1 . Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo has long worked to make her city less dependent on cars. She wanted to see more people using bicycles to get around. Over a number of years, the city government set limits on cars and increased the amount of bike paths from 200 kilometers to over 1,000 kilometers.
This year, Parisians are not complaining about too much automobile traffic. Instead, they say there are too many bikes. “Now, it’s really like a bike traffic jam(阻塞),” Thibault Quere, a spokesperson for France’s Federation of Bicycle Users, said. ”It’s kind of a good difficulty to have, especially when we think about what Paris used to be.”
Some famous roads along the River Seine are completely closed to cars. Now you see people riding bikes, running and walking with their families along the river. In another part of Paris, a bike path on Sebastopol Boulevard is one of the busiest in Europe, after opening in 2019. In one week in early September, it reached a record high of 124,000 riders.
The city will host the Summer Olympics in 2024 and plans to add more bike paths by then. Paris wants to reduce its pollution by half during the games, even as visitors from around the world will be in the city for the event. Organizers say all of the competition sites will be reachable by bike through a 60-kilometer network of bike paths.
The change to Paris, however, has not been easy. With more people using bikes, more people are making mistakes. Some of them are new to cycling and disobey traffic rules. But the environment may be improving. Cycling is good exercise and helps reduce pollution, which is still a problem for the large city. The French government blames atmospheric pollution for 48,000 early deaths in the country each year.
Hidalgo was re-elected in 2020 and plans to keep making what she calls a “Paris that breathes”. Her newest five-year bike plan includes over $250 million for more bike paths and bike parking. The new budget is an increase of over $100 million from her first five-year plan.
1. What can be learned from the second paragraph?A.Hidalgo’s effort has paid off. | B.Parisians prefer to travel by car. |
C.Parisians find it difficult to ride bikes. | D.Quere disagrees with Hidalgo. |
A.To compare the famous roads in France. |
B.To praise people enjoying riding bicycles. |
C.To stress the importance of France in Europe. |
D.To show how busy a cycle path is in Paris. |
A.Tour local bike shops. | B.Ride to competition sites. |
C.Promote the sights in France. | D.Support the athletes around the world. |
A.Friendly. | B.Helpful. | C.Determined. | D.Honest. |
2 . Peter worked at a grocery store. Recently, he
Although the job was boring, there were times Peter especially
The children began to cry and Angela tried to
The next day Angela returned to the store and explained to Peter, “Thanks for your kindness. It really
“Well, I am
Angela was grateful for Peter’s help. Peter’s actions and
A.watched over | B.put aside | C.took up | D.gave up |
A.shopping | B.schooling | C.travelling | D.housing |
A.enjoyed | B.expected | C.deserved | D.imagined |
A.quiet | B.noisy | C.dirty | D.crowded |
A.interest | B.impression | C.attention | D.feelings |
A.decide | B.afford | C.promise | D.expect |
A.calm | B.save | C.encourage | D.protect |
A.continuing | B.preferring | C.offering | D.preparing |
A.toys | B.food | C.clothes | D.drinks |
A.improves | B.wastes | C.changes | D.means |
A.tough | B.positive | C.unique | D.natural |
A.hardly | B.basically | C.slightly | D.completely |
A.efforts | B.words | C.requests | D.suggestions |
A.troubles | B.rights | C.styles | D.choices |
A.impress | B.rescue | C.remind | D.comfort |
3 . Jennifer DeStefano answered a call from an unknown number only to hear a man threatening her 15-year-old daughter’s life and demanding money, as well as the sound of her daughter crying for help. But while she kept him on the phone, her friends managed to reach her daughter, discovering that she was, in fact, free and well on a skiing trip in Arizona. The voice used on the phone was cloned.
A brief sample (样本) of a voice can be used to train an AI model, which can then speak any given text sounding like that person. Now the dangers are starting to be talked aloud.
ElevenLabs, an AI start-up, offers users the chance to create their own clones in minutes and the results are disturbingly accurate. When generating a playback, the system allows users to choose between variability and stability (稳定性). Select “variability”, and the voice will have a lifelike intonation (语调), including pauses like “er...”. Choose “stability”, and it will come across more like a calm and unemotional newsreader. Taylor Jones, a linguist and consultant, took a careful look at the quality of ElevenLabs’s clone of his voice in a video. A low-tech test, a “conversation” with his own mother, fooled the woman who raised him.
