People should be warned against using mobile phones outdoors in stormy weather because they may“be struck by lightning”,according to doctors.
Three experts have described how a teenage girl was struck by lightning while using her phone in a large London park.The girl,aged 15,recovered,but a year later was still wheelchair-bound and found to be suffering complex physical and emotional problems.
The girl also had a perforate eardrum(打孔耳膜)on the side where she had been holding the mobile phone.She was having general recovery in Northwick Park Hospital,Middlesex.
Swinda Esprit,a senior house officer, said that while the brain and muscle damage was similar to that of many lightning victims—who can experience heart attacks on being struck—the ear problems were not.
She said that the damages were particularly relevant for people who might be involved in less serious lightning incidents,who might otherwise recover, but would never get their full hearing back if struck while on the phone.
“We were shocked by the damage,which is why we wanted to draw attention to it,”Dr Esprit said.“A year on and she still was suffering these difficult hearing.”
They added that three other cases had been reported in newspapers in China,South Korea,and Malaysia.In the Malaysian case,a sales executive was killed by lightning while talking on his phone during a thunderstorm near Kuala Lumpur.
“All these events resulted in death,”the doctors wrote.“This rare phenomenon is a public health issue,and education is necessary to stress the risk.”
The Australian Lightning Protection Standard recommends that metallic objects,including cordless or mobile phones,should not be carried outdoors during thunderstorms.However, “the United States National Weather Service says on its website that both are safe to use “because there is no direct path between you and the lightening”.
Paul Taylor, of “the Met Office'’,said the ear injuries were a consequence of mobile phones being metal,and not related to radio waves.
Mr. Taylor said that mobile phones should be treated as another piece of metal,similar to carrying coins or wearing rings,and people need to be warned against the possible danger.What do we know about the teenage girl?
A.She was struck by lightning at schoo1. |
B.She completely recovered from being struck. |
C.She still suffered from mental problems. |
D.She had to press her ear all day. |
It can be inferred that damage done by lightening while using mobile phones .
A.is more serious than that when one is not using a mobile phone |
B.can be healed quickly except for heart attacks |
C.is less serious because the victims can usually recover |
D.is mainly in the brain and muscle of the victims |
Why did doctors stress the risk about using phones outside in lightening?
A.Because more people are faced with it. |
B.Because some deaths have been caused. |
C.Because lightning is harmful for the brain. |
D.Because a teenage girl got killed. |
We can infer from the last three paragraphs that .
A.both cordless and mobile phones are safe to use outside in lightning |
B.there is no direct connection between lightning and ear injuries at all |
C.opinions differ as to whether it is safe to use mobiles phones in lightning |
D.ear injuries are the result of carrying coins or wearing rings in lightning |
The purpose in writing this passage is .
A.to draw attention to the risk of using mobile phones in lightening |
B.to focus on various damages done to lightning victims |
C.to tell us the news that a teenage girl was struck by lightning |
D.to stress the danger of making phone calls in lightning |
12-year-old Robert Looks Twice appears to be the typical all-American boy. He is the quarterback of his school’s football team, student council president and one of the top students in his class.
But he hasn’t forgotten his Lakota Sioux root. Unlike most children on the reservation (居留地), he keeps his hair long, a symbol of strength, and he performs at powwows (祈祷仪式), traditionally known as wacipis, where he is a champion of the traditional Lakota dance. Robert was inspired to start dancing by his grandfather, John Tail, who had a small role in the famous film about Indian Amercans, Dances with Wolves. Six years ago, John passed away, and Robert wears little wolves on his clothes in his memory.
We are told that his last name, “ Looks Twice”, came about because his ancestors were cautious and always took a second look.
Robert lives in a trailer (拖车) with his grandmother, uncle and eight other cousins. When he gives us a tour, the trailer is falling apart. “ It is getting ready to cave in (坍塌),” says Robert about the kitchen floor. The family also put trash bags on the ceiling, because it’s leaking. “ When it rains it gets all my shirts wet,” he says of another leak in his bedroom. Often the electricity goes off and the family have to use the burners on the stove to heat the house.
This kind of poverty is typical of the reservation. The reservation is the third poorest county in America, and Robert’s community, Manderson, is known for its high crime rate. But despite all the temptations (诱惑) of drugs and alcohol around him, Robert remain focused on being the first person in his family to go to college and then a very big dream.
“ I want to be the first Native American President,” Robert said. “ I want to build better houses and clean up the reservation, because it’s bad. Get people off the drugs and alcohol and spend that money on their children. Build a better school and playground. Try to get a mall down here to help people get work.”What can we learn from Robert’s experience?
A.Everyone should persist in chasing their dreams. |
B.The poor can get more help from others. |
C.It is never too late to study. |
D.It is necessary for everyone to go to college. |
Unlike Robert, what do most children on the reservation do?
