In the 1960s, medical researchers Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe developed a checklist of stressful events. They appreciated the tricky point that any major change can be stressful. Bad events like "serious illness of a family member" were high on the list, but so were some helpful life-changing events like marriage.
When you take the Holmes-Rahe test you must remember that the score does not show how you deal with stress - it only shows how much you have to deal with. And we now know that the way you deal with these events dramatically (戏剧性的) affects your chances of staying healthy. By the early 1970s, hundreds of similar studies had followed Holmes and Rahe. And millions of Americans who work and live under stress worried over the reports. Somehow the research got boiled down to a memorable message. Women's magazines ran titles like "Stress causes illness".
If you want to stay physically and mentally healthy the articles said avoid stressful events. But such simplistic advice is impossible to follow. Even if stressful events are dangerous , many — like the death of a loved one — are impossible to avoid. Moreover, any warning to avoid all stressful events is a prescription (处方) for staying away from chances as well as trouble. Since any change can be stressful, a person who wanted to be completely free of stress would never marry, have a child, take a new job or move. The idea that all stress makes you sick also takes no notice of a lot of what we know about people. It supposes we' re all vulnerable and not active in the face of the difficult situation. But what about human ability and creativity? Many come through periods of stress with more physical and mental strength than they had before. We also know that a long time without change or challenge can lead to boredom and physical and mental pressure. The result of Holmes-Rahe’s medical research tells us _________________.
A.the way you deal with major events may cause stress |
B.what should be done to avoid stress |
C.what kind of event would cause stress |
D.how to deal with sudden changes in life |
The studies on stress in the early 1970s led to ___________________.
A.popular avoidance of stressful jobs |
B.great fear over the mental disorder |
C.a careful research into stress-related illnesses |
D.widespread worry about its harmful effects |
The score of the Holmes-Rahe test shows ________________.
A.how you can deal with life-changing events |
B.how helpful events can change your life |
C.how stressful a major event can be |
D.how much pressure you are under |
Why is “such simplistic advice” (Line 1, Paragraph 3) impossible to follow?
A.No one can stay on the same job for long. |
B.No prescription is effective in reducing stress. |
C.People have to get married someday. |
D.You could be missing chances as well. |
According to the passage people who have experienced ups and downs may become _______.
A.nervous when faced with difficulties | B.physically and mentally tired |
C.more able to deal with difficulties | D.cold toward what happens to them |
For many people shopping is considered to be one of the favorite activities. For most of them it is just buying some new clothes or presents for close people. But there is another way for whom shopping is much more than just enjoyable activity, it is a real addiction that in many cases leads to a financial disaster, as well as it brings troubles to person’s life and family.
So why can shopping be so addictive? What are the possible signs to be aware of? And how is it possible to stop the need of spending?
“Some of the new evidence suggests that some people, maybe 10%-15%, may have a genetic preference to an addictive behavior, coupled with an environment in which the particular behavior is caused, but no one really knows why.”However, it is much better understood as to why “shopaholics” continue with their unhealthy and destructive behaviors. Individuals get pleasure from their addiction the same way as if they were under drugs.
And when is it really possible to determine whether simple shopping has crossed the border and has already turned into addiction?
Shopaholics go out and buy things much more often than other people do. They often buy things they do not need. Many shopping addicts go on shopping binges(放纵) all year long and may be forced to buy certain items, such as shoes, clothing or kitchen items. Some just will buy anything. Many times they will spend over their budget limits and get into deep financial trouble, spending well above their income. While someone else will think many times if they can afford this or that thing, shop addicts will not recognize the boundaries of a budget.We can learn from the 3rd paragraph that.
A.shopping addiction is mainly caused by genetic factors |
B.shopping addicts are also addicted to drugs |
C.the real cause of shopping addiction is known already |
D.shopaholics can’t control their unhealthy and destructive behaviors |
The last paragraph is mainly about.
A.the destructive behaviors of shopaholics |
B.the early signs of shopping addiction |
C.the problems of shopaholics |
D.the binge of shopaholics |
What could be most probably discussed in the paragraph to follow the passage?
A.How to treat shopping addiction. |
B.What really causes shopping addiction. |
C.When shopping addiction takes place. |
D.What kind of people can become shopping addicts. |
It can be inferred from the passage that.
