The popular smartphone application Instagram(照片分享)has changed the way we look at photography, even our world. The photo-worthy moments we share serve as an important function in cultivating the photographic artistic eye.

Instagram has got people to start noticing the art in their everyday life. It has also allowed us to share the artful moments in our lives with others. Clearly, making people focus on beautiful moments in their lives and how to share them is a positive takeaway from Instagram.

Not only has Instagram changed the way we look at things around us, but it has also changed the way people view professional photography. Instagram has turned everyone with a smartphone into an artist. Opening up art to the general community is a groundbreaking(创新的) aspect of this application. Making artistic attempts accessible for everyone to discover their artistic talents and explore creatively is something that has made people find the beauty in the everyday. However, this accessibility has also created questioning around art and respect deserved by professional photography.

The art in a professional photograph versus an Instagram can sometimes be hard to notice at a quick glance. But photographs taken by true professional photographers hold something that Instagram’s cannot match in terms of photographic quality, or advanced compositional knowledge.

This is not to say Instagram is a lesser art. Aesthetic qualities of art are a personal matter and how good an artwork is depends on personal preferences. Good is a very arbitrary term in the art world. For example, I may find one photo more pleasing than another, but not everyone has to agree with me.

The point I am trying to make is that professional photography should not be lost, but instead approached with a new, enhanced level of respect and admiration — despite how accessible, common and fun Instagram now makes the taking and sharing of photos.

1.What does the writer mainly tell us in the passage?

A. The increasing popularity of Instagram.

B. The advantages and disadvantages of Instagram.

C. The changes that Instagram brings us.

D. The differences between Instagram and professional photography.

2.What can the smartphone application Instagram do?

A. Help people to discover true self.

B. Inspire people to find the beauty in life.

C. Encourage people to be more competitive.

D. Let people gain others’ respect and admiration.

3.Why do people begin to doubt the art of professional photography?

A. Because common people can take perfect photos easily.

B. Because they show no respect for professional photographers.

C. Because the artistic level of professional photography is reducing.

D. Because Instagram has changed the way people look at the world.

4.What does the writer think of professional photography?

A. Useful. B. Valueless.

C. Helpless. D. Absurd.

New mercury(汞) threat to oceans from climate change

Rising temperatures could boost mercury levels in fish by up to seven times the current rates, said Swedish researchers in an article published in Science Journal. They’ve discovered warming increases levels of the toxin (毒素) in sea creatures. In experiments, they found that extra rainfall drives up the amount of organic material flowing into the seas. This alters the food chain, adding another layer of complex organisms which boosts the concentrations of mercury up the line.

Mercury is one of the world’s most toxic metals, and according to the World Health Organization, is one of the top ten threats to public health. The substance at high levels has been linked to damage to the nervous system, paralysis and mental impairment in children.

The most common form of exposure to mercury is by eating fish containing methylmercury(甲基水银), an organic form of the chemical which forms when bacteria react with mercury in water, soil or plants. Levels of mercury in the world’s ecosystems have increased by between 200% and 500%, since the industrial revolution say experts, driven up by the use of fossil fuels such as coal.

In recent years there have been concentrated efforts to limit the amount of mercury entering the environment, with an international treaty, called the Minamata Convention, signed by 136 countries in place since 2013.

Researchers hope that the Minamata treaty will be successful and countries reduce the amount of mercury that is being produced. Otherwise this discovery of a previously unknown source could have impacts for human health.

Other researchers in the field say that the new study highlights important issues that have previously been little known.

“This work experimentally proves that climate change will have a significant effect of methylmercury budgets in coastal waters and its accumulation in fish,” said Milena Horvat from the Jozef Stefan Institute in Slovenia.

“This work will also help us understand the formation of mercury in fish and help reduce mercury from emission sources (primarily industrial).”

1.Where did Swedish researchers find warming increases levels of the toxin?

A. In the Pacific Ocean. B. On the Continent.

C. In Red Sea. D. In sea creatures.

2.What can cause damage to the nervous system?

A. Exposure to mercury. B. Mercury at high levels.

C. Methylmercury. D. The use of fossil fuels.

3.How does methylmercury form?

