Empathy
Last year, researchers from the University of Michigan reported that empathy, the ability to understand other people, among college students had dropped sharply over the past 10 years. __71__ Today, people spend more time alone and are less likely to join groups and clubs.
Jennifer Freed, a co-director of a teen program, has another explanation. Turn on the TV, and you’re showered with news and reality shows full of people fighting, competing, and generally treating one another with no respect. __72__
There are good reasons not to follow those bad examples. Humans are socially related by nature. __73__ Researchers have also found that empathetic teenagers are more likely to have high self-respect. Besides, empathy can be a cure for loneliness, sadness, anxiety, and fear.
Empathy is also an indication of a good leader. In fact, Freed says, many top companies report that empathy is one of the most important things they look for in new managers. __74__ “Academics are important. But if you don’t have emotional intelligence, you won’t be as successful in work or in your love life,” she says.
What’s the best way to up your EQ (情商）? For starters, let down your guard and really listen to others. __75__
To really develop empathy, you’d better volunteer at a nursing home or a hospital, join a club or a team that has a diverse membership, have a “sharing circle” with your family, or spend time caring for pets at an animal shelter.

When you are visiting New York City with kids，there are numerous things to do which will entertain their spirits and feed their minds.

•The Whispering Gallery

Make your way to the Whispering Gallery. The Whispering Room's architecture allows for a phenomenon that usually sparks a lot of giggles. Once inside the gallery，place one person facing the corner at one end of the room and then place another person facing the corner at the opposite end. Ask one of the participants to whisper a phrase or a quick sentence or two and the person at the opposite end will be able to hear every word that was said.

E．42nd St.

New York，NY 10017

212­771­5322

grandcentralterminal.com

•American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History was founded in 1869.In addition to its impressive exhibits，permanent attractions bring the cool feeling to kids. They can enter the Fossil Halls and take in the impressive dinosaur skeletons. And the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life educates kids on the fragility of the ocean.

Central Park West at 79th St.

New York，NY,10024

212—769—5606

amnh.org

•The Scholastic Store

Most parents want their children to read，and moreover，to enjoy reading. The Scholastic Store helps to make that wish a reality by publishing engaging，well written stories that appeal to children. With classics such as Clifford the Big Red Dog，The Magic School Bus，and Harry Potter，the Scholastic Store will delight your children.

557 Broadway

New York,10012

212—343—6100

scholastic.com

•Ellen's Stardust Diner

The restaurant is a place where each person in your family can find something to eat .At Ellen's Stardust Diner，a diverse menu will whet everyone's appetite. Arugula salads，grilled cheese，burgers and meatloaf are all on this varied menu. The hall of beauty queens，a drive-in theatre and wait staff that sing to you can add to the unique dining experience.

•1650 Broadway，corner of 51st St.

•New York，NY 10019

•212­956­5151

ellensstardustdiner.com  　　

1.Once children visit the Whispering Gallery they'll find it ________.

A．interesting       B．splendid      C．disappointing              D．frightening

2.Which of the following websites helps the kids learn about the ancient ocean life?

A．ellensstardustdiner.com          B．grandcentralterminal.com

C．amnh.org                      D．scholastic.com

3.You would like to get your children interested in reading so you can bring them to visit ________.

A．the Whispering Gallery                      B．the Scholastic Store

C．Ellen's Stardust Diner                        D．American Museum of Natural History

4.In addition to your favorite food in Ellen's Stardust Diner you can also ________.

A．make some good friends

B．see many beautiful queens

C．receive the first—class service

D．enjoy some entertaining programs

5.Which of the following is the best title for this passage?

A．Tips for travelling around New York City

B．Children would like to travel in big cities

C．Things to do with kids in New York City

D．Entertaining activities in the United States

请认真阅读下列短文，并根据所读内容在文章后表格中的空格里填入最恰当的单词。注意：每空格1个单词。
Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1995, widely known as the leading organization in the field of international volunteering, with more than 4,000 volunteers each year. CCS has a worldwide staff（员工、团队） of more than 300 people, and operates in 12 countries, with administrative（行政的） offices also located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It offers volunteer programmes in 12 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.
Cross-Cultural Solutions’ volunteer programmes in China are located in Xi’an,  the crossroads of Western and Eastern China, and the starting point of the Silk Road. Culturally, Xi’an is a mixture of the ancient and modern worlds. Home to the famous terracotta army, Xi’an was once the imperial capital of China. The city’s ancient history is embodied by the huge stone walls that surround the city centre, originally intended to protect the city from invasion. In the modern world, Xi’an is the largest capital city in Central and Western China. Today, with a population of approximately eight million, this modern city still reflects its rich history and culture.
China’s diverse population is well represented in Xi’an’s Han and other minorities. Volunteering in Xi’an will provide you with opportunities to connect with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, exposing you to the wide scope of Chinese culture, one of the largest and most ancient cultures in the world.
Through our cultural and learning activities in China, you will see the work of local artists, visit the site of the famous ancient terracotta（兵马俑） army, participate in weekly Chinese classes, and engage in lively discussions on Chinese culture and society. Activities may also include cooking classes or visits from experts in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine and a local painter skilled in the unique arts of Chinese painting and calligraphy(书法). Guest speakers may also cover topics such as Chinese folklore（民间传说,民俗;民俗学）and traditional Chinese music. Many volunteers choose to participate in regular visits to local universities to meet with students interested in English conversation and cultural exchange.
CCS offers the following programmes in Xi’an, China:
t Volunteer Abroad---- two to twelve weeks
t Intern Abroad---- three to four weeks
t Insight Abroad---- one week