A.They dance like their ancestors. |
B.They don’t worship their grandfather. |
C.They keep their hair short. |
D.They have Lakota Sioux roots. |
What does Robert do, even though he is living in terrible conditions?
A.He helps people get off drugs and alcohol. |
B.He helps people get work by getting a mall. |
C.He keeps working toward his dream. |
D.He is beginning to build a better house. |
Why is Robert said to be a typical American boy?
A.He like traveling. |
B.He has a higher position in his family. |
C.He wants to be the first Native American President. |
D.He is excellent in all respects. |
From Rome and Venice to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the charm of Milan, Italy is a bottomless well of attractions. It is a motherland of artists and scientists that changed the shape of the world. Here are some places you should see on your vacations to Italy.
Valley of the Temples
Welcome to Sicily and one of its most amazing attractions. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is an extensive archaeological site containing the well-preserved remains of various Doric temples dating from the 5th century B.C. In accord with standard criteria (标准) for both Greek and Roman temples, all structures face east so that the statue of the god housed inside will be illuminated (照亮) by the rising sun. The site being located on a ridge overlooking the town, the term “valley” is obviously a misnomer (误称),but it quite captures the vastness of the place.
Uffizi Gallery
The reputation for being one of the finest universally acclaimed (受到高度赞扬的) museums of all time comes courtesy of masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo and Rubens. Their timeless works are proudly displayed on the top floor of the palace in Florence.
Historic Centre of Siena
Siena may not equal Florence in overall artistic achievement, but its charm makes it a place that no other can compare to. Centered on Piazza del Campo, the historic district is a container of 12th –century Gothic, and a mirror of the Middle Ages. Full of pearls of architecture and cultural highlights, the historic centre of Siena is an excellent trip back in time, ideally to be taken in summer.
Grand Canal
Taking the water bus along the Canal Grande is like going back through centuries of history. The famous Venetian waterway runs more than 3.5 km through all six districts of the historic center. The impressive Renaissance palaces rub shoulders with Gothic arches and marble mixes with gold. Numerous landmarks never cease to provoke (激起) admirable sighs on the way.Which of the following would be better to visit in summer?
A.Uffizi Gallery. | B.Valley of the Temples. |
C.Grand Canal. | D.Historic Centre of Siena |
The main purpose of the passage is ______.
A.to tell visitors about the advantages of travelling in Italy |
B.to supply visitors with information about some famous museums |
C.to show visitors the features of Italy |
D.to suggest some good places to go in Italy to visitors |
Which are the unique features of the Grand Canal?
① There are many Gothic arches.
② You can see many Renaissance palaces there.
③ The length of the Venetian waterway is three kilometers.
④ You can take the water bus to enjoy its beauty.
A.①②③ | B.①②④ | C.②③④ | D.①③④ |
Where can one probably find this passage?
A.In a sports newspaper. | B.In a geography report. |
C.In a traveling magazine. | D.In a novel. |
A developer edition of Sony’s augmented reality smart glasses will go on sale in ten countries next month, the tech giant has announced.
Pre-orders for the SmartEyeglass, costing $840 (£620), are now being taken in the UK and Germany, with Japan and the US to follow shortly. The black-framed glasses are compatible (兼容的) with recent Android operating systems. Last month Google announced that it was withdrawing its smart glasses for redevelopment. Sony’s initial model will come with a software development kit to encourage people to design apps for it, the company said.
The glasses, which weigh 77g, contain an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, image and brightness sensors, 3-megapixel camera and a microphone. They also come with a controller, designed to be attached to clothing, which contains a speaker, touch sensor and the device’s battery. Text is displayed in front of the wearer in monochrome green.
Apple chief executive Tim Cook has been open about his dislike of glasses as a wearable device. “We always thought that glasses were not a smart move, from a point of view that people would not really want to wear them,” he told the New Yorker. “They were intrusive (闯入的), instead of pushing technology to the background, as we’ve always believed.”
Stuart Miles, founder of tech site Pocket-lint, said: “I think [Sony is] wasting their time, energy and effort.”
“Google Glass obviously needed a complete rethink... I can’t see how something thick-rimmed and more invasive-looking than Google Glass is going to catch on.
“People are keen on wearables like fitness bands and watches, but they care about their faces. Wearing something on your head is a lot stronger than wearing something on your arm,” he added. “The industry keeps pushing it but consumers just don’t want it.”In which countries people can get the SmartEyeglass first?
A.The US and Japan. | B.The US and the UK. |
C.The UK and Japan. | D.Germany and the UK. |
The purpose of this passage is to __________.
A.introduce an accelerometer developed by the Google company |
B.tell the people that the SmartEyeglass will go on sale |
C.people like the glasses very much |
D.the SmartEyeglass is less than 840 yuan |
What can be inferred from what Stuart Miles said?