A. By limiting the amount of mercury entering the environment.

B. By reducing the amount of mercury.

C. When bacteria react with mercury in water, soil or plants.

D. When climate change returns to normal.

4.What can we know from Milena Horvat’s words?

A. Climate change will increase the levels of mercury in food.

B. Levels of mercury in the world’s ecosystems have increased by between 200% and 500%.

C. The Minamata Convention has been signed by 136 countries in place since 2013.

D. Mercury reduction from emission sources can be beneficial to fish.

How to help children improve the ability to study

Children often have trouble studying because they haven't developed good study habits. Teaching your child study skills early will give those skills to become habits.1..

Create a Positive Learning Space. To increase concentration, set up a workspace for your child.2.. His or her desk should have as few distractions as possible and be well equipped with school supplies, like pencils, erasers, rulers, calculators, loose leaf paper and even a computer if your child is at a grade level where a computer is helpful or necessary. The environment should also be cheery and fun so that he or she has a good mental association with it.

Maintain a Reliable Schedule. Make sure your child studies at the same time every evening. This habit keeps children from wasting time ,and helps them focus. 3.. Most children have trouble focusing for more than an hour. Encourage your child to take a brief break can help him or concentrate more deeply when it’s time to do so.

4..Encourage your child to turn off his or her cell phone, video games and computer unless the computer is needed for the task at hand. These devices often distract children and can lead to wasting time. You should also be reasonably quiet and calm while your child is studying. Avoid noisy activities like talking loudly on the phone, vacuuming or watching television while your child is studying.

Give Positive Reinforcement(强化).Positive reinforcement is not simply a matter of rewarding good study habits or high test scores, but also of acknowledging a child’s progress no matter how small. 5..It will help to improve his or her study skills in effective ways.

A. Studies show kids and teens are more willing to study when praised.

B. A loving, caring and optimistic reaction will often be just the thing that your child needs.

C. The following tips can help your child study better.

D. Keep your child away from electronic devices.

E. If possible, only use the space to complete homework.

F. Avoid Distractions.

G. Also, let your child take a brief break every hour or so.

I was a lovely child with a loving family. I was not a (n) __________, but a leader in school. But what made me special was not seen from the outside: I was __________ about life. My best trait was my personality.

At age twelve, my life had a breakdown. It was then that I developed OCD (强迫症). I was no longer the __________ girl. I finally told my mother I was suffering from depression. I started taking medicine. __________, the medicine did help. But one thing didn’t __________: I still was overwhelmed with depression. I still was __________ sad and I started to believe that my life no longer __________.

Thinking my life no longer had __________ I decided suicide was the solution. I wrote a note to all my friends and family, expressing I was __________ for leaving them. As I was folding the note, my eyes fell on a photograph. It was a little girl wearing a carefree smile.

It took me a few minutes to __________ who the girl in the photo was. I __________ couldn’t believe that smiling child was me! It seemed my younger self had sent me a __________. Right then and there I knew I couldn’t __________ myself. Once I had been a strong girl, and I had to be like that again. I swore I wouldn’t only __________ my medicine. I would fight the depression with my __________, too.

It’s been two years __________ I recovered. The real reason I’m __________ is that I refused to let depression __________ my life. I learned a lifelong __________: Never give up. Life is good. Everyone has __________ in life, but everyone can survive. I am living proof of that.

1.A. follower B. winner C. listener D. organizer

2.A. curious B. upset C. concerned D. enthusiastic

3.A. beautiful B. happy C. brave D. casual

4.A. After all B. In fact C. In addition D. By chance

5.A. matter B. occur C. change D. arrive

6.A. occasionally B. constantly C. naturally D. permanently

7.A. counted B. existed C. Turned D. appeared

8.A. destination B. advantage C. impact D. meaning

9.A. grateful B. sorry C. responsible D. suitable

10.A. explain B. assume C. realize D. acknowledge

11.A. never B. only C. still D. even

12.A. chance B. letter C. greeting D. message

13.A. forgive B. kill C. control D. betray

14.A. rely on B. take over C. bring in D. pick out

15.A. mind B. choice C. decision D. imagination

16.A. after B. since C. before D. when

17.A. educated B. praised C. healed D. accepted

18.A. ruin B. define C. fail D. break

19.A. memory B. story C. lesson D. concept

20.A. challenges B. promises C. opportunities D. options

Last Friday was a cold day, and the bus was due to come in about 15 minutes. So I went to the nearby convenience store and came back to the station where a junior high school girl was still there, 1.(wait) for the bus too. I gave her one of the two warm cocoa 2.(can) I bought and we had a little talk 3. warming our hands with the hot cocoa.

