     A winner of the 2011 L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards, Professor Vivian
Wing-wah Yam says she could not have done it without the backing of her family.
     The road to scientific discovery is tougher for women than for men and Professor Vivian Wing-wah
Yam says she couldn't have succeeded without such a supportive family. The 47-year-old from Hong
Kong University was one of five women scientists, from each continent, to receive the 2011
L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards at a ceremony on March 3, at UNESCO
Headquarters in Paris. It is the 13th edition of the award since 1998.
     Yam's long and fruitful research on solving the energy problem won her the prize for Asia and the
Pacific. There are several renewable and sustainable(可持续的) energy solutions, like solar power,
which could provide an unlimited source of energy. Some problems must be resolved, however, such as
the low efficiency of solar cells and their high supply costs. Yam and her colleagues hope to overcome
these problems by developing and testing new photoactive(光敏的) materials.
     She became the third Chinese women scientist honored with the so-called "woman's Nobel Prize"
award, after Professor Li Fanghua from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2003, and Professor Ye
Ruyu from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2004.
     "People think chemists are bad guys, but we are the good guys," Yam said in a humorous aside
before explaining her research project on photoactive materials in an earlier speech at L'Institut de
France. For Yam, chemistry is science, but also an art. Amazed by the universe, nature and color in her
childhood, Yam decided on a career in chemistry. "One of the beauties of chemistry is the ability to
create new molecules and chemical species. I have always associated chemists with artists, creating new
things with innovative(革新的) ideas," Yam said.
     As a mother of two daughters, 12 and 14, Yam said she is lucky to have been supported by her
family. She was inspired as a child by her father, a professor in the Civil Engineering Faculty at Hong
Kong University. Yam added her husband, Mak Shingtat, a PhD in chemistry, who accompanied Yam
to the awards ceremony, was also fully supportive of her work. "I can't imagine how my career could
move on without his understanding and support," she said. "I often stay late at night in the laboratory. He
always waits for me outside."
     Yam received her bachelor and PhD degrees from the University of Hong Kong (HKU). She taught
at City Polytechnic of Hong Kong before joining HKU as a faculty member, and headed the chemistry
department for two terms from 2000 to 2005. At 38, she was the youngest member elected to the
Chinese Academy of Sciences. She is also a Fellow of TWAS, the Academy of Sciences for the
Developing World, and was awarded the State Natural Science Award and the Royal Society of
Chemistry (RSC) Centenary Medal. 2011 is the 100th anniversary of Marie Curie's second Nobel Prize,
coinciding (一致的)with the International Year of Chemistry. Today, Curie is still a role model for women
in science.
     Although the participation of women in science, is promoted by UNESCO, notably through
L'Oreal-UNESCO, there are still too few women doing high-level science, says UNESCO
Director-General Irina Bokova. The latest UNESCO report shows less than 40 percent of countries
provide girls and boys equal access to education.
     Each year, the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award recognizes 15 young women
from all over the world, especially developing countries, to encourage and finance their studies. More
than 200 young women scientists are currently supported. "I do not think there is a difference between
men and women in terms of their intellectual abilities and research capabilities (能力)," Yam said. "As
long as one has the passion, dedication and determination to pursue research wholeheartedly, one can
excel regardless of one's gender or background."
    Yam said some young women, who require stability and security, often have to give up their research
because of family pressures. "The only way for women to succeed in science is to get the mental and
material support from family and society. There is a day-care center at my university, and my husband
and mother-in-law help a lot with the housework, so I am able to spend my time on research," she said.
"I have two young daughters, and it is too early to tell whether or not they want to pursue careers in
science. But, I will encourage them to always defend their ideas. To remain determined, and to never be
afraid of failure - this is the advice that they will need to succeed in realizing their dreams."
     Yam also acknowledged her colleague's support, at the awards ceremony. "This (award) not only
recognizes me, but my colleagues and students and my country, China."

A. When she was young, she thought chemists were good.
B. She was amazed by the universe, nature and color in her childhood.
C. She wanted to find the beauties of chemistry.
D. She was encouraged by her supportive family.

3. What's Yam's view on men and women? .

A. Their intellectual abilities and research capabilities are the same.
B. Their passion, dedication and determination are the same.
C. Women require stability and security.
D. Women can't get the mental and material support from family and society.

4.Yam wins the award of UNESCO For Women in Science for .

