The sunflower plant bears bright yellow flowers that always face the sun, hence the name. However, the plant is grown not only for its beautiful flowers, but also for its oil that has a host of health benefits. Sunflower oil prevents diseases, lowers cholesterol levels, keeps the heart healthy, and even prevents certain forms of cancer. Sunflower oil is a kind of “magic oil” when it comes to skin care, as it makes your skin soft and smooth, and prevents signs of aging. So, let us know more about its effects on your skin.
1. It Acts as an Effective Emollient(润肤霜).
Sunflower oil is an effective emollient, which means that it helps the skin retain moisture. Thus, people with dry skin can benefit immensely from the regular use of the oil. Also, it is mild, and provides relief from irritation and inflammation of the skin.
2. It Offers Sun Protection.
Sunflower oil is a rich source of vitamin E. The high vitamin content prevents the sensitive cells of the skin from being damaged by the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Also, the beta-carotene (β-胡萝卜素) present in sunflower oil helps neutralize（中和） free radicals that are responsible for causing damage to the skin, including sunburn and skin cancers.
3. It Prevents Earlier Aging.
Vitamin E present in sunflower oil not only protects the skin from sun damage, but also from earlier aging. What’s more, regular use of sunflower oil can reduce wrinkles and make one look younger. Also, sunflower oil is rich in antioxidants(抗氧化物质) that keep the skin fresh.
4. It Prevents Skin Infections（感染）.
Sunflower oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids that protect the skin from bacterial infections. Hence, it gives you a healthy skin.
5. Additional Effects.
There are other ways in which sunflower oil can prove to be a boon for your skin. These are given as follows:
It helps reduce dark spots; it helps lighten dark circles; it helps soften rough and dry skin; it can be used to remove make-up; it helps relax tired eyes.Sunflower oil can be good for the following EXCEPT ________.
| A．reducing cholesterol levels |
| B．preventing heart diseases |
| C．making skin smooth and impressive |
| D．curing some kinds of cancers |
What are the functions of vitamin E?
| A．To make ultraviolet rays and beta-carotene. |
| B．To stop sunburn and treat skin cancers. |
| C．To protect skin and slow the pace of aging. |
| D．To produce wrinkles and make skin bright. |
Which of the following is NOT true?
| A．Sunflower oil can weaken dark spots. |
| B．Sunflower oil may lead to skin infections. |
| C．Sunflower oil can make you attractive. |
| D．Sunflower oil may keep eyes in comfort. |
Which is the best title for the passage?
| A．Benefits of Sunflower Oil for Skin |
| B．Sunflowers Make Life Beautiful |
| C．Sunflower Oil Ends Diseases Greatly |
| D．Benefits of Growing Sunflowers |
Here is a task for you: try to make as many kinds of facial expressions as you can. How many can you come up with?
Facial expressions are like a window to your emotions inside. Scientists used to believe that we only have six basic emotions-happy, sad, fearful, angry, surprised and disgusted-and ,therefore, each of our facial expressions falls into one of the six categories.
But it turns out that this is just the tip of the iceberg. In a recent study, scientists from Ohio State University, US, mapped 21 different facial expressions, more than tripling(是……的三倍) the original number, reported Science Daily.
Restricting emotions to just six categories is like “painting only using primary colors”, said Aleix Martinez, the lead researcher. He believed that human emotions are much richer than that, which is why he and his team decided to use advanced computer technology for further investigation.
In the experiment, scientists photographed 230 volunteers-100 male and 130 female-while they made faces in response to different words such as “you smell a bad odor(气味)”. They then closely studied the images by examining key muscles on volunteers’ faces, such as the corners of the mouth or the outer edge of the eyebrow, and finally identified 21 different expressions. These included what seem to be contradictory emotions such as “happily disgusted” and “sadly angry”, which scientists call “compound(混合的) emotions”.
Take “happily disgusted” as an example.” Putting on a happy face is usually done by drawing up the cheeks and smiling while a disgusted face often involves a scrunched-up(皱起的) nose and eyes. So the “happily disgusted” emotion created an expression that combined the smile of happy with the scrunched-up eyes and nose of disgusted. It was the emotion test subjects felt when something “gross(恶心的)” happened that was also funny-for example, when people spill(洒出) a lot of food on their clothes.