She 4.(have) her high school entrance exam in a week so I told her a few encouraging words. I left her happy, she thanked me, and told me she wished 5.(see) me again. I smiled and thanked her very6.(grateful), nodding yes, the bus had already stopped and I had to hurry away.

We may never see each other again but I am grateful to her 7. saying "wish I could meet you again" as 8.takes a strong will, and courage to accept an offering from a stranger. That young girl helped me more than I could have helped her. I 9.(touch) with a memory and a reason to send all the kids 10. this very moment are full of emotions and fears, wishes of good luck and many bits of love.

假定英语课上老师要求同桌之间交换修改作文，请你修改你同桌写的以下作文。文中共有十处语言错误，每句中最多有两处。错误涉及一个单词的增加、删除或修改。

增加：在缺词处加一个漏字符号（^），并在其下面写出该加的词。

删除：把多余的词用斜线划掉（\）。

修改：在错的词下划一横___线，并在其下面写出修改后的词。

注意：1、每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；

2、只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。

I have learned English for many years, but I don’t have a chance speak before foreigners. Last week, I happened to meet the foreigner. He needed my help and I felt so exciting.

On Monday, I went to the flowers shop to buy a flower for my friend, because she was ill. I was going to the hospital to see him. In the shop a foreigner and the boss was having a conversation, so the boss didn’t know what the foreigner said. I hesitate for a while, then I came to help the boss. The boss and the foreigner thanked me so many. I felt so happy, because the language when I learn is useful. Since then, I want to learn English well.

假如你是兰州市的一名高中生李华，你在美国的笔友John一直梦想着来中国体验中国的传统文化。正好这段时间兰州正在举办世界园艺博览会（International Horticultural Exposition）.请你给他写一封信，邀请他来兰州欣赏园艺，顺便感受一下中国各地的风俗文化。

信件包括以下要点：1. 世界园艺博览会从4月29日持续到10月16日

2. 可欣赏世界各地的园林艺术

3. 有机会认识和结交世界各地的朋友。

注意：1. 词数100字左右 2. 可以适当添加细节以是行文连贯 3. 开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。

Dear John,

I’m writing to invite you to Lanzhou, China.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Yours sincerely,

Li Hua

Find out way around the British Museum, discover some of the most famous objects, and explore the unique collection.

Top tip

Some of the galleries can be very busy at peak times. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting these galleries.

Room 1

The Enlightenment Gallery provides an introduction to the Museum and its collections, showing how our understanding of the world of nature and human achievement has changed over time. It is divided into seven sections that explore the seven major ages. It is open daily 10:00---17:00, until 20:30 on Fridays.

Rooms 24

The Welcome Trust Gallery deals with the tough realities of life in many different ways. The displays in Room 24 explore different approaches to our shared challenges as human beings, focusing on how diverse cultures seek to maintain health and well-being. Daily 11:00---16:00.

Room 34

The John Addis Gallery houses the museum’s collection of Islamic art, which now officially forms part of the Department of Middle East. This includes objects from the earliest years of Islam to the 20th century. Available every Fri. , Sat. and Sun. at 11:30—14:00.

Room 77

Greek and Roman Architecture Gallery has an especially important collection of architecture and architectural sculpture from ancient Greek buildings. It has the earlier and later temples and the architecture on display in the room includes examples of the Corinthian and Composite orders in particular. Daily 11:00-----16:00.

Room 95

View famous blue-and-white china, which was first produced in China around AD 600. the skillful transformation of ordinary clay into beautiful objects has attracted the people across the globe. Within this gallery of almost 1,700 objects are examples of the finest china in the world, dating from the 3rd to the 20th century. Available Mon. ---Fri. at 10:30---16:00.

1.You can visit _______to know the general information about the Museum.

A. the Welcome Trust Gallery B. the John Addis Gallery

C. Room 1 D. Room 95

2.The Welcome Trust Gallery features __________.