For several years, customers have been able to identify themselves over the phone to their bank and other companies using their voice. This was a security upgrade, not a danger. Not even a gifted voice actor could fool the detection system. But now the banks are forced to change in order to prevent crime.
Creative industries could face trouble. Voice actors’ skills, trained over a lifetime, can be copied in seconds. But some actors may, in fact, find cloning congenial. One actor, who has lost much of his voice to throat cancer, was delighted to have his voice restored for his new movie. Others may be spared the trouble of heading for the studio for retakes. Another industry that will have to deal with the rise of clones is journalism. Secret recordings have long been the contributor to the big news. Now who will trust a story based on an audio clip (音频片段)?
1. How does the author lead in the topic?A.By telling a story. | B.By explaining a concept. |
C.By making a guess. | D.By making a comparison. |
A.To analyze the use of voice cloning. | B.To draw readers’ attention to AI. |
C.To prove ElevenLabs’s achievements. | D.To show the danger of voice cloning. |
A.Annoying. | B.Shocking. | C.Suitable. | D.Inventive. |
A.AI Technology: Good or Bad? | B.AI-based Voice: A Potential Risk |
C.Cloned Voice: Who to Blame? | D.Voice Cloning: A New Phenomenon |
4 . Bill Gates was born in 1955. He grew up in Seattle, Washington. When he was young, he was good at science and maths. And he wanted to be a scientist.
Bill started to play with computers when he was 13. At that time, computers were very large machines. Once he was interested in a very old computer. He and some of his friends spent lots of time doing unusual things with it. In the end, they worked out a software program with the old machine. Bill sold it for 4,200 dollars when he was only 17.
In 1973, Bill went to Harvard University. He developed the Basic Language for the first microcomputer. In his third year, he left Harvard. Bill began his company in 1975 with his friend Paul Allen. They thought that the computer would be a very important tool in every office and in every home, so they began developing software for personal computers. They developed the software to make it easier for people to use computers.
In 1999, Bill wrote a book. In the book, he told people how computer technology could solve business problems in new ways. It was one of the best-sellers on The New York Times’ list. Bill Gates has many hobbies. He enjoyed reading very much. He also enjoys playing golf and bridge.
1. When did Bill begin to play with computers?A.In 1968. | B.In 1966. |
C.In 1965. | D.In 1972. |
A.17 years old. | B.18 years old. |
C.19 years old. | D.20 years old. |
A.how to do unusual things |
B.how to play computer games |
C.how to work out a software program |
D.how to solve business problems with the help of computers in new ways |
A.Bill Gates developed the Basic Language for the first microcomputer. |
B.Bill Gates enjoys playing computer games. |
C.Bill Gates wrote many science books. |
D.Bill Gates books are on the top of best-sellers. |
5 . Social media networks have been shown to have greatly changed students’ social behaviour. But the relationship between social media and students’ English language writing has been largely ignored (忽视). So our team of four researchers studied one English as a Second Language (ESL) class at Fiaseman SenirHigh School in Tarkwa, southwestern Ghana. Our research focused on a Form 2 class, made up of 47 students aged 17 and 18 on average. It was one of the largest classes in the school, which offered English as a general subject.
The study found that the students spent really long periods of time on various social media platforms (平台) . But most of the sites they visited were not about learning. That was worrying. One student said, “I visit social media every day. I can’t count. I’m always there. It is very difficult to control my presence there. I truly don’t know what to do.”
We also found that their social media use had resulted in their use of shortened forms of English words-such as “4” in place of “for”, “u” in place of “you” and “d” in place of “the” --in their writing, including in their English examinations. These are the unacceptable written forms of English.
We concluded that the way in which English is being used in examinations by students is being undermined by their use of the English language on social media. This is a growing trend (趋势) that will see students struggle to get ahead in the subject, as more formal English language writing is needed for examinations and further studies.
We recommend that those involved in education should consider connecting teaching practices that take advantage of social media to attract students. This would allow students to learn during their time on social media platforms. Also, teachers should help students choose proper social media sites. They should tell students about the importance and dangers of social media and how to use them, especially for educational purposes.
