1 . There was a lot of news related to artificial intelligence, or AI, and machine learning. Among the stories were two dealing with direct competitions between humans and machines.
In one competition, machines that used AI performed better than human beings in a high-level reading test. Two natural language processing tools beat humans in the experiment. One of the tools was built by the American technology company Microsoft. The other was created by Chinese online seller Alibaba Group.
In another competition, a computer took on humans in live, public debates.
The event demonstrated how AI-powered computers are increasingly being developed to think and sound like humans. The organizer of the debates, U. S. technology company IBM, announced split results. It said a majority of those watching said they felt the machine had done more to improve their knowledge of the subject. But, the human got more praise for communicating their ideas.
This year, we also explored the many ways AI and machine learning are now being used. For example, some U. S. judges use machine learning systems to help them decide when, and for how long, criminals should be jailed. The system uses computers to examine data from thousands of court cases.
One fast-growing area of AI is facial recognition, which is increasingly being used for security purposes. Recently, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport became the first in the U. S. to permit passengers to use fa cial recognition technology to get on flights. A Chinese company showed off an AI system it developed to recognize individuals by body shape and walking movements. The system is already being used by Chinese police in Beijing and Shanghai.
In addition, machine learning was used during 2018 to predict results of the World Cup soccer competition. The technology also created artwork that was sold for a large amount of money. And it is being used to help farmers save time and money, while reducing environment-harming chemicals. Other technology systems are being used to follow farm animals and wildlife to collect information on their activities.
1. What can we infer from the second paragraph?| A．AI is perfect in all aspects. |
| B．Humans will be replaced sooner or later. |
| C．AI is the biggest threat to the human beings. |
| D．AI is more competent than humans in some areas. |
| A．Creative thinking. | B．Facial recognition. |
| C．Collecting information. | D．Predicting results of the games. |
| A．The disadvantages of AI. | B．The application of AI. |
| C．The future of AI. | D．The experiments of AI. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Unclear. | C．Doubtful. | D．Opposite. |
2 . Johannes Fritz, a biologist, needed to come up with a plan, again, if he was going to prevent his rare and beloved birds from going extinct.
To survive the European winter, the northern bald ibis (秃鹃) — which had once disappeared entirely from the wild on the continent — needs to migrate south for the winter, over the Alps, before the mountains become blocked. But shifting climate patterns have delayed when the birds begin to migrate, and they are now reaching the mountains too late to make it over the peaks, locking them in an icy death trap. Determined to save them, Mr. Fritz decided he would teach the birds a new, safer migration route by guiding them himself in a tiny aircraft. And he was confident he could succeed in this daring, unusual plan —because he had done it before.
Mr. Fritz was his young pupils’ only provider of food and love since they’d been just a few days old, and the ibises eagerly followed their teacher. He learned to fly, modifying a tiny aircraft so it would fly at speeds slow enough for his winged students to keep up. In 2004, three years after some experiments, Mr. Fritz led the first flock from Austria to Italy, and has since led 15 such migrations. Over that time, he has rewilded (放归) 277 young ibises, many of which then started to pass the route on to their own young. For now, however, the main worry is getting the birds to follow the aircraft. “While they have a strong bond with their ‘mothers’ and follow them around on the ground, flying is more difficult,” Fritz said.
“Fly Away Home was a huge hit with us biologists,” Mr. Fritz said, recalling the 1996 movie in which a Canada geese was led to migrate by an aircraft. When Mr. Fritz claimed he’d do the same with the ibises, he was initially laughed at. But through years of trial and error, he succeeded. He even learned to fly like a bird, he said, laughing with ease. Mr. Fritz’s two sons, both now teenagers, followed their flying father and the migrating birds on the ground, and his family and colleagues witnessed the risks he was taking. But the unexpected risks are “necessary”, Mr. Fritz said.
“It’s not so much a job,” he added, “but my life’s purpose.”
1. What made Mr. Fritz believe he would make it this time?| A．Confidence. | B．Experience. | C．Bravery. | D．Determination. |
| A．Whether the birds can fly after the aircraft. |
| B．Tight schedule to modify a tiny aircraft. |
| C．The extreme weather that prevents flying. |
| D．Limited support from the local government. |
| A．Imaginative and out-going. | B．Generous and easy-going. |
| C．Purposeful and strong-willed. | D．Energetic and open-minded. |
| A．Mr. Fritz once starred in a film in 1996. |
| B．Mr. Fritz was favored by those around him. |
| C．Mr. Fritz had no difficulty with what he did. |
| D．Mr. Fritz thought what he did was worthwhile. |
3 . Recreational Sports Membership
Ohio State University has some of the best recreation facilities (设施) in the country. Our Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC) has opened in the past 10 years, whose facilities and programs are designed to fit all your needs and schedule.