A. the understanding of living and dying

B. the ways of keeping healthy in Britain

C. the different realities in different cultures

D. the ideas about keeping fit from different cultures

3.If you plan to visit the John Addis Gallery at 12:00, you can go on ______.

A. December 1, 2017(Friday) B. June 15, 2017(Thursday)

C. May 9, 2017(Tuesday) D. March 20, 2017 (Monday)

4.Who might prefer to visit Room 95?

A. Professional architects B. China lovers

C. Scholars majoring in religion D. Students interested in medicine

One day a professor entered the classroom and told the students about a surprise test. After hearing that, all students were seated and waited for the test to begin. Now, the professor gave the test papers to all students with text facing down on the desk. Once he was done with handing out the test to all students, he asked them to turn the test pages and begin.

Students were confused to see that there was not a question but just a black dot in the center of the page. The professor noticed the students’ facial expressions and told them, “I want you to write about what you see there.”

The students were still confused but got started with the test. At the end of the class, the professor took all answer sheets and started reading each answer from each sheet in front of all students. All of them described about the black dot and tried to explain its position. After the professor finished reading, the whole class was silent.

Now, the professor began to explain, “Don’t worry. I am not going to give you grades for this but I just want you to think about something. Here everyone focused on the black dot and wrote about it but no one wrote about the white paper. The same is with our lives. The white paper embodies our whole life and the black spot problems in our life.

Our life is a gift given to us by God, with love and care, and we always have reasons to celebrate---our friends around us, the job that provides us our livelihood, the miracles we see everyday. Still we just focus on day to day problems like health issues, lack of money, problems in relationships, etc. But we never see that these problems are very small compared to everything we have in our lives.”

1.From the text we learn that _________.

A. the professor gave the students an unexpected test

B. the professor graded the students’ test papers

C. none of the students focused on the black dot

D. the students were unwilling to take the test

2.The underlined word “embodies” in Paragraph 4 probably can be replaced by ________.

A. presents B. represents

C. empties D. enriches

3.What is the main idea of the text?

A. Be happy to take tests

B. Life is filled with problems

C. There are many black dots in our life

D. Take eyes off problems and enjoy life

Despite the vital role they play in many ecosystems, animals considered to be “ugly” are being ignored by scientists. A study had found uglier animals attract less attention and less funding when it comes to conservation efforts and research. This could mean the ugliest animal population could be under threat.

The study was conducted by wildlife biologists Trish Fleming and Bill Bateman in Perth, Australia. They looked at research publications concerning 331 Australian mammal species that broadly fell into categories they labeled as “the good, the bad and the ugly”. It turned out that studies into “the good group” and “the bad group” were carried out while the “ugly group” was ignored.

Ugly animals, such as the fruit bat and the tree bat, are being ignored by conservationists. And some animals are even becoming endangered because of how they look. The Madagascan lemur(狐猴)called the aye---aye is so ugly that the natives have long seen them as a bad sign, or a sign of death, so they kill them whenever they see them. Other ugly animals under threat include the dugong(儒艮)and the proboscis monkey(长鼻猴).

Despite making up 45% of the 331 species studied, the ugly animals have attracted little attention from scientists. “We know so little about the biology of many of these species,” said Trish Fleming. “For many, we have catalogued their existence, but when it comes to understanding what they eat, their habitat needs, or how we could improve their chance of how we could improve their chance of survival, we are still in the dark.”

With Bill Bateman, Trish Fleming has called for improved funding for the lesser known mammals. “It would be ‘tragic’ if humans ended up causing the extinction of more species without even knowing anything about them,” they said.

1.Based on the text, the “ugly” animals _________

A. are increasing in number

B. get more conservation funds

C. play an important role in the ecosystem

D. cost quite a great deal of money in research

2.Which of the following is true according to the text?

A. People see the dugong as a sign of death

B. More attention has been paid to “the ugly animals”

C. There was not enough study about “the ugly animals”

D. Trish and Bill did research on 331 Australian mammals

3.The main reason for some animals’ being endangered may lie in _________.

A. their unpleasant looks B. their broad categories

C. their economic values D. their lovely appearances

4.The best title for the text would be _________.

A. The Ugliest Animal in the World

B. The Ugly Species Are under Threat

C. The Living Habits of the Ugly Species

D. The Proboscis Monkey Is Endangered