1. What does the student want to convey through his words?A.He used social media for educational purposes. |
B.He was worried about his privacy on social media. |
C.He lacked the knowledge of properly using social media. |
D.He was interested in new information on social media. |
A.Creativity in English expressions. |
B.More chances to master new words. |
C.Increased competition among them. |
D.Disappointing English writing performance. |
A.improved slowly. | B.proven scientifically. |
C.influenced negatively. | D.corrected effectively. |
A.Guiding students in using social media as a learning tool. |
B.Encouraging students to join in outdoor activities regularly. |
C.Limiting the time of students’ using their phones strictly. |
D.Providing different online courses for students. |
6 . Bangladesh has a large population. The nation depends on rice as its main food. Growing rice requires a lot of water and energy, especially during the dry season from January to June when farmers mostly rely on groundwater. This results in serious reduction of groundwater as well as greenhouse gas emissions(排放).
Researchers from the University of Washington and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Agriculture have developed a system called Integrated Rice Advisory System (IRAS), which uses satellite data from NASA and its partners to give farmers important information.
IRAS works by combining satellite data on water use, rainfall, and weather forecasts with crop water demand(需求)characteristics to produce location-specific suggestions for farmers. The suggestions tell farmers how much water they have, how much they are using, and how much they need for their crops. They also warn farmers if they have over-or under-watered their fields.
The IRAS team states that the system will help reduce agricultural water waste by about 30 percent, cut fuel use by 45 percent, save S115 million yearly, and lower carbon emissions by 300,000 tons per year.
IRAS is an example of how global cooperation and the sharing of important data among nations can help improve food security, water management, and environmental protection around the world. “In addition to being affordable and convenient for farmers, the method can help the world become more water-efficient and energy-efficient in growing food,” said Faisal Hossain, leader of IRAS.
The IRAS team completed its first nationwide effort in June 2023, after working with staff from Bangladesh’s Department of Agricultural Extension and Agro-Meteorological Information Service to set up the system. Faisal Hossain and his colleagues hope to broaden the reach of IRAS in the future, and apply it to other crops that demand large amounts of water, like sugar cane. “We believe that this affordable tool will be applied to any area where we know what crop is being grown and what their crop water demand characteristics are,” he said.
1. How does IRAS mainly serve farmers?A.By collecting data about weather. | B.By monitoring the growth of crops. |
C.By guiding them on water management. | D.By helping them look for new groundwater. |
A.By listing related data. | B.By giving an example. |
C.By making a comparison. | D.By referring to a research report. |
A.The specific technology used in the system. |
B.Future challenges of applying the system. |
C.Farmers’ opinions on the system. |
D.The importance of the system. |
A.It will be well-received in the future. |
B.It encourages international cooperation. |
C.It can only be used on crops in dry places. |
D.It requires better education on water protection. |
7 . It’s school time again! You’re probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad that vacation is over. Some kids feel nervous or a little afraid on the first day of school as a result of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and even a new school. Luckily, these “new” worries only stick around for a little while. Let’s find out more about going to a new school.
Most teachers kick off the new school year by introducing themselves and talking about all the stuff you’ll be doing that year. Some teachers give students a chance to tell something about themselves to the rest of the class, too. When teachers do the talking on the first day, they often revise classroom rules and school rules so that you’ll know what’s allowed and what’s not. Please pay close attention.
You might already know a lot of people in your class on the first day, but it’s a great day to make a new friend, so try to say hello to kids you know and new ones that you don’t. Make the first move and you’ll be glad you did, and so will your new friend!
Seeing friends you haven’t seen in a while can make the first day a good one. You can make the day feel special by wearing clothes that you really like. Maybe you got a great T-shirt on one of your vacations, or a pair of sneakers (运动鞋). It also can make you feel good to be prepared and have all the things you need, such as pencils, folders, and whatever else you’ll be needing. But make sure that you pack them the night before in case you don’t have time in the morning.
1. The underlined phrase “kick off” in the second paragraph probably means “________”.A.start | B.study | C.find | D.teach |
A.what to know about a new school | B.how to prepare for a new school |
C.what to do on your first day of school | D.how to spend your first day of school |
A.introduce yourself | B.learn about the school rules |
C.make new friends | D.go over your new lessons |
A.nervous | B.lucky | C.happy | D.exhausted |
8 . Kenya has started its biggest rhino (犀牛) relocation project and began the work of tracking and moving 21 of the critically endangered animals, which can each weigh over a ton, to a new home.
A previous attempt at moving rhinos in the East African nation was a disaster in 2018 as all 11 of the animals died. Ten of them died from stress, dehydration and starvation intensified by salt poisoning as they struggled to adjust to saltier water in their new home, investigations found. The other rhino was attacked by a lion. The latest project experienced early troubles. A rhino targeted for moving was successfully hit with a tranquilizer (镇定剂) shot from a helicopter but ended up in a small river. Veterinarians (兽医) and rangers held the rhino’s head above water with a rope to save it while a tranquilizer reversal drug took effect, and the rhino was released.
