Chinese has overtaken French, Spanish and German to become one of the most promising foreign languages for job seekers in the UK. Research shows graduates in Chinese earn an average yearly salary of 31,000 pounds or more.
Chinese students set themselves up for a different university experience from others who take traditional subjects. While an English student may have as little as six hours of a week, those studying Chinese are in class for most of the day. "I had a lot of friends on other courses who didn't do much in first or second year. You can't play at Chinese. You have to spend hours and hours writing characters," says Hannah, who graduated in Chinese Studies from Sheffield University. "The first year was really difficult. Most of my friends admitted at one point to crying because of the pressure. I was almost told at one point that I might want to reconsider and drop out. "
So are the evenings in learning characters while your friends are at the student bar really worth its Despite the painful studying experience, most of the graduates think so. They use Chinese in their chosen careers, and would not have been in the jobs they do now without their knowledge of the language.
Liberty now works for the civil service in Beijing. She earned a place on the Department for International Development graduate scheme with a salary of over 30, 000 pounds within two years. "The degree was absolutely worth it. Looking around at people I know who have studied French or Spanish at university, there's not such a chance to use it in the workplace."
Hannah has set her apart in the workplace, but she warns ambitious students to think about whether they would really want to live in China in the future." Some people think they are going to learn Chinese and then be a big success, but I think it's important to be quite realistic about that. "
Directions Choose a book from the list below and bring it to class by the due date. You will have approximately one trimester，from September 14 to November 16，to read the book and complete your report. It is okay to switch your book if you do not like your original choice. Students are encouraged to check out the book of their choice from the public library.
The purchase of a book is optional.
|
Titles |
Author |
Description |
|
The Bronze Bow |
Elizabeth GeorgeSpeare |
This story takes place in the first century Israel The main character is a boy, Daniel, whose father was killed by the Romans. This is a touching story of hate, forgiveness, and friendship. |
|
Little Women |
Louisa May Alcott |
A heart-warming classic based on the author's family life growing up in a household of four girls each with a unique personality. |
|
Traitor：The Case of Benedict Arnold |
Jean Fritz |
This biography of Benedict Arnold shows both good and bad qualities of this interesting figure from the American Revolutionary War. |
|
The Bridge of San Luis Rey |
Thornton Wilder |
In search of the meaning of their deaths ^ the narrator tells the stories of five people who die when a bridge collapses. |
|
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer |
Mark Twain |
The most famous of Mark Twain's book, it tells the story of a high-spirited boy living on the Mississippi River in the late 1800s. |
|
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn |
Betty Smith |
This story tells of the difficulties and delights of life for Francie and her Irish family in New York in the early 1900s. |
|
Pride and Prejudice |
Jane Austen |
Amusing story of a young woman's adventures and misadventures in the English society of the 19th century. |
The Square
Jack Dorsey, the co-inventor of Twitter, is promoting his latest invention called the Square. The square is a small plug-in attachment to your mobile phone that allows you to receive credit card payments.
The idea starting from Dorsey's friend Jim McKelvey who was unable to sell some glass work to a customer because he couldn't accept a particular card being used.
Accepting credit card payments for something you're selling isn't always easy, especially if you are mobile like a tradesman, or delivery service at a trade show.
This latest invention uses a small scanner that plugs into the audio input item on a mobile device. It reads information on a credit card when it is swiped(刷卡). The information is not stored on the device but sent over secure channels to banks. It basically makes any mobile phone a cash register for accepting card payments.
As a payer, you receive a receipt via email that can be instantly accessed securely online. You can also use a text message to authorize payment in real time. Retailers can create a payer account for their customers which speeds the payment process. For example, a cardholder can assign a photo to their card so their photo will appear on the phone for visual identity confirmation. Mobile devices with touch screens will also allow you to sign for goods.
There are no contracts, monthly fees, or hidden costs to accept card payments using Square and it is expected the plug-in attachment will also be free of charge.
As with Twitter, it's expected that Dorsey will direct the company based upon feedback from users. Square Inc. has offices in San Francisco, Saint Louis and New York and is currently beta testing the invention with retailers in the United States.
假定你是Jane，你的笔友李华最近因为考试密集、学业繁重，身体感到不适，严重影响了学习。因此，他发e-mail给你，寻求你的建议和帮助。请你根据以下要点提示予以回复。
写作要点：1). 合理的饮食； 2). 适度的锻炼；3). ......
注意：1). 词数80左右
2). 开头和结尾部分已写好，不计入总词数。
3). 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Dear Li Hua,
I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling ill these days.
