral on the social media.
Since then, Lily has been receiving numerous requests to photograph top talents. “The more I photograph in public places, the more recognition I get, which in turn leads to more chances to work with well-known figures,” she explained.
Because of her young age, some have questioned how she manages to secure such high-profile shoots. Her father, who assists with minor post-production edits, explained that her unique perspective was what attracted the attention of talent agencies. “Through Lily’s lens (镜头), subjects show a different side,” he said. “Her photos capture a softer, gentler aspect of people, celebrity or not.”
Addressing concerns about the use of filters and heavy editing, Lily insists that her images are minimally processed. Her ultimate goal is to evoke (唤起) emotions through her photography and, eventually, to become a full-time portrait photographer. For now, she continues to hone (磨炼) her craft and enjoys the present moment.
1．What phenomenon is described in the first paragraph?| A．A girl is directing a film. | B．How a girl is photographing. |
| C．Children need social activities. | D．How a short video is produced. |
| A．She photographed many action movies. | B．A famous actress offered to help her. |
| C．Her father made her skills known. | D．Social media played a significant role. |
| A．She is good at adjusting lens. | B．She constantly learns from others. |
| C．She photographs from a special angle. | D．She gains recognition from celebrities. |
| A．Hesitant. | B．Determined. | C．Pessimistic. | D．Negative. |
Yours sincerely,
Li Hua
I’m an online columnist. A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about my life, ending up receiving some
As an online columnist for ages, I have constantly encountered
At that moment, I’ve realized we don’t have the luxury of negativity. Our life is too short to be
| A．conventional | B．innovative | C．negative | D．thorough |
| A．terribly | B．hardly | C．aimlessly | D．accidentally |
| A．gave | B．flooded | C．dropped | D．cut |
| A．permitted | B．required | C．banned | D．pushed |
| A．appreciated | B．impressed | C．represented | D．criticized |
| A．long-lasting | B．well-meaning | C．ever-changing | D．self-fulfilling |
| A．cautious | B．anxious | C．concerned | D．astonished |
| A．restrict | B．stimulate | C．release | D．sponsor |
| A．depression | B．confusion | C．satisfaction | D．embarrassment |
| A．expressions | B．purposes | C．gestures | D．desires |
| A．at the bottom of | B．at the expense of | C．on account of | D．on behalf of |
| A．held back | B．brought up | C．taken in | D．turned down |
| A．acceptance | B．target | C．refusal | D．admission |
| A．complained | B．resolved | C．explained | D．pretended |
| A．comprehension | B．submission | C．direction | D．recognition |
How to Deal with Academic Failure
Experiencing failure in academic settings is inevitable in your journey to study. However, once you get through it, you can bounce back from almost any academic failure.
Adopt the proper mindset
The proper mentality plays a big part in dealing with academic failure.
Consider the troubles of chaotic personal relationships and stress. They are the most common external factor making students' academic performance suffer.
Bounce back
Once you have determined that, you need to develop a plan of action. Try to study at the same times and same places each day, so it becomes a routine. Enlist someone to help you stay accountable to your plan of action.
| A．Identify the trouble spots |
| B．Analyze extracurricular commitments |
| C．Achieving academic goals is vitally important |
| D．Instead of judging yourself for past shortcomings |
| E．Only by recognizing your problems weren't created overnight |
| F．Look at the history of your grades and determine the overall trend |
| G．Talk to a friend, family member or teacher about helping you stay on track |
Chinese material scientists have found the soil on the moon may potentially be able to generate oxygen and fuel, a finding that means more possibilities of humans to use lunar resources to further exploration of the moon and beyond.
The researchers at Nanjing University showed that the lunar sample brought back by China’s Chang’e-5 contains active compounds (化合物) that can change carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuel. Initially, they hoped to design a system that took advantage of lunar soil and solar radiation, the two rich resources on the moon, according to a study published on Thursday in the journal Joule.
After analyzing the Chang’e-5’s lunar soil, the team found the sample contained metal-rich substances, which could work as a catalyst (催化剂) to make oxygen using sunlight and carbon dioxide. The team proposed a strategy using lunar soil to electrolyze water from the moon and the astronauts’ life support system into oxygen and hydrogen. The process was powered by sunlight. The carbon dioxide breathed out by moon inhabitants can be collected and combined with hydrogen to produce the fuel, also catalyzed by the lunar soil, according to the study. The researchers said with this method, no external energy apart from sunlight would be used to produce oxygen and fuel to support life on a moon base.