A.shopping addiction can’t cause serious problems |
B.shopping addicts only want enjoyable activities through buying |
C.it’s not a good idea to let a shopping addict pay by credit cards |
D.shopping addiction can spread among different people |
I have two sons. They are as different as night and day. My youngest is sweet, loveable, easy-going, and finds joy in everything. My oldest we’ve nicknamed the “Evil Genius”is ambitious, self-confident, and suffers no fools.
Whenever we mentioned Santa my husband and I were rewarded with major eye rolling and deep sighs from my oldest. At first we both tried to ignore it.
We both knew that our eldest had figured out the big secret. But I’d be damned(指责) if he was going to ruin it for his six-year-old brother who had plenty of Santa-loving years ahead of him. I looked at my husband in the eye and said, “I’ll handle this.” to which he responded “Okay just be careful because I’m not sure he knows - he might just be acting like it.” But I knew. And I had it in my mind that he was about to break his younger brothers spirit and break the news to him. I was afraid he was going to take the Christmas spirit away from my sweet innocent youngest and stamp all over it. I had to protect him. I needed to control this now before it got out of control. I rushed into the play room where my oldest was playing alone. I looked him dead in the eyes and said: “Well you know Santa isn’t real, right?” And as I stared at my eight-year-old son for what seemed like a long time of silence, his eyes started to fill with tears. And a tear dropped down his cheek when he screamed out, “He’s not?”
“Um well it’s not that he’s not real (shut up you idiot(白痴) - stop saying he’s not real), but he doesn’t really make and deliver all the toys. Dad and I get some of them for you. So he’s real. He’s just got a little help from us.”
The Evil Genius wasn’t buying it. He just sat there looking at me with an expression of doubt.
You know when you make a terrible mistake but you can’t stop yourself from making it worse? That was me because I just had to know. I had to know why he had seemed to be over Santa. So I asked him why he rolled his eyes and sighed every time his father and I mentioned Santa. To which he replied that kids at school had been saying Santa wasn't real but that he still thought he was.What’s the best title for the passage?
A.Two different sons |
B.Santa secret given away |
C.Protecting one, ruining the other |
D.Making a mistake worse |
What did the writer conclude when “Evil Genius” rolled his eyes and sighed?
A.“Evil Genius” had discovered Santa was not real. |
B.“Evil Genius” had broken the secret to his younger brother. |
C.Evil Genius” had passed his Santa-loving years. |
D.Evil Genius” had been influenced by his classmates. |
What does the underlined sentence mean in the passage?
A.“Evil Genius” refused to buy toys. |
B.Evil Genius” didn’t believe his mother’s words. |
C.Evil Genius” wanted to keep silent. |
D.“Evil Genius” would not give away the secret. |
What lesson can we learn from the story?
A.Lies can never change facts. |
B.Honesty is the best policy. |
C.No one is perfect. |
D.We should think twice before we act. |
Volunteer at Shelter - North Toronto Cat Rescue---Bayview/Hwy 7
Do you like animals? Come and volunteer at our cat shelter.
North Toronto Cat Rescue is a no-cage, no-kill cat shelter. We are a volunteer organization, funded totally by donation, and are a licensed Canadian charity.
We are looking for volunteers who can join us once a week for a 3 month period (at least). The work is not wonderful but it is very rewarding. Mainly, we feed, clean, and scoop litter. Of course we also spend quality time with our cats.
We have 2 shifts(换班) per day, 7 days per week:
Mornings are 9am-1pm.
Evenings are 5-7pm or 6-8pm.
Please note that any new volunteer who wishes to work evening shift must be able to work 4 morning shifts on a team before moving to an evening shift. This is required in order to gain the ability to work more independently, as required during evening shifts.
Students must be at least 16 years old. Adults are also welcome.
If you do not have your own personal transportation, please check the public transportation from your area to our location at Bayview/Hwy 7 area before responding to this ad. Where is the ad most likely to appear?
A.In the local newspaper | B.On the Internet |
C.On TV | D.In a magazine |
Which of the following volunteers can work evening shift?
A.A college student who can work for half a year period. |
B.A college student who lives near the shelter. |
C.A worker who has worked five morning shifts at the shelter. |
D.A car owner who will work there for the first time. |
How many hours will a new volunteer work at least for the shelter?
A.14 | B.32 | C.48 | D.24 |
What can we infer about the work at the shelter?
A.Boring | B.Tiring | C.Dirty | D.Challenging |
The Best of Alaska
Nothing evokes(唤起)Alaska like a whale exploding out of the water or an eagle pulling a silver fish from the river. Combine these images with high mountains, brilliant icebergs and wonderful meals and you really do have the Best of Alaska! Join us for an unforgettable 7-day excursion(远足)to the last frontier!