Similarly, “happily surprised” is an expression for receiving unexpected good news. “Sadly angry” is the face we make when someone we care about makes us angry.
According to Martinez, the researchers’ next step is to study the pathways and chemicals in the brain that activate(激活) and recognize those emotions. He believes that this could lead to effective treatments for people who suffer from conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD,创伤后应激障碍), which involves a lack of recognition of other people’s emotions.The underlined part “this is just the tip of the iceberg” in Paragraph 3 probably means .
| A．this is a truth known to us all |
| B．this is the total amount of something |
| C．this is easily seen or discovered |
| D．this is only the smallest and most obvious part of something |
How does the author explain the definition of “compound emotions” in the article?
| A．With comparisons. |
| B．Through examples. |
| C．Through cause and effect analysis. |
| D．By presenting research findings. |
According to the article, people are likely to become happily disgusted when .
| A．they receive unexpected good news |
| B．someone they don’t care about makes them happy |
| C．something unpleasant but also funny happens |
| D．they successfully escape from a dangerous situation |
What can we conclude from the article?
A. There are several contradictory emotions we tend to overlook.
B. Females have more contradictory emotions than males do.
C. The chemicals in the brain that activate emotions are easy to identify.
D. Martinez’s next goal is to find an effective cure for people who suffer from PTSD.
Everyone has those nights-you lie in your bed for hours, tossing and turning, totally unable to fall asleep. You wish you could just turn your brain off as if it were a light. That would make things much easier, wouldn’t it?
Now it looks like you are one step closer to this wild dream of yours-scientists from Oxford University, UK have just discovered the “switch” that tells the brain to go to sleep, reported Forbes.
To understand the study, you first need to know that there are two mechanisms(机能) that regulate sleep. There’s one that we’re already familiar with —our body clock, which works in a 24-hour cycle based on the light changes throughout the day.
The other one is what scientists call the sleep “homeostat(动态平衡系统)”. This mechanism has nothing to do with daylight. Instead, it keeps track of the brain’s waking hours and urges it to rest if it has been awake for a long time. “It is similar to the thermostat(自动调温器) in your home. A thermostat measures temperature and switches on the heating if it’s too cold,” Professor Gero Miesenbock, who led the study, told The Telegraph.
Our bodies use both of the mechanisms to regulate sleep. “The body clock says it’s the right time, and the sleep thermostat has built up pressure during a long waking day,” explained Miesenbock.
There is no way that scientists can trick the body clock. But with the sleep homeostat, there might be something they can do.
The researchers found that the sleep homeostat works by activating a specific group of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain. They tested their theory on fruit flies by removing the neurons from the insects’ brains. And as expected, they found that the flies without the homeostat neurons did not keep a regular sleep pattern anymore.
Now that scientists have pinpointed the exact place in the brain— or, the “switch”—that regulates sleep, they can begin investigating how to activate these cells at any given time so that people can be sent to sleep instantly.
More importantly, figuring out how sleep mechanisms work may also help us to one day unravel one of the oldest mysteries of all: why do we need to sleep in the first place?What is the article mainly about?
| A．A new way to treat sleep disorders. |
| B．The discovery of the sleep “homeostat” |
| C．Advice on what to do when you fail to fall asleep. |
| D．A comparison of the two mechanisms that regulate sleep. |
How does the author explain the function of the sleep homeostat?
| A．Through examples. |
| B．With comparisons. |
| C．Through cause and effect analysis. |
| D．By presenting research findings. |
What can we conclude from the article?
| A．Generally, the sleep homeostat has less effect on people during the day than at night. |
| B．There is little scientists can do to affect the way the sleep homeostat works. |
| C．What makes us go to sleep at night is probably a combination of the two mechanisms. |
| D．The more homeostat neurons there are in one’s brain, the more easily one can fall asleep. |
The underlined word “unravel” in the last paragraph is closest in meaning to .
| A．put up with | B．figure out |
| C．keep track of | D．take notice of |
Big Blue Whale
Nicola Davies
Illustrated(为……作插图) by Nick Maland
Nicola Davies provides a look at nature’s largest living creature in Big Blue Whale. The text often uses examples from the child’s world to help youngsters understand this great creature. For example, the blue whale’s skin is “smooth like a hard-boiled egg” and its eye is “big as a teacup”. Nick Maland’s pen-and-ink illustrations capture the majesty of the blue whale, of which only 10,000 remain.
