1 . Biar Kon, a 17-year-old student, whose parents were working in neighboring Sudan, moved to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, to attend school. Once he
The woman told Kon that she had seen him asking questions of multiple people as they
They cleared up the
Today, it’s an encounter he
A.worked | B.arrived | C.changed | D.graduated |
A.permission | B.comments | C.explanation | D.directions |
A.passed | B.watched | C.struggled | D.hesitated |
A.awkward | B.homeless | C.careful | D.shy |
A.evidence | B.difficulty | C.confusion | D.conflict |
A.generosity | B.wisdom | C.responsibility | D.confidence |
A.put it aside | B.take it easy | C.kick it off | D.pay it forward |
A.persuaded | B.spotted | C.questioned | D.inspired |
A.witnessed | B.reported | C.recalled | D.shared |
A.praised | B.thanked | C.blamed | D.mistaken |
A.common | B.unintended | C.serious | D.similar |
A.clue | B.rise | C.job | D.solution |
A.creates | B.expects | C.deserves | D.values |
A.reminder | B.protector | C.challenge | D.practice |
A.secretly | B.actively | C.loudly | D.anxiously |
2 . Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have been working on a fascinating new way to identify people: using the ways of their breath. This idea could change how we unlock our phones and access secure places.
The key to this technology lies in the way we breathe out. Every person has a unique way of breathing air, which creates specific turbulence (涡流) patterns. The IIT Madras team, led by Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, has developed a method of catching these unique patterns and using them as a biometric (生物特征识别的) signature, similar to how fingerprints are used today.
They conducted tests with breath samples from 94 people and found that their system could correctly confirm the person’s identity with an impressive accuracy of 97%. However, when it came to identifying someone without knowing who they were beforehand, the accuracy was around 50%. This means the technology is great at confirming if someone is who they claim to be, but it still needs improvement in recognizing people without any prior information. What makes this research exciting is its potential beyond just unlocking phones. It could play a significant role in personalized medicine. Since the way we breathe can give insights into our health, this technology could help doctors tailor treatments to individual patients more effectively.
In a similar study at Kyushu University in Japan, researchers developed an artificial system that identifies people based on how their breath smells. This system showed a high accuracy rate of 97.8% in identifying individuals. However, this method currently requires people to fast (禁食) for six hours before testing, indicating that it still needs to be improved to be more practical for everyday use.
These advancements in using human breath for identification are not just about adding another cool feature to our smartphones. They represent a significant step forward in biometric technology, which could have far-reaching implications in security, medicine, and personal technology. This research at IIT Madras and Kyushu University is pioneering a new way of using the unique patterns of our breath for identification purposes, potentially revolutionizing (变革) how we interact with technology and receive medical care.
1. What makes the new technology possible according to paragraph 2?A.The distinctive breath smells. | B.The unique patterns of breath. |
C.The different patterns of fingerprints. | D.The speed of taking in air. |
A.To eat no food for 6 hours is practical in everyday life. |
B.To eat fast is a basic requirement for a higher accuracy rate. |
C.The system is workable and will soon appear on the market. |
D.Breath smells affected by food can decrease the accuracy rate. |
A.It helps raise people’s awareness of health. | B.It will let people better understand their breath. |
C.It makes unlocking our phones more easily. | D.It will introduce new ways to develop medicine. |
A.Should We Still Use Fingerprints to Unlock Our Phone? |
B.Fingerprint Patterns Can Identify Breath Types Easily |
C.A Breath “Fingerprint” Could Be Used to Unlock Your Phone |
D.Which Unlocking Method Is More Secure, Breath or Fingerprint? |
3 . “A moth (飞蛾) to a flame” is often used to indicate an inescapable attraction, yet it is a strange example of animal behavior that continues to confuse people today. Scientists have raised a number of theories over the years to explain why. One holds that insects flying at night are following their nature to fly toward the brightest spot in their field of vision, which they mistake for the sky. Another suggests that insects are trying to warm themselves with the heat produced by the light. The most popular theory, though, is that insects are confusing lights with the moon or other celestial bodies (天体) that they normally use to navigate (导航).
