1 . In a recent email to an old friend, I mentioned that our family planned on taking our fourweek road trip in our motor home. My friend emailed back and said he thought I was very “brave” to set out on such an adventure with two young children (aged two and five). I laughed when I read his email and wondered if he knew how much he was missing out on by giving up the idea of such a fun RV trip (房车旅) with one’s family.
My husband and I have been “RVing” for over ten years. When we first started traveling, we certainly had some troubles that were not so funny at the time but seem to be funny now. We forgot our pillows and failed to cook dinner on an outdoor grill (烤架) for lack of a flashlight. Then we decided to make our dinner in the motor home but could not get the oven lit! So we went to bed a little hungrier than we had planned!
However, that's nothing compared with the amazing geological and natural wonders we experienced during our RV trips. In addition, we have discovered a new world of family fun and family bonding. We saw the Grand Canyon when our son was only six months old. We play games inside and out, walk together, talk together, read, solve puzzles, and enjoy music and movies. We have got used to doing things with one another. Our kids love to pick out good, oldfashioned postcards to send off via “snail mail” to different family members on every trip.
As our world gets more and more overloaded with cell phones, texting, emails and video games, our family sticks more and more tightly to the wonderfully simple idea of unplugging for a while and jumping into the seat to take a trip in our motor home. Then we come home with fun pictures of our wanderings, and we're able to build special memories for our kids. Now we want to spread the word and tell families of all kinds what enjoyment can be had from packing the family up for a trip in the RV.
1. What did the author’s friend think of her travel plan?| A．A family trip should not last four weeks. |
| B．It was wise of her to take children on RV trips. |
| C．A family RV trip might bring unexpected troubles. |
| D．It was an opportunity to teach children to be brave. |
| A．They found many things lost. |
| B．It was ruined by bad weather. |
| C．They didn’t prepare well for it. |
| D．It was quite a scary experience. |
| A．To appeal families to take RV trips together. |
| B．To show how to make RV trips interesting. |
| C．To encourage kids to take part in RV trips. |
| D．To share an unforgettable traveling experience. |
2 . Four Future Technologies to Change the World in the Next Decade
Underwater gloves
Researchers have developed “octa gloves” that copy the suction (吸力) properties of an octopus (章鱼). Using a network of microsensors, the suction cups on the gloves can tighten and relax to grab underwater items without breaking them.
This technology could potentially be employed by underwater archaeologists, rescue divers, bridge architects, and other similar professionals.
Health-monitoring “Digital Twins”
A scanner has been developed, which can test hundreds of indicators within an hour. The information about these indicators can be used to create a 3D digital twin of a patient’s body, which can be monitored over time and changed with each new examination.
It is predicted that with this new technology, we will enter a new era of preventative and individualized medicine.
3D-printed bones
One of the most interesting applications of 3D printing technology is the creation of 3D-printed bones. A substance similar to human bones’ can be used to create a 3D model of the required patient-specific implantation (移植) according to the images and be used in an operation.
Due to the use of the special substance, the muscle will change these 3D-printed implants into real bones, allowing for the complete healing of bones’ functions.
Hydrogen planes
A team has put forward a proposal for a mid-sized plane powered by liquid hydrogen. It would be capable of carrying about 279 persons around the globe nonstop.
If this innovation could occur, a nonstop , zero-carbon flight connecting any two places in the world would be possible.
1. Which innovation is inspired by the feature of an animal?| A．Digital Twins. | B．3D-printed bones. |
| C．Octa gloves. | D．Hydrogen planes. |
| A．A frogman in search of sunken treasures. |
| B．An athlete in need of ankle replacement. |
| C．A student majoring in preventative medicine. |
| D．A navigator promoting environmental protection. |
| A．They will improve our life and work. |
| B．They will better our environment. |
| C．They will boost our work efficiency. |
| D．They will help prolong our life. |
3 . For the last five years, Saroyan Matthew Lee has pricked his fingertips at least once a day to test a drop of blood. If the amount of glucose, a simple sugar, is too high, he must get a shot of insulin (胰岛素) to lower it. These daily finger pricks are “really lifestyle-hampering and invasive,” Matthew says. So he developed an alternative - a wearable patch. It turns yellow when glucose levels are too high.
The body normally makes insulin to even out blood-sugar levels. But having type 1 diabetes, Matthew cannot make this hormone. That’s important because highly elevated blood sugar can put someone’s life in danger. After seeing younger kids struggle to interpret their blood-sugar levels, he thought a color-changing device might be easier to understand. “As a diabetic,” he explains, “What I recognize is that the precise blood glucose number is not really important to us.” Instead, he notes, people with disease must simple know when throughout the day they will need a shot of insulin.
The body releases chemicals through many routes. The new single-use patch works by detecting glucose in one of them: sweat. Past research shows that you can estimate blood-sugar levels based on how much glucose sweat has.