Ages 3 to 8, $ 19.99.
Life in the Coral Reef
Bobbie Kalman & Niki Walker
Photographed by Tom Stack
This educational book has outstanding photographs and illustrations. The bright colors are attention grabbing. The importance of the coral reefs(珊瑚礁) in the ecology of the earth is explained as well as how the coral reefs are being harmed and destroyed. The author then offers solutions and suggestions to help prevent the destruction of these beautiful natural resources.
Ages 7 up, $ 16.95.
North American Endangered Species
Colleayn O. Mastin
Illustrated by Jan Sovak
This is a beautifully illustrated book by the award winner Jan Sovak featuring fifteen North American animals that are in danger of becoming extinct. Each animal is introduced with a short poem, followed by factual information and why the species is considered to be endangered.
Ages 6 up, $ 9.95.
Whale
Vasilli Papastavrou
Photographed by Frank Greenaway
This reference book takes a close look at the fascinating world of majestic sea mammals including whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. The author describes how whales adapt to sea life and explores whale communication, socialization, behaviors and reproduction, life cycles, habitats and physical characteristics.
Ages 10 up, $ 19.00.What do we learn from Big Blue Whale?
| A．The number of the blue whale is increasing. |
| B．Many animals are in danger of dying out. |
| C．There used to be more than 10,000 blue whales. |
| D．The blue whale has strong survival abilities. |
What is special about North American Endangered Species?
| A．It uses examples from the child’s world. |
| B．The author introduces animals with poems. |
| C．It contains bright colors. |
| D．It takes a close look at sea animals. |
Who has won an award as an illustrator or a photographer?
| A．Nick Maland. | B．Tom Stack. |
| C．Jan Sovak. | D．Frank Greenaway. |
A child who wants to learn about how whales communicate will buy .
| A．Big Blue Whale | B．Life in the Coral Reef |
| C．North American Endangered Species | D．Whale |
Not long ago, few little girls imagined they could grow up to be astronauts. In 1983, that changed. Sally Ride made history by becoming the first American woman to travel into space.
Ride died at the age of 61. “Sally was a national hero and a powerful role model,” President Barack Obama said in a statement.
Ride became interested in space when she was a kid. “If you asked me when I was 12 whether I wanted to be an astronaut, I’m sure I would have said yes,” she told TFK in a 2010 interview. “But I didn’t even think about that as a possible career.”
After studying physics in college and graduate school, Ride got her chance. She was accepted into NASA’s astronaut training program in 1978, and then chosen to be the first American female in space. In 1983, she blasted into space aboard the Challenger shuttle. “There is no amusement park ride on Earth that even comes close. It can’t be more wonderful,” she said.
Ride returned to space on the Challenger a second time in 1984. In the two missions, she spent a total of 343 hours in orbit. After that, she remained involved with the space program and also worked to share her passion for space with kids. She wrote five science books about space for children, and started her own science education company.
Ride knew that she held a unique place in history. “I realized how important it was for a woman to break that barrier and open the door for other women to be able to do the same exciting things that men had been doing,” she said.
Since Ride’s historic trip, more than 40 other American women have traveled to space. They all had Ride to thank for opening the door to the final frontier.Which of the following is true?
| A．Sally was the first person to travel to space in America. |
| B．Sally wanted to be an astronaut even when she was a pupil. |
| C．Sally was interested in space, so she chose astronautics as her major. |
| D．Sally graduated from college and first traveled to space in 1983. |
From the fifth paragraph, we know that Sally .
| A．was good at doing business |
| B．wanted to be rich by doing business |
| C．became a famous writer at last |
| D．had a lasting interest in space |
What can we infer from the text?
| A．Sally inspired many American women to travel to space. |
| B．Sally made great contributions to American economic development. |
| C．Women astronauts used to be looked down upon in American history. |
| D．The government did not allow women to become astronauts in the past. |
Which of the following could be the best title for the text?
| A．Sally Ride’s first space trip |
| B．A national hero flying in space |
| C．Sally Ride, a successful businesswoman |
| D．Sally Ride, a real educator for kids |
Mo was waiting in the corridor outside her class. She was feeling sick. She had two exams that day and physics was first .She really hated physics. It was her worst subject. Terry Looked back at her from the front of the line, and then looked away quickly. Mo thought she looked guilty. She didn't have a problem with physics she didn't have a problem with anything ...Miss Perfect!