“We use the environmental resources to minimize rocket payload, and our strategy provides a scenario for a sustainable and affordable living environment for life out of the Earth,” said the paper’s first author Yao Yingfang from Nanjing University, expressing his assumption.
“The challenge lies in the fact that catalytic efficiency of lunar soil is lower than catalysts on the Earth,” said the researchers. They are testing different approaches in order to improve the design. The team is looking for an opportunity to test the system in space with China’s future manned lunar missions.
1．What is the main implication of Chinese scientists’ discovery of the moon’s soil?| A．The moon is rich in rare elements. | B．Lunar soil can be used for exploring space. |
| C．The moon can be lived on by human beings. | D．Lunar soil is a new renewable energy source. |
| A．The process of the sun producing light. |
| B．The analysis of China’s Chang’e-5’s work. |
| C．The supportive method producing metal-rich substances. |
| D．The sustainable living strategy employing lunar resources. |
| A．Profession. | B．Contract. | C．Vision. | D．Sponsor. |
| A．The discovery of active compounds on the moon. |
| B．The testing approaches to improving the lunar soil. |
| C．The research on the environmental system of the moon. |
| D．The study of using lunar soil for oxygen and fuel production. |
In the past, music recording was primitive. A recording engineer placed microphones in front of instruments. The producer pressed record and signaled the band to play. There was a human touch to recordings, and this way of recording gave rock music its raw edge. But here we are today. Complex and advanced audio software sits in every recording studio. The higher cost and greater practicality make creating digital music common.
However, the modern recordings aren’t beneficial to a rock record. Let’s not forget, being in a band is laborious. You need like-minded musicians to rehearse for hours on end. Nowadays, this isn’t a necessity.
Programming drums on a computer is as simple as filling cells on a spreadsheet, and there you have it, a drumbeat. Only a few professionals are aware that they aren’t listening to true live drums. Such tech is even accessible on your smartphone. Whether on a train or in a bedroom, you can create a full band track without a live band.
What happened to rock music? With pop and hip hop dominating the charts, it feels like the time for bands is over. Is rock music really dying out? Is it really on its last legs, or are we just not trying hard enough?
Artists, inspired by the great rock bands, seek to put their own spin on this classic genre. The spirit of rock music still remains. One singer mixed soul and rock while one band combined indie rock with elements of techno, both with underlying rock characteristics.
The truth is that fresh rock bands are out there and you just need to dig deeper. A search through online music blogs shows a growing number of new rock bands. While rock bands are now not as popular as before and not receiving mainstream exposure, the flame still burns brightly.
1．Which words can best describe the past music recording?| A．Underdeveloped and low-cost. | B．Easy and time-saving. |
| C．Demanding and complex. | D．Digital and creative. |
| A．Low demands for music. | B．Advanced audio software. |
| C．Deep understanding of music. | D．Help from professional musicians. |
| A．To tell rock music has lost its original attraction. |
| B．To show rock music may be presented in new styles. |
| C．To stress rock music is no longer mainstream music. |
| D．To compare rock music with some other kinds of music. |
| A．Is Rock Music Going Dead? | B．Why Is Rock Music Disappearing? |
| C．A New Kind of Music Is Emerging | D．A Way of Recording Music Is Getting Accepted |
We had moved to a new town for my husband’s work. After living here for just a couple of weeks, I was more than ready to pick up my luggage and move back home. I was lonely for a friend. My boy Samuel was lonely. My husband, Lonny, adapted just fine, but he was occupied with work most of the time.
I missed our old neighborhood. It had been like a closely knitted community where neighbors chatted over fences. Newcomers were welcomed with chocolate brownies (巧克力蛋糕) and carrot bread. It had been easy to find friends there.
Our new community was different. It seemed that family roots grew deep. Deep as the Mississippi River that flowed past this tiny river town. Breaking in was tough.
“I’m so alone here,” I said to Lonny one evening. Lonny is a good listener, and a problem solver. “What have you done to meet people?” he asked. “I go to the park every day. I even dropped by a book salon (读书沙龙) at the library the other day and came across a nice lady with a boy.”
“Sounds not bad,” he said. “Did you talk to her?” The answer was no. It wasn’t that people here were unkind. I just didn’t feel like initiating conversations, and I preferred minding my own business in a new environment.