To find out the real reason, the team carried out a first set of experiments in an insect flight area. The researchers used eight high-speed infrared (红外线) cameras equipped with motion-capture technologies to track 30 insects from three moth and two dragonfly species. They also flew lab-raised insects from six different insect orders that were too small for motion-capture technology, including fruit flies and honeybees, to make sure different insects all showed similar responses to light. Working with co-author Pablo Allen of the Council on International Educational Exchange in Monteverde, Costa Rica, the researchers put heavy cameras, lights and tripods in two field sites to gather behavioral data from insects in the wild.
The team was able to confirm that insects were not beelining to the light but rather circling it as they tilted (倾斜) in an attempt to turn their backs toward it. This behavior, known as a “dorsal light response”, normally helps insects to remain in an unchanging path of flight that is properly lined to the horizon (地平线). Artificial light that arrives from a point source causes them to fly in unpredictable patterns as they try to turn their backs to what they are mistaking for the sky.
Now research might have finally solved the mystery mentioned first: artificial light confuses insects’ ability to turn themselves to the horizon, confusing their sense of what is up and down and causing them to fly in circles.
1. Which theory about a moth to a flame is accepted by most people?A.They follow their nature to fly. | B.They are blind to artificial light. |
C.They mistake artificial light for celestial bodies. | D.They are attracted by the warmth of artificial light. |
A.To show the study is comprehensive. | B.To introduce the purpose of the study. |
C.To estimate the cost of the research. | D.To stress the challenge faced by the researchers. |
A.Flying slowly. | B.Sticking. | C.Responding. | D.Going straight. |
A.They can fly beyond the horizon. | B.They can follow a steady flight path. |
C.They can turn their backs toward lights. | D.They can circle the light source upside down. |
4 . “Leftover roast potatoes? There’s no such thing!” shouted people on social media when I shared a suggestion for using up remaining potatoes. This response is common whenever I propose ideas for ingredients (食材) considered “delicious” or a treat: wine, Easter eggs and cream. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, and all that—but the way we handle leftovers has to change. Because of my work creating recipes, I am constantly dealing with leftover food. I live alone, work from home and enjoy the challenge of transforming leftovers into new culinary delights.
During lockdown, I witnessed in people a growing understanding of having to make do with what was already in the cupboards, fridge and freezer. This led to an increasing confidence around making substitutions and understanding food-safety issues (such as the difference between “best before” and “use by”). I learned everything I know about food safety during my professional life.
While sharing food with neighbors, friends and the wider community is one way to deal with remaining ingredients, managing random bits and open packets requires a different approach. So in May 2022, I started a series on social media called Rollover Leftovers, showcasing daily short videos of my home cooking. Simple concepts such as refreshing rock-hard bread, freezing leftover chips or creating a “clear out the fridge” tray bake gained millions of views — a much bigger audience than I would expect for anything using tricky methods or fancy ingredients.
Use your imagination and trust yourself, and you’ll discover that leftovers can be a joy, not a chore. And if you find you have the leftovers of a great big turkey but are fed up with the sight of it, or you have more cranberry sauce than you could possibly eat alone, why not try joining forces with neighbors or friends? Not so much bring a bottle as bring a loaf, because a post-Christmas leftovers sandwich is truly the best bite of the year. Isn’t it?
1. What do people think of the author’s suggestion for leftovers?A.It is impractical. | B.It is typical. | C.It is valuable. | D.It is irresponsible. |
A.The new trend in cooking. | B.The concern about food safety. |
C.The importance of professional life. | D.The change of household appliances. |
A.It teaches cooking principles. | B.It is a community programme. |
C.It focuses on fresh ingredients. | D.It has gained great popularity. |
A.Reserve it in a bottle. | B.Share it with neighbors or friends. |
C.Put it in the fridge for the next meal. | D.Use it to make sandwiches for charity. |
5 . Four best day trips from Amsterdam: the ultimate travel guide
Broek in Waterland: a village fit for sea captains
If you’re looking for a getaway from the big city, Broek in Waterland is the definition of a peaceful Dutch town. With a small population of about 2,500, this village has quiet streets and picturesque nature. Its standout feature is its traditional wooden houses, with more than 80 of them considered National Heritage Sites.