Highlights(集锦):
JUNEAU: Juneau, the state capital, is rich in culture and scenic beauty. It is here that we start and end our trip.
HAINES: Haines is a small community located along the fjords(峡湾). The natural beauty and expansive wilderness found here have made Haines a premier center for adventure in Alaska.
ALASKA INDIAN ARTS: Alaska Indian Arts is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the preservation and continuation of traditional native craft and culture of the Northwest Native Tribes. We spend a few hours learning carving, native beading(玻璃珠)and culture from these master artists.
SKAGWAY: Skagway is a lively town, which still reflects its gold rush roots and contains colorful shops. In Skagway, we stop by the Klondike Gold Rush National Park Visitor’s Center and ride the White Pass Yukon Route Railway.
GUSTAVUS: Gustavus is the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. We’ll stay at a comfortable lodge here for two nights. This will be the base for both the whale-watching excursion and a full day cruise(巡游) in Glacier Bay.
DATES/PRICES:
2014: May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15.
7 days—$3,500, including lodging, all meals, excursions, guides, park fees, sales taxes, and transportation between Juneau, Skagway, Haines, and Gustavus. Not included: Alcohol, personal items, airfare to and from Juneau.
Contact:
Email: info@alaskamountainguides.com
Call: 18007663396
Write: Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing School
P.O. Box 1081, Haines AK 99827You can watch a whale exploding out of the water at ________.
A.Glacier Bay National Park |
B.the Klondike Gold Rush National Park |
C.the White Pass Yukon |
D.the fjords |
According to the advertisement, the participants of the excursion ________.
A.will spend one day experiencing the local culture at Alaska Indian Arts |
B.can contact Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing School by email or fax |
C.are able to experience some adventurous activities in Haines |
D.can get lots of traditional native artwork free of charge |
Which of the following requires a participant to pay additional fees?
A.Going from Gustavus to Juneau by train. |
B.A full day cruise in Glacier Bay. |
C.Having the last supper at Juneau. |
D.Flying from Juneau to his hometown. |
It is known from the advertisement that________.
A.the native culture of the Northwest Native Tribes is dying out |
B.Juneau, as the state capital, is much more beautiful than Haines |
C.Skagway was the richest town of Alaska in the past |
D.Alaska is famous for its culture, history and natural beauty |
Do American children still learn handwriting in school? In the age of the keyboard, some people seem to think handwriting lessons are on the way out. 90% of teachers say they are required to teach handwriting. But studies have yet to answer the question of how well they are teaching it. One study published this year found that about three out of every four teachers say they are not prepared to teach handwriting. Some teachers are teaching handwriting by providing instruction for 10 to 15 minutes a day, and then other teachers who basically teach it for 60 to 70 minutes a day — which really for handwriting is pretty much.
Many adults remember learning that way — by copying letters over and over again. Today’ s thinking is that short periods of practice are better. Many experts also think handwriting should not be taught by itself. Instead, they say it should be used as a way to get students to express ideas. After all, that is why we write.
Handwriting involves two skills. One is legibility, which means forming the letters so they can be read. The other is fluency — writing without having to think about it. Fluency continues to develop up until high school.
But not everyone masters these skills. Teachers commonly report that about one fourth of their kids have poor handwriting. Some people might think handwriting is not important any more because of computers and voice recognition programs.
But Steve Graham at Vanderbilt says word processing is rarely done in elementary school, especially in the early years. American children traditionally first learn to print, and then to write in cursive, which connects the letters. But guess what we learned from a spokeswoman for the College Board, which administers the SAT college admission test. More than 75 percent of students choose to print their essay on the test rather than write in cursive.From Paragraph 1 we can learn ________.
A.teaching handwriting is a basic requirement in teaching job |
B.most teachers prefer to teach handwriting |
C.teachers spend little time in teaching handwriting |
D.a keyboard has taken the place of the handwriting entirely |
The underlined word “legibility” in Paragraph 3 means ________.
A.being easy to read | B.being complex |
C.being unexpected | D.being unreadable |
The best title for the passage is ________.
A.How to improve handwriting in school |
B.Right or wrong: the death of handwriting |
C.Handwriting involves two skills |
D.Handwriting lessons are on the way out |
The author’ s attitude towards whether still to learn handwriting in school is________.
A.negative | B.objective |
C.critical | D.optimistic |