The black rhinos are a mix of males and females and are being moved from three conservation parks to the private Loisaba Conservancy in central Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Service said. Rhinos are generally solitary animals, which enjoy being alone, and are at their happiest in large areas. They are being moved because there are too many in the three parks and they need more space to walk and, hopefully, to give birth to babies.
Kenya has had relative success in reviving its black rhino population, which fell below 300 in the mid-1980s because of illegal hunting, raising fears that the animals might be wiped out in a country famous for its wildlife. Kenya now has nearly 1,000 black rhinos, according to the wildlife service. That’s the third biggest black rhino population in the world behind South Africa and Namibia.
Kenyan authorities say they have relocated more than 150 rhinos in the last decade and the country is aiming to grow its black rhino population to about 2,000, which they believe would be the ideal number considering the space available for them in national and private parks.
1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2?A.Kenya was once stricken by a disaster. |
B.Rhinos often like to drink saltier water. |
C.The rhino relocation project was challenging. |
D.The attempt to move rhinos in 2018 went smooth. |
A.They all weigh less than a ton. | B.They prefer to spend time alone. |
C.They adapt to new environments easily. | D.They have gone extinct by the mid-1980s. |
A.Feeding. | B.Losing. | C.Restoring. | D.Recording. |
A.Fun Facts About Rhinos | B.Ways of Protecting Rhinos |
C.The Culture and History of Kenya | D.The Biggest Rhino Relocation Project in Kenya |
9 . Sometimes accommodation can feel restricting when you’re traveling. If you’re in an unfamiliar country, it might be tempting (有吸引力的) just to go and stay in a hotel. It doesn’t hurt to step out of your comfort zone from time to time though, and there are plenty of accommodation options that aren’t hotels that are easily accessible and not too hard on the wallet.
Home Swap
There is a way to stay in a beautiful home for a minimal cost. The hidden disadvantage? A stranger is also staying in your home. Home swaps are increasing in popularity and there are sites dedicated to giving you peace of mind so that you can enjoy your holiday in the comfort that your home isn’t being messed up.
Houseboat
The perfect option for those who love the water, houseboats come in all levels of luxury, so you should be able to find one that suits your budget. It could be tough to get the hang of controlling your home if you’re unfamiliar with boats, but it a skill that you should pick up relatively quickly!
Igloo
Obviously not an option in anywhere warm, staying in an igloo for a night is actually a lot warmer than you think! Don’t worry about accommodation experience, there are plenty of igloos around the world that can provide services as varied as ice bars and hot bathtubs, so you can survive this odd experience in comfort and without freezing.
Cottage
A great way to provide freedom and a “home away from home” feeling is to rent a cottage on your holiday. A cottage can give authentic, home y feel to a foreign country. Most can comfortably fit a family and give children plenty of space to play, so a cottage is a great option for the family holiday.
1. What is the advantage of home swap?A.It can make travelers relaxed. | B.It has beautifully decorated rooms. |
C.It provides good traditional cuisine. | D.It can help you interact with a stranger. |
A.Comfort. | B.Diet. | C.Location. | D.Reservation. |
A.Home Swap. | B.Houseboat. | C.Cottage. | D.Igloo. |
10 . Isabella Springmuhl Tejada is one of the first professional fashion designers with Down Syndrome (唐氏综合征).
Her path to success wasn’t
This design experience helped Tejada develop her own design style,
And the
A.comfortable | B.awful | C.awkward | D.smooth |
A.arrangement | B.talent | C.determination | D.responsibility |
A.rejected | B.dismissed | C.ignored | D.excused |
A.guidance | B.aim | C.option | D.right |
A.waited | B.competed | C.prepared | D.registered |
A.assigned | B.forced | C.inspired | D.persuaded |
A.purchased | B.accepted | C.imagined | D.contacted |
A.discovery | B.opportunity | C.innovation | D.schedule |
A.indicating | B.abandoning | C.transforming | D.highlighting |
A.specially | B.naturally | C.usually | D.obviously |
A.pricey | B.suitable | C.fancy | D.famous |
A.paid off | B.got across | C.took off | D.caught up |
A.combine | B.fuel | C.beautify | D.overcome |
A.ambitious | B.enthusiastic | C.humble | D.proud |
A.guarantee | B.assess | C.show | D.conclude |