1 . Debate about artificial intelligence (AI) tends to focus on its potential dangers: algorithmic (算法) discrimination,the mass destruction of jobs and even, some say, the extinction of humanity. As some observers worry, however, others are focusing on the potential rewards. AI could, they claim, help humanity solve some of its biggest and toughest problems. And, they say, AI will do this in a very specific way: by speeding the pace of scientific discovery, especially in areas such as medicine, climate science and green technology.
Such claims are worth examining, and may head off fears about large-scale unemployment and killer robots. Many previous technologies have, of course, been falsely praised as panaceas (灵丹妙药). The electric telegraph was praised in the 1850s as a sign of world peace. Experts in the 1990s said the internet would reduce inequality.
But the mechanism by which AI will supposedly solve the world’s problems has a stronger historical basis, because there have been several periods in history when new approaches and new tools did help bring about bursts of world-changing scientific discovery and innovation.
In the 17th century microscopes and telescopes opened up new vistas of discovery, while the introduction of scientific journals gave researchers new ways to share their findings. From the mid-20th century,computers in turn have enabled new forms of science based on simulation and modelling, from the design of weapons and aircraft to more accurate weather forecasting.
And the computer revolution may not be finished yet. As is reported, AI tools and techniques are now being applied in almost every field of science, though the degree of adoption varies widely. 7.2% of the published papers on physics and astronomy last year involved AI. AI is being employed in many ways. It can identify promising candidates for analysis, such as molecules (分子) with particular properties in drug discovery,or materials with the characteristics needed in batteries or solar cells.
All these are to be welcomed. But the journal and the laboratory went further still: they altered scientific practice itself and unlocked more powerful means of making discoveries. AI has the potential to set off such a transformation.
1. How does paragraph 1 mainly develop?| A．By providing evidence. |
| B．By making comparison. |
| C．By making classification. |
| D．By analyzing causes and effects. |
| A．Optimistic. |
| B．Objective. |
| C．Disapproving. |
| D．Unconcerned. |
| A．Scientific journals bring about successful data analysis. |
| B．Scientific journals and computers remove people’s discrimination. |
| C．Scientific discovery and innovation have some potential problems. |
| D．Scientific great progresses benefit from new approaches and new tools. |
| A．How AI Greatly Changes Science |
| B．Why AI Decides Human Beings’ Future |
| C．When Human Beings No Longer Fear AI |
| D．Where AI Performs Better in Scientific Fields |
2 . “My wallet!Where is it?” were my first words when I found out my wallet was lost. I searched my memory for a few good seconds, and then
Because the library was then closed, I had to wait until the next morning to begin my
At that time, all I could
A week later, I received a mysterious
Always
This person didn’t even leave a return
| A．realized | B．predicted | C．explained | D．argued |
| A．obvious | B．honest | C．exact | D．famous |
| A．work | B．read | C．research | D．search |
| A．crowded | B．clean | C．noisy | D．deserted |
| A．run after | B．hope for | C．carry out | D．go through |
| A．secretly | B．aimlessly | C．politely | D．angrily |
| A．disappeared | B．hesitated | C．rested | D．escaped |
| A．surprised | B．disappointed | C．satisfied | D．ashamed |
| A．accepted | B．considered | C．changed | D．covered |
| A．present | B．invitation | C．notice | D．package |
| A．exposed | B．described | C．read | D．announced |
| A．compare | B．equip | C．keep | D．connect |
| A．reminder | B．date | C．money | D．address |
| A．set | B．follow | C．give | D．take |
| A．happy | B．puzzled | C．crazy | D．annoyed |
3 . Researchers from London’s Queen Mary University studied how participants were affected by pollution based on where they live.In the journal Circulation on Friday, the scientists revealed that air pollution can harm the heart to the point where it resembles the early stages of heart failure.
According to Emory Healthcare, deaths have decreased around 12 percent per decade on average over the past50 years, but 287,000 people die from heart failure each year.There is more hospitalization from heart failure each year than all cancers combined.
In this study,the scientists examined information from 4,000 participants that were in the UK Biobank study.Volunteers had blood tests, health scans and heart MRIs,which measured the function, size and weight of their hearts.They also recorded their lifestyle, health record and where they’ve lived.