RPAC Membership Rights
A membership is your ticket to take advantage of all the facilities and programs.
Classes and Programs
Group fitness, sport clubs and outdoor adventure programs are only available to current RPAC members. You can attend unlimited free group fitness classes as part of your membership. An extra payment will be required if you prefer personal training classes.
Guests and Family Participation
Members may sponsor up to two guests during a visit. A daily guest pass is required for each guest to enter RPAC, and members must be present at the time of buying a pass. The pass is accepted at all facilities for unlimited re-entries in a one-day period.
RPAC aims to offer a family-friendly environment. Members are able to enjoy quality time with their families free of charge in a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including family changing rooms, the Lounge game room, and the Leisure pool.
Locker and Towel Rental
RPAC offers full-service men’s and women’s locker rooms featuring large and medium size lockers, which can be rented either monthly or yearly. RPAC towel service is available in addition to day lockers at various locations throughout the facility.
RPAC Membership Responsibilities
In an effort to create a welcome and safe environment for all members, you have the responsibility to follow the following policies:
Filming and photography in the facilities must be approved in advance.
Cell phone photography and video are not permitted in locker rooms.
Fighting and rough play are not permitted in all facilities.
Shoes are required in all public areas of all indoor facilities, except for locker rooms and swimming pools.
All equipment checked-out from RPAC must be returned at the required check-in time. You may be charged for the equipment returned late or damaged.
Please contact member services if you have any other questions about your RPAC membership.
1. If you want to use all the facilities and programs, you should ______.| A．own the RPAC membership | B．have a daily guest pass |
| C．pay extra money | D．pay for a current ticket |
| A．To sponsor members’ guests. | B．To offer a family-friendly environment. |
| C．To sell daily guest passes. | D．To provide unlimited re-entries. |
| A．Cell phone photography. | B．Filming and photography. |
| C．Fighting and rough play. | D．Wearing shoes in the locker rooms. |
4 . David Willard has been checking the grounds of Chicago’s lakefront exhibition center for dead birds for 40 years. One morning this year he found something horrible; Hundreds of dead songbirds, so thick they looked like a carpet. Nearly 1,000 songbirds died during the night after crashing into the center’s windows. According to bird experts, the result was caused by a combination of migration conditions, rain, and the exhibition hall's low lights and walls with windows.
Birds don’t see clear glass and don’t understand it’s a deadly barrier. When they see plants or bushes through windows, they head for them, killing themselves in the process. Birds that migrate at night, like sparrows, rely on the stars to navigate. Bright lights from buildings both attract and confuse them, leading to window strikes or birds flying around the lights until they die from tiredness—a phenomenon known as deadly light attraction.
But even in the best of circumstances, spring and fall are dangerous times for migrating birds. When they migrate over major cities, the risks increase. Hundreds or thousands of dead birds may appear on city streets after a wave of migrants has passed through. In all, about 100 million to 1 billion birds die each year in North America from crashing buildings.
The good news is that people can greatly reduce the danger with some simple methods. Window strikes are easily preventable, said Anna Pidgeon, an expert at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Architects can design windows with markings in the glass that birds can easily recognize, she said. People can paint their windows as well.
1. What caused songbirds to die according to Paragraph 1?| A．Bad migration conditions. | B．Human behaviors. |
| C．Crashing into plants. | D．A combination of external factors. |
| A．Birds dying due to being attracted by strong lights. |
| B．Birds getting attracted to bright lights and then getting lost. |
| C．Birds getting attracted to lights and then attacking each other. |
| D．Birds flying around the dim lights until they die from exhaustion. |
| A．Puzzled and unbiased. | B．Negative and suspicious. |
| C．Approving and supportive. | D．Compromising and critical. |
| A．To promote the use of dim lights in buildings. |
| B．To inform readers about bird migration patterns. |
| C．To explain the dangers birds face during migration. |
| D．To discuss the work of David Willard at the exhibition center. |
5 . Officials of Detroit, Michigan, have equipped apiece of road with new technology designed to charge electric vehicles (EVs) on the path. The roadway is meant to serve as a demonstration project for the technology, which could be expanded to larger road systems.
The system uses a series of copper wires placed underneath the road. These wires have the ability to send electricity through a magnetic field to charge an EV’s battery. Charging can happen while the car is driving or sitting above the equipment. Elect re on says the electric road system is safe for people and animals walking over it and does not harm drivers.
The technology was created by Electreon, a developer of wireless charging solutions for EVs. Stefan Tongur, Electreon’s vice president of business development, told The Associated Press EVs require special equipment to receive the wireless signal. “The technology is smart,” Tongur said, and “knows who you are...”
