1 . Animal appear to predict earthquakes by sensing electricity in the air — the first study to find reliable evidence of the phenomenon has shown.
Cameras revealed an “amazing” drop in the number of animals up to 23 days before a major quake hit their rainforest home at Yanachaga National Park in Peru. Lead scientist Dr Rachel Grant, from Anglia Ruskin University, said, “The results showed that just before the earthquake, animals’ activity dropped right down.”
On a normal day the cameras placed around Yanachaga National Park record between 5 and 15 animals. But in the 23 days before the earthquake, the number of animals dropped to five or fewer per day. No animals were photographed at all on five of the seven days immediately before the quake.
Another study showed that animal activity remained normal in the park over a different period when seismic (地震的) activity was low. Co-author, professor Friedemann Freund, said, “The cameras were located at an altitude of 900 meters. If air ionization occurred, the animals would escape to the valley below, where there were fewer positive ions ( 离子). With their ability to sense their environment, animals can help us understand small changes that occur before major earthquakes.”
Other evidence suggested that before the earthquake, the air around the high mountain sites filled with positive ions that can be produced when rocks are placed under stress. Positive ions have been known to cause ill effects in humans as well as animals. Scientists believe the animals were made to feel uncomfortable by the positive ions, leading them to avoid the area. They are thought to have escaped to lower ground, where the air was less ionized. The findings may help experts develop better short-term seismic forecasts.
1. How did scientists conduct the study?| A．By comparing different animals’ habits. |
| B．By observing animals in high mountains. |
| C．By explaining the positive ion phenomenon. |
| D．By analyzing images of animals they obtained. |
| A．The ground at a lower altitude is less ionized. |
| B．Cameras normally record more animals per day. |
| C．Earthquake warnings can be detected in lower places. |
| D．The activity of animals and earthquakes is consistent. |
| A．The findings make for accurate seismic forecast. |
| B．Animals tend to be uneasy with more positive ions. |
| C．Positive ions make humans and animals depressed. |
| D．All the animals remain abnormal before the earthquake. |
| A．Negative Influence of Positive Ions. |
| B．Ions’ Destruction to the Environment. |
| C．Animals’ Behavior Before Earthquakes. |
| D．Creatures’ Ability to Predict Earthquakes. |
2 . In our information-driven society, shaping our worldview through the media is similar to forming an opinion about someone solely based on a picture of their foot. While the media might not deliberately deceive us, it often fails to provide a comprehensive view of reality.
Consequently, the question arises: Where, then, shall we get our information from if not from the media? Who can we trust? How about experts- people who devote their working lives to understanding their chosen slice of the world? However, even experts can fall prey to the allure of oversimplification, leading to the “single perspective instinct” that hampers (阻碍) our ability to grasp the intricacies (错综复杂) of the world.
Simple ideas can be appealing because they offer a sense of understanding and certainty. And it is easy to take off down a slippery slope, from one attention-grabbing simple idea to a feeling that this idea beautifully explains, or is the beautiful solution for, lots of other things. The world becomes simple that way.
Yet, when we embrace a singular cause or solution for all problems, we risk oversimplifying complex issues. For instance, championing the concept of equality may lead us to view all problems through the lens of inequality and see resource distribution as the sole panacea. However, such rigidity prevents us from seeing the multidimensional nature of challenges and hinders true comprehension of reality. This “single perspective instinct” ultimately clouds our judgment and restricts our capacity to tackle complex issues effectively. Being always in favor of or always against any particular idea makes you blind to information that doesn’t fit your perspective. This is usually a bad approach if you would like to understand reality.
Instead, constantly test your favorite ideas for weaknesses. Be humble about the extent of your expertise. Be curious about new information that doesn’t fit, and information from other fields. And rather than talking only to people who agree with you, or collecting examples that fit your ideas, consult people who contradict you, disagree with you, and put forward different ideas as a great resource for understanding the world. If this means you don’t have time to form so may opinions, so what?
Wouldn’t you rather have few opinions that are right than many that are wrong?
