In front of the enormous Shibuya train station in Tokyo, there is a life - size bronze statue (雕像) of a dog. Even though the statue is very small when compared to the huge neon signs flashing, it isn’t difficult to find. It has been used as a meeting point since 1934 and today you will find hundreds of people waiting there for their friends to arrive—just look for the crowds.

Hachiko, an Akita dog, was born in 1923 and brought to Tokyo in 1924. His owner, Professor Eisaburo Uyeno and he were inseparable friends right from the start. Each day Hachiko would accompany his owner, a professor at the Imperial University, to Shibuya train station when he left for work. When he came back, the professor would always find the dog patiently waiting for him. Sadly, the professor died suddenly at work in 1925 before he could return home.

Although Hachiko was still a young dog, the bond between him and his owner was very strong and he continued to wait at the station every day. Sometimes, he would stay there for days at a time, though some believe that he kept returning because of the food he was given by street vendors (商贩). He became a familiar sight to commuters over time. In 1934, a statue of him was put outside the station. In 1935, Hachiko died at the place he last saw his friend alive.

1. Why is the statue not difficult to find?

A. It’s a famous scenic spot in Japan.

B. The station is the largest in Japan.

C. It’s larger than the other statues.

D. It’s a meeting place for the people.

2. Which has the similar meaning as the underlined word “bond” in the last paragraph?

A. relationship    B. desire

C. contact    D. difference

3. Which of the following word can best describe the dog?

A. Friendly.    B. Thoughtful.

C. Devoted.    D. Enthusiastic.

The world’s first robot police officer has started working. Its name is ‘RoboCop’ and it went into service for the Dubai Police earlier this week. Robocop’s first official duty was to greet guests at the opening of a security conference in Dubai. Apart from greeting visitors’ its job was to answer questions and give directions. RoboCop has a built — in tablet for people to interact with. People can use the tablet to pay traffic fines and use other smart police services. The tablet is linked to a police station, so people can talk to human police officers. In addition, RoboCop can speak six languages, including English and Arabic. The 170 - centimetre - tall robot can also shake hands, salute people and recognize people’s emotions and facial expressions.

Dubai Police says RoboCop is the first of many robot police officers for the city. A spokesman said that by 2030, 25 per cent of the Dubai Police force will be robots. He said: “We are looking to make everything smart in Dubai Police. By 2030, we will have the first smart police station which won’t require human employees.”

“The RoboCop is the latest smart addition to the police force and has been designed to help us fight crime, keep the city safe and improve happiness levels,” He added. He also said that RoboCop would, “assist and help people in the malls or on the streets”. An official at the security conference commented that the future is here now, saying: “The age of the robots is no longer coming. It has arrived.”

4. What was Robocop’s first official duty?

A. To spot criminals in the crowd.

B. To serve guests at a meeting.

C. To organize a secure conference.

D. To offer help to the people on the street.

5. What has made Robocop “smart”?

A. Its social skills.

B. Its built - in tablet.

C. Its language talent.

D. Its ability to recognize people.

6. What can we learn from the spokesman?

A. Human police will become smarter.

B. RoboCop has done a good job at the meeting.

C. Robots will soon take the place of human police.

D. Robots will help Dubai Police do dangerous work.

7. What do the underlined sentences mean in the last paragraph?

A. The age of robots is now on the way.

B. Robots will change the world.

C. Scientists are making smarter robots.

D. The age of robots is already here.

Hobbies are an important part of life. A great hobby will help you feel relaxed, will allow you to learn more about yourself, and will help you in developing life skills and in learning lessons that will make you live a better life. From painting to reading, there are a large number of hobbies you can take up. If you’re choosing a new hobby, the following suggestions can help you:

When looking for a new hobby, you can think about the subjects you like to learn about, or the things you enjoy doing. For example, if you’re a woman, you can take up hobbies like cooking, gardening, and more. If you’re a man, you can consider hobbies like hunting, fishing, sports, and more.

Are you a good writer, speaker, painter, or an expert at something else? Think hard about it by going over this question. You’ll certainly find your passion (激情), and this will guide you to choose a hobby that suits you.

Pay attention to your talks. What do you enjoy talking about or can go on talking about easily? You may ask others about the topics you talk about the most. Your conversations can show a lot about your passion which can be developed into a hobby.