The team found participants had larger right and left ventricles (心室) in the heart when they lived closer to busy roads and were exposed to nitrogen dioxide(NO₂), which enters the air when fuel is burned, the right and left ventricles are crucial for pumping blood.They were healthy but resembled the ventricles in early-stage heart failure.The scientists found that the higher the exposure to the pollutants, the greater the changes in the heart.
“Air pollution should be seen as a modifiable risk factor,”Dr.Nay Aung, who led the data analysis of the study, said in a statement from Queen Mary University. “The public all need to be aware of their exposure when they think about their heart health,just like they think about their blood pressure and their weight.”
Professor Jeremy Pearson,Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation said in the statement from Queen Mary University,“We can’t expect people to move home to avoid air pollution, so government and public bodies must act right now to make all areas safe and protect the population from the harm.”
1. What is the finding of the study?| A．Air pollution causes many people to die. |
| B．People have big problems of heart health. |
| C．People’s houses have a great effect on the heart. |
| D．Air pollution makes our hearts at risk of heart failure. |
| A．It can be cured easily. |
| B．It remains a serious threat. |
| C．It’s the most common illness. |
| D．It makes people with cancers painful. |
| A．The size of their ventricles was bigger. |
| B．Their ventricles worked better. |
| C．Their hearts were out of danger. |
| D．They had many health problems. |
| A．Moving to safer areas. |
| B．Living far away from crowds. |
| C．Taking notice of air pollution. |
| D．Taking blood pressure regularly. |
4 . Wildlife conservation volunteer programs are a great way to join in the protection of endangered animals, as well as learn how you can help protect them.
Elephant Camp Volunteering Program, Thailand
As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to spend quality time with the elephants and their trainers. This period allows volunteers to form a deep connection with these lovable creatures. The program is particularly well-suited for animal-loving volunteers willing to engage in outdoor work.
Duration: 1 Week
Cost: $800
Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Program, Australia
Be a part of the Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Program in Australia and work alongside the beautiful Australian animals. Volunteers will be engaged in activities such as animal feeding, cleaning, and food enrichment. This program provides a wonderful opportunity to get firsthand international work experience while making a meaningful contribution to the well-being of native animals.
Duration: 2 Weeks
Cost: $1,050
Wild Elephant Conservation &Research Program, Sri Lanka
Whether you’re a high school student with a love for animals, a gap year traveler looking for meaningful work experience, or a family looking for an engaging volunteering opportunity, this project fits you all. Explore the wonders of this South Asian island, and make a difference here!
Duration: 1 Week
Cost: $1,075
Sun Bear Conservation Volunteering Project, Malaysia
Volunteers’roles involve hands-on care for sun bears, the world’s smallest bears, such as cleaning their homes and making environmental and food enrichment. Beyond improving the living conditions of sun bears, you’ll understand how to send them back into the wild.
Duration: 2 Weeks
Cost: $1,226
1. What can be known about the volunteers working in Australia?| A．They help to keep the environment clean. |
| B．They have a wonderful time with the animals’trainers. |
| C．They are taught how to care for the animals after arrival. |
| D．They always explore the lovely creatures on a family basis. |
| A．Elephant Camp Volunteering Program. |
| B．Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Program. |
| C．Wild Elephant Conservation &. Research Program. |
| D．Sun Bear Conservation Volunteering Project. |
| A．To tell the roles of volunteer work. |
| B．To explain the points of volunteer work. |
| C．To emphasize the importance of volunteer work. |
| D．To call on readers to take part in volunteer work. |
5 . In a heart-pounding display of courage and quick thinking, a 65-year-old crane operator became an unexpected hero as he rescued a man trapped on top of a towering building engulfed in flames.
Glen Edwards, a crane operator from Egham, was expressing his gratitude after a tense rescue operation in Reading last Thursday. Edwards found himself in a challenging situation as he navigated circling winds to save a man trapped by smoke and flames on a building. The dramatic rescue unfolded amid thick black smoke, making visibility nearly impossible
When the alarm sounded, Edwards, who had a concrete skip on his crane, wasted no time the moment he spotted the distressed man waving his coat. Employing his experience and knowledge of the area, Edwards attached a metal cage to the crane, carefully considering his options for the rescue. However, the challenging conditions, with smoke sheltering his view, added an extra layer of difficulty to the operation.
