2024-2025学年度上学期泉州市高中教学质量监测
2025.01
高一英语
(满分150分，考试时间120分钟)
注意事项：
1.答题前，考生须在试题卷、答题卡规定的位置填写自己的准考证号、姓名。考生应认真核对答题卡上粘贴的条形码的“准考证号、姓名”与考生本人准考证号、姓名是否一致。
2.回答选择题时，选出每小题答案后，用铅笔把答题卡上对应题目的答案标号涂黑。如需改动，用橡皮擦干净后，再选涂其他答案标号。回答非选择题时，将答案写在答题卡上。写在本试卷上无效。
3.考试结束，考生须将试题卷和答题卡一并交回。
第一部分 听力（共两节，满分30分）
做题时，先将答案标在试卷上。录音内容结束后，你将有两分钟的时间将试卷上的答案转涂到答题卡上。
第一节（共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分）
听下面5段对话。每段对话后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。听完每段对话后，你都有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。每段对话仅读一遍。
例: How much is the shirt
A. 19.15. B. 9.18. C. 9.15.
答案是C。
1. What does the woman tend to do now in lunch hour
A. Stay alone in the office. B Make coffee for others. C. Socialise with her friends.
2. How much shall the man pay to send the bag
A. $3.5. B. $2. C. $1.5.
3. What does Jack do
A. He is a reporter. B. He is a writer. C. He is an editor.
4. What does the woman suggest the man do
A. Learn to play music. B. Teach English with songs. C. Give George music lessons.
5. What are the speakers talking about
A. How to reduce stress. B. How to do exercise. C. How to manage time.
第二节（共15小题；每小题1.5分，满分22.5分）
听下面5段对话或独白。每段对话或独白后有几个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。听每段对话或独白前，你将有时间阅读各个小题，每小题5秒钟；听完后，各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。每段对话或独白读两遍。
听第6段材料，回答第6、7题。
6. What is the relationship between the speakers
A. Family members. B. Teammates. C. Neighbours.
7. What is the man going to do this evening
A. Prepare a present. B. Make some food. C. Buy balloons.
听第7段材料，回答第8至10题。
8. What made the woman begin to take exercise
A. A good app. B. Her friend's advice. C. A newspaper article.
9. How often does the man do weight training
A. Twice a week. B. Three times a week. C. Four times a week.
10 Why does the woman keep running
A. To keep fit B. To get relaxed. C. To challenge herself.
听第8段材料，回答第11至13题。
11 Where are the speakers
A. In the wild forest. B. In a popular zoo. C. In a protection centre.
12. What does the man warn the woman of
A. Bears. B. Tigers. C. Insects.
13. What can we know about the man
A. He worries about the adventure.
B. He camped out for the first time.
C. He values environmental protection.
听第9段材料，回答第14至17题。
14. Why did Anna's parents go to senior university
A. To stay with their neighbours.
B. To keep their minds lively.
C. To make some new friends.
15. When does Anna's father attend classes
A. On Mondays and Wednesdays.
B. On Mondays and Fridays.
C. On Wednesdays and Thursdays.
16. What class does Anna's mother take
A. History. B. Photo-taking. C. Singing.
17. What did Anna's father do after he went to senior university
A. He volunteered in the community.
B. He set up a club with others.
C. He invited other parents to join.
听第10段材料，回答第18至20题。
18. What is the speaker doing
A. Hosting a program. B. Holding a meeting. C. Giving a lesson.
19. What does Oliver Burkeman advise people to do
A. Put phones outside bedrooms.
B. Remove social media apps.
C. Focus on their real life.
20. What is the talk mainly about
A. Latest social applications. B. Tips on time-management. C. Ways to control screen time.
第二部分 阅读（共两节，满分50分）
第一节（共15小题；每小题2.5分，满分37.5分）
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C和D 四个选项中选出最佳选项。
A
The Mindshift course is designed to improve your career (职业) and personal life. By applying scientifie ideas to learning and changes, you will discover how to find your-hidden possibility and achieve your goals.
Course Content
Mindshift focuses on three key areas:
1. Understanding your hidden capabilities.
2. Learning how to learn effectively.
3. Matching the best of your strengths.
Throughout the course, you will explore topics such as motivation (动力) and avoiding learning difficulties. Additionally, you'll examine how personal ambition shapes your future.