1. What does the underlined word “allure” in Para.2 probably mean?| A．Temptation. | B．Tradition. | C．Convenience. | D．Consequence. |
| A．They meet people’s demand for high efficiency. |
| B．They generate a sense of complete understanding. |
| C．They are raised and supported by multiple experts. |
| D．They reflect the opinions of like-minded individuals. |
| A．Simplifying matters releases energy for human brains. |
| B．Constant tests on our ideas help make up for our weakness. |
| C．A well-founded opinion counts more than many shallow ones. |
| D．People who disagree with us often have comprehensive views. |
| A．Embracing Disagreement: Refusing Overcomplexity |
| B．Simplifying Information: Enhancing Comprehension |
| C．Understanding Differences: Establishing Relationships |
| D．Navigating Complexity: Challenging Oversimplification |
3 . We’ve dug deep to find 4 of the most exciting documentary films coming to a screen near you in 2022.
Last Exit: Space
Last Exit: Space, narrated by Werner Herzog, explores the human potential for settling in space and sending people where they’ve never been before. Since planet Earth is possibly going to hell (地狱) in a handbasket, the film promises to ask the question: where else might we call home? Directed by his son Rudolph Herzog, Last Exit: Space will be available from March 10 on Discovery.
Gorbachev. Heaven
As leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev was once one of the most powerful people on the planet who governed a landmass so big that it covered 11 time zones. Gorbachev’s legacy is a complex one — he oversaw the end of the Cold War but many Russians blame him for the Soviet Union’s collapse. The BBC says this potentially fascinating look at one of the most significant figures from inside his own home will be airing in the very near future.
We Met In Virtual Reality
This film from director Joe Hunting beats fresh ground in that it is filmed entirely in virtual reality. Less about the technology itself, it is more an exploration of human connections and how these can develop in the 3D virtual world. Early reviews have been positive following its showing at Sundance. Expect a streaming release in late May this year.
2nd Chance
Hold your popcorn tightly when watching this. If the trailer (预告片) is anything to go by, there are going to be lots of near-death moments. 2nd Chance from Oscar-nominated director Ramin Bahrani tells the story of Richard Davis, the wild and odd inventor of the modern bullet-proof vest. “All will be revealed as soon as a release date is confirmed.” Ramin Bahrani promised on April 5th.
1. What is probably the major concern in Last Exit: Space?| A．Space travel is difficult for people. |
| B．Human beings may go to hell after death. |
| C．Human beings can’t find their way back from space. |
| D．The earth will become unfit for human habitation. |
| A．Last Exit: Space. | B．Gorbachev. Heaven. |
| C．We Met In Virtual Reality. | D．2nd Chance. |
| A．Science & Technology. | B．Fashion & Beauty. |
| C．Culture & Entertainment. | D．Travel & Adventure. |
4 . We may not have the full details and are likely to judge something based on limited information.We tend to distance ourselves through our judgment and become disappointed with what we find. Judgment keeps us safe because we move our feelings of fear,shame and guilt onto others to make ourselves feel better.This comes at a cost of parting ourselves instead of building stronger connections.
The way out of judgment is through the power of gratitude,which helps us see things differently.Gratitude opens the door to our hearts and helps us consider things from different aspects.A heart filled with gratitude is unlike a heart filled with judgment,fear and anger.Consequently,judgment and gratitude are opposing forces.One is the field of the self and the other is expressed through true goodness and sympathy.
The key to recognizing our judgment lies in being mindful of our thoughts.I often tell coaching customers when they notice themselves judging,to stop and ask a simple question:“What am I not seeing in this situation?”This helps us notice where we are blinded by our bias(偏见)and unable to see the truth.It is my experience that judgment happens mainly in our connection with people.
We are unaware of other people’s motives and plans because we bring our own ill-natured thinking to the process.This was evident with the Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong,who convinced himself and others he did not cheat. He went to great lengths to dismiss(否定)his use of illegal performance-improving drugs.In an interview with Oprah Winfrey,he said that his lies were so convincing that they eventually became truth.
But upholding a lie is harder than speaking the truth.In contrast,the power of gratitude allows us to shift(转移)our attention to the truth,even if it means our feelings will be hurt.Gratitude turns the switch from fear and judgment to sympathy and understanding.It is the bridge where friendships and tolerance are born.