With a colleague providing guidance and a concerned crowd watching from below, Edwards skillfully operated the crane to rescue the man. The onlookers erupted in cheers and applause as the man was safely lifted to the ground.
Reflecting on the intense experience, Edwards remarked, “It seemed to pass a long time until the man got inside. The adrenaline (肾上腺素) was pumping.” He admitted to experiencing shaking after the rescue, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Despite the successful operation, Edwards is yet to meet the man he saved, humorously noting, “He’s got to take me across the road for a drink!”
The heartwarming part of this story is the overwhelming support Edwards has received from well-wishers. A fund-raising page was set up to “buy Edwards a beer as a sign of gratitude,” initially aiming for £5,000 but now standing at an impressive ₤9,100. The community’s response has left Edwards deeply moved. He stated, “It means a lot; some of the comments have been absolutely fantastic.”
1. What does the underlined word “distressed” in paragraph 3 probably mean?| A．Brave. |
| B．Painful. |
| C．Enthusiastic. |
| D．Disappointed. |
| A．Warm and Curious. | B．Caring and ambitious. |
| C．Professional and humorous. | D．Gifted and generous. |
| A．Sharp tools make good work. |
| B．One good turn descries another. |
| C．Actions speak louder than words. |
| D．Hope for the best,but prepare for the worst. |
| A．A diary entry. |
| B．A medical magazine. |
| C．A news report. |
| D．A first-aid essay. |
6 . London’s Must-See Exhibitions
This year is zipping along at quite a speed, and London’s already witnessed some great exhibitions. But big treats are still to come.
Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Starry Night at Tate Britain
A major exhibition at Tate Britain, which examines how Van Gogh was inspired by British art, and how he in tun inspired British artists. His famous painting Sunflowers fills the gallery with joy.
The EY Exhibition: Van Gogh and Britain at Tate Britain. Until 11 August, £22.
Glass Master at Kew Gardens
Dale Chihuly creates sculptures out of glass that we would normally think impossible. With 32 of his sculptures around Kew Gardens, we’re looking forward to Kew becoming even more beautiful than it already is.
Chihuly at Kew: Reflections on Nature at Kew Gardens. 13 April-27 October, £13. 75.
More of Moore at Museum of London
Henry Moorr is best-known for his abstract figure sculptures. What many won’t know about is his obsession (痴迷) with armour (盔甲) , and the sculptures he created inspired by Renaissance armour. Actually, they’re going on display at Museum of London, next to the armour that inspired them.
Henry Moore: The Helmet Heads at Museum of London. Until 23 October, £11.
Shining a Light on Rembrandt at Dulwich Picture Gallery
Dulwich Picture Gallery commemorates 350 years since the death of Rembrandt with an exhibition on the man who mastered the use of light and dark in his paintings. The last Rembrandt exhibition in London was superb.
Rembrandt’s Light at Dulwich Picture Gallery. 2 October-2 December, £15.
1. What do “Class Master” and “More of Moore” have in common?| A．They both exhibit sculptures. | B．They have the same ending time. |
| C．They share the same exhibition area. | D．They charge the same for admission. |
| A．Tate Britain | B．Kew Gardens |
| C．Museum of London | D．Dulwich Picture Gallery |
| A．In an art textbook. | B．In a sports newspaper. |
| C．In a tourist magazine. | D．In an exhibition brochure. |
7 . A team of scientists from the Center for Cognition and Sociality and the Data Science Group at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) made an exciting discovery about how computers and human brains work similarly when remembering things. They found out that the way artificial intelligence (AI) models, like those in smart robots, store memories is a lot like how our brain’s memory center, called the hippocampus (海马体), does it. This part of the brain is really important for feelings and memories.
Understanding how AI learns and keeps information is key to making it smarter. The scientists looked into how our brains learn and remember by focusing on a special process involving the NMDA receptor, a critical part of the hippocampus. This receptor works like a smart door in our brain that helps with learning and remembering. It opens when certain brain chemicals are present, allowing the cell to receive signals and create memories. A specific element, magnesium, acts like a guard, only letting substances in under the right conditions.