Course Costs
We have introduced three new fee choices to make the course more accessible:
1. Monthly fee: $ 29.99 per month
The monthly fee allows learners to access all updates for a month at a time.
2. Single-Session (学期) Access:$49.99
This choice provides access to the course content for a single session.
3. Annual fee: $239.00 per year
The annual fee saves your money and offers full access throughout the year.
If you join as part of a group of five or more, each member will receive a 10% off on any above plan.
Course Activities
To deepen your understanding of the course content, you will take part in various activities, including:
●Watching video lessons on effective note-taking and time management.
●Reading “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck.
●Joining group study or discussion to exchange ideas.
●Developing a personal learning plan that matches your career goals.
●Getting practical experience and making contributions to your community.
Unlock your possibility and get over the challenges of learning and get a future development with Mindshift!
21. What is a key area of the Mindshift course
A. Exploring science. B. Knowing your capability.
C. Deciding on writing topics. D. Improving personal relationship.
22. How much shall one pay for attending the yearly course with six other friends
A. $49.00. B. $95.60. C. $215.10. D. $239.00.
23. What can students do during the course
A. Read a book with its author. B. Produce a video on note-taking.
C. Compete with classmates in groups. D. Contribute to their community.
B
Born in Germany, Kathrine Switzer was an athletic and driven child. As a young girl, Switzer was active in various sports, but she faced huge troubles as there was a widely held attitude that women in sports were unattractive. In high school, she began to take running-more seriously, often training in secret. She developed her determination (意志) and running skills through continuous practice, often running long distances to build her stamina (耐力).
Switzer attended Syracuse University, where she trained with the men's cross-country team. During this time, Switzer decided to run the Boston Marathon. As there was nothing in the official rulebook preventing women from entering, she signed up for the 1967 race. She used the name “K. V. Switzer”. As a result, race officials did not realise she was a woman.
But when the race officials discovered she was a woman, they tried to stop her. Fortunately, her boyfriend Tom Miller and a group of men runners formed a sort of protective curtain around her. Finally, she completed the race in four hours and twenty minutes.
After that, she decided to help other women athletes. The Boston Marathon finally began accepting women runners in 1972, and three years later, Switzer placed second at the race with a time of 2:51:37, her personal best. In 1977, she created the Avo n International Running Circuit, a worldwide series of women's races that lay the groundwork for the women's marathon to become an Olympic event in 1984.
Switzer went on to found the women's running club, 261 Fearless, and entered the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2011. Still an active runner, Switzer even completed the Boston Marathon in 2017-fifty years after her historic run.
“When I go to the Boston Marathon now, I have wet shoulders - women fall into my arms crying,” she said. “They' re crying for joy because running has changed their lives. They feel nothing is impossible.”
24. How did Switzer train as a young girl
A. By following a professional plan. B. By joining a cross-country team.
C. By keeping running secretly. D. By seeking help from her coach.
25. What can we learn about Switzer in the 1967 marathon
A. She reached her personal best. B. She broke a record set by men.
C. She lent a hand to another runner. D. She was the first woman to complete it.
26. What is the result of Switzer's 1977 running series
A.261 Fearless was founded. B. She won many national honours.
C. Women's marathon entered the Olympics. D. Boston Marathon accepted women runners.
27. What is the best title of the text
A. Kathrine Switzer: A Pioneer in Women's Sports
B. The 1967 Boston Marathon: A Race Against Time
C. Seeking Possibilities: A Woman of Olympic Spirits
D. Breaking Limits: The Story of a Marathon Champion
C
Singapore's Gardens by the Bay stands as a shining example of the nation's promise to bring nature into city living. This groundbreaking project, built in 2012, shows how creative design and green living can appear at the same time in a busy central city.
The project covers 101 hectares of recovered land and features three waterfront gardens: Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. The centerpiece, Bay South, is home to the famous Supertree Grove, a collection of gardens that reach heights of up to 50 metres. These Supertrees not only serve as sightseeing wonders but also play an important role in the park's sustainable ecosystem (可持续生态系统) by collecting rainwater, producing solar energy, and providing living areas for local high land wildlife. Besides, the Cloud Forest is a wonderful glass dome (圆顶) that houses a 35-metre-tall mountain covered with plants and an eye-catching indoor waterfall. Visitors can start a journey through the forest, learning about the local biodiversity(生物多样性).