A. her fruitful research on solving the environmental problem
B. doing research and test on new photoactive materials
C. inventing an unlimited resource
D. finding solutions on renewable and sustainable energy

5. The word "recognize" in the passage means .

A. admit or be aware of
B. be willing to accept sb/sth as valid or approve
C. show appreciation by giving an honor or award
D. know sb/sth again

6. For Yam, her winning the award mainly thanks to .

A. Her hard work
B. Tthe co-work from her students.
C. The help from her colleagues
D. The support from her family

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February 28^th, 2009 2:54 am GMT
I have to say that am shocked at just how bad the new music is. This cannot be the same band that produced great albums such as HTDAAB and ATYCLB! This is awful! They either do not care anymore, or have completely lost it. I never thought U2 would become irrelevant, but they have officially become one of those bands that you will now say, “Remember when they were great?”
----- Posted by Ronald Harris
February 28^th, 2009 8:29 pm GMT
Total drivel, Mr Harris. The new album is great, far better than the safe, cynical HTDAAB and ATYCLB. U2 have become inventive again, like they were in the 1990s. thank goodness!
----- Posted by Dan
March 3^rd, 2009 12:09 pm GMT
Agree, Dan. The new album is the best since Actung Baby. Magnificent is an anthem in the waiting, Breathe is unbelievable, and Stand Up Comedy is absolutely outstanding----- to name just three! Loving the new sound, pure class as usual.
----- Posted by Martin
March 4^th, 2009 7:43 pm GMT
Totally agree with you guys. This album is unbelievable. Breathe is definitely a great song, same with Moment of Surrender. I bet their upcoming tour will be amazing. If you haven’t bought the CD yet, you should. I bought mine on Amozon.com for $3.99. I couldn’t believe it.
----- Posted by Josh Briggs
【小题1】According to Ronald Harris, U2’s new album is _________.

【小题2】 whose comment is contrary to the others?

【小题3】Martin and Josh Briggs both like the song _________.

A．Magnificent

B．Moment of Surrender

C．Breathe

D．Stand Up Comedy

【小题4】 Which of the following statements is not true according to the passage?

A．Most fans felt disappointed at the new album.

B．The new album is available on the Internet.

C．The people who made comments are fans of U2.

D．U2’s upcoming tour may be a great success.

【小题5】The passage is most probably from ________.

February 28^th, 2009 2:54 am GMT
I have to say that am shocked at just how bad the new music is. This cannot be the same band that produced great albums such as HTDAAB and ATYCLB! This is awful! They either do not care anymore, or have completely lost it. I never thought U2 would become irrelevant, but they have officially become one of those bands that you will now say, “Remember when they were great?”
----- Posted by Ronald Harris
February 28^th, 2009 8:29 pm GMT
Total drivel, Mr Harris. The new album is great, far better than the safe, cynical HTDAAB and ATYCLB. U2 have become inventive again, like they were in the 1990s. thank goodness!
----- Posted by Dan
March 3^rd, 2009 12:09 pm GMT
Agree, Dan. The new album is the best since Actung Baby. Magnificent is an anthem in the waiting, Breathe is unbelievable, and Stand Up Comedy is absolutely outstanding----- to name just three! Loving the new sound, pure class as usual.
----- Posted by Martin
March 4^th, 2009 7:43 pm GMT
Totally agree with you guys. This album is unbelievable. Breathe is definitely a great song, same with Moment of Surrender. I bet their upcoming tour will be amazing. If you haven’t bought the CD yet, you should. I bought mine on Amozon.com for $3.99. I couldn’t believe it.
----- Posted by Josh Briggs

1.
According to Ronald Harris, U2’s new album is _________.
1. A.
  pretty good
2. B.
  so bad
3. C.
  the same as before
4. D.
  completely fresh
2.
whose comment is contrary to the others?
1. A.
  Martin’s
2. B.
  Dan’s
3. C.
  Josh Briggs’
4. D.
  Ronald Harris’
3.
Martin and Josh Briggs both like the song _________.
1. A.
  Magnificent
2. B.
  Moment of Surrender
3. C.
  Breathe
4. D.
  Stand Up Comedy
4.
Which of the following statements is not true according to the passage?
1. A.
  Most fans felt disappointed at the new album.
2. B.
  The new album is available on the Internet.
3. C.
  The people who made comments are fans of U2.
4. D.
  U2’s upcoming tour may be a great success.
5.
The passage is most probably from ________.
1. A.
  a concert poster
2. B.
  a TV review
3. C.
  a newspaper
4. D.
  the Internet

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Social customs and ways of behaving changes. Things which were considered impolite many years ago are now acceptable. Just a few years ago, it was considered impolite behavior for a man to smoke on the street. No man who thought of himself as being a gentleman would make a fool of himself by smoking when a lady was in a room. Customs also change from country to country. Does a man walk on the left or on the right in your company? Or does it matter? Should you have one hand in your lap(衣兜) or on the table? The Americans and the British not only speak the same language but also share a large number of social customs. For example, in both countries people shake hands when they meet each other for the first time. Also most Englishmen will open a door for a woman or offer their seat to a woman and so will most Americans. Promptness is important both in England and America. That is, if a dinner is for seven o’clock, the dinner guest either arrives close to that time or calls up to explain his delay（拖延）. The important thing to remember about social customs is not to do anything that might make people feel uncomfortable especially if they are your guests. There is an old story about a man who gave a very formal party. When the food was served, one of the guests started to cut his peas with a knife. The other guests were surprised or shocked, but the host calmly picked up his knife and began eating in the same way. It would have been bad manners to make his guests feel foolish and uncomfortable.