A few more months passed and winter settled in. It was harder than ever to meet people. I began to feel bitter. I was tired of trying to fit in a place where we didn’t belong.
Lonny noticed my low spirits. “Amy, you look unapproachable, with your arms crossed and everything,” he whispered in my ear one afternoon. He and I were sitting in the yard. Samuel, our five-year-old was playing baseball next to us.
“It doesn’t matter. I’m not going to have friends here.” Just then Samuel looked up. He must’ve heard our whispers. “Mom’s right, Dad. We’ll never ever have friends here. And we just want to go back to our old home.” I sat there and looked at my tiny innocent son. His words mirrored my attitude. And I didn’t like the disturbing reflection.
注意：That’s when I knew that I needed an adjustment.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________One afternoon, Samuel and I ran into the lady with her boy again at the library.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Research has shown that mindful eating has positive impacts on people, so it’s beneficial to know how to eat more mindfully. Here are some techniques for eating at a healthy pace.
Remove all distractions while you eat.
Take enough time to finish your meal. Even with all distractions removed, very often you still find yourself eating faster than you should.
Limit the amount of the food you might munch on(大口吃) mindlessly. Put a small amount of snack food, like potato chips, in a separate bowl to help avoid mindless munching.
Actually chew. If you’re wolfing down(狼吞虎咽) your food you’re probably not chewing it. And chewing is an important part of digestion.
| A．Notice all the little details about your food. |
| B．Limit your time for a meal within 20 minutes. |
| C．It helps break up the foods so it’s easier for absorption. |
| D．Watch out for your food intake and the time you spend on it. |
| E．When you sit down to eat, spend at least 20 minutes doing so. |
| F．If you have a whole bag of it, it is challenging to stop after several bites. |
| G．They can limit your ability to enjoy your food and notice when you are full. |
“When we watch TV shows or football games, we’re watching that information evolve over time, uncertain about how it’s all going to end,” said Abby Hsiung, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher at the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences.” I wondered if higher curiosity would push people to seek, or to avoid, getting an immediate ‘spoiler (剧透)’.”
Hsiung drew inspiration from short cooking videos that are popular on Instagram and TikTok, “These videos manage to develop a description and cliffhanger, so that you’re interested and curious about how food materials will all come together.” So Hsiung made a series of 30-second cartoon line-drawing videos that, like the cooking videos, eventually ended up as something highly recognizable, like a dog.
More than 2,000 adults from across the U.S. then watched 25 of these short line-drawing videos online. Participants in Hsiung’s study were asked along the way how curious they were, how they felt, and to guess what the drawing would become. Viewers also had a “spoiler” button to skip ahead to see the final drawing. Hsiung and her team were surprised to find that when people were curious, they avoided hitting the “spoiler” button and kept watching the drawings unfold. It was when people were less curious that they tended to opt for an instant answer. Curiosity didn’t just motivate getting answers, but increased the value of the journey itself.
The study also found that curiosity increased at different stages of watching these videos. Higher curiosity during moments where it seemed like the drawing could tun into anything and also when participants were starting to really home in on a single answer. Curiosity also inspired people’s feeling of joy, explaining why people kept watching the line-drawing video even when they could just hit a button to get the answer right away. This helps explain why people often avoid spoilers. Knowing the end of a new TV series, for example, can remove the enjoyment of watching the plot develop.
Researchers suggest that inspiring curiosity might also help raise motivation in the classroom to potentially improve learning. Increasing curiosity can improve memory by readying the brain for new information and strengthen persistence throughout a learning journey, which is often needed for deep understanding.
1．What is the purpose of Hsiung’s study?| A．To find the relation between curiosity and answer. |
| B．To find better ways to get information in TV shows. |
| C．To find the effects cooking videos have on audience. |
| D．To make a series of 30-second line-drawing videos. |
| A．Creation. | B．Uncertainty. | C．Imagination. | D．Appreciation. |
| A．Viewers would hit the “spoiler” button when they were curious. |
| B．Curiosity did nothing but drive viewers to find out answers. |
| C．As the drawing was taking shape, people gradually lost interest. |
| D．People refused to know answers in advance to enjoy the process. |
| A．It can shorten learning time. | B．It reduces learning difficulty. |
| C．It is good for deep learning. | D．It changes learning approaches. |
搜索