As Gardens by the Bay continues to grow, there are exciting plans for development in the works. Future projects may include new garden exhibits, interactive equipment, and better sustainability ways. The gardens aim to remain at the leading position of creative green spaces, inspiring visitors with new experiences and educational chances.
One wisdom from the project is the importance of teamwork between various groups of people. The Singapore government worked closely with builders, engineers, and environmentalists to ensure that the design was not only attractive but also ecologically sound. The method drove the application of modern technologies, which allow for the plantation of various plants from different climates.
The gardens utilize rainwater gathering, solar energy, and natural airing to reduce energy and water usage. Moreover, the project stresses the value of public partnership. It also encourages visitors to connect with nature and understand the importance of biodiversity. This has led to increased community cooperation and a greater love for the environment.
28. What does the Gardens by the Bay project show
A. How city planners can use modern technology. B. How Singapore includes green living into a city.
C. How citizens grow more plants in limited space. D. How Singapore spreads its city planning experience.
29. What is a function of the Supertree Grove
A. It is home to the waterfront gardens. B. It supports the park sustainability.
C. It houses a mountain covered with plants. D. It shows the high land's biodiversity.
30. What is paragraph 3 mainly about
A. The project's general features. B. The project's basic facilities.
C. The project's important experience. D. The project's future development.
31. What does the underlined word “utilize” in the last paragraph mean
A. Give way to. B. Keep track of. C. Pay attention to. D. Take advantage of.
D
AI generators (生成器) and the avatars they create are developing rapidly. UK-based company Synthesia aims to move this technology further. Recently, it announced Expressive Avatars, which can show a lot of lifelike human feelings. These avatars are part of what Synthesia calls its “digital actors”. They have improved facial expressions and human-like voices-an upgrade from other AIsystems' robotic sounds.
Synthesia offers more than 160 AI avatars, under the agreement of real human actors. Users can produce videos in more than 130 languages. CEO Victor Riparbelli said that they are not coming for Hollywood; instead, they focus on companies and B2B content, which need communication videos that are easy-to-create and human-like, such as in areas like healthcare.
Synthesia's Expressive Avatars are powered by its Express-1 AI model. It was trained only on content produced in-house, avoiding false data (数据). Riparbelli explained that the company hired thousands of actors to record videos for the model to ensure exactness.
The show presented an avatar reacting to words like “I am happy”. The avatars' speech style is more natural than previous models. Riparbelli said “Whether the conversation is cheerful or serious, our avatars change their performance accordingly, showing a level of care and understanding that was once the special area of human actors.”
The possible misuse of this technology is a concern, especially considering the risks of deepfake (深度伪造) technology. “We’ve taken additional steps to prevent the misuse of our technology, including updating our policies to limit the type of content people can make, working on the early finding of dishonest actors, and increasing the teams that work on AI safety,” the company said in an announcement.
Synthesia believes that Expressive Avatars will help businesses produce videos that are not only informative but also caring. Riparbelli said “I think we' re looking at an important shift in capabilities within the next six to nine months.”
32. What is special about Expressive Avatars
A. They show facial expressions. B. They are more human-like.
C. They can update themselves. D. They are good at language translation.
33. What does Synthesia use to train its Express-1 AI model
A. Videos of real actors. B. Data from the Internet.
C. Sounds of other AI robots. D Speeches from previous models.
34. Why is Synthesia's announcement mentioned in paragraph 5
A. To list some examples of misuses. B. To explain its advantages in technology.
C. To show its efforts to deal with the risks. D. To encourage users to create more content.
35. What is the author's attitude towards the Expressive Avatars technology
A. Objective. B. Doubtful. C. Confident. D. Uncertain.
第二节（共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分）
阅读下面短文，从短文后的选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
Ways-to Build Stronger Relationships
We all have relationships. 36 However, for a large percentage of us, many of these relationships are simply not satisfying. They are unsatisfying because they lack (缺少) real strength, and they lack real strength because they lack real depth.
I'd like to show you how to build stronger relationships and make your social life a lot more meaningful.
◎Meet more people.
You go out a lot, you meet a lot of new people and you keep widening your social circle. 37 These people can probably become your good friends, dependable partners, etc.
◎Talk about the things that matter to you.
Tell people what you experienced and give others a chance to know what you care about and what you believe in. If they believe and care in the same things, they’ll eagerly let you know. 38
◎Express weakness.