Travel time by car from Amsterdam: 14 minutes
Giethoorn: Venice of the Netherlands
A picture-perfect landscape, Giethoorn is an almost entirely car-free village, replaced with boats and, of course, bicycles. You don’t want to miss a boat tour around this scenic town or a pleasant hike around the area.
Travel time by car from Amsterdam: 1 hour and 26 minutes
Marken: a former island in the Zuiderzee
Marken was separated from the Dutch mainland in the 13th century by a storm, turning it into an island in the Markermeer lake. Residents of the town built wooden houses on artificial hills to prevent more flooding damage. To this day, these picturesque homes remain a popular cultural attraction. On your walk, you can visit the comfortable town harbour or enjoy the scenic route of fields, forests and the lakeshore.
Travel time by car from Amsterdam: 27 minutes
Gouda: the birthplace of iconic Dutch cheese
Which came first, the cheese or the city? For Gouda, the city is the namesake for this world-famous cheese. The city is quaint(古色古香), but the centre is full of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. Check out the weekly Markt (market) on Thursdays and Saturdays to see thousands of flowers of every color and buy some to take home, and the first Fairtrade Street in the Netherlands at weekends, where all street food is sustainably produced and sold!
Travel time by car from Amsterdam: 1 hour
1. Which city takes visitors the longest time to reach from Amsterdam by car?A.Broek in Waterland. | B.Giethoorn. | C.Marken. | D.Gouda. |
A.On Sundays. | B.On Tuesdays. | C.On Thursdays. | D.On Mondays. |
A.They feature traditional wooden houses. | B.They’re surrounded with an artificial lake. |
C.They’re listed as National Heritage Sites. | D.They have a small population in the country. |
6 . Here are the major ways for your teens to gain international experience during a summer abroad:
1. Summer Teen Volunteer ProgramsVolunteering abroad offers a unique insight into another culture. Programs can teach much, while strengthening a commitment to the life of volunteering. Amigos International offers immersive programs that include leadership training, along with volunteering. Visions Service International shows ways for your teens to be a teen without borders through service work and cross-cultural living.
2. Summer Study Abroad ProgramsStudy abroad is my passion — there’s something unique about studying in another country that makes the subject matter come alive, from archaeology to literature. Studying abroad in high school, whether for a summer or on exchange, can get your teens excited about learning again. For those who can’t afford it, there are many ways of financing study abroad, including government programs to fund language learning overseas.
3. Summer Adventures and Cultural Travel AbroadMaybe your teen is more drawn to adventure. There are many opportunities for adventures abroad — the best programs combine adventures with language learning, cultural activities, and community service, so that adventurous teens get the best of both worlds. Broadreach offers more than 70 summer adventures in more than 40 countries, including marine biology, sailing, language immersion, culture, arts, community service, leadership, and outdoor skills.
4. Summer Language Immersion (沉浸)Some language learning programs also provide volunteer opportunities. This can be an ideal way to study by helping others. Intercultural Costa Rica also includes cultural activities and tours. The Alpine French School provides both language learning and cultural and outdoor activities. French Summer Classes is a unique opportunity for your teen to have a homestay and the language program in one place. Whatever language program your teen chooses, the chance to learn language through immersion is, as research has shown, the best way to not only learn a language, but gain academic, cultural, and employment benefits.
Start Looking Now and Change Your Teen’s Life!
What are you waiting for? Start researching options with your teens and help them have a summer that will change their lives.
For more information, please visit Why Your Teen High School Student Should Go Abroad: The Parents’ Guide.