Interestingly, the team found that Transformer, a type of AI model, uses a similar “guarding” method to manage its memory. They wondered if they could make the Transformer’s memory better by copying the brain’s process. By adjusting some settings in the Transformer to mimic (模拟、模仿) the brain’s memory door, they improved its ability to remember things long-term, just like adjusting magnesium levels can affect how well we remember stuff.
This discovery is a big deal because it shows we can use what we know about the brain to make AI smarter. C. Justin LEE, a neuroscience (神经学) director at the institute, mentioned that this research was a big step forward for both AI and brain science. It opens up new ways to understand how the brain works and to create more advanced AI based on these insights.
So, in simple terms, scientists have figured out that computers can learn and remember in ways that are surprisingly similar to us, which could help make them even smarter in the future.
1. What does the term “NMDA receptor” in paragraph 2 most likely refer to?| A．A type of computer virus that attacks AI systems. |
| B．A new technology for making computers run faster. |
| C．A component in AI models that predicts future events. |
| D．A part of the human brain involved in learning and memory. |
| A．It directly mimics the brain’s memory process. |
| B．It is unaffected by changes in memory settings. |
| C．It uses a special method to manage memory. |
| D．It requires adjustments to enhance long-term memory. |
| A．It is a new approach to memory organization. |
| B．It is a crucial step in advancing AI and neuroscience. |
| C．It is a method for improving short-term memory in AI. |
| D．It is a breakthrough in understanding AI emotional processing. |
| A．Exploring the NMDA receptor in the brain. |
| B．Discussing implications of neuroscience for AI. |
| C．Comparing computer and human memory processes. |
| D．Discovering similarities between AI and human memory. |
8 . Charlie Jeffers, 17, a senior at Redwood High School in Marin County, Calif., has loved Lego since age 4. His room is full of Lego bricks. Noticing his friends start throwing away their old Lego collections, he hatched a plan. “Legos are pricey,” he noted. “Many can’t afford them.” He started collecting unwanted Lego parts from friends and neighbors, spreading the word through community notices and door-to-door visits.
The response was surprising. Donations of old Lego sets poured in, propelling Jeffers to formalize his efforts under the banner of Pass the Bricks. Together with a dedicated team of volunteers, Jeffers and his teammates carefully clean, sort, and repurpose collected Lego pieces into imaginative sets. These sets, each with roughly 20 to 60 pieces, are carefully made to create scenes such as blind dates or family photoshoots. Since its start in 2020, Pass the Bricks has made a significant success. With over 3,000 sets donated to date, Jeffers and his team are driven by two purposes: to reduce landfill waste and to provide Legos to children who might otherwise go without. Jeffers stresses the educational value of Lego, emphasizing its capacity to inspire creativity and learning.
Pass the Bricks has since expanded its reach nationwide, with volunteers in several states distributing sets to local charities. To ensure each set is presented with care, Jeffers uses donations and personal funds from his job at a gym to purchase affordable cardboard gift boxes online. These sets, accompanied by instructions and a photo of the finished product, are distributed to various organizations and directly to children at local schools.
Despite his approaching to college, Jeffers remains devoted to his commitment to Pass the Bricks. He plans to continue and expand the initiative, driven by a desire to share the joy and educational benefits of Lego with as many children as possible. “We’re grateful to share them with the kids and families we serve,” Jeffers expresses. Reflecting on his own Lego-filled childhood, he acknowledges its profound influence. “I aim to provide others with the same chance,” he emphasizes, echoing his ongoing commitment to sharing the joy of Lego with all.
1. What is the primary purpose of Pass the Bricks?| A．To generate profit from selling Lego sets. |
| B．To recycle old Lego pieces and reduce waste. |
| C．To compete with other Lego manufacturers. |
| D．To promote the use of Legos in professional settings. |
| A．Forcing. | B．Preventing. | C．Urging. | D．Expecting. |
| A．By relying on community contributions. |
| B．By investing in appropriate packaging materials. |
| C．By securing financial support through various means. |
| D．By distributing with charitable organizations nationwide. |
| A．Establishing a sustainable company. |
| B．Earning recognition for his dedication. |
| C．Enhancing personal satisfaction and growth. |
| D．Sharing Lego joy with many children and families. |
9 . Jungle Cruise
Jungle Cruise hits Disney’s streaming service alongside its arrival at cinemas. As such, you’ll have to pay $30 on top of your subscription fee to see it — a high price for a solo viewing, but a great deal for a family session. That’s good news, because this really is a winner of a family movie, thanks to the production values you’d come to expect from a Disney blockbuster (大片) and the chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.