Best wishes!
admit；routine；congratulation；moreover；tend；inspire；reduce；prevent；satisfaction；average
Amanda hated how history seemed to be all about war. Jose didn't like memorizing names and dates. Gerald was convinced that nothing that had happened in the past was relevant to his life. Caitlyn hated tricky true-false questions.
Armed with the feedback (反馈) my students had given me, I began hatching a plan. These kids were bright. They were motivated. My honors class deserved to be taught in a way that would speak to them.
We'd study social and economic history, not just battles and generals. We'd read novels to bring home the humanity of history. Tests would cover the facts, but also require higher level thinking skills. No tricky true-false questions.
At first, I was surprised by how many of my students used poor grammar and lacked writing skills. And some seemed to hesitate when reading out loud. But we worked on those skills repeatedly while we were learning history. The school year came to an end more quickly than I could have imagined. Most had earned A and B. No one had averaged lower than C.
Before summer break. Mrs. Anderson, the headmaster, called me into her office for my end-of-year evaluation. "I want to congratulate you on a great freshman season," she said with a smile. "Especially on how well you did with your remedial (矫正) kids."
"Remedial kids? I don't understand."
Mrs. Anderson looked at me in a strange way. "Your first period class was a remedial. Surely you saw that indicated at the top of the roll (名单)," She pulled a file folder from a drawer and handed it to me. I opened it. There at the top, was the word HONORS. I showed it to Mrs. Anderson.
"Oh. dear," she said. "What a mistake! How did you ever manage, treating slow students as though they were..."
I couldn't help but finish the sentence for her. "As though they were bright? I think we've both learned a lesson from this, one they didn't teach in any of the education courses I took, but one I'll never forget."
Poteet Strawberry Festival
Poteet, Texas, USA
April 11—April 13
Description:
The Poteet Strawberry Festival is one of the oldest, most popular events in the state and is recognized as the largest agricultural festival in Texas as well as one of the most exciting, dynamic festivals in the Greater Southwest. The 100-acre site, which is located on Hwy. 16, 20 minutes south of San Antonio, offers free parking, clean public restrooms, handicapped accessibility, complete RV facilities, and tent covered activities during the fun, filled Festival Weekend.
The Poteet Strawberry Festival includes fourteen areas of continuous, family entertainment featuring concerts with nationally known Country Western and Tejano stars, dancers, gunslingers, clowns, puppets, regional bands, various contests, and rodeo performances. These activities are included in the price of a $10.00 admission ticket. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge as well as active, reserve and retired military with proper ID.
Performers:
Craig Morgan, Pam Tillis, Rick Trevino
Location:
Poteet, Texas
Directions:
30 miles south of San Antonio on Hwy. 16
Times:
The Festival Grounds will open at 6:00 pm Fri. and at 10:00 am both Sat. & Sun.
Admission:
Adult $10.00
Children 12 & under / active, reserve, and retired military personnel with proper ID are admitted FREE
Website: //www.strawberryfestival.com
Telephone: 830-276-3323
Email: nitaharvey@sbcglobal.net
Black Friday, which is a popular holiday, is usually celebrated day after Thanksgiving in the United States. On this day, Americans all over the country rise at dawn in order to stand at the head of the line at (vary) stores, so that they can get deeply discounted deals offered by these stores.
This day (call) Black Friday because it is the day on which many traders "hit the black", (mean) that they start to make money after being "in the red" all year long. The traders used (write) with a red pen on their ledgers (账簿) to show losses and black inks to show gains. It is not how this holiday gets its name, but it is (common) believed by the public to be the case.
Although this day continues to be a big holiday in the United States, it is beginning to lose some of its (popular). That is more and more people are turning their attention to online shopping. It allows them to buy they want with convenience. As a result, Cyber (网络的)Monday appears, which is a day directly competes with Black Friday and may lead to (it) downfall.
Peyto Lake, Canada
Located in Banff National Park, Canada's first national park Peyto Lake is one of the most wonderful lakes in the world. What makes it truly beautiful is its unique greenish-blue color, and placement in the Canadian Rockies. Named after trail guide Bill Peyto, this lake is located at a height of 1,860m.
Entry Details: $9.80 adult, $8.30 senior, $4.90 youth, and $19.60 family
Best Time to Visit: July, August, and September
Lake Argentino, Argentina
Located in the Patagonian province in Argentina, the lake is truly beautiful. Surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered mountains, the lake presents visual delights like none other. With a maximum depth of 500 meters, it's the biggest freshwater lake in Argentina. The lake is famous for fishing.
Entry Details: $15~$20, changes as per season, but entry for tourists above 70 years of age is always free.