It didn’t take long at all for me to decide to come and study in the UK. With the approach of globalization, more and more people realize that it is necessary to study in an English-speaking country. UK does not only offer the chance to study the original English, it also has so many first-class universities, whose qualifications are widely respected all over the world. Besides the academic, there are many fun elements too; its famous football environment is definitely one for me!  Since UK has such a diverse society, I feel there is less chance that there would be any racism(种族歧视) at boarding school. This is one reason why I did not take any summer courses before I started my school. It was just so easy to settle in and pick up the language as you go along, because everyone is so friendly and helpful. At the moment I am doing 5 A-levels and 1 AS, which are Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Government and Politics and Chinese. I am aiming to achieve A’s in all my exams, and I hope to go to Oxford University to study Engineering Science in the autumn.

I still remember my first day at Merchiston Castle School, and I was really nervous about it, because I have never visited the school before and didn’t take any summer courses. Despite my anxiety, I soon relaxed once I arrived; the staff members were so nice that I felt that my spoken English was better than it actually was!  As soon as I walked into the day room (日间休息室) of my boarding house, I was absolutely amazed by the friendly atmosphere: Everyone was so friendly that a boy as shy as I had no difficulty in setting in, and I made many new friends on my very first day, although I was struggling to remember all the names.

61. What does the passage mainly tell us?

A. The author’s impression on UK.

B. The author’s plan for his study.

C. The author’s comments on British schools.

D. The report of achievements.

62. Which is NOT a reason that the author decided to study in the UK?

A. It’s less likely that racism would be found at boarding school.

B. He wanted to learn pure English.

C. There are many worldwide famous universities.

D. It provides a good environment for living.

63. The author thinks the British are_______ .

A. funny                                                   B. hard-working

C. friendly                                                       D. respectable

64. We can learn from the passage that the author_______ .

A. plays football very well

B. has been admitted to Oxford University

C. is a shy boy

D. is good at remembering names

65. The underlined word “it” in the second paragraph refers to “_______”.

A. my first day at Merchiston Castle school

B. my oral English

C. Merchiston Castle School

D. one of my summer courses

The New York Aquarium (水族馆) offers a diverse collection and nice viewing experience for all our guests. Whether you’re observing penguins on their rocky coastline home or swimming underwater, looking at a coral reef (珊瑚礁) under the water, or cheering on California sea lions at the theater, you’ll find plenty to see and do during your visit. Your underwater adventure is waiting for you! This summer, head out to Coney Island to learn about the underwater world at the New York Aquarium.

Just off the Coney Island in Brooklyn, the New York Aquarium features more than 300 marine (海洋的) species, such as dolphins and seals. Meet some of our mammals and fish, and learn about their natural history, biology, and cultural roles.

Total Experience Ticket

Adult                        $18.00

Child (Ages 3-12)              $14.00

Senior (65+)                  $15.00

Groups (at least ten visitors)    $8.00

﹡Includes admission to our 4-D Theater Plus General Admission.

﹡Children under 3 years old are free!

﹡To receive the group rate, you must make a reservation at least two weeks in advance of your group’s visit. Please call 718-741-1818.

Friday Afternoon Special

Admission on Fridays beginning at 3:00 p.m. is by donation. Suggested donation is $13 for adults, $9 for children, and $10 for seniors. Every dollar you give supports our work in caring for animals at the aquarium.

Aquarium Parking

Car                      $13.00

Bus                      $13.00

Please note:

﹡Due to rising costs, the Wildlife Conservation Society reserves the right to change all fees without notice.

﹡All Aquarium buildings and exhibits are wheelchair-accessible.

﹡For further information, please call 718-265-3454.

1.Which animal can’t visitors probably see at the New York Aquarium?

A. Penguins.               B. Pandas.          C. Dolphins.                D. Seals.

2.Six adults (including a man of 68) and two children (aged 2 and 10) are going to visit the New York Aquarium on Sunday. They will have to pay ______________ at least.

A. $144                       B. $133                        C. $64                          D. $119

3.The donation is used to ______________.

A. help the poor people

B. help to save the endangered animals in the wild

C. care for animals at the aquarium

D. help the disabled visitors

4.Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

A. You can visit the New York Aquarium at 5:30 p.m. on Christmas.

B. A visitor in a wheelchair can get around at the New York Aquarium.

C. Visitors can enjoy free parking service on Friday.

D. To enjoy the group rate, visitors must make a reservation at least two weeks in advance by sending an e-mail.