2 . Short videos have become increasingly popular in recent years. These videos are typically short in length, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes, and offer a quick supply of entertainment (娱乐) or information. While these videos may seem harmless, there are worries about the effect they can have on the human brain and attention span (持续时间).

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (神经递质) that is connected with the reward (奖励) center of the brain. When we experience something pleasurable or rewarding, such as eating a delicious meal or receiving praise, our brains release (释放) dopamine. This release of dopamine strengthens the behavior that led to the reward, making us more likely to do that behavior again.

Short videos can also make our brains release dopamine. The quick and easy-to-understand nature of these videos provides an immediate satisfaction that can be addictive (上瘾的). Each time we watch a video and experience the pleasure of entertainment or information, our brains release dopamine, strengthening the behavior of watching more videos.

Over time, this continuous release of dopamine can lead to a decrease in dopamine receptors in the brain. This means that it takes more and more dopamine to create the same pleasurable sensation, making it even more difficult to stop watching short videos.

Studies have shown that too much use of social media can lead to a decrease in attention span, and short videos may be even more harmful. The never-ending excitement provided by these videos can make it difficult for people to focus on tasks that require lasting attention. This can lead to a decrease in productivity and a reduced interest in activities that don’t offer immediate rewards.

Additionally, these videos can have a bad influence on mental health. Watching an endless stream of short videos can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. You might also start to feel bad about yourself because you think you’re not as good as the people in the videos.

Not all short videos are harmful, and they can be a valuable tool for entertainment and education. However, it is important to be mindful of how long you watch these videos and focus on activities that require full attention and provide long-term rewards.

In recent years, to improve science education, several elderly scientists in China have been spreading scientific knowledge through short videos.

Liu Jiaqi from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) began to spread scientific knowledge online in November 2021. Liu has made over 100 short videos, many of which are about volcanoes (火山). “I believe that it is necessary for scientists to popularize science,” Liu said.

Wang Pinxian, a professor at Tongji University, shares his videos and even stories about science online. He is also a writer of books about science, which have been popular among readers. “A scientist should be able to explain scientific knowledge clearly and in simple words,” he said. “It can help young people to develop interest in science.”

Wang Yusheng used to work in the China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing. The 81-year-old shares his knowledge on ancient Chinese science and technology, as well as stories of famous scientists, like Galileo and Newton, with people through videos. He even spreads scientific knowledge among primary and middle schools across the country and he enjoys it. “Staying with teenagers makes me feel younger,” Wang Yusheng said.

Jin Yong, who is a professor at Tsinghua University, has spent six years producing science videos about chemistry. To Jin, science popularization is of great importance. It helps discover talent (人才) earlier. Jin believes that the seeds of science are spread in the hearts of students through science popularization.

Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) 中国科学院

6 . 短视频虽然篇幅短小，但是内容丰富、形式多样，它已经成为现代人获取信息和娱乐消遣的一种方式。请你根据写作要求，用英语写一篇短文，向学校校刊英语专栏投稿，谈谈你对短视频的看法。

写作要求：1）介绍短视频的优缺点（short and interesting; harmful information; meaningless...）；

2）谈谈你的看法；

3）文中不得出现考生的真实姓名和学校名称；

4）词数100左右（开头已给出，不计入总词数）。

Short videos are very popular with people now. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A young Brazilian living in China who has developed a strong interest in Hanfu—traditional Han Chinese clothing—is introducing Hanfu culture to more people around the world through his short video clips (短视频).

Rian Neves comes     1     Brazil. He now lives in Xi’an. He is a video blogger. Rian is a common person, but he is doing something     2     (usual). Because of his love for Hanfu, Rian makes videos and puts them on the Internet. In the videos, he dresses up in Hanfu and puts on special makeup (化妆). These videos are special and interesting, and     3     (bring) him over 16,000 followers online.

When he first came to China about five years ago, he     4     (not speak) Chinese. With the help of his friends, he can speak Chinese now and knows more about Chinese culture. In Xi’an, Rian sees many people wearing traditional Chinese clothes Hanfu. He thinks they are beautiful and is very interested in them. Hanfu has also offered him     5     window to learn more about China. He said, “I only knew that China had a long history and colorful culture     6     I came to China, but now Hanfu has given me a more detailed understanding of the Chinese culture.

Thanks to Rian’s videos, a lot of people from other     7     (country) can know more about China. At the same time, more Chinese people are interested in Brazil and     8     (it) culture. By showing the beauty of Hanfu, he lets us know that culture can make us closer and that we can learn from each other.

Rian plans     9     (stay) in Xi’an for at least another five years. He will work as an English teacher while making short videos. He hopes Hanfu culture     10     (spread) all over the world through his short video clips.