Tired eyes from staring at a screen all day? Give your eyes a break and dive into these audiobooks (有声读物) instead.
Ramblebookby Adam Buxton
The story of Adam Buxton's life and upbringing might not sound like the most fascinating listen, but his fans will know that he switches between humour and bitterness to produce a show that's regularly as moving as it is funny. Ramblebook is about the author's childhood, friendships, and 1980s pop culture. The audiobook is better than the hard copy because Buxton is such a friendly guide.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
The word "friendly" was invented to describe Bill Bryson, and you re reminded why when you hear him read his own books. Bryson's genius lies in his ability to write about hard subjects- from Shakespeare to the human body- while making them seem so easy. It will teach you about everything from the Big Bang to modern physics, without ever feeling like a lesson.
Alan Partridge: Nomad by Steve Coogan
Sometimes you just want to hear something funny, in which case, this, the third volume in Alan Partridge's memoirs (回忆录) is perfect. Having a comedian—particularly one with a voice as recognisable as Partridge's—makes more sense than reading the text. As a rule, books by comedians almost always work better on audio.
The Best of Me by David Sedaris
If you've heard the humourist David Sedaris read his autobiographical (自传的) stories on Radio 4, you'll know what to expect and are probably already a fan. Listening to the audiobook means you're listening to his story, in its own unique voice.
When he was 7, Diebedo Francis Kere left his native village Gando at the insistence of his father so that he might learn to read and write. Gando had neither a school nor electricity nor running water. Kere returned home on holidays, and at the end of every visit, the women villagers would reveal a penny tucked in their waistbands - often their last penny—that they'd give him as a parting gift. The pennies were their way of contributing to the boy's education.
It was a worthwhile investment: Kere is now an architect, and in 2001, he did return to Gando to build his first education building, Gando Primary School, Kere settled on a method of fortifying (加固) locally made clay bricks with concrete and created a floating, double-roof system that allows hot air to rise out of the building and cool air to come in. Colorful shutters (百叶窗) allow teachers to direct sunlight into the room depending on the hour of the day. Most significantly, the school was built by village members - who helped produce the bricks, build the walls and polish the mud floors. This not only allowed the village to build a new school in a timely and economical fashion but it also taught marketable construction techniques to untrained laborers.
For this work and other high-profile projects, Kere became the first African architect to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize. "Francis Kere's work shows us the power of materiality rooted in place. It is sustainable to the earth and its residents—in lands of extreme scarcity ( 缺乏),"announced Tom Pritzker, chairman of the award.
Of his work, Kere said in a statement, "It is not because you are rich that you should waste material. It is not because you are poor that you should not try to create quality."
In Iceland, these green houses melt into the natural landscape, a technique that first appeared with the arrival of British settlers during the 9th through 11th centuries. Unlike their previous warm and wet climate, wood was rare and slow to regenerate. Turf (草皮) became their first pick to make shelters.
Across Europe, turf bricks—widely available—were cut from local bogs (沼泽) and transported for use at higher lands. The turf was then laid over a wooden structure to form walls and a thick roof—to keep cold out from tough northern climates. Turf walls were replaced as frequently as every 20 years, and even up to 70 years.
It is difficult to find out its precise origins in the archaeological record. However, evidence of similar constructions can be found in many countries throughout the ages. Historic records suggest that up to 50 percent of Icelandic houses were partly comprised of turf until the late 19th century. As populations began to gather in cities like Reykjavik, wood buildings replaced stones and earth architecture. After fires burned up the city in 1915, concrete became the material of choice. In 1918 Iceland gained independence from Denmark, setting in motion a wave of nationalism that threatened the survival of turf houses. Advocates of modernization argued that Reykjavik paled in comparison to the grand architecture that graced the skylines of Paris, Berlin, and London. Traditional techniques were criticized as "rotten Danish wood" from a troubled era, and there was a campaign to clear them in favor of modern buildings- a move later criticized by many as destruction of cultural heritage.
A tourism boom in the latter half of the 20th century encouraged Iceland to reexamine the value of traditional architecture. Do Icelanders still, live in turf houses? The quickest way to answer this question would be no. You might still see an occasional grass roof but that has everything to do with architecture and Icelanders wanting to hold on to their beloved heritage rather than any need for turf as insulation (隔热) material.
Recently, parents in parts of America have been seeking a greater role in their children's schooling, from creating policies to making decisions about course content. Taking parenting into a school seems to go from responsible to ridiculous. There should be a degree to which parental involvement is appropriate and desirable, but where is the line?
Some parents see themselves as partners of school staff; other parents attempt to have a significant say in the details of how classrooms are run. If parents must stop and wonder whether they spend too much time complaining and laying down the law, it might be time to do one of two things: unregister the child from the school, or step back to let the school do its job. The only role in which parents can fully be managers occurs in a home school model. If we choose to send our children to a school, we must stand by our decision to entrust their education with outsiders. If that is impossible, it's time to pick a new school setting for the good of everyone involved.
"We value what parents tell us because you are the experts on your children, not us. We are medical experts, but that is different," said Doctor Basel Baker. Parents know things about their children that a doctor does not, and the same holds true for teachers and parents. If a child is not turning in homework, asking parents for a bigger picture is essential to helping find a solution. However, the relay stick is handed to teachers as to instructional practice and methods.