1. Whom is the passage written for?A.The teens. | B.The volunteers. |
C.The language learners. | D.The parents. |
A.French Summer Classes | B.Visions Service International |
C.Broadreach | D.Intercultural Costa Rica |
A.To introduce the ways to experience the foreign culture. |
B.To introduce how to spend a summer holiday correctly. |
C.To recommend the parents some proper ways to help their teens gain foreign experience. |
D.To encourage the teens to learn foreign languages through summer exchange programs. |
The best time to visit Toronto is typically in the spring (April and May) or during the fall (September to early November). At these times, you’ll likely find fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and the best weather for sightseeing as it is neither too hot nor too cold.
Getting AroundThe Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) makes it easy to get around the city via many buses, subway, and streetcars. Figuring out how to get where you want to go is easily done using the TTC’s convenient Trip Planner.
Travel TipWhile you may choose to base yourself near many of the city’s main landmarks, it’s also worth taking some time to explore some great neighborhoods that each offer their own unique charms, including colorful Kensington Market, the Junction, Leslieville, and Little India.
Things to DoGet a Dose of Art & Culture: The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada’s largest museum and showcases everything from art and archaeology to natural science in over 30 galleries. Or, stop by the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), one of the largest art museums in North America with a collection of more than 90,000 works of art.
Take in the Views From the CN Tower: High-speed elevators send visitors to the top of the tower in just 58 seconds for full views over the city. You can even try EdgeWalk to experience a hands-free walk around the main pod of the tower, 116 stories above the ground.
Spend a Day in the Distillery District: Explore the historic Distillery District to walk casually among Victorian-era buildings on pedestrian-only cobblestone streets filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
1. If a tourist travels to Toronto in October, what is he likely to find?A.Free attractions. | B.Discounted hotels. |
C.Extreme weather. | D.Crowded scenic spots. |
A.Help people buy tickets. | B.Help tourists in urgent situations. |
C.Guide people to their destinations. | D.Introduce scenic spots to tourists. |
A.It is home to over 90,000 artworks. |
B.It’s noted for its Victorian-era buildings. |
C.It’s one of the largest museums in Canada. |
D.Its displays range from art to natural science. |
A.Little India. | B.EdgeWalk. | C.The Junction. | D.The Distillery District. |
A.Planning Your Trip in Toronto |
B.Some Hidden Truth about Toronto |
C.The Main Tourist Attractions in Toronto |
D.The Reasons for the Popularity of Toronto |
8 . Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list can certainly make you unhappy, but new research suggests that more free time might not be the magic medicine many of us dream it could be.
In a new study, researchers found that people with more free time generally had higher levels of subjective well-being, but only up to a point.
People who had up to two hours of free time a day generally reported they felt better than those who’d had less time. But people who had five or more hours of free time a day generally said they felt worse. So ultimately the free-time “sweet spot” might be two to three hours per day, the findings suggest.
Part of finding the “sweet spot” has to do with how people spend the extra time they have. The researchers conducted several smaller online experiments. In one they asked participants to imagine having 3½ to seven free hours per day. They were asked to imagine spending that time doing “productive” things (like exercising) or to imagine doing “unproductive” activities (like watching TV). Study participants believed their well-being would suffer if they had a lot of free time during the day, but only if they used it unproductively. In other words, how people use their free time matters.
Of course, what feels “productive” is up to you. If watching two hours of Real Housewives in your free time increases your happiness, you should do that. And even more traditionally productive or purposeful activities can be easy and fun. Engaging in a bit of low-key cardio, like walking, can help burn stress. Free-time activities like reading, cooking or gaming are also known to put people in a state of flow.
In cases when people do find themselves with huge amounts of free time, such as retirement or having left a job,” Sharif said, “our results suggest these individuals would benefit from spending their newfound time with purpose.”