Best Time to Visit: December to March, and late November
Lake Baikal, Russia
Being the world's oldest and deepest lake, Baikal is about 395 meters long, 49 meters wide and 1,637 meters deep. It holds more water than the Five Great Lakes of America combined, and is thus the largest freshwater lake globally. Located in the south Russian region of Siberia, a trip to view this lake is a trip of a lifetime!
Entry Details: No Entrance fee here
Best Time to Visit: March to April
Lake Como, Italy
Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe, Lake Como has attracted tourists since Roman times. Located in Lombardy, Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. Surrounded by villas and palaces, this lake has attracted some of the wealthiest. Today, many celebrities(名人) have houses here. Here you can enjoy water sports, take a flight over the lake, or try skiing during the winters-every tourist has something he's going to like!
Entry Details: Free
Best Time to Visit: July and September
改错：Neither the old lady nor her cats stepped out of the house since her husband passed away last month.
________________________________________________________________________
You want to be confident and feel confident, but what if you're starting with little or no confidence? True self-confidence isn't an overnight acquisition. It takes dedication to realize you are a good human being that is worthy of respect and love.
Recognize your insecurities
What does that voice in the back of your mind say? Why do you feel uncomfortable or ashamed of yourself? This could be anything from regrets to friends at school or negative experience. Whatever is making you feel unworthy, or ashamed, identify it, give it a name, and write it down. You can also tear these written pieces to start feeling positive on those points.
Get rid of insecurities gradually
Each day you should weaken it. There's no quick fix. Get to the root of the problem; focus on it and understand that you need to resolve each issue before you can move on. Check if it is an old past emotion and if it is really still relevant or applicable in your life today. And that does not mean you have to get rid of whatever makes you feel bad (many times, you simply can't). You need to learn to accept yourself, your past, your circumstances as they are, without necessarily thinking of them as “bad”.
Identify your successes
Everyone is good at something, so discover the things at which you do extremely well, then focus on your talents. Give yourself permission to be proud of them. Give yourself credit for your successes. Inferiority (自卑) is a state of mind in which you've declared yourself a victim. Do not allow yourself to be victimized.
Be Positive
Avoid self-pity, or the pity and sympathy of others. Never allow others to make you feel inferior—they can only do so if you let them. If you continue to dislike and look down upon yourself, others are going to do and believe likewise. Instead, speak in a positive way about yourself, about your future, and about your progress. Do not be afraid to show your strengths and qualities to others. By doing so, you strengthen those ideas in your mind and encourage your growth in a positive direction.
Apply “facial feedback theory”
Studies surrounding what’s called the "facial feedback theory" suggest that the expressions on your face can actually encourage your brain to express certain emotions. So look in the mirror and smile every day, and you might feel happier with yourself and more confident in the long run.
Help others
When you know you’re of help to the people around you, and are making a positive difference in other people’s lives (even if it's just being kinder to the person who serves you coffee in the morning), you'll know that you are a positive force in the world—which will boost yourself confidence.
Now, dear friends, will you let confidence keep you company? Be confident, and accomplishing your goals will be just around the corner.
Title: The ways to become confident
| Specific ways | Supporting details |
| Recognizing insecurities | Find out what（71) ▲ you uncomfortable or ashamed, forget it and feel positive. |
| (72) ▲ insecurities gradually | Find out the (73) ▲ of problems, resolve them and learn to accept (74) ▲ you are. |
| Identifying successes | Find out your talents, take (75) ▲ in them and praise yourself for your successes. |
| Being positive | Speak (76) ▲ about yourself. Don’t make yourself (77) ▲ by others. |
| Applying “facial feedback theory” | Look in the mirror and smile to gain more (78) ▲ ____ . |
| Helping others | Be (79) ▲ to the people around you. |
| Conclusion Confidence helps people accomplish goals and become worthy to be (80) ▲ and loved. | |
adult, yawn, curious, express, general, major, gesture, action, represent,chest
1 When people become tired or bored, they often ________.
2 My English is so poor that I can hardly ________ myself.
3 My car needs some _______ repairs, so it will be days before I get it back.
4 The bullet(子弹) hit him in the ________ and he died soon.
5 As a saying goes, ________ speak louder than words.
6 He ________ his country in the men’s 100-meter finals and won a bronze medal.
7 I don’t know their language but we can communicate with each other by using different ________.
8 The cooking oil is running out. Please go and get some at the ________ store nearby.
9 Young children are often ________ about everything new to them.
10 This film is for ________ only, so children under 18 are not allowed to see it.
“Mum, you’re always on the computer!” Laure complained.
“No, I’m not.” I 41.
“Every day I come home from school you’re working on the computer.”
“Well, at least I’m here 42you!”