Anyhow, picking a new hobby is a big decision, as this is an activity that you’ll spend much time and money on. But remember, it’s just a hobby. You can always consider something different if you find that the activity you chose isn’t as satisfying as you thought it would be.

8. Why should we take up some hobbies?

A. To live a better life.    B. To make new friends.

C. To keep healthy.    D. To find a good job.

9. What can help you with your choice of a hobby, according to Paragraph 2?

A. Occupation.    B. Experience.

C. Interest.    D. Money.

10. What can guide you to choose a hobby that suits you?

A. Your teacher.    B. Your passion.

C. Your talks.    D. Your lifestyle.

11. What does the author mean in the last paragraph?

A. You should stick to your hobby all the time.

B. It takes all your life to find a suitable hobby.

C. It is always too difficult to keep a hobby.

D. You can change your hobby if necessary.

Every scientist has to start somewhere Many first determined they loved science in the classroom. Others are found out they experimented at home—building and designing new things. Here are some that spend their lives spreading their love of science.

Maria Christoforaki

Christoforaki is a high school student at the Lyceum of Gazi in Greece. In June 2016, she was part of a team from her school that competed in the European Cansat Competition. This is a contest in which teams build models of satellites. The satellite has to be the size and shape of a soft drink can. Much creativity is required — and Christoforaki says that is the best part.

Kelly Knight

Knight is a forensic (法学的) scientist — someone who uses scientific techniques to help solve crimes. She’s a professor at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. But that’s not all she does. “I’m also a Zumba (尊巴舞) instructor and I have my motorcycle license,” she says. She’s still working on getting a motorcycle, though.

Sara MacSorley

MacSorley has a degree in science, who doesn’t work in a laboratory but is now the director of the Green Street Teaching and Learning Center at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Coon. She spends her time promoting education. MacSorley still loves science. She’s now working on a coloring book about women in science, technology, engineering and math.

Erin Winick

Winick was a student in mechanical engineering at the University of Florida in Gainesville. As an engineer, she also runs her own company, Sci Chic, making science and engineering -in- spired jewelry. Her science creativity also goes beyond jewelry. “I love sewing and have made everything from a Ms. Frizzle costume to a galaxy-patterned dress,” she says. “I love making and wearing any all space and science - inspired clothing.”

12. Where does Maria Christoforaki start her love for science?

A. At school.    B. At home.

C. In the lab.    D. In her daily life.

13. What is Kelly Knight’s hobby?

A. Motorcycling.    B. Music.

C. Clothes design.    D. Travelling.

14. What was Sara MacSorley trained to be?

A. A teacher.    B. A scientist.

C. A write.    D. An educator.

15. What can we know about the four women from the text?

A. They all started their love in science early.

B. They are all scientists with other skills.

C. They all have a great love in science.

D. They are all working in scientific labs.

Making a public speaking is the thing that most people don’t want to do. The reason is that we are all afraid of making mistakes in front of others. But forget it now. Public speaking is easy. It’s just a simple talking, and anybody who can talk can speak in public. It is also a learned skill, developed much like other skills. ___16___

Use more facial expression. One psychologist feels that our facial expression is responsible more than anything else for the impression others have of us. In fact, more than 50 percent of listeners’ impression, he believes, is influenced by the look on your face. ___17___

___18___ It’s natural to be nervous when you appear before an audience. There are only a few known ways to control fear. The first is to admit it, do the thing you fear and it will be the death of fear itself. Another simple aid at the last minute before you begin, is to take a few deep breaths. That will help keep your voice under control.

Polish your voice. Our voice is the main instrument we possess for communicating with people. So buy a tape recorder, practise your speech by speaking it into the microphone then listen to it. ___19___

Strengthen your memory. First, it’s necessary to have a burning desire to remember. ___20___ Second is concentration. Our success depends greatly on our ability to concentrate.

A. Organize your thoughts.

B. Take away your inner fear.

C. Any kind o£ practice will help improve your voice.

D. There are four efficient ways to improve your speech.

E. It’s difficult to recall anything without wanting to do so.

F. You’re the least important person in the room when you’re speaking.

G. So, try to show how you feel about a topic through your facial expression.