Two sheets of hydrogel- a jingly, water-based gel- make up Matthew’s small patch. It’s only 1 centimeter (about 0.4 inch) square. The layer closest to the skin contains a chemical that reacts with glucose. This interaction produces a second chemical called hydrogen peroxide. The more sugar there is, the more hydrogen peroxide will be made. Hydrogen peroxide triggers a reaction in the patch’s upper layer. It causes a protein called papain - to react with a color-changing chemical. The more glucose in sweat, the yellower the patch will become.
Matthew’s patch is painless and easy to understand. And it shouldn’t be very costly. Material costs of his patch are just one-fifth as much as those of existing glucose-measuring devices, because current gadgets require electrical components but Matthew’s patch relies on far less expensive chemicals.
1. What do we know about Matthew?| A．He has the ability to make insulin regularly. |
| B．He considers it harmless to prick his fingertips. |
| C．He invents a convenient device to test blood sugar. |
| D．He thinks it vital to know the blood sugar level accurately. |
| A．The patch functions on the basis of three reactions. |
| B．Papain reacts in the second layer, causing hydrogen peroxide. |
| C．A color-changing chemical is located in the layer closest to the skin. |
| D．The patch relies on detecting glucose in various chemicals released by body. |
| A．It is more economical. |
| B．It uses less electricity. |
| C．It can be used for several times. |
| D．It shows the exact blood sugar number. |
| A．A Novel Way to Treat Diabetes. |
| B．Painless Patch to Test Blood Sugar. |
| C．A New Device to Stabilize Blood Sugar. |
| D．A Chain of Insulin-Producing Reactions. |
4 . You Can Make Working from Home Much More Pleasant with These Gadgets
Standing Desk Converter
Sitting all day can be harmful to our health. A standing desk converter allows you to easily transform your traditional desk into a standing desk, giving you the option to stand or sit throughout the day. This gadget can help reduce back pain, improve posture, and increase energy levels.
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Tired of being tied to your computer by a tangled mess of wires? A wireless keyboard and mouse can provide the freedom to work from anywhere within a certain range of your computer. These gadgets can improve comfort, flexibility, and reduce clutter.
Noise-cancelling Headphones
With more people working from home, the noise level in your home office can be distracting. Noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce outside noise and increase focus. They’re also great for taking video calls or listening to music without disturbing others in your home.
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting allows you to adjust the brightness and color of your workspace lighting using a mobile app. This can improve productivity and comfort, as proper lighting can reduce eye strain and improve focus.
Foot Rest
A foot rest can help improve posture and reduce back pain. It’s a simple gadget that can make a big difference in comfort during long workdays.
Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home office using a mobile app. This gadget can help you stay comfortable throughout the day without constantly adjusting the thermostat. It can also help save money on energy bills.
1. Which gadget can free you from a mess of wires?| A．Smart Lighting. | B．Noise-Cancelling Headphones. |
| C．Smart Thermostat. | D．Wireless Keyboard and Mouse. |
| A．Foot Rest and Smart Thermostat. |
| B．Smart Lighting and Smart Thermostat. |
| C．Noise-Cancelling Headphones and Smart Lighting. |
| D．Wireless Keyboard and Mouse and Smart Thermostat. |
| A．They can help focus. |
| B．They can increase flexibility. |
| C．They can ease backache. |
| D．They can turn into another form. |
5 . It was early winter several years ago. I had pulled out my old winter coat for another year’s use. It was still in pretty good shape although it was looking dirty from so many winters’ wear. I didn’t really need a new one but I wanted one and casually mentioned it to my daughter one day. She was such a sweet, loving girl that I should have guessed what would happen next. A few weeks later she gave me a new winter coat as a gift.
I put the old one in my closet and started to wear the new coat every day. Each day, though, when I opened my closet, something troubled me. It seemed a shame that my old but still good coat should just sit there keeping no one warm during the cold winter days. After a few weeks, I took it out and drove to a local charity shop. I knew that there was someone who couldn’t afford a coat but could get my old one.
My new coat is my old coat now. It is getting a little dirty and worn, too. It has black marks on the sleeves. It is in too bad shape to even donate to charity. I wonder if I should buy a new one soon, but I think I will wait for a while. I don’t really need a new one and maybe I can find something else to give to the charity shop instead.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Want is a growing giant whom the coat of Have was never large enough to cover,” Perhaps the best way to deal with our wants then is to give instead. Love, after all, brings us the most joy. And the more of it you give away, the more of it you have.