My daughter was right. Day after day, in my home office, I would stare into space as my 43 typed out the thoughts of a speaker or research completed for an article. It seemed that my work as a writer and speaker 44 my fingers to the keyboard any my mind to valuable ideas. What Laure did not 45 was that during her day away, I’d also be doing a lot of housework. It was only around three in the afternoon that I’d 46 seat myself at my desk for a few 47 moments of deep thought. Then she’d come in from school.
I was 48 of myself on being available to my children. After all, I am a speaker on child behavior and parenting. But Laure’s observation 49 my heart. In her eyes, I must have been a mom who was 50 but unapproachable. I wouldn’t make such an image(形象) before her. My relationship with my children is more 51 than any other work.
“Laure,” I called, “come here a minute.”
She wandered to my doorway. I had decided to have her 52 me when I was too devoted to work. I wanted her to have the 53 to let me know when she thought I was cold.
After I explained my 54 and the fact that I chose home office to be accessible to her and her sister. I offered Laure the following 55.
“Whenever you feel I’m ignoring you or you need my 56. I want you to 57 me.” I said, “just come up and give me a little hug, that’ll be our signal that you 58 me.”
Years later we still have that 59 sign. I’ve become much more sensitive to my daughters’ comings and goings. 60 she always gives me a little hug to remind me of the real reason I work at home.
41. A. thought B. refused C. defended D. agreed
42. A. for B. over C. against D. after
43. A. feet B. hands C. eyes D. ears
44. A. connected B. turned C. gave D. added
45. A. admit B. realize C. believe D. recognize
46. A. luckily B. gradually C. instantly D. finally
47. A. anxious B. precious C. busy D. rare
48. A. proud B. ashamed C. afraid D. scared
49. A. filled B. broke C. touched D. mended
50. A. suitable B. available C. acceptable D. reasonable
51. A. important B. funny C. obvious D. wonderful
52. A. warn B. persuade C. encourage D. remind
53. A. patience B. time C. power D. honor
54. A. pattern B. dream C. schedule D. choice
55. A. promise B. chance C. answer D. truth
56. A. help B. attention C. decision D. advice
57. A. hug B. shake C. kiss D. kick
58. A. miss B. hate C. need D. scold
59. A. unknown B. unexpected C. unfinished D. unspoken
60. A. And B. But C. Or D. Yet
— The food looked bad, but it ________ OK.
— So we can’t judge a man by his appearance.
A. is tasted B. tasted C. was tasted D. taste
On Thursday afternoon Mrs. Clarke locked the door and went to the women's club as usual. It was a pleasant way of passing time 41 an old woman who lived 42 .
When she came home she sensed something 43 . Had someone got in? The back door and the windows were all locked and there was no 44 of forced entry. Had anything been taken? She went from room to room, 45 , and found her camera and spare(备用的) watch missing.
The following Thursday she went out at her usual time, but didn't go to the club. 46 , she took a short walk in a park nearby and came home, 47 herself in through the back door. She settled down to wait and see what would 48 .
It was 4 o'clock when the front doorbell rang. Mrs. Clarke was 49 tea at the time. The bell rang again, and 50 she heard her letter box being pushed open. 51 the kettle(壶) of boiling water, she moved quietly 52 the door. A piece of wire（金属丝）appeared through the letter box, and then a 53 . The wire turned and caught around the knob(圆形旋钮)on the door lock. Mrs. Clarke raised the kettle and 54 the water over the hand. A 55 was heard outside as the 56 fell to the floor and the hand was pulled back, which was 57 by the sound of running feet.
It wasn't long 58 the police caught the thief. And Mrs. Clarke was greatly 59 at the club for her successful 60 .
41. A. by B. to C. with D. for
42. A. together B. alone C. away D. busily
43. A. terrible B. uncomfortable C. unusual D. bad
44. A. information B. show C. sign D. sight
45. A. crying B. shouting C. searching D. checking
46. A. Therefore B. However C. Instead D. Again
47. A. pushing B. letting C. pulling D. leading
48. A. appear B. follow C. happen D. do
49. A. cooking B. making C. burning D. serving
50. A. the next moment B. for a while C. in time D. at once
51. A. Putting down B. Laying aside C. Picking up D. Taking away
52. A. towards B. onto C. from D. by
53. A. knife B. hand C. letter D. key
54. A. used B. drank C. poured D. covered
55. A. sad voice B. strange noise C. low shout D. sharp cry
56. A. key B. kettle C. door-lock D. wire
57. A. followed B. caused C. produced D. ended
58. A. before B. since C. until D. when
59. A. surprised B. praised C. encouraged D. supported
60. A. self-satisfaction B. self-protection C. self-respect D. self-service
We have to write a description of the street _____ we live and give it to the teacher tomorrow.
A. which B. that C. where D. how