1. What does the author think of judgment?| A．It makes us physically safe. | B．It contributes to satisfying results. |
| C．It damages our relationships with others. | D．It allows us to decide with full understanding. |
| A．To warn them of others’ill thoughts. | B．To help them to recognize their judgment. |
| C．To remind them to connect with others. | D．To explain to them the bad effects of judgment. |
| A．the progress in medicine | B．the source of judgment |
| C．the achievement of the cyclist | D．the reason for telling white lies |
| A．Benefits of being grateful | B．Search for the whole truth |
| C．Ways to form a friendship | D．Get away from judgment |
5 . Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) is one of the most popular of the Post-Impressionist painters. He is famed for the great vitality of his works which are characterized by expressive and emotive use of brilliant color and energetic application of impastoed (厚原料的) paint.
Below are some famous pictures painted by Vincent and the poetic lyrics(歌词) to Don McLean’s hit song Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) in the famous cartoon film 《Loving Vincent》 .
| Vincent Starry, starry night, Paint your palette(画板) blue and grey, Look out on a summer’s day, With eyes that know the darkness in my soul. Shadows on the hills, Sketch the trees and the daffodils, Catch the breeze and the winter chill, In colors on the snowy linen land. Now I understand What you tried to say to me How you suffered for your sanity(精神正常) How you tied to set them free. They would not listen They did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now. Starry, starry night. Flaming flowers that brightly blaze, Swirling clouds in violet haze(阴霾,疑惑), Reflect in Vincent’s eyes of china blue. Colors changing hue, morning. field of amber(黄色的) grain, Weathered faces lined in pain, Are soothed(抚慰) beneath the artist’s loving hand. For they could not love you, But still your love was true. And when no hope was left in sight On that starry, starry night, You took your life, as lovers often do. But I could have told you, Vincent, This world was never meant for one As beautiful as you. Now I think I know what you tried to say to me, How you suffered for your sanity, How you tried to set them free. They would not listen, They're not listening sill Perhaps they never will… |
the sunflowers |
Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear | |
the Yellow House | |
Starry Night | |
Head of a Peasant Woman | |
The Potato Eaters |
1. What attitude does the writer of the song have towards Van Gogh?
| A．Prejudiced and changeable. | B．Admiring and understanding. |
| C．Doubtful but respectful. | D．Positive but contradictory. |
| A．good at drawing on starry nights | B．murdered by one of his lovers |
| C．a person full of love and beauty | D．popular with people when be was alive |
| A．The sunflowers, the Potato Eaters |
| B．Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear, Head of a Peasant Woman |
| C．the Potato Eaters, the Yellow House |
| D．Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear, Wheat Field with Crows |
6 . Just several days ago, a violent storm hit our community. I looked out of the window and witnessed a tree being
After the storm had passed, the tree gracefully returned to its
For a long time I couldn’t understand why this tree
I couldn’t but ask myself how deep the roots are in my life.
Faced with
| A．crushed | B．abused | C．broken | D．removed |
| A．height | B．thickness | C．flexibility | D．outline |
| A．answered for | B．depended on | C．catered for | D．touched on |
| A．held | B．tied | C．pulled | D．raised |
| A．achieve | B．reach | C．establish | D．maintain |
| A．current | B．final | C．original | D．comfortable |
| A．explore | B．avoid | C．chase | D．survive |
| A．counts | B．differs | C．concerns | D．reveals |
| A．fixed | B．transferred | C．escaped | D．caught |
| A．strange | B．obvious | C．possible | D．reasonable |
| A．surroundings | B．resources | C．probability | D．stability |
| A．beating | B．stand | C．chance | D．turning |
| A．However | B．Therefore | C．Nevertheless | D．Besides |
| A．misbehaving | B．struggling | C．withdrawing | D．misunderstanding |
| A．security | B．deadline | C．money | D．community |
| A．surprises | B．choices | C．storms | D．changes |
| A．smile | B．bend | C．hesitate | D．advance |
| A．opportunities | B．challenges | C．tasks | D．differences |
| A．trick | B．argue | C．force | D．admit |
| A．courage | B．ambition | C．value | D．strength |