1. Which word can best describe the author’s daughter?| A．Thoughtful. | B．Wealthy. | C．Easy-going. | D．Hard-working. |
| A．It cost too much. |
| B．It was looking dirty. |
| C．It was not sent to someone in need. |
| D．There was not enough room for his new coat. |
| A．Telling his daughter. | B．Buying a new one soon. |
| C．Sending something else to charity. | D．Donating it to charity. |
| A．Love is the key to joy. |
| B．Giving fills our wants. |
| C．The more you give, the more you lose. |
| D．A coat is large enough to cover our wants |
6 . A new study by the Zoological Society of London has found that nearly one in five of the world’s 10,000 species of reptiles (爬行动物) are threatened with extinction. The study, which has been printed in the journal Biological Conservation, was carried out by more than 200 experts who assessed the risk of extinction of 1,500 reptiles selected at random from around the globe.
The primary author of the paper, Monika Bohm, explained to the Zoological Society:” Reptiles are often associated with extreme habitats and tough environmental conditions, so it is easy to assume that they will be fine in our changing world. “However, that’s far from the truth:” Many species are very high specialized in terms of habitat use and the climatic conditions they require for day to day functioning, “Bohm said.” This makes them particularly sensitive to environmental changes. “The paper highlights three critically endangered species in its research, including the jungle runner lizard Ameiva vittata, which has only ever been spotted in the Cochabamba region of the Bolivian jungle—an area under threat from the growth of agriculture and logging. The two most recent searches for the species have been unsuccessful. Meanwhile in Haiti, six of the nine species of Anolis lizard in the country risk extinction due to increasing deforestation (毁林).
Also at risk are freshwater turtles, with 50% of all species at risk of extinction from hunting; turtle parts are in high demand as ingredients in traditional medicine. According to the study 30% of freshwater reptile species are also in danger of completely disappearing.
Reptiles have a long evolutionary history: snakes, lizards, crocodiles and tuataras first appeared on earth around 300 million years ago. They are an important part of many ecosystems. ”This is a very important step towards assessing the conservation status of reptiles globally, “Philip Bowles from the IUCN Species Survival Commission said in response to the study.” Tackling the identified habitat loss is key conservation priorities in order to transfer declines in these reptiles.”
1. How many species of reptiles are endangered?| A．1,000. | B．1,500. | C．2,000. | D．5,000. |
| A．Environmental changes cause species variation. |
| B．More trees are being cut down in the Bolivian jungle. |
| C．Reptiles can easily adapt to extreme habitats and climate. |
| D．Species extinction results from tough environment conditions. |
| A．Because local people hunt them for fun. | B．Because their parts have medical value. |
| C．Because they struggle to survive in the wild. | D．Because they can be cooking ingredients. |
| A．To reduce habitat destruction. | B．To increase the harvest of forest trees. |
| C．To assess the current conditions of reptiles. | D．To further the study on the evolutionary history. |
7 . Phuket FantaSea
Located on Kamala Beach, just 9km from Patong, Phuket FantaSea offers a one-of-a-kind experience of culture and fun that no visitor to Phuket should miss. Phuket FantaSea is Phuket’s most popular nighttime attraction that can be visited all year around, rain or shine.
Coach/van transfer and rental service, facilities for seminars, corporate meetings, theme parties and exhibitions are also available.
Reservation Hotline: 076 385 111
Reservation Email: ticket@phuketfantasea.fun
Reservation website: www.phuketfantasea.fun
The Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant
Begin your journey of magic with the world’s grandest buffet! In the mystical Himmaphan forest setting, visitors can enjoy a fantastic feast of Royal Thai dishes and International delicacies, prepared by some of Thailand’s finest chefs. (Buffet time: 17:30-21:00)
Designated Halal zone is provided in this restaurant.
Vegetarian Buffet line is also available.
Jungle Adventure
Take a magical adventure into an ancient kingdom of primitive Tiger Jungle where you can catch a glimpse of the gentle, magnificent creatures that live in Kingdom of Kamala. Tiger Jungle Adventure is a Theatrical Safari, an original concept that takes you on a journey through a theatrical environment of 12 mythical scenes inspired by timeless legends, starring many local animals. It is absolutely a feast for eyes and ears.
Operating time: 17:30-21:00
Animal exhibits are subject to change or closure without notice.
Similan (Entertainment Center)
Come join in the fun and games with our friendly sea creatures at Phuket FantaSea’s one-of-a-kind undersea entertainment center and shopping attraction -- Similan Entertainment Center. Fun-lovers of all ages are invited to test their skills with exciting games specifically designed to celebrate the splendid beauty of sea creatures in the Similan Island!
1. What can we do in Phuket FantaSea?| A．Have a brunch. | B．Go diving. |
| C．Go hunting for tigers. | D．Enjoy an animal show. |
| A．Patong. | B．Jungle Adventure. |
| C．Similan (Entertainment Center). | D．The Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant. |
| A．To inform. | B．To advertise. | C．To contrast. | D．To explain. |
8 . Should swimming lessons be compulsory in schools?