The electrified road stretches about one half-kilometer. It will be used to test and improve the technology in preparation for wider releases. Tongur said the project aims to “demonstrate how wireless charging unlocks widespread EV adoption, addressing limited range, grid (电网) limitations, and battery size and costs.” He looks forward to a future in which, in his words, “EVs are the norm, not the exception.”
Michigan’s Department of Transportation (DOT) signed a five-year agreement with Electreon to develop the roadway charging system. Offcial shave said they plan to build another electrified stretch of road in another part of the city. Michigan transportation officials say the wireless-charging roadway project has helped position the state and city of Detroit as national leaders in EV technology. “In Michigan, we want to stay ahead of the curve,” Michigan DOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich told the AP.
1. What is the new technology intended to do?| A．Provide power for EVs. | B．Demonstrate a project. |
| C．Expand road systems. | D．Improve EVs’ batteries. |
| A．People and animals may get an electric shock near it. |
| B．EVs are charged through contact with its copper wires. |
| C．It charges EVs only if they stay still on the equipment. |
| D．A special device is needed to pick up its wireless signals. |
| A．Develop more smoothly. | B．Make progress in the industry. |
| C．Take the lead in the field. | D．Achieve a goal ahead of time. |
| A．Skeptical. | B．Tolerant. | C．Favorable. | D．Objective. |
6 . It was about 5 am on Saturday when Amanda Tanner and her husband were suddenly awakened by their dog, Axel. When the
By waking the parents up and leading them to the boy, the dog made a “massive”
“I am beyond
| A．funny | B．bored | C．excited | D．sleepy |
| A．attention | B．intention | C．solution | D．imagination |
| A．bark | B．stop | C．follow | D．jump |
| A．move | B．escape | C．appear | D．exist |
| A．stared at | B．turned to | C．looked after | D．checked on |
| A．touch | B．feel | C．see | D．show |
| A．carelessly | B．particularly | C．hopefully | D．immediately |
| A．promise | B．choice | C．difference | D．decision |
| A．scaring | B．amazing | C．ridiculous | D．humorous |
| A．awake | B．alive | C．afraid | D．alone |
| A．lack | B．power | C．injury | D．capacity |
| A．sorry | B．hungry | C．anxious | D．grateful |
| A．plans | B．refuses | C．pretends | D．wishes |
| A．faced | B．tasked | C．satisfied | D．bored |
| A．hobbies | B．strengths | C．emotions | D．stories |
7 . Natalie Hampton spent most of her 8th grade school year eating lunch alone. The new girl was at an all-girls private school in Los Angeles. A group of “mean girls” excluded her from parties, called her names and even physically
Natalie once was a kid who loved going to school, but now she was
Natalie’s mother sent her to another school for high school. Now a 16-year-old junior, she’s
So Natalie
“Lunch might seem really small, but I think these are the small steps that make a school more inclusive (包容),” she said. “It doesn’t seem like you’re asking that much, but it starts to
| A．tracked | B．contacted | C．broke | D．attacked |
| A．ugly | B．bright | C．brilliant | D．royal |
| A．regretful | B．fond | C．scared | D．proud |
| A．anxiety | B．curiosity | C．sincerity | D．creativity |
| A．instant | B．second | C．night | D．period |
| A．astonished | B．happy | C．frightened | D．awkward |
| A．appreciates | B．hates | C．enjoys | D．explores |
| A．thinking about | B．passing down | C．going through | D．looking through |
| A．laughed at | B．objected to | C．came across | D．came up with |
| A．doubt | B．fear | C．courage | D．puzzle |
| A．developed | B．improved | C．mended | D．reformed |
| A．judgement | B．proposal | C．plan | D．promise |
| A．serve | B．decorate | C．join | D．admire |
| A．change | B．pick | C．block | D．build |
| A．serious | B．negative | C．huge | D．little |
8 . There is no doubt that to study abroad gives you an excellent opportunity to learn things which are very helpful in your career building.
Today Canada has earned a good name in providing quality education and a safe environment for its students. That is why more than 130,000 international students register every year in famous Canadian universities. It is an ideal education destination and gives students a unique experience of education and its diverse arts and culture. Canada spends a lot on education and is ranked the highest in G-8 countries.
To study in Canada is very cost-effective. These universities are affordable compared to other universities in the world such as in the US, New Zealand and the UK where the cost of education and living is very high. According to a survey in 2006, “Canada offered the lowest tuition fees for foreign students compared to the UK and Australia.”
The low rate of crimes and the peaceful safe environment of the country also attract lots of international students to Canadian universities. Canada has 92 universities and 175 community colleges and university degrees have three levels — Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral.
A Bachelor’s degree in Canada is for three or four years’ full-time study depending upon the nature of the program you are doing. On the other hand a Master’s degree consists of two years of study. For a Doctoral program in a Canadian university you require a minimum of three to four or sometimes five years of research and study.