39 However, by hiding your imperfections, what you do succeed in is appearing cold. Humans connect with other humans; not with ideals (完美的人). Keep this in mind. Don't be afraid to let your weakness and your humanity show. This is what takes a relationship to the next level.
◎ 40
Connections between people grow stronger, if they can depend on each other for support when it's needed. Don't care whether it means a few kind words or several great actions. Your support will help them practically, and it will comfort them spiritually.
A. Be there for others.
B. Offer comforting words.
C. Many people try to come off as perfect.
D. But it's hard for everyone to connect with you.
E. So you'll find common ground and you'll feel more connected.
F. We have relatives, classmates, neighbors and probably some friends.
G. Thus, you' re much more likely to meet people you match up well with.
第三部分 语言运用（共三节，满分45分）
第一节 完形填空（20小题；每小题1分，满分20分）
阅读下面短文，从各题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
Yuri Williams and Rodney Smith Jr. spend the week before Christmas making house calls to sick or disabled kids. They arrive with plenty of 41 , and in superhero costume (戏装), both of which 42 the kids.
Though Williams has been 43 joy this way for years, the 44 to do it came from a joyless event-he lost his mother to cancer in 2009. After five years’ 45 , he dug himself out by 46 his mother through charitable acts. He and Smith 47 collected gifts for children with special 48 . Then in 2018, Williams 49 his charity, A Future SuperHero Friends, aiming to bring smiles to children with challenges in 50 . “He was the first person to put a 51 on Albert's face,” says Katrina Morris about her son, who suffered from cancer.
Along their way to all 50 states, Williams and Smith 52 toys, supported by the money that come through their charity website, where people also recommend 53 for them to visit. But they often reach into Williams's own 54 as well. Even more important than the gifts they bring, they 55 time with the people who need it the most-and that's not just the children. The parents are more 56 than the kids sometimes.
The pair say they want to ensure families facing tough battles never feel 57 . It's what keeps them 58 , even when they hardly get any sleep in the process.
“I don’ t look to get paid to do this,” Williams says. “It's just a (n) 59 for me for losing my mother, just keeping her name 60 by doing this.”
41. A. messages B. gifts C. tools D. decorations
42. A. scare B. calm C. excite D. shock
43. A. spreading B. experiencing C. receiving D. imagining
44. A. ability B. patience C. desire D. chance
45. A. fear B. concern C. boredom D. sadness
46. A. escaping B. recording C. rescuing D. honouring
47. A. continuously B. immediately C. occasionally D. independently
48. A. skills B. needs C. talents D. goals
49. A. set up B. applied for C. looked into D. benefited from
50. A. personality B. health C. behaviour D. confidence
51. A. kiss B. mark C. smile D. tear
52. A. fix B. collect C. sell D. pack
53. A. families B. websites C. schools D. hospitals
54. A. files B. memories C. savings D. thoughts
55. A. divide B. require C. waste D. spend
56. A. responsible B. sensible C. cheerful D. creative
57. A. doubtful B. humble C. strange D. alone
58. A. struggling B. going C. practising D. suffering
59. A. expectation B. impact C. replacement D. comfort
60. A. alive B. fashionable C. typical D. powerful
第二节 选词填空（共5小题；每小题2分，满分10分）
根据下列句子语境从所给词块中选择合适的词块填空，所给词块中有两个多余。注意：请在答题卡上把每小题所选的词块的相应序号涂黑，在横线上直接写出该单词不得分。
A. due to B. calm down C. according to D. were capable of E. get ahead F. be concerned with G. broke down
61. Before lighting the fireworks, the organizers told everyone to ________ and wait for their turn.
62. We should ________ how our actions affect-the environment.
63. These volunteers ________ helping others by teaching skills or offering support to those in need.
64. Many companies are working harder to improve their online service, ________ the growth of the internet.
65. If the basketball team wants to ________, they need to strengthen their defense and improve their shooting skills.
第三节（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
The “Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional NewYear” was added to the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH, 非遗) on December 4, 2024. This means the world recognises China's efforts 66 (protect) its important traditional treasures.
China now has about 870,000 pieces of ICH, with 44 of them 67 (list) by UNESCO, more than any other country. Some examples include the 24 Solar Terms, Peking Opera, and the Mazu belief.