A.He supports Sony’s efforts to develop the SmartEyeglass. |
B.He cares more about his clothes and face. |
C.He dislikes the SmartEyeglass. |
D.He really wants to wear them. |
Choose the true statements according to the passage.
A. The glasses, which weigh more than 77g.
B. Tim Cook has been open about his dislike of glasses as a wearable device.
C. Last month Google announced that it was withdrawing its smart glasses for development.
They crossed in front of me as I was driving out of the store parking lot (停车场).I would be delayed for a whole ten seconds. However,I realized that it was an elderly couple who were briefly delaying my departure (出发).No more anger.
The man leaned on his wife who walked in front of him. He not only used her for support but it was obvious that he was blind. She was his eyes as well. The two of them worked as one—each needing the other to function in this fastchanging world.
That little example of true strength that day changed my whole personal perception of life. Suddenly I wasn't so mad about having to work a few extra hours on Saturday. I had my strength,and I was still relatively young.
That picture of those two elderly people walking with dignity and strength stayed with me the entire week. My life wasn't so bad after all. I had my health and a good job. My wife always gave me good advice whenever I needed it. I started to think—not only was I lucky to have it all,but so was that wonderful old couple,who,despite the trials and hardships of a long life,still had the love and support of each other to carry them through this world.
There are so many people out there just like that couple. My wife and I sometimes picture ourselves in our old age,walking arminarm into the sunset. That image always gives us a warm feeling of comfort. Just remember,none of us would be here if it weren't for our elders. We should spend an extra minute to listen and learn when it comes to helping our elder friends. They need it.What was the author's first reaction when he was stopped by the old couple?
A.He showed great pity for the couple. |
B.He didn't mind at all. |
C.He got angry at being delayed. |
D.He waited patiently. |
Before meeting the old couple,the author had a(n)________attitude towards life.
A.energetic | B.enthusiastic |
C.desperate | D.negative |
The main message that the author wants to get across in the last paragraph is that________.
A.everyone should live with dignity and strength |
B.we should be patient when dealing with old people |
C.old people can teach us many important lessons |
D.happiness lies in a positive attitude towards life |
What do we know about the author?
A.He and his wife are in their old age. |
B.He has a good but busy job. |
C.His life is very bad actually. |
D.He and his wife often walk arminarm. |
Banquets (宴会) are usually held in restaurants in private rooms that have been reserved for the purpose. You will be met at the door and led to the banquet room. Traditionally, the head of your delegation should enter the room first. Do not be surprised if your hosts greet you with a loud round of applause. The proper response is to applaud back.
Seating arrangements are stricter than in the West. Guests should never assume that they may sit where they please and should wait for hosts to guide them to their places. Traditionally, the Chinese regard the right side as the superior and the left side as the inferior. Therefore on formal occasions, the host invariably arranges for the main guests to sit on his right side.
It is the host's responsibility to serve the guests, and at very formal banquets people do not begin to eat until the host has served a portion to the principal guest. Or, the host may simply raise his chopsticks and announce that eating has begun. After this point, one may serve oneself any food in any amount. Remember to go slow on eating. Don't fill yourself up when five courses are left to go. To stop eating in the middle of a banquet is rude, and your host may incorrectly think that something has been done to offend you.
Drinking takes an important place in Chinese banquets. It is likely that the host will stand and hold his glass out with both hands while saying a few words. When he says the words "gan bei",which means bottoms up, all present should drain their glasses. After this initial toast, drinking and toasting are open to all. No words are needed to make a toast, and it is not necessary to drain your glass, although to do so is more respectful. When filling another glass, it is polite to fill it as full as you can. This symbolizes full respect and friendship.
When the last dish is finished, the banquet has officially ended. There is little ceremony involved with its conclusion. The host may ask if you have eaten your fill. Then the principal host will rise, signaling that the banquet has ended. Generally, the principal host will bid good evening to everyone at the door and stay behind to settle the bill with the restaurateur. Other hosts usually accompany guests to their vehicles and remain outside waving until the cars have left the premises.To attend a formal banquet, you_______.
A.may enter the banquet room directly when you arrive . |
B.may stop eating in the middle of the banquet. |
C.may help yourself to any food immediately the dishes are served. |
D.should applaud back when greeted with a loud round of applause . |
What is the host ‘s responsibility in the author’s eyes?
A.Announcing that eating ends. |
B.Driving guests to their home. |
C.Filling the guests’ glasses. |
D.Arranging for guests to go to their place.. |
We can conclude form the passage that____
A.to stop eating halfway means that the dishes taste bad. |
B.guests should drain their g1asses the instant they are filled |
C.important guests are arranged to sit on the host’s right side |
D.the more you drink , the more you respect the host. |
The passage mainly tells us ____
A.Chinese food is delicious. |
B.customs and traditions at banquets in China |
C.what food guests should eat at banquets |
D.different customs between China and western countries. |