You can also find many diploma (学位证书) and qualification programs in Canadian universities where the time is generally one year. Some of the Canadian universities are well-regarded worldwide and the degree and diploma obtained from these Canadian universities are recognized globally and promise a bright future. After the completion of studies a person could also find great job offers in Canada itself.
1. Why do more and more international students choose to study in Canada?| A．Because Canadian government has a good name. |
| B．Because students are provided with free education. |
| C．Because there are more than 130,000 international students. |
| D．Because it offers excellent education and environment to students. |
| A．The best educational resources in the world. |
| B．Lower tuition and a safe environment. |
| C．The shortest studying period for a doctoral degree. |
| D．The most abundant educational curriculum. |
| A．It is difficult to get a diploma in Canada. |
| B．There are the most international students in Canada. |
| C．Graduates from Canada prefer to work outside. |
| D．Some Canadian universities are popular worldwide. |
| A．a newspaper | B．a novel |
| C．a detective story | D．a science book |
9 . I ask every student applying for Pitzer College the same question, “What do you look forward to the most in college?” I was surprised and delighted when a student replied, “The possibility of failure.” Of course, this is not how most students respond to the question when sitting before the person who can make decisions about their academic futures, but this young man took a risk. “You see, my parents have never let me fail,” he said. “When I want to take a chance at something, they remind me it’s not a safe route to take. They tell me taking a more rigorous course or trying an activity I may not succeed in will ruin my chances at college admission. Even staying up late to do something that isn’t related to school, they see it as a risk to my academic work and college success.”
Kids all over the world admit they are under huge pressure to be perfect. So students are usually in shock when I tell them I never expect perfection. How could a leader of admission at one of America’s most selective colleges not want the best and the brightest? The reality is that perfection doesn’t exist.
I’ve known teenagers will never be perfect. They do silly things, fall down, and lack confidence. The ability to bounce back is a fundamental life skill students have to learn on their own. The lessons of failure can’t be taught in a classroom. During my weekend of interviews, another student told me, “I’m ashamed to admit I failed calculus (微积分), but I decided to take it again and got a B-plus. I will still take calculus, and even though I don’t love it, I’m glad I pushed through!” I asked him what he learned from the experience. “I learned to let go of shame,” he said. “I realized that I can’t let a grade define (定义) my success. I also learned that if you want anything eagerly, you can achieve it.”
I smiled as I wrote his words down on the application-review form. Apparently, he has the coping skills to adjust to college life. Failure is about growth, learning, overcoming and moving on. Let’s allow young people to fail. Not only will they learn something, it might even get them into college!
1. What does the underlined word “rigorous” in the first paragraph mean?| A．Absurd. | B．Lively. | C．Challenging. | D．Special. |
| A．Teachers can help students to admit failure. |
| B．Parents define their children’s success by grades. |
| C．Teenagers get lessons of failure through experiences. |
| D．Young people spend enough time letting go of shame. |
| A．The college teachers would love the student for his perfection. |
| B．He succeeded in persuading the student to enter college. |
| C．The student realized his dream of being a perfect person. |
| D．He thought the student would have a promising future. |
| A．Learn to Fail | B．Learn to Live |
| C．Try to Succeed | D．Decide to Experience |
10 . Are you looking for the best amusement park in the world? Whether you wish to get the wonders of dreamland or want to be amazed by the craziest rides, there are numerous places that would surely give you excitement.
Gardaland
Considered to be one of the top amusement parks in the world, Gardaland is located in the Northeastern Italy and is an incredible journey for everyone. Begin a fantastic adventure with the themed water well, and the thrilling rides that include Blue Tornado, Raptor, Magic Mountain, and a lot more. While it also happens to be the fascinating one amongst the best amusement parks in the world, there is never a dull moment in this wonderland.
Universal Studios
Noted as one of the best amusement parks around the world, Universal Studios, Osaka attracts millions of visitors every year. It is popularly known as the home of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This theme park has word-class entertainment for all ages to enjoy to the fullest. Many attractions are similar to that of Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Happy Valley
Happy Valley is one of the best amusement parks around the world for kids and families. It is a magical place for extreme adventure rides and carnivals. Composing of nine areas of different themes including Sunshine Beach, Shangri-la Woods and Typhoon Bay, you are sure to have a great time here.
1. What’s special about Gardaland?| A．It has the longest ride in the world. |
| B．It is an amusement park with a theme of wells. |
| C．It is the greatest amusement park in the world. |
| D．It is mainly designed for children and teenagers. |
| A．Fans of fantasy films. | B．Environmentalists. |
| C．Historians. | D．Kids who like rides. |
| A．They have amazing rides. | B．They attract people of all ages. |
| C．They are mainly designed for kids. | D．They are designed in the same style. |