The news is 68 reminder of China's rich cultural diversity, which shows that China focuses on protecting and promoting (推广) its many different cultural practices. The Spring Festival is not just one tradition, but a cultural event 69 includes many different regional (地区的) 70 (custom) and celebrations.
“The Spring Festival is rich in content and includes a 71 (various) of intangible cultural heritage forms,” said Zheng Changling, a researcher at the Chinese National Academy of Arts. During the festival, people celebrate by doing things like putting up New Year paintings, making paper-cuts, 72 (perform) dragon and lion dances, and enjoying opera performances. All of these traditions make up the 73 (culture) richness of the Spring Festival. As the Spring Festival 74 (celebrate) internationally, these related ICH forms will also reach other parts of the world. Besides the heritage practices themselves, the deeper cultural values and meanings behind them will also become known 75 people of different cultural backgrounds.
第四部分 读后续写（满分25分）
阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。
My parents want me to sign up for my school's talent show, but I'm not sure I can do it. I'm not like those other kids who seem so confident, who step onto the stage like it's nothing. For me, just the idea of being on the stage makes my hands shake.
It all started when my mom found out about the talent show. “You should totally sign up!” she said, smiling at me. “You can sing so well! Remember how you sang that song at Aunt Laura’ s birthday party last summer You were amazing!”
“I don't think I could do it in front of all those people.” I muttered (嘟囔). Dad also encouraged me, “They' re just your classmates, honey. They'll cheer for you!”
But I didn't feel ready. The next day at lunch, I sat with my best friend, Emily. She was, of course, signing up for the talent show. Emily was the complete opposite of me - she was always ready to take on anything. It wasn't just singing she could do; she could dance, act, and even play tricks. “Are you signing up ” she asked, taking a bite of her sandwich.
“I don't know,” I said, “I'd be way too nervous. What if I mess up ”
Emily laughed. ‘Everyone gets nervous! But you’ re really good, Sophie. Besides, you wouldn’t be alone. I'll be there, and we can practise together.”
I looked at her, her face lighting up with excitement. It was comforting to have her with me. Maybe we could face the stage together.
“I don't know... I'm not sure I can do it,” I said, my voice shaking.
She reached across the table, taking my hand, “We’ll be brave together, okay I’ll be right there with you, and I promise it’ll be fun.”
Something about her words clicked inside me. What if it wasn't about doing it perfectly What if it was just about facing my fear With Emily beside me, maybe I could do it.
注意：
1.续写词数应为 150 左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
(请在答题卡上作答，此处作答无效)
That afternoon, I signed up for the talent show. Together, Emily and I stepped onto the stage.
2024—2025学年上学期泉州市高中教学质量跟踪监测试卷
高一英语试题参考答案及评分标准
第一部分 听力（共两节，满分30分）
1—5CACBA 6—10ABCBA 11—15ACCBA 16—20BBACC
第二部分 阅读（共两节，满分50分）
第一节（共15小题；每小题2.5分，满分37.5分）
21—25BCDCD 26—30 CABBD 31—35DBACA
第二节（共5小题；每小题2.5分，满分12.5分）
36—40 FGECA
第三部分 语言运用（共三节，满分45分）
第一节 完形填空（共20小题；每小题1分，满分20分）
41—45 BCACD 46—50DABAB 51—55CBACD 56—60 CDBDA
第二节 选词填空（共5小题；每小题2分，满分10分）
61—65 BFDAE
第三节（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）
66. to protect 67. listed 68. a 69. which/ that 70. customs
71. variety 72. performing 73. cultural 74. is celebrated 75. to
第四部分 读后续写（满分25分）
作答示例
That afternoon, I signed up for the talent show. Emily's kind gesture offered me the courage. We decided to have a singing performance with a folk dance, which required intense practice. But Emily was confident and ensured we practised together every day after school. Over the following days, we worked tirelessly, pouring hearts into the music and moving energy in the dance. Throughout the process, my parents cheered us on, offering treats and praises. Finally, the big day arrived. We showed up early to warm up. Facing the stage, I noticed I was not that nervous.
Together, Emily and I stepped onto the stage. As the stage light shone on us, I felt the weight of the crowd's stares. Then I heard Emily's voice, “Let's go! Together!” I took a deep breath, and our show began. As the music filled the air, my nerves slowly disappeared. I found myself lost in the rhythm, singing and dancing passionately. When we reached the end, the audience burst into cheers. Emily flashed a smile to me. At that moment, I knew that being brave doesn't mean being perfect-it means facing fears together and hugging the experience as it comes.