1.
If a man smoked in the room where a lady stayed, he would be considered as_____.
1. A.
  a gentleman B , a boss C. a fool D. a worker
2.
Which of the following is true?
1. A.
  A respected man usually behaves properly
2. B.
  social customs in some countries never change
3. C.
  English people open the door for women while Americans don’t
4. D.
  To eat peas with a knife is good manners
3.
The underlined word “promptness” means _____.
1. A.
  to show respect for a lady
2. B.
  to apologize when you are late
3. C.
  to invite sb to dinner
4. D.
  to do things without delay
4.
The writer tells us a story just to ______.
1. A.
  amuse the readers
2. B.
  tell us how to avoid making others uncomfortable
3. C.
  tell us how to eat peas
4. D.
  show that social customs and ways change
5.
Which might be the title of the passage ?
1. A.
  American and British culture
2. B.
  Table manners
3. C.
  Change old customs
4. D.
  Social customs

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Elizabeth Blackwell was born on February 3, 1821 in Bristol, England. Her father was a rich sugar businessman at the time. Because her parents thought boys and girls should be equal, Elizabeth received the same education as her brothers.
In 1832, her father’s business was destroyed by fire, so her family moved to New York City. But her father’s business there failed. Then in 1837, the family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Not long after, her father died. After her father’s death, Elizabeth, at the age of 16, had to go to work.
When she was 24, she visited her dying friend Mary. Her friend said, “You’re young and strong, you should become a doctor.” That was nearly impossible for a woman in the middle of the nineteenth century. But she knew this was what she was going to do.
After several rejections from medical schools, she finally was accepted by Geneva Medical College. By studying hard, she graduated successfully in 1849.
After graduating from medical school, she went to Paris to learn more about medicine. She wanted to be a surgeon, but a serious eye problem forced her to give up the idea.
When she returned to America in 1851, she found it difficult to start her own practice because she was a woman. In 1857, Elizabeth and her sister, also a doctor, along with another woman doctor, managed to open a new hospital, the first for women and children. Besides, she also set up the first medical school for women in 1868, where she taught the women students about disease prevention. It was the first time that the idea of preventing disease was taught in a medical school.
Elizabeth Blackwell started the British National Health Society in 1871, which helped people learn how to stay healthy. In 1889, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman doctor in the United States. Most importantly, she fought for the admission of women to medical colleges.
Elizabeth Blackwell died on May 3, 1910, when she was 89.She opened a world of chances for women. She always fought for what was right in all her life. In 1949 the Blackwell medal was established. It’s given to women who have excellent achievements in the field of medicine. She’ll always be remembered as a great woman

1.
According to the passage, Elizabeth Blackwell ________
1. A.
  received bad education in her childhood
2. B.
  spent a happy and lucky childhood
3. C.
  moved to America with her family at eleven
4. D.
  decided to be a doctor due to her father’s death
2.
Elizabeth Blackwell could not become a surgeon because ________
1. A.
  she was a woman
2. B.
  she had a serious eye problem
3. C.
  she went to Paris for further education
4. D.
  she didn’t go to medical school
3.
Elizabeth Blackwell spent most of her life in ________
1. A.
  the U.S
2. B.
  Paris
3. C.
  England
4. D.
  Geneva
4.
Which of the following is NOT TRUE about Elizabeth Blackwell?
1. A.
  She built the first hospital for women and children with others
2. B.
  She became the first woman doctor in the U.S
3. C.
  She set up the first medical school for women in the world
4. D.
  She built a medal for women with excellent achievements in medicine

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According to Ronald Harris, U2’s new album is _________.

whose comment is contrary to the others?

Martin and Josh Briggs both like the song _________.

Which of the following statements is not true according to the passage?

The passage is most probably from ________.

If a man smoked in the room where a lady stayed, he would be considered as_____.

Which of the following is true?

The underlined word “promptness” means _____.

The writer tells us a story just to ______.

Which might be the title of the passage ?

According to the passage, Elizabeth Blackwell ________

Elizabeth Blackwell could not become a surgeon because ________

Elizabeth Blackwell spent most of her life in ________

Which of the following is NOT TRUE about Elizabeth Blackwell?

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