Inside Out
Just when we thought Pixar was on the decline, it released Inside Out, one of its most thoughtful and powerful movies. Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling, Inside Out made over $850 million at the box office upon its 2015 release. It wasn’t just a commercial success, as it scored 98% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Free Solo
Free Solo is one of the best documentaries ever made. Telling the story of Alex Honnold, the first man to “free solo” El Capitan, it’s a character study of a man who makes the impossible look almost ordinary; an Oscar-winning story that culminates (到达极点) — quite literally — in a close-up view of one of humanity’s wildest achievements.
Aladdin
You can agree or you can disagree, but I believe that Aladdin has the best song lineup of any animated movie that Disney has ever produced. A Whole New World, Prince Ali, Friend Like Me, Arabian Nights — banger after banger (一部接一部). That’s reflected in the critical response: Aladdin is one of the best-rated Disney movies ever, with a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
1. What do we know about the movie Jungle Cruise?| A．It takes a total of $30 to see it. |
| B．It doesn’t require a subscription. |
| C．It is mainly intended for children. |
| D．It stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. |
| A．Its music. | B．Its voice actors. |
| C．Its approval rating. | D．Its dialogues. |
| A．Jungle Cruise. | B．Inside Out. | C．Free Solo. | D．Aladdin. |
10 . As a senior resident, I often distributed poems to my team, printing and posting them above the computers in our hospital workrooms. Once, during a rare quiet moment in the ICU, with permission from my colleagues (同事), I read a couple of poems out loud. I remember watching my colleagues’ eyes close and their bodies visibly relax as the words washed over them.
Since then, I have shared poems — my own and others’ — in talks at my institution and across the country. I’ve also led other healthcare providers in creative writing exercises during workshops, lectures and classes. Many institutions host book clubs, story slams, film screenings and other opportunities for medical learners to engage with the humanities (人文学科).
While poetry can be frightening to some, many contemporary poems provide approachable emotional experiences. Pieces like Safiya Sinclair’s “Notes on the State of Virginia” fully illustrate how a place that seems innocent or even beautiful to some can be upsetting to others. Monica Sok’s “ABC for Refugees” powerfully paints a portrait of a young child caught between languages and cultures — a reality that many pediatric (儿科的) patients face. “Ode to Small Towns” by Tyree Daye overturn s common assumptions about rural life. In “Medical History”, Nicole Sealey shares a patient’s perspective (视角) on a part of health care that, for many of my students and colleagues, has been reduced to a series of check boxes on a computer screen. These and other poems provide fertile ground for enhanced understanding of the human condition, as well as inspiration for a clinician’s own potentially transformative reflective writing.
The possibilities for cooperation between literature and medicine are wide open. I believe all clinicians have a role in recognizing and dealing with how everyone has been shaped by an unreasonable society. The history, sociopolitical context, imaginative perspective and reflective practices the humanities offer may improve the practice of medicine. Through understanding others’ experiences and reflecting critically on their own, every clinician can move closer to being the kind of healer they intend to be.
1. Why did the author like to share poems at work?| A．To cure his patients. | B．To bring in the humanities. |
| C．To make his colleagues amazed. | D．To practice for a competition. |
| A．Tyree Daye’s. | B．Monica Sok’s. |
| C．Safiya Sinclair’s. | D．Nicole Sealey’s. |
| A．It’s urgent to upgrade the medical equipment. |
| B．Doctors should have better medical skills. |
| C．There’s room for improvement in medical care. |
| D．A patient can be treated from different perspectives. |
| A．The humanities help make a better doctor. |
| B．The clinicians are to shape our future society. |
| C．Doctors must learn from each other’s experiences. |
| D．Reflective writing greatly benefits a doctor’s skills. |