Guangdong Province is set to make swimming lessons compulsory (必修的) in primary schools starting from 2020, proposing (提出) the courses should be given from the fourth grade. Do we need to make swimming compulsory in schools? Forum (论坛) readers share their opinions.
White Bear (Poland)
In Poland swimming lessons are not compulsory, but most of the schools have them. I think that when it is only possible, there should be the swimming lessons for kids. It is a life-saving skill.
Mister Panda (France)
I come from France where swimming lessons in school are compulsory (dating back to Charlemagne). I even got my life-saving certificate in school.
Boilermaker (Expert in China)
There are swimming lessons in my city, but I was very disappointed in how they were taught. The kids spent 45 minutes of the one-hour lesson practicing strokes on dryland. They only spent 15 minutes in the water. All of the children panicked and sank immediately to the bottom. Then all of the parents scolded the children, telling them they weren’t paying attention to the teacher and that they were failures.
Yunzhang (China)
It is a pity that many Chinese athletes have won world championships in swimming while most schools don’t have the swimming facilities. Swimming is an important life-saving skill that everyone should have access to. The earlier, the better. The government needs to put money into the popularity of the sport.
1. Who is doubtful about the effect of swimming lessons?| A．White Bear. | B．Mister Panda. | C．Boilermaker. | D．Yunzhang. |
| A．Most schools in Poland have swimming lessons. |
| B．In France only a few schools have swimming lessons. |
| C．Most of the readers think swimming is an unnecessary skill. |
| D．Swimming lessons are made compulsory in high schools in Guangdong. |
| A．Pitiful. | B．Positive. | C．Concerned. | D．Negative. |
9 . The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Young Leaders programme empowers talents to make a positive difference in their communities through sport. Twenty-five young leaders are being selected every two years for a four year period. They promote the Olympic values, spreading the message of sport for good.
To be an IOC young leader, you need to first complete the 4-Week Learning Sprint (冲刺).
4-Week Learning Sprint
The 4-Weck Learning Sprint, which will take place during November 2023, is a virtual learning programme. The sessions can be attended live or watched back after they are made available on the IOC channel. Each week, participants will be asked to complete a topic-specific reflection task.
The 4-Week Learning Sprint is open to anyone, with the target audience aged between 20 and 28.
After successfully completing the 4-Week Learning Sprint you will need to submit a plan for a sport-based project which you will work on if selected as an IOC young leader.
Requirements for the Applicants
·You have successfully completed the 4-Week Learning Sprint.
·You have completed your high school studies.
·You have at least one year of work experience.
·You have strong public speaking skills.
·You are self-motivated and committed.
·You are passionate about creating positive change in your community.
·You are open to being coached and advised by experts and peers (同伴).
·You are able to work with people from different backgrounds.
1. What’s the purpose of the IOC Young Leaders project?| A．To attend the 4-Week Learning Sprint. | B．To make a positive difference through sports. |
| C．To meet people from different backgrounds. | D．To complete your high school studies. |
| A．complete a reflection task each week | B．watch sports on the IOC channel |
| C．work on a sport-based project | D．coach and advise their peers |
| A．Spreading the message of sport for good. | B．Having at least one-year work experience. |
| C．Showing great passion for project planning. | D．Committing themselves to becoming an expert. |
10 . As a public research university in the USA, our mission is the creation, dissemination (传播), preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. Here is something that you need to know to have a clearer understanding about University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Awards and Honors
With 16 Nobel laureates, 15 MacArthur fellows, 120 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships and more Olympic medals than most universities, our university has become a household name with academic and athletic brilliance. Because of this storied history, it’s easy to imagine that we’ve been around forever, when in fact, our university turned its 100th anniversary in 2019. We are just getting started the beginning of the story.
Community Engagement and Impact
The global city of Los Angeles is a dynamic environment for building and testing dreams. People come here because they want to make the world a better place and they find support in our mission, values and community. Their passion becomes a public service to the city, the state and the world.
Experience Major and Minor Discoveries
If you’re not sure of a major yet, don’t worry. Many freshmen change their major while at our university. Thanks to the width of our top-ranked academic program and our cross-disciplinary (跨学科的) approach, you’ll have endless opportunities to find your path. And our 10-week quarter system lets you sample a multitude of subjects and classes.
Freshmen generally decide on a major by the end of their sophomore year (大二学年). Transfer students who declare a major when applying must satisfy lower-level course requirements. You may be able to add a minor in an area that interests you.
1. How many years does UCLA have by 2023?| A．102. | B．103. | C．104. | D．105. |
| A．Getting support from community engagement. | B．Strengthening family connections. |
| C．Improving the city’s reputation. | D．Developing leadership. |
| A．Sophomores can choose their major. |
| B．The university has few majors to choose. |
| C．The students are not allowed to add any minor. |
| D．The freshmen have no options to choose their major. |