Our feelings often affect rational (理性的) thinking, and that is never truer than when our children are involved. Sometimes, what parents see presents a valuable data point to share, such as a child doing well when relaxed but failing under pressure during test-taking. That's why parents must approach schools about important decisions with information, not anger.
余选项。
Teenage years are one of the most exciting yet confusing stages in a person's life. You are no longer a child, yet not quite an adult. One of them is your pastime (娱乐).
Some pastimes have no moral implications. For example, shall we play basketball or soccer? Some examples include attending a party where there will be alcohol and drugs freely given out, lying to your parents or even skipping school to watch a movie with some friends. How do you respond? Will you follow them?
Wanting to feel part of a group may force you to do things against your better judgement. However, it is okay to say no to anything that is illegal, or potentially causes harm or is hurtful to you or others. But you do not let that stop you from standing up to peer (同龄人) pressure and being true to yourself. If your friends are true friends, they will respect your decision and not force you to join them.
There are some steps you may take to keep away from negative peer pressure. Firstly, stay away from friends who force you to do things that you know are wrong. Instead, spend more time with friends who share the same value as you._ And if a situation gets out of hand, do not hesitate to approach an adult you trust for help.
It may not always be easy to resist peer pressure, but do know that you will feel good about yourself later. And even without you realizing it, you may have been a catalyst (催化剂) in your group to bring about a positive change.
A. This is when you form a new habit of making friends.
B. Next, be true to yourself and stick to what you believe in.
C. You are at a time of exploration, trying to find out your preferences.
D. These peers no longer have the ability to develop their own personality.
E. You may be afraid to refuse for fear of losing friends or being laughed at.
F. However, there are other choices that need to be made based on your values in life.
G. Others in your group may just follow your lead and gain courage to do the right thing.
白处的最佳选项。
Today I met Connell, 91, almost fully blind and partly deaf. But he still had his humour. While I was getting a pedicure (修脚) in a shop, Connell was 1 to the chair next to me. Being his first time here, he was2a little embarrassed. Then we started chatting and he told me his stories as a truck driver.
Connell noticed I got a leg massage (推拿) and he3 he wanted one too, so 1 helped him explain it to the waitress. Connell asked me what I4for a living. I told him I was an independent disability support person. Hearing this, he 5said, "Hey, I'm disabled! I'm blind!" Then he laughed and I laughed too,6 him that he was 91 already and couldn't quite have it all.
When I was7, I paid for his treatment also, and tried to8before be noticed. But the waitress who9me ran over and told him. Tears in eyes, he tried reaching for his 10He told me I couldn't possibly pay for him, to which my11was "Yes I can...Umm... I already have..." As I was12on my response, a woman who was watching the scene said it was really13
All I asked from Connell was a hug. In fact, it was just someone showing a gentleman a little14 , and his impact was15 on me than I'm sure mine was on him.
Climate change is a familiar topic to us for decades. There is little doubt Earth is getting warmer and warmer. A lot of evidence (indicate) a dramatic change in the global climate.
The increase in temperature has impact on Earth's ecology. In 2013, a news photo of a dead polar bear which (find) on Norway's Arctic island of Svalbard made a lot of people (shock). In addition, there is strong and comprehensive evidence that the rise in temperature has led to an increase in extreme weather and natural disasters worldwide, (cause) great loss of life and property. Climate scientists have warmed that this warming trend will probably continue and there will be a (high) price to pay, if we do not take appropriate actions.
"Greenhouse effect" is a key factor in clime change. Continued greenhouse gas emissions will result further warming and long-lasting changes to the global climate. Governments should make (policy) and take appropriate actions and measures. Individuals can reduce our "carbon footprint" by restricting the amount of carbon dioxide our lifestyles produce. It is our responsibility to seize every opportunity (educate) everyone about global warming.
I was sure everyone in my junior-high drama class saw the paper in my hands shaking when I stood up to audition (试演) for a lead role in the annual Christmas play. I was there, not by choice, but because teacher Alice wanted each of us to try out for a part.
As a "good" student, I did what I was asked, even if it was scary. 1 was small for my age, wore secondhand clothes and cried easily. At school, I was often the object of jokes and laughter and had few friends. I wanted desperately to shrink back into my seat and be invisible. But there I was, on stage. Reading was, at least, something I loved. So, I read.
I finished reading and rushed back to my seat. The spell was broken. I wanted to curl up (蜷缩) and disappear. When the teacher read the cast list and called my name, I wasn't paying attention. No one ever chose me for anything.
"Patty," she repeated," you are Star. Come and get your script (剧本)."
This is impossible! How can it be? With a pounding heart and cold, sweaty hands, I felt nearly dizzy, but incredibly happy. I walked up unsteadily to get the papers. On returning to my desk, I felt regretful. I should have refused. I felt as if everyone else were looking at and laughing at me. I buried my head in my arms. Gently patting my shoulder, teacher Alice said, "Be confident, Patty. You can do this. I know you can. I'll help you." With tears in my eyes, I raised my head and nodded firmly.
So, I practiced every day- while walking to school, at lunchtime, before bedtime, even on weekends. At first, I was worried about forgetting parts of a long monologue (独白) that took place in one scene, but I managed to memorize it. I felt more confident after that. At last, it was the day for the show.
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。
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Everything went smoothly until it was my turn to give the long monologue. Fighting back tears, I continued my performance. |