"Hi, Mo, it's your favorite exam today, "said Nima, laughing as she joined the line .Terry was looking at Mo again. “So what's wrong with her?” asked Nima."I thought you were friends." “Yes, so did I," said Mo." But she hasn't spoken to me for two weeks now. She promised to help me review for the physics exam too, but then she's ignored all my calls and texts .And when I rang her house, her mum just told me she was busy. She's forgotten who her friends are!" said Mo angrily. "Are you listening to me?" Mr. Reed was talking to the class and the other students were going into the exam room. Mo gave Nima a worried look and followed them.
Mo couldn't answer question number five. She looked up and saw Terry sitting two rows in front of her. Mo couldn't believe it! Terry was holding her phone on her knee under the table and reading from it. Is that how Terry always got such good grades? She felt really angry at Terry, but she didn't know what to do. She thought about telling the teacher, but what would everyone else think of her? "Stop writing and put your pens down" said Mr. Reed as he started to collect the exam papers. Oh no, Mo hadn't answered two of the questions. She was going to fail again!
Mo wanted to talk to Terry at lunch time, but she couldn't find her anywhere. The next exam was history. That was Mo's favourite subject but she wasn't feeling good. Mo went to the library to study, but she couldn't concentrate. She didn't know what to do about Terry. She thought about telling a teacher, but everyone would hate her if she did that. "It wasn't fair!” she thought. "Terry was getting good grades by cheating all that time.” thought Mo. Just then, Mr. Reed walked past her table. “Mr. Reed.”
Mo was sitting behind Terry again in the history exam that afternoon. Mo was feeling terrible. Why had she told Mr. Reed? But it was too late now. And anyway, Terry didn't want to be her friend! Mr. Reed wanted her to look at him and nod if she saw that Terry was cheating in the exam. She was working on the last question when she saw that Terry had her phone under the table. Without thinking, Mo looked up and nodded to Mr. Reed. Terry was too busy looking at her phone and she didn't hear him as he walked silently up to her table. Mr. Reed didn't say anything. He just picked up her exam paper, tore it in half and pointed to the door, to tell Terry to leave the room. Terry was crying as she walked to the door. Everyone was staring at her and Mo felt really guilty now. Why did she tell Mr. Reed?
Mo was walking towards the school gate, when she heard footsteps behind her. It was Terry. “Mo, please wait! I want to talk to you.” Mo could see that Terry had been crying, her face was pale and her eyes were red. Mo couldn't say a word. “Listen," said Terry. "I'm really sorry I haven't answered any of your calls, but we're having a terrible time at home. My dad had a heart attack two weeks ago and he's in hospital. He had a big heart operation today and I was very worried about him. I know it was stupid, but I was reading texts from my mum to see how the operation was going, but Mr. Reed caught me with my phone. He thought I was cheating. He believes me now, but I have to take the exam again. I'm sorry I didn't tell you what was happening. I haven't forgotten that you're a good friend'. Will you forgive me? ”At the beginning of the story Mo felt sick most probably because ______.
| A．Terry was looking at her form the front of the line |
| B．she was worried that she would fail the physics exam |
| C．she had to take two different exams within one day |
| D．she had been waiting in the line for too long a time |
Who does “Miss Perfect” in the first paragraph refer to?
| A．Mo | B．Nima | C．Terry | D．Terry's mum |
It can be inferred from the above passage that___________
| A．students didn't like those who were not faithful to their friends |
| B．Mr. Reed was a strict teacher who never corrected his mistakes |
| C．The physics exam was much more difficult than the history exam |
| D．Mo was angry because Nima laughed at her relationship with Terry |
Terry didn't help Mo review for the physics exam because_______________
| A．she didn't consider Mo as a true friend |
| B．she herself was quite bad at physics |
| C．she had to look after her sick father |
| D．she was selfish and hated to waste time |
At the end of the story Mo probably felt_______________
| A．confident and optimistic | B．glad and inspired |
| C．sad and angry | D．regretful and guilt |
What lesson can we learn from this passage?
| A．A friend in need is a friend indeed. |
| B．Friendship should be based on trust. |
| C．Old friends and old wines are the best. |
| D．A life without a friend is a life without a sun. |