1. According to the study, how many hours of free time brings the best feelings?A.3 to 7 hours. | B.5 hours or more. | C.Up to 2 hours. | D.2 or 3 hours. |
A.The busier, the happier. |
B.The more free time, the better. |
C.Purposeful activities increase happiness. |
D.Retirement makes people depressed and unhappy. |
A.Getting stuck in silence. | B.Having a poor-quality sleep. |
C.Struggling with a dull book. | D.Enjoying classic music. |
A.To make a new schedule. | B.To do more housework. |
C.To watch more TV. | D.To find a new job. |
A.Stories. | B.Life. | C.Science. | D.Sports. |
9 . A common claim states that a sheet of paper cannot be folded in half more than seven times. But is this true?
In 2002, Britney Gallivan, then a junior in high school in Pomona, California, folded a single piece of paper in half 12 times. She currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most times to fold a sheet of paper in half.
The prompt that led Gallivan to accomplish these feats was an extra-credit challenge in math class to fold anything in half 12 times. Her teacher asked the students to fold something thicker: a piece of paper.
Gallivan said “it was very frustrating, as I had many unsuccessful attempts at trying to fold different papers in half. I began to question if folding paper in half more than eight times could be impossible.” However, Gallivan recalled. “I knew I needed to understand what was limiting the folding progression.”
The equations that Gallivan came up with calculated how many times a sheet of paper could be folded. She found that in order to fold many times, a long thin sheet is needed — the more a sheet is folded, the thicker the resulting stack becomes, and once the stack becomes thicker than it is long, there is nothing left to fold. She ultimately set her record with a sheet of tissue paper she found online that was 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) — more than three-quarters of a mile, or over a kilometer — long, Guinness World Records noted.
“Working on the problem took a tremendous amount of time and effort,” Gallivan said. “As frustrating as it was at times, I learned an immense amount from the experience, which has been valuable to me throughout my life in more capacities than one would expect.”
Since Gallivan set her record, others have made claims of folding a sheet of paper more than 12 times. Still, “I anticipate that my current record will be surpassed,” Gallivan said.
1. Which was commonly considered the most times that paper can be folded in half?A.7. | B.8. | C.9. | D.12. |
A.the stack is as thick as its length | B.the paper is neither long nor thin |
C.the stack is thicker than its length | D.the paper is longer than its thickness |
A.It’s risky. | B.It’s fruitless. | C.It’s meaningless. | D.It’s energy-consuming. |
A.Worthwhile. | B.Unsuccessful. | C.Miserable. | D.Regretful. |
A.Gallivan’s record is impossible to break. |
B.Folding paper in half is merely a math problem. |
C.Folding things in half may not be limited to 12. |
D.Folding paper 12 times is a required credit in maths class. |
10 . I received a phone call from a credit card company. With the craziness of the holidays, I had missed a
A few days later, as I’m walking to
I take it inside. And I’m not going to
The agent has sent me flowers with a note of
To that
A.chance | B.payment | C.shot | D.conference |
A.embarrassed | B.tolerant | C.understanding | D.delightful |
A.motherhood | B.childhood | C.likelihood | D.neighborhood |
A.average | B.strange | C.expected | D.total |
A.hours | B.minutes | C.seconds | D.weeks |
A.reach | B.take | C.check | D.answer |
A.flower | B.food | C.snack | D.toy |
A.sent | B.posted | C.claimed | D.misdelivered |
A.account | B.postbox | C.package | D.address |
A.credit | B.name | C.resume | D.status |
A.complain | B.boast | C.lie | D.explain |
A.card | B.secret | C.item | D.article |
A.loser | B.stranger | C.winner | D.visitor |
A.appreciation | B.warning | C.apology | D.encouragement |
A.confused | B.depressed | C.touched | D.amused |
A.call | B.send | C.owe | D.assign |
A.agent | B.offer | C.case | D.manager |
A.achieved | B.spoiled | C.made | D.accomplished |
A.request | B.advise | C.demand | D.remind |
A.love | B.modesty | C.passion | D.integrity |