泉州市2024—2025学年度上学期高中教学质量跟踪监测高一英语听力部分录音稿
Text 1
M: What do you usually do in the lunch hour
W: I used to have lunch alone, but now, I like to make it more social, to have a coffee, and things like that, so I often go with friends from work.
Text 2
M: I'd like to send this bag by rapid service.
W: Sure. That will cost $2 for the delivery and another $1.5 for the rapid service.
Text 3
W. How do you like your new job, Jack
M: Fine. This week I have been reading the reports and studying the books. Next week I will probably start revising the articles and working on editing the content.
Text 4
W: Mr. Jones, your student George shows great love for music.
M: I only wish he showed half as much for his English lessons.
W: Actually, have you ever considered using his love for music to help him Bring songs into his lessons and he may have more interest.
M: Hmm, that's a good idea.
Text 5
W: When I'm hiking, I don't worry about anything. How about you
M: I go to the gym every day. It helps me deal with stress.
W: That's great! Exercise is such a good way to reduce tension. I’ve heard some people also like to practice yoga or deep thoughts to manage pressure.
Text 6
M: Have we got everything we need for Mom's birthday party
W: Let me see. I called to order the cake. And I’ve called most of the guests. The only people who didn't reply are Uncle Bill and Aunt Michel.
M: Uncle Bill texted me to say they couldn't make it.
W: OK. That just leaves food and balloons.
M: I'm going to make some food ahead of time this evening.
W: OK, well, I’ll go to the supermarket tomorrow to buy balloons and take them to the hall.
Text 7
M: Here we are!
W: Finally. We’ve been preparing for this forest tour for half a month.
M: Never have I thought it would be so exciting.
W: Right. It's truly adventurous.
M: Yeah, it's really wild out here ... not a single road in sight.
W: Now I'm worried about the wild animals.
M: No need to worry about that! You know, most of the animals, such as bears, tigers and wolves, are now gathered in the protection centre. But we do have to care about the insects here. They' re really unpleasant sometimes.
W: This is my first time camping out in the wild. Is there anything else I should be especially careful about
M: Always leave the forest with what you’ve come with. Never leave anything behind.
W: Right. People really shouldn't litter, especially in nature.
M: You' re right.
Text 8
M: What made you start running, Jessica
W: One day at my friend's place, I accidentally read an article on the benefits of exercise in a newspaper. That started my running journey.
M: Better late than never. I follow an app to do Taichi every night, and without fail. I hit the gym for weight training every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
W: That's inspiring. What keeps your workout schedule
M: It's my way of reducing stress. As a programmer, there are always new challenges.
W: My situation is different. I sell stuff in the supermarket. It's not tough at all. So, I don't experience much work-related stress. As I said, I started running for my health, but over time, I’ve fallen in love with it.
Text 9
M: Hi, Anna. Where have you been just now
W: Hey, James. I just got back from the senior university near our neighborhood. My parents are taking classes there. They began to study there three months ago.
M: Wow! What made them decide to attend senior university
W: They believed continuous learning could keep their minds sharp. Surprisingly, they ended up meeting some new friends.
M: Sounds reasonable. When do they attend classes
W: My father has classes on Mondays and Wednesdays. My mother has classes on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
M: What classes do they take
W: My dad has history and singing classes, while my mom is taking up painting and photo-taking. It's amazing to see them exploring new interests.
M: So have you noticed any changes in them since they started
W: Absolutely! They seem more lively. It's like they found a new community. My dad even started a history club with his classmates!
M: That's fantastic. I should consider suggesting this senior university to my parents as well.
Text 10
W: Hi, everyone. Welcome to today's program. I'm Melissa Kirsch. We know the usual tips for controlling screen time: put phones outside the bedroom or remove social media apps. But people seem unable to stick to them. Oliver Burkeman, the author of the time-management book Four Thousand Weeks, suggests that we should work on focusing on real life. “Remind yourself that your real life is here in your physical surroundings, talking to people and doing things,” he said. To reach that, keep your phone at least 10 feet from your workplace during the day. Celeste Headlee, a reporter, suggested an alarm clock. “Apps have been designed to steal our attention by encouraging us to lose track of the minutes that pass,” she said. The hourly sound of her alarm clock causes her to look up and realise how much time has passed while she's been lost in her phone.
